Mrs. Launa Y. Forde

Let us remember the life and ministry of Launa Yvette O’nelle Forde, 84, who died on Thursday, August 2, 2018 in New York City.  She was born August 1, 1934 on the island of Barbados. Launa was the wife of retired Rev. Granville Forde.

As a teenager, Launa immigrated to the United States to finish her high school education, graduating at 15 years old. She completed her undergraduate and master’s degrees in education at Hunter College. Launa worked as the supervisor of special education in several schools. She retired on July 11, 1996.

In August 1961 she married the Reverend Granville A. Forde. They grew up in the same village in Barbados, went to the same school, and attended the same United Methodist Church. Rev. Forde served the following churches in New York City: Salem UMC in Manhattan, and Butler Memorial, Epworth, and Tremont UMCs, all in the Bronx.

Launa was a kind and gentle soul.  She served with commitment and distinction in her church and in her schools. We thank God for those that she touched with her warmth, her love, and her kindness.

In addition to her husband, Rev. Granville Forde, Launa is survived by her daughter, Dawn and her husband, Dickens Celestin; her grandchildren Aurora, Courteney, and Austin; and many uncles, aunts, nephews and nieces. She fought a good fight, she ran a great race, and she kept the faith. May her soul forevermore rest in peace.

Her funeral will be held at the Butler Memorial United Methodist Church, 3920 Paulding Avenue, Bronx, New York on Saturday, August 18, 2018. The viewing will be from 9am - 10am. The going home ceremony will begin at 10am. She will be interred at the Woodlawn Cemetery in the Bronx.

Messages of condolence may be sent to Rev. Granville Forde, 850 E 224th St., Bronx, NY 10466.