Millicent Ambersley

Today we celebrate the life of our kind, caring and unimaginably generous sister, mother, grandmother, aunt and friend, Millicent Alma Smith-Ambersley (“Lassie”) as she is affectionately known. Millicent passed into eternity on March 20, 2025, at the age of 81. Millicent, a woman whose life was a tapestry woven with threads of kindness, compassion, laughter and an unwavering spirit was born on February 13th, 1944 in Kingston, Jamaica, to Susan L. Hamilton and Arthur J. Graham.

Millicent attended St. Theresa Primary school in Jamaica and later migrated to the United States where she completed her high school education at Clara Barton High School. She then moved on to her associates degree at the Collegiate Institute of Manhattan and earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Social work from St. Francis College in New York. Her impeccable work ethics, qualifications and compassion were assets to her profession as a social worker with the Department of Social Services in New York and then with the State of Florida Department of Children and Family Services.

Millicent truly knew that it was more blessed to give than to receive. Her generosity knew no bounds. Her gentle demeanor and wise counsel influenced and impacted her children’s lives immeasurably. She was a “mom” to other young people who have succeeded in life today because she took the time to share some tender-loving care and her resources. Her spirit of hospitality was genuine. Anyone who knew her would agree that the word “giving” is a fitting description of her essence. She was one of those people who you would meet for the first time and get the feeling that you had known her for years. She always made you feel that comfortable.

Millicent met the love of her life George Ambersley and they were married in November 1989. The couple relocated to Kissimmee, Fl where they resided until George’s unfortunate passing due to COVID complications.

She enjoyed going to the beach, traveling, sewing, gardening and collecting porcelain dolls. She lived life to the fullest and traveled extensively to the Caribbean islands and throughout Europe. She especially loved spending time with her grandchildren, family and friends.

Millicent leaves to cherish her beloved memory: her son Donovan Dixon (daughter-in-law Michele); daughters Marva Lyles (son-in-law William) and Joy; sister Jean Afflick (brother-in-law Joubert); brothers Alton Graham (sister-in-law Dorothy), Arthur Graham and Gladstone Graham whose memories, adventures and inside jokes will hold special places in their hearts.; grandchildren Alicia, Tiffany, Deandra, Gabrielle, Kianna, Adriel, Kyra, Sabrina and Ethan; nieces Ann Marie, Melanie and Shauna-Faith; nephews Charles, Marc and Jerome; cousin Patsy along with a host of devoted family and close friends.

She was predeceased by parents Susan L. Hamilton and Arthur J. Graham; her husband George Ambersley and her daughter Paulette Edwards.

Millicent was a devoted mother, wife, grandmother and a beautiful soul. She was an irreplaceable gift to us all. Although Millicent is gone, she will live in our hearts forever.

The family of the late Millicent Smith Ambersley wishes to thank everyone for their kind expressions of sympathy, prayers, and acts of kindness.

** In Lieu of Flowers **

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