Jessie Cecilia Rudder was born on December 24, 1921, on the island of Barbados, West Indies. She is the third of six children born to Phillip and Annie Goddard of Halls Road, St. Michael. She completed her secular education at Church Village School. She married Clifford Rudder on May 13, 1943 and from this union, three children were born: Leon, Kenneth and Jean.
Mrs. Rudder and her husband migrated to the United States of America in January, 1967, residing in the borough of Brooklyn for 55 years. She was a devoted housewife and continues to be an exemplary model of Christian values for her children and grandchildren.
She joined the Bethel Evangelical Church, now located at 215 Cooper Street, Brooklyn, New York, in 1967 and served faithfully as a soprano in the Senior Choir. An ordained Deaconess, and President of the Missionary Department, her ministry extended beyond the physical church edifice. Her outreach endeavors included providing food and clothing for the community, hosting fund-raising rallies, and organising exciting shopping trips. She continues to be an inspiration because many of the activities spearheaded by her are continued within the church fellowship today.
After the passing of her husband, Clifford, on November 19, 2009, Mrs. Rudder relocated to Palm Bay, Florida, where she resides with her daughter. Although separated physically from her church in Brooklyn, she continues to be of vital support to its members and programmes.
On March 12, 2022, Mrs. Rudder traveled to Brooklyn to be toasted at a grand affair where family and friends celebrated her living legacy of 100 years well lived in service to God, the church, family, and the community.
Mrs. Rudder is the proud grandmother of three grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren, and two great-great-grandchildren.
Mrs. Rudder loves to eat anything and has a special love for fish, especially the Barbados dolphin. She has kept active over the years and contributes her long life to the Grace of God.
We continue to be grateful for Mrs. Rudder’s exemplary service and pray that she will enjoy many more blessed years.
