Jonique Elizabeth Webb was an athlete, leader, daughter, sister and friend who lit up any room she entered. Described as vivacious, classy, bubbly, resilient and stylish, her pleasant personality left an indelible impression on those privileged enough to spend time with the accountant with big dreams and bright smile.
Jonique’s battle with Lupus did not stop her mission to live a life poured out in service to God and her community. The Jordon Prince Williams High School (2006) and then College of The Bahamas (2011) graduate excelled in the classroom, on the field and court. Additionally, she was actively involved in many organizations including Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc., National Baptist Youth, National Baptist Young Women, Lupus 242 Association, St. John’s Native Baptist Young People Union, National Society of Leadership and Success, Bahamas All Star Band, Colours Junkanoo Group, Bahamas Institute of Chartered Accountants and Baptist Sports Council.
Despite the physical challenges and pains she experienced during her eight-year journey with the autoimmune disease, those closest to her all echo the same sentiment of the warrior.
“My granddaughter was a gem, she was not a complainer,” recalled Deaconess Joanne E. Webb. “She succeeded in many ways and lived a youthful life, seeing her you would never know she had all these things going on with her health. Sadly, in preparation to get a kidney from her father, Jonique passed away at the age of 30.”
Charge Nurse at the Kidney Clinic, Ms. Jamie Sears, fondly recalls her time with Jonique during her kidney dialysis treatments. “My time with Jonique was pleasant, she always had this effervescent personality. She had such a presence about her, when she came in the room you wanted to be happy. For me as a caregiver, that was something special, it was a pleasure. Losing her was very painful,” recalled Nurse Sears.
Heartbroken by his daughter’s death on January 19th, 2020, one year later, John Webb, Sr. and the family have a deep resolve to memorialize Jonique in a concrete way to benefit others in the community. “Jonique was a girl who was a high achiever, she let nothing get her down. She always tried to excel in everything that she did. We are trying to come to grips and put things to rest and build on her name and remember her by having a youth center in her honour,” expressed Webb.
Jonique was an Assistant Manager at the Securities Commission of The Bahamas and the first female treasurer of Golden Gates Native Baptist Church and active member. This year, the Webb family began soliciting support for the creation of the youth facility. Oaktree Medical Center’s Medical Director Dr. Don D. Deveaux and wife, Mrs. Kristi Deveaux, General Manager donated $20,000 for the completion of the Jonique E. Webb Community Youth Center.
“During this pandemic the world needs to see Jesus’ light now more than ever. For us, it is time to let our light shine. What better way can we do this than to start off by honouring Jonique. When I look at Jonique, I think about the hardship, trials, the tribulations she faced, in life, each one of us will have our own set of trials but is how we conduct ourselves during these trials and tribulations will makes the difference and Jonique obviously was anchored in the Lord Jesus Christ,” expressed Dr. Deveaux.
The center will provide a safe haven for young adults to congregate and engage in wholesome, educational and spiritual development.
Reverend Alonzo Hinsey, Jr., Golden Gates Native Baptist Church, expressed his gratitude for the donation. “We are so thankful for God touching your lives, one of the things God said to us this year was that he is sending destiny helpers and that there are people who he has already aligned that will understand the vision he has already put in place. We are thankful for God touching your heart. Jonique was someone very near and dear to our heart. As people pass through the youth center, they will remember her. We are encouraged and her legacy will live on.”
Her father, reflecting on his daughter’s life, with tears welled he proudly proclaimed, “Jonique was a beautiful lady who touched many lives and I know through this donation, she will touch even more lives and young ladies will achieve great things through this youth center.”
