Veta Eugene Garvey Farmer

Veta Garvey Farmer, Mother Farmer to all who knew and loved her, went home to be with the Lord on Thursday, July 10th, 2014. At the age of 96, she had completed her earthly calling with the knowledge that she had "fought the good fight, finished her course, and kept the faith." She was born on June 10th, 1918 in the Parish of St. Mary's, Jamaica, to Albertina & Jonathon Garvey. Mother Farmer was a descendant of Marcus Garvey; she continued a family tradition of working politically for the rights of the people. Her career in Jamaica also included the cooking and selling of food wherever needed, including on the roadside in her home county of Jamaica. Mother Farmer moved the United States to Brooklyn, New York, over 50 years ago, where she maintained a long career as a Healthcare provider. She was a faithful member of the Universal Church of God in Christ, where her brother Bishop Stanley Garvey pastored for many years until his earthly calling. She was ordained as a "Mother" by Universal Church of God in Christ. Her love for the God and spreading the Gospel took her to Malawi, Africa to complete her lifelong dream of leading a missionary trip. In 1973, her Daughter, Sandra was granted a visa to travel from Kingston, Jamaica to live with her in Brooklyn, New York, where she raised her. They attended church 6 days a week (3 times each Sunday). As Sandra grew into a world-class Olympic athlete, Mother Farmer allowed her to do so but only if she ran in skirts because of her strong Pentecostal upbringing. Gradually, Sandra and her coach were able to convince Mother Farmer that shorts were the way to go. Over time, Mother Farmer became more accepting of the Sport of Track & Field and accompanied Sandra to countless international sporting events all over the world, including the Olympic Games. In 1991, at the age of 73, Mother Farmer moved to Austin, Texas, near Wells Branch community to be near her daughter. In Texas, she quickly found a church home and later opened her own home as a place for worship, bible study, fellowship and prayer. The Church International, led by Pastor Edward Wyndham, held weekly services in the home of Mother Farmer until 2001. Mother opened her home to everyone and was happy to feed them her special Jamaican dishes. She enjoyed Praising God, Praying, Traveling, Gardening, and Cooking, Dancing, spending time with her Grandchildren and playing Dominoes. Though advanced in years, Mother Farmer was able to stay in her own home until the of age 90, thanks to many faithful home care providers. One of our fondest memories was watching her beat anyone who she could talk into playing a game of dominoes with her, including her grandchildren, her son-in-law and her neighbor and dearest family friends, Bill & Mary Miller. She spent her last 4 years in the loving care at University of Texas, retirement housing - Longhorn Village. Despite health, ambulatory, and sight problems, she traveled to Jamaica annually to visit family and friends and spend some time relaxing on the beach. However, most important to Mother Farmer, she shared the gospel with all who would listen and gathered others in her home to pray, celebrate, and eat Jamaican delicacies whenever possible. Mother Farmer will join her siblings Allan Garvey, Stanley Garvey, Mary Alston and Cecilyn Garvey. She is survived by her daughter Sandra Farmer-Patrick, son-in-law David Patrick, grandchildren Sierra Chanell and David-Marquis Patrick, a host of cousins, nieces and nephews, as well as many Texas adopted "sons, daughters and grandchildren." We were all blessed to have known her as a Mother and Grandmother. We can continue to honor her and God by taking up her calling to pray without ceasing and live in love. Thank God for our time with Mother Farmer.