Corelita A. Colbourne

Corelita Alvira Ernesta Hodge Colbourne, affectionately known as Idona, was born on January 1st, 1946, on the beautiful island of Antigua in Freeman’s Village to Uriah Hodge and Muriel Smith. She was the second daughter of six children born to Muriel Smith. She spent her formative years growing up in the village, where she attended Freeman’s Village and All Saint’s Primary Schools. After finishing school, Idona worked in the hotel industry where she was an intrical part of the kitchen staff and household affairs. After the birth of her first daughter Denise, she migrated to the island of St Croix, US Virgin Island. While living there she gave her life to Christ and became a baptized member of the Central Seventh Day Adventist church and remained a faithful and active member in good standing and held various positions at several churches she attended; Antigua, Potters, Clear Hall (head superintendent), All Saints (prayer warrior), Smyrna, Willis Ave NY (Head Deconess) and Poinciana SDA Church Florida until she passed. While in St Croix, Idona got married and had twin daughters, Dawn and Francine, and her one and only son, Greg. In 1976, Idona returned to Antigua with her children to take care of her mother until the end. Soon after Jason Bowen (cousin-brother) joined the family and Idona was instrumental in raising him as one of her own children. She later migrated to the United States of America in the late eighties with her five children and called Bronx, NY home. She had a thirst for education and acquired her GED and then obtained her HHA and CNA certification she also went on to attend Hostos Community College, where she was a straight-A student and obtained an Associate Degree in Gerontology. She was an inspiration to many who knew her. Her daughter Denise always say because of her mother’s straight A status in school she inspired her children to be committed and seek higher education. She found employment at Kings Harbor and Jewish Home skilled nursing facilities, where she received many accolades for her incredible care and compassion towards her patients. After 25 years of service she retired in 2013, and return to Antigua her homeland. Retirement in Antigua gave her time to explore her hobbies, and her love for word search and sudoku puzzles. She was an avid reader who loved reading her Bible and always had an encouraging word to share, she loved traveling and crocheting, she crochet blanket for her children and grandchildren to keep them warm in America. Her yard showed evidence of her love for nature and gardening even though she had a fear for what she called the creepy crawlies. She became a champion for naturopathic medicine and continued to practiced what she preached included long walks and becoming a RAW vegan expanding her love for fruits and vegetables. As a RAW vegan she experimented with vegetarian and vegan dishes and would always encourage her family to explore vegan options with her. One of her favorite food is Antigua National dish Funji and chop-up (spinach, eggplant and okra) She also loved eating mangoes which she could eat for breakfast, lunch, dinner and snack when she could. Her son Greg has a star fruit tree in his yard, which she raided gleefully like a kid in a candy store. She was always willing to try a new fruits like dragon fruit and persimmons to experience there taste. One of the last interest she explored was learning to play the piano and started taking lessons with her granddaughter Peyton. The piano teacher was a mile away from home and weekly she insisted on walking to and from her lessons while enjoying nature. She was very involved in her children’s and grand children’s lives, always ready to help and give a word of advice, and loved spending time with them, reminiscing about the past. Idona was always knows to have a look of seriousness on her face, she was always about business and was very approachable. Deep down she was one of the kindness and funniest people you could meet, her serious countenance sometimes delayed others from approaching her but knowing her is to love her. On her return to the United States in 2020 she resided with her son Greg and daughter in law Christine in Florida until her passing on December 6th, 2024. She leaves to mourn; her children: Camella, Francine, Dawn, Greg, and Jason; her siblings sisters Glendora Williams and Cavel Duckett; and her Brothers Denzil, Garfield, Nehemiah, and Samuel Hodge; her grandchildren Meghan, Raven, Rasheeda, Amber, Ebony, Taylse, Kyle, Kaylah, Peyton, and her great-granddaughter Nahvea. She had a special bond with Akeem who called her “grandma” and Mavreen her “Goddaughter”. She leaves to mourn a host of families, cousins, nieces, nephews friends too numerous to mention. Truly we can say that Idona was a Mother in Israel who will be deeply missed. Her love, memories and legacy will always be with us in our hearts. May she sleep in peace. 

A visitation for Ms.Colbourne will be held on Sunday, December 29th, 2024 from 10 to 11 a.m. A Celebration of Life Service will start promptly at 11 a.m. All services will be held at Poinciana SDA Church. 4948 Old Pleasant Hill Road. Kissimmee, Fl. 34759.

Richard Funeral Services