The iconic life of Guliana Jacobs-Moses was remembered quite the way she would have wanted on Thursday, Feb. 15 with a celebratory memorial filled with love and touching tributes, her mother Christiana A. Jacobs, family members, friends and the many whose lives she touched.
Pastor Easton Marks in conducting the requiem for the advocate and owner of Jacobs Tax Service in Brooklyn, reminded mourners of the inevitability of death, and used the scripture and ‘quips’ to ease the hurt and pain during the stirring memorial.
“She was an activist who served, who lived for others, who gave, sacrificed, and loved,” said Pastor Marks.
Dr. Reynold Howell, Pastor Carlus Hamilton and Pastor Floyd Johnson, expressed condolences in prayer and worship.
More than 800 mourners filled the pews of the Flatbush Seventh Adventist Church to say a final farewell to the beautiful lady who died suddenly on Feb. 3, at age 56.
Posthumous accolades from Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams, Congresswoman Yvette Clarke, Rep. Hakeen Jeffries, Assemblyman Nick Perry, and Sen. Kevin Parker, honored “Gully”, as she was lovingly called.
Sister, Hazetta Jacobs, expressed how proud she was of Guliana. “The comfort and kindness showed by so many gave us strength to move on. “It is not about crying, it is about living the life she would want me to live, to continue her legacy.”
Many speakers echoed the sentiments of Leonela Jacobs who eulogized Guliana as a brilliant daughter of Kwakwani Village, who excelled, and received Guyana scholarships to study in Iraq, and the University of Guyana.
An immigrant who came to the U.S. in 1984, Guliana fought for the rights of others, and as recent as January 21, protested in Times Square for women’s equality.
Obtaining bachelor’s and master’s degrees from John Jay College in criminal justice, sister, Leonela called Guliana a “vibrant soul, a comforter, and counselor whenever needed.”
First Lady of Guyana, Mrs. Sandra Granger in a statement, applauded Jacobs for her support of causes she espoused.
Married to Noel Moses in June 2016, Guliana was remembered by Consul General of Guyana to New York, Barbara Atherly, as a strong woman who loved deeply and fiercely.
“During our last encounter, she promised to visit the consulate to share her ideas about a woman’s project for Guyana, said Hon. Atherly, adding, “Guliana’s untimely death will clearly affect her family and our Guyanese community”
“Guliana was a patriot and this was fervently displayed throughout her life as she very aptly represented the cause of Guyana and Guyanese on every issue.”
“As a member of the Guyana Action Committee, Guyana American Patriotic Forum, United Bridge Builders, she was at the forefront of our high incident of suicide, domestic violence and sexual exploitation of women,” said the diplomat.
“I pray that you find comfort in knowing that Guliana, with her joyous, friendly spirit touched the live of many and connected with people at their weakest. Take comfort in the magnificent legacy and achievement of this great daughter of our soil. May her legacy live on,” CG Atherly told family members.
New York State Senator, Roxanne Persaud expressed condolences stating that Feb. 3 will be etched in her memory as the day she lost her uncle, and Guliana, recalling the activist recent march for immigration and women’s rights with such vibrancy, never expecting to keel over.
“I take with me sweet memories, hope and joy of moments sweet of things time cannot destroy,” said Sen. Persaud.
Bonita Montaque, chairperson of the International Women’s Movement said she was re-committed to the fight for justice, “one soldier is down but many more are born, your life was not in vain, it will live on by touching the lives of others, said Montaque, who is also president of United Bridge Builders, Inc., an organization Guliana was devoted to.
President of the Guyana Action Committee, Errol Lewis, read the People’s National Congress (PNC), statement.
“Jacobs epitomized the struggles of the poor, women, our youth and the disenfranchised.”
“She was a tireless advocate for the empowerment of women and was very proactive in addressing issues affecting women in Guyana.”
“Her passion and energy was always illustrated in all of her noble humanitarian efforts and it is that very passionate determination that so many people feel such a deep sense of loss at her passing. She will surely be missed.”
Ismay Griffith called Guliana a fearless and faithful woman, while Rickford Burke, acknowledged her tireless work, while Colin Moore and Dr. Margaret Thomas, highlighted her commitment to community.
International superstar, Lisa Punch’s emotional solo, Dawn Shultz’ –”My way,” Patrice Simon’s soprano, and Flantis’ saxophone tribute, were all befitting the wonderful Guliana.
Her draped coffin received an honor guard salute from the Int. Women’s Movement Members who served as pall bearers.
Guliana’s granddaughter, Brooke-Lynn, and many nieces, nephews and extended family members will miss her.
