Icelyn Beckford's Obituary
Obituary
Icelyn Beckford, age 91, passed away peacefully on November 23, 2025, in Tampa, Florida.
Born on January 4, 1934, in Wilbury, Clarendon on the beautiful island of Jamaica, Icelyn was the youngest of six children—three girls and three boys—born to Inez and Leopold. Her early years were shaped by a close-knit family and the vibrant culture of her homeland. In her teenage years, she moved to Kingston, Jamaica, to live with her eldest sister, Edith Williams. It was there that she met her future husband and began a new chapter of life when she later immigrated to England in 1956.
She married the late Ray Beckford in 1957 and lived in Birmingham England until 1969 when they move back to Jamaica. From there they immigrated to Plainfield, New Jersey in 1974.
Their journey eventually brought them to Tampa, Florida as she and Ray sought for a warmer environment. Here she built a life filled with faith, laughter, and community. In 2007, she became a devoted member of Gateway Christian Center. Her faith deepened over the years as she found solace in prayer and peace in Jesus. Church became an integral part of her life—especially in later years—as she embraced spiritual reflection with honesty and humility.
Known for her unfiltered candor, Icelyn had a unique way of telling things exactly as she saw them—no fluff, no embellishment. Her straightforward nature was matched by a joyful spirit and infectious laughter. Whether laughing with you or at you—and sometimes even at herself—she brought humor and warmth into every room.
A passionate sports fan, Icelyn especially loved baseball and football. She was an ardent supporter of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and was overjoyed when they triumphed over the Kansas City Chiefs in the 2021 Super Bowl—a victory that brought her immense pride and excitement.
She was preceded in death by her husband Ray siblings Eric, Edith, Vivian, and Lasell, but leaves behind her beloved older sister Ouida Cole of Birmingham, England; along with cousins and a host of nieces and nephews who will remember her radiant smile, hearty laughter, and unforgettable cooking.
May her memory bring comfort to those who knew her and joy to those who recall her laughter echoing through their hearts.
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