Mr. Ralph Benjamin Ricketts

Ralph Benjamin Ricketts affectionately known as Prince was born on February 17, 1936, to parents Robert and Elfreda Ricketts in Ginger Hill District, St. Elizabeth, Jamaica. He was the youngest of twelve children, two brothers: Neroy and Hervin, nine sisters: Avis, Adassa, Beatrice, Esmi, Etta, Inez, Lillian, May and Zirrie. As a young adult he worked at Maggotty cane factory in St. Elizabeth. He later left St Elizabeth to Kingston to pursue a better life, where he worked at Standard Furnishing Department Store as an Inventory Manager. During his employment at Standard Furnishing Department, he was given the opportunity to travel to Florida twice where he worked as a farmer cutting sugar cane. He would later return to Jamaica and continued his employment with Standard Furnishing Department. Ralph migrated permanently to the United States in 1983 where he joined his family. His family was a driving force for him, and he was determined to excel in life. Therefore, to further his education he attended night classes at Cooley High School in Detroit and Clinton Adult Education Center in Oak Park. He later accepted a full-time position at CyanoKem, a chemical treatment facility, where he worked as a Press Operator. Ralph was known and recognized for being an industrial person. He was meticulous and passionate about doing things in an orderly fashion. On more than one occasion, he received the “Beautification Award” from the city of Oak Park for the pristine condition in which his lawn and flower bed were maintained. As a youth, Ralph accepted Christ as his Lord and Saviour. In 1972, he became a member of the Full Truth Church of God, in Jamaica under the leadership of now deceased Pastor W. Moore and served as a Deacon until 1983. Ralph later became a member of Full Gospel Opendoor Assembly, Detroit under the leadership of Dr. Vincent Howell. He was most passionate about his relationship and service for the Lord. He served as a Deacon, Usher, Parking Coordinator and supported the 6:00 a.m. prayer every Monday morning at church. Ralph would not miss a Monday morning prayer. He made it his duty to pick up anyone who didn’t have a ride to Monday morning prayer. Prayer was also the foundation in which he raised his family. In Jamaica, every morning at 5:00 a.m., devotion was a must before school. During prayer, as kids we would often drift off to sleep on our knees while we earnestly waited for his “Amen”. A prayerful life is the greatest legacy he left for us. Ralph was known for his extended testimonies. His favorite testimonies were, how God saved his soul, blessed him, and saved his life from three major car accidents. Whenever he exclaimed, “brethren let me tell you something.” It was time to sit back and get comfortable. Furthermore, “Just give me five more minutes”, five more minutes meant he was just getting started. Ralph was also giving and loving. He always opened his home to those who were in need. There were always extra people at the dinner table. He took on the role of dad to many than his own. He had a special love for women. At any event, he would often be found in the middle of a group of women hugging and kissing them. In October of 2004, Ralph and his late wife Beverlin migrated to Florida where he attended Acts2 Worship Center in Loxahatchee. Ralph enjoyed retirement spending time gardening, playing dominoes with friends and going to church. He also looked forward to visits from his children and grandchildren, especially during the holidays. Unfortunately, Ralph became a widower in September 2014. Ralph later marries his current wife, Conceta Ricketts, who loved and cared for him. She was very instrumental in his life and catered to his needs during his declining health and up to his death. After struggling for several years with many illnesses including a stroke in 2017, Ralph health severely deteriorated. On October 2nd, 2023, Ralph made his transition and went home to be with the Lord. He left many to cherish his memories. His wife, Conceta Ricketts, daughters: Audery, Michelle, Camille and Joyal and two sons; Paul and Ralphston, daughter by marriage Venice, son by marriage Brian and Richard. Six grandchildren: Andrew, Tristan, Timar, Tiana, Khole and Mya. A host of nieces, nephews, other relatives, brothers and sisters in Christ and friends. Ralph will always be remembered for being a prayerful, diligent, passionate, and meticulous man. He will be greatly missed.

Mr. Ralph Benjamin Ricketts

February 17, 1936 - October 2, 2023