Daphne Pearline McNichol Obituary (1938 - 2016)

Daphne Pearline McNichol, the younger of two children, was born to Newton and Anzina Thomas on February 18, 1938, in Saint Mary, Jamaica. At the age of 10 Daphne had a dramatic conversion experience which changed the course of her life. She was transformed from a rude, mean-spirited fighter, to a gentle Christian, whose only desire was to exemplify Jesus' character. She moved to Kingston, Jamaica where she met her future husband, Granville Roy McNichol. Their union was blessed with three children, Roy, Milton, and Clover. In 1970 the family migrated to the United States settling in the Bronx and later Long Island, New York. She worked as a Certified Nursing Assistant in for 31 years. Sister Mac, as she was affectionately known, was an active member of Grand Concourse Seventh Day Adventist Church, and later North Bronx Seventh Day Adventist Church. She relocated to Nebraska in 2003 to be close to her daughter and family. Allon Chapel Seventh Day Adventist Church has since been her church home. She was an active participant in various church ministries such as, prison, prayer, deaconess, hospitality and usher. In addition, she was a core member of several daily prayer lines, where she lead out in signing, scripture reading and was an faithful prayer warrior. Sister Mac had a cheerful disposition and was fueled by an unwavering passion for evangelism. She never passed up an opportunity to share an uplifting spiritual tract or devotional booklet with neighbors or strangers. Through her fervent witnessing Sister Mac made countless friends who are, to this day, grateful for her spiritual guidance and genuine kindness. Her heart overflowed with a genuine love that was contagious to everyone she came in contact with. Her heart, arms, and purse were literally always open to anyone in need. She was never too busy to lend a listening ear, or a shoulder to lean or cry on. In fact, many individuals at church have been benefactors of her weekly gifts, packaged in little brown bags, filled with baked goods, special food for those with dietary needs, medicinal tonics, or bottles of smoothies. She took tremendous pleasure in tailoring her treats to suit each recipient's need. On February 12, 2016, Sister McNichol passed away peacefully at home. Her life was an example of selfless Christian service, and she will be truly missed by all those who knew and loved her. Only the vantage point of eternity will accurately recount the number of lives she touched. Her love for family and friends was surpassed only by her love for Christ. She is survived by her children Roy (Maria), Milton (Diedra), and Clover (Hayden) Sterling; grandchildren: Alyssa and H. Devon Sterling; Brianna, Brandon, Cory and Cara McNichol; and a host of family and friends.