Fennis Elijah Huggins was a man who deeply loved his family and pastoral ministry, which forever testifies of precious memories that will never be forgotten.  His unforgettable distinctive laugh and warm loving heart of compassion have impacted countless people, both within and beyond the church walls. Though being small in stature with a steady (and sometimes quiet) deep-toned voice, he was large in character and vision. His life was a depiction of an ambitious, hard-working, tenacious, family-man.

Born in 1935 on the sunny island of Jamaica, Fennis’ journey began in the District of St. Ann.  Here, he completed his core academic education at Labyrinth School (primary) and Tichfield School (secondary), and later graduated in 1951. Sadly, due to losing his father Uriah Huggins at the tender age of 4, he spent his formative and early teen years with his mother Lucy Forrester raising him alone. As a single parent these were challenging times, so Fennis left home as a teenager in search of employment, hoping it would provide some financial support to his mother. Remaining in Jamaica, his endeavors led him to Westmoreland where he found work as a laborer, carrying food produce to ships.  Whilst this was menial work, it was the doorway that led to further opportunities working in a cane field, where he saved sufficient money to purchase a bicycle and additional clothes. Fennis then desired to be trained as a mechanic and soon became an apprentice, working at his cousin’s garage. His sights were then set on becoming a mechanic in the small village of Frome for increased earnings, which he successfully secured. Whilst this well-paid role ensured Fennis was more financially stable, his ambition grew beyond Jamaican shores, leaning towards the UK.  In 1957, whilst attending a church service, he surrendered His life to Christ and became a Christian, which unbeknown to him sparked the beginning of his great journey of faith and ministry.  Later that year, he left Jamaica and settled in the colder British climate of England.

Upon arriving in the UK, Fennis originally lived in Peckham with Minnette Levy (affectionately known as ‘Mother Levy’), who became a mother-figure, providing accommodation and a safe community.  He then joined the New Testament Church of God in Brixton, where he was extremely active as an Officer of the church, van driver and then later became their first District Youth Director.  During this time, Fennis was very youth-focused, transporting young people to National Conventions and supporting their engagement within the church.  He was dedicated to a life of ministry and servitude, with great passion for God and His people.

Whilst living in Peckham he harnessed his entrepreneurial skills by going into partnership with ‘Mother Levy’.  They boldly purchased a grocery store in Brockley, whilst moving into the house above the shop, which also sold Jamaican produce and cakes.  Fennis further broadened his stream of income by becoming a landlord and having his own driving school.  He also widened his skills by training as an electrician.  He intentionally availed himself of any opportunity that would assist his financial stability, with ambitious commitment and dedication.  His life continued to advance in 1961, when he fell in love and married Gritley Davis, who stood by his side faithfully for a further 44 years.

Despite the advancement in ministry and career, Fennis desired more for his family and chose to immigrate to the US.  After much consideration, he moved to Connecticut in 1967 and joined Rehoboth Church of God.  In 1979, he became Senior Pastor of the Stamford New Testament Church of God in Stamford Connecticut. Here, he also served as a District Overseer, leading church planting efforts in the region, and expanding membership to include hundreds of Afro-Caribbean and Haitian Christians. This was a substantial sacrifice of full-time ministry, with weekly trips to the church in snow, rain and sunshine, which was an 84-mile journey from his home.  Here, he grew the congregation from having only 4 members to becoming a church of hundreds.  Fennis accomplished this whilst working full-time as an electrician, to ensure he was supporting his family financially.

After such tremendous growth, Fennis was then directed to pastor the New Testament Church of God Port Charlotte in 1988.  Again, he grew this church and soon became a familiar face within the community, extending compassion and encouragement to all who knew him.  He was a passionate preacher and vibrant singer, who could often be heard amongst the congregation, heralding hymns in his distinctive baritone.  Despite all the difficulties with repairs and renovation to the church building, he remained resolute and committed to the ministry.  Sadly, in April 2005, his beloved wife Gritley passed away, leaving Fennis heartbroken and grief-stricken. He later re-married in 2006 to Helen Green and continued to pastor at New Testament Church of God Port Charlotte, serving faithfully until his retirement in May 2023.  His unwavering commitment to ministry was exemplary.

In addition to serving the congregants and community, his greatest joy was spent together with his growing family of 5 children; Jasmine Henry (and husband Delroy Henry), Angela Huggins, Maurice Huggins (and wife Pearl Huggins), Jacqueline Huggins and Serena Stewart (and husband Gary Stewart), 7 grandchildren; Carolyn Henry, Priscilla Henry, Jermaine Henry, Maurice Huggins Jr (and wife Tiana Huggins), Jevaughn Huggins (and wife Kenisha Huggins), Brittany Huggins and Kayla Moore, 6 great-grandchildren; Maurice Huggins III, Maverick Huggins, Myles Huggins, Jersey Huggins, Kenward Huggins and Kensington Huggins, and sister; Sylvia Huggins. Together with spouses, they experienced Fennis’ cheeky and more humorous side, and would regularly hear him singing hymns, or recount stories from his life.  He intentionally expressed his care towards each family member, and left an impressionable mark of kindness, whilst also striking the balance between firm and fair.  He loved his family dearly and in turn, his family loved him too.  A particularly difficult season that the family faced together was during the loss of his only son Maurice in 2011, which was devastating to all.  The irreplaceable loss of his precious son Maurice and dear wife Gritley will never be forgotten. Through the years as brother, father and grandad, Fennis’ presence consistently filled the home with sincere tangible love and moments of laughter.  This dynamic was never lost.

Surviving beyond the doctors’ expectations after battling with cancer for 30 years, Fennis breathed his final breath on Saturday 24 August 2024.  He has left a great legacy of steadfast ministry, and compassion for others, which lives on through his surviving family. Despite the odds encountered in his early years, Fennis proved it possible to counteract narratives of hardship and not accept limitations dictated by societal norms for his generation.

We miss him. We love him. We’re proud of him. We honour him. Arrangements are in the very capable hands of Roberson Funeral Home. Public viewing will take place at Roberson Funeral Home, 2151 Tamiami Trail, Port Charlotte FL on September 5^th.  Viewing times will be 2:00pm-4:00pm and 5:00pm-7:00pm. A private family burial will be held at another time.

His life now echoes the words of Paul to Timothy; ‘I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.  Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing’ (2 Timothy 4:7-8).

Arrangements are by Roberson Funeral Home Port Charlotte Chapel.