Selena   Mentor

Isha Violet Selena was born in the rural district of Bara Cara, Upper Canje, Berbice Guyana to Evelyn and Rupert De Jonge. She was the second of five children, Eunita now deceased, Avrille, Burnell and Maycil. Being born to Seventh-day Adventist parents, Selena as she was known developed a positive attitude that comes from knowing God. She attended the Bara Cara Seventh-day Adventist church school where she received her formal education.

At age fifteen (15), she met her life partner, Clyve Mentor. This union was sealed in marriage on February 7, 1960, and lasted for forty seven (47) years until it was broken by death, on June 8, 2007. To this union, God added seven (7) children, Daphne, Glenrick, Malvern, Dawn, Weslyn, and Gracelen.

In search for better economic opportunities, Selena and her family relocated to Linden, Guyana, where her children had more educational advantages; and later to Suriname. In 1987, she migrated to the United States of America. Through it all she never turned her backs from following the precepts of God.

She was always active in the churches she attended, holding various positions including Head Deaconess, Sabbath School Superintendent, and teacher as well as Dorcas Leader, and also Women's Ministry. She also served in the capacity of Usher. Her beautiful voice was dedicated to serving God and was always a member of the church choir wherever she lived.  In addition to serving God in the church, her life ministry extended to her neighbors and friends, and she shared her time and means with those in need, while spreading the gospel.

In 2005, Sistem Mentor was diagnosed with a terminal disease and though she fought bravely, and many prayers ascended on her behalf, her struggles ended peacefully on June 8, 2007.

In the final weeks of her life, Sister Selena knowing that her departure was imminent encouraged the many visitors, friends, relatives, nurses, and others, about the soon coming of her Saviour. Frequently she quoted from Psalms 1 .... therefore the ungodly shall not stand in the judgement, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous, for the Lord knoweth the way of the roghteous, but the way of the ungodly shall perish.... Her songs of encouragement, "I'm Pressing On The Upward Way" and "All the Way My Savior Leads Me."

Mourning her passing are her devotes husband, Clyve, her seven (7) children, their spouses, thirteen (13) grand children; Shellawn, Gordon, Errol, Dwight, Dwayne, Melissa, Stephan, Juergen, Kramer, Garth, Selisha, Christen, Tramaine. Her two (2) great grand daughters, Chelsea and Amiel. Her two (2) sisters one brother, seventy four (74) nieces and nephews, eighty seven (87) great nieces and nephews and twelve (12) great great nieces and nephews. Her best friends and cousins, Elen Henry, Augusta Schultz, Zepherine New Year, Bernice Terberg and Helena Mentor, and several other close cousins. The entire church family at Brooklyn Temple where she was a faithful member for twenty (20) years will miss her.