NASSAU, BAHAMAS — Oaktree Medical Center Medical Director Dr Don D Deveaux and wife, Kristi Deveaux, general manager, have donated $20,000 for the completion of the Jonique E Webb Community Youth Center.
Webb’s family began this year soliciting support for the creation of the youth facility, which will provide a safe haven for young adults to congregate and engage in wholesome, educational and spiritual development.
The center is named after the late Webb, an accountant with big dreams and a bright smile who passed away on January 19, 2020 after an eight-year battle with the autoimmune disease lupus.
Webb had been preparing to get a kidney from her father, John Webb Sr, when she died at the age of 30.
On the anniversary of her passing, Webb’s family has a deep resolve to memorialize her in a concrete way to benefit others in the community.
John Webb Sr said: “Jonique was a girl who was a high achiever. She let nothing get her down. She always tried to excel in everything that she did. We are trying to come to grips and put things to rest and build on her name and remember her by having a youth center in her honor.”
Reflecting on his daughter’s life, he added: “Jonique was a beautiful lady who touched many lives and I know through this donation, she will touch even more lives and young ladies will achieve great things through this youth center.”
Deveaux said: “During this pandemic, the world needs to see Jesus’ light now more than ever. For us, it is time to let our light shine. What better way can we do this than to start off by honoring Jonique?
“When I look at Jonique, I think about the hardship, trials, the tribulations she faced. In life, each one of us will have our own set of trials but how we conduct ourselves during these trials and tribulations will make the difference and Jonique obviously was anchored in the Lord Jesus Christ.”
Jonique Elizabeth Webb was an athlete, leader, daughter, sister and friend who lit up any room she entered. She is described as vivacious, classy, bubbly, resilient and stylish, with a pleasant personality that left an indelible impression on those privileged enough to spend time with her.
The Jordan Prince Williams High School (2006) and then College of The Bahamas (2011) graduate excelled in the classroom, on the field and court. Additionally, she was actively involved in many organizations including Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc, National Baptist Youth, National Baptist Young Women, Lupus 242 Association, St John’s Native Baptist Young People Union, National Society of Leadership and Success, Bahamas All Star Band, Colours Junkanoo Group, Bahamas Institute of Chartered Accountants (BICA) and Baptist Sports Council.
Webb was an assistant manager at the Securities Commission of The Bahamas and the first female treasurer of Golden Gates Native Baptist Church, where she was an active member.
Webb’s battle with lupus did not stop her mission to live a life poured out in service to God and her community. Those closest to her all echo the same sentiment — that despite the physical challenges and pains she experienced during her journey with the disease, she was a warrior.
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