Obituary of Cecily Sterling

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Cecily "Beverley" Sterling, Beloved Wife, Mother, Grandmother and Great-Grandmother. Cecily departed peacefully on March 28, 2025, at Virtua Mount Holly Hospital, New Jersey, due to medical complications. She was born on March 12, 1945, in Hamilton-Mountain, Saint Mary, Jamaica, West Indies, to Gloria “Essie” Duncan and Alonzo Campbell.

 A proud resident of Columbus, New Jersey, Cecily migrated to New York in 1982, where she eventually met the love of her life, her devoted husband, Eric Sterling, in 1988.

 Cecily was a Certified Nurse’s Aide, working at Clove Lakes Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center, until she retired in June, 2010. She was also a woman of many talents—a gifted seamstress, an exceptional cook, a skilled baker, and a dedicated homemaker. Her culinary creations were beloved by all and became the highlight of many family gatherings and catered events. She took great pride in her family and was a loving mother to four children. She also made it a priority to pass down her love for cooking, teaching her children and grandchildren the secrets of her treasured recipes, ensuring that her meals and traditions live on for generations to come.

She is survived by spouse, Eric, her son, Patrick Dunn and spouse, Natasha, her daughters, Marcia Harvey, Sharon Green, and Lorna Sloley, along with their spouses, Gary and Curtis. Her legacy continues through her cherished grandchildren: Shanique, Dale and his spouse, Tanisha, Melissa, Curtis Jr. “Andre,” Ashley and her spouse, Dominic, Kayla, Patrick Jr. “Kyle”, and Amanda. She was also blessed with great-grandchildren: Devon, Dana, Dianna, Nylie, Dahani, and Dylan.

In addition, Cecily leaves behind sisters, Sherry, Sharon, Leonore and Marlene and brother, Benito. Also, her step-children: Marie and her children Kamar and Junior; Dahlia and her children Dervin “DJ”, Denzel, De’Anna, DeMarcus; Denese and her children Calyese and Tyreke; Kerry and her son Devonte; Dwayne and his 15 children, and Petagaye, and also several beloved cousins, nieces and nephews. She will be deeply missed by all her family and friends whose lives she touched with kindness and warmth.

All of your friends and family who are touched by your acquaintance and passing, bid you eternal rest, as it is written in Isaiah 32 :18 “ —my people shall dwell in a peaceable habitation, and in sure dwellings, and in quiet resting places.”

Please join us in celebrating Cecily’s beautiful life at the viewing on Wednesday, April 2, 2025, at Matthew Funeral Home at 2508 Victory Blvd, from 4-8 pm. Funeral services will be held on Thursday, April 3, 2025 at 10 am, at International Christian Center, 1501 Richmond Ave, Staten Island, NY 10314. The repass will follow the burial, from 2 to 5 pm.