Mifflin Otis ‘Prince’ John
This live stream will commence on Monday 12th April 2021
11am - Saint Mark's Church, Bathurst Gardens, Kensal Green, London NW10 5HX
1pm - Willesden New Cemetery. Franklyn Road, London, NW10
The live stream video can be found at the bottom of this page
The Life of Mifflin Otis ‘Prince’ John
Guyana. South America. 1945
Mifflin Otis John aka Prince, popularly know as Johnny. Was born on March 19th, 1945 in Stanleytown Village on the West Bank of Demerara, Guyana. Located 10 miles from the capital City - Georgetown, to Rickford Hezekiah John and Bernice Minerva John - Nee Duncan. When mother Bernice passed away at a young age, Otis and his seven siblings were raised by different relatives around Guyana.
As a result, Otis grew up from a young child under the guardianship of his aunt and uncle Lilian Irene Brown and Picturn Adolphus Brown, at McKenzie a Bauxite Mining Town. Their children George and Verona (aka Mignon) informally adopted Otis as their younger brother; and eventually Otis lived under the guardianship of his Sister/cousin Mignon and her husband Fitz Pollard where he spent most of his childhood and teenage years.
Prince attended the McKenzie Primary School. He was a good student and a very popular athlete. Otis led his school to the Regional and National Championships, he excelled in the 100, 200 and 400 meter sprints, he also participated in the long jump category, often representing his school as their champion. Anyone who grew up in that Mining Town Community in his era will always remember (Prince John) the fastest runner in town. Otis was also known to walk like a tortoise, but ran like a hare!
Otis later attended the Demerara Bauxite Company (DEMBA) Trade School beginning his training in the Electrical Field which prepared him for his future life in London.
London, UK. 1961
In October 1961 Otis migrated to the UK, where he continued the pursuit of his education en route to becoming a Master Electrician. Now termed the Windrush Generation of the 1960’s.
Beloved, London. 1964
Otis met the love of his life Rosalyne John-nee Lucius. They met in 1964, while he worked at a manufacturer called Dansette electronics, based off the North Circular Road in North-West London.
Otis resided at Buchanan Gardens, Kensal Rise in North-West London, NW10. Until his end of days, on March 2nd, 2021.
He travelled extensively, visiting many countries such as; St. Lucia, Guadalupe, Greece, Grenada, Canada, Guyana, Germany, Gambia, Italy, Tanzania, France and frequented New York to visit his bothers and sisters.
Johnny was an easy going "cool dude", some will say. Who was given the nickname “Stateside’ in his young adulthood, because of his sharp dress sense, love of American Soul music, and yes oh yes!! love of a good party.
He was a very neat and meticulous person who loved fine clothing and dressed impeccably. He was also a master of the culinary arts and an avid natural remedy herbalist and gardener. Otis was a hard and dependable worker at his trade. He was easy to get along with; friendly, had a big smile and a hearty laugh. He brought out the best in other people.
Maya Angelou famously said:
“I have learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel. Otis made everyone feel welcome, appreciated and loved; with his famous smile, infectious laugh, disarming attitude and easy going personality.
Otis was a much loved brother, uncle, cousin, in-law and a good friend to many, but most of all he was a loving and dedicated husband, father and grandfather. and he loooved his grandchildren.
His parents Rickford and Bernice, sisters Megan and Leona and brother Rickford Lenox preceded him in transition. He is survived by his wife Rosalyne. Children; Lisa, Kimber, Aundrieux and Neil, Grand children; Jerone, Luke, Leah, Rakim, Sahara Dune, Amber, Hadar and Nile.
Brothers; Bromley, Oswald and Randolph. Sisters; Bernice Amanda, Cheryl Ann (Maureen) Melvern and Melaine. Sisters-in - Law; Melrose, Amy, Bernadette, and Margaret. Rosalyne’s siblings; Florence Daltrie, Timatina Blanc and Lita King, and siblings residing in Guadalupe and France..
Nephews and nieces; Tessa and Trudie, Martin, Wayne, Caroline, Patina, Tryson, La Rae, Dwayne, and many more. Cousins; Greta, Pamela, Cicely, Roberta, Vashti, Noeline, Barbara, Esther, Brindsley, Claudette, Norma, Lynette, Wendy and a host of others.
His friends; Eddie, Vibert, Orman, Pelham, Tony, and many too numrous to mention.
Godspeed our beloved, may your soul ascend in peace.