Lloyd Bernell Furbert, 90, of Mount Olive, New Jersey peacefully passed on March 11, 2023 at home surrounded by family and friends. He is survived by his wife and soulmate of 50 years, Gayle, his son Jason, his daughter Tracey and her mother Patricia, who reside in Bermuda, his only surviving sister, Gloria Almuriel Pearman of Maryland, along with a multitude of nieces, nephews and a host of friends.

Lloyd was born January 7, 1933 in Pembroke, Bermuda, the youngest of 7 children. At age 13 he went out on his own, eventually relocating to New Jersey in the early 1960’s where he started his lifelong pursuit of learning by being accepted into Montclair State University to study Psychology. Gayle was at Montclair State at the same time, studying to become an Art Teacher. The two became close friends as their interests and values intertwined: she as an advocate for women’s rights while he advocated for civil rights and social justice. It was here Lloyd expanded his interest in philosophy, history, sociology, politics and psychology. Beyond their studies, Lloyd and Gayle could be found organizing protests on campus and developing off-campus discussion groups.

Upon graduation Lloyd was elevated to the position of Assistant Executive Director of the Black United Front of Nova Scotia, a community development organization where he was integral to the creation of a resource-media center, served as the host of a televised talk show and developed outreach programs where he interfaced with formerly incarcerated adults while coordinating community programs and fund-raising events. Lloyd’s passion was community development – meeting the needs and aspirations of the Black community.

Returning to New Jersey, Lloyd and Gayle married in 1982, but due to a struggling economy and limited employment opportunities, they moved to Bermuda where he was employed by the Bermuda Department of Social Services a position where he worked with students with behavioral issues. After two years they returned to New Jersey and their son Jason was born in 1984. Lloyd was a very proud Dad who loved parenting and valued every moment with his baby boy and his adult daughter, Tracey.

In 1991 he started the process of fulfilling a lifelong ambition to become a lawyer, but it never came to fruition for him. Lloyd continued working at various positions. He had experience as an Institutional Parole Officer; in sales and then he found his true calling by working with the cognitively-disabled population as a caseworker, house manager and ARC technician. He felt fulfilled and very proud of his work with his clients, whom he spoke about often.

Meanwhile his greatest love was reading. His library collection was extensive and he never left home without a book! Beyond that he loved conversing with people! It didn’t matter the environment… people were actually drawn to him and were always inspired! He was that bright light that radiated over everyone!

Near the end of his life, he was accepted into at-home hospice, with Gayle as his 24/7 primary caregiver, but no matter his physical condition his conversation and natural charisma brightened up the room. When he no longer could open his eyes or speak… his head would turn when a friend entered the room to say hello. Lloyd was a fighting spirit, a loving and compassionate soul who touched everyone he met. But there is no rest in peace for Lloyd, as his energy force continues the fight for social justice and equality. His passion is undying and will continue to radiate throughout the universe, so that one day we will all be united in peace and will be free!

If you are so inclined, please honor Lloyd with a donation in his name to the Lewy Body Dementia Association. Through outreach, education and research, LBDA supports those affected by Lewy body dementias, their families and caregivers. They are dedicated to raising awareness and promoting scientific advances.

https://www.lbda.org/

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