Acknowledgement
The family of Sederick Dawkins wishes to thank you for your expressions of kindness and sympathy. Your visits, prayers, words of comfort and gifts will always be remembered with deep gratitude.
Arrangements
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2025
Mount Vernon SDA Church
230 S Columbus Ave, Mt Vernon, NY 10553
Viewing -1PM
Service – 2PM
ORDER OF SERVICE
Organ Prelude………………………………………………..Organist
Processional……………Clergy, Family and Honor Guards
Pathfinder Tribute
Invocation……………………………Elder Monique Weatherly
Welcome/Remarks……………………Pastor T. Basil Sturrup
Song of Hope………………………………My God is Awesome
Scripture Readings:
Old Testament (Psalm 46:1-3)……………..Denzel Dawkins
New Testament (1 Corinthian 15:51-54)….Aryelle Ellison
Musical Selection……………………How Much We Can Bear
Tributes………………………………………….Columbia University
New York University (NYU)
Thornton Donovan School
Musical Selection……………………………………………Don’t Cry
Tributes……….…………………….Haugland Grace (Employer)
Mount Vernon SDA Church
Friends – Aaron Alleyne, Oshane Stainrod,
Richard Anthony, Tevin Morgan, Jose Canario,
Ramon Parchment
Video Slideshow
Eulogy………………………………………………..Sederick Dawkins
Song of Meditation…………………..Dorothy Perrier-Collins
(Somerton SDA Church, Jamaica)
Homily…………………………………………Pastor T. Basil Sturrup
Prayer of Consolation………….Pastor Petrice A. Wideman
Acknowledgements……………………………….Dr. Alicia Evans
Final Viewing
Hymn of Assurance……………………..It is well with my soul
Benediction…………………………………..Elder Jenesse Linton
New York University Pipes and Drums Band
Recessional……..……..…. Clergy, Family and Honor Guard
The Life & Legacy
Sederick Dawkins
September 18, 1995 – February 6, 2025
With profound love and cherished memories, we celebrate the life of Sederick Dawkins, who departed this world on February 6, 2025. A beloved son, husband, brother, colleague and friend, Sederick’s presence brought warmth and joy to all who knew him. His kindness, intelligence, and unwavering dedication to his family and dreams made him an inspiration to many.
Born on September 18, 1995, in Montego Bay Jamaica, to Sederick Dawkins Sr. and Carlene Pusey-Dawkins, Sederick’s journey was one of perseverance and excellence. His education began at DRB Grant Basic School and Catherine Hall Primary School in Jamaica before continuing in the United States at Nellie A. Thornton Elementary, Grimes Elementary, and Thornton Donovan School.
During his time at Thornton Donovan School, Sederick was deeply involved in his school community, serving as Chief Editor of “Overlook” journal newspaper, and contributing his leadership skills to the Prom Committee. His passion for service and global affairs was evident in his active participation in Habitat for Humanity and the Model United Nations program, where he showcased his ability to think critically and advocate for change. After graduating from Thorton Donovan School, he returned to serve as a member of the board of trustees from 2020 until his passing.
The Life & Legacy
Sederick pursued his passion for engineering at New York University (NYU) Tandon School of Engineering, earning a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering in May 2017. While at NYU, he was a dedicated member of several prestigious organizations, including the American Association of Blacks in Energy (AABE), Engineers Without Borders (EWB), the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE), and the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE). His commitment to service and leadership was recognized in April 2016, when he received the President Service Award from NYU, honoring his outstanding impact in community service, civic engagement, leadership, and student life. Later that year, in November 2016, Sederick was named an In-Kind Scholar by the National Action Council for Minorities in Engineering (NACME), recognizing his academic excellence and contributions to the engineering field.
His dedication to empowering others continued as he took on leadership roles, including serving as Vice President and later President of NYU student chapter of the American Association of Blacks in Energy (AABE). In his tenure as President of AABE, Sederick served as the facilitator, leader and main author of a grant application that secured $36,400 in funding that brought the AABE Energy Challenge Competition to NYU. The AABE Energy Challenge aimed to identify, analyze and implement initiatives to decrease energy consumption without reducing the quality of life in the immediate communities of NYU and NYC (www.nyuaabe.org). In February 2017, AABE honored him with the NYMAC Honorary Award for his outstanding leadership and contributions to the organization.
Most recently (December 2024), Sederick completed all the requirements for a Master of Science in Construction Administration from Columbia University School of Professional Studies. His degree will be conferred posthumously at the next commencement ceremony in May. At Columbia, he continued his commitment to leadership and professional growth, actively participating in the Columbia Construction Administration Student Association (CASA), the Design-Build Institute of America, Columbia Student Chapter (DBIA), and the Columbia Black Student Guild (BSG). His involvement in these organizations reflected his unwavering drive to push boundaries in the construction and engineering fields while fostering a sense of community and mentorship for his peers.
Sederick’s passion for engineering extended into his professional career, where he played a pivotal role in major infrastructure projects. His journey began in September 2017 as a Junior Project Engineer at Posillico, where he gained hands-on experience in large-scale construction management.
In May 2019, he advanced to Project Manager at GIANFIA Corporation, where he honed his skills in overseeing complex developments. His expertise led him to Group PMX, where he served as an Associate Project Manager for the redevelopment of JFK Terminal 4, a landmark project in New York City transportation infrastructure. In March 2023, he undertook the role of Project Manager at Haugland Grace Industries LLC, further expanding his impact in the construction industry. Most recently, Sederick was a Project Engineer at Haugland Group LLC, where he continued to bring his vision, leadership, and technical expertise to transformative projects.
Beyond his professional roles, Sederick was also a visionary entrepreneur. He was the Founder and CEO of Areca Palm Services, a bacterial and viral threat innovation company dedicated to creating innovative solutions to combat infectious diseases. In addition, he founded Bonney Gate Construction Consulting, a consulting firm that provided expert guidance in the construction and engineering industries. Through these ventures, Sederick demonstrated his ability to think beyond conventional boundaries and develop solutions that would leave a lasting impact.
Outside of his academic and professional accomplishments, Sederick’s greatest joy was God, his church (Mount Vernon Seventh Day Adventist Church), and his family. At the tender age of 10 years old, Sederick made the intentional decision to accept Jesus as his Lord and Savior and was baptized at Mt. Vernon SDA Church. He was a member of the Pathfinder Club; a group which works specifically with the cultural, social and religious education of children and teens. He was an avid lover of music and enjoyed playing in the drum core and singing in the choir. He also served on the Audio-Visual Production team for the church. Sederick kept God at the center of his life and pulled strength from his faith above all else.
On July 2, 2016, in Blauvelt, New York, he married the love of his life, Britney Faber, with whom he built a life full of love, laughter, happiness, and unwavering support. He was a devoted brother to Sederick “Denzel” Dawkins, a bond that remained strong throughout his life.
Sederick was known for his gentle spirit, sharp mind, and ability to uplift those around him. His presence was a source of comfort and encouragement, and his impact will be felt for generations. Whether through his work, his friendships, or the quiet moments shared with loved ones, he left an indelible mark on every heart he touched. He is survived by his loving parents, adoring wife, remarkable baby brother, flourishing God children, affectionate grandmother, two doting grandfathers and a host of devoted aunts, uncles, cousins and life-long friends.
Though we grieve his passing, we find comfort in the love he shared and the legacy he leaves behind. His kindness, ambition, and unwavering spirit will continue to inspire all who knew him.
FOREVER
In My Heart
You can shed tears that he is gone
Or you can smile because he has lived
You can close your eyes and pray that he will come back
Or you can open your eyes and see all that he has left
Your heart can be empty because you can’t see him
Or you can be full of the love that you shared
You can turn your back on tomorrow and live yesterday
Or you can be happy for tomorrow because of yesterday
You can remember him and only that he is gone
Or you can cherish his memory and let it live on
You can cry and close your mind, be empty and turn your back
Or you can do what he would want: smile, open your eyes, love and go on.
– David Harkins
My Legendary Cousin
Sederick Dawkins
–Abigail Pusey
An Angel was sent to guide us here,
A shining light to calm our deepest fears.
My dearest cousin, you were my rock and guide,
A selfless soul, always by my side.
I’ve looked up to you since I was small,
Admiring how you faced life’s challenges, one and all.
You’re my inspiration, my beacon bright,
Illuminating the path through life’s darkest night.
Thank you for the memories, the laughter, and the tears,
For being a constant presence through all my joys and fears.
You created a bond between us, a group to unite,
A testament to your love for family, a shining light.
We had big dreams, we had our plan
To build a medical facility after my graduation
That inspired me to work hard, to excel, to soar,
But now the engineer who was to steer it is no more.
We miss you dear cousin, now more than ever before,
I love you more than words can say in life and in death.
You were a treasure to adore, an angel that God lend to us,
But now he has taken you away.
I pray I remain faithful to see you on that great getting up morning. Until we meet again, sleep on in peace, my dear cousin.
HONORARY PALLBEARERS
Sederick Dawkins (Brother)
Ashton Brown (Brother-in-law)
Ayden Brown (Brother-in-law and godson)
Tyrone Edwards
ACTIVE PALLBEARERS
Hearse to Church
- Aaron Alleyne (Friend)
- Jose Canario (Friend)
- Oshane Stainrod (Friend)
- Richard Anthony (Friend)
- Marvin Cummings (Friend)
- Ramon Parchment (Friend)
- Jordan Alleyne (Friend)
Church to Hears
- Fredrique Moultin (Cousin)
- Ochairdo Pusey (Uncle)
- Luki Pusey (Uncle)
- Kenroy Williams (Uncle)
- Marlon Faber (Uncle)
- Glenroy Collins (Family friend)
- Robert Moultin (Uncle)
- Richard Bush