To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven; A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted; A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance. Ecclesiastes 3:1-2-4 Antonio Shawn Governor entered eternal rest in New York Hospital (Queens General), Jamaica, New York, on Thursday, August 27, 2009, after a life-time illness with Sickle Cell Anemia. Affectionately known as "Big Tony," Antonio was born October 28, 1963. He was the son of Mrs. Leah Governor and the late Buster (Fox) Governor. At a very young age, he joined St. Stephen Baptist Church, where he was a faithful member until he left home. He loved the Lord, and he rarely missed Sunday School or church. He especially loved singing on the Youth Choir. After numerous trips in and out of several hospitals in South Carolina for extended periods of time, his sister, Helen, and her husband, Jasper Murray, took him to live with them in East Elmhurst, New York, in 1989. "Big Tony" was a 1982 graduate of St. Stephen High School. He completed a program in diesel mechanic at Midlands Tech in Columbia. Throughout his life, he was an humble, out-going person who loved people. He held compassionate love for his family and unrelenting joy for his lodge brothers in the St. James Lodge No. 98 in New York City. Those who knew him well will always remember his huge smile. "Big Tony" was a very private person. He never complained about his illness, regardless of how ill he felt. Even in difficult times, he found strength to whisper words of encouragement to others. His deep, abiding faith in God sustained him at all times. Family, friends, and classmates could count on his sense of humor and readiness to complete a task when he was feeling well. He will be long remembered and missed by all. Those who will forever cherish fond memories and celebrate his life are his 90-year old mother, Mrs. Leah Governor (St. Stephen, SC); son, Mr. Antonio Governor, Jr., and his granddaughter, Amani LaShanda Governor (St. Stephen, SC); siblings, Ms. Doris Dingle (Orangeburg, SC); Mrs. Helen (Jasper) Murray (East Elmhurst, NY); Mrs. Vivian Salters (Randallstown, MD); Mr. Buddy (Angie) Dingle (Newport News, VA); loving nieces and nephews; and a host of relatives and friends.