Lemuel Banton and Shirley Brown remember their mother Merline Brown, who died in November 2012:
Merline Magdoline Brown (nee Wint) was born in the District of Hyde which is in Trelawny in 1943 to Maud Walters. Merline was one of 16 children and the fifth child.
Mum was brought up in the church and would go as regular as possible. She met her husband Melvin Brown in the church and was married at the age of 17. Her first child ‘Peggy’ was born in 1962. Soon after that Merline had the chance to go to England and followed her husband, who got a job in the Steel Industry in Sheffield in 1963.
In the early years in Sheffield, Merline worked as an Auxiliary Nurse at Low Edges Hospital and Lodge Moor Hospital and then at a factory until she had to give it up as it was difficult to juggle work and children.
Merline was a keen gardener and had an allotment at Grimesthorpe Road where she derived much pleasure in growing things like, scallions, potatoes and tomatoes. I think this is where some of her children got their green fingers from as well as Mum showing them skills and patience in how to tend to plants and vegetation.
Merline was a very adventurous and fun loving person who also travelled a lot. Many places she would visit with her children, the Women’s Group or other voluntary organizations that she was involved in. She travelled numerous times back to Jamaica and to America, France, Germany, Canada, Egypt, Tunisia, Nigeria, Spain, Holland and the Holy City itself – Jerusalem.
Mum loved to sing, she was an active member of SADACCA Women’s Group and took part in many performances over the years – many we had pleasure in seeing – some of them extremely funny! In 2008 Merline was presented with a ‘25th Anniversary – Certificate of Appreciation’ from SADACCA Women’s Group – what an achievement – what commitment – what dedication!
No matter where Mum went she would make friends; people said she was a sweet lady, and they would do what they could for her. Her local bakery (Ellesmere Bakery) would save broken pastries for her at the end of the week or the butcher would put aside meat for her and give her more generous portions.
Merline loved life, she was a gentle, caring and loving women who lived life to the full. There is a huge hole in our lives which will not be filled with the loss of our Mum.
Mum is our rock and foundation and we hope the love, generosity and passion that she showed us through her life will help to guide us in ours.
Mum we love you!
Merline leaves behind 8 children, 15 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren.
Beyond Supplication
By Lingpa Karme Dorje
Since my auspicious birth.
Your worth…
Uncalculable measure!
I treasure, your earnest luminescence & primordial presence, pure…
Fecundity of lush lavish cure, Took me to the other shore of Great Bliss…
Beyond supplication, I kiss.
Your Lotus~Born amberish face of pervasive compassionate light! Your majestic reassurances, “Tings dem a’gu be alright!”…
Now in Empyreans of inconceivable contemplation, where adventitious obscurations, Never arise…
You’re my 7fold radiant wisdom, of cascading waters wise.
Hotep! (Peace)…
Madasi! (Thank you)… Mama…
Heru’s Eyes!