In Lowe Sound Andros on a quiet day of fall, November 24th 1932, a beautiful baby girl was born to Viola Thurston and Alton Lewis. They named this gem Merlene.
At an early time in Viola’s life, she went on to meet her Lord and Savior and Merlene was nurtured and cared for by her grandmother Tericita Thurston, who loved her and brought her up in the fear and admonition of the Lord.
Merlene attended Lowe Sound All Age School, after which Merlene became an Assistant to the teachers. She loved teaching and was committed to doing it. As a young lady, Merlene assisted in their family’s small restaurant. She helped with the cooking and even delivered meals on some occasions to persons unable to come and collect. Reggie would often request her to deliver his meal.
Merlene was a regular church member because it was a part of her up-bringing. Tericita ensured she received spiritual nourishment in attending her church Mount Olive Baptist Church. She was known to be an awesome singer. She and her friend Menirva both sang in the church choir. Merlene was told by her admirers that she sang like a nightingale. She loved singing for the Lord.
Merlene met the love of her life, Reginald Knowles Sr. during his work tour as a Heavy Equipment Operator- building and repairing the roads of North Andros. She loved watching him work those machines and he loved listening to her melodious singing. They pledged their love to each other in marriage December of 1951 and after completion of Reginald’s work tour, the happy couple returned to Eleuthera. Reginald was happy to return with his beautiful black and talented Andros bride. This union was blessed with 14 children, 10 boys one of which was still birth and 4 girls. Merlene wanted to assist with providing for her family, she did this by baking and selling freshly baked bread and pastries sold from her small convenience store.
They raised their family to know and fear God, to love their family and neighbors alike. Merlene was a quiet person who never got in anyone business and would help anyone in need. Merlene and Reginald endured 70 years of marriage before Reggie predeceased her in June of 2022.
After the death of Reggie as Merlene affectionately called him, all of her children gave her all the love and attention she deserved. They ensured she had round the clock care, her daytime caregiver Ms. Jackie Symonette took special care of her. The two of them developed a bond, however all her children pledged to take care of her by weekly rotation, sleeping with her, caring for her and sometimes even her grand and great grands accompanied them. She enjoyed watching her great grandchildren color in her coloring book and them asking her which colors she wanted them to use. Grace, Ezekiel, and Garrison would torture her so they could color in her coloring book. Caanon would quietly hug her and watch her closely. She would often say to Kimmiron and Omarrionn ‘You all come to watch Ma hey”? smiling as she looked at them, little Skylar would be sitting quietly just looking at her.
Merlene often spoke about how she missed Reggie. She was encouraged to pray and read her bible, because one day she will meet her Lord and Reggie would be there too. She kept check of her visitation by Rev’d Dean and always looked forward to her coming to share communion with her.
On February 13th, late evening after she and her son Alton was thru having their evening coffee/ tea, Merlene suffered a stroke, which paralyzed the left side of her body and made her unable to speak. Merlene was flown to Nassau and was hospitalized for 11 days. Miraculously on the 7th day, she began to move her legs and arms and to speak. She was able to speak with some of her children via whats App, to their surprise. She was discharged a few days afterwards and was happy to learn that her children Carmen and Paul along with Eureka and Hank were there to take her home to Eleuthera. Shortly after arriving in Rock Sound under the watchful eyes of her children, Villimae, Arnold and Shirlene I the wee hours of the morning she slipped from time into eternity to meet her Lord and Savior.
May her soul rest in peace and one day rise in glory.
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