Our beloved Merle Martha Charles was a devoted servant of God, mother, sister, friend, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She now rests in the kingdom of heaven, where she continues to shine her light on those she loved on Earth.
Born on June 24, 1944, in Trinidad and Tobago to Marjore James and Philip Clinton, Merle was born the eldest of 12 children. She became a natural caretaker to her siblings, a role she carried with her throughout her life.
From a young age, Merle developed a love for creation, learning to cook and sew in school. She prepared meals that delighted the senses and crafted jewelry that turned heads. She also loved to travel, leaving every place a little brighter and making friends along the way. She later settled in the United States, where she married and raised her children in Ohio.
While in Ohio, Merle was a dedicated member of Mother of Christ Catholic Church, where she found her church family and sang in the choir. After retiring from Procter & Gamble, she returned to Trinidad, where she built a home from the ground up, fulfilling her dream of living a happy, quiet life alongside her beloved furry companion, Prince. She adored Prince, the musical artist, and the color purple, too.
Throughout her life, Merle faced many challenges, but her faith, strength, and support system kept her steadfast. Those who knew her truly understood what it meant to be loved. That was her greatest gift to us all.
Rest in Peace, our Caribbean Queen.
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