In loving memory of Frances (aka Francis) GertrudeWilson-Longley Clarke, who entered this world on May 22nd, 1942, in William Stoff Shirley St, in St Matthews Parish. She was born to the late Merle Wilson& the late Harcourt Longley, making her the fourth generation of a matriarchalfamily. During her formative years, Frances resided with her maternalgreat-grandmother, the late Gertrude Cox, affectionately known as “MamaGertie”. She fondly recalled joyful moments playing at Montague Beach with hermother, who tragically passed away when Frances was just eight years old. Herfather, a bartender at a nearby establishment, ensured her needs were met asshe attended school, located in what is now the Shirley Post Office. When MamaGertie fell ill, the family relocated to Young Street, near Our Ladies Church,to be with Frances's grandmother's family: Evangelist "Mother Annie"Cooper and Deacon John Henry Cooper Sr. They settled into their new homealongside Uncle Wellington, Aunt Patricia Cooper, and cousins Gordon HenryCooper and Jeffrey Johnson.
Frances shared aclose bond with her cousins, attending Southern Senior School on Collins Aveand Sunday School at The Church of God of Prophecy on East St. Mother Annie'sactive involvement in ministry and community work left a lasting impression.
At the age of 14,Frances sought a summer job, leading to her employment at K. S. MosesDepartment Store on Bay St. This marked the beginning of her career. Throughouther life, Frances juggled various domestic jobs, including cleaning offices atthe Central Garage and waitressing at restaurants Downtown, such as The GrandCentral and The White Gates restaurant.
Frances cherishedher close relationship with her father, embracing new siblings as the familyexpanded. Alongside her sister Gloria, she treasured childhood memories ofvisiting their father's workplace to collect allowances. Over time, theirfamily grew to include Shirley, David, and Patricia. Frances maintained aloving bond with all her siblings throughout her life.
In her late teens,Frances married Nathaniel Clarke, a taxi driver and former US Army veteran fromExuma. They settled in Coconut Grove, where Frances gave birth to her firstson, Cleveland Nathaniel followed by Dwayne Ricardo and only daughterBrendalee.
Tragedy struck in1965 when Frances experienced the loss of her grandmother Annie Cooper andgreat-grandmother Gertrude Cox on the same day, while she was in the hospitalpreparing for surgery. As a single mother, Frances prioritized her children'swell-being above all else. She worked tirelessly to provide for them, holdingvarious jobs until her retirement from Kerzner Intl in 1998.
In her later years, Frances enjoyed a peaceful life surrounded byfamily. She cherished moments spent with her grandchildren and relished inserving others with her culinary skills.
As Frances grewolder, her sister Shirley provided daily companionship, assisting with herneeds. Despite her insistence otherwise, Frances appreciated Shirley's visits.
In 2022, during theCovid-19 Pandemic, Frances underwent a double mastectomy after discovering alump. Despite the ordeal, she remained strong and clear-minded, finding comfortin the companionship of her caregiver, Ms. Alicia Knowles-Williams. Francespassed away shortly before 3pm on "Good Friday," March 29th, 2024,with "ALICIA" being the last name she called.
Frances touched manylives with her kindness and strength. Though deeply missed, everlastingmemories will forever remain in the hearts of her Children: Cleveland Clarke Sr. Dwayne Lundy, and BrendaleeMunroe. Sisters: Gloria Longley-Delancy, Shirley and Patricia Longley. Brother:David Longley (deceased) Daughters-in-laws: Christine Lundy and CynthiaClarke (deceased). Son in-law: Oscar Munroe. Grand-children: ClevelandClarke Jr. (Julia Clarke), Cara Deveaux (Roberto Deveaux), Dwayne Lundy Jr.,Nicolette and Alana Lundy, Matthew, Amanda, and Davinia Munroe, Shamsi Kemp(Adrian Kemp), Calvin Clarke (deceased), Desiree Walkine (deceased). Great-grandchildren:Ayrin, Aiden and Austin Walkine, Cleveland Clarke III, Isabella Clarke, EthanColebrooke, Chloe, Kennedy, and Tyler Deveaux, Geanna Swain, and ChristianeKemp. In-Laws: Whitlene Cooper and Family, Jackie Clarke and Family. Nieces:Denae Moxey & Shevone Bain-Roma. Nephews: Kevin, Vernon, and DereckDelancy, and Chuckey Bridgewater. Other relatives and friends including:Vestra Forbes and Family, Katie Longley and family, Monique Forbes and Family,Marjorie Adderley and Family, Cleomi and Ronald Sutherland and Family, Emilyand John Swann and Family, Rose Rolle and Family, Karen Rolle (goddaughter) andFamily, Paul Walkine and Family, Tara Melville and Family, Sonia and PaulWilliams along with the Baillou Hill Estates neighbours, Nadine Rolle-Major andFamily, Donna Ferguson and Family, Agnes Scavella and Family, Cleo Sumner andFamily, Fareda Cooper and Family, Cynthia Gibson and Family, BFM Family, and ahost of other relatives and friends including the Longley, Forbes, Adderley,Clarke, Cooper, Deveaux, Munroe, Francis, Hall, and Johnson Families. DevotedCaregivers: Alicia Williams, Nursing Sister Deborah Alleyne, Dr. ChendiEvans at Renew Home Care along with Caroline Hanna, and Sislyn Pratt. MedicalTeam: Dr. Samra Zonicle-Newton andDr. Locksley Munroe.
