MURIEL CLARKE

On January 7, 1956, a day radiant with brightness, the world was gifted with the presence of a special baby girl named Muriel. Born on the picturesque island of Jamaica, Muriel was the cherished daughter of the late Joshua and Inez Williams. As the fourth of seven children, she relished her childhood in the verdant landscapes of Westmoreland, alongside her four late brothers and two sisters. Her parents, steadfast in their faith, imbued her with an enduring love of God from an early age. As a teenager, Muriel became a baptized member of the Savanna-la-mar Seventh Day Adventist (SDA) Church. There, she served in various roles including Sabbath School Superintendent, Secretary, and Church Clerk. Being the eldest daughter, Muriel was a pillar of support to her mother, lending her hands in cooking, cleaning, and caring for her older brothers and younger sisters.

Muriel's journey in education began at Unity Primary School in Westmoreland, Jamaica, followed by Mannings High School. Despite facing physical difficulties, her unwavering faith and tenacity propelled her to excel academically and exemplify an admirable character. After high school, she chose to devote herself to the noble profession of nursing. Muriel was among the first batch of nurses trained at Cornwall Regional Hospital in Montego Bay, Jamaica in 1975, where she distinguished herself with honors. Muriel's thirst for knowledge led her to the University Hospital of the West Indies, where she obtained her certification as a midwife.

After dedicating more than a decade of service in Jamaica, Muriel relocated to the United States in 1986, becoming a staff member of Kings County Hospital in Brooklyn, New York. It was here where destiny led her to reconnect with an old friend from Montego Bay. Their friendship blossomed into love, culminating in their marriage on April 19, 1987. This divinely inspired union gave birth to two wonderful daughters. Longing for a more tropical and family-oriented environment, the couple, with the assistance of Realtor and friend Everard Daley, relocated to Orlando, Florida. Upon their arrival in Orlando, Muriel found a spiritual home in the North Orlando Seventh-day Adventist Church. As an active and devoted member, she cherished the welcoming and nurturing environment of this community, which quickly became an integral part of her life in Florida. She especially enjoyed working with the children’s department. In Orlando, Muriel quickly secured employment at Orlando Health. After serving in various departments, she found her true passion in dialysis. She took every opportunity for training in this area, eventually working with private companies that contracted with the hospitals in the region. Muriel later returned to the Orlando Health Dialysis unit at Health Central, where under the exceptional supervision of her manager, Jacqueline Lewis, she experienced what she fondly recalls as the happiest period of her nursing career. Muriel was the embodiment of compassion, duty, style, and beauty. Her vibrant and compassionate nature, coupled with her delightful sense of humor, endeared her to all she met. She formed many enduring friendships over the years, a testament to her warm and loving soul.

Muriel's active involvement in the North Orlando Seventh-day Adventist Church was a testament to her devout faith and commitment to her community. She served with grace and humility as a deaconess, always ready to lend a hand. Her love for children was evident in her role as a Sabbath school teacher, where she dedicated time and energy to nurturing the young minds. Muriel also enjoyed lending her help in the church kitchen, preparing and serving meals for church events. Her contributions, whether it was her time, energy, or advice, touched the lives of many within her church community. In February 2021, Muriel encountered significant medical challenges. Her faith, unyielding as ever, coupled with the ceaseless love and care from her children, helped her overcome this difficult period. After her recovery, she embraced life with renewed vigor. The year 2022 was a testament to her resilience, filled with precious moments and memorable travels with her family to Cuba, Canada, Jamaica, the Panama Canal, and Aruba. These journeys were not just about exploring new places, but also about creating lasting memories with her loved ones. However, in early 2023, she faced renewed health complications. Despite the challenges, she exhibited her characteristic resilience and strength, a testament to her enduring faith and the love of her family. Muriel was not just a dedicated wife, mother, and nurse. She was an avid cook, a firm disciplinarian, an advocate, a stalwart of her church, and a cherished friend. Her love for God was only rivaled by her love for her family and friends. Though she is no longer with us, Muriel's memory will continue to live on, and she will be remembered in countless ways. 

Muriel's strong faith and unwavering belief in God's grace carried her through life's trials, and her enduring commitment to her church community was evident in her actions. At the North Orlando Seventh-day  Adventist Church, she was not just a member, but a guiding light and a beacon of hope for many. Her service was a testament to her faith, and her legacy will continue to inspire those she left behind. Muriel's life may have ended, but her legacy lives on in the hearts and minds of those she touched. Let us remember Muriel not only for the life she lived but for the lives she touched with her unending kindness and faith.

Muriel is survived by her loving and dedicated husband, Paul; her two daughters, Paula and Tahseen; her sons-in-law, Alex and John; and her cherished granddaughter, Jaidyn. She is also survived by her sisters, Millicent and Angela, along with numerous nieces, nephews, uncles, aunts, cousins and friends who were as close as family. Muriel, we celebrate the beautiful life you lived, the lives you touched, and the difference you made in this world. Your spirit and love will continue to guide us, and your memory will forever be a blessing to all who knew you.

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