Obituary of Merle Cummings

Merle Cummings, (Nana), 83, returned to her heavenly Father on Friday, 24 April 2020. JOHN 11:25-26; "I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die." Born on the 2nd of July, 1936 inTrinidad & Tobago's Port of Spain, Merle was one of eight living children to her parentsCecil Augustus Cummings & Louvinia Robinson. She often spoke of the times her family endured not possessing much, stretching whatever they had to make do, combined with the fond memories that came from being raised amongst many siblings. Growing upat # 10 Darceuil Lane in Belmont, working at a nearby hospital and eventually having a child of her own, Merle decided to permanently leave her home of Trinidad in sought of greater opportunity. After relocating toNew York, she worked as a private caregiver, permitting her to send for her daughter Donna to travel from Trinidad and join her in Brooklyn. Creating a new life together in the United States, Merle was able to provide her child with endless educational and employment opportunities that may have been more of a challenge if she remained back home. With several blessed years having passed, and having two grandchildren, Merle now known as "Nana", began to care for her daughter whom became gravely ill and eventually passed away in1988. Immediately after her daughter's death while in her mid-fifties, Nana obtained full guardianship of her adolescent grandchildren LaShana (Siobhan) & Corey, raising them as a single parent over the next 12 years. A God-fearing woman, she taught her grandchildren the importance of building a meaningful relationship withJesus Christ. Overly dedicated to their upbringing, she selflessly sacrificed any thoughts of engaging in personal-companionship aiming to prioritize her grandchildren's needs. Whilebalancing their Caribbean-American upbringing that often came with its own set of challenges, with her well known "Don't worry yourself, God is Love" mantra, she prevailed overall non-the-less. With the children both out of the home after joining the U.S. Navy, in addition to providing home health services for the elderly, Nana began to babysit other children for working parents and also found a personal passion of her own in designing beautiful decorative pieces to share with almost everyone she interacted with. Geographically spread between the U.S., Canada & Trinidad, she often "chatted" on the phone for hours, laughing and at times "quarrelling" with her siblings and enjoyed bargain shopping at some of her favorite places to include Amazing Savings, Bobbies, Fordham Road & Aqueduct Flea Market. Nana often traveled to Chicago, North Carolina, Georgia and Maryland to visit with Siobhan, Corey & her two Great-grand daughters Emani & Zuri whom filled herwith endless joy. Known for her creativity in décor, occasional rigidity in temperament(, and her dirty jokes, she was unanimously known for having a giving heart to countless friends across the span of her eight decades in this life. She placed great value in her independence well into her later years, when she had an unfortunate accident which led to her residing in a nursing rehabilitation center due to her health and overall mobility being severely compromised. Over the next four years with the collaborative efforts of healthcare workers, friends, family & her faith, Nana found the strength to overcome several health challenges and enjoy various qualities of life she experienced prior to her mobility becoming limited. Her famous words that were rarely stuck to were "Me, I minding my business and staying in my corner!", that often had her family and friends rolling with laughter. In addition to her varied health comorbidities, the Corona Virus pandemic had an impact on her sustainment of health, leading her to find rest with the Father on Friday the 24th of April 2020. Merle was preceded in death by her parents Cecil & Louvinia, her siblings Winston, Patsy, Eileen, Earl & Norma, & her only daughter Donna. She leaves confidently in the care of the Lord her surviving siblings Hollis & Marilyn, her Grandchildren Siobhan, Corey and their spouses, her beloved Great-grandchildren Emani & Zuri,brotherand sister in-laws, as well as a countless number of nieces, nephews and life-long friends. PSALM 18:28-33; "For thou wilt light my candle; the Lord my God will enlighten my darkness. For by thee I have run through a troop; and by my God I have leaped over a wall. As for God, his way is perfect; the word of the Lord is tried; he is a buckler to all those that trust in him. For who is God save the Lord? Or who is a rock save our God? It is God that girdeth me with strength, and maketh my way perfect. He maketh my feet like hind's feet and setteth me upon my high places". Merle, this world took your legs which you have now re-inherited back with a crown to match, Hallelujah!! Go now and walk peacefully,free from this earthly bondage with the heavenly father. Well done Nana…. Well done. -Merle's Grandchildren would like to express their thanks for the overwhelming support received and would appreciate your continued sharing of thoughts and memories of their grandmother within her online memorial tribute. Due to the current health pandemic, a celebration of her life will be planned at a future timeframe to ensure the continued safety of all. Ms. Cummings will be cremated on Tuesday the 19th of May in which her family has future plans to take her and her daughters remains back to their home of Trinidad & Tobago.