Marilyn Sylvia Munroe nee Farquharson had the pleasure of having all the things a woman could ever desire - a dear and loyal husband, adoring children and grandchildren, loving parents, caring siblings, respectful sons-in-law, welcoming in-laws, dear relatives and treasured friends, a home, a successful teaching career, and a thriving business. Most important was her treasured choice to establish a relationship with God.
In the 39th year of her life, Marilyn lost her father Lincoln Farquharson. In 2013, seven months after burying her 86-year-old mother Luellen Farquharson nee Cunningham (who battled stomach cancer for 3 years), Marilyn received the unexpected diagnosis of breast cancer. She immediately proclaimed her strong faith in God who would be her healer and deliverer. A true soldier in character, Marilyn displayed no signs of panic or grief. She bravely underwent a mastectomy with the support of her family and friends. A diagnosis of breast cancer was not going to weaken her determination and faith in fulfilling her purpose on earth.
Marilyn took pride in being tough in the face of adversities and she decided to fight this disease. Once she received the “all clear” from her doctors Marilyn was eager and ready to resume the activities of her daily living. She returned to her sewing machine. She was again cutting fabric and producing wonderful outfits for many, working both at home and in her store. She recommenced cooking, traveling, attending events and functions. Spiritual activities were an integral part of her healing process so she led and participated in various ministries at her church. Despite her health challenges many did not know that she was battling cancer, even after the loss of her hair she would eventually sport a low cut for the remainder of her life. Marilyn willingly gave of herself emotionally, physically and financially. She enjoyed volunteering along with Evangelist Louvenia Rolle at the home for the elderly, inspiring other cancer patients, mentoring young people and doing her best to make a positive impact on anyone who crossed her path. The preceding is only a snapshot of Marilyn in the latter years of her life.
When one sets off on a journey, he/she never knows what’s in store. Marilyn attended and completed the 12th grade at the Colonel Hill All Age School at a time when high school graduations did not occur. She returned to the classroom as a monitor, teaching students, some her own age. In 1974, she left Crooked Island to attend the San Salvador Teachers Training College to pursue a Teaching Certification. Marilyn taught “the nation’s darlings” for 32 years at several schools including William Gordon, Stephen Dillet, T. G Glover and Palmdale Primary Schools. Her homeroom class was Grade 4 where she introduced and included needlework and arts and crafts in her class curriculum.
It was also in San Salvador that she met a brown-skinned, handsome Ragged Island fellow by the name of Wilmore who captivated her heart. Marilyn would marry the love of her life and together they shared 43 blessed years of marriage. This union expanded and together they parented four beautiful daughters. It is only natural that beautiful daughters would garner handsome sons-in-law and eventually a total of seven adorable and cherished grandchildren. Marilyn’s marriage to “Willie”, as she affectionately called him resulted in her gaining humble and loving parents-in-law (the late Berthan and Harriet Munroe) whom she lovingly called Mammy and Daddy along with (9) nine sisters and brothers in-law.
Vibrant laughter would resonate from the downstairs section of Marilyn’s home. This was the scenario as she retold stories of her childhood leaving her grandchildren mesmerized. Marilyn expressed that “life was not easy” growing up in Cabbage Hill, Crooked Island, her birthplace. She recounted the many trips to and from Acklins, Long Cay and Crooked Island with her father, Lincoln. One memory that stood out was the occasion in which the sail broke and they had to fix it during a return trip to Crooked Island from Long Cay. She shared how her chores included toting water, selling fish and working in the field before heading to school each morning. The hard manual labor that was required during her early years did not leave her broken. Instead it fostered in her, resilience, excellent work ethics, a sense of humor and a mischievous personality. Marilyn emanated an infectious smile and laughter when she revealed what life was like for her growing up with her beloved brothers. She relished telling how she got out of doing her chores. Marilyn divulged that she was anemic as a young woman. This did not deter her loving but no nonsense mother from delegating work for her and her brothers in the yard. Each of them was given a section to work and complete. On one occasion she decided that she was not about to do anything that day. Therefore, she pretended to be “faint-ish” and with the help of her father whom she unknowingly duped was able to get out of doing her yard chore.
Marilyn would reel in laughter as she reflected on her successful prank. There she was in the house, legs up, chilling in the cool as her brothers endured in the sun having to fulfill their tasks.
Marilyn was a dear and cherished daughter to her parents. She would tell of the drama created when it was time to get her hair combed. She would cry and complain that her mother was hurting her head only to have her father call out “Lue you hurting that girl head”. She was definitely a daddy’s girl to the point where she followed in his footsteps as an educator. However, she possessed many traits and features of her mother Luellen, that of being loving yet stern, immense sense of humor, energetic and hardworking, characteristics her children and grandchildren noted in Marilyn.
When asked if she had any boyfriends while growing up by her “Gen X '' grandchildren, her response was always “I had many friends that were boys”. Then with her characteristic and infectious laugh she demonstrated how she handled those boys ‘rough’. These stories clarified and confirmed the personality traits that her children see in themselves and also in their children. Marilyn knew how to be tough and definitely at times administered tough love. No one ever doubted that she loved her family or people fortunate to make her acquaintance. Her home was a place to stay for her parents, siblings, nieces and nephews whenever they visited from the island or came to attend school in Nassau. Family and friends were welcomed in her home for celebrations or simply to share a meal that she cooked. During the hurricane season her doors were opened for family and friends in need of safety and higher ground. She showed the true meaning of Christian love treating individuals as a sister, brother, son, daughter or friend.
Marilyn’s last Christmas alive in 2021, she orchestrated a choice breakfast of stew conch, chicken and sheep tongue souse, banana and potato breads which she shared with her surrounding neighbors. Marilyn was truly hospitable, kind and caring.
During her teaching tenure Marilyn developed many lasting relationships that occupied a special place in her heart. Upon her retirement as a teacher she decided to pursue her real passion. Starting out as a well-loved hobby, her dressmaking skills culminated into a thriving and successful business. Indeed she was a renowned dressmaker, clothes designer and haberdasher! She was not selfish with her ability. Marilyn was especially keen in making a difference with young women who were regarded as at risk. She taught, trained and mentored numerous young women in sewing from her shops that she operated on Farrington Road, Gibbs Corner and Ross Corner.
Baptized at age 20, admittedly for her parent’s sake, Marilyn as she lay on her bed shared her salvation journey. She along with her cousin Iris Daxon would attend revivals, but for the purpose of getting people ages. One time she and Iris planned to attend a revival at a church through Young Street. As they approach the church, a child ran into the street and was hit by their car. Iris, being a nurse, thought it prudent to get medical attention for the child whom they took to Accident and Emergency at Princess Margaret Hospital. Once the child was checked out and deemed alright, they returned to the revival service. During the service Marilyn said to Iris “I do not like this thing that comes on these people, this Holy Spirit. I do not want it on me and I am not getting baptized a second time”. Nevertheless, by her own account Marilyn stated “I do not know how I got to the altar”. She recalled moving from “pillar to post'' in the church. She remembered hearing her cousin Esther who also attended the revival saying “What a time!”. Marilyn on reaching home went into the house, closed the bedroom door, and shouted until morning. This certainly was not the end of her spiritual encounter.
Marilyn began attending Annex Baptist Church and later moved her worship to The New Bethlehem Baptist Church (NBBC) where her Aunt Mae attended. She recalled a sermon preached by Bishop Helen McPhee. Marilyn described it as “something pricked me and caused me to pour my all out at the altar”. The late Reverend Marina Sands and other clergy took her into counseling and she got baptized thereafter for a second time. She wrote a letter to Jesus asking him to take her struggles away and spoke of overcoming them. Marilyn not only started to attend Sunday school but later served as a leader in that ministry. During her membership at NBBC she served in the Senior Choir, the Usher and the Intercessor Ministries. On July 24th, 2016, Marilyn was ordain a Deaconess. Marilyn led by example and took her daughters to church. She made sure they were involved in the various ministries and auxiliaries. Marilyn was rewarded for her efforts. Today, all of her daughters are born again, avid church goers, contributing and serving in their respective church ministries with their families. For almost 10 years Marilyn faced a battle with breast cancer. She fought hard and long. Fortunately her struggles were not alone. When the battle was at its toughest she relied on her God and the unwavering support of her loyal and devoted Willie, daughters, closest relatives and friends. Sadly, but with a sense of relief Marilyn ceased the war on Tuesday, December 13th, 2022 at 6:26 am.
Cherished memories will always linger in the hearts of her devoted husband of 43 years: Wilmore; children: Yasmine Johnson, Jalinka & Jermaine Strachan, Zenobia & Sgt. 3417 Omar Neely and Dawn & Errol Smith; grandchildren: Earle Ashton Johnson, Trumaine, Jamila, Jermaine II, and Jemiah Strachan, Nala and Katheryn Neely; siblings: Christopher I and Delores, Kenneth and Ruth, Robert and Priscilla, and Kermit and Janet Farquharson, and Annette Farquharson; brothers and sisters in law: Michael and Eulease Munroe, Delmeta Seymour, Earnal and Ecilyn Munroe, Hilda and Wilkerson Ferguson, Ralph and Katrina Munroe, Pamela and Tommy Johnson, Vernice Albury, Sheralee and Lyndon Munroe; aunts: Mable Farquharson and Willamae Bridgewater; nieces and nephews: Christopher II and Christina, Christopher Ethan Farquharson, Santana and Rajiv Darling, Sade Farquharson; Shanique and Ricardo Morgan, Monique Farquharson, Shamara and Kendrick Gibson, Delvano and Tonya Farquharson, Crecelle Farquharson, Robertha and Roy Richards, Rashaad and Ramele Farquharson, Lyndale, Kyle and Phylincia Farquharson, Rowbena and O’Neil Gilbert, Tavardus and Tyesha, Kermeka Farquharson, Ranaldo Moss, Randanette Moss-Valcin, Riché Moss, Dan’nya Williams, Tanya Turnquest, Narissa King, Sean Sr. and Ryan Munroe, Delmar and Ernestine Seymour, Delray, Daren, Delbert, Deron Seymour, Dahlia Seymour, Kesa and Lennett Anderson, Kishan, Kharisma, Lenetra, Elease, Earnal Munroe Jr., Delia and Kermeka Ferguson, Donato, Kyle, Asher Munroe, T’Arnold, T-Anthony, and Tanisha Johnson, Joshua, Johnathan, Joel and Joanna Albury; numerous grandnieces & nephews; cousins: Queen Bain, Pearl Godfrey, Hermia Brown, Persis Cunningham, Almada Deleveaux, Arlene Turner, Ruth Turnquest, Naomi Coakley, Luann King, Vincent Coakley, Elvie Cunningham, Barbara R. Gibson, Georgiemae Miller, Olean Ferguson, Basil and Marie Simms, Clarinette McDonald, Ireline Neymour, Anna Rolle, Sylvia Rose, Myrtle Scavella, Marie Johnson, Cora and Kendrick Clarke, Claudine, Warren and Gayle, Wayne and Patrina, Errol and Tracy, Dr. Carnille, Cleora, Carlene Farquharson, Christine Thompson, Orville, Henry Jr. and Darryl and Carla Cunningham, Maria, Bursil, Canute & Kathleen Daxon, Maurice Simms, Shanette Cunningham, Mario Moss, Marjorie Armbrister, Antoinette Butler, Rodney & Nicola Farquharson Jr. Preston Jr, Wayne and Presteish Cunningham, Edward Cunningham & family, the descendants of the late Hosea, Zephrus, Leroy Ferguson, Rachael Hanchell, and Viola Quennal Cunningham; godchildren: Darnell Hanna, Lamont Rolle, Joyann McCoy, Chairo McPhee, Rishanda Seymour and Dereck Bell Jr.; other close relatives and friends: Family of the late Caroline Strachan (nee Culmer), Tyrone & EllaJane Neely & Family, Alexandria Smith & Family, Bishop Vivian Cox & Family, Terry Kemp, Sophie Darville, Staff and loyal patrons of JaZenYa’s Creations:, Fordeline Faustin, Destiny McDonald, Carlisa, Tonya Darling, Analee Dames, Ricardo Williamson and Holston’s Plaza, Earl Johnson Jr., Ms. Minerva Edwards and staff of Liberty Cleaners, Margaret Duncombe, Blanche Spence, Joyce Taylor, Ruth Cash, Betty Belle, The entire Charlotte Ridge Community, Bradley & Everlette Woodside, Jaye & Peggy Knowles, Eddie & Stephanie Noelus, Rico & Crystal Bethel, Sharon Rolle, Nicolas & Nathan Thompsons, Linda McCaulsky, Pauline Knowles and their families, Rev. Tyrone & Cheryl Laing, Rev. Christine & Dec. Huden Johnson, Rev. Derek & Patrice Munroe, Elder. Cora & Frederick McPhee Sr., Min. Christine & Fredrick Sr. Seymour, Min. Sharon Cleare, Rev. Bernal & Rosemary Bullard, Dec. Timothy Bailey, Evang. Laverne & Dec Dwight Charlow, Dec. Gregory & Patrice Bodie, Wendell Cleare, Cecily Seymour, Myrtle Deveaux, Annie & Aldeka Colebrooke, Sharon Whylly, Rev. Sterling & Marcia McPhee, Stephanie Kelly-Cooper and their families, Officers & Members of New Bethlehem Baptist Church, Grace Community Church, Pilgrim Ministries Int’l, & The communities of Crooked Island, Acklins & Long Cay, St Paul’s Baptist Church, Cabbage Hill, The Cabbage Hill Reunion, Walton Winters & Family, Sheila Gibson, Rosemary Moss & Family, Timothy, Stephanie Thompson & family, Family of the late Evelyn Ferguson & Nellie Bain, the Frazer family, the Kemp family, Dorcas Moss, Patrick Farquharson, Harold & Patricia Bridgewater, the Munroe, Maycock, Bridgewater & Wallace Families of Ragged Island, Samuel Pratt, Juan Carey, John Rolle, Cynthia Lightbourne, Staff of Commonwealth Fabrics, Home Fabric, Quality Fabric, Averill’s and Juanita’s Variety Store, Shan Ferguson, David & Gretal Hanna, Dr. Delton Farquharson & Staff, Dr. Nevein Girgis & Staff, Nurse Butler, Doctors Margo Munroe, Wesley Francis, Devaughn Curling Dean Tseretopoulos and the staff of the Oncology Clinic PMH, Nurse Smith, BAF Financial & Insurance (Bahamas) Ltd, LOM Financial Group, Doctors Hospital Rehabilitation Center, Family Guardian (Chippingham), JSJohnson family and many others whose lives she touched.
Please forgive us if we inadvertently excluded your name. We thank everyone for your prayers and support during this time.
