At age 17, Ilene left St. Thomas and went to live with her aunt in Kingston. She got a job in Amy Cruze Clothing department store where she worked as a seamstress. While in Kingston, she met and later married Swinford Samuels. Swinford journeyed to England, obtaining a job in Goodyear Tires and Rubber Company. Soon after, Swinford sent for Ilene, who upon arrival also got a job at Goodyear as a tubing inspector. Approximately 6 months later, they sent for daughter Myrtle. The family attended the Church of England in Wolverhampton, where they resided. In 1961, they were blessed with twin daughters Doreen and Maureen.
In 1968, Ilene came to the United States to visit her brother John Ford and his wife in New York. She secured a position as a nanny caring for 2 young children which she maintained for 3 years. She returned to England and after many discussions with Swinford, they decided to relocate to New York. Upon her return to the US, Ilene got a job with Montgomery Wards which she held for about 10 years. In 1970, Swinford moved with their daughters to Brooklyn, New York, to join Ilene. They became members of the Lenox Road Baptist Church. Soon after leaving Montgomery Wards, Ilene took courses to become for Home Health aide and got a job with Visiting Nurses Association. She continued working for VNA, even when she and Swinford relocated to Port St. Lucie, Florida in 1986.
Ilene and Swinford attended New Testament Faith Center, in which they were founding members. Working closely with their pastor, L. Winston Freckleton, they assisted him in building a much larger church. A steadfast member, Ilene participated in the Gold & Silver Ministry, Gold & Silver Choir, Monday morning Senior Prayer Ministry and Hospital and Home visitation.
Ilene became a widow on January 24th, 2011. She leaves behind daughters: Myrtle Khani, Doreen Samuels and Maureen Samuels; son-in-law: Archibald Khani; grandsons: Gary Khani and Blaine Mofford; granddaughters: Charlene Khani and Serene Mofford; granddaughter-in-law: Rowena Khani; great-grandaughter: Jasmine Khani; great-grandson: Jaydhen Khani-Rodney; brother: Malcolm Ford; sister: Minettelin Ford; and a host of other family members and friends.
Ilene was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, friend and church member. For those who knew of her kindness and works, she’ll be greatly missed.
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