Marcia Marie McLean

Born on March 14, 1951, at Victoria Jubilee Lying-In Hospital in Kingston, Jamaica, Marcia was the cherished daughter of Zedekiah “Zedi” and Edith Duffus Thompson. Raised in the vibrant heart of Kingston, she was the youngest of three children after her elder brother Paul and twin brother Elliot, spending her adolescence in Randolph Avenue and Pembroke Hall. As a child, she also spent countless joyful summers in her mother’s hometown of Lucky Hill, Saint Mary, where she relished in catching “tiki tiki” in the river, climbing trees, devouring rose apples and jackfruit, and racing barefoot through the banana walk. Competitive by nature and swift on her feet, she was a spirited force even then.

Marcia's academic journey began at Central Branch All Age School in 1957, followed by Dunrobin and Excelsior High School, and then Duff's Business College. She began her professional life at Victoria Mutual, working in secretarial roles before answering her true calling in healthcare. From 1971 to 1974, Marcia attended the University College of the West Indies and received a diploma in nursing and midwifery. Lastly, in 2005, she completed a bachelor’s degree from the University of St. Francis.

In 1969, Marcia met John at a church youth camp, and the pair married in 1975. Through their union of 49 years, they were blessed with three children — Natoya, Shari, and Richard, the light of Marcia’s life.

In 1980, Marcia migrated to South Florida to continue her nursing journey. Over the years, she excelled as a Critical Care Registered Nurse caring for some of the toughest ICU patients, first at Holy Cross Hospital, then Cedars Medical Center, and South Miami Hospital, before retiring with pride from Homestead Hospital.

Marcia was a fun-loving person who loved any excuse to get a new dress, look fabulous, and dance to her reggae music. With a zest for life, she traveled to Dubai, Cuba, Aruba, Alaska, Cozumel, the Bahamas, Las Vegas, the Dominican Republic, and her beloved Jamaica. An avid sports fan, she loved the Reggae Boys, the Miami Heat, and track and field, especially Jamaica’s own Usain Bolt (whom she met)!

Marcia was a Life Member of St. John’s United Church in Kingston, Jamaica, and a member of Central Presbyterian Church in Miami, FL, for more than 40 years, where her kindness and strength inspired those around her.

Marcia is preceded by her parents, Zedi and Edith, and her beloved brother Barrington. She is survived by her husband, John; her loving children Richard, Shari, and Natoya (with her husband Victor); her cherished bonus granddaughter, Yuvianna; her siblings Lois, Paul, and twin brother Elliot; and a host of nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends.

We are heartbroken by her absence but comforted by her legacy of compassion, resilience, and love. Rest well, Mommy—you were truly one of a kind.