Dorothy Adina Barnwell

If she was given a platform to describe herself, Dorothy Adina Barnwell would likely say she was a caring, compassionate, beautiful and sharing woman. In her life she didn’t amass worldly wealth as is commonly sought by many, instead, she was rich in love and the gratitude and appreciation of others as compensation for her kindness and generosity. Each of you will remember our mother for many different things but for those of you who were privileged to have passed through her kitchen, you have one memory in common: a satisfied pallet after eating something that she prepared. …”Boy, Mrs. Barnwell’s roti…”

Mummy was many things to many people in her family and beyond. Her children, siblings, nieces/ nephews, cousins and friends would all agree that she represented one or all of these characteristics to them: nurturing, compassionate, understanding and classy; trustworthy, thoughtful, and honest (sometimes brutally); dependable and fun-loving, generous, prideful and strong. Thankfully, her offspring was blessed with many of her prized talents: from cooking to gardening to singing and dancing.

Dorothy Adina Barnwell was born on January 4, 1929 on the beautiful island of Trinidad to a cook, Jestina Gillman and a shoemaker, Gilbert Forde. Eighteen days after her 87th birthday, Dorothy went to be reunited with the Lord, her parents and siblings, our brother, Howie and all of her dear relatives and friends, who predeceased her.

Mummy is survived by Mr. Egbert Barnwell, her daughters: Joan, Gracie (Marlene), Hollie, Carol (Julian), her only son, Don and her last remaining sibling, Bernice Senhouse. Additionally, her 36 grandchildren and 11 great-grand’s will forever have her memories to love, cherish and pass on. Mummy would want to recognize her special niece, Marva Senhouse-Ross, three amazing son-in-laws, Urick Waldron, Hendy Degale and Anthony Joseph as well as one daughter-in-law, Marissa Forde. Finally, cherished friends Lucille Doyle, Alicetina Hector, David and Victoria Harmon, Elfreda Samuel and other friends and family too numerous to list but are not forgotten.

When God saw you getting tired, and an earthly cure was not to be, He put His arms around you, and whispered, “Come to me”.

He couldn’t bear what you were going through, and so He gave you rest, His garden must be beautiful Mummy, He only takes the best.

And when we saw you sleeping, so peaceful and free from pain, we wouldn’t wish you back here, to endure that agony again.

Today we say goodbye, and as you take your final rest, we know His garden must be beautiful Mummy, and that you are one of His very best.