Merlina M. James

Born to the late James and Hilda Williams in Oracabessa, Jamaica, West Indies, Merlina was the fourth of eight children and grew up surrounded by a loving family. She began her education at Oracabessa Primary School and later moved to Kingston J.W.I, where she continued her studies and blossomed into the gracious woman her family cherished.

Merlina’s early career included working at Lalaman's Confectioners Factory in Jamaica before she immigrated to the United States in the 1970s. Introduced to her late husband, Arnold James, by her sister Matilda, the two were married and later sponsored by his family to begin a new chapter in the U.S. One of Merlina’s proudest achievements was obtaining her United States citizenship in the early 1990s, a significant milestone that brought her family closer to their dreams. Her children (Nadine, Harron, and Priscilla) were the center of her universe. She was their unwavering source of strength and encouragement, constantly lifting them up in prayer and instilling in them the values of love, perseverance, and compassion.

For over 30 years, Merlina was a nurse technician in the Intensive Care Unit of St. Elizabeth Hospital and home caregiver in Utica, NY. Known for her compassion, diligence, and unwavering commitment to her patients, she was a respected and admired presence among her colleagues.

Beyond work, she was a passionate gardener, tending flowers and vegetables with care. She also loved her dogs Prince, Sugar, and Marley. After spending most of her adult life in Frankfort, NY, she retired to Charlotte joining her daughter Nadine, while carrying a lifetime of friendships and memories.

Merlina’s faith was the cornerstone of her life. She loved to sing, study her Bible, and speak of the goodness of Jesus. A longtime member of Redeemer Church in Utica, NY, she served faithfully as an usher and led Bible study gatherings in her home, where her warmth and hospitality were felt by all. She also volunteered at Compassion Coalition’s clothes closet in Utica, offering her time generously. Despite personal challenges, including her battle with cancer and dementia, Merlina’s faith in the Lord was unwavering. Just days before her passing, she shared a heartfelt moment with her sister Telica, singing one of her favorite songs, “Give Me Strength.”

Her family, bound by love though separated by miles, was central to her life. Merlina was known for her humor, strength, and positive outlook; she often ended conversations with her signature “whatever”, bringing a smile to her loved ones.

Merlina was preceded in death by parents, James and Hilda Williams; brothers, Winston and Simon Williams; and brothers-in-law, Clovis Kirkwood Gray and Wilfred Coke.

Her memory is cherished by her three children (Nadine Keene, Harron James, and Priscilla James), her siblings, Matilda Coke, Telica Hewitt, Lydia and Clarence Lopez, Euadora and Oswald Marsh, Hasting and Nedine Williams; aunt, Edris Mignott; siblings in-law, Juliet Williams, Michael Anthony Gray, Birchell Gray, Dosrine and Robert Gray-Jenkins, and Jennifer Wilrich, and her close friend and aunt-in-law Claudette Samuels, with whom she shared many memories and travels; along with numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins, all of whom will deeply miss her.

Merlina’s legacy of love, faith, and resilience will forever be cherished in the hearts of all who knew her.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Levine Cancer Institute, where Merlina received compassionate care from Dr. Barry Paul and his dedicated team. The family also extends heartfelt thanks to her caregiver, Erica Pace, for her compassionate support and her church community at Life Center International.

Contributions can be made at AtriumHealthFoundation.org/tribute.

Condolences may be offered at www.McEwenPinevilleChapel.com.