Merlene Mavis Cogill Greenwood-Powell passed away on August 11, 2019. She was born in Kingston, Jamaica on December 15, 1939. The daughter of Donald and Iceline Hendricks Cook Cogill, Merlene completed her tertiary degree in London, England.
After completing her education at Pitman’s college in London, Merlene worked as a music secretary at the British Broadcasting Company (BBC). Merlene returned to Kingston, Jamaica and, in June of 1968, married Robert ‘Tony’ St. Anthony Greenwood. The couple started their life together in Kingston, where Merlene began working at AJAS Aviation Services. In 1970, the couple welcomed the first of their two children, Nadine, followed by her sister, Stephanie. Merlene’s charismatic and ambitious style drew the attention of an insurance sales man who became a mentor for her and introduced her into the insurance industry.
Merlene spent the next 40 years refining her skills at retirement planning and insurance sales. Merlene achieved many accolades such has LUTCF (Life Underwriter’s Training Council Fellow), Million Dollar Round Table Recipient, and multi-state licensure.
Merlene later divorced and in 1985 was re-married to Derrick Anthony Powell. The couple re-located from Kingston, Jamaica to Houston, Texas.
At the time of her passing, although semi-retired, Merlene worked for a variety companies managing her clients’ policies and retirement portfolios. Merlene absolutely, unequivocally, loved her family and is survived by her daughters (Nadine and Stephanie), her grandchildren (Sage, Dylan, and Skylar), her sons-in-law (Raymond and Robert), and many other cousins and friends.
SHARE OBITUARY
v.1.8.18