Merle Boodoo Jaggernauth

Born on October 23rd, 1958 in Trinidad & Tobago, to Ramkissoon (Shannon) and Ursula Dolly Boodoo, Merle was the 5th of 6 children, named after actress Merle Oberon, her father’s choice after a famous British and East Indian actress in Wuthering Heights. As a young child, she was obedient and respectful, always willing to help and enjoyed the company of her siblings.

She attended Naparima Girls High School, a school known for producing prominent & outstanding professionals. Merle admired nature greatly, loved to learn and was a model student. She excelled in arts (calligraphy, drawing, painting) & sports (table tennis and volleyball) and was known for her outstanding character, so much so that she was selected as the head girl (a nomination for best all-round student - academics, sports and essence) and was elected valedictorian in 1978. After graduating high school, she went on to attend the University of the West Indies and completed her Bachelor of Science degree in Agronomy in 1983, once again showing her dedication to her passion and love of plants & flowers. Once emigrated to the United States, she went on to pursue a Master’s of Science in Plant and Soil Science (1988) from Alabama A&M University. In 2007 she earned a Georgia Educator Certificate and then in 2014 she also obtained a Certificate in Applied Statistics from Kennesaw State University.

In 1979 Merle met Ashford Jaggernauth at Victory Heights Camp in Trinidad & Tobago. Their relationship blossomed and they were married on July 14th, 1984. Together with their first son, Joash (1985), they took the opportunity to further their educational goals in the US (Alabama) and migrated in 1986. They welcomed a second son, Jeremy (1989), and in 1996 they moved to Marietta, GA.

Merle & Ashford were married for 37 years and experienced many joys and trials. She was a dedicated wife and loved her husband dearly, as exemplified by her unwavering, steadfast and faithful commitment during times of her husband’s illnesses. Together they enjoyed a simple life, where just being in each other’s company was more than sufficient. This was evidenced by their decision to consistently spend quality time with one another, whether at the beach, which she loved, and even in the most routine and daily activities.

Being a mother was something Merle treasured and held most dear. Her devotion to her children was shown in the way she intentionally created an environment for them to learn and to thrive, with a strong emphasis on their spiritual development and knowledge of the Lord. She wanted their hearts to always be inclined and loyal to Jesus. She made special efforts to engage her children in discussions and caused them to think and learn how to apply the Word to their daily lives and living. She was their biggest supporter in their academic endeavors and strongest cheerleader at their athletic events. Through motherhood, Merle discovered her love of teaching, homeschooling her children from 1998-2000, putting her career on hold to ensure their future success. Subsequently she became a substitute teacher at Marietta High and Middle Schools and later went on to be the Biology & Chemistry teacher at Marietta High School.

She was the architect of her home and being the planner that she was, she found joy in maintaining her household, from organizing, cleaning, gardening to hosting and cooking. Her involvement in their church, Mount Paran Church of God, and love for the Lord was exemplified by the life she lived. Her home was everyone’s home, all were welcomed, and this was a testament to her gracious and hospitable nature. A natural and stunning beauty, she endeared many to herself, with her charming wit and soft-spoken words, her genuine care and uplifting nature, she shared in the joys and heartaches experienced by those she loved.

On January, 19, 2020, Ashford and Merle’s family grew to include their beautiful daughter-in-love, Naseem Haeri who married Joash. What a joy and blessing it was to their family. On December 18, 2020, there was a flurry of excitement as they received another wonderful blessing, their first grand-daughter, Donya Jaggernauth. This is a dream that came true for Ashford and Merle.

Merle’s personal relationship with the Lord began as a young teenager. This was the foundation that set the direction of her life and eventually blossomed into an unwavering, dedicated faith. Her faith in the one, true and living God anchored her life here on earth. Her life radiated Christ through her actions and she was a true light to those around her. Her life is most exemplified by Isaiah 40:31 “But those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint.” The message that she wanted the world to know is this, that true peace, joy and comfort, in this life and the life to come, can only be found in Christ alone.

The family will receive friends and loved ones from 5-9PM on Thursday, September 2nd, 2021 at Winkenhofer Pine Ridge Funeral Home on Cobb Parkway in Kennesaw, GA with a funeral and burial service to follow at 3PM on Friday, September 3rd, 2021 at Winkenhofer Pine Ridge Funeral Home.

Merle is immediately survived by her devoted husband, Ashford Jaggernauth, and their beloved children Joash Shannon Jaggernauth and Jeremy Stephen Jaggernauth, daughter-in-law Naseem and granddaughter Donya; mother Dolly Boodoo, brothers Winston Boodoo (Diane) and Donald Boodoo (Sonia), sisters Jennifer Hosein (Ramzan), Sandra Boodoo, and Sharon Koodie (Teeluck); and aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces & nephews and friends.

Merle’s passion for life, her love for her family and friends and her faith in the Lord Jesus Christ are her greatest legacy. Her family hopes that her life will inspire others to appreciate each moment and fill them with the joy and love of God. “Let your light so shine before men so that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in Heaven.” Matthew. 5:16.