Merinda Rubena Woodbine's Obituary
Merinda Rubena Woodbine, 92, of Ormond Beach, FL passed away peacefully on October 8, 2024. Merinda was born December 21, 1931, to Ezekiel and Mary (Dobson) Shuttleworth in BigWoods, WestMoreland in Jamaica.
Merinda's life was a vibrant tapestry woven with threads of adventure and discovery. In 1979, she embarked on a journey from St. Catherine, Jamaica, to Florida, setting the stage for a life filled with exploration. Calling Cape Coral, Jacksonville, and finally Ormond Beach her home, Merinda's boundless curiosity drove her to traverse the globe.
Her travels took her to the majestic peaks of Switzerland, the historic streets of Germany, the romantic allure of France, and the picturesque canals of The Netherlands, England's rich heritage, Canada's breathtaking landscapes, and the tropical charms of Antigua and Mexico where all a part of her journey. She embraced the vibrant cultured of Dominica, US Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico, Barbados, St. Lucia, and the Bahamas.
Merinda's adventurous spirit wasn't confined to international borders. Within the United States, she ventured to the serene beauty of Montana, the bustling city-scape of Minnesota, the industrial heart of Michigan, and the iconic skyline of New York. Her travels extended to the political pulse of Washington DC, the historic charm of Connecticut, the musical heritage of Tennessee, the diverse vibrancy of New Jersey, the Southern warmth of Georgia, the architectural marvels of Illinois.
Merinda's life was a testament to her insatiable wanderlust and her desire to embrace the world in all its diversity. Her journeys, both near and far, reflected a life lived with passion, curiosity, and and enduring love for the roadless traveled.
In all of this, Merinda was driven first and foremost by her unconditional love of her Lord and her family. Her enduring and greatest desire was for her children and lineage to have a personal relationship with God, and love and care for family.
Merinda was a member of Beeston Street New Testament Church of God in Jamaica where she raised her children and served faithfully for many years in Ladies Ministry, Prayer Ministry, Choir and other areas. In the USA, she was a member of Cape Coral Assembly of God, and then The Well Church, where she continued serving faithfully in similar capacities. She is best remembered for her intercessory prayers (prayer warrior) and her pure and powerful alto. Most recently, she attended Hopewell Church in Jacksonville, Florida, and Calvary Christian Center in Ormond Beach.
‘…Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.’ Matthew 25:2
Merinda is preceded in passing by her Father, Mother, Grandson Dave, and ex-husband.
Merinda leaves her loving memory with her survivors, 2 Sisters - Lynnette, Yvonne. 4 Brothers - Alden, Calvin, Walter, Ethan. 7 Children - Denham, Veronica, Wilton, Dennis, Peter, Paul, Dean. 17 Grandchildren - Carmica, Sophia, Rodney, Mogul, Titanya, Raul, Ashera, Kayosan, Kareem, Karlene, PetaGaye, Randi, Justin, Jason, Jonathan, Jordan, Jonah. 16 Great grandchildren with 2 on the way. 2 Great, great grandchildren. Daughters-in law, Son-in-law, numerous nieces and nephews.
Merinda's family has entrusted Fort Myers Memorial Gardens with the tender care of her final arrangements. There will be a visitation held on Thursday, October 24, 2024, at 9am at The Well Church at Fort Myers, 940 Pondella Rd, North Fort Myers, FL. Her funeral service is scheduled to begin at 10AM.
In lieu of flowers, offering will be collected for the Beeston Street Church of God Benevolent Fund for the Aged or donation to Love A Child.
An offering will be taken at the church service for the Beeston Street New Testament Church of God Benevolent Fund for the Aged.
For those who would like to make donations in Merinda's honor electronically, please donate to Love a Child foundation at https://loveachild.com/
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