Mavis believed in love. Love of God, love of self, love of family, and love of community. Mavis knew that love truly healed all things.
As a child, Mavis grew up on Ragged Island, Bahamas, a very small island of approximately 400 residents. Since most of the residents of the island were her family, siblings and cousins, this is where the love of family all began. Going to the beach, picking berries, skipping rope, shooting marbles, riding her bike, and playing with her dolls were some of her fondest memories she spent as a young girl. Her mother, Eugenia Lockhart, taught her to sew, crochet, knit, and play cards. Her father, Edward Lockhart, spent time with her fishing, gardening, and cooking. Mavis' parents taught her independence, pride, honesty, good character, and to fear and love God.
As a young adult, Mavis' family moved to Nassau, Bahamas in 1950. It was during this time she started working and her love of community evolved. Her first job was at KS Darling Electrical Company. She often joked that she worked and her sister Roceta spent. She said that her sister would wait for payday to say to Mavis "what are we going to buy with your paycheck." Mavis also worked as a receptionist for Dr. Burnside, a dentist, and later, a local drug store. During these youthful years, she enjoyed going to the gospel hall, visiting her grandparents on weekends, and having free time. Experiencing the community beyond her family, she stayed grounded on the values her parents stressed most – do not want what others have, do not be envious; have respect for others, especially your elders.
It was her job at the drug store that led the 19-year-old Mavis to her husband, Myrtle Oswald Ashby. In her own words, she was attracted to Oswald for his "tall figure, honesty, his stand for law and order, his respect for her, and his respect for her mama's strict dating guidelines." Mavis and Oswald enjoyed bicycling and picnics together since these things were acceptable to her mother. Three years into their courtship, they were engaged; and, on October 17, 1953 her love of family grew when she married Oswald in St. Agnes Episcopal Church in Nassau, Bahamas.
In 1956, Mavis and Oswald moved to Cleveland, Ohio to begin a new life in America. Two years later, Mavis gave birth to her first child, Clairmont Oswald. The family expanded six years later with the birth of Michael Lingard, then two years after, with Marina Nerissa. Mavis was always proud of the family she created with Oswald and was dedicated to their well-being. She worked from home sewing and knitting for her many clients while Oswald worked in management at A&P Grocery Store. There were many happy times together as the family travelled, entertained and visited family and friends, enjoyed going to the movies, and attended the latest ice skating shows, circuses, or parades. Mavis always loved God, but it was during these times that her faith strengthened. She was so determined to raise her children well, she often reached to God for guidance. Mavis wrote that she was "proud to be a mother and accepted the challenge to be the best mother she could be." She strongly felt that if her children were nothing, she was nothing.
In 1972, Mavis' husband died. This is when her love of God, self, family and community collided as Mavis worked to raise three young children while experiencing her own near fatal illness that repeated itself eight years later. God strengthened her…family supported her…the community sustained her…and she willed herself to overcome. She briefly returned to Nassau during this challenging time, but three years later found the strength to finish what she and Oswald started and envisioned for their family in America.
Mavis remarried in 1976 to John Lewis Coes whom she met at a Parents Without Partners meeting in Cleveland. Mavis' young children remained her primary focus. Mavis continued to work out of the home, while John enjoyed self-employment as an Accountant. Years later, she decided to finally take her business out of her home into a gift shop called Bits and Baskets. As the children got older, Mavis slowly started to focus more of her attention towards her love of community and extended family. From complete strangers to foster children to Mavis' close family members, she shared her time, resources, and even extended stays in her home to anymore who needed a new direction. She didn't care that she often did not have the resources to do it – she just always knew that the Lord would provide.
In 1982, Mavis moved to Orlando, Florida to be closer to her aging parents and family in the Bahamas – thus, getting closer to where the love of family all started. She used her sewing and arts and crafts skills to make goods to sell in craft shows and flea markets across Florida and Georgia, and was often sought out by interior designers to make custom home furnishings for well-established clients. Through the years, Mavis watched her children move through college, career, and marriage, while being a caregiver to her ailing husband and battling her own heart condition. But, regardless of the challenges Mavis faced, she always found the time to be a blessing to others – especially young people. She counseled many of her nieces and nephews and other children in the community, she fed the poor in her home, and often gave her last dime to friends and family in need. Her faith never allowed her to worry about her own security -- she gave willingly of herself with love.
In 2001, Mavis recorded a CD titled Love Does Makes Sense. For months, she tried to find the words to heal a friend who doubted love even existed. Her recording is a "vivid portrayal of the truth about love." Mavis expressed love through the five senses: sight, sound, taste, smell, and touch. She believed that when you love completely, all of your senses are engaged and pleasing to you. Mavis' belief in love guided her throughout her life and will endure beyond. In the last few years of her life, she worked tirelessly to speak into existence a vision that encompassed her love of God, self, family and community. The project she called The Dignity House would be a place where young people could go to find the support they need to be successful in life. A place where love reigned and hate was rejected. A place anyone could find their dignity.
Mavis is survived by her loving children, Clairmont, Micheal, and Nerissa; her son-in-law, Tony and daughter-in-law, Rayetta; five grandchildren, Ashby, Courtney, Anthony, Michael, and Madeline; sisters, Alfreda, Roceta, Wallis, and Stephanie; brothers, Horace, Edward, Vivian, and Milford; brothers-in-law, Percy, Lionel, and Blythe; sisters-in-law, Yvette, Emily, and Marabelle; and a host of nieces, nephews, grand nieces and nephews, and cousins whom she all loved and cherished just as much as her own.
As a child, Mavis grew up on Ragged Island, Bahamas, a very small island of approximately 400 residents. Since most of the residents of the island were her family, siblings and cousins, this is where the love of family all began. Going to the beach, picking berries, skipping rope, shooting marbles, riding her bike, and playing with her dolls were some of her fondest memories she spent as a young girl. Her mother, Eugenia Lockhart, taught her to sew, crochet, knit, and play cards. Her father, Edward Lockhart, spent time with her fishing, gardening, and cooking. Mavis' parents taught her independence, pride, honesty, good character, and to fear and love God.
As a young adult, Mavis' family moved to Nassau, Bahamas in 1950. It was during this time she started working and her love of community evolved. Her first job was at KS Darling Electrical Company. She often joked that she worked and her sister Roceta spent. She said that her sister would wait for payday to say to Mavis "what are we going to buy with your paycheck." Mavis also worked as a receptionist for Dr. Burnside, a dentist, and later, a local drug store. During these youthful years, she enjoyed going to the gospel hall, visiting her grandparents on weekends, and having free time. Experiencing the community beyond her family, she stayed grounded on the values her parents stressed most – do not want what others have, do not be envious; have respect for others, especially your elders.
It was her job at the drug store that led the 19-year-old Mavis to her husband, Myrtle Oswald Ashby. In her own words, she was attracted to Oswald for his "tall figure, honesty, his stand for law and order, his respect for her, and his respect for her mama's strict dating guidelines." Mavis and Oswald enjoyed bicycling and picnics together since these things were acceptable to her mother. Three years into their courtship, they were engaged; and, on October 17, 1953 her love of family grew when she married Oswald in St. Agnes Episcopal Church in Nassau, Bahamas.
In 1956, Mavis and Oswald moved to Cleveland, Ohio to begin a new life in America. Two years later, Mavis gave birth to her first child, Clairmont Oswald. The family expanded six years later with the birth of Michael Lingard, then two years after, with Marina Nerissa. Mavis was always proud of the family she created with Oswald and was dedicated to their well-being. She worked from home sewing and knitting for her many clients while Oswald worked in management at A&P Grocery Store. There were many happy times together as the family travelled, entertained and visited family and friends, enjoyed going to the movies, and attended the latest ice skating shows, circuses, or parades. Mavis always loved God, but it was during these times that her faith strengthened. She was so determined to raise her children well, she often reached to God for guidance. Mavis wrote that she was "proud to be a mother and accepted the challenge to be the best mother she could be." She strongly felt that if her children were nothing, she was nothing.
In 1972, Mavis' husband died. This is when her love of God, self, family and community collided as Mavis worked to raise three young children while experiencing her own near fatal illness that repeated itself eight years later. God strengthened her…family supported her…the community sustained her…and she willed herself to overcome. She briefly returned to Nassau during this challenging time, but three years later found the strength to finish what she and Oswald started and envisioned for their family in America.
Mavis remarried in 1976 to John Lewis Coes whom she met at a Parents Without Partners meeting in Cleveland. Mavis' young children remained her primary focus. Mavis continued to work out of the home, while John enjoyed self-employment as an Accountant. Years later, she decided to finally take her business out of her home into a gift shop called Bits and Baskets. As the children got older, Mavis slowly started to focus more of her attention towards her love of community and extended family. From complete strangers to foster children to Mavis' close family members, she shared her time, resources, and even extended stays in her home to anymore who needed a new direction. She didn't care that she often did not have the resources to do it – she just always knew that the Lord would provide.
In 1982, Mavis moved to Orlando, Florida to be closer to her aging parents and family in the Bahamas – thus, getting closer to where the love of family all started. She used her sewing and arts and crafts skills to make goods to sell in craft shows and flea markets across Florida and Georgia, and was often sought out by interior designers to make custom home furnishings for well-established clients. Through the years, Mavis watched her children move through college, career, and marriage, while being a caregiver to her ailing husband and battling her own heart condition. But, regardless of the challenges Mavis faced, she always found the time to be a blessing to others – especially young people. She counseled many of her nieces and nephews and other children in the community, she fed the poor in her home, and often gave her last dime to friends and family in need. Her faith never allowed her to worry about her own security -- she gave willingly of herself with love.
In 2001, Mavis recorded a CD titled Love Does Makes Sense. For months, she tried to find the words to heal a friend who doubted love even existed. Her recording is a "vivid portrayal of the truth about love." Mavis expressed love through the five senses: sight, sound, taste, smell, and touch. She believed that when you love completely, all of your senses are engaged and pleasing to you. Mavis' belief in love guided her throughout her life and will endure beyond. In the last few years of her life, she worked tirelessly to speak into existence a vision that encompassed her love of God, self, family and community. The project she called The Dignity House would be a place where young people could go to find the support they need to be successful in life. A place where love reigned and hate was rejected. A place anyone could find their dignity.
Mavis is survived by her loving children, Clairmont, Micheal, and Nerissa; her son-in-law, Tony and daughter-in-law, Rayetta; five grandchildren, Ashby, Courtney, Anthony, Michael, and Madeline; sisters, Alfreda, Roceta, Wallis, and Stephanie; brothers, Horace, Edward, Vivian, and Milford; brothers-in-law, Percy, Lionel, and Blythe; sisters-in-law, Yvette, Emily, and Marabelle; and a host of nieces, nephews, grand nieces and nephews, and cousins whom she all loved and cherished just as much as her own.
Mavis believed in love. Love of God, love of self, love of family, and love of community. Mavis knew that love truly healed all things.
As a child, Mavis grew up on Ragged Island, Bahamas, a very small island of approximately 400 residents. Since most of the residents of the island were her family, siblings and cousins, this is where the love of family all began. Going to the beach, picking berries, skipping rope, shooting marbles, riding her bike, and playing with her dolls were some of her fondest memories she spent as a young girl. Her mother, Eugenia Lockhart, taught her to sew, crochet, knit, and play cards. Her father, Edward Lockhart, spent time with her fishing, gardening, and cooking. Mavis' parents taught her independence, pride, honesty, good character, and to fear and love God.
As a young adult, Mavis' family moved to Nassau, Bahamas in 1950. It was during this time she started working and her love of community evolved. Her first job was at KS Darling Electrical Company. She often joked that she worked and her sister Roceta spent. She said that her sister would wait for payday to say to Mavis "what are we going to buy with your paycheck." Mavis also worked as a receptionist for Dr. Burnside, a dentist, and later, a local drug store. During these youthful years, she enjoyed going to the gospel hall, visiting her grandparents on weekends, and having free time. Experiencing the community beyond her family, she stayed grounded on the values her parents stressed most – do not want what others have, do not be envious; have respect for others, especially your elders.
It was her job at the drug store that led the 19-year-old Mavis to her husband, Myrtle Oswald Ashby. In her own words, she was attracted to Oswald for his "tall figure, honesty, his stand for law and order, his respect for her, and his respect for her mama's strict dating guidelines." Mavis and Oswald enjoyed bicycling and picnics together since these things were acceptable to her mother. Three years into their courtship, they were engaged; and, on October 17, 1953 her love of family grew when she married Oswald in St. Agnes Episcopal Church in Nassau, Bahamas.
In 1956, Mavis and Oswald moved to Cleveland, Ohio to begin a new life in America. Two years later, Mavis gave birth to her first child, Clairmont Oswald. The family expanded six years later with the birth of Michael Lingard, then two years after, with Marina Nerissa. Mavis was always proud of the family she created with Oswald and was dedicated to their well-being. She worked from home sewing and knitting for her many clients while Oswald worked in management at A&P Grocery Store. There were many happy times together as the family travelled, entertained and visited family and friends, enjoyed going to the movies, and attended the latest ice skating shows, circuses, or parades. Mavis always loved God, but it was during these times that her faith strengthened. She was so determined to raise her children well, she often reached to God for guidance. Mavis wrote that she was "proud to be a mother and accepted the challenge to be the best mother she could be." She strongly felt that if her children were nothing, she was nothing.
In 1972, Mavis' husband died. This is when her love of God, self, family and community collided as Mavis worked to raise three young children while experiencing her own near fatal illness that repeated itself eight years later. God strengthened her…family supported her…the community sustained her…and she willed herself to overcome. She briefly returned to Nassau during this challenging time, but three years later found the strength to finish what she and Oswald started and envisioned for their family in America.
Mavis remarried in 1976 to John Lewis Coes whom she met at a Parents Without Partners meeting in Cleveland. Mavis' young children remained her primary focus. Mavis continued to work out of the home, while John enjoyed self-employment as an Accountant. Years later, she decided to finally take her business out of her home into a gift shop called Bits and Baskets. As the children got older, Mavis slowly started to focus more of her attention towards her love of community and extended family. From complete strangers to foster children to Mavis' close family members, she shared her time, resources, and even extended stays in her home to anymore who needed a new direction. She didn't care that she often did not have the resources to do it – she just always knew that the Lord would provide.
In 1982, Mavis moved to Orlando, Florida to be closer to her aging parents and family in the Bahamas – thus, getting closer to where the love of family all started. She used her sewing and arts and crafts skills to make goods to sell in craft shows and flea markets across Florida and Georgia, and was often sought out by interior designers to make custom home furnishings for well-established clients. Through the years, Mavis watched her children move through college, career, and marriage, while being a caregiver to her ailing husband and battling her own heart condition. But, regardless of the challenges Mavis faced, she always found the time to be a blessing to others – especially young people. She counseled many of her nieces and nephews and other children in the community, she fed the poor in her home, and often gave her last dime to friends and family in need. Her faith never allowed her to worry about her own security -- she gave willingly of herself with love.
In 2001, Mavis recorded a CD titled Love Does Makes Sense. For months, she tried to find the words to heal a friend who doubted love even existed. Her recording is a "vivid portrayal of the truth about love." Mavis expressed love through the five senses: sight, sound, taste, smell, and touch. She believed that when you love completely, all of your senses are engaged and pleasing to you. Mavis' belief in love guided her throughout her life and will endure beyond. In the last few years of her life, she worked tirelessly to speak into existence a vision that encompassed her love of God, self, family and community. The project she called The Dignity House would be a place where young people could go to find the support they need to be successful in life. A place where love reigned and hate was rejected. A place anyone could find their dignity.
Mavis is survived by her loving children, Clairmont, Micheal, and Nerissa; her son-in-law, Tony and daughter-in-law, Rayetta; five grandchildren, Ashby, Courtney, Anthony, Michael, and Madeline; sisters, Alfreda, Roceta, Wallis, and Stephanie; brothers, Horace, Edward, Vivian, and Milford; brothers-in-law, Percy, Lionel, and Blythe; sisters-in-law, Yvette, Emily, and Marabelle; and a host of nieces, nephews, grand nieces and nephews, and cousins whom she all loved and cherished just as much as her own.
As a child, Mavis grew up on Ragged Island, Bahamas, a very small island of approximately 400 residents. Since most of the residents of the island were her family, siblings and cousins, this is where the love of family all began. Going to the beach, picking berries, skipping rope, shooting marbles, riding her bike, and playing with her dolls were some of her fondest memories she spent as a young girl. Her mother, Eugenia Lockhart, taught her to sew, crochet, knit, and play cards. Her father, Edward Lockhart, spent time with her fishing, gardening, and cooking. Mavis' parents taught her independence, pride, honesty, good character, and to fear and love God.
As a young adult, Mavis' family moved to Nassau, Bahamas in 1950. It was during this time she started working and her love of community evolved. Her first job was at KS Darling Electrical Company. She often joked that she worked and her sister Roceta spent. She said that her sister would wait for payday to say to Mavis "what are we going to buy with your paycheck." Mavis also worked as a receptionist for Dr. Burnside, a dentist, and later, a local drug store. During these youthful years, she enjoyed going to the gospel hall, visiting her grandparents on weekends, and having free time. Experiencing the community beyond her family, she stayed grounded on the values her parents stressed most – do not want what others have, do not be envious; have respect for others, especially your elders.
It was her job at the drug store that led the 19-year-old Mavis to her husband, Myrtle Oswald Ashby. In her own words, she was attracted to Oswald for his "tall figure, honesty, his stand for law and order, his respect for her, and his respect for her mama's strict dating guidelines." Mavis and Oswald enjoyed bicycling and picnics together since these things were acceptable to her mother. Three years into their courtship, they were engaged; and, on October 17, 1953 her love of family grew when she married Oswald in St. Agnes Episcopal Church in Nassau, Bahamas.
In 1956, Mavis and Oswald moved to Cleveland, Ohio to begin a new life in America. Two years later, Mavis gave birth to her first child, Clairmont Oswald. The family expanded six years later with the birth of Michael Lingard, then two years after, with Marina Nerissa. Mavis was always proud of the family she created with Oswald and was dedicated to their well-being. She worked from home sewing and knitting for her many clients while Oswald worked in management at A&P Grocery Store. There were many happy times together as the family travelled, entertained and visited family and friends, enjoyed going to the movies, and attended the latest ice skating shows, circuses, or parades. Mavis always loved God, but it was during these times that her faith strengthened. She was so determined to raise her children well, she often reached to God for guidance. Mavis wrote that she was "proud to be a mother and accepted the challenge to be the best mother she could be." She strongly felt that if her children were nothing, she was nothing.
In 1972, Mavis' husband died. This is when her love of God, self, family and community collided as Mavis worked to raise three young children while experiencing her own near fatal illness that repeated itself eight years later. God strengthened her…family supported her…the community sustained her…and she willed herself to overcome. She briefly returned to Nassau during this challenging time, but three years later found the strength to finish what she and Oswald started and envisioned for their family in America.
Mavis remarried in 1976 to John Lewis Coes whom she met at a Parents Without Partners meeting in Cleveland. Mavis' young children remained her primary focus. Mavis continued to work out of the home, while John enjoyed self-employment as an Accountant. Years later, she decided to finally take her business out of her home into a gift shop called Bits and Baskets. As the children got older, Mavis slowly started to focus more of her attention towards her love of community and extended family. From complete strangers to foster children to Mavis' close family members, she shared her time, resources, and even extended stays in her home to anymore who needed a new direction. She didn't care that she often did not have the resources to do it – she just always knew that the Lord would provide.
In 1982, Mavis moved to Orlando, Florida to be closer to her aging parents and family in the Bahamas – thus, getting closer to where the love of family all started. She used her sewing and arts and crafts skills to make goods to sell in craft shows and flea markets across Florida and Georgia, and was often sought out by interior designers to make custom home furnishings for well-established clients. Through the years, Mavis watched her children move through college, career, and marriage, while being a caregiver to her ailing husband and battling her own heart condition. But, regardless of the challenges Mavis faced, she always found the time to be a blessing to others – especially young people. She counseled many of her nieces and nephews and other children in the community, she fed the poor in her home, and often gave her last dime to friends and family in need. Her faith never allowed her to worry about her own security -- she gave willingly of herself with love.
In 2001, Mavis recorded a CD titled Love Does Makes Sense. For months, she tried to find the words to heal a friend who doubted love even existed. Her recording is a "vivid portrayal of the truth about love." Mavis expressed love through the five senses: sight, sound, taste, smell, and touch. She believed that when you love completely, all of your senses are engaged and pleasing to you. Mavis' belief in love guided her throughout her life and will endure beyond. In the last few years of her life, she worked tirelessly to speak into existence a vision that encompassed her love of God, self, family and community. The project she called The Dignity House would be a place where young people could go to find the support they need to be successful in life. A place where love reigned and hate was rejected. A place anyone could find their dignity.
Mavis is survived by her loving children, Clairmont, Micheal, and Nerissa; her son-in-law, Tony and daughter-in-law, Rayetta; five grandchildren, Ashby, Courtney, Anthony, Michael, and Madeline; sisters, Alfreda, Roceta, Wallis, and Stephanie; brothers, Horace, Edward, Vivian, and Milford; brothers-in-law, Percy, Lionel, and Blythe; sisters-in-law, Yvette, Emily, and Marabelle; and a host of nieces, nephews, grand nieces and nephews, and cousins whom she all loved and cherished just as much as her own.
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