Clarice Lyn Williams

Clarice Lyn Williams (Merle), age 75 of White Plains NY, passed away peacefully on Monday June 21, 2021 after a long illness. Born April 16, 1946 in Portland, Jamaica W.I., she was the daughter of the late Emmeline Prince and William Andrews. She was the youngest of eight siblings who predeceased her.

Clarice is survived by her three children, Dwight (England), Donna (USA) and Howard  (Jamaica). Three grandsons Brian Lenox, Bruce and Howard Jr, two great grandsons and one great granddaughter. Clarice had numerous nieces, nephews, great nieces, and great nephews.

Her nieces Hyacinth, Ronia, Juliet and her cousin Dr. Susan Anderson were very close to her. The relationship between herself and Hyacinth was akin to sisterhood while for Ronia it was like mother-daughter. They really supported each other when faced with life’s challenges.

After graduating from high school in Portland, Clarice moved to Kingston as a young woman to begin  her career at the Public Works Department in Administration. Clarice, like many of her Jamaican peers, enjoyed leisure time with family and friends. She specifically loved spending time in Port Royal by the picturesque port where she often dined on traditional Jamaican fare. She was an occasional spectator of Jamaican horse racing at Caymanas Park. Clarice was a natural athlete in build and stature and a skilled swimmer. She enjoyed nature and the outdoors.

Clarice emigrated to New York in 1978 in search of career and financial opportunities. On her arrival she worked as a nurse’s assistant. Clarice had deep empathy and natural skills in caring for patients. She treated them with the utmost respect and dignity. As a Health Care Worker she was compassionate and loved working with children and seniors. She retired as a Direct Care Counselor for People with Disabilities at the Cerebral Palsy of Westchester, located in Rye Brook, NY.

Clarice lived a full life. She was a member of Proceeding Word Ministries Inc., loved traveling locally and internationally and had continual contact and engagement with her family and friends. Her social circles included keeping up with peers, friends and family abroad as well as her past employers who cherished the quality of care she had shown them. As an extremely creative person, Clarice admired and collected art and design objects. She spent her weekends diligently searching through estate sales for antiques, uniquely designed furniture and functional objects. She admired the craftsmanship and whimsy of these collectables which brought genuine delight to her life.

She had the biggest heart. She was generous and selfless to a fault. Clarice always gave the last of what she had and would do without to show her solidarity and support to those in need. The joy she received from helping family and friends always superseded her own needs in that moment.

Clarice will be deeply missed by her family, friends and all who knew her.