Myrtle Anita Cooke Thompson’s passing was the completion of a life well lived, not a life interrupted. She was born May 3, 1925 in Hampden, Trelawny Parish, to Cathrine and Edward Cooke, the youngest of six children.
Her early education was at Hampden Elementary. Later in life, she was blessed to give birth to two children, Lloyd Victor and Norma Anita.
As a young woman, she left Hampden for Montego Bay. Already an accomplished seamstress, she became an astute business woman, owning her own grocery store. Her love for sewing and making clothes followed her throughout her many years.
In 1957, she migrated to England, following many other Islanders for better opportunities. There, she worked in Bristol at a local hospital and had married Keith Thompson. She continued her ambition to be a business woman by opening a trucking business with her husband.
The 1980's drew her to America, to South Florida, where she joined other family members and her sister, Ethlyn, or Aunt Bell, as family members affectionately called her. Both women lived in their respective homes initially in Lauderdale Lakes. And Myrtle babysat many children in the community when she was able.
Both of them relied on a very special nephew, Dennis Tucker, who was always there for them – with his generosity, kindness and support for whatever they needed, whenever they needed it.
When Aunt Bell came down with Parkinson’s disease, Myrtle made sure her sister was properly cared for. Though Myrtle didn’t drive, she often would walk several blocks to Aunt Bell’s home to check on her. Eventually the two women moved together into a home in Inverrary. When Aunt Bell finally departed this life in November 2007, Myrtle lost a little of her life’s purpose.
Over the next decade, she lived with her daughter, then her son, and again with her daughter in Las Vegas.
On March 24, 2020, she departed this life peacefully. She was a few weeks shy of her 95th birthday. She was pre-deceased by her siblings: Louise, Avis, Mina, Ethlyn, and Sydney.
She leaves to cherish her memory: son, Lloyd Barrett, daughter Norma Thompson, special nephew Dennis Tucker, seven grandchildren, thirteen great-grands, three great-great grands and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and an extended family who loved her dearly.
The family of Myrtle Thompson would like to express their appreciation to all who have extended their prayers and condolences during our loss. May God bless you all.
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