Tribute to Muriel Fraser

Fri, Mar 9. 2012

by Carlita Cordice nee Jack

THE FAMILY TREE:

One married Velox One married Richards

Barrouallie

The families remained close

Muriel Eudora Vellox was the first child of Cyril and Alice Velox. Muriel’s siblings were Maclaren, Alston, Norris, John, Vilma, Vibert and Carol.

Left to mourn Muriel’s journey’s end are Vibert and Carol.

Merla Layne’s wedding was a big occasion in Barrouallie: Muriel and myself were her flower girls.

Since Vilna took a long time coming, Muriel’s relationship with me was like sisters. Nevertheless, Muriel had a real sister at Buccament – Stella whose mother was Pronella, also the late Pearlina Velox of Layou, mother of Sir Louis Straker. Muriel and Stella got along well and became close.

Muriel attended Layou Government School and thereafter to the St Vincent Girls’ School. She then stayed with Nennie Jack, also called Aunt Blanche. At Aunt Blanche, the highlight was morning prayers at 6 A.M. every morning – we had to pray, read passages from the Bible and sing Hymns and Choruses.

Muriel went back to Layou after leaving the St Vincent Girls High School and did some teaching at the Layou Government School.

In 1946 Muriel and Lyle Fraser got married in Layou. I was her Bridesmaid.

Then in 1947 I left for England and never saw her again until 1952 on my return to St Vincent. By this time, Muriel and Lyle, with their family, were in Georgetown, where Lyle was stationed. I spent some time with them on and off.

Muriel was a good wife and mother. She made sure that her family was comfortable and showed them much love. Her mother supported her in this and she learned well – her husband and children loved her and this reminded me of Proverbs Chapter 31, Vs 10 – 12, Vs 15- 18 Vs 2o – 23, Vs 25 – 26, Vs 28 – 30.

10 Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies.

11 The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil.

12 She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life.

15 She riseth also while it is yet night, and giveth meat to her household, and a portion to her maidens.

16 She considereth a field, and buyeth it: with the fruit of her hands she planteth a vineyard.

17 She girdeth her loins with strength, and strengtheneth her arms.

18 She perceiveth that her merchandise is good: her candle goeth not out by night.

20 She stretcheth out her hand to the poor; yea, she reacheth forth her hands to the needy.

21 She is not afraid of the snow for her household: for all her household are clothed with scarlet.

22 She maketh herself coverings of tapestry; her clothing is silk and purple.

23 Her husband is known in the gates, when he sitteth among the elders of the land.

25 Strength and honour are her clothing; and she shall rejoice in time to come.

26 She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness.

28 Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her.

29 Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all.

30 Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the LORD, she shall be praised.

Lately, when Muriel came down to St Vincent for Winter Vacations, I visited her at Cane Garden. We spoke on many subjects, but mostly spiritual things. We reminisced about our early years when she stayed with my mother [fondly called Aunt Blanche & Nennie Jack] and we both learnt much from the Bible – Faith, Patience, Love, Truth, Prayer without ceasing, Forgiveness and giving oneself to Christ.

I feel that she made the Journey to the place where Christ prepared for her. My advice to her children – Jean, Dawn, Peter, Sharon, Debbie and Donna is to make sure your journey ends at the place Christ prepared for you. Amen.