Perlina Esmina McKie nee John/Gilbert was born on 24th February, 1932 in the Marriaqua Valley to James Gilbert and Lydia John at Glenside. She attended the Marriaqua Government School until the age of 12 when she migrated to Curacao. During her youth she was given the name ‘Sybil’ which stayed with her for her lifetime. She migrated to Curacao to live with her father who had moved there to work in the oil refineries. She would recall to us her days of speaking Papiamento, attending a girls Catholic School there and having to speak to her father through the fence of the refinery as he would be away for days due to the war effort at that time. In 1948, she married a Vincentian young man working in Curacao, Gabriel McKie. The union produced four (4) children: William, Carmela, Shirley and Felix. She would later have two more sons: Barnet and Dwayne.
In 1955, she returned to St. Vincent and settled in the valley. There she would ply her trade as a seamstress. She was sought by all to make clothes for all occasions whether it be weddings, funerals or school uniforms. Up to this day the Singer machine which is over 60 years old sits at our home and as children when we would play on it she would tell us “Come off of that. It’s older than your mother!”
She was also alot more to the community. She was the village counselor and would be called upon to give counsel when needed whether by parents, children or spouses. She would be called upon to act as nurse to administer first aid when needed. Her home was always open to those in need, whether in need of a hot meal or a good word, she was there to provide it for all.
In 1975, she became a Community Health Aide. She worked in all areas of the Marriaqua Valley with the sick and shut in. She would walk the hills to visit the old persons and report their health conditions. I can still remember seeing her in her cream suit going off to work in the morning and returning in the evening. I was amazed over a year ago to find one of her old note books where she would make notes on her visits. She did this work tirelessly for 17 years and retired in 1992. It was here that her sense of compassion, care and generosity came out fully and what she would be remembered for in the community.
She was a member of several organizations including the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Red Cross to which she gave many years of service. She was honoured by many for her tireless work in the community including The Seventh Day Adventist Church and the Community Nursing Service.
My grandmother was a woman of prayer. I would awake to her singing in the morning which would last till mid-morning. Her life was one grounded in Christian principles which she passed on to her children and grandchildren. She was faithful to the end and as I recall would take me to church with her as a young child.
She was woman of style. As one family friend recalled, “No young girl had as much pep as Ms. McKie did. “ She would dress the best and her style only showed out the inner beauty.
She lived out her life in retirement, where one would pass and see her sitting on her porch overlooking the road and recalling her days of youth.
The Lord called her home on Wednesday 11th May in the early morning hours.
She is survived by 6 children, 28 grandchildren, 4 great grandchildren, 6 brothers, 4 sisters, many nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.
Good bye Granny. We will meet on that faithful day at the Pearly gates of Heaven.
Eternal Rest Grant unto her O lord, And May Perpetual Light Shine on her. Amen.
Eternal Rest Grant unto her O lord, And May Perpetual Light Shine on her. Amen.
