Eloise Lucene, affectionately known as "Deli", Wilmott nee Cargill was the seventh child of the late Elmore John Cargill, and the fourth child and only girl of the union of the late Elmore John Cargill and Olive Glass-Cargill. She was born in the peaceful settlement of Calabash Bay, Andros, on October 4, 1928, and was baptized and confirmed at St. Gabriel's Catholic Church in Calabash Bay, sealing her undaunted Catholic faith. She remained a devout Roman Catholic all of her life and upon leaving Andros and relocating to New Providence, she worshipped at St. Joseph's for more than 20 years; after relocating to South Beach in 1969, she transferred to Holy Family Roman Catholic Church for an extended period, and was later pivotal in the formation of the Church of the Resurrection, and remained an active member of the Ladies' Auxiliary, a group she pioneered along with several of the church women who later became her life-long friends.

Prior to moving to Nassau, while attending the 'All Aged School' in Calabash Bay, Deli met and fell in love with a tall dashing young man, Arlington James Wilmott Sr. He swept her off her feet, and made her his loving devoted wife from 12th October 1953, until his home-going on 12th May 1991, a union that lasted 38 years. This holy union produced and nurtured fourteen (14) children, five (5) of whom predeceased them. Deli was a faithful wife, and an exceptional mother; she was truly a virtuous woman; one who never compromised her morals as she always spoke the truth. She didn't speak harshly, but she spoke boldly, and always with love in her heart and tone; a characteristic inherited by her "baby girl" Delene. Deli toddled and nurtured her children, her adopted children, as well as her nieces and nephews. Her home warmly welcomed her family and strangers alike. She was so warm and generous that many of her nieces and nephews, and on her insistence, lived with her and her family when they left Andros to settle in Nassau. She was especially fond of Freddie and Kendall, treating them as if they were her own children.

From the early days, Deli loved Arlington "Linky" and Pam unconditionally, and they treated her also as if she was their birth mother – she assimilated them into her family fold without reservation, and with great love. Being the oldest, they helped her to take care of the rest of the children and continue to play the maternal and paternal roles they inherited today. Pam from the early days would ensure that all of the girl's hair was neatly braided and ready to properly represent the Wilmott family; she helped with the household chores and taught her younger sisters what to do to keep a clean house; for Deli had high standards that had to be maintained. Linky, who lived with his Dad and Deli for a while, witnessed first-hand how she doted on her young family. He would be the stronger older brother, to whom the younger ones looked up to, all with Deli's seal of approval.

A special place was reserved in her heart for her boys, like most mothers' do; maybe because they were constant reminders of their father, all sprinkled with various attributes from him. Edison, who was the twinkle in her eye, from his height to his generous heart, held the key to her heart looking most like his father. He received her compassion, humility and respectful disposition towards all persons. He would help her with any task and was quick to be at her side to grant any request. To this day, and similar to Deli, he would give the shirt off his back to anyone in need. About seven years ago, Floyd took Edison under his wing, providing him employment and responsibility that changed his life; this brought great joy to their mother's heart, as she started to realize her prayers were being answered and her children were continuing to live as one.

She saw the manifestation of her life-long love for her husband in different ways, as all of her boys exhibited an industrious spirit inherited from their father, mingled with various positive attributes from her directly. Levi assumed the role of guardian; from the early years she groomed him to be a provider, a counselor, and protector of his younger siblings. Her quiet disposition is ingrained in Levi and Judson, while her determination in all of her children. She raised them all to not easily be deterred and to boldly face any odds against them. Judson was groomed similar to Levi; being the astute person she was, however, she quickly encouraged him to pursue higher education, for she saw his academic potential and was proud of his accomplishments.

Andre', Floyd and Don brought an instant spark to her heart, in them she had an instant reminder of the dashing man who stole her heart many years ago. Andre', while inheriting her quiet spirit, also was blessed with her uncanny ability to organize anything. They both shared the characteristic to zoom in, focus on the problem, and provide a sound solution. She would instantly light up from the sound of his voice on the phone and would easily provide him with advice on any matter that he brought to her listening ear.

In Floyd, her quietness was not evident; however, he instead received the gift of giving, that she was renowned for. They both would give their last to anyone in need without hesitation and stand up for what they believed in. Floyd was nicknamed "Cuds" because he was always chewing, indulging in her culinary delights with the largest portions distributed to him. Floyd ensured his Mom was provided for, he constantly showered her with provisions and gifts so that she never wanted for anything. She only had to wish and it would be granted.

Her "baby boy", Don, was instinctively protected from his older brothers from birth, but she still had a way of soothing any conflict with equity and love. When she heard his voice or saw his face, she would instantly respond with an ever so gentle, "My baby boy". A consummate peacemaker in the family, Don, would not complain or say harsh words to anyone; to him was transferred the gift of being a reconciler, a very important role in large families.

Being a devoted Catholic, she was very active in her various parish families, and was one of the founding members of the Ladies Auxiliary of the Church of the Resurrection, along with Mrs. Sawyer, Mrs. Bowe, Mrs. Cox, Mrs. Collie and the deceased Mrs. Butler. In actuality, she hosted at her home, the initial meetings providing each meeting with a cooked meal, all at her expense. She played a very critical role in the fund raising efforts for the church and insisted that all of her girls contribute equally and match her efforts. Many food preparations for the church such as cook-outs and other fund raisers emanated from Deli's kitchen, and her able helpers, Therese, Sanny and Nene could not help but inherit her cooking and organizational skills. Her commitment to church building and communal life extended beyond her Catholic faith, as she opened her doors to welcome and assisted the new church community of All Saints Anglican Church, prior to their permanent home in Joan's Height. She assisted Fr. Addison Turnquest, the then All Saints parish priest, who she and her husband knew from the early days in Calabash Bay, Andros. In actuality, he frequently called on the Wilmotts, as well as other families in the community of South Beach and Bamboo Blvd, to help build the church and they always answered the call without question.

Sandrea, "Sanny" was a carbon copy of her mother in mannerism, and looks, but she did not inherit her beautiful hair. Sanny assumed the matriarchal role early in life, thus ensuring all went well with her siblings. She received her gift of compassion and would gently speak truth to power while being a protector for those who required assistance. She would drop anything to help her siblings and mother; for she helped with her care, while ensuring her comfort and needs were met to the standard in which she was taught by this stellar matriarch, Deli

Delene, the baby of the family, was relegated as the "family's pet" from early in life she had no chores and was given whatever she wanted by her Mom, and her siblings followed suit. She was the last button on Jacob's coat who did no wrong in the eyes of her mother. Nene, like all of her girls, reciprocated her love in the best way possible, through action. Nene, Sanny and Therese took shifts around the clock ensuring their mother needed for nothing. They provided care and companionship so that her earthly burden would be light and her final journey would be comfortable.

Deli's home, on Sundays from the early 1970s, until the day of her death, was a place of solace, communal love, and "the place to be" for a good meal. Family and friends were always welcomed to relish in her "sweet pots". With the passage of time and problems with her legs, Deli had to relinquish control of her beloved kitchen, but ensured that her girls, particularly Sanny and Rese would not miss a beat; Nene tried, but could not keep up. In fact, the passing of the baton extended beyond her girls as many of her nieces and nephews brought her favorite foods to her in recompense – they knew the value of family and how important it was to share. Everyone knew how much she loved crab n dough, crab n rice, actually crab anyway possible; she was a true Androsian at heart. She also loved conch salad, red snapper, bone fish and turtle (from the early years) especially. She particularly loved fish, baked fish and steamed turtle with crab n rice was lovingly brought by her niece Tonya, along with homemade "conky-joe" bread and her favorite cakes. Brenda, another niece, would supply her beloved baked crab, and brought her last baked crab, which she truly enjoyed immediately after her last hospitalization. Deli loved Bahamian culinary delights and would brag about how her nieces and nephews cooked so well. She truly enjoyed Deborah's peas soup n dough because it was the "real Bahamian soup". It would be remiss if we left out her grill specials from her nieces Vanria and Beverly (now deceased), with Algernon and Lamar bringing his grill mastery to the table for her finger licking delight. Her adopted son, the Rt. Hon. Hubert Ingraham would not be undone, for along with visiting her often and mentoring her son Floyd, he supplied her with fresh fish caught by his very hands, ensuring fish was always available in her freezer.

She shared very close and special relationships with her siblings and in-laws from the time anyone can recall. One would say Deli loved her family unconditionally, and the close relationships she shared with all her siblings and in-laws were beyond exceptional. She became the Cargill Family Matriarch, upon the passing of her older sisters and her love and care extended to both the immediate and extended family. She had a way of drawing relatives to her home with a warmth and smile that radiated from her heart of gold. She exemplified what it was to be a Christian woman. She spent hours on the phone talking with her Sister-in-laws, particularly Madge, a bond that spanned the test of time. They talked daily, and sometimes for hours, sharing many secrets that both Cargill women would not even tell to their children or husbands. No doubt, the topics always evolved around the latest events in their children's lives, particularly the political hardships faced by their two sons after May 2012. There bond was so entwined that Deli answered her Masters call on Madge's 83rd birthday.

From the beginning of recollection to this day, Deli never held malice or ill-will towards anyone. In fact, she had no enemies and made it her duty to love and was loved by all she encountered in this life.

In 1992, when her beloved PLP party lost the general election to her adopted son, the Rt. Hon. Hubert Alexander Ingraham, she and her Sister-in-law, Madge Cargill, took to bed for two weeks in mourning, while her beloved son, Floyd, and nephew, Ashley, celebrated "the victory" of the Free National Movement. She was a supporter of the Progressive Liberal Party to the end, but to put it simply, Deli loved the Bahamas! She loved to travel to her favorite places in Andros, better known as "the Big Yard," and her mother's birthplace - Exuma. In actuality, Therese was in the process of planning their trip to Exuma for later this month, but that was not meant to be. A journey was already preordained by the Savior, to a place called Heaven; her final voyage.

Deli's special gems were her grandchildren, for they each held a special place in her heart. Levitte was more than a grand-daughter to Deli especially as she was intricately involved in her Grammy's care and assisted Therese in any way possible. At the tender age of 3 days old, Deli and Therese took Levitte into their home and hearts, raising her from that day to today, with all the love she could handle. As a matter of fact, when Shabron was born, Deli took him over and from that day to her last, he answered firstly to her, and not his Mom, Therese. All who knew and celebrated birthdays with her, would know that if she didn't give Jai-le the first piece of cake, there would be no birthday. From little children, her grands consumed her heart, they were always welcomed with a hug, big smile and great love. At various points in their lives, many of her grandchildren resided with her, Jannah, TiRon and Tammy (now deceased) basked in the joy of living with their Grammy. Kayshan, Kayshawn and Kayla, were recent beneficiaries of her love and generosity as they lived and spent quality time with her.

In the later days of her life, Deli had limited mobility but as she said, "I may not be able to walk but upstairs (tapping her head) is still perking". Even though she was independent, her physical limitations did not affect her spirit. She depended on her loved ones to move her about, with her favorite lifter being Shawn, better known as "One Lift." She would quickly state this fact to anyone around, with her finger pointed in the air. "One lift" she would say, while wearing that glowing smile. For it only took one loving lift for Shawn to gently and correctly place her wherever she needed to go. Her grand-son Andre' thought he could unseat One Lift, and although he tried his best to lift his Grammy about, she relegated him as "Number Two".

While her health failed, and until the very end, Therese was undoubtedly a constant caregiver at her Mom's side. No matter the request, no matter the situation, her "Rese" was by her side taking care of her. Therese devoted her life to the care and welfare of her Mom, being her constant companion, driver, and caregiver, a small reciprocation as her Mom was her best friend and confidant. Therese ensured that her Mom's every wish was granted, from travel, to meals, to 24-hour nursing care, doing this all with love and the utmost respect. She never felt and of course, never showed, that her Mom was a burden; she treated her as a gift to be nurtured, loved and treasured.

All her children, in their own way, ensured their Mom was number one in their lives, from taking care of all of her financial needs to keeping her abreast of their family lives, soliciting her ever loving advice whenever necessary. They all, without exception, treated her as the Queen , a role she so rightly deserved, for she in life received her blessings for all the good deeds she did for others, and from her children and grand-children, who all loved her, and did not hesitate to proclaim this love to anyone who would listen. Sensing her time was near, she left all of her loved ones with words of wisdom and blessings, while praying for them in her special way.

Deli's final admittance to hospital was on October 16th; her children ensured someone was with her all the time. Many family and friends visited, each knowing how important she was not only to them individually, but the matriarchal role she played in the Cargill family. On October 24th while in hospital, telling those at her bedside how to live as one, and at peace, with all mankind, she paused, saying: "Wow, that is a beautiful picture; the Master just opened the gate for me. The Master is calling, the Master is calling, the Master is calling." At that time, she looked towards the ceiling and with outstretched arms proclaimed, "As much as I love you all, when the Master calls, I must go with him." A direct testament to her favorite Psalm which was Psalm 27, verse 4:

One thing I ask from the Lord,
this only do I seek:
that I may dwell in the house of the Lord
all the days of my life,
to gaze on the beauty of the Lord
and to seek him in his temple.

God in his infinite wisdom, did not let her in at that time, but as she later said, "The Lord has written my name in the book, I have said yes, but the ink is not dry yet". He allowed her more time with her family, and she used this opportunity to remind them that her lasting prayer was that they stay together and continue to live as "One..

On her last day alive, November 2, 2014, with her nurses and Delene at her bedside, as Therese just walked out briefly, with the song "Yes Lord" playing softly in the background, around 1:45pm upon hearing the verse ,"I say yes, Lord yes" with a large sigh she answered His final call, while holding the hands of Delene, Therese and Don. They led the prayer that ushered her quietly to her Master's side to permanently gaze on the beauty of His face.

Eloise Lucene "Deli" finally answered her Master's call, with her final words on this Earth being an acclamation to her family, that "God is good all the time".