Early in 1929, in the quaint town of Nassau, on the 9th day of January, Evelena Adderley-Whymns of Ramsey Exuma, in  partnership with Ronald Gordon of Trinidadian descent, gave birth to her only child. Given the names Mildred Louise, translated 'gentle strength' and warrior/long standing', these representations embodied the life and character of Mildred as her story unfolded over time.

Mildred ('Mil', 'Millie', 'Ms. Mildred') received formal schooling at the church school on Hawkins Hill and later at Western Senior, where she was chosen to recite a poeem on the occasion of a visiting dignitary from Britain. This was a proud moment for her, her lifelong habit, especially the traditional church hymns. She in turn introduced her children to Christ, conducting Friday worship at sunset and attending church each Sabbath morning, prayers during the week.

Her gentle strength was demonstrated in her love of her family-her mother whom she cared for and kept close to her, her five children, her friends and her neighbours. Her children recall her 'toting' two at a time on her bicycle during the 1960's, cream of wheat for breakfast, peanut butter/jam sandwiches for lunch and when she discovered lasagna, she prepared it for years. She baked bread and made coconut tarts for sale, but found herself giving (and crediting i.e., 'trusting') her wares to the neighbourhood children. She kept records, but did not enforce them.

Mildred was a giving person and wanted to beocome a nurse. This dream was not to be realised, so she found other ways to serve. She became a domestic worker and she was strong-working in Cable Beach at several homes, sometimes three in one day, catching jitneys (and sometimes running) from one house to the next and returning to babysit at night to help to feed her children. She was a saver, and from her humble earnings was able to secure a 'lot' at Golden Gates II on which she later built a house, where she proudly lived the rest of her life.

Mildred was a diciplined worker, a warrior, toiling without complaint. Employed at Bahamas Academy from 1978 as custodian, sometimes she would ride sideways on the back of her son's scooter to get to work on time. At the school she was more than custodian. She assisted in the cafeteria and her 'little room' became a haven for students. She cleaned soiled uniforms, located books, provided lunch, and became a confidant. We doubt that she ever missed a day of work at the school. She retired in 2000 and wanted to work even longer.

Mildred was loyal, her friends were friends for life. She shared fond memories of special friends from childhood in the Grants Town/Woods Alley area and gained new friends while residing in Bahama Avenue (the Grove) and Golden Gates II. Many Sundays she would walk to Bamboo Town to spend time with her special friend-talking, laughing and each encouraging the other. Mildred ironed for her and she sewed for Mildred-a beautiful relationship.

In 1999, Mildred celebrated her 70th birthday and at a celebration in her honour she was 'crowned' and titled 'our queen'. Typically content to be 'in the shadows' she basked in this moment. A few years after her retirement in 2000 she developed Alzheimer's disease, however was quite functional and kept her warm personality. She did however, become more uninhibited and when singing would end each song with a soprano crescendo, whether at home, or in church and dancing at family gatherings to her and our delight! Whenever we missed her, she could be found at the sink washing dishes, or outside picking leaves. Many will recall some of her favourite sayings during these years addressing both family and strangers with the compliment 'You are one of the best!', an admonishing ladies 'not to let anyone fool with them, or else I will deal with them.' She showed her adoration of children commenting on how 'cute' and 'nice' they were, and would engage strangers in warm conversation wherever she went.

During late February Mildred displayed signs of ill health, was hospitalized, the discharged on March 24th. She spent nine days convalescing at home, and in the early hours of Thursday 3rd April, 2014, having lived and loved, her life of service came to a peaceful end, as she bid farewell. We have firm hope that she will awaken in the first resurrection- 'blessed are the meek:for they shall inherit the earth' Mathew 5:5. Amen.