Obituary of Mildred Ernesta "Ma" Weekes

Mildred Ernesta Weekes–affectionately known as ‘Ma”– was born on October 3rd, 1933 on the island of Barbados in St. Michael to Dolton Downes and Doris Shorey. She grew up with three other siblings, her sisters, Phillis, Euphine, and Marian.

Ma attended primary school in St. Michael before quickly entering the workforce in order to provide for her family.

Ma was a firecracker of a personality and loved being with family; so much, so that she gained the admiration of Livingstone Adolphus Weekes. On June 29, 1963, Ma and Livingstone became wedded at Saint James Methodist Church in St. Michael and together raised eight children: Carlton (Callie), Anderson (Andy), Cleston (Puggie), June Renita, Deborah Ann (Debbie), Cheri Pamela, Alicia Joann, and Oral Orlando (Orie). More love for Ma to spread.

Because of her love for helping others and her desire for a better life for her family, Ma made the sacrificial decision to leave her family to work in the United States in 1970. In New York, Ma selflessly worked in group homes and assisting families; but spent the majority of her career working with the Salvation Army. She worked diligently caring for others; all while planning to move her family to America. Fortunately, they would reunite in 1971, ‘73, and ‘75, respectively. The family would eventually move into their first home in the States in Queens, NY. Ma’s tenaciousness led her to her next venture of gaining citizenship with her husband. The fruits of her labor were paying off. Around April of 2001, after several visits to the area, Ma and Livingstone decided to move to Melbourne, Florida for a well-deserved retirement. There they built a home; one where family near and far would fill with love at every visit.

Ma was blessed to experience her 12 grandchildren: Jamel, Alesia, Joy, Devon, Eva, Alyssa, Kristofer, Stephanie, Ashley, Rashaun, Leighlan, & Lanze, 9 great-grandchildren: Majel, Nadia, Kylie, Khazyni, Korbin, Kylo, Oulla, Noriah, & Kaizer, and a great, great-grandchild: Khalid.

To know Ma is to know that she gave tough and honest love; but ultimately was a caring and selfless person. She did for others so that they could do for themselves, comfortably. She believed in working hard and in the end, God will reward you; and when you are rewarded, help others along the way. In practicing what she exemplified, Ma regularly made charitable donations to organizations such as Salvation Army. She was the epitome of what perseverance, compassion, and unwavering love is.

On December 9th, 2023, Mildred Ernesta Weekes peacefully transitioned to be with our Lord while surrounded by her loved ones. She leaves behind her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, a great, great-grandchild, and a great deal of family and friends. Although leaving this life, we find comfort in knowing that she is rewarded for all the lives she has touched during her time with us. “Well done thou good and faithful servant...

A funeral service will be held on Thursday, December 21, 2023, at Ammen Family Cremation and Funeral Care 950 Malabar Road Palm Bay, Florida, with visitation from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. followed by a service.