Mrs. Melva (Wheatley) George passed away on Monday, May 13, at her home, surrounded by her family. Melva was born on Feb. 3, 1938, in North Sound, Virgin Gorda, BVI, to proud parents: Lawrence and Venetia (Creque) Wheatley.
She married the love of her life, Delford George, on Nov. 15, 1964. Melva was a homemaker who loved the Lord and accepted Christ at an early age. She loved attending church and singing hymns on the radio with her husband.
She also loved working with her hands and shared her gift with everyone. Melva was an astute seamstress who always had a needle or a crochet hook nearby, as she loved making clothing, school uniforms and crocheted items for the people in her community. In addition, Melva loved cooking and baking for her friends and family, but her real passion was using her connections to keep up with the personal stories that spread throughout th islands.
Melva leaves to cherish her most precious memory her loving and devoted husband of 60 years, Delford George of Major Bay, Tortola, residing on St. Thomas; four daughters: Veronica “Ronnie” George of Baltimore, Md., Valencia “Val” George of Orlando, Fla., Norine (Ivan) Fahie of Peoria, Ill., and Latticia “Tisha” George of Orlando, Fla.; four sons: Benson George and Lester “Edgy” George of St. Thomas, Renwick “Makimba” George of Orlando, Fla. and Joseph “Matrix” George of Jacksonville Fla.; sister, Lucille Baptiste of Virgin Gorda; brother, Dale “Blondie” Wheatley of Virgin Gorda; 22 grandchildren; 22 great-grandchildren; and sisters-in-law: Estelle Wheatley, Olga Wheatley and Vivian Wheatley.
She is also survived by her brother-in-law, Vernal Walters Sr.; uncle, Henry Wheatley; nieces: Recina Baptiste, Cherine “Nuka” Baptiste, Larecia “Susie” Baptiste-Young, Roberta Jackson, Mildred Walters-Clarke, Miriam Walters-Francis, Lorelyn Walters-Gibson, Dr. Cassander Titley-O’Neal, Lorraine Wheatley, Marva Wheatley-Dawson, Tahima Callwood, Jeanette Wheatley, Princess Danisha Wheatley, Princess Dasha Maria Wheatley, Arleen Greaux and Arrisa Blyden; and nephews: Lawrence Wheatley, Byron Wheatley, Sydney Wheatley, Charles “Jeff” Wheatley, Willis “Bozo” Wheatley, Orlinton “Puck” Baptiste, Denroy “Fraso” Baptiste, Lenford “Bolo” Baptiste, Avery “Buncha” Baptiste, Reynold Walters, Travis Walters, Trevor Walters and Vernal Walters Jr.
Other survivors include first cousins and extended family: Melvin Clifton, Sharlene Cory, Ulric “Tony” Creque, Velma George, Bernard George, Wendell George, Allen George, Ashburn Harrigan, Henry Harrigan, Dean Harrigan, Ena Lewis, Jacqui Mark, Arlene Parsons, Rosalie Skelton, Honorable Premier Natalio Wheatley, Honorable Vincent Wheatley, Pastor Albert Wheatley, Luana Wheatley, Dr. Clayton Wheatley, Maurice Wheatley, Lorindon Wheatley, Michael Wheatley, Norbert Wheatley, Nervin Wheatley, Reynaldo Wheatley, Verne Wheatley and Roxanne Wright; special friends: Olga Melissa Stevens and Eleanor Blyden; and a host of other relatives and friends too numerous to mention.
She was preceded in death by her parents: Lawrence and Venetia (Creque) Wheatley; brothers: Lowell Wheatley, Wilmore Wheatley and Hilford Wheatley; sister, Gwendolyn Wheatley; daughter, Sheila Murraine; and niece, Victorine Creque.
The first viewing will be held from 4-6 p.m., Friday, June 7, at Turnbull’s Funeral Home (3815 Crown Bay No. 10, St. Thomas). The second viewing will be held at 9 a.m. followed by a funeral service at 10 a.m., Saturday, June 8, at Turnbull’s Funeral Home. Melva will be laid to rest at the Eastern Cemetery in Smith Bay, St. Thomas.
Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Turnbull’s Funeral Home. *Tributes can be sent to the attention of Norine Fahie at norine1972@gmail.com
