Kathleen Davis was born on 17th May 1900 at Briar Hall, Christ Church, Barbados. When Malcolm died on the third of January 1966, she would have been 65. She had a long life, and she was the only grandparent to know our children. She lived to see all four of them!
When Grandad died, Kathleen was moved to the Home for Indigent and Elderly Ladies, “Banavie”, 4th Avenue Belleville, St Michael. She was happy there, as many of her friends and relatives were living there. They would all meet in the large drawing room and talk about days gone by.
Almair Home, “Banavie.” Click on image to visit Facebook page.
Late in her life, Kathleen had a problem with fainting. Her doctor told her that blood was not getting to her brain, and that she would have to wear a neck brace. My little children started to refer to her as “the grannie with the neck brace!”
Party at Bannatyne, Christ Church: Herbert, Kathleen wearing brace and my Aunt June deep in conversation.
Kathleen died about 1994. I was living in Florida, USA, so I did not witness her last days. She will always be remembered as a gracious and kind lady. I was so glad that my wife and children had the opportunity to meet and know her. Even though her life was difficult at times, she was always well dressed and well mannered.
Herbert died in 1996 and it became easier for his wife Marjorie to travel.
When I (Ian) was exploring Wales, I came across the Ty Cook Farm. It was also a Bed and Breakfast. This old house reminded me of the “Plantation Great Houses” in Barbados. I enjoyed my visit so much that I returned with my family in 1998.
1998 Ty Cook, Wales: Marjorie, Laura, Kathy, Ian, Michelle, Joanna and Peter
Mummy loved to go on vacations with us. We were headed down to Merlin’s Cave in Cornwall, England when she asked us to take a photo in front of this sign!
1998 Near Merlin’s Cave, North Cornwall, England: Marjorie and Peter
In 2002, Marjorie attended the wedding of Summer her eldest granddaughter. This photo was taken at Bakers Plantation which was owned by Summer’s maternal grandparents.
2002 Bakers Plantation: Sharon, Anthony, Marjorie, Summer and George
Here we are on the beach of Craigwell. Spion Kop would be on the right. Craigwell and Spion Kop were owned by Kingsland Estates Ltd. Kathy used to live at Spion Kop.
2002, Craigwell, Barbados: Marjorie watches Kathy and four children swimming
In 2003, Marjorie went with Ian’s family to Yosemite National Park in California. I am looking for those photos.
These were taken on 5th June 2005. Marjorie held a party for her family at the Crane Hotel.
2005 Crane Hotel: Kathy, Joanna, Laura, Peter, Anthony, Marjorie, Madge, Michelle, Sharon and her daughter
2005 Crane Hotel, Barbados: Ronnie, Anthony, Marjorie and Ian with Crane Beach in the background
This is Marjorie’s apartment in Barbados. The mahogany furniture is the same that I grew up with!
14th June 2005, Barbados: Marjorie with her tanned grandchildren – Peter, Joanna, Laura and Michelle
In late May of 2009, Marjorie flew from Texas to Miami.
Marjorie’s granddaughter married Ben in 2009.
May 2009 Waco, Texas: Madge and Marjorie watch Ben and Michelle cut the wedding cake
Mummy was always game to try new things. Below we are eating at Rudy’s where there are no plates – the food is served on a sheet of grease proofed paper!
May 2009 Rudy’s, Waco, Texas: Ron, Marjorie and Madge
After flying from Barbados to Texas, Marjorie went to Miami, Florida. This was taken at Ian and Kathy’s home in Kendall, Miami. Christine Baldini was visiting and here she is showing Marjorie some photos on her camera.
Marjorie then flew with Ian to London, England to celebrate the eightieth birthday of her brother George. The party was on the 6th of June, 2009.
Marjorie also visited her family in England.
June 2009, England: Marjorie with her grand nieces, Penny’s childre
Ron is probably paddling my homemade yellow Folbot, as he is holding one of the paddles I made for that kayak
Ron and I were touring the Deering Estate in Miami when I took this:
Deering Estate, Miami, Florida
When my daughter Michelle was married in Texas, we rented Judge Baylor House to accommodate visiting guests. We were delighted Ron could make it.
Judge Baylor House, Waco, Texas: Ron
We ate at Rudy’s “Country Store” and Bar-B-Q. The food is good, but the service is Spartan! Ron looks a little thoughtful, but he has done justice to his ribs!
Rudy’s, Waco, Texas: Ron, Marjorie and Madge after a meal served on grease-proofed paper!
