Clotilda Lashley

Clotilda Eureta (Parris) Lashley was born to the late Clarence and Eurla Parris on November 14, 1934 in Saint Michael, Barbados and was the youngest of five children. She was preceded in death by her husband, Christopher Lashley and her sister, Flora Cunin. She accepted and professed Christ at an early age, while attending Jackman's New Testament Church where she was baptized. She also attended Saint Matthew's Girl's school in Saint Michael. Mary, as she was so lovingly called by all who knew her, was orphaned at an early age. Her mother died when she was 3 years old and at the age of 20, with two little beautiful girls, her father passed away, leaving her to raise the girls alone. When Mary's siblings traveled abroad to England in search of a better lifestyle, Mary remained and helped to raise her oldest sister's child. When her siblings were settled, they sent for Mary, but she refused to leave her children behind, if only for just a little while. Mary worked at the local general store as a clerk/cashier and labored many years as a housekeeper to provide for her children. Mary was joined in Holy Matrimony to Christopher Lashley and continued to serve faithfully in Jackman's New Testament Church. She was the leader of the women's ministry and as she grew older, she became one of the church mother's. Mary read her Bible faithfully, she loved to talk about the Lord, instilled Godly principles into her children and one of her favorite scriptures was the 23rd Psalm. A passage she taught to her children at an early age. She loved to sing the Old Rugged Cross. Mary often shared her wisdom in such a loving way. She'd say things like, "If you don't have anything nice to say about someone, don't say anything at all". "Well, if you can't ride the horse, ride the cow". "If your hand is in the lion's mouth, you pray as you e-e-ease it out, do not try to snatch it out, ease it out". Her greatest advice was given to her eldest daughter at the age of 12 when she informed Mary that she didn't know what to ask the Lord for. Mary reminded her of King Solomon, the wisest and richest man who walked this earth. She said, "ask God for wisdom baby", and so she did. She was a loving mother, a caring and faithful friend, and a surrogate parent (nurturer) to the community. Mary was known for her vegetable garden, she shared what she had with everyone. No matter who knocked on her door, she was always willing to contribute to those in need. Mary was kind, compassionate, loving and a fast walker. She leaves to cherish her memories, two daughters: Diana Tucker (Robert) of Chesapeake, Virgina; Sheraline Austin of Portsmouth, Virginia and a loving son, David Austin of St. Michael, Barbados. One sister: Elrnina Brooks of London, England; two brothers: Winfield Parris of St. Michael, Barbados and Lloyd (Jimmy) Parris (Willis) of London, England; 7 grandchildren: Michael, Rhonda, Caresse, Karen, Leonard, 15 great grandchildren, 2 great-great grandchildren, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, friends and adopted children.

Clotilda Lashley

November 14, 1934 - September 14, 2016