Monica Leonie Edwards- Douse

Monica Leonie Edwards Douse, 65, of Mount Vernon New York, and formally of Kingston Jamaica passed away on November 23, 2019. Born on April 17, 1954 to Inez Alice Walker-Crosbie, nurtured and cared for from the tender age of 7 by William Crosbie her father, though not her biological father, he treated her as his own and the Late Carlton Edwards her biological father, Monica lived a life dedicated to making a difference in her family and her community.   

From an early age Monica exhibited many talents including a love for sewing, fashion designing, hairdressing, and caring for the sick. As a student she was described as smart, driven, hardworking, motivated and passionate. She attended Saint John’s Basic School from 1959 to 1960, and Shetola Primary School from 1960 to 1966. Monica subsequently attended Kingston Senior High School, Fits Henley Business School and the Fashion Institute on Red Hills Road, Jamaica. As the eldest of 15 siblings and constrained by financial difficulties, at the tender age of 15, Monica secured her first job as a seamstress. Motivated by her passion for helping others, she later secured a permanent position as a caregiver for the late Honorable L. G. Newland, the former Acting Prime Minister of Jamaica.  

In 1996 Monica migrated to the United States where she continued her education. Her passion for caring for others took a front-seat in her educational and professional pursuits. She first registered for the HHA nursing program, obtained her CNA nursing certificate and subsequently register for the LPN program at Boces, unfortunately her illness made it impossible for her to complete said course, forced her to withdraw from the program. Monica was a certified nursing aide at Taylor Care Center where she was employed from 2000 until she became ill.

She was a devoted wife and mother. Monica met and marry the love of her of life, Cleveland Douse in 1974. From this union they had five children. Throughout her life she was steadfast in supporting her immediate and extended family members and many others. She was truly an angel, a blessed woman of God, a loving mother who sacrificed, worked hard and gave her all to her children. She prayed for her children daily and counseled them with love. Her love for them remains immeasurable and her grandchildren was her joy.

She was a faithful steward of the Lord and followed the teachings espoused by the Mount Zion church. During her formative years, she fellowshipped at Nazarene Worship Center Inc. C.O.G and later Family Call Out C.O.G in Bronx, New York.

Those who knew Monica would remember her as extremely generous, loving, selfless and caring.

She leaves to cherish her memories, her husband Cleveland Douse Sr.

Seven biological children: Denise Calvin (Isaac Calvin), Alecia Roberts, Dwight Douse, Tudia Waite (Garnett Waite), Stacy-Ann Maragh (Craig Maragh), Cleveland Douse Jr., Stephen Douse (Trishanna Douse). Two stepchildren: Seymour Douse (Keisha Douse) & Teddy Douse. Adopted child Angella Greene. Grandchildren: Britania Cogle, Kimani Calvin, Shian Benjamin, Romario Benjamin, Shalecia Benjamin, Akeem Nichols, Shaleah Chung, Shanella Chung, Stephanie Douse, Tiasia Douse, Tamesha Douse, Liam Douse, Brielle Douse, Omario Douse, Khloe Douse, Kayla Nicholas, Nikka Douse, Nigel Douse, Nashawn Douse, Naseer Douse, Madison Douse, Sanaiyah Douse, Kimora Douse, Sashay Douse, Ariyanah Douse, Dyandre Douse, Amanda Waite, Emma-Leonie Waite, Samantha Waite, Kevin Adams, Kemari Maragh, Keeno Maragh, Keneil  Maragh, and Ashley Maragh. Siblings: Keith Edwards (Janet Edwards), Berrick Edwards (Judith Edwards), Anthony Edwards (Anitra Edwards), Velma Pearce (Donald Pearce), Merlene Graham (Norris Graham), Charles Crosbie, Desmond Crosbie, Oral Crosbie, Philecia Crosbie-Long (Miguel Long), Yvonne Edwards, Veronica Edwards, Marcel Edwards and Markell Edwards. Nieces and Nephews: Fifty nieces & nephews and fifty-two grandnieces and nephews.  Many cousins, aunts and uncles. 

Besides her father, she is predeceased by her son the late Neil Johnson.  Sleep in peace Monica, no more pain, no more crying, no more sorrow, Hope we see you again on that great day.

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