Esmeina Lucinda Ricketts, 96, of Port Charlotte, Florida, passed away on Tuesday, July 15, 2025 at Tidewell Hospice following a long battle with congestive heart failure.

Esmeina was born in the parish of St. Thomas on the beautiful island of Jamaica on September 15, 1928. She was the only child of her mother, Vida Thompson, who passed away when she was an infant. When asked about her childhood, she would reminisce fondly about growing up in the small community of Portmore, which is known for its beautiful rivers and waterfalls. One of her favorite childhood joys was “bathing in the river”, and know that she would tell you quite affirmatively, “I can swim…very well.” Visiting the beach or being near water remained a fulfilling pastime throughout her life.

Esmeina spent her early youth and adult years in Jamaica. Following the death of her mom, she was raised by her maternal grandmother. Esmeina’s early years were not easy; following the loss of her grandmother, she lived with extended family members who impeded her access to formal education beyond the sixth grade. Yet, she persevered.

In 1947, Esmeina gave birth to her first child, David Lue “Neville” Chin. Almost twenty years later, her second child, Mark Anthony Williams, was born. Working an array of jobs during her early and mid-adult years to provide for her sons, she also conserved an inner determination to have her own business. She owned a small clothing store, commonly known as a haberdashery and kitchen, cooking Jamaican specialty dishes and selling them. Both of her sons inherited her entrepreneurial spirit. Esmeina remained proud of her sons throughout her life.

Raising her sons primarily on her own, Esmeina persisted. Despite being the primary caretaker for her sons, she also supported her dear friend, Gladys Johnson, when she immigrated to the United States. In the summer of 1966, Esmeina cared for Gladys’, seven children, between the ages of 2-11, until the summer of 1968. In April 1969, she migrated to the United States with two of Gladys’ children. Her first stop was in New York. Esmeina did not like New York and later obtained employment that brought her to Boston, Massachusetts. She would spend the next thirty-four years as a Massachusetts resident.

Esmeina spent most of her professional job, over two decades, as an employee at Massachusetts General Hospital. Her entrepreneurial drive remained as she served as an Avon Products Representative for many years. Following her early retirement due to a work-related shoulder injury, and the persistence of her dear friend, Daisy, who had retired and relocated to Florida; Esmeina took the leap to move to Port Charlotte, Florida in 2003. While an exciting move to start a new chapter, this excitement was short-lived as she experienced the devastation of Hurricane Charlie in 2003 and the death of her first-born to Leukemia in 2004.

Esmeina’s resilience sustained her as she endured and found comfort in her friends Daisy and Lionel, and a growing church family, particularly Cynthia and Joe Logan. Esmeina loved the word of God and her faith was very important to her. A day did not start nor end without her being in her bible, nor did a visit at her church, Murdock Baptist Church, end without a hug for Pastor Ron.

Affectionately known as “Grandma Ricketts” by many, “Grandma” was well-loved by all and will be dearly missed.

She is preceded in death by her oldest son, David Lue “Neville” Chin. She is survived by her son, Mark Anthony Williams (Wendy), her grandchildren, Mark, Sonya, Anita, Denise, Arlene, Ann, Patricia, Davlyn, David, Cheryl, Demetrius, Mark, and Kari and great-grandchildren.

Her homegoing visitation will be held Friday, 10:00AM-11:00AM, followed by a funeral service at 11:00AM at Murdock Baptist Church in Port Charlotte. Interment will follow at Indian Springs Cemetery in Punta Gorda.

Arrangements by Roberson Funeral Home Port Charlotte Chapel.