On the Island of Jamaica in the parish of St. Mary in a small town named Linton, a determined, industrious, compassionate survivor was born on November 8, 1935. Named Murtel Esty but fondly called Gloria, she was the third of five girls born to Hezekiah and Dorcas Esty. Their mother died when Gloria was just a young child. It was this time she went to live with her aunt and uncle who taught her and her sisters the Advent message. She was baptized at the age of 14.

Determined to pursue a career in nursing Gloria worked very hard to raise her passage to England to study nursing. At age 18 with some help from her aunt she was able to go to England where she attended nursing school. She obtained her nursing degree in Birkenhead, England. After completing her studies, Gloria continued her education and became a midwife. She had a deep desire to serve her home land. In anticipation of returning to Jamaica, Gloria went on further her education by specializing in tropical diseases. While living in England one of Gloria’s best friends and school mate introduced Gloria to her cousin, Howard Morrison. The two were married in 1966. God blessed this union with a beautiful baby girl, Joan Morrison.

In 1970 the family relocated to New York City where Gloria worked as an RN for approximately 30 years. She did have the opportunity to practice nursing in Jamaica. She served as the nurse for medical clinics in Zinc Top, St. Elizabeth and Newport, Manchester. During her career she was nurse of the year on multiple occasions and served as supervisor and head nurse.

She lived a life of service. Over the years she served her church faithfully in the Treasury, Sabbath School and Community Services departments. Her greatest passion was to serve others. Not rain, nor snow, nor missing members of her team would keep her from her weekly visit to the nursing homes on Sabbath. She also visited the hospital during the week with whomever would go with her. She generously opened her home to those in need including family, friends and strangers. Her home was often the rest haven to those in need or in transition. Gloria loved to send cards, offer words of encouragement and pray for those in her sphere of influence.

She leaves to mourn her daughter Joan Farmer, son-in-law Walter Farmer and step grandchildren Devaun Farmer and Dimari Farmer; sister Hermine Williams (Barry); nieces Audrey Ulett, Annette Gammell, Ann Marie Headley, Rose Mansanto, Opal Hamilton; nephews Hopeton Rowe, Barry Richie, Sam Esty, David Rowe, Wayne Hamilton Ian Hamilton, Maurice Morrison; beloved in-laws Hope and Walter Hamilton, Olive Morrison, Shirley and Lowell Gordon, Alan and Ella Morrison, Nelson Morrison and many god children.

The family will receive friends on Sunday, February 4, 2018, between 12:30-2:30 PM at Boyd-Panciera Family Funeral Care, University Drive Chapel. A service to pay tribute to Murtel’s life will begin at 1:30 PM. Burial will follow at Forest Lawn South Cemetery.