A Time to be Born:

On the 12th of December 1937 in Brown’s Hill St Elizabeth, Jamaica the late Lillian Swaby and Tiam Henry Chuck would welcome a bouncing baby girl who they would affectionately name Comis Lastenia; three sisters and six brothers followed. Comis would gain many sisters and brothers “too many to name!” over the years through her travels. She would embrace her role of big sister by caring immensely for her younger siblings. Comis began her primary years of education at the Parish of St. Elizabeth and subsequently Kingston, Jamaica.

A Time to Grow:

Comis lived in St. Elizabeth before moving to Wakefield, Kingston to live with her mom and Stepfather Shing Lue Lue. She continued her education at Buxton Town School. Comis became a young adult, and worked at various jobs, in which she excelled. Her first job as a bookkeeper was in Springvale. She then went on to work for Shell in Kingston before transitioning to work for her Uncle Charlie and Aunt Zoe in a restaurant and Private Club in Kingston. She was blessed with nine (9) wonderful children, whom she loved dearly.

Comis migrated to Freeport Bahamas in the early 1970’s, soon after she would move to the capital island of New Providence. She began working at the Village Lanes bowling alley, which was the entertainment hub of that time. Comis would easily become well known for her stellar work ethics and commitment to her employers, who affectionately called her “Dimples”. The younger children in the family would wait eagerly for the days when they were allowed to accompany her to work, despite often times the 10 mile journey on foot! These were memorable, happy times that has lasted a lifetime. Additionally, she was employed with many wealthy families who adored her. Wherever she went, she would make fast friends, her meek demeanor and unforgettable smile which made her dimples even more pronounced left an indelible mark on everyone who knew her. After 30 years of living in The Bahamas, she would move to

the United States in 1994 to live with her daughter Nicholette (Nancy), and her family where she became a full time stay-at-home “Grandma”, a role she would cherish as the most rewarding of all!

A Time to Enjoy Life:

Comis’ love language was cooking, she loved cooking for her family and friends. She would indulge family and friends with her favorite dishes, all of which were scrumptious and mouthwatering. Her Bahamian family would put in orders for up-coming visits; some favorites included, ackee and codfish, chicken foot and dumplings just to name a few. Comis enjoyed sewing, a craft she learned from her mother, one that she perfected over the years. The meticulous way she turned fabric into a stunning work of art, could match any well-known designer. We, her family walked the Comis’ runway adorned in her creations on many momentous occasions. From her daughter’s and nieces’ prom dresses, wedding and brides-maid dresses, Easter, and Christmas outfits to name a few.

Another splendor that she found exhilarating was her love for and ability to travel. This was a treasure and blessing from God, as most her age unfortunately found themselves too incapacitated to enjoy this leisure of life. “Age aint nothing but a number”; a Bahamian Rake n Scrape song that depicted the very life that she lived. During the winter months, she would say “see ya later” to Nancy and the crew, and head for the beautiful Bahamian sunshine or her down-home Jamaica. She enjoyed spending time with her family and close friends. She travelled the globe to many of the United States, Jamaica, The Bahamas, and England. We reflect on a surprise 83rd birthday bash during Covid-19 hosted by her children. Her family and friends’ miles apart gathered via Zoom, and there was not a blank space on the screens of our devices. Yes! this was a demonstration of how she touched the lives of her family and friends. She was pleasantly surprised and expressed gratitude in her witty way, one that we have come to love and will cherish for an eternity.

A Time to Mourn:

In the later months of 2022, Comis began to experience health challenges. This was a tough time for her and her family, as she had never fallen ill. Despite the challenges, she embraced her reality and complied with what would be her new normal, except she fussed about NO COFFEE!

As time progressed, she steadily declined, until God answered her tiring call. In the early morning hours of February 5th, surrounded by her loving family, Comis departed this earth. As we mourn her passing, we are comforted by the knowledge that Comis lived a full life of Love and Joy!

If we may extract from the Webster’s Dictionary a few words to describe her, these come to mind. 

Daring, Bold, Courageous, Loving, Creative, Funny, Humble

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