Mavis LynWOODBURNWhen the teenage Mavis discovered young people were leaving Jamaica to look for work in England, she just knew that she had to follow suit. Arriving in 1954, Mavis headed for Bristol, finding employment at various workplaces where there were labour shortages including, Brooks Dye Works, and then Wills Tobacco factory. This was before training for what would turn out to be a 35 year career as a State Enrolled Nurse at Glenside Hospital. Ill prepared for the freezing cold weather, Mavis recalled that soon after arriving in the UK she spent a week in bed crying, thinking she’d made a huge mistake in coming. However, such was the camaraderie of those times, a Polish co-worker took her under her wing and taught her how to knit Aran jumpers. Eventually, she would knit jumpers, cardigans and bobble hats for her growing family. The craft would be a lifelong passion for Mavis which ran alongside her love for keeping fit - she was a member of the Empire Sports Club for many years until it closed its doors in 2014. A keen badminton player, it was an open secret that Mavis had thrashed both her then teenage twins at the sport on many occasions. The most remarkable part was she did it between working 12 hr night shifts at Glenside Hospital. Her daughter Beverley recalls, “She was an active mum, always encouraging us in whatever we did. I don’t think she missed a single parents evening, and came to every one of my graduations from university”. In later life Mavis would extend her enjoyment of needlecraft by joining the Golden Agers Club, next door to the Church of God of Prophecy in Easton, and was a keen and active member of both organisations. Her intricate and colourful patchwork quilts and pillows were a delight to the eyes and adorned her home. The church was where Mavis found much comfort and support. She looked forward to the House of Praises YouTube broadcasts on Sunday mornings. Mavis leaves behind 5 children, 5 grand children, and 1 great grandchild. Mavis Lynn Woodburn, Sunrise. 8th September 1934, Sunset 19 December 2020. Funeral details: 14 January 2021 11.45am Westerleigh Cemetery Westerleigh There will be a livestream broadcast from the chapel. If you require a link please contact the family. Due to Covid restriction there will be (currently) 30 maximum (or such other restricted number), as Covid regulations allow.
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