Mrs. Yvette C. Samuel 's Obituary
Mrs. Yvette Condacy Samuel, GCM, grew up in Clare Hall Village, Antigua. Her siblings lovingly remember her as the most quiet, reserved, modest, and studious of the Henry clan — she was frequently found in her favorite spot devouring a book. She had a quiet sense of humor and a love for languages strengthened during trips to Martinique and Guadeloupe, as well as time spent studying and working in France. She is a graduate of Caribbean Union College (now University of the Southern Caribbean) in Trinidad, and The University of the West Indies, Mona, Jamaica, where she attained first class honors.
Quite fittingly, Mrs. Samuel started her career in Antigua teaching French, English, and Literature at the Clare Hall Secondary School, and in time, was promoted to Head of Department and subsequently, Deputy Principal. She then served as Deputy Principal and later Principal of the Antigua Girls’ High School until her retirement in April 2018. Mrs. Samuel’s career as an educator spanned over 35 years; she was well respected by students, teachers, and parents.
Throughout her career, Mrs. Samuel provided exemplary educational and civic-related counseling and leadership to those in her charge. She was the feature speaker at a number of graduation ceremonies for both academic institutions and private sector training organizations. She had an unwavering faith in God and was an active member of her church, serving as head Sabbath School Superintendent and leader of the Young Adult Women’s Ministries department. Most recently, she served as the Chairperson of the Board of Directors of the Antigua Seventh-Day Adventist Early Childhood Development Center.
At the 2010 Independence Day ceremony, Mrs. Samuel was appointed Grand Cross of the Most Illustrious Order of Merit (GCM) for service to Education in Antigua and Barbuda. In that same year, she received the Rotary International Paul Harris Fellow Award from the Rotary Club of Antigua for Service to Education and Humanity, the highest award by Rotary International. In 2017, she received the Leadership and Service Award for Outstanding Achievement in Public Service, Education and Community-based Services for Antigua and Barbuda by the Antigua Girls’ High School Alumni Association NY-USA Inc.
Mrs. Samuel passed away on December 4, 2018 in Houston, Texas, where she was undergoing medical treatment. She is survived by her husband Dr. Errol Samuel; her sons Dr. Errol Loïc Samuel and Mykel Samuel, MBA; her brothers Hollis, George, Clayton, and Phillip Henry; her sisters Gritley, Clarice, and Marian Henry; in-laws; nieces, nephews, and other family members and friends residing in Antigua and Barbuda and abroad.
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