Jentline Merilan

Jentline Merilan, known as “Jetty”, was born July 23, 1981 to her mother Marie Rosana Blaise and father Bethonier Merilan. She had six siblings, 2 sisters (one of which was her twin, who she loved dearly) and 4 brothers. She was outgoing and outspoken, and often portrayed a mean and tough exterior to protect herself and her loved ones. But deep within she was one of the kindest, sweetest and polite person you could know. She was firm, yet kind, nice, very giving and grateful to others.

Jetty spent most of her life in Florida where she worked a variety of jobs from the Swap Shop with her mom, to Winn Dixie, a law firm and eventually Aetna Insurance.  She was a classy woman who loved fashion and looking good. She loved her friends and going out, but loved her families even more, so much that she made it her business to attend every family function, making sure that it was on her calendar and everyone else’s too.

Jetty believed in the power of womanhood and all that came with it. She was full of wonder and possibility. In 2002 she married Edwin Dorival and after two years of marriage, gave birth to her daughter Naysa Laurene Merilan.  They shared a special bond, one that went beyond just being a mother and daughter, but more like “best friends”. She was a disciplined mother, but would give the world to make sure her princess was taken care of.  

In August 2015, Jetty was diagnosed with Stage IV Breast Cancer that quickly spread to her brain in spring of 2016. Her initial prognosis was grim, giving her only two months to live. But she continued to fight the illness for three         unimaginable years with relentless support from her twin sister and pure will to stay alive for her daughter. Even in her sickness, the pure essence of Jetty    remained. From wheels to heels her light shined upon the many people she encountered. She made friends with other cancer patients offering words of encouragement. Even the nurses who met her loved her. She bloomed like the beautiful flower she was and continued to live and enjoy her life, friends and family.

Jetty will be missed greatly, but will always remain in our hearts and fondest memories.

She is survived by:

Daughter: Naysa Laurene Merilan; Father: Bethonier Merilan; Sisters:  Magalit Williams (twin) and Rebecca Merilan; Brothers: Chadrack, Wilkins, Mohammed and Jehojada (JJ) Merilan. Along with a host of other relatives and friends affected by this loss.

May Her Soul Rest In Peace