Mrs. Cavel A. Melbourne, née Beckford, was born in
Westmoreland Jamaica. She earned a Diploma in Teaching from Shortwood Teachers’
College, Kingston, Jamaica, a BA in History with minors in Education and
Religion from West Indies College, Mandeville, Jamaica, and a Master of Arts in
History from Andrews University, Berrien Springs, MI. She taught in both the
Public and Private Sectors in Jamaica including Frome Secondary, Harrison
Memorial High and West Indies College High Schools. In the US, she taught in
the Benton Harbor and Niles School Districts, then spent the bulk of her career
(30 plus years) at John Nevins Andrews School, Takoma Park, MD. While at John Nevin
Andrews School she served as 7th and 8th Grade teacher,
Vice Principal and Principal before retiring in 2015. She also served as
Adjunct Professor in the Education and History Departments at Washington
Adventist University in Takoma Park, MD. On June 21, 2021, Cavel took her final
breath. As an accomplished educator, committed churchwoman, devoted family
nurturer, trusted friend and confidante, Cavel was a fitting example of a life
well lived. She leaves to mourn, her husband, Bertram; children, Yolande,
Maurice and Launice; siblings, Cecile, Velma, Gertrude, Anella and a host of
other family members. Rest in peace, my love. See you in the morning!