Greta A. Maynard
September 19, 1945 – December 27, 2024
Greta Adolpha Maynard (nee Brandy) was born on September 19, 1945 in Nevis, West Indies to the late Lilian Albertha Nesbitt and Charles Wilson Brandy. At the time of her passing, she resided in Corona, CA.
Her marriage to Josiah Maynard yielded four children (1 boy and 3 girls). Together, they built a life, careers and homes together, literally weathering storms and rebuilding in the aftermath. They were an early example of the ‘perfect power-couple’.
Her career began as a homemaker. She was the visionary, clothes & interior designer and seamstress in the House of Maynard. However, as her children grew older, amid changing needs, she wanted to contribute further to her family and community. She pivoted, enrolled in college, earned a Bachelor’s Degree at the University of the Virgin Islands which then led her to becoming one of the first Kindergarten teachers at the St. Thomas SDA School.
After ensuring the kindergarten classroom was on solid ground, she moved on to teach Business Education classes at the SDA High School and there, her rapport with the students extended beyond the classroom. Many considered her more than a teacher, and looked to her as a mentor, a shining example of what a God fearing woman should be and as a result was chosen on several occasions to chaperone and accompany the graduating class on their senior class trips.
In 1993, she pivoted again and earned a Master’s Degree in Special Education from the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign. Her contributions to the field of education were nothing short of inspiring. As a Special Education teacher at the Eudora Kean High School, Greta was dedicated to the success and growth of each student. She spent countless hours crafting learning plans that would allow her students to learn and thrive. Her teaching career was more than a job; it was a manifestation of her deep-rooted belief in giving and nurturing. She was an advocate for not using medicines to control children’s behaviors but insisted that each child was unique in their learning abilities, which sometimes required alternate teaching methods. She loved each and every one of her students.
In her Church Community, she served faithfully as a Church Clerk for several years, was a Pathfinder leader guiding young people, churched and unchurched to have a closer relationship with Christ.
With each accomplishment in her life that brought her satisfaction, nothing compared to the implicit joy she felt surrounding the birth of each grandchild. They were her legacy and embodied pieces of her character and personality.
On December 27, 2024, she was called to her rest. She leaves to mourn, her husband of 62 years, Josiah, her only son, Otis (Wanda), her “adopted” son Denzil, three daughters, Bonny, Jilly & Meta, four grandchildren, Brittany, Courtnie, Annabella and Mariel, Sisters, Clarista Percival, Ermine Walwyn and Godvia Nisbett, lots of Nieces and Nephews, and a host of other family and loved ones who were part of her immense village.
We’re grateful to have been blessed by her unwavering presence in our lives. She truly embodied the spirit of Christianity, living her faith every day through acts of kindness, love, and devotion. As we say goodbye, let us hold on to the lessons she taught us and the love she gave us so freely. Greta once said, “Life is just a chapter in God’s great novel. Live it with love, and let the pages turn themselves.”
A Memorial service is currently being planned for March 8, 2025.
Rest in peace, dear Greta. We will love you always.
