Kathleen Gotha

Kathleen Alick Swift Gotha, 92, of North Sound, Antigua, passed on May 13, 2022. She was born to Alexander and Enid Swift in St John's, Antigua, on September 25, 1929. Kathleen's parents passed at a young age, and she and her older sister Yvonne became responsible for taking care of their seven younger siblings. Tasked with raising her younger siblings, Kathleen proudly stepped into motherhood to assist her grieving siblings while providing the love and nurturing needed to be successful in their lives. This experience propelled her to love and be compassionate for ALL. Kathleen graduated from (Faith and Hope) High school and continued her studies at the Spring Garden Moravian Teaching College, where she received her degree in teaching. She advanced her studies in education by travelling to study in Castries, St Lucia; Georgetown, Guyana; and Kingston, Jamaica. Kathleen excelled as a teacher, and her students and colleagues knew her as an Exceptional Instructor. To date, she is still recognized, for her skills taught in the classroom, at home and in the church community. In addition, she will consistently be recognized for building the foundation of knowledge and passion for learning in her students. Kathleen was passionate about being an optimistic, encouraging, spiritual role model. She encouraged those who knew her to always be compassionate and grateful for being able to live to see another day. After completing her studies, Kathleen married the love of her life Aubrey Gotha in 1954 and continued their lives in Antigua. They raised five beautiful children Raymond, Enid, Kathleen, Yvonne, and Sheila Gotha. Her kids and the many students that mothered all learned many essential life lesson that propelled them into successful adults. She was a dedicated mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, great-great-grandmother, consular, teacher, youth leader, camp coordinator, missionary, and wife. She effortlessly balanced her work, home, and church life. Kathleen was an avid member of the Baptist church community as she was able to bring the ministry of the Central Baptist Church from St. Thomas to Antigua. Through her dedication, she was able to pass on her faith in God through the Baptist church community, where she assisted with the creation of 3 Baptist churches on the island. One was created in Thames Street, a second in Otta, and finally, the Central Baptist Church. She crusaded and spread the importance of God. Her continued activism passed the word of God through many other parishes and villages.

After a lengthy career teaching, Kathleen had to make the tough decision to retire as she prepared to relocate herself and her family to join her husband in Baltimore, Maryland. Her children began to enter adulthood, where they would begin to bless their mother with the title of being a grandmother. Her growing family was incredibly important to Kathleen as she lost her parents very young. So, it was indeed a blessing to be present to assist her children as they entered the chapter of parenthood and began raising children of their own. Kathleen continued to be an excellent role model, grandmother and honorary mother to her grandchildren Cheree Edwards, Nazeem Edwards, Lureka Williams, Kirk Francis, Kasim Francis and great-granddaughter Alickka Edwards. She assisted all her grandchildren were needed and provided the love and support for all to grow. Kathleen shared many memories with her ten grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild. Each member she grew to love and held a special place in her heart. Kathleen continued to teach the importance of keeping God First. She did this by her excellent example of upholding her faith by her guiding conversations, many life lessons, and her continued devotion to living a life upholding the Christian faith. She was a LEADER in her new church home New Shiloh Baptist Church. At New Shiloh, she was an enthusiastic deaconess who was a reliable leader within the church community. She continued to instill her principles for God into anyone that she encountered and further displayed the importance of God. She planted the Christian faith in her grandchildren and great-grandchildren by taking them to weekly church services, Saturday church school, bible study, and vacation Bible School. She always supported her grandchildren and praised them as they completed each accomplishment. With every achievement, she reminded everyone to praise the Lord for seeing them through any trials or tribulations they may have encountered on their journey to succeeding. Over the years, she created a safe place for her grandchildren to gather, where she watched as her family continued many of the traditions that she established back in Antigua. She felt lucky to watch her first generation of five grandchildren made up of Cheree, Nazeem, Lureka, Raymond, and Alex grow and bond from cousins to brothers and sisters. After 15 years, she watched her grandchildren and first great-grandchild create a similar bond. The second generation of five comprised Kirk, Alickka, Sanya, Kasim, and Steve. Both generations provided her and her husband with many memories that will live on through her grandchildren.

In 2006, her husband took sick. She stood by his side, visited him, and took care of him with assistance from the doctors and nurses. Unfortunately, he passed away, and she knew she had to remain strong for her family, especially her “boys”, who she was determined to see graduate from High School. She continued to support the family while being sure to watch her grandchildren and great-grandchildren bond and make endless memories. She created special memories with her “Girls” Lureka, and Alickka and her “Boys” Kirk and Kasim. One of her happiest moments was watching and knowing her boys, Kirk and Kasim, graduate from High School. This moment was extraordinary for her because she felt blessed to watch them graduate high school and know that they were continuing their education that fall in college. With her “Boys” becoming MEN, she finally decided to relax and return to Antigua. In Antigua, she enjoyed her days as she settled and continued to be in the presence of family, close friends and the Lord.

Kathleen was honored with Countless Awards throughout her Career and Volunteer work over the years. Her family will always cherish the woman she was and her impact on their lives. She will always be remembered for her kind, compassionate, and giving spirit. Her passion for helping others was unmatched, and she will often be remembered as our Angel on Earth.

Kathleen was predeceased by her parents and husband, Aubrey Gotha. She is survived by her four siblings, her five children and their spouses, her ten grandchildren and their spouses, her nine great-grandchildren and their spouses and her 1 Great-great grandchild. She also leaves behind a host of friends and family.