The Ambitious Village Maid

By Avis V. Notice-Harrison

The fictional story chronicles the life of Jamaican born Anna Kay McQueen. Anna Kay’s life’s trajectory takes her from childhood days growing up in rural Jamaica to the capital city of Kingston. Her family’s migration in search of a better life for their children takes her to N ew York City and Miami and subsequently back to Jamaica. Trials and tribulations coupled with opportunities that were leveraged in remarkable ways are the order of the day throughout Anna Kay’s life. Truly a tale of how humble beginnings can provide the impetus for a life well lived. Lessons of ambition, hard work, and resilience are present throughout the book.

• Language: English
• Publisher: AuthorHouse
• Release date: Mar 13, 2022
• ISBN: 9781665553773

Avis V. Notice-Harrison

Avis Victoria Notice-Harrison, was born on May 7, 1922 to Charles and Elsaida Notice. Born on the Windward island of Jamaica in the Lesser Antilles, this lifelong educator exhibited a unique passion for lifting up others through the opportunity of education. She rose from the ranks of teacher at Riverside, Malden, and Trinity Ville schools in the parishes of Hanover, St. James, and St. Thomas, respectively; and she subsequently served as principal of Shirley Castle and Cedar Valley schools in Portland and St. Catherine before assuming the role of vice principal of Holy Trinity Secondary School in Kingston. A highly respected servant leader both at heart and through her teaching, leadership, and civic service, Notice-Harrison was a student of her own trade having earned a diploma from the University of the West Indies at Mona in 1967, and baccalaureate and Master’s degrees from Florida International University. She is also the author of a collection of poems. A cancer survivor, mother, and devout grandmother to her biological children and a host of others, Notice-Harrison is known for her intellect, eloquence, and keen sense of purpose. Legacy, leadership, and love for students and humanity, are attributes that have endeared Notice-Harrison to many. The year 2022 marks her centenary and a 100 year journey of indelible accomplishments and contributions that will no doubt continue to inspire ambition and the will in others to do their best to help transform the world for the better!

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2022 Avis Notice-Harrison. All rights reserved.

No part of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted by any means without the written permission of the author.

Published by AuthorHouse 03/11/2022

ISBN: 978-1-6655-5374-2 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-6655-5373-5 (hc)

ISBN: 978-1-6655-5377-3 (e)

Any people depicted in stock imagery provided by Getty Images are models,

and such images are being used for illustrative purposes only.

Certain stock imagery © Getty Images.

Because of the dynamic nature of the Internet, any web addresses or links contained in this book may have changed since publication and may no longer be valid. The views expressed in this work are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher, and the publisher hereby disclaims any responsibility for them.

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Mrs. Avis Notice-Harrison, Author

CONTENTS

Acknowledgement

Chapter 1 Early Childhood

Chapter 2 Teacher Training College

Chapter 3 In The Workplace

Chapter 4 Courtship And Marriage

Chapter 5 Rearing A Family

Chapter 6 At Home In The City

Chapter 7 Migration To The United States Of America

Chapter 8 Mother’s Illness And Death

Chapter 9 Anna Kay’s Illness Living In Florida

Chapter 10 Devastating Hurricane

Chapter 11 Home At Last

Chapter 12 Much To Be Accomplished

Chapter 13 A Part Of The Community

Chapter 14 Retired Teachers And Alumni Associations

Chapter 15 The Cruise And Visiting With Grandchildren

Chapter 16 Unforeseen Circumstances

Chapter 17 Writing Memories

Chapter 18 Back To School A Passion For Learning

Chapter 19 Leisurely Moments Visiting The Grandchildren

Chapter 20 Spreading The Good News - Peace And Farewell

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

As I look forward to celebrating my centenary on May 7, 2022, I would like to dedicate this book to my three sons, the late Laselve Charles St. Earle Harrison, Albert Harrison, and Raymond Sheldon Harrison. Additionally, my thoughts and deepest love lie with my six grandchildren, Niyala Harrison, Malika Harrison, L. Elijah Harrison, A. Isaiah Harrison, Natasha Harrison, and Christina Rae Harrison. And let it be known how dearly I cherish my two great grands, Zion Harrison and Serena Harrison.

I have always held my family as my highest priority in life, beginning with my father and mother, Charles and Elsaida Notice, and my siblings Ezequiel Notice, Inez Murdock, and Hubert Notice…all of whom have transitioned to join our ancestors.

I owe a debt of gratitude to my grandniece, Anasa Laude, for executing the word processing of my manuscript. My deep appreciation is extended to Patsy Souter, one of the most honest and reliable employees ever working for me.

As I reflect on my penning of this fictional novel chronicling the life of an ambitious village maid, my wish is that every young person in my beloved Jamaica would have the opportunity of an education and better life for themselves and their family. Our island nation must continue to empower greatness in our youth through the democratization of access to education and training. In fact, as a retired school teacher and principal, I know how powerful it is to be purposeful about creating pathways for our youth to harness their talents and their potential.

Nation-building needs to reflect a strong educational system where all the academic disciplines are taught, learned and embraced; civics will ensure that our country pride remains a deep rooted emotion and sentiment, as I’m convinced it will in turn spur entrenched civility, empathy, and compassion in our young and not so young Jamaicans on the island. Real opportunities to live and thrive, not simply survive, are a must. Providing expanded hands on training, apprenticeships, and internships paid for and supported by the public and private sectors must be embraced as an imperative. Entrepreneurship is one of the oldest and most lucrative professions of my Jamaican people, and there needs to be an infusion of grant funding and other resources to ‘higglers’ and other small business owners. Jamaica, the bountiful island of wood and water, has some of the brightest minds, most melodious voices, highly creative hands, and kindest hearts. Let’s leverage these rich assets toward the advancement of the socioeconomic prosperity of our people and island nation.

My wish for my own children, grandchildren, and great grands is that they will always embrace their Jamaican heritage with love and pride. Their careers in architecture, construction management, and the U.S. Navy are admirable; and those practicing law, corporate social responsibility, criminal justice, social work and the arts are excelling in their own right. My wish is that they will all think hard throughout their lives about contributing in some way to furthering the development of our island nation, Jamaica…Out of Many, One People.

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CHAPTER 1

EARLY CHILDHOOD

A Mother, Mrs. Anna Kay McQueen was born in the district of Hard-to-Reach, in the parish of St. Mary, Jamaica, West Indies in the early 20th Century.

This poor girl of humble parentage was loved and admired for her exceptional qualities of good manners, kindness, and brilliance in school at a very early age.

She was called Miss Sue (a title reserved for grown folks), by the time she was nine-years-old, because of her general attitude and conduct. The inhabitants of Hard-to-Reach and surrounding environs dearly loved