Cuthbert Theophilus Merchant

Cuthbert Theophilus Merchant, 71 affectionately known as Bert, departed this life on Monday, September 19, 2016 at Peninsula Regional Medical Center in Salisbury, MD following a short illness. Bert was born on June 28, 1945 in the West Indies Island of Antigua to the late Lucille Byrd and Willie Merchant. His mother passed at the tender age of 22, when he was only two. Bert was raised then by his Grandmother, the later Maud Roberts and his Godmother, Lillian Southwell, in which he loved and shared a very special bond. This same bond extended to his Godbrothers and Godsisters who accepted him as their very own, Cyril and Cecil Phillip, Cicely Joseph, Melvern John, Carmen Matthew, Yvonne Martin, Annette Daniel and Ron Watkins. Bert was educated in St. John’s Antigua Public School System. He loved Antigua and often spoke about his Island with so much pride, sharing many stories with family and friends. One story that stands out to his children was the one when he fell out of the coconut tree trying to pick fresh coconuts. Bert enjoyed diving in the ocean for fresh lobsters, which was one of his favorite food, often comparing lobsters and fruit to the ones back home. According to him, the ones here just did not measure up. His stories always made you feel like you were there. Bert often talked about his occupation as a head chef at a restaurant located in a hotel on the Island, but his family knows that his love for cooking didn’t stop there!! As a young adult, Bert relocated to Bronx, New York where he met his sweetheart “Chris,” as he affectionately called her, who would later become his wife of 39 beautiful years. Bert and Christine shared a true love story and were joined in holy matrimony. This was a marriage built on nothing less that trust, love, family, and respect, always putting God first. This union was blessed with two wonderful children, Traver Theophilus Merchant and Shanta Oyeicia Lucille Merchant. Bert was a very family oriented man always thinking of his family before making any decisions. After moving to Maryland, he was employed with Campbell Soup in Pocomoke City, MD for a short time. He retired from Lower Shore Enterprises in 2011 as an offsite supervisor after 30 years of dedicated service. Bert was a member of New Macedonia Baptist Church in Pocomoke City, MD, where he accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior. He was saved and baptized under the leadership of Bishop Isaac Jenkins, Sr. Bert also enjoyed fellowship with Mount Carmel Baptist Church in Princess Anne, MD with Pastor Carroll Mills and congregation. He was not ashamed to show his love for God, often calling on HIS name. Even in his last days, giving God all the honor and praise and helping his daughter to recite scriptures always managing to get out his “AMEN.” Cuthbert was a loving and dedicated husband, father and grandfather. He enjoyed watching football, staying true to the Philadelphia Eagles, win or lose that was his team! Bert had a love for cooking and will forever be remembered by his famous baked macaroni and cheese often imitated but never duplicated. His macaroni was just like no others, just like so many of his dishes. He took pride in his yard and his daughter’s yard. Bert could use a weed eater to edge like a barber uses his clippers. There was absolutely nothing that he wouldn’t do for his family, he took provider to a whole different level. His family and friends will miss hearing his accent and the way he greeted all females as “baby.” Bert will forever be missed and will always hold a special place in the hearts of everyone who knew and loved him. He leaves to cherish his memories, his loving wife Christine Merchant of Pocomoke City, Maryland; one son Traver Merchant of Salisbury, Maryland; one daughter Shanta Merchant of Pocomoke City, Maryland; five grandchildren Mikaela Ballard of Princess Anne, Maryland, Traver and Iyanna Merchant of Pocomoke City, Maryland, Taryn Merchant of Salisbury, Maryland and soon to grace us with her presence Tori Merchant; Godmother Lillan Southwell of Bronx, New York; one goddaughter Keyana Kellam of Salisbury, Maryland; two sister-in laws Mary and Patsy Kellam of Princess Anne, Maryland; two brother-in laws Thomas (Stella) Kellam of Pocomoke City, MD and Michael (Damekia) Kellam of Fruitland, Maryland; a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. We commend him back to our Heavenly Father. To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Cuthbert Theophilus Merchant, please visit our Heartfelt Sympathies Store.

Cuthbert Theophilus Merchant

June 28, 1945 - September 19, 2016