A crèche owner, who had a heart of gold and allowed needy children to attend her daycare free of charge, has received a memorable send off after she died of heart attack.
Merlin Adams, 50, was a mom of three but she was regarded as the mother to many in Hanover Park.
Merlin owned the Little Lighthouse Daycare in Downberg Road and was part of the Uproom Family Worship Centre.
She was in the daycare industry for 30 years.
On 22 May she had a fatal heart attack and was laid to rest on Tuesday.
Merlin’s husband Albert Adams, 49, also died 10 months ago after a battle with cancer.
A guard of honour was held by community members, parents and family who lined the pavements, holding photographs of Merlin.
TRIBUTE: Kids in Hanover Park streets
Merlin’s daughter, Ashlyn Adams, 27, says her mother was a humble woman who helped disadvantaged parents and guardians who could not afford crèche fees.
“The crèche is located in Hanover Park where there are a lot of underprivileged children,” Ashlyn says.
“She had a lot of children who lived with their grandparents and could not afford fees.
“She would charge them less and charged the least for fees in the community.
“And if they didn’t have money, she would let the children be there for free. That was the person my mother was.
“My father died of cancer 10 months ago and now my mother is also gone; they were inseparable.”
Merlin’s brother, Yusuf Sineker says he will always be proud of his sister: “She loved children and would do anything for them.”