Adina Zeruiah McGhee—affectionately known as Dina, Grandma Great, and Aunt D—passed away peacefully at home in Bethesda, Maryland, on April 16, 2025, at the extraordinary age of 107.

Born August 18th, 1917 in German Town, Saint James, Jamaica, West Indies to the late Elisha and Rizpah Stennett, one of four siblings - two brothers and a sister.

Dina lived through the sweeping changes of the 20th century and the dawn of the 21st, witnessing the global upheaval of World War II, trials of the Civil Rights Movement, transformation of Jamaica into an independent nation and post-colonial awakening of the Caribbean. She witnessed the evolution of the world from handwritten letters to email, the advent of flight and space exploration, and the transition from radio to television and internet.

In 1951, Dina immigrated to the United States, serving as an aide to the British Ambassador. She subsequently accompanied the Ambassador to England, before returning to the United States in 1966. In the years that followed, she was employed by the Zwack family, with whom she remained for over 15 years. Their relationship transcended the bounds of employment, developing into a profound familial bond and enduring connection.

Dina’s independence and spirit were unstoppable. She was known for fearlessly traversing the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area, by bus, metro, or taxi, especially when heading to her favorite stores—Neiman Marcus, Lord & Taylor, and Nordstrom. A passionate traveler and lifelong learner, Dina explored the world with curiosity and wonder. Her journeys took her to Germany, Hungary, England, Italy, France, and Austria—countries far from her Jamaican roots, but never too far for her radiant spirit.

Deeply spiritual, Dina was a devoted member of the Metropolitan AME Church for over 66 years, where she participated in the Seniors Club. She believed in the power of prayer, the strength of faith, and the beauty of giving from the heart.

Her words, always wise and often delightfully candid, continue to echo through the generations she nurtured. Some of her favorite sayings included: “Don’t pick up what you put down”, “A man’s gotta do what a man’s gotta do and ”Keep on keepin’ on.” Her guidance to young people was timeless:” Put God first, work hard, be honest, and don’t be selfish”. And when asked the secret to her long life, she would simply say, “Put a little rum in it.”  Known for her loving heart, unwavering principles, and zest for life, Aunt Dina was a woman who led with grace and conviction. She was gentle, kind, and wise—always ready to share a joyful word, dance at a good party, or offer a pearl of wisdom.

Dina was preceded in death by her parents, Elisha and Rizpah Stennett; her brothers, Derwin and Philemon Stennett; her beloved sons, Louis Willocks and Derrick Hunter Sr.; her aunt, Milcah Jackson; her grandson, Lloyd Fennell Jr.; and her extended family members Iris Zwack and dear friend, Iris Argento.

She is lovingly remembered by her son, Lloyd Fennell Sr. and daughter-in-law Marguerite; her sister, Jelida Hutchinson; her grandchildren Pamela F. Moore (Ezra), Llewellyn Hunter (Linda), Christopher Hunter, Derrick Hunter Jr. (Carol), Lattecha Willocks, George-Anne Willocks, Mark Willocks, and Tiro Willocks; and a host of great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews. She is also survived by her extended Zwack family—Peter, Gioia, Alexa, John, Stephanie, Michelle, Niklas, and many Zwack grandbabies—along with her devoted caregivers, Venus Shawen and Candida Canonse.

Adina Zeruiah McGhee’s legacy is one of enduring faith, fierce independence, and unconditional love. A woman of quiet strength and unstoppable spirit, she leaves behind a story that spans continents and centuries—a life that touched many and continues to inspire all who knew her.

The service will be live streamed at https://www.youtube.com/@MetropolitanAMEC