The United Women in Faith at Fenimore Street United Methodist Church (FSUMC) in Brooklyn on Sunday, Mar. 8, honored their president, Trinidadian-born retired Registered Nurse Marlene Ferguson, surprisingly bestowing on her the “2026 Woman of the Year” award during the 67th United Women in Faith Worship Service at FSUMC.
“Today, we stand in the glow of a woman whose life does not merely shine; it blazes — a woman whose service does not simply inspire; it ignites; and a woman whose love does not just touch lives — it transforms them,” said Special Mission Recognition Committee Members Althea Johnson-Aird (chair) and Jackie Janice Goodman in introducing the award, flanked by member Faith Barrett. The other committee member is Angela Als.
“When we speak of faith in motion, hope that lifts, and love that changes lives, we are speaking of her,” added Johnson-Aird and Goodman. “Today, we rise in joy, gratitude, and holy celebration, as we honor a woman whose life radiates the very heart of our mission — Sis. Marlene Ferguson, our 2026 United Women in Faith Woman of the Year!
“Sis. Marlene is a powerhouse of compassion, a woman of deep conviction, and a servant-leader whose light refuses to dim,” they continued. “A proud daughter of the twin islands of Trinidad & Tobago and a retired nurse of 29 years, she has spent her life healing, nurturing, and uplifting others. Retirement didn’t slow her down; it ignited her.
“Here, at Fenimore, she has become a driving force for community transformation,” they said. “As chair of the Family Life Committee, she pours her heart into meeting the needs of ‘the least of these’ and ensuring that our most vulnerable neighbors receive the very best care and support.”
Johnson-Aird and Goodman said Ferguson’s leadership of the church’s Annual Block Party is “known throughout Brooklyn because who else but Sis. Marlene would bring a fashion show, carnival flair, and full costumes to a block party?”
They said, “this same love, light and enthusiasm shine through,” as Ferguson co-chairs the Anniversary and Heritage Committees, presides over the United Women in Faith, and “lovingly cares for her family and friends.”
“When families were hurting, when children needed joy, when the unhoused needed dignity, Sis. Marlene showed up with the heart of a nurse and the spirit of a servant,” they added. “She brought hope wrapped in compassion, love wrapped in action, and faith wrapped in service.
“This is a woman who doesn’t wait for change; she creates it,” Johnson-Aird and Goodman continued. “This is a woman who doesn’t talk about love; she lives it boldly. This is a woman who doesn’t just carry light; she is the light.”
They said Ferguson is “a living testimony of what happens when a woman walks in purpose, serves with passion, and lets God’s love and light flow through her without limits.
“And so, today, with full hearts and grateful spirits, we honor her,” Johnson-Aird and Goodman. “We celebrate her. We thank God for her, illuminating faith, hope, and love to everyone, everywhere.
“Congratulations, Sis. Marlene—our 2026 Woman of the Year!” they added. “Your light doesn’t just shine; it sets the world on fire and is creating change and a legacy of hope.”
Ferguson told Caribbean Life afterwards that she was “proud” and honored to receive the award.
“I was extremely surprised,” she said. “I accepted the award in memory of our fallen trailblazers, who have gone home to glory.
“On their shoulders I stand committed to continue to dedicate my services to mission for the underserved, women, children, and to make this world a better place,” Ferguson added.
“My sincere thanks to everyone who made our weekend possible, everyone who helped and participated all week — our liturgist, our choir, our musicians, our readers in French and Spanish, our ushers, the media team, our Pastor (Rev. Roger Jackson) for his support and all United Women in Faith members,” she continued. “Thank you for showing up with excellence, with passion, and with love. You blessed us beyond measures.”
