Marie-Louise Younis who later became Lady Shoul was born in the French-speaking territory of Guadeloupe on April 28, 1923, to Lebanese parents, Antoine and Sophie Younis. The Younis, who were merchants, had two daughters, Marie Louise (Lady Shoul) the elder, and Gwen the younger sister who later became the wife of Mr. Alec Camacho.

Most persons over the age of sixty would recall Lady Shoul’s dad, Mr. Younis as being the most well-dressed gentleman in Antigua who was always dandily attired in fine quality suits, bow ties, and Panama hats. His fashion sense was completed by his signature cigars. If there is a fashion gene, Lady Shoul must have inherited it along with the elegance and charm for which she is known.

Before arriving in Antigua at the age of twelve, Lady Marie spent most of her formative years in Dominica to which her parents had migrated some six months after her birth. In 1942, after completing her education at the Convent High School, Lady Marie met and married John Ferdinand Shoul, a well-respected Antiguan-born businessman who was affectionately and popularly known as “Sir Ferdie”.

The marriage produced four children: John F. Shoul, Jr., Charles, Elena and David. Lady Shoul’s nurturing disposition was later extended to her five grandchildren and nine great-grand.

Lady Marie will always remind you of her role in standing behind her husband and the late Dr. V.C. Bird and his team in the very early days of Antigua and Barbuda’s development. She was called upon at the shortest of notice to prepare sumptuous lunches, dinners and picnic outings for prospective developers in the very early days. This was at a time of adverse conditions such as having to cook in old fire-hearth ovens, and at a time when the foundation of the present tourism industry was just being laid.

Lady Marie recalls the start of Carnival in Antigua which, due in part to her husband’s prominence and role as chairman, made her responsible for coaching and training Carnival queen contestants.

This was done right at her residence on Newgate Street. It was at that home that hundreds of visitors, participants and helpers were fed breakfast, lunch and dinner over the holiday weekend of Carnival at which time her home became the center of Carnival as King Short
Shirt alluded to in his famous tribute “Sir John Ferdinand”.

The very humble manner in which she served her community characterized her as a woman who stood steadfastly and proudly behind her husband in order to ensure that his dreams for a better Antiqua were realized. She recalls very forcefully that nothing is possible without God, and that God governs the world, but that it is a prayer which stirs the heart of God.

Lady Shoul is very strong in her faith and is known for all the compassion and care she gives to the underprivileged. As she sat so charmingly and compassionately talking to us, we could feel that there was a woman who had done a lot for the island of Antiqua but whose preference was to refrain from attracting too much attention or heaping praise on herself.

In her latter years, while her level of participation would have shifted, she has always remained deeply interested in what is going on in Antigua and Barbuda and in the welfare of those around her. She has persevered in a life of prayer and now uses both her time and energy to pray for the needs of others.