The pallbearers leaving the funeral service of the Hon. Louise Bennett-Coverley at the Coke Methodist Church East Parade, Kingston yesterday. - rudolph brown
Louise Bennett-Coverley was a colourful woman in life and her thanksgiving service was just as colourful.
The ceremony was blessed by showers of rains and sounds of lightning and thunder, but nothing, it seem, could stop the show which was affected also by intermit squabbles among a group of mourners inside the church hall, fighting for programmes.
The service which was held at the Coke Methodist Church along East Parade, downtown Kingston, was attended by several government officials, members of the Opposition and entertainment personalities.
Songs of celebration
The service was filled with songs of celebration and reflections of Miss Lou. In the first tribute Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller remembered Miss Lou as a woman who loved words and used them well. She noted her achievements and said the government will certainly be moving soon to discuss ways to further honour her.
Bruce Golding, leader of the Opposition, described her as timeless. "(Louise Bennett was) a woman for all seasons, a woman for all time," he said.
He said she entertained the nation for four generations and had a unique ability to make Jamaicans learn about themselves through her various forms of entertainment.
He also bid her a good rest. "Walk good, Miss Lou, and mek good duppy go wid yuh," he said.
Bits of humour
Professor Rex Nettleford, who read the eulogy, remembered Miss Lou's life as one filled with national achievements. He also quoted some of her famous poetry and words with bits of humour here and there.
A combined choir performed most of the musical items, including several of Miss Lou's favourites, also evening time ,which was done at the end of the service.
As the service drew to a close, showers of rain pelted the church and water flooded the streets, but that did not keep away the mourners who lined the roads to the National Heroes Circle where Miss Lou was buried beside her husband.
Her mourners gave her a Guard of Honour lining the route to her burial spot. The residents rushed on to the grounds to say their final farewell.
Reverend Dr. Byron Chambers committed the body to the grave.
Wreaths from the family, governor-general, prime minister, leader of the opposition, the chief justice, president of the senate, mayor of Kingston and other government officials were placed on top of the grave, signalling the final farewell to Miss Lou.
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