Ninalee placing a ring on Percival's finger on their 61st wedding anniversary in 2011.

A workman puts the finishing touches on the grave of Ninalee McCatty, while mourners sing. George Henry

When Ninalee McCatty of Sanguinetti in Clarendon passed away on May 18, 2012, immediately a void was created in the hearts of all who knew her.

The late church leader who was a faithful wife to Percival McCatty for over 62 years, and who, along with her husband, was featured in THE STAR Life and Times feature on at least three occasions, was sent home with glowing tributes at her thanksgiving service on Saturday, June 2.

Evangelist McCatty as she was affectionately called was described as an ambassador by Pastor A. Dehaney, while giving his tribute. He added that the late church leader was an ambassador recalled, but one who was never disgraced.

"We have lost one of God's great women, who could easily be compared with all good women in the Bible. She could easily be referred to as a virtuous woman," said Dehaney.

splendid example

The packed congregation of family members and hundreds of church brothers and sisters of the late founder of the Glad Tidings Church of the First Born Endurance Gospel Hall, where the service was held, was told by Pastor Leroy Brown that the late prayer warrior's life was a splendid example as a Christian.

Pastor Brown, who spoke about her from a poem he wrote for the occasion, said the late Mrs McCatty was well respected by all, especially children who attended her Sunday school classes. He added that she taught with honour and pride; and that she spoke and worked with love in her heart as a wonderful mother and friend.

McCatty was said to be resting with the Lord, when Reverend Colis Thompson of the Fearon Full Truth Church of God Deliverance Centre brought her tribute. She stressed that she knew McCatty for 12 years; and found her to be a distinguished citizen and church woman who was good to her community.

meticulous

"Evangelist McCatty was a confidant, an evangelist of no mean order, and a name-brand citizen of Jamaica and the world, who had a welcoming hug. She was devoted to Christianity, she was meticulous, respected and respectful," said Reverend Thompson.

Thompson noted that words cannot be found to describe McCatty, who she said fought a good fight, finished her course and kept the faith.

Bishop Hector Mitchell, while delivering the sermon, said the late icon conquered everything and is resting in the sweet arms of Jesus. He also described her as a woman who truly experienced the love of God; and was a kind-hearted woman of prayer.

Joan McCatty, while delivering her late mother's eulogy, said her mom's education was acquired at the Thompson Town Elementary School in Clarendon, before she pursued a course in domestic science at the Methodist Deaconess House in Kingston.

"In the late 1940's, Nina was trained by her cousin Hermine to be a post mistress. In 1947, she began working at the Osborne Store Post Office. There was where she met Percival McCatty; and in 1950 they got married at the Coke Methodist Church in Kingston," said Joan.

She said her father and late mother took up residence at Sanguinetti; and their union produced six children: Paul, Joan, Howard, Fern, Garfield and Megan. Joan said her mother also mothered three of her stepchildren Madge, Gerald and Joy.

Ninalee, who was born on March 3, 1926 and who also served as a post mistress at the Spaldings Post Office for 23 years until she retired in 1986, was eulogised as a woman who was totally committed to building a Christian home. She was also seen as an individual whose maternal instincts extended not only to her children and grandchildren, but many too numerous to mention.

"Nina was a hardworking, helpful, industrious, God-fearing woman. She had no time to gossip or for idleness. Nina's love for God led her to the Glad Tidings Church of the First Born, where she got saved in October 1965. She enjoyed her work for the Lord and was not afraid of speaking the truth not only to her own children and relatives, but to her church family as well," said her daughter Joan.

The late Mrs McCatty has left behind to cherish her life and good times, her widower Percival; her children; 2 sisters, 2 brothers, grandchildren, great grandchildren, other relatives and hundreds of friends and associates.

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