Grenfell community pays tribute to ‘true fighter’ Clarrie
TIRELESS CAMPAIGNER’S FUNERAL SERVICE IS VIEWED ON ZOOM
THE Grenfell community paid tribute to “tireless” campaigner Clarrie Mendy, who was laid to rest on Wednesday December 30.
Ms Mendy died early in December after a two-year battle with motor neurone disease. Her cousin Mary Mendy and Mary’s daughter Khadija Saye, a promising photographer, both died in the Grenfell fire.
A white coffin in a carriage was led by two white horses to Notting Hill Methodist Community Church where the funeral was held, and also where the Kensington community would meet for the Grenfell Silent Walk.
Due to coronavirus restrictions, more than 100 well-wishers gathered on Zoom to watch Ms Mendy’s final send off.
Before the service began, members of the Grenfell community shared their memories of the “inspirational” campaigner.
One resident said: “Clarrie was a true fighter, seeking justice not only for her loved ones that perished that night but for everyone affected.”
Another mourner said: “Clarrie Mendy was a mum, auntie, sister, mother and a true friend to everyone. A selfless and inspirational woman.”
Zoom attendees also left emotional tributes to Ms Mendy, with one friend writing: “Clarrie you have been my best friend for the most part of my life. We had memories together that will live with me forever. I will miss our special moments listening to music and going down memory lane talking about times we spent as teenagers together. I will miss you my sister Clarrie with all my heart.x”
The service started with the song Hallelujah, sung by Ms Mendy’s friend Nancy May.
Ms Mendy’s older brother would later tell listeners that she planned her funeral including the songs that would be sung.
The service continued with additional songs and bible readings, with one scripture demanding “justice roll down like waters, and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream (Amos 5:24),” a verse particularly
reminiscent of Ms Mendy’s social justice fight.
Ms Mendy’s oldest brother, Peter Mendy, shared the pain of having to “bury a baby sister” and reflected on her “strength and stubbornness” in her social justice views.
Kensington councillor Ian Henderson also paid tribute to Ms Mendy at the funeral, calling her “a great beating heart in the centre of the community”, before sharing a powerful poem on their friendship.
Ms Mendy’s older brother Ambrose Mendy went on to reflect on his “extraordinary” sister and her great skill as a football goalkeeper, before leading the congregation in a standing ovation for the campaigner, thanking her for all her work in the community and beyond.
Clarrie led campaign group Humanity for Grenfell, where she arranged one of the first meetings of Grenfell survivors with Prime Minister Theresa May and also helped plan the first national memorial service for Grenfell victims at St Paul’s Cathedral.
Former Kensington MP Emma Dent Coad also remembered the campaigner in a letter read by a member of Ms Mendy’s family. She reflected on Ms Mendy’s ability to “rally supporters” and “raise up those who were too weak to act”.
Graham Tomlin, Bishop of Kensington, gave an address to the congregation highlighting Ms Mendy’s faith and reliance on God to fight and campaign as she did.
The procession was led out to Frank Sinatra’s I Did it My Way, with Ms Mendy’s coffin carried out by pallbearers consisting of close family members. Clarrie Mendy will be buried in St Patrick’s Catholic Cemetery, Leytonstone.