WINSOME SAMMS-PATERSON — A

their defence over school and other matters. Instead of going through anecdotes, I will read each child’s tribute.

DENISE:

Aunt Winsome, my dear Aunt Winsome. She cared for me at certain points in my life while I lived in Jamaica. She was kind, humourous and a lover of the arts. I remember her taking me often to the theatre, pantomime and rehearsals when she played in theatrical productions on stage. As a result, I have a fondness for drama, poetry, and prose. I knew she would always be there for me, and she was, even when separated by long distances. Luckily, I got her to use Skype. I am grateful for her life and the impact she has had on mine. I shall miss her. I love you, Aunt Winsome, rest in God’s loving care. CAMERON:

My Aunt Winnie was a giant in my life. Truly one of the strongest teachers I’ve ever had. Thoroughly reinforcing the values of what is just and right. The saying ‘it takes a village to raise a child’ — to do that correctly means that all the people in the said ‘village’ must all be on the same page so that

to constantly keep and instill said ‘values’ with that child. My aunt was a pillar in my village. Friends of my parents and Aunt Winnie whom I respectfully refer to as aunts and uncles, were people of like-minded sense and character. The life lessons learned from her helped shape the moral compass that I abide and do my best to keep. Her examples of kindness and love are fierce and are without question. She treated every child equally. Demanded what was right and proper from them as she did from myself and my siblings. It’s funny how in youth you don’t see these things until you come into maturity down the road of life. And further to be fortunate enough that when you do see it to still have that loved one with you so you can truly express to them how grateful you are for them. And to always let them know you love them. My aunt was one of those. I thank God that I was able to tell her how I loved her and how much she meant to me. The example that she is undeniable and beyond reproach. Fortunate is too light a word to describe having her in my life. Her presence will be missed beyond description. Nevertheless she will always be a part of me and always in my heart.

EMILE:

Our son whom we lost five years ago; but I needed to tell, you that he called his Aunt Winsome at least three times a week just to tell her he loved her. GARI:

Aunty Winsome, at first I was gonna send a card and write a message in it to say all the things I couldn’t say. Put it by your side so that you would hold it dear and near. But I’ve come to realise that I should be yelling to everyone what a loving aunt you were to me. I had fallen out of love with Jamaica for some time now. But you always called to see how I was doing, what I was doing, and would always be a good listener without judgement. You treated my family as your own and without

(At left) Rt Rev Robert Thompson , Bishop of Kingston, blessing the ashes of Winsome Samms-paterson with holy water at her thanksgiving service at the Church of St Margaret’s. From left to right are: Dr Rev Norman Rerrie, Rev Fr Franklyn Jackson, Rev Cerane Kitson, pastor at St Andrew Parish Church, and Rev Melrose Wiggan, pastor at the Church of St Margaret’s.

(Photos: Norman Thomas) Singing a hymn of praise at the Thanksgiving service for Winsome Samms-paterson (front row from left) are Lovel Rodney and Margaret Rodney. In the second row at right is Clarissa Henry and in the back row is Elder Gordon Russell.

Standing from left are Shannon Samms-lezama , Carla Sammslezama Woods nieces of Winsome Samms-paterson, and Glenroy Wood, Carla’s husband.

At the thanksgiving service for Winsome Samms-paterson seated at left is Carl Lezama (brother-in-law) and Carlton Paterson widower.

Members of the officiating clergy leaving the church at the end of the service for Winsome-samms Paterson.

(Photos: Norman Thomas) Rev Fr Franklyn Jackson, pastor at Church of St Margaret’s (left), having a private word with Carlton Paterson, widower of Winsomepaterson at the end of the service of thanksgiving.

Family members of Winsome Samms-paterson are met by members of the officiating clergy after the service.

After the thanksgiving service Rt Rev Robert Thompson , Bishop of Kingston, greets family and friends of Winsome Samms-patterson.

Family and friends of Winsome Samms-paterson in attendance at the thanksgiving service.

Commander John Mcfarlane paying tribute in song.