DEATH is simply a shedding of the physical body like the butterfly shedding its cocoon. It is a transition to a higher state of consciousness…
(Elizabeth Kubler-Ross)On Saturday June 22 family, relatives, church, community members and well-wishers filled the pews of the Our Lady of the Angels (OLA) church on Molynes Road in Kingston to give thanks for the life of Carmen McPherson who died on June 6, 2013 after being ill for some time.Many who attended described the liturgical celebration as a fitting celebration for the life of one who “walked the walk, and talked the talk” of a steward for Christ and a member of the Roman Catholic community.Gloria Brissett, retired principal of Saints Peter & Paul Prep and a member of OLA church lauded McPherson for her stewardship for the church and her leadership role as a champion for the poor, the sick and disabled, and those in need of spiritual uplifting. She spoke of her contribution through a number of organisations: As a Counsellor for the Family Life Centre, a Eucharistic Minister, a Catechist, a member of the Church Council, St Vincent de Paul Society, and New Life Community, among other others.Rina Lemmens, Co-director of New Life Community, hailed McPherson as a founding member and former director who was slated to be honoured at its 40th anniversary celebrations later this year. Other tributes came from businesswoman, Pauline Harrilal, who, on behalf of the community in which she lived for over 40 years, spoke of the tremendous respect McPherson was accorded through her work, teaching, and outreach.Leopole Halstead, a visually impaired resident in the community whom she assisted, gave a musical tribute, as did the Stewards For Christ group led by Sister Grace Yap and Loxley Robinson.Born in Kingston on January 8, 1934, Carmen McPherson was the second and only surviving member of four children. She attended Central Branch All-Age, Buxton High School and later, Tutorial College, where she did the Junior Cambridge Exams.McPherson worked at Colonial Shirt Factory, and then the Ministry of Health, where for nearly 30 years she worked in the Records Office.She was the mother of three sons, in addition to mothering her nieces and siblings of her children.According to Vilma Bryan, who delivered the remembrance, McPherson was a community oriented person with a caring soul.“Her quiet demeanour, encouraging attitude, Christian witness earned her the love and respect of the members of her community. She always had a kind word for the youngsters; many of whom would pause in their actions if they saw her coming. She prayed for the shut-ins and could be relied on to participate in social events — whether to chair a birthday party, or give a toast at a function,” Bryan said.Despite her quiet demeanour McPherson was remembered as a disciplinarian who subscribed to the biblical edict that one should not spare the rod and spoil the child.“Her children Bunny and Danny recall getting copious doses of this medicine. She knew she could not always manage them in daylight so she waited until 5:30-6:00 am while they were still in bed to administer her rod of correction. Danny felt he was smart enough to rise early and go on the roof to finish his sleep and avoid his dose. She was not to be outdone however, for when he was caught he had to pay for ‘roast and boil’ as the saying goes. In spite of this, her children describe her as the best mother in the world and recall her passionate love for them, her encouragement and overwhelming support in all their endeavours,” Bryan said.Carmen McPherson is survived by her children Byron, Ewart (Bunny), and Donovan (Danny), her grand children Marsha, Gregory, Ashley, Gabriel, Matthew, her nieces Sophia (Joy), Angel a (Gem), other relatives, her church family and friendsFamily and friends mourn: from left, Lorna Rowe (family friend), Byron Henry (son), Ashley Henry (granddaughter), and Rosalee Henry (daughter-in-law).The packed church listens to tributes, including one from Pauline Harrilal, businesswoman, on behalf of the Headley Avenue/Worrell Crescent community where Carmen lived for over 40 years.Grandchildren, led by Gabrielle Buckley (left) and Ashley Henry, and including Matthew Buckley, carry the casket into the church. (PHOTOS: LLEWELLYN WINTER)Byron Henry described his mother as one who made stewardship a way of life, and who responded to God’s gift of life with humble gratitude.Rina Lemmens, Co-director of New Life Community, pays tribute to McPherson who was a founding member of the organisationVilma Bryan, retired lecturer and cousin, gave the remembrance.Gabrielle Buckley (granddaughter) reads the first lesson.View the original article here
Carmen McPherson hailed for her life of stewardship
