By:Curtis Morton
Gingerland-Nevis-The body of the late former Civil Servant on Nevis, Maureen Barbara ‘Dollie’ Fyfield was laid to rest on Monday 1st February, at the public cemetery in Gingerland.
At the funeral service, which was held at the Zion Chapel of the Brethren Assemblies, glowing tributes were paid on behalf of the deceased, who migrated to the United States of America, where she resided and worked for many years. She passed away after a prolonged battle with the dreaded scourge of cancer, on Saturday 16th January.
Among those paying tribute, with a sterling rendition in song, were her former classmates at the Gingerland Secondary School, among whom are some of Nevis’ finest sons and daughters.
Those present included: Barbara Hardtman; Chesley Manners; Shefton Liburd; Eric Evelyn; Mc Clean Hobson; Franklyn KUT Daniel; Trevor Powell; Walter Morton; Sevil Hanley; Lileth Richards; Laurel Claxton; Greta Claxton; Lorraine Archibald; Florine Williams and Edson Elliot.
The eulogy was presented by brother of the deceased, Roger Fyfield who described her as ‘the glue that held the family together.’ He noted that she was always up to date with matters pertaining to her family members and always made her presence felt in a real way, when they celebrated significant dates and anniversaries. She was always seeking to buy things to send in order to assist various family members.
‘Who will fill the void?’ said an obviously distraught Roger.
He also mentioned that as a Civil Servant, she was exemplary and excelled during her tenure at the Electricity Department where she was responsible to get the bills out for the entire island, in a timely manner and that was during the days when computers were not yet popular.
Another tearful and inspiring submission was made by younger sister Mrs. Sherry Walters who spoke to the many attributes of her elder sister.
The sermon of the day was delivered by Rev Canon Isaiah Philip, a relative of the deceased, who also spoke highly of the positive impact that she had on the many lives she would have touched, in one way or another. He however took time out to admonish his hearers to make ‘their calling and election sure, before it was eternally too late.’
Other persons and groups featuring during the service included: Frank Fyfield, Pastor Theophilus Kelly; Anya Fyfield; Theodore Phillip; Jackie Bartlette; Brianna Browne; Michael Chambers; Wesleyan holiness Church; Brethren Assemblies and Wendy Lawrence.