Yvonne Sterling laid to rest - Journalist Andre Williams thanked during service
Published:Monday | February 8, 2021 | 12:27 AM
The work of journalists and the media was highlighted during yesterday’s thanksgiving service for the late Yvonne Sterling.
As the songbird was eulogised by her niece, Tamera Harrison, praises were heaped on Gleaner Reporter Andre Williams for bringing Sterling’s situation to national attention, allowing her in her final days to not only find a renewed sense of joy and hope, but to live the life she deserved, albeit for a short period of time.
“My aunt fell on hard times, but thankfully in November 2020, happy days were ahead of her. Her story was made public by The Gleaner, a very heart-warming story done by reporter Andre Williams who also became very good friends with my aunt given the personality she had,” Harrison read from the eulogy.
She continued, “His story helped significantly to turn her life around and we could all see the new spark that she had and the positive effect it had on her. It was a huge blessing. Her family and friends were able to witness a renewed confidence in her. There was hope, faith and she had once again found what her purpose was.”
Sterling, who passed away on January 17, had fallen on hard times. The singer, who had done work with Dennis Brown while he was alive, was living in dire conditions. Her situation worsened following the November rains, a story highlighted by The Gleaner. A few weeks after her story broke, Sterling started receiving help and an outpouring of support from countless industry players, including Richie Stephens and Little Lenny. The pair ended up doing a collaboration with Sterling, who went on to do a number of interviews as her story continued to capture the hearts of many. According to her niece, the series of events that took place in the months before her aunt’s passing, led to her living the “best days of her life”.
Harrison said she is happy her aunt had the chance to renew her passion before her death. “Auntie Yonne loved singing. Music was her passion. She entered various talent shows as early as age 15 and recorded music in her early 20s. Auntie Yonne spent most of her time in the studio in her earlier years. However, as a result of unfortunate circumstances, she was placed behind the scenes for a very long time and her musical career came to a halt. Auntie Yonne is with us today in our hearts. In the end she had the opportunity to enjoy something she once had — her music — having fun in the studio, coming on the popular talk show, Onstage [and] making a music video with Richie Stephens and Little Lenny. I remember having our last conversation Christmas Day and she told me that she was having the best time of her life. Therefore, on behalf of the family, we thank everyone who made that possible for her,” she said.
Sterling was laid to rest yesterday at the Meadowrest Memorial Gardens. The service took place at the Portmore Seventh-day Adventist Church.