Rich tributes paid to Lucille Daley

George Henry, Gleaner Writer

ORANGE HILL, Westmoreland:Scores of mourners, headed by Tourism and Entertainment Minister Dr Wykeham McNeill and mayor of Savanna-la-Mar Bertel Moore, crammed into the Wesleyan Holiness Church, Orange Hill, Westmoreland, last Saturday to pay respects to Lucille Lydia Daley.

Daley, who passed away on March 25, was sent home with glowing tributes.

"Mom was a preacher who exercised a lot of faith. She instilled in all her children godly values, and taught us all how to sing and pray. I loved her for all the things she did for me; and all I learnt from her have been helping me throughout my life," said her son, Everton Daley, in his reflection.

His brother, Trevelyn Daley, described his mother as one who played the role of both parents, after losing his father at a young age.

He noted that his mother taught all her children to love and fear the Lord; and such teachings have followed him and his siblings for all their lives. He added that his mother was an excellent minister at the Wesleyan Holiness Church, despite no formal training in theology.

"My mother managed the affairs of this church for more than 50 years almost singlehandedly, with support from other members," said Daley.

Close friend Pamella Daley said the deceased was her spiritual mother who had a tendency to pray without ceasing.

Wonderful woman

"She was a wonderful woman who had a warm hug for all she met. She was always reaching out to the needy; and she can easily be described as a virtuous woman."

Telpha Murray, sister of the deceased, in the eulogy said Daley was the fifth child for her parents Etta and Ezekiel Walters and grew up with nine siblings in Orange Hill. She was educated at the Mount Airy Elementary School in Westmoreland and was known for making her own clothes - a skill that she acquired from an aunt.

"She was a no-nonsense person who made sure that all in her congregation - especially children -were properly attired for services. She loved singing and praying," reminisced Murray.

Daley is survived by five sons, three daughters, 32 grandchildren, 30 great-grandchildren, four daughters-in-law, one brother, one sister, and a host of other relatives and friends. Her body was interred at the family plot at Orange Hill.