'We will surely miss her' ... Lovelette Brooks remembered at thanksgiving service

The word love, which forms the first part of her name, was the single most attribute that reverberated through the tributes that were read at the thanksgiving service for Lovelette Brooks at the Mona Baptist Church in St Andrew on Saturday.

Sobs, tears and in some instances, laughter, all summed up the atmosphere of the service, as persons reflected on the life of the noted journalist.

Brooks passed away on Tuesday, April 7 after a fight with breast cancer.

Her niece, Opal Bedasse, spoke of the unconditional love her aunt had for family, adding that she was a strong woman.

"What I admired most about her is the unconditional love she had for her son Timothy. She made countless sacrifices to ensure that he had a good life. Her smile would light up any room and she was a delight to be around," she told the gathering.

"At family events, we looked forward to her delicious steamed fruit cake, roast pork, fried dumplings, fried plantains and her signature potato salads. She was proud of her nieces and nephews and held us in high regard and always wanted an update on what was happening in our lives," she continued.

Fashionable woman

Bedassie added: "Everyone who knew Lovelette, knew she had a sense of fashion, she was always poised and elegant. She always said the way you present yourself is very important. She had a strong personality which was evident even during her illness. Whenever we asked how she was doing, she always sought to reassure us that she was at peace and was doing fine. We will surely miss her."

Arthur Hall, senior news editor at The Gleaner, described his friend's passing as a painful time for him.

"There is something about death, no matter how bright you are, you can't seem to understand it. There are some people who, when they die, part of you die and it was no different with Lovelette. When she died, part of me died also," Hall said.

"We were brothers and sisters. She knew all the hang-out spots and we would do our regular link up, sharing dreams and ideas. The pain that I feel now is compounded by the fact that after we made plans to link up, wi neva link up," he lamented.

Reverend Dr Stephen Jennings, pastor of the church, urged congregants to be mindful of the seriousness of life.

"There is a mystery about life that baffles us from time to time. You go for a swim, a current hits you and you are no more. You are going about your business and a stone out of nowhere hits you and you are gone," he said.

"However, even though sometimes we can't fathom the brevity of life, it teaches us to ensure that we live a life of quality. One that reflects the light of Jesus," Jennings said.