Massive turnout for J Capri

The wake held in St Thomas on Saturday night was a celebration of the life of late entertainer J Capri, and although guests tried to continue that celebration yesterday morning at the funeral, the realness of the moment just would not allow it.

As the casket holding the body of the late entertainer J Capri stood at the front of the University Chapel of the West Indies, a sense of gloom descended on the immediate environs. The fact that they would never see their beloved in the flesh again caused tears from her family and friends to flow freely.

The thanksgiving service for Jordon Joel Phillips drew a large turnout as was anticipated, but the support was so overwhelming that not even the chapel could accomodate the number of persons that showed up to pay their respects to one of the country's most promising stars. Many persons had to be housed outside the church under a tent, and even then, many persons were unable to get seats.

Members of the entertainment industry, who could be regarded as the singer's extended family, turned up in their numbers to pay their respects. As was fitting, they paid tribute in music, a language that J Capri understood and spoke during her time on Earth. Cherine Anderson was one of the first entertainers to give her tribute and her rendition of Brandy's Missing You had people wailing from every corner of the chapel.

Christopher Martin, Romain Virgo, Alaine Haughton, Aisha Davis, saxophonist Dean Fraser were some of the other entertainers who paid their respects through song. There were also tributes from, the Wolmer's Dance Troupe and J Capri's close friend Nailah Henry.

Though she was being remembered as J Capri, guests also got to know Jordon Phillips. They learnt that the singer was more than just an entertainer; she was a daughter, a sister, a girlfriend, and most importantly a person that loved life. As persons reflected on the life she lived, J Capri was remembered for her smile, a smile that many said could light up a room.

J Capri was 23 years old and would have celebrated her 24th birthday on December 24. She died on December 4, after being in a medically induced coma following a car accident on November 23.

Her death came as a shock to the entertainment fraternity, as it was reported that following the blood drive and a successful surgery, the singer was expected to make full recovery.