Life & Times : Community icon laid to rest

The Grantham New Testament Church of God in Clarendon was packed recently, as scores of mourners turned out to pay their last respects to community icon and church member, Ena Wilkinson-Pusey.

There were glowing tributes paid to a woman who was described as one who touched lives with her love and affection. Almost all the individuals who paid tribute used similar adjectives to describe her.

Wilkinson-Pusey was celebrated as a woman who was far from ordinary. She was hailed as a human whose life and legacy as a mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt and friend will long be remembered.

She married Claygon Pusey on November 29, 1952. The union produced four children: Lukey, Negry, Charm and Annette.

"Mama, as she was affectionately called, loved her children, both biological and otherwise. She was a mother to many in the community of Woodside (Clarendon). She loved to help whomever and wherever she could. She opened her home to strangers and family alike. She was very sympathetic to people's needs and would share whatever she had without bias," said Careen Brown-Williams, who read her eulogy.

She was eulogised as a mother who was always among the first to give to the children of her community because she loved to see the happy smiles.

"She also opened her house to everyone and mothers seized the opportunity to leave their children with her for long periods while they carried out their daily errands. Mama never murmured or asked for payment," said Brown-Williams.

Brown-Williams said Wilkinson-Pusey surrendered her life to the Lord in 1960, and worshipped at the Woodside Church of God for many years.

A TRUE WORSHIPPER

She was described as a true worshipper who spent quality time with the Lord, and who never relented in doing what was good and pleasant in the eyes of the Lord.

"No one knew when Mama was sad because she was innately happy, and this was shown outwardly. She was musically inclined. She was always humming some religious songs and tapping her fingers to the beat. This was classical music to the myriad of persons who loved to listen to her. For sure it was soothing to my ears," noted Brown-Williams.

Brown-Williams said 'Mama' would also remind persons to remember at all times that 'a soft answer turns away wrath, but grievous words stir up anger'.

"Mama was humble; she never spoke to anyone in a loud or aggressive tone. She always spoke softly, no matter the situation. If speaking loudly would cause hurt ,she would simply hum a song or remain silent. She was a virtuous woman who tried her best to live by the Word of God," said Brown-Williams.

She was born to Voli and Anneta Wilkinson on May 13, 1923 in Woodside. In her formative years she attended the Sanguinetti Elementary School.

After graduating in the early 1930s, she acquired the skill of sewing to provide additional income for her family.

Wilkinson-Pusey's body was interred in the family plot at Woodside.

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