Mourners surround the casket with the body of Derinda Lake, as they sought to get a last glimpse before it was removed to the cemetery. - George Henry

The Spaldings United Church was packed to capacity recently, as scores of persons turned out to pay their last respects at a thanksgiving service for late hairdresser Derinda Fiona Lake, who passed away suddenly.

Tributes flowed from the youngest to the oldest in the spoken word and with songs for 'Gia', as she was affectionately called. and almost everyone who brought tribute said almost the same things about Lake, who from what was said, was a wells-loved and respected woman who touched many lives despite her young age of 40 years.

In delivering Lake's eulogy, Tamika Smith described her as a gem who was born on February 14, 1973, to Shelia Ricketts and Ruthan Lake. She was born in the fast-developing town of Spaldings in Clarendon and was the first child for her parents.

"Gia was someone who had a great love for people. She was friendly, though quiet, fun-loving and fair. She was normally an outstanding person who believed in what was right and just," said Smith.

She shared that Lake was a generous woman who was not known to be selfish, but that she was known as one who shared whatever she had with those who were less fortunate, to the point at times that she was left with nothing.

"Oftentimes this kindness was not returned; but if she found herself in a position to help again she would give, even to persons who were unkind to her," noted Smith.

Smith said that Derinda loved her children dearly, and this was evident in the passion with which she would defend them against anyone she thought was meting out unfair treatment to them. She was known for telling persons that they could do her anything, but leave her children alone.

She was eulogised as a woman who would celebrate her children. Smith said Lake never missed an opportunity to tell others about her children, and especially about their achievements. Her first daughter Shanice, she said, was her pride and joy, and she could be overheard telling her customers about her while she attended Northern Caribbean University. Smith described Lake as a woman who was very proud of her children.

"When persons could not identify who she was talking about, she would send to call Shanice, once she was in Spaldings or its vicinity. Poor Shanice would come hastily, thinking that her mother needed her to do something," shared Smith.

She was said to be a woman who spent a lot on luxury items, which she thought could have made her and all her children happy. Smith said Derinda loved to live 'big life'. She was never afraid to spend her earnings on them to ensure that they all had a good time.

Though the late mother loved her children, Smith said she was not known as a mother who refused to administer the necessary punishment when they went out of line with their behaviour. She said she was a disciplinarian who believed in the 'rod of correction'.

She shared that the late mother did not play around when it came on to disciplining all her children, because she was of the view that they (children) should be brought up in the proper way.

"Gia loved music and loved to sing. She had a great voice too. Two of her favourite singers were Celine Deon and Gloria Estefan; and she was most impressed with their vocal abilities. It was fun to hear her grumble about what the so-called singers and djs are now passing off as songs. She would say 'me nuh know weh dem a do! A song dat?'" recalled Smith.

Following the thanksgiving service, Lake's body was interred at the Full Truth Church of God Deliverance Centre Cemetery at Santa Hill in Spaldings.

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