Pall-bearers taking the coffin with the remains of Etta Francis White to the hearse, following her thanksgiving service. - George Henry

When Etta Francis White passed away on January 16, 2014, a void was left in the heart of scores of persons in Spaldings, Clarendon, especially her sons Glen Turner and Brian Martin.

However, when her thanksgiving service was held at the Spaldings New Testament Church of God on Saturday, February 8, cheers were brought to the hearts of those in attendance, as the many tributes were offered.

Isilda Smith remembered 'Miss Etta' from her childhood days, saying she was humble, jovial, kind, forgiving; and that she loved children to the extent that she started a small infant school and taught the children from the community to read from The Gleaner.

For Lansford Brown, Miss Etta was a grandmother to him. He said she was a nanny to him and others when their parents were never at home, and that she served others well with her talent; and lived a beautiful life worthy of emulation.

"She was always willing to share her meals with us. She was a woman who was treasured. She was a mentor, a confidante a most wonderful person who was priceless," said Brown.

Paulett McPherson, while bringing tribute on behalf of the church, said Miss Etta found Jesus, even though in her old age, noting that she was able to read her Bible without glasses.

"She was a quiet worshipper, and was never known as a woman who complained. If she never had an offering she would never attend church, because she loved to give to the Lord," said McPherson.

Angella White-Nelson, grandniece of Miss Etta, shared that her grandaunt was a woman who lived a good life. She added that she was warm and friendly and that she touched many lives. White-Nelson said she was happy to have known her, even though they both met while Miss Etta was in her old age.

Delivering the eulogy for her late friend, Tamika Campbell informed that Etta was born on May 15, 1928 to Earnest and Francella White of Freckleton Hill in Spaldings, and attended the Spaldings Elementary School (now Spaldings Primary), where she acquired her early education.

After leaving Spaldings Elementary School she received professional training in teaching, before starting her own school on her verandah, and taught the children from her community to read. They included her sons.

"Miss Etta loved children, especially those who were mannerly. She loved to cook and loved to fry fritters. She enjoyed reading and sewing. Nothing she had was too good to give persons. Her favourite song was Bless be the tide that binds," said Campbell.

Deacon Hubert John, while delivering the sermon, said he assisted White in her baptism some years ago and that he was happy to know that she died in Christ and is gone to be with her Lord in Heaven. He added that he remembered her as a woman who always loved to hear him pray.

"Whenever I visited her during her illness, I would always pray with her, because she always looked forward to me praying with her," said Deacon Johnson.

Following the thanksgiving service, the remains of Miss Etta were laid to rest at the Ritchies Cemetery near Spaldings.

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