An usher stands by the casket with the body of Lucille Jestina Reddie shortly before the start of the funeral

The Belle Castle Baptist Church near Hectors River in Portland was packed to capacity on March 15, 2014.

This as mourners from all walks of life gathered in an old church setting to pay their final respects to iconic woman, the late Deaconess Lucille Jestina Reddie, a role model for all to follow. Lucille Reddie, affectionately known as 'Sista Reddie', migrated to England where she met her husband Noel Reddie.

The two joined hands in holy matrimony, which lasted for more than 50 years. After returning to Jamaica in 1991, she became a member and a deacon of the church.

Dr Anthony Reddie, one of her sons, while giving tribute, confirmed the wonderful wife, mother, role model, kind, helpful, and excellent planner she was, and how she would have preferred to give than to receive. Dr Reddie stressed that his mother always stated the importance of the Gospel, and was a personal believer in Christ.

Deaconess Dorret Duncan, in an overview of Reddie's church life, said the late deaconess was involved in all aspects of church life. Duncan said Reddie was instrumental in making a hall on the church premises, and revealed it was made from the sale of ginger beer, which was made and sold by Reddie to her church family and the wider communities.

Reddie was lauded for her dedication, honesty, integrity, and the exemplary life that she lived, and the respect that was shown to her by all who came to know her.

In his sermon, the officiating minister, Reverend Winston McKay, likened Reddie to the Macedonians, who were very generous. "But just as you excel in everything - in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in complete, earnestness, and in your love for us - see that you also excel in this grace of giving," he said.

The sermon was taken from 2 Corinthians Chapter 8: 1-5. Other ministers officiating were Rev Carl Johnson and Rev. H. Gayle from the Jamaica Baptist fraternity.

The late deaconess was born on June 28, 1927, and died on February 23, 2014. Her loving and wonderful memories will always be cherished by her widower, Noel, sons, Christopher, Anthony and Richard, and daughter, Sandra, numerous relatives, friends, and well-wishers.

Her body was laid to rest in the family plot in the adjacent community of Haining where she spent her earlier days.