GEORGE HENRY, STAR Writer

The St Paul's Anglican Church in Spaldings, Clarendon, was packed to capacity and persons spilled over into the churchyard, as scores of mourners turned out on Saturday July 25, to pay their last respects to well-known, loved and respected Spaldings resident Lucille Mayne, at her thanksgiving service.

Mayne, who passed away suddenly on July 2, was sent home with glowing tributes in songs and the spoken word and by the end of the service, persons realised how wonderful and loving she was to people from near and far.

Hubert Johnson, while paying his tribute, told mourners that the deceased was a real community woman. He stressed that she was a people person who was kind, committed and cooperative. Lucille, he said, will be sadly missed by hundreds.

Educator Robert Green shared that Mayne has found rest from her hard work for the Lord and humanity. He said she served the Anglican Church for over 70 years, and that she was one of two persons who served the St Paul's Anglican for so many years.

Eye for detail

"Miss Lucille was in charge of the altar. She ensured that the church was well cleaned and was well decorated with beautiful flowers. She was instrumental in having the collection counted each week, as she had an eye for details. Miss Lucille was also the baker for the church, she was an expert at fish frying," recalled Green.

He said she stood tall with her service to God and the church and was an all-rounder; whether in her capacity as sister, mother, prayer warrior or otherwise, she was everything to all. He added that she loved to hug and never missed a service unless she had to.

"Sister Lucille was hard-working and she never shirked her duties. She gave sterling service to the church," noted Green.

Delivering the eulogy, well-known justice of the peace and Spaldings businessman Derrick Sinclair underscored what was said by many who paid tribute to the late community icon. He stressed that she was kind, considerate and thoughtful; and that she was a good-natured giant of a woman. He shared that the deceased was known for her infectious smile and courtesy.

"She had courage and faith. She has left a record of undaunting service for all to emulate," said Sinclair.

Mayne, born to David and Catherine Mayne at Sanguinetti in the parish on June 7, 1935, received her early education at the Spaldings Elementary School before she spent some time in Kingston, learning dressmaking. After leaving Kingston, she spent some years working at Azan's Victory House in Spaldings as a counter clerk. Following her stint there, Mayne worked at the Spaldings Secondary School as a part-time teacher of dressmaking.

'Miss Lucille' as she was affectionately called, has left behind to cherish her legacy, two daughters, two sisters, six brothers; grand-and great-grand children and other relatives. Her body was interred in the church cemetery following the service.

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