Claude Mills, Staff Reporter
THEY DID not come to bury Louise, they came to celebrate her.
Hundreds of persons flocked to the service of thanksgiving for the life of controversial figure Louise Frazer-Bennett at the Pentecostal Gospel Temple on Windward Road, yesterday.
The service was attended by persons from a wide cross-section of society from entertainment to politics to academia. Regular people strolled in off the street in casual clothes, others stood outside and watched the proceedings. And of course, there were representatives from the colourful, multiple-body-piercings, four-gold-ring-wearing, gold-rope-chain-toting clique of society.
Some of them struck up loud conversations about notable absences from the funeral including popular dancehall artistes but that did not cramp their spirits, as they cheered and clapped during the Grace Thrillers' Can't Even Walk. Later, they requested the 'video light' and did watered down versions of the dance Pon Di River during Carlene Davis' spirited rendition of Days of Elijah.
Despite the mirth, there were tears, too from Ms. Frazer-Bennett's daughters, Jamilia and Latoya, and notably from Member of Parliament Olivia "Babsy" Grange, who read the second lesson. Ms. Grange was visibly moved, and fought back tears as she offered a few words of sympathy to the family.
SADDENED
"Even though we are here to celebrate her life, I am personally saddened. To me, Louise was family. Louise's family was my extended family. I am only sorry that Louise was never able to realise all the things she wanted in life for her family, but what is reassuring is that she found peace before passing, and nothing is as great as that," she said to a smattering of applause.
Tributes were given by Audrey Patrick, a representative of the Presidential Click, Minister Rose Thompson of the Pentescostal Gospel Temple, daughter Jamilia Ellis, niece Anna Kay Wilson, Winston 'Wee Pow' Powell, Desmond Young, president of the Jamaica Federation of Musicians, and the Ready Fi Bus crew.Other musical tributes were delivered by Nadine Sutherland, appreciative applause showered a soul-stirring rendition of Great is Thy Faithfulness by musician Errol Hird.
Dr. Carolyn Cooper, lecturer at the University of the West Indies, gave an eloquent eulogy while Reverend Carmen Stewart delivered the sermon.
Among other prominent persons at the service were Winston 'Merritone' Blake, Frankie Campbell from Fab Five, musician Ibo Cooper, and Member of Parliament Mike Henry.
