Robert Lalah, Staff Reporter
Left: Policemen remove a flag that was draped over the coffin of Eric Coverley, as well-wishers look on during a service held at National Heroes Park in Kingston, yesterday. Mr. Coverley died in Canada in 2002. He was buried there but his body was exhumed and transported to the island to be reburied at National Heroes Park in Kingston with his wife Louise Bennett-Coverley. She will be buried on Wednesday. - Norman Grindley/Deputy Chief Photographer Right: Miss Lou with husband Eric Coverley in 1955. - File
He loved children dearly throughout his life and, as his remains were laid to rest at National Heroes Park in Kingston yesterday, dozens turned out to see Eric 'Chalk Talk' Coverley off.
They gathered at the graveside as his coffin lay waiting to be lowered into the ground and listened intently as friends told stories of the celebrated actor, radio personality and comic.
They may not have been around in Mr. Coverley's heyday but, as one bare-footed youngster explained, it was enough that he was married to 'Miss Lou'.
A few family members, friends and well-wishers gathered for the short ceremony that took place in the evening breeze.
Resting together
Long-time friend Barbara Gloudon pointed out that both Mr. Coverley and his wife Louise Bennett-Coverley would have been happy that so many children turned out for the service.
Beside Mr. Coverley's final resting place was another empty grave. Miss Lou will be buried there on Wednesday. The graves are located at a section of the park designated for cultural icons and are only a few feet away from the grave of fellow cultural giant, Ranny Williams.
Mr. Coverley died in Canada in 2002 and was buried in that country. When his wife, Miss Lou, died on July 26 this year, the decision was taken to exhume his remains so they could be buried together in Jamaica. This was to honour a request by Miss Lou.
Traffic changes for Miss Lou's funeral
A number of streets in downtown Kingston will be closed to regular vehicular traffic on Wednesday to facilitate the church service and interment of the late Louise Bennett-Coverley (Miss Lou).
Except for VIP parking, which will be allowed at the Ward Theatre at North Parade and at the intersection of East Queen Street and East Parade, no traffic will be permitted at National Heroes Circle, King Street, Duke Street, Barry Street, Parade and Church Street.
Police personnel will be on hand to direct traffic and members of the public are being asked to adhere to the directions.
Procession route
Miss Lou, who died in Canada on July 26 at age 86, has been accorded an official funeral, which will be held at the Coke Methodist Church at East Parade.
Her body will be transported from the Sam Isaacs Funeral Home in a convoy which will move north along Hanover Street and continue west on to Barry Street. The convoy will then go north along King Street up to South Parade.
Continuing on the defined route, the funeral procession will then go west along South Parade to West Parade, then north along West Parade until it reaches North Parade. The convoy will then turn east along North Parade going up to Coke Methodist Church for the official funeral service at 2:00 p.m.
After the thanksgiving service, the procession will go east on to East Queen Street, turning left on to Duke Street and going north up to South Heroes Circle for interment at National Heroes Park.
Entry to the park will be permitted via the south gate, which may be reached by going east along South Heroes Circle.
