SPALDINGS, Clarendon:

When Medora Thompson, affectionately called 'Auntie Goddie', passed away on June 9, a void was left in the hearts of her family members, close friends and associates.

Many mourners crammed into the Sanguinetti New Testament Church of God to pay last respects on June 27 to the late churchwoman.

Delivering the eulogy, Shaunette Brown hailed Thompson as a powerful figure in church ministry and a committed member of her choir. The song, Redemption Coming, said to be Thompson's favourite, could be heard hundreds of metres away as Thompson was returning from church services in the nights with her 'bottle torch', the congregation was told.

Devoted Christian

"Medora was a member of the Wishbeach New Testament Church of God where she was a devoted Christian. Folks always marvelled about how she always walked approximately five miles to church and, somehow, always managed to be there before the members who lived near," said Brown.

She said Thompson's commitment to service and the Lord was such that she walked to church Sunday mornings, walked back home in the afternoon and returned at nights for services.

Thompson was known for loving not only her children, grandchildren and other family members, but for extending a caring hand to neighbours and especially colleague vendors at markets where she traded her wares for many years.

Contagious laughter

"The entire family relied on Medora's words of wisdom, nutritious cooking and her ever-so-contagious laughter which brought joy to everyone," said Brown.

Thompson was the eighth child for Rebecca and Samuel Thompson of Glenwood Spring in Clarendon. She was born on May 26, 1928. Her legacy of love has been passed on to her nine children - Lena, Jean, Roy, Veron, Yvonne, Percel, Ronnie, Audrey and Howard - as well as husband Eli and other relatives.

Following her thanksgiving service, Thompson's body was interred in the family plot at Sanguinetti in Clarendon.

She always walked approximately five miles to church and, somehow, always managed to be there before the members who lived near.