Memorial held in South Carolina for late Jessie Ripoll principal and wife

The late principal of Jessie Ripoll Primary School, O'Neil Stevens, and his wife, Camesha Lindsay-Stevens, were remembered today at a memorial service in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, following their tragic deaths in a car crash.

“He was a leader, a role model, a beacon to those with whom he interacted,” said Stevens’ cousin, Khadian Henry, during the service.

“While I was his cousin, he always treated me more like a brother,” Henry added.

Camesha was described as the true embodiment of grace and light, radiating charm wherever she went.

“Her memorable labour of love will live on in the hearts of all who knew her,” remarked Brian Brown, a cousin of her mother.

In his tribute, Jamaica’s Consul General to Miami, Oliver Mair, stated that Jamaica has lost two of its brightest lights.

The memorial, held at the McMillan-Small Funeral Home, was attended by family members and friends who will be unable to attend the couple’s funeral in Jamaica, which is scheduled for early February.

Stevens and his wife were killed in a motor vehicle crash on a highway in South Carolina on Friday, January 3.

The couple had just completed a vacation with their two daughters and were heading to the airport to return to Jamaica.

- Lester Hinds

Follow The Gleaner on X, formerly Twitter, and Instagram @JamaicaGleaner and on Facebook @GleanerJamaica. Send us a message on WhatsApp at 1-876-499-0169 or email us at onlinefeedback@gleanerjm.com or editors@gleanerjm.com.