A fitting farewell

   Friends, family and admirers say goodbye to Sheila Barnett

Marcia Rowe, Gleaner Writer

WITH THE buzz words "grace, poise and thoughtful" along with some tears, the life of Sheila Barnett unfolded on Saturday through tributes, when a number of friends and well-wishers joined family members in a service of celebration and thanksgiving, at St Benedict's Roman Catholic Church in Harbour View.

It was more than a service, it was a walk down memory lane for some; while for others, it was a compact lecture series on the life of a dancer, choreographer, researcher and lecturer.

Presented in songs, dances and the spoken word, the narratives were told from the perspective of private, personal and professional memories.

The Cari-Folk Singers began with a slow Come Journey With Me and picked up the tempo with Rock-a-my-soul, before concluding with Daniel's God Surely Will Deliver.

The group was followed by a moving mark of respect through song, dance and the spoken word from the Jamaica School of Dance (JSD) family.

The JSD tribute ended with a lit candle being passed from dancers representing different generations. It ended with the youngest generation receiving the candle.

medium of storytelling

Carolyn Russell Smith explained that Barnett was a cofounder and the first director of JSD, and described her as one who paid attention to detail. She also said Barnett's "teachings enlightened ... her dance was a medium of telling her story, while her challenge was to create new voice", and concluded with "it is hoped that her work will be documented".

Dr Elaine Carter, past student of St Joseph's Teachers' College, where Barnett taught physical education was one of her students.

Describing Barnett as one who excelled with great poise and was an ideal role model, she also pointed to how innovative she was.

"PE was not just walking, talking and running. She integrated it with other subjects. I remember her inviting Easton Lee to one of her classes for a poetry reading," she said.

Cheryl Ryman, a friend whose career path was influenced by Barnett's decision to become a full-time dancer, described her as "a beautiful spirit and pure class". According to Ryman, Barnett also loved language and beauty.

The remembrance was given by another family friend, Father Easton Lee, who spoke after the beautiful presentation of an excerpt of 'The Rope and the Cross', choreographed by Barnett.

a master at dance

In a remembrance that was filled with anecdotes, Lee spoke of the conceptualisation of and the ultimate choreography of the famous dance.

He recalled that Barnett liked pumpkin soup and it was over one such meal that he gave her one of his scripts to read. The script was based on the story of Judas' mother. Not only did Barnett read the script, but choreographed a dance which she and Monica McGowan performed for Lee. Barnett titled the dance 'The Rope and the Cross'.

Father Lee also urged the congregation to pay attention to unsung heroes and to cherish the gifts they were given.

In conclusion, he asked the audience to stand and applaud Sheila.

Daughters Patricia Barnett-Newland and Rona Barnett-Passard gave their tribute with the song, There's a Land That I Heard About, while her sister and niece spoke about her. The reading of the lessons were also done by family member and friends.

Sheila Barnett died on March 19 at the Andrew's Memorial Hospital after a long illness.

Married to Felix Barnett, she was the mother of three daughters - Patricia, Rona and Joan.

Barnett's body is to be cremated at a later date.