'Miss Esmie left footprints on our hearts'

CROFTS HILL, Clarendon:

"Some people come into our lives and quickly go. Some people through their spirit move our souls to dance and sing and leave a never-ending stream of pleasant memories that are tinged with a generous serving of humour. They awaken us to new levels with their humility and caring spirit.

"Some people make the sky more beautiful to gaze upon. They stay in our lives for a while, leave footprints on our hearts, and we are never ever the same," is how Donna Marie Brooks-Gordon described her grandaunt, Esmie, during her thanksgiving service held on Saturday, November 12, 2011, at the Crofts Hill All Saints Anglican Church.

Esmie Lucille Casselle was born and raised in Ludlow District in Crofts Hill and was the last of seven girls for her parents Richard and Rebecca Douglas. She was predeceased by four of her siblings - Ruby, Rita, Elizabeth, and Gertrude - and survived by two other sisters, Violet and Gloria.

According to Brooks-Gordon, who delivered the eulogy, from a very tender age, Miss Esmie demonstrated that she was an extraordinary person. "She was humble, unselfish, and had a very kind and caring spirit. She was the workhorse in the family - always willing and ready to lend a hand. She took that same industrious attitude into adulthood and continued to work hard, even in her twilight years," said the grandniece.

Powerful voice

She joyfully provided laundry services to many households in the community, working tirelessly to take care of her five children who were the product of two marriages.

Miss Esmie was an active and vibrant member of the Bethel Baptist Church in Long Ground for many years. Her presence was also felt at the Paradise Baptist as well as the Crofts Hill All Saints Anglican Church, which she joined when Bethel Baptist disintegrated.

Miss Esmie had a very strong and powerful voice and it was her joy to use it in service of the Lord. She could be counted on to represent her church at funerals and rallies where she would belt out one of her favourite songs, which would earn her resounding applause. Her singing talent was also displayed at wakes, where she often assumed the role of tracking the hymns, which drew large crowds to the location.

In paying tribute, family friend Doreen Johnson noted: "Matthew 25 verse 14-30 speaks about The Parable of the Talents. Miss Esmie did not get five or two in physical worth; she got one, but she did not dig a hole and hide it or quarrel with God for giving her such a small amount, she used it to shine. Although her physical bounty was small, she got an abundance of intangible talents that she used to positively influence other persons' lives."