THE hot afternoon sun and the cramped interior of Dallas Castle Seventh-day Adventist Church in the hills of St Andrew could have made for an uncomfortable experience.

Bu the cheerful strains of gospel hymns that filled the air last Wednesday told another story.

It was the celebration for the life of 80-year-old Lois Monica Abrahams — affectionately called Aunt Lou, Sister Lou or Miss Lou — where scores of loved ones turned out to pay their last respects by singing her favourite hymns.

"How cheering is the Christian's hope while toiling here below. It buoys us up while passing through this wilderness of woe. It buoys us up while passing through this wilderness of woe," they sang.

And later: "When we all get to heaven, what a day of rejoicing that will be! When we all see Jesus we'll sing and shout the victory!"

The songs engaged the sorrowful gathering, especially the senior citizens among them, whose voices rose in high praise.

The attempt at cheerfulness, was however, no comfort to at least one of Abrahams' children, Pauline. As she arrived at the church and walked to the casket bearing her mother, grief consumed her and she succumbed to tears.

There were no official tributes during the service, but Abrahams, one of the many "mothers" of the small community of Dallas Castle, was remembered as a woman who had great hope, strength and courage. She was also hailed as hardworking, thoughtful and diligent.

"Aunt Lou was a good woman. She loved going to her church and she raised her children well," a senior citizen told Life Tributes.

At the graveside in the family plot at Cross Paths in the parish, mourners again lifted their voices. They sang songs such as, Shall We Gather at the River, There's a Land that is Fairer and When the Roll is Called Up Yonder.

Abrahams died on November 16. Her departure leaves a void in the hearts of her three children — Ronald, Opal and Pauline — sister Leila-Gaye, grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, other relatives and members of the Dallas Castle community.