Stalwart educator Joyce Peart hailed for her service to the young

Sunday, February 12, 2012

EDUCATOR, church and community leader, Joyce Peart, knew no boundaries to helping the young.

'Joyce Marjorie Peart, an educator par excellence for over 60 years, a woman who has placed a stack of hope on her generation , an outstanding Christian warrior and a wonderful friend and colleague'.

These were the words used by a former President of the Jamaica Teachers Association, Woodburn 'Woody' Miller to describe Joyce Marjorie Peart who was laid to rest recently

During a farewell service at the St Mark's Methodist church in Harbour View, Kingston for her it was an illustrious career in education which culminated with her teaching at the Kingston Technical High School, after making short stops at Grange Hill, Lionel Town, Jefferyville, Moneague and Lime Hall, all at the primary level and then Ferncourt High.

In all the many and glowing tributes, it was the Reverend Leslie Hoo Sang of the Harbour View Citizens Association who summed up her lifelong contribution to education, the church and community, describing her as a woman with a deep passion who knew no boundaries to helping the young, a fearless servant and soldier of Christ..

The Kingston Technical High school tribute read by Daphne Comrie lauded Peart for the attention she paid to every student in her attempt to ensure their success. She served on the board of Excelsior Hugh school and member, Lileith Deacon recalled that she could always be depended on to provide wise counsel, ensuring that the welfare of the community, staff and all the constituents was served.

Professor Dr Barbara Bailey, head of the Methodist Women's League, said although Joyce Peart's involvement was fully integrated in the church, it had spread far beyond its confines and into various other districts.

"The annual Women's League rally was organised under her leadership. She was a visionary who took her assignments seriously and paid attention to details. Success and faithfulness were the hall marks of her life. Well done good and faithful servant", Bailey said.

The East Kingston Circuit of the St Marks Congregation, where Peart served as a long standing member, recalled her outstanding roles in church and school and her ability to reach her audience and her outstanding fund raising abilities.

Peart was also hailed a sbeing always abreast of current affairs.

District Conference President of the Methodist Church in Jamaica, the Reverend Everald Galbraith said this stately woman will never be forgotten.

Peart's Sister Daphnie Thompson, in her tribute, recalled a young, quiet Peart as outstandingly brilliant, placing first and second in all island examinations of the era.

"She was way ahead of her peers academically and a proud graduate of the Shortwood Teachers College and later the University of the West Indies," Thompson, herself an educator, said.

She described her sister as the peacemaker of the family of four girls from Montego Bay who though very quiet, was no easy walk over.