DEDICATED, a no-nonsense person, loving and someone who really loved family. Those were some of the words used to describe Joan Thomas-Davis at a thanksgiving service for her life held on Saturday, November 3 at the Miracle Tabernacle Free Town Church of God of Prophecy in Clarendon.

There was an atmosphere of worship inside the church as they remembered Davis who was a part of the praise and worship team.

"She was a worshipper, she enjoyed singing songs of praise," said Pastor Zebulah Aiken as she spoke about the woman who impacted the church with her enthusiasm.

Thomas-Davis's sister-in-law Loveine Davis spoke of the love and devotion she had towards her husband Steve as well as the Lord.

"She took a delight in ministry unto the Lord. She was always saying that God is her all in all," she said, adding that when it came on to her husband, Davis would say "every time I look at him a love him more and more".

For her husband, who sat in the front pew, it was a bitter sweet reminder of the love they shared. Davis' sister-in-law said her sudden death had sent shock waves through the family.

A mother of three, Thomas-Davis seemed to have been born for that role. Francine Williams, her cousin, said from a young age she exhibited mothering skills, so much so that her young sister referred to her as 'mama'.

Born in Whitehall District, St Thomas, Thomas-Davis attended Seaforth High School. She left home for the capital city of Kingston in 1990 where she worked hard at a number of odd jobs.

"In spite of meagre income she always sent money home to her mom," Williams shared.

"She was a no nonsense yet tolerable, secretive yet accommodating — her life redefined the meaning of family," Williams read during the eulogy on Davis' life.

Thomas-Davis met Steve at age 20 and they exchanged nuptials a year later. They wasted no time in starting a family — maybe subconsciously she knew time was precious where their union was concerned.

Being a wife and a mother were important roles to her, but according to Williams the one she cherished the most was being a "sister in Christ".

Her former Pastor Mitchell described her as a woman 'strong in faith" and one who "just loved to sing".

In her message Pastor Aiken reminded that she had left a rich legacy and encouraged those left behind to "live their lives that there can be a grand reunion some day".

"Sister Davis died physically, but eternally waiting for those who have hope. The only way for this hope is to accept Christ as your Saviour."

Among those paying tribute in songs to Thomas-Davis were Free Town Primary School, Women's Ministry with City of Gold, Verna Wolf singing What A Day and Jamaica Observer's Stacy-Ann Gooden who did a touching rendition of Missing You.

Davis died leaving three children — Anna Kay, Kadian and Adrian, three sisters, five brothers and other relatives.