RAINDROPS and tears mixed Saturday afternoon in Ginger House, Portland, as scores of mourners paid their final respects to Elrita Fuller, one of the 14 residents from the eastern parish who died in a tragic accident last December, after the market truck in which they travelling went over a precipice at Dam Ridge.

Bereaved relatives, community members and friends (many from overseas and other parishes) packed the Ginger House Jehovah’s Witness Church and the church yard to say their final good-byes to the woman, affectionately called ‘Sister Vie’, whom they described as a hard worker and a lover of family.

During the very brief service, which mainly involved prayer and the singing of hymns, Minister Hayden Jordan offered comforting words to the bereaved family, basing his message on the New Testament story of the Resurrection.

“None of us were expecting that kind of end for our dear sister,” said Jordan. “That’s why it came as such a shock to us and those around the world who have heard of the tragedy caused by the terrible accident. Our dear sister loved her children. But this is not the end. In the end, we will all see her again. Yes, we mourn her loss, but there’s very little we can do. Although death is hard, it is certainly not the end. Now, we are all sad, sad, sad, but when we see her again, we will be glad, glad, glad. That is indeed a wonderful hope.”

Fuller, who earned a living for years as a vendor at the Coronation Market in downtown Kingston, was fondly remembered by her loved ones and colleagues, who braved the inclement weather to attend her burial.

“It was very terrifying for me because I used to live with her, here in Portland, where she grew me until I moved to Kingston,” shared 21-year-old Petrian Houslin, Fuller’s grand-daughter.

“When I heard what happened to her last month, I couldn’t believe. I thought it was a lie at first. But when it was confirmed I couldn’t stop crying. She was a very proud Jehovah’s Witness, who taught us how to love God and acknowledge the truth about our church. She always used to say that if she died tomorrow, she wanted to know that we’re serving Jehovah. And I am happy that I am fulfilling her wish,” Houslin added, fighting back tears.

Kingston resident Sally Ford, who worked with Fuller for years at the Coronation Market, described her late colleague as wonderful role model for the younger vendors with whom she worked.

“Oh God, she was such a very nice person. She coached us at the market and showed us how to get and keep customers,” Ford told the Observer, smiling at the memory. “Everybody is sad right now. We miss her. I used to buy dasheen from her, and she used to always look out for me.”

At the burial spot in the backyard of Fuller’s home, a few blocks from the church, scores of mourners gathered around the muddy grave site, joining in the singing of hymns. Family members broke down and sobbed uncontrollably while the heavens opened and raindrops added to Fuller’s ‘watery’ send-off.

Final funeral arrangements for the remaining accident victims have been made. One set was held yesterday and the other is scheduled for next Sunday, January 25.

A letter from the Government read close to the end of Saturday’s funeral service outlined that provisions will be made for the children who lost relatives in the December 19 accident.