MAVIS Almira Burgess nee Panton also known as “Aunt May”, was hailed as “Mother of Israel”, Christian and disciplinarian.

Burgess was eulogised as a devoted Christian who attended the Seventh-day Adventist church and not only raised her ten biological children but those of the community as well.

“The Burgess and the Panton family is outstanding to the Seventh-day Adventist church as a documented profile should be made of the Panton and Burgess family as to the work they have done for this church in this region,” one tribute from the church stated.

Tributes came from different Seventh-day Adventist churches and the Bog Walk United Pentecostal Church whose choir delivered a moving musical tribute and Governor General His Excellency Patrick Allen. Tributes were given in poems and songs including Racquel Fairclough who sung a rendition of How Great Thou Art and Verley Brown who sang In His Hands.

Her neighbour and friend Sister Richards remembered her as a “community mother, one who was caring, a disciplinarian who grew her children well and she has ran the race, kept the faith and has earned her crown”.

Dr Charles Panton remembered his sister as the one who “filled the gap and played the role as the kindergarten teacher as they all had to learn. Her kindness in caring for all the children due to her dedication that has touched all our lives in a positive way”.

Her daughters Rhona and Glasmine remembered their mother as “caring and connected with every part of our lives with such a strong will and character with a legacy of strength in the communities of Bybrook and Halls Delight; raising two families instilling the moral, spiritual and family values that are so important in life. She was an icon and the guiding light for all of our lives, thanks for the wonderful job done”.

A moving eulogy was done by Richard “Richie B” Burgess and Hyacinth Burgess Gregory which related her life history “graduating from school as a well-rounded young lady with exceptional complement in the three “R”s. She was asked by her parents to relocate to Bybrook from Rural hill to help in the rearing of her brothers’ three boys as their mother had died in childbirth”.

Burgess was married for 56 years until her husband died July 21 2003, the union produced ten children.