DEDICATED, caring, organised, witty, were words repeated during the tributes that flowed for Marsha L Anderson, former Dean of Sixth Form at St George’s College.

The Cathedral of the Most Holy Trinity was filled with near-one thousand family members, students, colleagues and well-wishers at 10 o’clock on the morning of Saturday, September 25. All this in honour of the work and life of the woman lying in the closed coffin at the door. As was her request, rather than a viewing, a large picture on display reminded congregants of her features in happier times.

Among the early tributes was her students presenting the song Seasons of Love from the musical Rent. After explaining it to be one of her favourites, they burst into the lyrics:

‘Five hundred twenty-five thousand six hundred minutes/ How do you measure the life of a woman or a man?’

The spoken tributes detailed the achievements and challenges that face her during her tenure; regaling many light moments shared with her. St George’s Principal Margaret Campbell spoke to the professional that she was proud to call her colleague. Acknowledging so many of her virtues, it was clear why then principal Van Hitchener, coincidentally Campbell’s father, encouraged Anderson to become a member of the teaching staff of the College.

Joining the staff in 1998 presenting history and geography courses, Anderson later took the reins of the sixth form programme at the time when the school was transitioning from the institutionalised GCE A’ Level examinations to the nascent Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examinations (CAPE). She saw to the seamless conversion of the programme offerings, while allaying the fears of those who were yet to understand its differences. Among her other achievements in the programme were the re-introduction of the Transitional Sixth Form stream and she spearheaded the smooth inauguration of female sixth formers into the 150-year-old, all-male, catholic school.

Herself a former deputy head girl of Meadowbrook High School, mention was made of her degrees in Caribbean studies and political communication, her time working in the Governor of New York’s office, along with her being mere months shy of completing her thesis for a masters in teaching from the Mico University College.

The remembrance, delivered by Dwayne Campbell, spoke of her passion for teaching and pursuit of excellence. Sparing no superlatives, he was able to recall their fiery introduction and the conversion to true colleagues and friends. He spoke to her quiet sophistication, and pride in her always manicured and lengthy fingernails. Among the many Facebook postings in her remembrance was “she was a strong and phenomenal woman”. Others indicating “she was a mother to us all” and “she’ll always be treasured in our hearts as she has made a great impact on all our lives”.

The lively atmosphere of the service of thanksgiving for her life was punctuated with moments of tears from attendees. Former students, who tried their best to hold to the good times they shared, were seen at times relying on each other’s shoulder for support. Her co-workers, many of them overcome with grief, spoke to how she worked tirelessly. Vice Principal Suzette Mullings-Douglas recalled how even the day before her passing she was busy preparing for her students. The cheerful colours worn were said to be in honour of the active, non-conformist, new-day feminist that she was; bringing life and joy to the halls of the noble institution of illustrious history.

Anderson’s mother, Carol Foster, encouraged the students present to continue to “work hard to make Miss Anderson and your parents proud” and remember her unending love for them. She also spoke of the establishment of the Marsha Anderson Scholarship soon to be awarded to a deserving Georgian. She asked that if they remembered nothing else, “remember that Miss Anderson wanted you to achieve”.

As the two-hour service of remembrance drew to its end, Father Walter Dorsey incensed the body while Gone Too Soon, song from one of her favourite artiste Michael Jackson, was sung. It seemed at that time many persons acknowledged the finality of the moment and tears flowed.

Marsha Anderson, at 39, predeceased both parents, three brothers, one sister and many who continue to love her. Her remains will be cremated at a later date.

Wave her colours ever

Furl her standards never

Raise it high and proudly cry St George’s sons and daughter forever.

(Adapted from the StGC School Song)