SILENCE sat heavily over the Christ Light Assemblies Church in Gordon Pen, Spanish Town, last Sunday, for a woman whose life inspired many.

They were trying to come to terms with the sudden death of Victoria Manning Tugman, the 39-year-old who passed away in the wee hours of February 2, while on her way to the Spanish Town hospital after complaining of headaches.

But silence soon turned into acceptance as officiating minister and pastor of the church, Everton Thomas, made his way to the pulpit from the back entrance quoting words that reminded the congregation that death was a certainty and a path that all must walk. There were outburst of wails as family and friends faced the lifeless body of a woman who had impacted the community and played an active role in Christ Light Assemblies.

The more than a dozen tributes brought a myriad of reactions from the packed church, from those viewing from the large tent erected outside the building to those gathered at various locations in the church yard.

One tribute by Tugman’s son, Ricardo Scarlett, brought tears to the eyes of many even as he himself broke down in tears and had to be consoled by family members. His Song For Mama originally done by K-Ci and Jo Jo, spoke to the type of mother Tugman was to her four children.

But while some tributes brought tears, there were others that brought peace, like that offered by the church choir I Never Lost My Hope, one of Tugman’s favourite hymns, and one that she herself led countless times as the director of the Christ Light choir.

There were other tributes that brought shouts of hallelujah as the church was transformed into a worship centre, and the real purpose of the gathering would have been forgotten had it not been for the lavender and white casket sitting royally in front of the altar as a constant reminder.

Pastor Orville Ramocan described Tugman as a warrior for God.

“Deaconess Tugman was a warrior, a conqueror, a true child of God,” he said, noting that she spent her last days working for the Lord.

Family member Andrea Brown-Williams described the deceased as someone who was very helpful and who was also a hard worker.

“Her home always has people there,” Brown-Williams said. “She hated washing, but she loved to cook. She was a fighter and had a fighting spirit.”

Known to many as Auntie Debbie, Vicky, Aunt Vicky, Tuggy and Deaconess Tugman, the deceased started out taking care of herself by selling escallion and wall flowers at a market in Kingston.

In 2001, she moved to Gordon Pen and started working at the Eltham Park Primary in the cafeteria. After a short time she was laid off, but being a family person she decided to again try her hands at selling. This time she set up a stall in front of the primary school and sold several items to the kids. One of Tugman’s main aims was for her daughter to attain a level of education she did not and so she worked tirelessly as a vendor.

According to Brown-Williams one of Tugman’s favourite phrases was “When me dead people can’t say me wasn’t a trying woman”.

In offering the eulogy Ahbeana Wright, friend of the family, noted that Tugman would accomplish anything she put her mind to.

At the age of 14, Tugman, who attended the Denham Town Secondary, met the man she would later marry.

This she did in 1998 at the age of 23.

“She dedicated her time and effort to the community development,” Wright said. “And many persons relied on her. In her, persons found a friend whom they could talk to and rely on.”

Tugman, who was a fashionable dresser, became a member of the Christ Light family in 2012, serving as choir director and deaconess.

In a heated message, Pastor Thomas reminded the congregation that three things were sure: that we were all going to die; that we would all meet the Saviour; and that some would go to heaven and others to hell.

He informed the congregation, however, that one thing had to happen before persons could make it into heaven.

“We have to be saved before we can get there,” he said. “You can’t go there with carnal mind. You can’t go there with boyfriend in your suitcase. So if we don’t turn [from our sins] you are going to burn!” he stated, amid shouts of Amen and Hallelujah. “Hell don’t respect anybody. If you don’t know God you are going to burn in hell…get ready or else…,” he declared.

Pastor Thomas said these were the last days, therefore, persons needed to repent now .

“Some people behave as if they are nicer than God, but hell is not refusing anyone. You can’t say you love God and don’t serve him,” the pastor said.

The good news, Pastor Thoms said, was that there was a way of escape.

“Give your life to God. Seek ye first the kingdom of God and his righteousness and all things shall be added unto you. Give your life to God – that is the way of escape. Buy an insurance policy in Jesus,” he urged.