THERE was no trace of mourning as one entered the main aisle of the Meadowbrook United Church in St Andrew where the thanksgiving service for the life of 102-year-old Glady’s May Henry was held on September 5.

Her family and friends were in a celebratory mood, humming to a series of soulful musical tributes from the likes of Charmaine Limonious, DiMario McDowell, Orville “Bagga” Case and Michael Powell.

When the service officially started, family members and friends shared tributes praising Gladys for her matriarchal prowess — her ability to love — to educate and inspire as well as to make people laugh.

Gladys May Henry was born in 1913 in Victoria district, Clarendon. She went to live with her aunt who controlled a sewing centre in the neighbouring community of Thompson Town. She later attended the sewing classes put on by her aunt along with her best friend Julia Kirby around whom much of her childhood was centred.

When Gladys turned 26, she married the father of her five children after which they decided to venture out in the world in search of new opportunities — something they were able to accomplish by paying partner and selling some of their land.

This adventure led them to Nottingham, England, where they settled and where they built a life for their children and themselves.

Gladys’s family and friends described her as the greatest mother to have ever lived. She was committed to helping others and was a firm believer in brotherhood. She and her husband are said to have provided places for scores of Jamaican immigrants who ventured to England in search of a better life.

Her daughter, Winsome Henry-White while delivering the eulogy said her neighbours had become so familiar with Glady’s hospitality, and love for cooking that they often bellowed from their houses: “Sister Gladys, you have any ole rice ova deh?” much to the amusement of her mother, who fulfilled as many of these requests, once she was in a position to do so.

In 1985 Gladys returned to Jamaica where she settled, occasionally visiting England. Just over two years ago Gladys fell ill and she was never able to recover.

Attendants at the thanksgiving service sang a melody of appreciation to a woman who had laid a solid foundation for a strong family tree.

But Julia, whose face slowly turned pale as family members shared treasured moments of Gladys’ life, simply could not keep a promise which was to remain strong during the service. As she shared a tribute to celebrate the life of her best friend she broke down and cried.

“A feel it, I really feel it,” she cried, as tears were wiped from her cheeks.

“We grow as sisters, always doing the same things. Sisters’ quarrel — but we didn’t. I have a broken heart, I know we come on earth and we have to go home when we have to go, but a feel it to my heart because I never got to see my best friend at the end,” Kirby said.

Kirby said age and ailments hampered their relationship and for the last six years it was challenging to meet up with each other the way they always did. But she will never forget her lifetime friend because no one ever touched her heart the way Gladys did.