The service of thanksgiving for the late Yvonne Bernice Allen brought family and friends out in their numbers from various walks of life, all woven together by the common remarkable thread that was Mrs Allen.

As attendees took their seats in the pews of the Ensom City Holiness Christian Church, tears of grief could be seen streaming down some faces; while others mustered smiles as they reminisced in hushed tones on fond memories of the deceased.

In seemingly perfect timing, the service began with a rapturous praise and worship session which transformed mourners from a state of grief to one of thanksgiving. The church choir joyously sang choruses such as “Better days are coming”, “It is alright, alright” and “I’m trading my sorrows”, much to the delight of all present. With eyes closed and heads lifted towards the heavens, family and friends could be seen finding solace in the lyrics of each song.

By the end of the praise session the lower level of the church was filled to capacity. The service continued with a slideshow done by Sydia Allen cataloguing the life of her mother-in-law. Pictures of Allen’s younger years, her marriage, her children, and extended family slowly moved across the screen as sombre music played in the background. The images captured her love for adventure and travel, as many were taken on her visits to other countries.

Flowing seamlessly from the slideshow, Assistant Bishop Reverend Althea McFarlane introduced a time of prayer as she sought divine guidance over the proceedings and petitioned God for strength for those who mourned. Opening remarks shared by Bishop Noel Gibbs urged all in attendance to give thanks: “In everything give thanks. We are to remind ourselves that we are just passing through. This service reminds us of our own mortality and humanity.”

Bishop Gibbs then made way for tributes from the church family. Allen’s generosity was described by sister Vivilyn Morgan as “a sailing ship that brings food from across the seas”. She also shared Allen’s eagerness to help the poor and needy in her community, as well as her commendable sense of industry. “She was never lazy, and her children praised her for all she did,” Morgan recalled. She also stated with amusement that Mr Allen (now deceased) always said, “There are many women, but my wife is the best!” a statement which brought chuckles and nods of agreement from the attendees. The tribute went on to list the many “hats” Mrs Allen wore, as she was involved in various church departments and ministries. “Mrs Allen’s life was a life well lived,” she concluded.

The second and third tributes brought by Oneness Rehoboth Apostolic Church New York and Lincoln Holiness Christian Church, respectively, encouraged the family to take comfort, as Mrs Allen left behind “a legacy of strength, courage, grace, resilience and integrity”. She was also remembered as thoughtful and unselfish towards others. All could agree that “she took great interest in having people achieve”.

The Lincoln Holiness Christian Church then performed a rendition of “I’m going through”, a song that Allen loved to sing as she fought valiantly against illness over the years.

Tributes by Allen’s immediate family then followed. Her siblings remembered her as the big sister who took care of everyone without a second thought. “She was phenomenal, the epitome of the Proverbs 31 woman!” her sister Rev Glasmin Brown emphatically stated. Her brother tearfully described her as “an angel on earth”. Her sister-in law, Mrs Una Francis, also echoed the sentiments of the selflessness she observed in Mrs Allen.

Another round of tributes subsequently came from the individuals professionally impacted by Mrs Allen. Representatives from the Ministry of Education Region 3 and Brown’s Town High School shared their views on Mrs Allen’s impeccable work ethic and her belief in others, even when they did not yet believe in themselves.

Remembrances from Mrs Allen’s three children – Patrick, Wendy and Levi Allen III – took the audience on a journey to the maternal side. She was remembered as the mother who went above and beyond to see to the well-being of her most prized possessions – her children. “She is deserving of a distinction,” her son Patrick Allen shared. Wendy Allen believed her mother “gave her wings”, and Levi Allen shared that his mother was “principled and perfect”.

Final tributes came from Rev Louise Gibbs, Hope Dawson and Rupert Brown, followed by the eulogy delivered by Rev Veronica Archer.

Rev Archer encapsulated Allen’s spirit of excellence, drive and principle that endured from her youth to her very last moments on Earth. She was a passionate educator, mother, pastor and friend, who left behind precious memories for all whom she encountered.

Rev Osbourne Bailey brought the message which likened Yvonne Allen’s journey to the Apostle Paul. Like Paul, he believed she endured, remained unmoved by her circumstances, and at last finished her ‘race’ well.

The service ended with a prayer for the family, with the benediction done by Rev Philemon Archibald.

The recessional hymn “O, I want to see Him” was sung as individuals prepared to leave for the interment in the church cemetery of the Lincoln Holiness Christian Church, St. Ann.