The Jamaica Observer continues its daily look back at people, events and works that made an impact during 2017.

GOSPEL singer and radio announcer Deneese Wright died at the University Hospital of the West Indies on May 11. She was 46.

Wright had been diagnosed with a malignant brain tumour known as Glioblastoma Multiforme (GBM). She required surgery and extensive chemotherapy treatment. A gofundme account was set up to raise US$100,000. At the time of her passing, contributions amounted to US$1,034.

“We had taken her to the hospital on April 11, as she woke up the morning and was complaining of feeling dizzy. A week before, she was complaining of headaches… She died exactly a month to the day we took her in,” Meigon Anderson, a close family friend, told the Jamaica Observer. “Her brother in Canada, Vaughn Simpson, had set up the gofundme account for her to offset the treatment cost.”

Wright’s sister, Ann Simpson-Hall, remembered her as a dedicated individual.

“She was called ‘Den Den’ and ‘Jesus Girl’. She was a personality girl… I don’t know when they’re gonna find anyone else like her. I remember on one occasion, she packed her suitcase and went to LOVE 101 FM (radio station) and did three shifts straight,” said Simpson-Hall.

The host of Love In The Morning and Recharge on LOVE 101 FM, Wright also ministered through song.

In 2008 she was a finalist in the Jamaica Cultural Development Commission’s Gospel Song Competition. She also had a major role in the low-budget movie, Just Another Friday.

Her songs include I Love You, I Belong To You and No Condemnation.

Wright’s funeral was held at Fellowship Tabernacle in St Andrew on May 31. She was interred at Dovecot Memorial Park in St Catherine.

In addition to her brother and sister, Wright is survived by her father David.

— Brian Bonitto