Everyone who knew Ms Barbara Gayle had only excellent memories of her: A charming, wonderful, gentle, caring human being with a ready smile that would put you at ease on your worst day.

Ms Gayle, who for more than five decades stood out as one of this country’s most eminent journalists covering the courts and other matters relating to our justice system, was found dead at her home in St Catherine on Tuesday.

From all indications she was murdered, and all of us who worked with her are crushed and deeply hurt because of the horrific manner of her demise.

Ms Gayle started her career in journalism as a reporter at The Gleaner in September 1968 after working as a secretary at Papine Junior Secondary School from 1966. Throughout her time at the newspaper she set a high standard for accurate beat reporting, keeping the nation informed of trials in the Parish, Circuit, Supreme, and Appeal courts.

Naturally impressed with the quality of her work The Gleaner saw it fit to retain her on a freelance contract as justice co-ordinator after she retired in May 2012. In fact, up to the time of her cruel murder Ms Gayle was on freelance contract with the newspaper, providing reports of happenings in the high court in particular.

Only last month, when the Press Association of Jamaica (PAJ) recognised her as one of four outstanding veteran journalists, the citation presented to Ms Gayle stated that: “Her meticulous reporting of criminal trials, civil suits, appeals, and landmark decisions reflects a commitment to justice and transparency.”

It also noted that her “integrity and professionalism earned her the trust and respect of judges, attorneys, prosecutors, and court staff”.

Additionally, the PAJ commented that Ms Gayle, despite forging lasting friendships in the legal community, remained steadfast in her principles, embodying the highest standards of journalistic ethics.

We can attest to the truth of that statement and the fact that those characteristics earned her the respect and admiration of not just her colleagues but the professionals with whom she interacted daily.

Many readers will recall her column, Legal Wranglings, which, as was pointed out by the PAJ, addressed complex legal issues and earned her the association’s 1997 Community Service Award, as well as an award from the Caribbean Association of Media Workers.

We shared her pride in 1997 when the PAJ named her Journalist of the Year for her reporting on a Supreme Court case in which a rape victim was jailed for speaking “too softly”. That her story resulted in the victim’s release and the installation of audio equipment inside court rooms speaks to the type of change that brave journalism can and ought to make in societies.

Outside of her journalism, Ms Barbara Gayle was simply a great and loyal friend to the many people with whom she developed a relationship throughout her life. In fact, quite a number of young journalists, and some blessed with a few years under the belt, will confess that she willingly shared her knowledge and experience.

We are already missing Barbara Gayle, not only for her fellowship, but also for her scholarship, kindness, and her abiding qualities as a decent human being.

The Jamaica Observer extends our deepest condolence to her family, friends, and colleagues. We grieve her ascendance to the grand newsroom above.