TRIBUTES TO GLORIA ISAACS FOCUSSED ON CHRISTIAN CHARACTER, DEVOTION TO HER CHILDREN
The large gathering at the Thanksgiving Service for the life of Gloria Isaacs heard of a woman dedicated to her God and her family. The service was held at the Beechamville Methodist Church, St Ann, where she was a member for more than 60 years. Mrs Isaacs died March 4, 2025, at the age of 93.
Among those attending were former Presidents of the Jamaica Teachers’ Association (JTA) Ray Howell, Clayton Hall, Ruel Reid, Norman Allen and Principals (at Mico University) Dr Ashburn Pinnock, and Dr Darien Henry (at Montego Bay Community College), as well as several educators associated with the Moneague college led by Mrs Isaacs’ son Howard Isaacs. GLORIA ISAACS LAID TO REST
(Family members)
Leading the tributes was Governor General Sir Patrick Allen. He characterised Mrs Isaacs as “a quiet person with exemplary Christian principles and good social etiquette.”
He urged Mr Isaacs and his siblings to remember Mrs Isaacs’ impact on them as well as those she encountered. In his tribute read by Dr Nadine Muschette at the service, the GG, on behalf of Lady Allen, assured the family as they mourned that “God promises to heal your broken heart and to bind up your wounds.”
(Howard Isaacs in a sombre mood, delivering the Remembrance)
Head of Region 3 in the Ministry of Education, Youth Skills and Information, Karlene Segre, in her tribute, said: “Ms Gloria [Isaacs] was a woman of profound wisdom and quiet strength…Whether through her words, her deeds, or her steadfast presence, she embodied the love of Christ—patient, giving, and full of grace. Her influence extended beyond her home, touching the lives of many in the Claremont and Moneague communities”
Kaydian Harty, Councillor for Claremont, remembered her first interaction with Mrs Isaacs as being “a gentle giant.” Councillor Harty said: “Her death is particularly hard because of the life she lived and the effect she had on all of us. We will all miss her from the physical realm, but her legacy surely lives on!”
A tribute from the College was read by Kenene Senior Smith, Kenice Harvey and Andrick Perry. Mrs Senior Smith and Mrs Harvey rendered an item in song.
One of the most dramatically expressed and well-received was that of Pastor Desmond James, cousin of Mrs Isaacs. He stressed that everyone was going to end up in a casket and that all have a duty to live a Godly life.
Giving the tribute on behalf of the church, Delroy Granston said Mrs Isaacs served the church family for more than 60 years. He said, “Gloria’s legacy is one of love, kindness and selflessness. He said she had a compassionate heart and had unwavering dedication to her family. “She grew her children well,” he said.
(A gathering of floral tributes)
One of those children, Howard Isaacs, read the remembrance describing his mother as a dedicated homemaker who took care of her family.
He specifically mentioned the kindness of his siblings in returning what their mother had taught and given them. “In her later years, as her health declined, Mom was blessed to have her daughters, Bonito and Audrey, by her side. For nearly 20 years, Bonito in particular made the sacrifice to selflessly attend to her every need, ensuring her comfort and dignity through every challenge. Giving up her career to take up the responsibility of taking care of Mom. It was a labour of love — one that reflected the very same devotion Mom had always shown her own children.”
He gave anecdotes underlining Mrs Isaacs’ kindness and the good relationship she had with the family members including, seven children, 17 grandchildren and 31 great-grandchildren. “She leaves behind a legacy of love that spans generations,” he said.
Saxophonist Glen Williams supported the Remembrance with ‘Amazing Grace’
(A section of the church choir)
Officiating Ministers were Rev. J Michael Llewellyn, who chaired the proceedings; Bishop Christine Benguche who preached the sermon, and Jean Charmy Gabriel, minister in Training. Bishop Rankin Clarke prayed for the Bereaved family. Organist was Wyndell Johnson.
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See the short video on the Frankly Speaking Jamaica YouTube channel that captured a slice of the Thanksgiving service.
