“‘We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.’ This quote from William Churchill describes Aunt Essie’s life.”
Those were the words of Erica Hamilton, the daughter of the late Estriana Thompson, also known as ‘Miss Essie’ or ‘Aunt Essie,’ as she gave her remembrance at her mother’s funeral service.
The 91-year-old humanitarian, Estriana Thompson has made her life all about giving to others. She was a business woman in Port Maria and was well known for her generosity and demonstrated love towards people, especially the mentally ill and homeless persons in St. Mary.
It was no surprise when hundreds of mourners from all walks of life turned out at the St Mary Parish Church on Saturday, January 21, to pay their final respects to a woman, who can be called the “Mother Theresa of St Mary.”
Mrs Thompson died at her home in Boscobel, St Mary on December 24, 2016, following a brief illness.
The early morning service, which began on time at 10 o’clock, was officiated by: the bishop of Jamaica, the Right Reverend Dr Howard Gregory; the bishop of Montego Bay, the Right Reverend Leon Golding; Right Reverend Alfred Reid and rector, the Very Reverend Canon Charles Manderson, assisting clergy of the Diocese of Jamaica.
Several other officials of the Anglican Church were also present, including the Right Reverend Dr Robert Thompson, the Anglican suffragan bishop of Kingston.
The service dubbed “the Mass of the Resurrection in celebration of the life of Estriana Thompson” began with several touching tributes that all highlighted the impact that Mrs Thompson had on the parish.
In his tribute on behalf of the community, custos for the parish, Errol Johnson urged the persons gathered at the service to live their lives as how Mrs Thompson did by caring for others.
“The greatest tribute to Miss Essie is to make her life live on by our actions. We should try to relate to her in whatever way we can so that what she taught us by her actions will continue to flow throughout our society, creating an impact of the love and the caring attitude for our people,” Mr Johnson stated.
He said Mrs Thompson has left the parish in a better place and she has made “many lives breathed easier.” He also pointed out that she had never asked for anything in return for her kindness towards others.
There was also a dramatic presentation done by St Patrick Grandison on behalf of the St Mary Parish Church which highlighted the many ways she contributed to the St Mary Parish Church, where she was a member. She also helped in “saving many wayward souls.”
Abrahim Simmonds, also in a tribute on behalf of the St Mary Parish Church spoke to the contributions that Mrs Thompson made to the church.
Simmonds said that her ability to mobilize and lead was reflected in her leadership of the Boscobel Fellowship Group. She was also a member of several committees in the St Mary Parish Church including: the mission and evangelism committee; mother’s union; women’s auxillary; outreach committee and the senior citizens club.
“Her pledge to the church made you question your own commitment. Her worship knew no borders and she showed an acceptance and love for all God’s ministers of the gospel, despite their denomination,” Simmonds said in his tribute.
In his tribute on behalf of the St Mary Municipal Corporation, mayor of Port Maria, Richard Creary described Mrs Thompson as a server of the people. “Miss Essie (Mrs Thompson) has served the people of St Mary and the citizens of the parish. She was an icon… To know Miss Essie is to love her,” Creary said.
Mrs Thompson was also a member of the Poor Relief Committee of the Council.
Governor General, Sir Patrick Allen was unable to attend the thanksgiving service, but his wife, Lady Allen brought his greetings and condolences to Mrs Thompson’s family on his behalf.
In the tribute, Mrs Thompson was described a hardworking woman.
“She (Mrs Thompson) was smart, alert, business oriented, kind, honest and very hard working… I often think of her as ‘Port Maria’s Mother Theresa.’ She has fed the poor, clothed the homeless, given advise to the aspiring and an advocate to many,” Lady Allen read.
Estriana Thompson had received an award from the government of Jamaica, when on Monday, October 19, 2015, she was recognized during the National Honors Awards Ceremony at Kings House. She received a badge of Honor for Meritorious Service for rendering service to the mentally ill and homeless in Jamaica. She was featured in the North Coast Times for this achievement. The paper had also featured her as a Woman of Worth (WOW).
Mrs Thompson has also received the Governor General’s achievement award in 1992 and has been the recipient of several other community and church awards.
However, according to Lady Allen, Mrs Thompson now awaits her greater reward in heaven.
Mrs Thompson’s daughter, Erica Hamilton broke down at the latter part of her tribute to her mother.
“Miss Essie, Aunt Essie, Mom, Mama, friend ad server of God… However she was called, she was the type of person who put other persons needs ahead of hers. It was of utmost importance to her that those around her are happy and comfortable before she gave her comfort any thought,” she explained.
The Life of Misss Essie
‘Miss Essie’ was born Estriana Ferguson on Friday, May 15, 1925 in St Catherine to William and Beatrice Ferguson. She was the last of 14 children to her parents.
Following the death of her father and eight of her siblings, she moved with her mother and her other siblings to Port Maria in St Mary.
It was while in her early years, she started in the catering industry with her bigger sister. She later started the business of baking and selling patties at the Port Maria Market.
In 1960, she expanded her business into a grocery, bar and restaurant in Trinity in Port Maria.
“It does not take formal education to become financially free. What it takes is a dream and a lot of determination and hard work. And with this Miss Essie and her husband (Leslie Thompson) worked hard,” Erica Hamilton, Miss Essie’s daughter, explained in her tribute.
Mrs Thompson, along with her husband worked hard to purchase a property at 10 Stennett Street in the town of Port Maria. It was during the time of the construction of a new business her husband died, but she never lost her “faith and courage” according to her daughter.
The new business, ‘Essie’s Faith Restaurant’ was later opened and remains today in the heart of Port Maria.
Hamilton pointed out that her mother had a love for the “street people”. So much was Mrs Thompson love for them that she got “a private doctor to administer to their medical needs,” according to Hamilton.
She added: “Apart from her (Mrs Thompson’s) business and community service involvement, she was a wife, a mother, grandmother and foster mother. Her love for children went beyond her children, and was extended to her grandchildren, her neighbour’s children, her friend’s children and the children of the community and her church.”
Following the tributes, Mrs Thompson’s casket was brought into the church and the reception of the body commenced.
The service followed with the first lesson being read by Mrs Thompson grandson, minister Kenroy Watson. The second lesson was read by her granddaughter, Tsehia Brown.
The sermon was delivered by the Right Reverend Dr Howard Gregrory, who hailed Mrs Thompson and said that he knew “she wasn’t a rich woman,” but he knew “she had a big heart.”
Several dignitaries from across the parish and the island were also on hand to mourn the loss of one of St Mary’s greatest citizens. Among the mourners were: superintendent Dudley Scott; member of parliament Dr Morais Guy; senator Floyd Morris; member of parliament and minister of national security Robert Montague; outgoing St Mary police commander, deputy superintendent Dwight Powell and former politician, deacon Terrence Gillette.
Estriana Thompson was later interred at the church’s cemetery.
