Tributes to the late Eileen Piggott, former principal of Westwood High School, Trelawny highlighted her love, laughter, warm smile, faith and love. She was identified as a committed Christian with great cloud and humility evidencing a deep relationship with God.
Several tributes from members of the church and the wider school and education community were given during the thanks giving service for her life, at the Wesley Methodist Church in Brown’s Town, St Ann, Saturday, January 14.
Eileen Margaret Gordon Piggott died December 11, 2016, age 68.
Her involvement in church ranged from service at the local church – for example in Sunday school, secretary of committees, school board, circuit steward and circuit representation of conference.
She was a self-declared “minister of transport” for all the persons she carried to and from the various meetings, sometimes even as they protested that they could get to the functions otherwise.
Karlene Segree, representing the Ministry of Education Youth and Information said Mrs Piggott was identified as “facilitating” the development of girls to ladies, and being a mentor for them.
The Jamaica Association of Principals of Secondary Schools (JAPSS) reflected on her as the light behind the stained glass window which glows in the darkness.
Other descriptions of her were remarkable saint, woman of faith. It was said that the Irish name ‘Eileen’ means light.
The remembrance was given by Faith Clemmings and Gloria Carruthers who were colleagues of Mrs Piggott in the early days 1970s Westwood.
Officiating ministers were: Bishop Rev. Everald Galbraith, Rev Athlone Harrison, Rev. Dr Wayneford McFarlane , Rev Michael Llewlyn, Rev Dr Margaret Fowler and Karlene Brown-Palmer. In delivering the sermon, Rev Mr Galbraith said all mankind must accept the fact that man will die, hence all should seek the Lord. He said people should love the Lord and this love is shown by loving and serving others and helping those who come across our path and prepare for God. He said that was the life of Mrs Piggott.
Among those in attendance were St Ann custos, Norma Walters, custos emeritus Radcliffe Walters, former principal of Westwood, Ivin Logan; principal of Westwood Karen Francis ; past students, member of parliament Dr Dayton Campbell, several councillors and ambassador Burchell Whiteman.
Urn bearers were Jada Keen and Zonya-Camay Sterling. Picture bearer was Alvin Mothersill
Mrs Piggott designed the thanksgiving programme herself and reportedly contacted everyone who was featured on it.
