Sugar Ray Thomas
Popular Ocho Rios hairdresser, 37-year-old Nadine Roberts, better known as “Lisa” was remembered as a beautiful and gentle soul with a great sense of style.
The sentiments were echoed by several family members, friends and members of the barbering and hairdressing community, who gathered at the Bethel Tabernacle United Pentecostal Church in Ocho Rios on Saturday, August 27 at Roberts’ funeral service.
Roberts died on July 22 after she fell ill late last year.
The funeral service was officiated by Elder Patray Reeves, deacon Lawrence Bell and organist Pitts Williams.
There were several moments of openly expressed grief from family members and friends who paid tribute to the life of Ms Roberts.
A tribute was given by students and staff members of the St Ann’s Bay High and Preparatory School, where Ms Roberts’ son, Raheem Bailey is a student. They encouraged the family of Ms Roberts, especially her common law husband, Horace Bailey, known as Wayne, to remain strong and remember that Jesus cared.
Other tributes followed in song, including a powerful musical performance by Sasheen Williams with her rendition of ‘Ride out your storm’ and Rose Robinson, sister of Ms Roberts, also giving a tribute in song.
Raheem Bailey, the son of Nadine Roberts, made a valiant attempt at delivering the remembrance, but he was too overcome with grief that made him unable to finish.
An emotional eulogy was delivered by Ms Robert’s close friend, Deana Flimn who broke down at several intervals.
Nadine Roberts was originally from Manchester and moved to Ocho Rios. She later met Horace Bailey, more popularly known as Wayne. He saw her natural talent for hair braiding and encouraged her to pursue this.
After working at several hairdressing salons, she opened her own business on DaCosta drive in Ocho Rios, where she remained until the time of her death.
“It was not only Lisa’s (Nadine Roberts) talent for doing hair that made her popular, but it was her friendly personality and sense of style that drew everyone in. She was a beautiful, gentle soul with an infectious soul,” Ms Flimn explained, while adding that Ms Roberts tried to please every client “all the time.”
But Ms Roberts took ill early last year and according to Ms Flinn it truly broke everyone’s heart.
“It was so hard to see such a young, vibrant, beautiful woman deteriorate right before our eyes. Lisa’s dedication, passion and work ethic remained throughout her illness and she worked until her feet no longer allowed her to stand,” Ms Flimn said.
She went on to hail Lisa’s boyfriend, Horace Bailey for remaining committed to her during her illness and helping the hairdresser throughout.
“Thank you Wayne for taking care of Lisa during her illness until the time of her death. You loved her more than you even loved yourself… You let her feel important… You are a small man with a big heart,” Ms Flimn said, while lamenting that no one would ever understand why Ms Roberts was taken away from them so soon.
The message was later given by minister Patray Reeves, who encouraged persons gathered at the ceremony to develop a relationship with God before it was too late.
Nadine “Lisa” Roberts, who was born on October 17, 1978 and died on July 22, 2016, was interred at the St Ann’s Bay Cemetery.
