The death of a loved one is never an easy pill to swallow. However, it’s even more difficult to come to terms with when, like Debra Shallow, life is prematurely ended by the actions of another.{{more}}

On Wednesday, September 9, mourners squeezed into the overheated and overcrowded Mary Magdalene Anglican Church at Coulls Hill, as they paid their last respects to Debra – whose life came to a grisly end two weekends ago.

Before the funeral service even began, several of Debra’s loved ones wept openly as they gazed upon the casket. The service, which was brief yet touching, included tributes from colleagues and friends that extolled her virtues, and a poignant eulogy by her son Kishore Shallow.

Kishore spoke of his mother in glowing terms – recalling the hardships she had experienced throughout her life and her many successes. She was set to commence graduate level studies in Banking and Finance at the University of the West Indies, Cave Hill Campus, when she was killed.

He also fondly reminisced on the close bond that he shared with his mother, and the positive influence she has had and will always have on his life.

Kishore Shallow (forefront), son of deceased Debra Shallow, is supported by friends and family at his mother’s funeral.

Although Kishore remained relatively composed for the duration of the service, he often wore a perplexed look on his face – as if trying to make sense of this devastating blow. One could only hope that Father Coleridge Brooker’s words during the homily were of comfort to him. “Death always creates loneliness, but you are only lonely for a while… She is in the near presence of Almighty God… at peace,” Brooker said.

It all proved to be overwhelming for Noel Dickson, Debra’s fiancé. He was reduced to tears several times and friends and relatives had to comfort him. Dickson’s deep sobs echoed through the church, and reflected the grief of many – grief as visible as the perspiration that beaded their brows.

From conversations overheard outside the Church, it was highly apparent that Debra Shallow was a beacon of inspiration and encouragement for those who had the good fortune to know her.

Investigators are working on the theory that former policeman and minibus operator David Charles, 44, killed Shallow, 43, set fire to their house, then killed himself.

A statement from the police said both deaths occurred at about 4:45 a.m. on Saturday, August 28. The charred bodies were discovered on the lower level of the two-storey home the couple shared at Cane Grove.

A post mortem examination revealed that Shallow died from strangulation.

The sun beat down fervently as Debra’s body was taken from the church and the funeral procession ensued. For Debra’s relatives and friends, the stinging heat surely did nothing to shift the coldness that her death has undoubtedly left in their hearts.

Bishop of the Windward Islands C Leopold Friday officiated at the funeral service. The body was interred at the Troumaca cemetery. (JSV)