Last farewell to Keslia

Family and friends of Keslia Sara James paid their lasts respects to her at a funeral service on Saturday, January 4.{{more}}

Eighteen-year-old Keslia was a victim of the floods on Christmas Eve, which claimed nine lives, with three other persons still missing.

There was not a dry eye at the Union Methodist Church as Nia Velox, Keslia’s close friend, delivered a tribute. Velox, who flew in from the United States for the funeral, described Keslia as being possessed of a beautiful spirit and a sunny disposition.

“She giggled at everything and we enjoyed just being silly together! She was a soft-spoken person and generous to a fault. With Keslia, what you saw, was what you got…no pretence…just a very real person who loved life. She was the only person I knew who successfully mixed shyness and self-confidence. Above all, she was a friend…a good friend. She was someone I shared my every thought and emotion with…she was a good listener and wise beyond her years, providing sound advice when necessary.

“Keslia was brilliant and she had an equally brilliant future ahead of her. She received a National Award for excellent results at CSEC 2012. Her true potential will never be realized and the world has been robbed of a potential mover and shaker,” Velox said.

Keslia was also described by Velox as a diva who loved fashion and make-up.

“For those of us who knew her well, Keslia was a diva. She loved fashion, make-up and everything that could make her more beautiful,” said Velox.

“Keslia will forever hold a special place in my heart and her lovely smile will be etched in my memory forever,

“God knew that her friends needed an angel in Heaven and Keslia was the perfect choice,” said Velox as she held back her tears.

Shafel Cruickshank, friend of Keslia, also delivered a tribute in which she recalled many conversations she had with Keslia. Cruickshank remembered Keslia as being a loyal and honest friend.

After a lovely rendition of “When the Roll Is Called up Yonder” by the GHS Steel Orchestra, friends of Keslia: Petra-Anne, Patrina, Antonia and Keishell rendered a poem, dedicated to the deceased.

The eulogy was delivered by Theodore Browne-Billy who described Keslia as a special individual who valued friendships.

“She was the light in our life” said Browne-Billy.

Reverend Pierre C. Zephyr provided hope and comfort to Keslia’s mourning friends and family in his sermon.

Present at the funeral were parliamentary representative for South Central Windward Saboto Caesar, parliamentary representative for Central Leeward Maxwell Charles, former government minister René Baptiste, former representative for South Central Windward Allan Cruickshank and Storm Gonsalves, who represented his father, Prime Minister Dr Ralph Gonsalves.

Representatives from the Girls’ High School, the St Vincent and the Grenadines Community College, the Girl Guides Association and the Number 14 Ranger-Guide Unit were also present at the funeral service.

Keslia was laid to rest at the San Souci Cemetery.

Another flood victim, Raymond Gonsalves, who died in a landslide at Manning Village, Byera, was also laid to rest on Saturday. Desmond Wilson, who died at Vermont, was buried on Sunday.

Yowani Bartholomew, one of five members of the Nanton family who perished in a landslide at Rose Bank on Christmas Day, will be buried at Barrouallie on Thursday. The funerals for the four other members of the family will be held next weekend. The body of two-year-old Canadian Shalani Headley, who perished in flood waters at Cane Grove, will be taken back to Canada for burial.(CA)