The Central Baptist Church at Rey Hill was filled to capacity for the Thanksgiving Service for the late Mrs. Clara Isabell Gumbs of Long Ground on Saturday, June 18.
Mrs. Gumbs was a foundation member of the church which occupies an area of land which she and her husband, Mr. Fred Gumbs, who preceded her in death, donated more than thirty years ago.
The eulogy was read by Mr. Leslie Richardson, one of her sons. Among other praiseworthy statements, she was described as having been a family bread winner in her early and later life; a dedicated and hard worker in various fields of endeavour; a highly-principled person; a popular food seller in the community; a Christian lady and a family disciplinarian. “Her legacy is that she had a fervent love for God and people,” Leslie said. “Anguilla and Anguillians are better because Neacy lived. She has left her footprints in the sands of time.”
Another son, Mr. Evan Gumbs, former Minister of Infrastructure, who was often seen with her, joined two other persons in paying special tribute to her in song.
The sermon was preached by Pastor Cecil Richardson (retired) with other Baptist Ministers – Pastor Dwayne Adams (Central Baptist Church), Pastor Norril Gumbs (First Baptist Church), and Pastor Roderick Webster, God News Baptist Church (St. Maarten) – also officiating.
Mrs. Clara Isabell Gumbs (Neacy) was born on July 29, 1927 and died on May 26, 2016. She was laid to rest at The Sandy Hill Cemetery.
