Lady Josephine Gumbs, MBE
Bedecked with an array of exquisite flowers at the sanctuary, St. Gerard’s Roman Catholic Church, at Wallblake, was the venue of a well-attended Service of Thanksgiving for the Life of the late Josephine Gumbs nee DeRoche, MBE, on Saturday, September 21.
The conspicuous floral decoration was a tribute to, and acknowledgment of, Mrs. Gumbs-DeRoche’s contribution as a past President of the Anguilla Beautification Club and an organizer of a series of annual flower shows. Several of the annual exhibitions were held on the grounds of Wallblake House, part of the premises of St. Gerard’s.
The deceased, originally from St. Vincent and The Grenadines, was the wife of the late Sir Emile Gumbs, Anguilla’s former Chief Minister and Minister of Tourism. Among those at the Service of Thanksgiving were: His Excellency the Governor and Mrs. Tim Foy, Premier Victor Banks, Ministers and other Government officials.
The service was conducted by St. Gerard’s recently-appointed Priest, Fr. Xuan, who joined other persons in praising Lady Gumbs for her work in the community, and the church, over the years. In reviewing her varied contributions, he stated: “It seems that she was very concerned about the life of the community and was in touch with various members. Even when she was not an active member of the Beautification Club, she supported it in different ways and many people loved her. She approached them with kindness and gentleness. Her caring touched many of us at St. Gerard’s and that’s why many have come here [to say goodbye to her].”
Among those who paid tribute to her was Roman Catholic Archbishop Donald Reese who was fully acquainted with her, having visited Anguilla from Antigua on various occasions during her membership and work at St. Gerard’s. The Archbishop’s tribute was read by Mrs. Jillian Sheehy, a family member and a leader at St. Gerard’s.
The Eulogy was delivered by Mr. Anthony DeRoche, nephew of the late Josephine Gumbs, who lives in England. He traced his aunt’s life and service, in St. Vincent and The Grenadines, in Manhattan, New York, and finally in Anguilla where she made her final contributions.
