The late Maude Elizabeth Smith, formerly of the Point, Island Harbour, will not easily be forgotten. She was both a committed worker, in the Mount Fortune Seventh-day Adventist Church, and an engaging community lover and supporter of boat races and schools’ sporting events.
She passed away at 66 on May 7, 2021, the month she was born in Tabernacle, St. Kitts – May 14, 1954. She eventually migrated to Anguilla with her son, Benny, married the late David Smith and bore him a daughter, Ishalyn Smith Hughes. She was a loving grandmother of three children in the family circle.
The recorded eulogy, delivered by Ishalyn, at the uplifting Service of Thanksgiving & Celebration, on Sunday, June 7, at Mount Fortune SDA Church, stated in part: “She shared a long bond of love with her siblings, cousins and the entire village of Tabernacle, St. Kitts. What a joyous time it was when mommy returned to her homeland from vacations to be with family and friends. Being the loving and popular person she was, it was hard to believe that she was not originally from Anguilla. She held her close relationships dear to her last breath.” Ishalyn also spoke about her mother’s contribution as a chef and general worker in the tourism sector – her last place of work having been at the Arawak guesthouse at Island Harbour.
She continued: “Mommy was not only about fun. She was a deeply spiritual person. God held a place of priority in her life…A Seventh-day Adventist, she grew spiritually – and volunteered her service in church organisations such as Women’s Ministry, Community Service and as a Deaconess…Her willingness and eagerness to do her duty endeared her to all at the Mount Fortune Seventh-day Adventist Church and people…
“In recent months, as sickness stormed into her life, she still wanted to do things she loved – and she tried to prepare her children and grandchildren for the time she would no longer be with us. She raised us well and taught us to the same for our children.”
Senior SDA Minister, Pastor Howard Simon; First Elder, Keith Smith; and Elder Lester Fleming, officiated at the Service of Thanksgiving & Celebration. They joined various tribute bearers in offering comfort and hope to Ishalyn – and other family members of the departed Maude Elizabeth Smith. Members of the Pathfinders were present at the funeral as a mark of respect to Maude, and in acknowledgement of her service to the church and the upbringing of its children, over the years.
Interment was at the Sandy Hill Cemetery.
