Order of Service
Musical Prelude
Chairman’s Opening Remarks - Elder Horace Haldane
Praise and Worship - Olivet Gospel Hall Praise Team
Opening Congregational Song - “Goodness of God”
[Verse 1]
I love You, Lord
For Your mercy never fails me
All my days
I’ve been held in Your hands
From the moment that I wake up
Until I lay my head
Oh, I will sing of the goodness of God
[Chorus]
‘Cause all my life you have been faithful
And all my life you have been so, so good
With every breath that I am able
Oh, I will sing of the goodness of God
[Verse 2]
I love Your voice
You have lead me through the fire
In darkest nights
You are close like no other
I’ve known You as a Father
I’ve known You as a Friend
And I have lived in the goodness of God
[Bridge]
Your goodness is running after It’s running after me
Your goodness is running after Is running after me
With my life laid down, I surrender now
I give You everything,
Your goodness is running after Is running after me
[Repeat Chorus]
Opening Prayer - Elder Dr. Arthur Lewis
Scripture Reading - Ephesians 2 : 1 – 10
Zayden Pontifett And Shaina Dennis
(Olivet Gospel Hall Sunday School Students)
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Musical Selection - The Singh Brothers (Jaiveer, Sanjiith And Ragesh Singh)
TRIBUTES
Jacks Hill Community - Mr. Randolph Burgess
Jacks Hill All Age School Past Students - Ms. Tasheba Welsh
Jamaica Child Evangelism Fellowship
Family Tribute - Mr. Sheldon Davis (Son - In - Law)
Mr. Lenny Hewitt (Cousin)
Olivet Gospel Hall
Musical Selection - Mrs. Geneva Ayre
Scripture Reading - 1 Thessalonians 4 : 13 – 18
Bro. Marlo Antoni (Son-in-law)
Musical Selection - Ms. Jordanne Brown (Cousin)
Offertory Hymn - “The Lord’s My Shepherd”
(During the singing of this hymn an offering will be collected for the Jamaica Child Evangelism Fellowship and the Olivet Gospel Hall Sunday School)
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The Lord’s my Shepherd, I’ll not want; He makes me down to lie
In pastures green; He leadeth me
The quiet waters by.
[Chorus]
He lives, He lives, He lives, I know that my Redeemer lives
He lives, He lives, He lives within my heart.
My soul He doth restore again, And me to walk doth make
Within the paths of righteousness, E’en for His own name’s sake.
Yea, though I walk in death’s dark vale, Yet will I fear no ill;
For Thou art with me, and Thy rod And staff me comfort still.
My table Thou hast furnished
In presence of my foes;
My head Thou dost with oil anoint, And my cup overflows.
Goodness and mercy all my life
Shall surely follow me,
And in God’s house forevermore My dwelling-place shall be.
Prayer for Offering - Bro. Gary Blake
Musical Item - Olivet Trio (Marcia Browne, Michelle Muir and Wendy-Ann Wignall-Antoni)
Remembrance - Wendy-Ann Antoni, Camille Wignall-Davis and Kirk-Anthony Wignall (Children)
Sermon - Elder Vanwyck Hamilton (Ensom City Gospel Chapel)
Prayer For The Family Deacon Dennis Robinson
Instructions And Closing Prayer
Recessional Hymn
“When We All Get To Heaven”
Sing the wondrous love of Jesus, Sing His mercy and His grace;
In the mansions bright and blessed He’ll prepare for us a place.
[Refrain]
When we all get to heaven, what a day of rejoicing that will be!
When we all see Jesus, we’ll sing and shout the victory!
While we walk the pilgrim pathway
Clouds will overspread the sky;
But when trav’ling days are over Not a shadow, not a sigh. [Refrain] Let us then be true and faithful, Trusting, serving ev’ry day; Just one glimpse of Him in glory Will the toils of life repay.
[Refrain]
Onward to the prize before us!
Soon His beauty we’ll behold; Soon the pearly gates will open–We shall tread the streets of gold.
[Refrain]
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Interment
When the Roll is called up Yonder
When the trumpet of the Lord shall sound and time shall be no more, And the morning breaks, eternal, bright and fair;
When the saved of earth shall gather over on the other shore, And the roll is called up yonder, I’ll be there.
[Refrain]
When the roll is called up yonder,
When the roll is called up yonder,
When the roll is called up yonder,
When the roll is called up yonder, I’ll be there.
On that bright and cloudless morning when the dead in Christ shall rise,
And the glory of his resurrection share;
When his chosen ones shall gather to their home beyond the skies, And the roll is called up yonder, I’ll be there. [Refrain]
Let us labor for the Master from the dawn till setting sun;
Let us talk of all his wondrous love and care.
Then when all of life is over and our work on earth is done, And the roll is called up yonder, I’ll be there. [Refrain]
We Shall Have A Grand Time
We Shall Have A Grand Time Up In Heaven
We Shall Have A Grand Time Up In Heaven
Have A Grand Time Walking With The Angels, Singing Glory, Alleluia!
We Shall Have A Grand Time Up In Heaven
Have A Grand Time.
We Have the Victory
We have the Victory, Hallelujah (x 4)
And every knee shall bow, and every tongue confess
That Jesus is Lord, that Jesus is Lord
And every knee shall bow, and every tongue confess
That Jesus is Lord, that Jesus is Lord.
Satan defeated, Hallelujah (x 4)
And every knee shall bow, and every tongue confess
That Jesus is Lord, that Jesus is Lord
And every knee shall bow, and every tongue confess
That Jesus is Lord, that Jesus is Lord.
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When we get to Glory Land
When we get to Glory Land
When we get to glory land Christ will hold us by His hand United we’ll be! So happy so free! In the blessed land above, We’ll sing of His Love What a glorious day!
When we get to glory land.
It ‘ll Soon be Done
It will soon be done
All the troubles and trials
When I get over to the other side
I’m gonna shake my hands with the angels I’m gonna tell all the people “Good Morning”
I’m gonna sit down beside my Jesus I’m gonna sit down and rest a little while
To God Be the Glory
To God be the glory, great things he hath done So loved He the world that He gave us his Son, who yielded His life an atonement for sin, and opened the life gate that all may go in.
[Refrain]
Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, let the Earth hear His voice!
Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, let the people rejoice!
O come to the Father through Jesus the Son, and give Him the glory, great things He hath done!
O perfect redemption, the purchase of blood, to every believer the promise of God; the vilest offender who truly believes, that moment from Jesus a pardon receives. Great things He hath taught us, great things He hath done, and great our rejoicing thru Jesus the Son; but purer, and higher, and greater will be our wonder, our transport, when Jesus we see.
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Tributes
Sandra Clue (Friend)
Aunt Erdie was more than just a friend; she was like a mother to me. Our bond was so deep and genuine that I can’t even pinpoint when it began, it just felt like we were always meant to be a part of each other’s lives. She welcomed me into her family with open arms, and from that moment on, I never felt like an outsider.
Christmas was once a lonely time for me, until she invited me to be a part of the Wignalls’ Christmas Dinner, where we would travel to Mandeville for many years. It was there that I experienced the warmth of family and the joy of the holiday season. But our bond didn’t stop there. When I moved to Spanish Town in 2012, our relationship blossomed even further. Auntie became my confidant, my counselor, and my prayer partner. And on Sunday afternoons, we had our special moments of pure joy and laughter that I will cherish forever.
Together, we shopped, we cooked, and we laughed. Auntie had a way of bringing out the fun side in everything, even in
the most mundane tasks. Her zest for life and serving others was infectious, and she taught me to find joy in the simple things.
To say that I will miss her is an understatement. Her passing leaves a void in my heart that can never be filled. But I take comfort in knowing that she lived a full and God fearing life and she ran her race with grace and dignity. I am grateful for every moment we shared, every laugh we had, and every lesson she taught me along the way.
Auntie, you were a blessing in my life, and I will carry your memory with me always. Rest in peace, dear friend.
Beverly Singh (Friend)
Aunt Erdie was known to the Singh family for many years. She possessed a warm, respectful, friendly and caring demeanour. A good listener, trustworthy and a confidential lady in her interactions, giving good solid advice. My family and I have truly benefited from knowing her. She was a living example of a godly woman, who has been a beacon of strength for me throughout the years.
Simone Parker (Niece)
With an amazing command of the English Language, Aunt Erdie as affectionately known, was a mother, a sister, an aunt, a teacher and a friend that you couldn’t help but cherish. Don’t get me wrong she will call a spade a spade and that’s it, no hard feelings after.
Her level of patience was infinite, as I cannot recall ever hearing her raise her voice. She was an extremely calm person which, as a child growing up made me often wonder if she had ever scolded her children.
My childhood memories of her will always be her cooking, her baking, the role she played at Camp yearly especially when she took part in the races (oh yes, she can run) and the bond she had with her kids or any and everyone who had the opportunity to meet or even converse with her. May his peace be with you. Now take your rest, Auntie.
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Lavern Mayhew ‘Scott’ –(Jacks Hill All Age School Past Student)
I remember as a child I would always ask myself, “How could you make me do the things that I hate to do the most?” “How could you say you are on my side when you hold me accountable for everything?” “How could you say you have my best interest at heart, when you create an environment that forces me to be diligent in all that I do?” “How could you continue to stick with me when I fail to meet your expectations?”
As an adult, I recognized how indeed you could do all these things. Love! You loved me in the fullest definition of the word without asking it to be reciprocated. You made time for me. You developed patience for my benefit. You showed me strength, understanding, and resilience when my capacity for those things had not yet developed. As I matured, YOU and your LOVE were a reference point for me.
I should have acknowledged to you in life what your influence has done for me. For this I ask for forgiveness. I am today in part, who I am in strength, in values, and in my love for God because of your unsolicited guidance. You were someone that I needed that I did not know I needed.
I want to thank you; I want to declare my respect for you, and
most of all, I want to let you know that your love was and has always been reciprocated. As much as it hurts, I am glad that you are safely in the arms of the Lord because in the arms of the Lord is peace. With love and respect.
Lola C. Carey - Friend
Sadly missed is dear Erdie! This coming Thursday we would have been meeting for our weekly time of prayer together, a meeting which she instituted.
I always recollect my first sight of, or meeting with her as she sat there on her first visit to Olivet before she was married to Barry Wignall, slim, erect and composed. The years have flown by and my memory has grown dim but in these recent years I remember her thoughtfulness and concern for others. This was expressed in her telephoning the sick and praying for them and noting the absentees both in the Assembly and Sunday School, and praying for them. She thoughtfully helped out in the kitchen when there were absentees.
A lover of children, she was resourceful in the Sunday school
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producing items from scratch for the Sunday School prizegiving.
Erdie was no weakling but a person of strong convictions who dearly loved her Lord and was not afraid to stand up for her beliefs and confront others if they were in the wrong or needed correction. She was not lacking in a sense of humour and it was cheering to see her infectious smile flash forth when she laughed.
I must mention again her thoughtfulness in one of the ways it affected me personally. Sitting in the same bench as I did, and not necessarily close up, she could always tell when I had not heard the number of the hymn that was announced although I did not think I had made itthat obvious.
Erdie, my dear and faithful friend - a deeply committed Christian. I’m sure she must have heard the words “Well done, thou good and faithful servant.” She will be greatly missed by us all.
The Walters family (Betty, Vicky and Mary)
When someone you know and love becomes a memory, the memory becomes a treasure. We’re so saddened to learn of Erdie’s passing. We’ve known Erdie since the late 60s when we lived in Knockpatrick, Manchester, and our house was next door to the Parkers’. Mary was honoured to be one of Erdie’s bridesmaids when she and Barry got married. Erdie personified Proverbs 31- a godly Christian woman who took delight in her family and friends. A kind, understanding and generous Christian whose light shone in so many places. Erdie will surely be missed. May the hope of the resurrection bring you comfort that those who die in Christ will rise to meet Him when He returns to put an end to sickness, sorrow and death. May you, as her children and friends find comfort in the beautiful memories left behind.
“Even so come Lord Jesus”.
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Toniann Walker (Olivet Sunday School Past Student)
Aunt Erdie was always full of motivation and inspired me to do and be my best. When I discovered I was pregnant, I cried because I thought I had disappointed many people, including Aunt Erdie, who had high expectations for me. Many remarks were made, but Aunt Erdie met me with compassion, gave me so much love, and only had encouraging words for me. She never judged me, nor did I ever feel judged by her.
I was going through a very difficult period in my life, experiencing a roller coaster of emotions. I was hurt, furious, and bitter, and I was about to make a decision that would most likely be detrimental to my son’s long-term well-being. But after speaking with Aunt Erdie and Anty Lorna, I changed my mind, and I can honestly say that I am grateful they talked me out of it.
She was a source of strength for Zayden as much as she was for me. When I took him to church, as soon as he saw her, he forgot about me and raced
to sit with his teacher. I suspected she always asked Zayden for me because he would always point behind him, and she would turn to look at me with a warm smile, delighted to see me. She saw in me immense potential that I did not recognize in myself at the time. Aunt Erdie also saw enormous promise in Zayden, which means more to me than anyone could ever know.
I recently finished my BSc. in Business Administration (Human Resource Management Major) and graduated just a few days before hearing the tragic news. I sent her one of my graduation photos on the day I took them, and she was overjoyed and proud. She constantly encouraged me not only in my studies but also in my faith in the Lord, and it gives me great joy to know that I made her proud and that she regarded me in high esteem.
Aunt Erdie was a kind, loving, caring, and gentle soul, and I consider myself honoured and privileged to have known her. Her final words to me were “Congratulations!! Proud of you my dear. May the blessings of the Lord continue to be on you. Put the Lord first and he will direct your paths.”
Aunt Erdie, Zayden and I love you dearly and we miss you a lot.
Mrs. Johnson (Former member of staff of Jacks Hill All Age School)
I met Mrs Wignall on May 2,1996 when I joined the staff of the Jack’s Hill Infant and All-Age (now Infant and Primary) School. Mrs Wignall was a dedicated, loving, kind, Christian lady; she was always looking out for the needy students at school. Our interactions were both professional and social; we would talk about many things even after she retired.
For me she was a teacher extraordinaire. She could transform a non-performing student into an excellent scholar but was also very humble and modest. She was not an attention seeker nor was she boastful. She did her duties as unto God. She was also a very strict disciplinarian; a no-nonsense person who desired to bring out the best in others, particularly her students.
On behalf of my family, I would like to let you know that your mom blessed so many lives for good. We are grateful to have met her and we cherish her memory. May she rest in peace.
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Judz (Friend)
It is with heavy hearts that we bid farewell to someone so deeply cherished, someone we never wanted to let go of, our beloved Aunt Erdie. Her presence was a beacon of light, her influence far-reaching, despite her petite stature. To know Aunt Erdie was to know unwavering encouragement, boundless love, and steadfast faith.
My journey alongside Aunt Erdie spans countless years, each one a testament to her remarkable character and unwavering devotion. Despite her small stature, Aunt Erdie possessed a towering presence one characterised by boundless love, profound wisdom, and an unyielding commitment to her faith.
She was not merely a colleague or a friend, she was a mentor, a guide, and a source of endless inspiration, as we worked together across various ministries, Sisters Ministry, Sunday School, Camp Counseling, Good News Club, Every girl for Christ Rally, planning committee and more. Aunt Erdie’s passion for serving others was undeniable. Her infectious enthusiasm breathed life into every project and every endeavour, and her steadfast belief in the power of Jesus Christ infused our work with purpose and meaning.
But Aunt Erdie was more than just a devoted servant of God, she was a beacon of light in our community. Her gentle demeanour and compassionate heart endeared her to all who knew her, especially the children whom she adored. Whether through her captivating storytelling in Sunday School or her tireless efforts in organising community events, Aunt Erdie’s love knew no bounds. And her infamous “goodies,” generously shared with all, became synonymous with her boundless generosity and kindness. I will forever cherish the memories of Aunt Erdie teasing me about my favourite colour, purple. “My girl,” she would say with a twinkle in haer eye, “you cyaa wear nuttin else!” And we would share a laugh, knowing that her playful admonishments were just another expression of her boundless love.
Aunt Erdie was not just a mentor she was a mother figure, a confidante, a pillar of strength. Her guidance and unwavering support sustained me through life’s trials, and her absence leaves an irreplaceable void in my heart.
As we bid farewell to Aunt Erdie, we take comfort in the knowledge that her legacy of love and faith will endure. Though our hearts may ache with sorrow, we find solace in the belief
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that she now rests in the arms of her Saviour, her spirit forever intertwined with His eternal grace.
Rest peacefully, dear Aunt Erdie. Your memory will forever be a blessing to us all.
With love and gratitude.
Lorna A. Phillips (Friend)
As I Scrolled through my phone reviewing our conversations over the years I noted that at the start of Covid 19, I sent a voice note to check in on her and this was her response , “ A blessed morning to you my dear. I am fine so far, giving thanks to God for every moment at such a time as this. We will just have to keep remembering that He is still in control. I am alone here with my friends Tin-Tin (the cat), Max (the dog) and my Flowers”
We were real messenger people, we did not send much of the canned good morning messages to each other, we would actually converse. She would constantly check up on Mama and constantly give me words of encouragement, while I checked up on her and
her plants and the dog. This period was difficult for all of us especially the “No Movement days”. When Mama passed late 2021 she constantly checked on me and encouraged me that, “the good Lord will be holding your hand and that he will take you through it all..One thing I know one thing I’ve found God will work it out”. Aunt Erdie was a great friend and “Encourager”.
Over the past few years I became Aunt Erdie’s Life Certificate courier service and verifier of life. If she misplaced them or they were never delivered on time, I would ensure I got a replacement copy for her to sign. I would thereafter certify and drop them off at the AGD which was now housed at MOF. This was a great ease and convenience to her and it was my utmost pleasure to be of service. On hearing of my impending departure, she had a few concerns, the main one was Sunday School and then her Life Certs. Our phone messages and face to face conversations were mainly about our Sunday School. It was her heart’s desire to see it grow and flourish and our children being engaged. She always opined that she missed me and that the Sunday School will miss me etc. She was also very proud of the progress of her students/class and we would
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be constantly talking about their progress. Aunt Erdie was an awesome teacher and cared for the Children.
Erdie Wignall was a quiet giant, she never liked being on the front line, she was always willing to work in the back ground. When the Programmes Committee asked her to do something, she would initially object as she didn’t want to be doing anything in public, but would eventually comply. The final outcome would always be memorable, she would give 100%. Whether it was a poem she wrote or whether she was asked to play a role, it would be well done. Aunt Erdie was Humble, Creative and Talented.
There is much more to say but in the interest of space…I will end by encouraging her family to cherish the memories and be encouraged by her past words and actions, knowing that “God will work it out”.
Rest in Peace my Auntie, my sister, My friend. See you in that beautiful Garden…….
Erica Davis (Friend)
Aunt Erdie has been around from ever since I know myself. One could say, she knew me “from I was in my mother’s womb”. It has been such a long time that I knew her. I could not mention her without referring to Uncle Barry (Mr. Barrington Wignall).
Aunt Erdie was always beside Uncle Barry; they did pretty much everything together. We (my brother and I) grew up with her children, Wendy-Ann, Camille, and Kirk Anthony because we went to Olivet Gospel Hall, and went to Sunday School. They as a family were and still are very talented, gifted and loved.
I noticed from very early that Aunt Erdie from ever since loved to work with children. She and her husband were integrally involved in children’s ministry which involved them in weekly Sunday School, Summer camps, Vacation Bible School in the summers, and also Child Evangelism Fellowship. When her children were younger, she sewed lovely clothes for them, even various costumes that were used for Summer camps and various activities that church had were always nicely designed.
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As we grew into adults my brother, Sheldon Davis, asked her daughter Camille, to marry him. Eventually we the Davises became joined together as family. Aunt Erdie’s daughter (Camille) became my sister-in-law, and by extension, Camille’s sister and brother became a part of our extended family, and later down Marlo Antoni became a part of the family by his marriage to Wendy-Ann.
We enjoyed Aunt Erdie’s company with our family and closest friends on special occasions such as Christmas dinners and Mother’s Day outings. It was always fun coming together to enjoy each other’s company, to eat sumptuous meals, have chats, talks, laughs and just spend quality time together.
Aunt Erdie was always present at church, and played many roles – Mother, Wife, Aunt, Teacher, Friend, Counsellor, Encourager and Prayer Warrior. We treasure the interactions we had with her. She was always pleasant and we shared special talk times.
We miss Aunt Erdie, but we know she is absent from the body but present with her Lord.
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Novelette (Friend)
Over the past years being at Olivet, Erdie and I developed a sister relationship. Aunt Erdie was a big sister to me. We prayed together and laughed together; I would share anything with her.
I can remember one year going to Olivet camp and working in the kitchen with her. It was around her birthday; Uncle Barry and I planned to surprise her with a birthday party at camp. Uncle Barry called me saying “Novelette, come here, we’re going to pick up things for the party; but don’t let her know what we’re doing. “
While in the kitchen, I was baking the cake. Aunt Erdie asked, “why are you baking?” I ignored the question and she got mad for me not telling her the reason I was baking the cake. The night of the birthday party, Aunt Erdie was very surprised and said Novelette, you surely know how to keep a secret. And she laughed. At times, Aunt Erdie and I talked on the phone. The last time we spoke, she asked me to pray for her son. I promised her I would keep him in my prayers.
Aunt Erdie was truly a good big sister and friend to me. She gave me good advice and encouragement; she would say to me, always pray and stay in faith. Only God can help us in this time. Aunt Erdie will be missed by all of us. Rest in peace, my sister and my friend.
Carlene, Siblings and Anthony Hamilton
Sis Erdie lived her life in such a way that even the most casual of observers could see an exemplary life of unquestionable service to the Lord. Aunt Erdie, as she was affectionately called by one and all, devoted her life and worked tirelessly in children’s ministry. She had a passion to reach children for the Lord wherever they were; whether they were in their homes, at Sunday school, Vacation Bible School or at a summer camp, all of this, while she was raising three children. She also worked along with her husband who predeceased her. They were a formidable team wh o demonstrated for all of us what it means to be committed, particularly to the development of young minds, both spiritually and academically.
Aunt Erdie’s commitment and talents were consistently evident in Prize Giving programmes as she was instrumental in preparing students to present her original pieces that not only entertained, but more importantly impacted the life of children and adults alike to a closer walk with God. Her talents made it as far as Toronto where some of her brilliant ideas were on display
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in a recent Sunday School programme at Bridlegrove Bible Chapel.
Aunt Erdie was a bright light at her jobs, in her community, in her church family and even a brighter light in her family. She was so kind and caring and made you feel like you belonged, as she would embrace you with a warm hug and her winsome smile. If she discovered that you enjoyed a certain dish, whenever you visited, she would prepare that dish for you. She made stew peas and rice for one of my siblings every time she visited, much to her delight. Who can forget her years serving at various summer camps when her special skill of preparing fabulous meals was always one of the highlights of the campers’ experience. I had plantain porridge for the first time at a camp and since then I have been trying to replicate that special taste.
Aunt Erdie lived like a woman who knew she was the ‘beloved of God’. Her life spoke well of her Heavenly Father.
Una M Dillon-Alexander
Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints. Psalm 116:15
Erdie Wignall was one of God’s saints. I had the distinct privilege and pleasure of being teacher to her children. As a parent she was co-operative, supportive and always very involved in all school projects and anything to do with her children’s education, being a teacher extraordinaire herself.
I found in this godly woman, a friend, a confidant and an excellent prayer partner. She was humble, kind, caring compassionate. She portrayed the qualities Solomon spoke about in Proverbs
31.-Virtuous -whose price is far above rubies.
She was an epitome of devotion and love. A beacon of strength and tenderness for her beloved husband and children.
Erdie was indeed a woman of noble character and integrity. Her memories will forever be etched in my heart.
Death is not the end of the road, it’s just a bend in the road. Erdie has reached that bend. The road continues into eternity with Christ. May her soul rest in eternal peace and light perpetually shines on her.
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Hazel Greene
Mrs Wignall and I became colleagues when in 2011 I joined the Balmoral Educational Institute staff in Kingston. As we worked and interacted together, a phenomenon materialized: I realized that like myself, she believed in God, possessed strong family values, and was professionally trained in the era when it was mandated for educators to “Give of our best, be extraordinary examples, and expect the best from the children under our care”.
After losing her husband, we began doing work travels together. This only cemented our friendship in many ways. Although we did not share the same religious beliefs, we both acknowledged God as the central focus and Keeper of our lives. As a result, we had in common biblical principles which served as guides and encouragement for our Christian journeys, one example being “When the tidal waves of trouble of trouble ‘round you roll, keep your eyes on Jesus”.
Being a practising Christian does not deter or exclude anyone from being brave and forthright, and Erdie Wignall was certainly not afraid to ‘speak her mind’ and express her thoughts on any given issue. Firm yet respectful, she commanded and
demanded respect in turn from all with whom she interacted.
A consummate professional, she made every effort to instill positive qualities within the children that she taught; moreso by the example of her own life. She not only taught them the three R’s – Reading, Writing, and Arithmetic - but also channeled the minds of her students towards self actualization and the drive to developing into examples for those with whom they interacted, both old and young.
Erdie was a very proud mother of three children, and it was her desire to see her students strive and aspire as her own children had done. It is one of the reasons why she worked tirelessly as an educator, to have the fulfillment of witnessing the end-products that her students would become.
Erdie Wignall “fought a good fight and finished her course”. Though not able to change the world, she positively impacted it through the lives she touched, one at a time, and one day at a time. Those lives include my very own. She now rests, until the day when we will see each other and share times together again. Amen.
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