Remembering Jean

She was a St James's regular, a stalwart, that familiar smiling figure in her place at the back of church on her motorised scooter, dishing out cheery 'hello, loves' to all and sundry.

Today we said goodbye to her.

There many tributes, much laughter, and many tears as her devoted family, and extended family and friends, including her church family, came to say farewell to the lady a former churchwarden fondly called 'the duchess.'

We remembered her love of her family and her husband Joe, her love of dancing, and her involvement with C.U.M. (now Salmon Youth Centre).

We remembered that special day when she was confirmed - I have the photo on my study wall above my desk of all the candidates with the bishop, and right in the centre, beaming, is Jean herself.

For years she had thought she wasn't 'good enough' to be confirmed but then she took the plunge and what a difference it made to her to be confirmed and receive communion. It made her feel fully part of the family, Jean told me, which, of course, was exactly what it (Holy Communion) was designed to do.

We shall miss her but we thank God for her.