Section of the congregation and in front row Joy Fothergill and her son
Miles
Tribute To Joy Fothergill
After sailing on Tern IV around the Caribbean including
Antigua, Grenada and the British Virgin Islands for thirty- four years,
with her husband Richard now deceased, Joy Fothergill and her family decided
to come ashore twenty years ago when they decided to retire and make the
British Virgin Islands their second home.
However, the time has come when Mrs Joy Fothergill is reluctantly saying
goodbye to her friends and acquaintances in the British Virgin Islands.
A Farewell Service was held at the Mary Star of The Sea East End (Catholic
Church), on Sunday, October 5, where the East End Anglican Services are
held every Sunday and where Mrs Fothergill worshipped.
Rev. David W. Henry, the officiating Pastor read tributes from well-wishers
and friends of Mrs Fothergill. The St. George's Combined Choir, ECW Members
of St. George's, The Ladies Club, members of the Road Town, Seacows Bay
and East End Anglican congregations were in attendance. Organists were
Messrs Cedric Dawson and Joseph Harrigan.
In his tribute sent to Mrs Fothergill, Rev. Julian M. Clarke (former Rector
of St. George's Parish) referred to Joy Fothergill as "our beloved sister
in Christ, whose generous and caring spirit of love and compassion has
brought joy and happiness to so many persons in the Virgin Islands."
Rev. David Stedman, Rector of St. Paul's Seacow's Bay in his tribute said
"Mrs Joy Fothergill has been an important part of the East End Anglican
Mission since it started in 1994. She goes with our deep gratitude and
love and with sincere appreciation for the wonderful joy she always exudes...
No wonder her name is JOY"
In her tribute Ms Carlene L. Douglas indicate that "Joy Fothergill always
comes to mind when we reflect on the East End Mission, anyone who attended
services at East End could not miss her graciousness, from her welcome
to the "Would you like a cookie" at the end of the services"
Mrs Sandra Walters Malone in her tribute said "I will miss her gentle
words and her willingness to help even at her own inconvenience. We love
you Joy and we will miss you."
Ms Shirley Penn of the East End Mission says "Joy today is the last Sunday
you will worship with us in body, but not in spirit. No one likes goodbye,
enjoy the company of family, old friends and new ones."
Other persons who extended tribute to Mrs Joy Fothergill : Barbara Rae,
President of the Tortola Ladies Club,The Matron and Staff of the Adina
Donovan Home, Barbara and Ruth, Edith Walters, Veronica Bhajan and Norma
Williams.
Presentations were also made by The ladies Club, East End Congregation
and St. Paul's. Refreshments were served after the service.
Mrs Joy Fothergill indicated that her emotions were mixed, she is sad
to say goodbye to her friends in the British Virgin Islands, however,
she is looking forward to be with her family in Cambridge, England. She
says she will never forget the British Virgin Islands and its people.