Assistant Commissioner Liburd’s wife laid to rest

By Pauline Waruguru
Nevis Reporter, SKNVibes.com

The late Eulyn Ilena Liburd, wife of Assistant Commissioner of Police Joseph Liburd

Dignitaries, mourners from all walks of life in the Federation and overseas came in large numbers to pay their last respects to who many described as a special mother, wife and friend. Other characteristics that mourners talked about that describe Eulyn, included noble, always smiling, loving, intelligent, honest, diligent, hard working, outstanding manager, gentle, kind and outstanding in Christian service.

Her husband loved her in life and will continue to do so even in death. This sentiment, published on his wife’s programme, was his tribute to her.

“My love Eulyn, you were 99.9 percent of my life, to cope is a must but I do not know where to start. I truly love you and still will always be in love with you.

“We have had 24 years and eight months of marriage and have been life-long friends since childhood. You were my best friend, my confidant, accountant and my everything.  Indeed you were best described as E – Extra Ordinary Sweet, U – Uniquely Special, L – Loyal and Loving, Y- Youthful and Vibrant, N – Noble and Nice.”

Her sons, Evroy, Trevoy and Eutroy, also had fond words for and memories of her: “Mom, you meant everything to us. You were there every time we needed you. There are not enough words to describe our love for you. Mother, we love you very much. Thanks for always being there for us. We just want you to know that we will always love you.  We are going to Miss you.”

Excerpts of her eulogy revealed a noble woman who would be missed by all including the youth and the children. In a gesture of love and appreciation, a young man who Eulyn was mentoring removed his shoes and gave them to the undertaker to be buried alongside her remains, as he said, “That woman was special!”

At the time of her death, Eulyn was working at Island Tyres, Nevis. Her eulogy also disclosed her commitment to work and her loyalty to her employer. “Eulyn became an icon at Island Tyres and Hardware. She knew the business inside out. She was secretary, cashier, book-keeper, debt collector...everything. She had no disctinct job description, she simply took charge. ~~Adz:Right~~

“She did everything she could to promote Island Tyres & Hardware and Chiverton’s Construction. She took sides with no one against the boss and he loved her dearly for her loyalty.”

Eulyn gave her heart to the Lord in 1976 and many describe her as having been a dedicated Christian woman. “She was faithful to the Lord in every aspect, from church attendance, ministry, responsibilities and Sunday School commitments. She cared for the sick, shut-in and elderly. The Canadian brothers and sisters in the church will surely miss her for she was the hub around which their visits were made enjoyable,” her eulogy read. 

Gideon International Ministries donated 100 Bibles to be placed in hotels and guesthouses in memory of her.

Pastor Theophilus Kelly of Emmau’s Chapel, her senior pastor who delivered the sermon, told mourners that death for those who know Jesus as Christ and Saviour is a passage to a permanent city. “Some have gone before us. God has prepared a city,” he said.  He said it is not only the Old Testament folks who would occupy the city “but also New Testament folks”.

Pastor Kelly said John, who wrote the Gospel of John and the Revelation, had a vision where he saw the glimpse of the city with 12 foundations, which the pastor said represents the 12 disciples of Jesus Christ and “only persons connected with the Apostles will live in that city; those connected to the Apostolic Faith”.

He called on parents to introduce Jesus Christ and Christian principles to their children. “Children of believing parents are blessed,” he said.

Attorney General Dennis Merchant, who was also at the funeral service, brought a message of condolence from Minister for National Security, Dyer Astaphan. Merchant also read Psalm 23 to mourners.

Rev. Canon Alson Percival thanked the mourners for the special respect they had accorded Eulyn and told mourners, by quoting T.S. Elliott, that “in the end is the beginning”.

The funeral programme during the church service was coordinated by Elder Sydney Newton. 

Singing groups, including employees of Island Tyres employees, and a large family choir celebrated Eulyn’s life through moving songs.