Dianne Smith carries the urn bearing the remains of her sister, Dahlia Smith-Bartley, following a thanksgiving service held at the St James Parish Church in Montego Bay on Saturday. Following closely behind Smith are Stefan Bartley (left) and father, Sydney Bartley, son and husband, respectively, of the deceased. Smith-Bartley was a teacher at the Glenmuir High School in Clarendon, where she served for 33 years. She died of natural causes on February 17. - Photo by Noel Thompson

WESTERN BUREAU:

IF THE abundance of love shown during the thanksgiving service for the life of Dahlia Smith-Bartley could have resurrected her, she would rise again and do what she enjoyed best: serving mankind selflessly.

Much love and affection, as well as condolences, were expressed during the service for the late vice-principal of the Glenmuir High School, in May Pen, Clarendon. Well over 1,000 mourners packed the St James Parish Church in Montego Bay on Saturday to show their love and affection for one of Glenmuir's most outstanding educators.

Many past and current students, relatives and friends cried openly, as a string of tributes was echoed for the life of a dearly beloved teacher, mother and wife, one who, up to the time of her death, maintained an immensely strong family bond. Smith-Bartley was 54.

"She was an unsung hero in Jamaica and a champion educator who helped to build Glenmuir," Patrick Lawrence, the school board chairman, remarked. "It was her heartbeat and she was everything at Glenmuir. No human being could have done better."

Describing Smith-Bartley as unique, Lawrence said she never asked for anything in return, but only craved a good cup of porridge.

Devastating event

Clement Radcliffe, Glenmuir's principal, said Bartley's death was the most devastating event the school had experienced in its 50-year history.

Smith-Bartley served the institution for 33 years and taught English language and literature.

Radcliffe said when Glenmuir's history was chronicled, a chapter would be dedicated to Dahlia Bartley.

Keith Bryan was Bartley's best friend for decades. He said when she became very ill, he advised her not to return to school in January, but her commitment to her students did not allow it.

"She was faithful to the end," Bryan said.

The Glenmuir choir, inclusive of teachers and present and past students, gave excellent renditions.

Of particular note was the awesome performance of Jodi-Ann Pantry, one of the popular faces of Digicel's Rising Stars.

Bartley was the wife of Sydney Bartley, director of entertainment and culture in the Ministry of Information, Youth, Culture, Entertainment and Sport.

The union produced one child, Stefan.

Smith-Bartley was born and raised in Hanover, but attended the Montego Bay High School. After graduating, she went on to Shortwood Teachers' College.

Smith-Bartley also contributed to The Gleaner's Youthlink magazine for many years.

Her lessons were well put together and well received by her teenage audience nationwide.