A CELEBRATION OF THE HOLY EUCHARIST IN THANKSGIVING FOR THE LIFE OF
OLWYN LEA CLARKE
SERVICE HELD AT:
St. Cyprian Anglican Church
George Street & Cnr.
7th. Avenue Belleville, St. Michael
Saturday, June 14, 2025 at 10:00 A.M.
OFFICIATING:
Reverend Father Ian Claridge
ASSISTED BY:
Reverend Father Bernard Been
ORGANIST
Mr. R. Steven Legall
INTERMENT
Coral Ridge Memorial Gardens
If you live, don’t get old” -OLC “
Olwyn
Olwyn was born in Ebenezer, St Philip, Barbados on February 10
Grew up in Carrington Village
Loved green
Had bandy knees
Loved to laugh
Always had a quick response
Would eat rice everyday
Was trained at the Whittington Hospital, United Kingdom
“Know your work” -OLC
Completed midwifery at the West Middlesex Hospital, United Kingdom
Was technologically ignorant
Feared nothing
Imposed high Standards
Was Courageous
Loved to dance and sing;
Was strict, very, very strict
Was married to Joseph Clarke whom she called “Tommy”
“The UK Years”
“God don’t come but He sends -OLC
ORDER OFService
SOLO | God Be In My Head - Sonjina Kirton
OPENING SENTENCES
RECEPTION OF THE BODY
THE OPENING HYMN | God Made Me For Himself
1 God made me for himself, to serve him here with love’s pure service and in filial fear; to show his praise, for him to labour now; then see his glory where the angels bow.
2 All needful grace was mine, through his dear Son, whose life and death my full salvation won; the grace that would have strengthened me, and taught; grace that would crown me when my work was wrought.
3 And I, poor sinner, cast it all away; lived for the toil or pleasure of each day; as if no Christ had shed his precious blood, as if I owed no homage to my God.
4 O Holy Spirit, with thy fire divine, melt into tears this thankless heart of mine: teach me to love what once I seemed to hate, and live to God, before it be too late.
COLLECT FOR THE DEPARTED
OLD TESTAMENT READING | Wisdom 3: 1-5;9 | Jo-Ann Been
PSALM 67 | God Be Merciful Unto Us
GOD be merciful unto us, and bless us: and shew us the light of his countenance, and be merciful unto us:
2 That thy way may be known upon earth: thy saving health among all nations.
3 Let the people praise thee, O God: yea, let all the people praise thee.
4 O let the nations rejoice and be glad: for thou shalt judge the folk righteously, and govern the nations upon earth.
5 Let the people praise thee, O God: let all the people praise thee.
6 Then shall the earth bring forth her increase: and God, even our own God, shall give us his blessing.
7 God shall bless us: and all the ends of the world shall fear him.
NEW TESTAMENT READING | 2nd Corinthians 4:16-5:9 | Christopher Mapp
THE GRADUAL HYMN | There Was Joy In Heaven
1 There was joy in heaven, there was joy in heaven, when this goodly world to frame the Lord of might and mercy came; shouts of joy were heard on high, and the stars sang from the sky, glory to God in heaven.
2 There was joy in heaven, there was joy in heaven, when the billows heaving dark, sank around the stranded ark, and the rainbow’s watery span spake of mercy, hope to man, and peace with God in heaven.
THE GOSPEL
3 There was joy in heaven, there was joy in heaven, when of love the midnight beam dawned on the towers of Bethlehem, and along the echoing hill angels sang, ‘On earth good will, and glory in the heaven!’
4 There is joy in heaven, there is joy in heaven, when the soul that went astray turns to Christ, the living Way, and, by grace of heaven subdued, breathes a prayer of gratitude; oh, there is joy in heaven.
SOLO | My Redeemer Lives | Sharada Ferguson
THE SERMON | Rev Fr. Bernard Been
THE APOSTLES’ CREED
THE INTERCESSION | Glaister Clarke
THE OFFERTORY HYMN | In Our Day of Thanksgiving, One Psalm Let Us Offer
1 In our day of thanksgiving, one psalm let us offer for the saints who before us have found their reward; when the shadow of death fell upon them, we sorrowed, but now we rejoice that they rest in the Lord.
2 In the morning of life, and at noon, and at even, he called them away from our worship below, but not till his love, at the font and the altar, had girth them with grace for the way they should go.
3 These stones that have echoed their praises are holy, and dear is the ground where their feet have once trod; yet here they confessed they were strangers and pilgrims, and still they were seeking the city of God.
4 Sing praise, then, for all who here sought and here found him, whose journey is ended, whose perils are past; they believed in the light; and its glory is round them, where the clouds of earth’s sorrows are lifted at last.
THE OFFERTORY PRAYER
THE EUCHARISTIC PRAYER
THE LORD’S PRAYER
THE BREAKING OF THE BREAD
THE AGNUS DEI
COMMUNION HYMNS:
CHORAL SELECTION | Pleasant Are Thy Courts Above sung in Twi by Sparky’s Angels
HYMN | Hark My Soul It Is The Lord
1 Hark, my soul! it is the Lord; ‘tis thy Saviour, hear his word; Jesus speaks, and speaks to thee, ‘Say, poor sinner, lovest thou me?
2 ‘I delivered thee when bound, and, when wounded, healed thy wound; sought thee wandering, set thee right, turned thy darkness into light.
3 ‘Can a woman’s tender care cease towards the child she bare? Yes, she may forgetful be, yet will I remember thee.
4 ‘Mine is an unchanging love, higher than the heights above, deeper than the depths beneath, free and faithful, strong as death.
5 ‘Thou shalt see my glory soon, when the work of grace is done; partner of my throne shalt be: say, poor sinner, lov’st thou me?’
6 Lord, it is my chief complaint that my love is weak and faint; yet I love thee, and adore; O for grace to love thee more.
HYMN | Jesu My Lord, My God, My All
1 Jesu, my Lord, my God, my all, hear me, Blest Savior, when I call; hear me, and from thy dwelling place pour down the riches of thy grace.
Jesus, my Lord, I thee adore; O make me love thee more and more.
2 Jesu, too late I thee have sought; how can I love thee as I ought? And how extol thy matchless fame, the glorious beauty of thy name?
3 Jesu, what didst thou find in me that thou hast dealt so lovingly? How great the joy that thou hast brought, so far exceeding hope or thought!
4 Jesu, of thee shall be my song; to thee my heart and soul belong; all that I have or am is thine, and thou, Blest Savior, thou art mine.
HYMN | Now Thank We All Our God
1 Now thank we all our God with heart and hands and voices, who wondrous things has done, in whom his world rejoices; who from our mothers’ arms has blessed us on our way with countless gifts of love, and still is ours today.
2 O may this bounteous God through all our life be near us, with ever joyful hearts and blessed peace to cheer us, to keep us in his grace, and guide us when perplexed, and free us from all ills of this world in the next.
3 All praise and thanks to God the Father now be given, the Son and Spirit blest, who reign in highest heaven the one eternal God, whom heaven and earth adore; for thus it was, is now, and shall be evermore.
1 The strife is o’er, the battle done; the victory of life is won; the song of triumph has begun. Alleluia!
HYMN | The Strife Is O’er
2 The powers of death have done their worst, but Christ their legions has dispersed. Let shouts of holy joy outburst. Alleluia!
3 The three sad days are quickly sped; he rises glorious from the dead. All glory to our risen Head. Alleluia!
4 He closed the yawning gates of hell; the bars from heaven’s high portals fell. Let hymns of praise his triumph tell. Alleluia!
5 Lord, by the stripes which wounded thee, from death’s dread sting thy servants free, that we may live and sing to thee. Alleluia!
Final Ending: Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia!
THE NUNC DIMITTIS
AT THE GRAVESIDE
IT IS WELL WITH MY SOUL
When peace, like a river, attendeth my way, when sorrows like sea billows roll; whatever my lot, thou hast taught me to say, It is well, it is well with my soul.
(Chorus)
It is well, it is well, With my soul, with my soul, It is well; it is well, with my soul.
Though Satan should buffet, though trials should come, let this blest assurance control that Christ has regarded my helpless estate, And hath shed His own blood for my soul.
My sin, oh, the bliss of this glorious thought!
My sin, not in part but the whole, is nailed to the cross, and I bear it no more, praise the Lord, praise the Lord, O my soul!
And, Lord, haste the day when my faith shall be sight, the clouds be rolled back as a scroll; the trump shall resound, and the Lord shall descend Even so, it is well with my soul
GREAT IS THY FAITHFULNESS
Great is Thy faithfulness,” O God my Father, There is no shadow of turning with Thee; Thou changest not, Thy compassions, they fail not As Thou hast been Thou forever wilt be.
(Chorus)
Great is Thy faithfulness! Great is Thy faithfulness! Morning by morning new mercies I see; All I have needed Thy hand hath provided— Great is Thy faithfulness! Lord, unto me!
Summer and winter, and springtime and harvest, Sun, moon and stars in their courses above, Join with all nature in manifold witness
To Thy great faithfulness, mercy and love.
Pardon for sin and a peace that endureth, Thy own dear presence to cheer and to guide; Strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow, Blessings all mine, with ten thousand beside!
ABIDE WITH ME
Abide with me; fast falls the eventide; The darkness deepens; Lord with me abide. When other helpers fail and comforts flee, Help of the helpless, O abide with me.
Swift to its close ebbs out life’s little day; Earth’s joys grow dim; its glories pass away; Change and decay in all around I see; O Thou who changest not, abide with me.
I need Thy presence every passing hour. What but Thy grace can foil the tempter’s power? Who, like Thyself, my guide and stay can be? Through cloud and sunshine, Lord, abide with me.
I fear no foe, with Thee at hand to bless; Ills have no weight, and tears no bitterness. Where is death’s sting? Where, grave, thy victory? I triumph still, if Thou abide with me.
Hold Thou Thy cross before my closing eyes; Shine through the gloom and point me to the skies. Heaven’s morning breaks, and earth’s vain shadows flee; In life, in death, O Lord, abide with me.
PSALM 150
O PRAISE God in his holiness : praise him in the firmament of his power.
2 Praise him in his noble acts : praise him according to his excellent greatness.
3 Praise him in the sound of the trumpet : praise him upon the lute and harp.
4 Praise him in the cymbals and dances : praise him upon the strings and pipe.
5 Praise him upon the well-tuned cymbals : praise him upon the loud cymbals.
6 Let every thing that hath breath : praise the Lord.
What is life without a laugh?
You must have a laugh”
TRIBUTE BY FELICIA ARCHER IN LOVING MEMORY OF SISTER OLWYN CLARKE
Jo-Ann, your mother loved you dearly. Her dedication as a Nurse and mentor was matched only by her unwavering kindness she extended to everyone she met.
She guided, she nurtured and she stood firm in the face of challenges, all while ensuring those around her felt valued and supported.
She led with quiet strength, treating her colleagues like family and forming a legacy of compassion and commitment. Even in her retirement, her warmth remained constant, never allowing time and distance to diminish the bonds she cherished.
May she rest in peace and rise in glory, know that her impact will live on in the lives she touched and the love she shared.
TRIBUTE BY DR. CAROL JACOBS
Even in death I remember this lady, not as Olwyn Clarke but as Sister Clarke. I first met her many years ago when I was a medical student and she was the Nursing Sister in charge of the Labour Ward in the Queen Elizabeth Hospital.
Sister Clarke had a reputation of not tolerating nonsense but like many with that reputation, underneath that was not only a wealth of knowledge but also a spirit of abundant kindness which she showed to the innumerable young women who passed through the Labour Ward as well as to the nurses and medical students whom she trained. There was never any question as to who was in charge there and the high standards which she set.
She was a firm but fair professional who expected a hard day’s work from nurses, medical students and doctors alike. She was full of witty and often profound sayings, often leaving you to work out what the message was, for there was always a message.
Sister Clarke taught me much of the practical obstetrics that I learnt and was a knowledgeable, kind and generous mentor to me as a young intern on the Labour Ward.
When JoAnn came into her life, Jo-Ann became the center of her universe and was to her, as to many of us, a source of great pride as she grew into adulthood.
Sister Clarke fought her long illness with the same courage and grace which she showed throughout her long nursing career. She has earned her rest. May she rest in peace and my sincere condolences to her daughter Jo-Ann and her entire family.
I was poor but I was proud” -OLC “
I join family and friends in mourning the loss of Olwyn Alleyne-Clarke but want to focus on celebrating her life. Olwyn was my mother’s cousin and I have fond memories getting to know her after she returned to Barbados from England. I was a young Harrisonian and was happy to get advice on investigating British Universities for my further
My siblings and I always thought that she was such a sophisticated person; and she always had a smile. That smile could be one of appreciation or at times disapproval.
My sisters tell the story of when one of our brothers got married, the bridal party dressed at Olwyn’s home. The car to take the bridal party never came that evening due to a scheduling mix-up. Olwyn drove the bridal party to the
She had a memory like an elephant and could recall things we either could not remember or wanted to forget. But she could always recall and regale us with something that happened before we were born or too young to remember.
As she got older, I believe she got mellow, but still the air of sophistication exuded from her. She not too long ago said to my sister “do not get old”. I though, lauded the fact that she was the oldest family member I knew of, and my sister
My wife and I had the opportunity to visit with Olwyn and Jo-Ann on a fairly recent visit to Barbados. It was a wonderful evening of reminiscing, jokes and experiencing her sharp humor and wit. We will always remember that time. Olwyn lived a long, full life and I believe I was blessed
We love you dearly, Olwyn. Rest in Peace. Until we meet
TRIBUTE BY JEAN SPRINGER
Olwyn has been a friend of mine for nearly sixty years whose kind, caring attitude was remarkable. Her “bark was worse than her bite”; she was wellmeaning.
Olwyn adored her daughter Jo-Ann and left no stone unturned to see that she was well disciplined socially, morally, culturally, academically and spiritually.
Olwyn was very friendly with a distinctive humourous side. She was also a fashionable personality with a particularly dignified air. In her work-life, she ensured a high level of care was maintained and was able to motivate her staff. Her young charges would often be referred to as “little damsel”. On the ward, she was frequently seen with a ruler in hand. I am not sure what action was intended, neither did I believe her staff new either. She served her country well after returning from the U.K where she worked for some time. Thank you dear friend for your contribution to the citizens of our nation. A job well done.
Rest in Peace.
I didn’t go to university but I have a Ph. D in common sense” -OLC “
TRIBUTE BY DIANA CLARKE
I was 15 years old when I first met Olwyn in England and over the years my impression of her was that she was highly intelligent and not afraid to speak her mind; she was never one to mince words. Whenever I sensed that she was about to speak her mind I would say “she is on her way to have her say” and then brace for whatever was on her mind.
Of the many memories that we created over the years I can recall her deep love for midwifery and the many stories of her riding around the English district on a bicycle to deliver babies.
I also recall her helpful spirit. When I was applying for nursing school she helped me to compose the letters one of which she ended with, “if I am accepted I shall endeavor to serve to the best of my ability”. I found that funny as it sounded like I was enlisting in the army.
I remember her being very fussy about her dress; she was always elegantly dressed. She loved shopping for clothes and shoes and I would sometimes accompany her.
But what many may not know is that Olwyn was mischievous. I remember her being a prankster with a great sense of humor. She knew that I was afraid of mice and one night I was lying on the bed when she came in with a huge grin on her face and in her hand she was dangling a mouse in front of me; I was terrified and she was tickled; she had a good laugh.
Finally, many may find it surprising that Olwyn loved watching wrestling on TV but she did. In fact, it wasn’t safe to sit near her as you might get hurt when she got excited. There is no doubt that many of the memories which we shared I will recount with a smile because that was Olwyn, ready to smile or make those around her laugh.
I wish to specially mention Jo-Ann and Bernard who gave such loving care and pampering to Olwyn all those years. I pray that God may bless them.
THINGS MUMMY SAID:
“Little damsel”
“Ya want me to wake you up Christmas morning? You want me to sing hark the herald or while shepherds?”
“I’m thankful to be alive”
“Here keeping body and soul together”
“Lord be merciful”
“If you live, don’t get old”
“Thank you for this gift but don’t let this get between you, me and the Prime Minister work”
“If you are wrong, apologize a thousand times but if you are right, stand your ground”
“You ain’t married yet, what you waiting for?”
“Every shut eye ain’t a sleep”
“Morning break every since … get up”
“How many mornings in your day?”
“ I will tell you off but I turn a page”
“Come let me feel ya…”
“You as honest as cat when he see butter”
“Ya sweeter than a breadfruit”
“I had it harrrrd”
“Ever so welcome, wait for a call”
“Every skin teeth ain’t a laugh”
“Every invitation don’t mean come”
“You look good, like a dog would still pop he chain..”
THANK YOU
“Thankful to be alive” was always the response when anyone asked Mummy how she was. This was her consistent answer because she was eternally thankful to God for where He had brought her from. Her childhood was very hard and she could not recall many expressions of love towards her from whom she looked to receive such love but she had a determination to improve her circumstances… and that she did. While she always spoke of the hurt and hardship of her childhood (despite my encouragement to her to let it go), with God’s help she improved her circumstances to the point where she was able to pour so much of what she had and who she was into me. Mummy and I were each other’s gift and we were thankful for each other and treasured our gift in each other and we loved each other with an everlasting love.
My father died when I was 5 ½ years old and each night after he died my prayer to God was to get tall and for Mummy to live to see me grow up. While it appears that my first prayer was not answered God certainly did answer my latter prayer and to Him I say “Thank You for allowing Mummy to live to see me grow up and for all the time that we were able to spend together”.
Gratitude is owed to the medical personnel who cared for Mummy over the years: Dr. Carol Jacobs (whom she referred to as “the best medical student”), Dr. Richard Ishmael and the
staff at Bracebridge Medical Center, Dr. Carlisle Goddard and the Staff of the Endocrine Centre, the nurses of Shifa Healthcare Inc. led by Sherri Benjamin, and in particular Abena, Bernice, Cynthia, Diana, Evelyn, Florence, Joyce and Tabita who were there with Mummy to the very end and who I describe as “Sparky’s Angels”. They nursed Mummy with great love and kindness. Thanks are also to be extended to Lydia, Gyimma and Akeela who also nursed Mummy and to Cheryl Moe who was her physiotherapist.
Infinity “Thanks” are in order to Gayle McCollin who joined our family in 2021 to be Mummy’s caregiver. She survived what many before her did not. We are all aware of Mummy’s high, strict standards and unexpected sense of humour but Gayle was able to manage it all and she and Mummy shared a special relationship. Gayle “thank you” for your care of Mummy.
I wish too to extend thanks to my colleagues at the Central Bank of Barbados for their patience with me as I journeyed with Mummy especially over the last ten months and for their tear moving kindness over the last month.
To everyone who expressed their condolences and to those who attended the service to celebrate Mummy’s life, I am grateful. I am especially grateful for the presence and love of my relatives who travelled from Canada, the United States, The Bahamas and the Turks and Caicos Islands to celebrate Mummy and to support me. Thank you Uncle Glais, Steve, Sharada, Terrance Gerrard, Camille, David, Betty-Ann, Brian and Keva.
I am thankful to Fr. Ian Claridge and the congregation of St. Cyprian and to the Staff of Downes and Wilson Funeral Home for the guidance and support as I sought to finalise arrangements. I am also thankful to Mrs. Raja for the beautiful flowers.
And to my Bernard, there is nothing that I can say that would adequately express my gratitude and love to him but I am appreciative of the sacrifices that he made to ensure that I was present for Mummy when she most needed it.
Finally, Olwyn Lea Clarke was thankful to be alive. I am thankful to God that she lived and thankful to her for all that she did to make me who I am today. My prayer now is that she rest in peace.
Jo….
MESSAGE OF GRATITUDE
We, the family extend our sincere thanks and appreciation to the many friends and family for each and every act of kindness shown to us during this most difficult time. Your prayers, visits, calls, messages and well wishes will always be remembered.
We Sincerely Thank Everyone of You
The Family
PALLBEARERS
Christopher Mapp
Patrick Gill
Alex Cadogan
Carl Yarde
Brian Been
David Been
HONORARY
PALLBEARERS
Bernard Been
Glaister Clarke
Derek Daniel
Winston Moore
Ronnie McCollin
Don Alleyne
USHERS
Cheryl Mapp
Cailin Mapp
Nanette Moe
FUNERAL ARRANGEMENTS DOWNES AND WILSON
FUNERAL HOME
Eagle Hall, St. Michael
Tel. 429-8129
Email: admin@ downesandwilson.com
Tel: 394-BOOK (2665) Mobile: (242) 818-3478 SCAN HERE
