The service of thanksgiving for the life of Ethel Burrowes nee Russell was held at the Clifton New Testament Church of God , 52 Mannings Hill Rd, on Saturday, April 14, 2018. Burrowes saw sunshine on May 21, 1937 and died March 25, 2018.

The following is the eulogy delivered by Ethel’s son Howard.

Who can find a virtuous woman? For her price is far above rubies — Proverbs 31:10. There is no doubt that Wesley Burrowes (husband) found one in Ethel and her life truly attested to that fact.

Born in the district of Malvern in St Elizabeth, Ethel was the first child for Benjamin Russell and Lucille Lee. Blessed with a high level of intelligence, she made good of the educational opportunity she was given until age 15 at the Bethlehem All Age School in Malvern. It is remarkable that any honest person who interacted with her could not refute the claim that the confidence and accuracy with which she used the English Language easily rivals and exceeds that displayed by many present-day high-school-leavers.

This 15-year-old school leaver armed with natural beauty, poise, strong values, including bravery and determination to work hard and succeed, migrated to Kingston to seek employment and forge ahead in life. She accepted the only employment available to her at the time; being a household helper and gave dedicated service to several homes in the city. Her sights were, however, set on achieving more and she refused to be defined by her then occupation. She loved dancing and used it to pass time in order to balance the drudgery of her life whenever she got the chance.

Blossoming into womanhood, it was inevitable that Ethel, as appealing, refined and purposeful as she was, would be pursued by young men who fell in love with her. She in turn would respond in hope of lasting romance and happy outcomes. From these romantic escapades she bore four beautiful children; namely, Winston, Mervin, Sandra (her only daughter) and Gary.

She was affectionately called ‘Te Teh’ and/or “Sister B’ by her children and those closest to her, yet she continued to work relentlessly as a helper while ensuring her children were provided the best possible care and development. Little did she know, however, that a major turning point was on the horizon.

One night while enjoying her favourite pasttime at a party, Jesus interrupted her dance routine. Her soul was miraculously touched and she embraced what would be a lifelong love relationship with her Saviour. Ethel, saved, sanctified and happy in Jesus was ready for new dimensions. Soon she would meet Wesley Burrowes who was totally smitten by her beauty and personality. He too had recently been ignited with the joy of having a love relationship with Jesus and in 1964 they were both joined together in holy matrimony. The union produced four strong, handsome and adorable boys; Howard, Phillip Kevin and Oneil.

Ethel became a member of the Clifton New Testament Church for the rest of her life. She was a committed Christian who sang on the choir and participated in various auxiliaries and ministered in the church. Her passion for helping others was always evident.

She was determine to maintain her financial independence and as such went in search of a meaningful occupation. She lived by the mantra: Woman of God and of substance became a driving instructor (Proverbs 31). In her latter years she teamed with her late husband to expand Burrowes Driving School and was successful at this venture and equipped many excellent drivers. In all this, her late husband could safely trust in her and all their children who were loved and cared for could not help but call her blessed.

After approximately 15 years of ailing from chronic arthritis, Sister B never gave up the hope of being healed and showed immense courage until the end. She was admitted to the National Chest Hospital on the 19th of February and little did anyone know that she would experience the ultimate healing while she was there. On Sunday, March 25th, she transitioned peacefully. All her faculties were in place and she declared her acceptance of God’s will in the matter.

Ethel is survived by eight children, 20 grandchildren, 10 great grandchildren, six brothers and four sisters.

Her soul now rests in peace and light perpetual shines on her.