JUST under four years ago, on July 3, 2021, Jessie Ripoll Primary School Principal O’Neil Stevens and his wife, Camesha Lindsay-Stevens, stood before God, family, and friends as they promised to love each other in sickness and health, until death when they part.

On Saturday, their bodies, placed in white coffins, were rolled into Holy Trinity Cathedral on North Street in Kingston, as some of the same family members and friends who had witnessed their union gathered to bid them farewell at a Christian burial service celebrating their lives.

As the pews of the cathedral filled with mourners, some wept as they walked by the remains of the couple. They were individuals they met separately, but grew to love together.

The funeral programme read, ‘Forever United’, complete with a picture of the couple among clouds.

O’Neil’s mother, Noreen Stevens, and his brother, Sheldon Stevens, wept as they comforted each other and O’Neil’s daughter, Daniel. The family received heartfelt hugs and condolence from Education Minister Dana Morris Dixon and Permanent Secretary Kasan Troupe, students of Jessie Ripoll Primary, and staff from Scotiabank, where Camesha worked.

In remembrance of her dear friend O’Neil, past teacher Cecile Palmer described him as a family man who loved his two daughters and wife unconditionally.

“We know that his love for her [Camesha] was stronger than his love for everything else. She was said to be his true love. Not many people have that privilege with their partner, but they shared an incredible love story of over 10 years. From the moment they met, she was his special treasure. She captivated him. He completed her. They were a beautiful pair. They lived on a foundation of love, laughter, and partnership in every sense of the word. Their love was a testament to what it truly means to find your person in life,” Palmer told the packed cathedral.

“Losing O’Neil and Camesha has been an unbearable pain. It’s like a pin stuck in a tender part of the flesh that no surgeon can remove. It’s really a funny pain. The funniest part is having to go on with all the basics of life without the people you love,” she said.

O’Neil and Camesha died in a motor vehicle collision in the United States on January 3, 2025, leaving behind their two daughters. The news sent shock waves across the entire island.

Principal of Jessie Ripoll Primary from 2018 to his untimely death, O’Neil was remembered by Palmer as a committed educator who would put all his efforts into developing young minds.

“His tenure at Jessie Ripoll Primary was marked by a commitment to excellence and the holistic development of students. He connected with students and parents seamlessly, bearing strong relationships, addressing concerns, encouraging parental involvement, keeping parents informed, and collaborating for students’ success. He was the bridge between students, parents, and teachers, ensuring a collaborative and thriving school community,” said Palmer.

“The personality of the man spoke loudly. His stature, his attire — always smiling with a pleasing personality. He was more than approachable. This was partially because of the warmth he exuded to everyone who he came in contact [with] and those who worked with him…His mother would tell you he has flaws, because a mother knows. Yes, he was not always right, but he pushed to be respectful at all times.

“Smiles and a positive word were his currency, along with a generous and attentive attitude — the consummate gentleman. O’Neil was a 21st century thinker and a nation-builder who had a clear vision for our nation’s future and inspired others to work towards it,” Palmer said.

The education minister, in her remarks, said that it was with a heavy heart that she bid farewell to the couple whose sudden departure was a tremendous loss for everyone.

“I can tell you that, since their passing, around the country everyone has been speaking about it. The entire Jamaica felt this loss. It wasn’t just a loss for the Jessie Ripoll Primary or their family and friends, it was for all of Jamaica,” said Morris Dixon.

A Mico University College alumnus who would supervise training teachers in their practical examinations and one of 130 educators honoured at the 2024 LASCO Teacher, Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Teacher, and Principal of the Year Awards in December, O’Neil was praised for his zeal for shaping the future of the nation.

“He was committed to his students and he was committed to his work. He was an advocate for accountability in the education system, and the permanent secretary notes how much the Ministry of Education could rely on him. He never said no when asked to support the ministry,” Morris Dixon recalled, adding that O’Neil was even recognised outside of Jamaica as one of the best.

The education minister also remembered Camesha for the role she played in helping students at Jessie Ripoll Primary as a dedicated member of the school’s welfare committee.

“She stood and worked proudly with her husband at every juncture, sharing his vision and pouring her heart into the school community. Together, they created an environment where students thrived, parents felt heard, and staff were empowered to bring out the best in every child. Their love for Jessie Ripoll Primary was pleasantly felt,” said the minister.

The two-and-a-half-hour-long ceremony was filled with musical tributes from staff and students at Jessie Ripoll Primary, Scotiabank, Quality Education Circle #1 — a grouping of educational institutions of which O’Neil was a member — family, and close friends that brought much life and joy to the sombre occasion.

As he paid his last respects to his son, Paul Stevens recounted the last time they talked. It was a November morning when they went to church together.

“I miss him and really am mourning. He was a very humble son — kind, loving, and motivating. I cannot find an adjective to describe O’Neil. He was a father figure, a family-orientated person,” said the elder Stevens.

“O’Neil Stevens, your love was a whisper of joy, laughter, and love. Though your time with us was far too short, your impact on my life will be eternal. I remember the way you walk; I remember the way you speak; I remember you now with every fibre of my being.

“Your presence lifted up the world, and your absence has left a gaping hole in my heart. But even in death, your legacy lives on. Rest now, my sweet boy. You will never be forgotten by me,” he said.

In remembrance of her cousin, Joyann Bramwell described Camesha as a loving caregiver who would often keep her sisters in line when their mother was not around.

She spoke about Camesha’s love for literature, joking that you could always find her with her nose deep in a new novel.

“Family, friends, and well-wishers alike would often warn her mom: ‘Tell Camesha fi stop walk pon road and read, mine she buck up inna light post’,” she said, laughing.

“Camesha remained an avid reader until her passing, she never buck up inna one light post,” Bramwell said, chuckling softly.

She shared that her cousin blossomed from a reserved child into a confident individual and fashionista with standards of excellence, turning everything she touched into gold and copping many awards along the way.

“Camesha flourished as a wife and mother. A beautiful, charming, dedicated homemaker, she evolved into the consummate host. She enjoyed making magic in the kitchen, whipping up her culinary concoctions and inviting close family over to her small, intimate get-togethers, where her creative delights would tantalise taste buds,” she recalled, smiling.

“We pray that even as she and O’Neil were inseparable in life and remain so in death, that their souls will rest together in eternal peace, joy, and love,” said Bramwell.

Peter Mohan, branch manager at Scotiabank Constant Spring, where Camesha worked as a personal banking officer, shared that beyond her professionalism, Camesha was a team player.

“She was always willing to lend a helping hand, support branch initiatives, and uplift those around her with warmth and positivity. Her friendly demeanour, creativity, and professionalism fostered a collaborative and inspiring work environment,” said Mohan.

“We eagerly anticipated her return to work on January 6, 2025, after a well-deserved vacation, but instead, we are grieving her sudden and tragic passing on January 3, 2025. The void she leaves behind is immeasurable, but her legacy of kindness, professionalism, and dedication will forever remain in our hearts,” he said.

The couple was also remembered by O’Neil’s brother Andre Stevens, who described his sibling as a symbol of unity and his sister-in-law as a ray of sunshine who always had a bright smile.

As the tributes came to an end, O’Neil and Camesha’s coffins were sprinkled with holy water that, in the Catholic faith, reminds loved ones of their baptism. A white pall was also placed on each of the coffins, a symbol of the white garment they wore on their baptism. A lit candle also stood tall at the altar, a symbol of Christ’s presence.

After the ceremonial blessing of their bodies, O’Neil and Camesha’s coffins were placed next to each other near the altar in front of their loved ones — a full circle moment that mimicked the day they became husband and wife.