Jeweller Deloris Star Jackson Of Scotty Jackson Jewellers is Dead

To star Jackson a Matriarch of tremendous zest and energy

She appeared larger than life

As she knew how to handle suffering and strif

Star battled cancer for more that 21 years

Yet she did not roll over with fears

She may have privately shed many a tear

But publicly she lived life radiating consummate cheer

Did she mask her pain?

That fortitude was indeed her fame

She shone as brightly as the jewel she assembled

Doing so with skill, as good as any

She proved to be a jewel of fortitude

Only equal to the poise she did exude

Always ready to help a stranger

She was never a loner

That was how we started our acquaintance

Which was due to her keen observance

One fateful morning she offered me a ride on my way to work

It turned out that it was for us of great worth

This was the start of a solid  acquaintance

One without any apparent pretence

She refused to retire, despite her failing health

Yet she soldiered on oftentimes defying how she felt

At times discomfort was clearly etched on her face

Such fortitude shown was with dignity & grace

Star Jackson was larger than life

As she was equally a devoted wife

Married with children for over 40 years

Which clearlly were her life’s cares

She spoke lovingly of her partner

Even if he was not always her sole provider

That bond that held them together

Must here be recorded forever

I will miss your genuine smile

Which lingered in my mind for a long while

You did not suffer fools lightly

Your laughter at times was quite haughty

You always said you liked my jokes

Funny comments were also your strokes

As you captivated the attention of many folks

Your love for flowers was legendary

A fact that is etched in my memory

You visited with friend Joan to tour my garden

Both left with plants which costed  you both not a farthing

With Star I shared my prized palm tree

Giving plants to you both for free

You accepted my gift with glee

Assuring me how well taken cared of they would be

You are indeed the lucky few

For me to have shared even my prized palm without a fee

On not so light a note my friend

There were inescapable experiences on which Joan and I had to contend

Star was never known to shy away from an argument

Alas!  Never afraid to express any disagreement

On the business sphere

Star showed she really did care

Star had a passion for good customer service

As she never seem to stop to decide for a bit

If a delivery was worth it

That for me will be her lasting legacy

Coupled with her trademark segasety

Like a hard hitting boxer,  your jabs did sting

Equally,  you were never a prisoner to bling

Alas!  Other times your kind words did slide

Flowing off your tongue with pride

The gates to larger life opened wide

Yes, you were gently ushered inside

You accepted without hesitation

His open in invitation

Ride on, ride on, your majesty

Yours has been an inning of some mastery

The Lord saw that you were getting tired

He said it was time you be retired

With me you are wanted by my side

In my loving arms to abide

It will be sad to see you leave earth

Your parting will no doubt cause some hurt

But this rare opportunity you should not skirt

Although you are not known to flirt

Yours has been an inning of some mastery

Ode To A caring Soul

With over 80 runs on the board quite a mystery

Albeit at times, likely happening with some misery

You were a jewel of fortitude

For which you deserve much gratitude

You came,  you saw, you conquered

That is why today you are being honoured

Honoured with this tribute as you deserved to lauded

May the Angels come to meet you in Paradise

Escorting you to where you likely will permanently reside

And usher you into the Holy City Jerusalem

Amen!

By Hopeton O’Connor-Dennie, poet, elegist, satirist and an associate of Deloris Star Jackson.  She was a woman of class.  Rest in peace, gentle soul.