‘She raised a village and made it her own’

HART HILL, Portland — Family and friends packed the Mount Faith Apostolic Church of God on Sunday to say their farewell to community activist Hilda May Richards-Coombs, better known as Miss Hilda, who died at 102 years old. Her niece Rosie Grant remembered Richards-Coombs for her kindness and her willingness to offer support to all her neighbours. “Miss Hilda’s strength, generosity, kindness and wisdom touched so many lives. No biological children but a mother, grandmother and aunt to so many, taking people under her wings, and gave freely,” said Grant, who added that her aunt was a pillar of strength in her community. “She was strong and independent and cooked in her outdoor kitchen until she was 90 years old as she provided meals for many in her community and she was a wonderful cook. She was a woman filled with wisdom and guided many,” added Grant.

The Hart Hill Foundation group led by Jenmarie Pryce (with mic) performing Beulah Land at the funeral of 102-year-old Hilda May Richards-Coombs on Sunday. (Photo: Everard Owen)

Shermaine Wallen described Miss Hilda as a loving, willing kind soul whose presence brought warmth and comfort. “For over five decades she was a cherished part of our family’s journey and a source of strength after the passing of our grandmother. She gave us her own name making us special as she extended herself to us making us all welcome. She shared freely and cared deeply for others,” remembered Wallen. Meanwhile, Bishop Winsome Thomas described Miss Hilda as a committed church worker who was tidy, loving and caring. “In her own way, if anything was not fixed properly she would quietly go and fix it. She spent over 50 years walking with God. She raised a village and made it her own. She raised fowls and the eggs produced were either sold or given away. She was obedient, [someone] who loved and forgave. One of her requests was not to be buried in white but bandana hence she’s dressed that way today,” said Thomas.

Pall-bearers lift the casket with the body of Hilda May Richards-Coombs from the Mount Faith Apostolic Church of God, following her funeral on Sunday. (Photo: Everard Owen)

She told the congregation that Miss Hilda gave her the white gown that she wore to the funeral, as instructed. Keneisha Taylor, Miss Hilda’s goddaughter, said during her eulogy, “She did not have biological children of her own, but she helped to raise and nurture many children. In that sense, she raised a village and made it her own. To those she cared for, she was a mother in every way that mattered. “She had a wonderfully creative way of expressing herself. She could make people laugh in the simplest moments. Her sincerity, warmth and kind heart brought smiles to many faces. She had her own distinctive ways of doing things, and those very qualities made her unforgettable. “Among the memories we cherish are the evenings spent together as a family and the mornings when everyone had to get ready for church — whether they liked it or not. That was Miss Hilda’s way.”

Miss Hilda’s goddaughter Keneisha Taylor delivering the eulogy during the funeral at the Mount Faith Apostolic Church of God in Hart Hill, Portland, on Sunday. (Photo: Everard Owen)

According to Taylor, Miss Hilda took pride in caring for her home, setting the table for meals and cooking. “When she prepared a meal, she did not think only of those in her household, she would send food to neighbours so they could enjoy a taste of what she had made. Sharing came naturally to her. Through these thoughtful gestures, she made people feel welcomed, included and loved. “Miss Hilda’s life reminds us that motherhood is not defined only by birth, that generosity can be expressed in a simple plate of food, and that a person’s influence can reach far beyond the walls of a home. She taught lessons through her words, her example, and even her unforgettable mannerisms,” added Taylor. Bishop Oneil Scott, in delivering the sermon, described Miss Hilda as “a woman of obedience who cared for God’s people and was dedicated to His work, which we should follow as an example in serving God”.