Loved ones pay final respects to late Grethel Stoutt-Richardson
- She could have been an Education Officer - Eulogy
Prominent East End businesswoman Ms Grethel Stoutt-Richardson was laid to rest today August 30, 2014. Photo: VINO
The late Ms Grethel Stoutt-Richardson. Photo: VINO
When tears fell today at the home going service for the late Ms Grethel Stoutt-Richardson, it was obvious that they were not the language that only God understood but also those who took time out to comfort the bereaved family of the well loved Virgin Islands daughter. Photo: VINO
The support for her family was overwhelming as the family has lost a strong woman of worth. “There could never be a replacement for a mother,” said one mourner as she embraced one of Ms Stoutt-Richardson’s daughters. Photo: VINO
The viewing and service for Ms Stoutt-Richardson was held at the Long Look Methodist Church where hundreds turned up to pay their final respect. Photo: VINO
Several leaders, government ministers, private sector entrepreneurs, customers and other who in some way or the other mourned the loss of the tightly knitted family were present. Above is Minister for Health and Social Development Hon Ronnie W. Skelton. Photo: VINO
Several leaders, government ministers, private sector entrepreneurs, customers and other who in some way or the other mourned the loss of the tightly knitted family were present. Photo: VINO
Several leaders, government ministers, private sector entrepreneurs, customers and other who in some way or the other mourned the loss of the tightly knitted family were present. Photo: VINO
Several leaders, government ministers, private sector entrepreneurs, customers and other who in some way or the other mourned the loss of the tightly knitted family were present. Photo: VINO
Several leaders, government ministers, private sector entrepreneurs, customers and other who in some way or the other mourned the loss of the tightly knitted family were present. Photo: VINO
Several leaders, government ministers, private sector entrepreneurs, customers and other who in some way or the other mourned the loss of the tightly knitted family were present. Photo: VINO
Scene from the funeral of Ms Grethel Stoutt-Richardson, held on August 30, 2014. Photo: VINO
Scene from the funeral of Ms Grethel Stoutt-Richardson, held on August 30, 2014. Photo: VINO
Scene from the funeral of Ms Grethel Stoutt-Richardson, held on August 30, 2014. Photo: VINO
Scene from the funeral of Ms Grethel Stoutt-Richardson, held on August 30, 2014. Photo: VINO
Scene from the funeral of Ms Grethel Stoutt-Richardson, held on August 30, 2014. Photo: VINO
Scene from the funeral of Ms Grethel Stoutt-Richardson, held on August 30, 2014. Photo: VINO
Scene from the funeral of Ms Grethel Stoutt-Richardson, held on August 30, 2014. Photo: VINO
Scene from the funeral of Ms Grethel Stoutt-Richardson, held on August 30, 2014. Photo: VINO
Scene from the funeral of Ms Grethel Stoutt-Richardson, held on August 30, 2014. Photo: VINO
Scene from the funeral of Ms Grethel Stoutt-Richardson, held on August 30, 2014. Photo: VINO
Scene from the funeral of Ms Grethel Stoutt-Richardson, held on August 30, 2014. Photo: VINO
Scene from the funeral of Ms Grethel Stoutt-Richardson, held on August 30, 2014. Photo: VINO
Scene from the funeral of Ms Grethel Stoutt-Richardson, held on August 30, 2014. Photo: VINO
Scene from the funeral of Ms Grethel Stoutt-Richardson, held on August 30, 2014. Photo: VINO
Scene from the funeral of Ms Grethel Stoutt-Richardson, held on August 30, 2014. Photo: VINO
Scene from the funeral of Ms Grethel Stoutt-Richardson, held on August 30, 2014. Photo: VINO
Scene from the funeral of Ms Grethel Stoutt-Richardson, held on August 30, 2014. Photo: VINO
Scene from the funeral of Ms Grethel Stoutt-Richardson, held on August 30, 2014. Photo: VINO
Scene from the funeral of Ms Grethel Stoutt-Richardson, held on August 30, 2014. Photo: VINO
Scene from the funeral of Ms Grethel Stoutt-Richardson, held on August 30, 2014. Photo: VINO
Scene from the funeral of Ms Grethel Stoutt-Richardson, held on August 30, 2014. Photo: VINO
Scene from the funeral of Ms Grethel Stoutt-Richardson, held on August 30, 2014. Photo: VINO
EAST END/LONG LOOK, Tortola, VI – Tears fell today August 30, 2014 at the home-going service for the late Ms Grethel Stoutt-Richardson, as loved ones of the East End businesswoman shared moments of remembrance and took time to comfort each other.
The viewing and service for Ms Stoutt-Richardson were held at the Long Look Methodist Church which could hardly contain the hundreds who turned up to pay their final respects.
The support for her family was overwhelming as the family has lost a strong woman of worth. “There could never be a replacement for a mother,” said one mourner as she embraced one of Ms Stoutt-Richardson’s daughters.
Several leaders, government ministers, private sector entrepreneurs, customers and others, who in some way or the other mourned the loss of the businesswoman, were present.
Ms Stoutt-Richardson was recognized as a person to have had a passion for education as mentioned in the eulogy.
"Grethel could have been an education officer for she believed firmly that education is the key to life. She insisted that everyone in her family should have the best possible education at home and in the United States. Recently when two of her grandchildren achieved top places in national examinations she was beaming as if she had won a million dollars. At the same time she lamented when anyone failed to make use of educational opportunities," said the eulogy.
The accomplished businesswoman was also described as a no-nonsense person who worked in the government service for a total of 30 years in the Immigration Department, the Labour Department and also as an assistant auditor.
"Grethel was relentless in her emphasis in perfection and this earned her many friends and enemies. Persons still appreciate her style when they encounter slackness or inefficiency in some government workers today," one of the mourners said.
As a businesswoman she was a force to be reckoned with. Among her many buildings, her masterpiece is the Richard Stoutt Building in Road Town. In Fat Hogs Bay, her restaurant Gram’s is known as one of the best in food and service.
"She is gone but the man with perfect taste Raphael Stoutt is still here to criticize and/or praise the food produced at Gram's. Grethel also operated Festival booth 13 in Road Town for 14 years," mourners were told at her funeral service.
Her love for sports was also acknowledged as she was said to have rooted for the "Roots" team and backed the East Rockers basketball team. "It's women's softball, wherever Leoneal George played, Grethel backed that particular team.
She continued to relish with joy in the sporting achievement of her granddaughters and grandsons. She did everything as intensely as her grandmother Clarin Rabsatt,” mourners heard.
The body of Ms Grethel Stoutt-Richardson was laid to rest at the Greenland Cemetery.
12 Responses to “Loved ones pay final respects to late Grethel Stoutt-Richardson”
Every time I leave your side, you always tell me, love you, now it's time for me to tell you, Love you always.
RIP......