UPDATE: Outpouring of grief as Noel E. Chinnery laid to rest
Chinnery, 30, was discovered hanging by a rope in a tree outside of the home he shared with his family in Great Harbour on April 21, 2013. His body was reportedly discovered around 5AM on the said day by a family member and his death, widely believed to have been a suicide, came as a surprise to many.
Reports indicate that he suffered from a condition that his brother, John Chinnery, described as a challenge today while he read the eulogy at Noel’s funeral service.
As hymns were sung and scriptures read, persons milled around the church yard discussing their memories of the young Chinnery and how he affected each of them all; each expressing their own grief as well.
Though his older brother, John, agreed that it was a tragic day, he felt there should be no focus placed on the grief that enveloped the moment. Instead, he suggested a focus on the positives around, since it is what Noel would have wanted.
Despite his significant challenge though, John said he had a very strong, understanding and positive brother.
Students from the Jost Van Dyke Primary school were present and offered a special selection in honour of the deceased.
John advised as he read the eulogy, “We cannot love money so much that we will trade drugs to get it and then destroy the lives of our very own.”
Delivering a sermon at the ceremony, Rev Robert Wright said of a close relationship he once shared with the deceased. “This one is personal, this life mattered, this is our son, he is our brother, he is our friend…”
His older sister, Irma Pickering, offered similar advice in her tribute when she said, “Take time to think before getting involved with drugs, alcohol, guns or anything your spirit warns you about. Listen to your heart!”
Rev Wright described encounters where Chinnery would visit his office at the Sandy Lane Center in Pasea, where he recalled that while others would come to ask or demand something, Chinnery would simply come to talk with him.
Noel is survived by eight sisters and eleven brothers and many other relatives and friends.
See previous story posted May 3, 2013:
Noel Chinnery to be laid to rest today, Sat. May 4
GREAT HARBOUR, Jost Van Dyke, VI- Noel Chinnery, who was discovered hanging by a rope in a tree nearly two weeks ago in Jost Van Dyke is to be laid to rest today, May 4, 2013.
The body of the unemployed Chinnery, 30, was allegedly discovered by a family member around 5 A.M. on April 21, 2013 in the yard of their home in Great Harbour.
The viewing of the body will take place from 10 A.M. to 11 A.M at the Jost Van Dyke Methodist Church.
Funeral Service will begin from 11 A.M.
Burial will take place at the Great Harbour Cemetery.
Noel is survived by his Mother Ena Callwood; Sisters Irma Pickering, Lettie Samuel, Ethlyn Simonds, Ina Smith, Diane Chinnery- Dickerson, Lauracia Chalwell, Selvina Chinnery, Selina Chinnery; Brothers Curtney Chinnery, Michael Chinnery, Kendrick Chinnery, Sendrick Chinnery, Edrick Chinnery, Gerald Chinnery, John Chinnery, Melvin Chinnery, Selvin Chinnery, Irving Chinnery and Marvin Chinnery.
Aunts Dorothy Mercer, Isabel Chinnery lone Colter, Daisy Graham, Geraldine Callwood;
Uncles Ulesis Stevens, Allen Callwood, Arthur Chinnery, David Blyden, Ishmael Blyden and James Callwood and many other relatives.
According to information reaching Virgin Islands News Online, the MjV Caribbean Performance Ferry will be leaving Red Hook, St Thomas, USVI at 8:30 A.M. and leaving Cruz Bay St. John at 8:45 for Jost Van Dyke and will depart the island promptly at 4:30 P.M.
Persons wishing further information may call 340-513-0323.
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