Dawn Holder-Maxwell remembered as ‘an earth angel’

A loving wife, caring mother, loyal friend, trusted confidant, and devoted Christian.

These were some of the words used to describe the impact Dawn Holder-Maxwell had on the lives of all who knew her.

Friends and family paid their last respects during a funeral service held early Saturday morning for the  late wife of Bishop of Barbados, the Right Reverend Michael Maxwell.

Younger brother of the deceased, Kyle Philips, said his sister was a loving, kind, and patient woman who always supported him. Though he lost his father at an early age, and now having lost his sister, Philips said his mind was at peace knowing she was now watching over him.

“To everyone that is missing Dawn, yes it is OK to miss her, she definitely was a gem … an earth angel. I do not want you to continue hurting, as you know she would not like that. However everyone grieves differently – I cannot speak from the point of view of losing a wife, or losing a child, only a parent. I guess from young when I knew my father had prostate cancer, I braced myself for this, and understood the meaning of life and death.

“That does not stop it from hurting, but I can say this time around, yes I cried, I howled, I was broken, but shortly afterwards, I just thought to myself [that] this is my testimony, and I am going to be the best I can be, and achieve everything I put my mind to. Now that my two gems have rekindled, and with them watching over me, nothing can stop me,” he said

In delivering the sermon, Rev Dr. Anthony Holder, said Dawn’s faith in God, and her love for people, made her an undeniable spark in the lives of all she touched.

“She put her faith into action as well, because she knew that faith without works is dead. Part of putting that faith into action, was her love for people. Dawn loved people, and we heard that repeatedly by those who gave tributes before the start of the service, but Dawn loved people, because Dawn loved God. It did not matter who you were – you could be a family member, a friend, a work colleague, a fellow brother or sister in Christ, a complete stranger … she loved you, and made you feel comfortable around her.

“…now we say thank you Jesus for Dawn. Thank you Jesus for what she has meant to us, for giving her to us, her family and friends, the time we shared with her, and now you have taken her back to yourself. Embrace her in your everlasting arms, and grant her a place in your eternal kingdom.” (SB)