Mother, daughter remembered fondly

A mother and her daughter who perished in a City house fire were finally laid to rest Friday at the Westbury Cemetery following a heart-rending ceremony.

Janice Mitchell and her daughter Keisha Mitchell died from their injuries in a fire at their Chapman Lane home on July 10th under suspicious circumstances.

During his brief remarks to mourners, gathered at the Westbury Cemetery’s chapel in a small group owing to coronavirus restrictions, Travis Mitchell spoke fondly of his mother and sister, saying that the last few weeks were especially testing for him and his family, as they continue to mourn their tragic losses.

He said: “It is one of the most difficult moments, losing a mother, far less both a mother and sister. Their passing is extremely tragic, especially given these circumstances. I have learned over these couple of weeks that nothing can truly prepare you for the loss of a loved one. The thought of never being able to see them again is overwhelming… the memories you shared and the inability to make new ones, is disabling, the pain piercing like a sharp knife.

“I declare that today is not a day to dwell on that pain… rather it is a time to celebrate the lives of these two special people we held dear.”

Mitchell spoke of his sister’s accomplishments as a beautician, becoming one of the more well-known make-up artists on the island.

He said he adored his mother, who though quiet, was a kind and respectable person of whom he could always depend on.

“My mother who I affectionately referred to as mum, was a very quiet, conservative person, [with] not too many words,” said Mitchell. “She had a very reserved demeanour but very welcoming smile – since her passing, it has not been surprising to hear people say she was a person that never troubled anyone, I have never heard her in dispute. I only know Janice to be a kind and humble person, indeed she was, but to us she was much more.”

The third victim of the horrific incident, Keisha’s one-year-old Haylee continues her recovery.
(SB)