by KATRINA BEND

PINK was the dominant colour at the funeral. The body of Anthea Erlinda Burgess in the casket was also dressed in pink.

There were no mournful songs and people who went to say farewell, swayed and raised their hands in praise as they would at a Sunday service.

It was a different kind of "Home Going Service" for Ann or "Blossom", as the 30-year-old accountant and small business woman was affectionately known.

Burgess, formerly of Passage Road, St Michael and a former student of Harrison College, died mysteriously on April 25, the same day she went to an ear, nose and throat specialist to have a polyp (a small growth usually benign) removed from her nose.

The chapel of Coral Ridge Memorial Gardens, The Ridge, Christ Church, could not hold the throngs of friends and well-wishers.

Many had to stay on the outside and listen to the tributes which described her as a shining light to all.

It was recalled that she had an unswerving love for God, the ability to make others laugh hysterically, while she kept a straight face. She had a small business, Life and Lite Inc., which produced scented candles.

Most of those who attended conformed to the special request to wear pink. Songs of victory and celebration filled the air.

A pictorial display of Burgess' life from a baby was shown throughout the service. The celebration continued at the graveside where pink balloons were released in the air.

Burgess, a former worshipper at the Thankful Family Church, Heritage Park, St Philip, was praised by members of the church.

Burgess' sister Ardith Prescod said "Blossom" was a very intelligent girl who went to primary school one year early and was a whiz with numbers.

Pastor Elector Pearson said she was "a diamond in the rough" who relied on Jesus and whose light would shine.