By Colliesha Osbourne
It was a gathering truly fitting for an extra-ordinary soldier who had fought a good fight and gone to rest. Music, tributes and words of reassurance permeated the thanksgiving service for the life of the late Tania Nichola Christie Lowe, on July 29.
Thousands were on hand at the Seventh-day Adventist Conference Centre in Montego Bay, Jamaica to pay tribute and final respects to a stalwart whose untimely death occurred on Saturday June 23, 2012.
Tania Nichola Christie LoweWords of praise seemed unending for the wife, teacher, singer, friend, confidant, church leader and so much more. Leaders from the Conference and Union remembered Mrs. Lowe, who was a teacher at the Harrison Memorial High School and member of the Harrison Seventh-day Adventist Church at the time of her death.
Pastor Glen O. Samuels, Ministerial Secretary, Sabbath School and Personal Ministries Director of Jamaica Union Conference (JAMU) -- with power and passion -- reminded the congregation that despite the unfortunate circumstances surrounding Tania’s death, God is still Sovereign and He reigns.
“For the Lord God Omnipotent reigneth!” exclaimed Samuels. “It means you can believe in the sovereignty of God. He reigns in the midst of chaos…in the midst of peace. He is sovereign over the universe. He encouraged the grieving, “If God brings you to this river of sorrow He will bring you through it! Trust Him. He is perfect in power and wisdom and when those two still cause you to question, remember that He is perfect on love. So perfect, that He sent Jesus Christ to die in your place.”
Pastor Astor Bowers, President of West Jamaica Conference, in giving condolences on behalf of the Conference highlighted Mrs. Lowe’s work as a devoted teacher who taught several subjects including Geography, Spanish and Social Studies. “Her service to Harrison went beyond what she was paid,” he said.
“A gem, rare flower, cherished by family and friends” is how Dr. Vincent Peterkin, Assistant Vice President of Academic Administration, at Northern Caribbean University (NCU) remembered Mrs. Lowe. She graduated from that institution in 2008 with a Bachelor’s degree in Education.
Mrs. Lowe who was born on November 28, 1975 in Cacoon Castle, Hanover also attended Sam Sharpe Teacher’s College.
The church community was thrown into shock and disbelief on the night of June 23 when news emerged of her death. She was attacked at her home shortly after returning from church and died from a stab wounds.
Tania Christie Lowe was remembered as “Punctual, prepared to do any duty, loyal, courteous and dependable, discreet, tender, kind and loving, wonderful teacher, a great singer” and much more.
She is survived by husband Miguel, parents, family, friends and other relatives.