Barbara Gloudon laid to rest

 

Renowned journalist, playwright, and author, Barbara Gloudon, was laid to rest on Thursday.

 

A Mass of the Resurrection ceremony celebrating her life was held at St. Margaret's Anglican Church in St. Andrew.

 

Politicians, members of the business community, as well as her former coworkers in theatre and at the RJRGLEANER Communications Group, all sought to pay their final respects to the distinguished broadcaster. 

 

Mrs Gloudon died on May 11, after weeks of deteriorating health.

 

During Thursday's Mass of the Resurrection ceremony, memories flowed of the woman who left an indelible mark on Jamaica.

 

Her sister Lorna Goodison remembered "Babs", as she affectionately called her, as wonderful, brilliant and beautiful. Like the word 'bab' in Arabic, "Babs" was a gateway connecting her family, friends, and all who she encountered.

 

Born Barbara Goodison on February 5, 1935 in Malvern, St. Elizabeth, she attended St. George's Elementary School, St. Andrew High School for Girls in St. Andrew, and the University of Iowa. 

 

Mrs. Gloudon was a playwright, working with the Little Theatre Movement Pantomime production. 

 

Most known for hosting the call-in radio programme, Hotline, on Radio Jamaica, she also worked as a journalist with the Gleaner company, interviewing international stars including Marilyn Monroe and Sammy Davis Jr.

 

Anya Gloudon, who gave the eulogy, recalled how her mother, who was not one to back down from a challenge, met Harry Belafonte and requested an interview. 

 

"She met him at the airport in Kingston and introduced herself as Barbara Goodison of the Daily Gleaner. Belafonte said: 'No interviews, please.' She didn't back down, she asked again. He said to her, 'I'll give you an interview if you ask me something no other interviewer has asked me.' She said: What di heck wrong wid you?" He laughed, she got her interview."  

 

Barbara Goodison married Ancile Gloudon in 1960 and the couple had three children. 

 

As fate would have it, she died 11 days after her husband's passing.

 

The Mass of the Resurrection is an Anglican ceremony for the dead, symbolising anticipation of the joyous resurrection.