By DENISE MAYCOCK

Tribune Freeport Reporter

dmaycock@tribunemedia.net

MOURNERS at the First Baptist Church yesterday for the funeral of veteran educator Sandra Edgecombe heard tributes to her tremendous contribution to education and to the lives of countless students and teachers in Grand Bahama.

Prime Minister Perry Christie led the praises of Mrs Edgecombe, who had served 39 years in education. He said her life is a model for others to follow.

“My tribute is to a woman whose contribution to this country will not reach the history books, but she will be remembered by many as one who set a standard of excellence and whose life should be seen as a model for others,” he said.

Mr Christie said he was very impressed with Mrs Edgecombe, her commitment to education and to the many children whose lives she has positively impacted in her career. He said he felt she would have made a good Minister of Education and had asked her to enter politics, but she declined.

Mrs Edgecombe’s career in education started in 1976 as an English Language teacher at L W Young Junior High in New Providence. In 1978, she relocated to Grand Bahama with her husband, Godfrey, and was transferred to Eight Mile Rock High School, where in 1998 she was appointed principal.

During her tenure, the school excelled in education and particularly in sports, earning her the title ‘Mother Blue Jay’ because of her strong support and love for the students. In addition to teaching, Mrs Edgecombe displayed a genuine concern for the students providing food, money, clothing and counselling.

In 2006 Mrs Edgecombe became District Superintendent at the Ministry of Education and six years later she was appointed Deputy Director of Education for the northern Bahamas - a post she currently held until her sudden passing at 58. On March 31, after driving herself to work, Mrs Edgecombe was discovered unresponsive in her car in the parking lot. Colleagues rushed to her aid and she was taken by ambulance to the hospital, where she died that morning.

Mr Christie said that Mrs Edgecombe had left an indelible mark on the education landscape on Grand Bahama. He said systems, processes and procedures established by her will continue to serve the northern District of the Department of Education well into the future. “I thank her for her years of stellar public service,” he said.

Mrs Edgecombe was well-loved by her colleagues in the Ministry and in the Grand Bahama community. Memorial services were held this week at two local schools.

In addition to the Prime Minister, several high-ranking Cabinet ministers attended the funeral including Education Minister Jerome Fitzgerald, Tourism Minister Obie Wilchcombe, Labour Minister Shane Gibson, Immigration Minister Fred Mitchell, Minister for Grand Bahama Dr Michael Darville. Deputy Leader of the Opposition, K Peter Turnquest, was also there.

Mr Fitzgerald said that “Education has lost a towering beacon”, describing Mrs Edgecombe as unique and someone who will be greatly missed. He said he respected and admired her commitment and passion. He said he remembered the time and place when he received the shocking news of her passing. “I will miss her immensely,” said Mr Fitzgerald, who paused several times during his tribute.

The minister said that Mrs Edgecombe was a woman of action and knew how to get things done. He said that he listened to her advice and suggestions and valued her input.

Mr Wilchcombe, the MP for West Grand Bahama, described Mrs Edgecombe as a “national hero.” He said she has touched the hearts of many students and persons. “She is a national hero - a heroine of the highest honour. She impacted the lives of many and the excellent service she has given serves as an example to many,” he said.

Mr Wilchcombe indicated that when the government breaks ground soon in Eight Mile Rock, he will look forward to when the Prime Minister declares the new school Sandra Edgecombe High School.

The Grand Bahama Youth Choir, directed by Kevin Tomlison, performed a moving song tribute to Mrs Edgecombe.

Following the funeral, a jeep-drawn glass carriage carried Mrs Edgecombe’s coffin on a procession through the streets of Freeport. As the coffin and entourage of vehicles made its way on Pioneer’s Way, near the Pro-Cathedral of Christ the King various youth marching bands joined the procession to the Grand Bahama Memorial Park, where she was laid to rest.

Mrs Edgecombe is survived by her husband, Godfrey, her son, Garris, and her mother, Edith McIntosh.