By RICARDO WELLS

Tribune Staff Reporter

rwells@tribunemedia.net

SCORES of mourners joined the staff and students of Queen’s College to remember the life and work of slain teacher Joyelle McIntosh, a woman whose “word was her bond and excellence was her habitat.”

During a memorial that was held yesterday at the school’s Geoffrey Brown Auditorium, colleagues and students conveyed stories of their interactions with the mother of two who was shot to death in her car nearly two weeks ago at the intersection of Parkgate Road and Village Road.

Fighting back tears, one of Mrs McIntosh’s fellow teachers, Braquelle Newton, said she was still struggling to understand the “senseless and selfish act” that has left her and many others “totally distraught”.

According to Mrs Newton, the day her friend was killed will live in infamy for the rest of her life. She said that the friendship she and McIntosh shared brought the best out in both of the young teachers.

She added that while remaining true to her character and beliefs, Mrs McIntosh, even in death has managed to win.

Mrs Newton said if her colleague could speak, she would encourage mourners to “cry if they must, but life goes on.”

“She would say, ‘Friend I am free. I have done my part don’t worry about me. It seems difficult, but continue on as life is worth death; so live, enjoy because this too shall pass. I didn’t mean for it to happen this way friend, so cry for a moment, girl, you know life has knocked us down several times, but we got back up. I know we have always had each other to help get back up, but this time my friend it might seem as if I am not there, but I am. Just reflect on the memories we have made, the lives we have touched, the students we have taught.’”

Mrs Newton said her friend would encourage those in the audience to touch lives the way she affected theirs.

Those words proved evident in statements given by two of the late educator’s former students.

One student recalled her time in Mrs McIntosh’s second grade class – indicating that she and many of her classmates still remember the wonderful things the teacher did for them.

“We can also remember when she taught us how to add and paint our faces on the back of paper plates. We loved second grade and we loved Mrs McIntosh. We must all do our best to remember Mrs McIntosh, it is hard to believe that someone would do such a terrible thing to such a wonderful person. Although she is gone, she is still deep in our hearts, we must pray that (she) is in a better place,” the young student said.

Another student added: “Mrs McIntosh always wanted the best for her students. She loved doing activities with us. She was one of the most understanding teachers I have ever known. She was always so full of joy, you never saw her without a smile on her face.”

He said while in Mrs McIntosh’s second grade class he was had extra classes to ensure that he had a full grasp of mathematics.

“During class time she would teach us how to add, subtract and our tables. Whenever anyone was sad she always used to cheer them up,” he said.

Speaking to reporters on Tuesday, the school’s principal, Andrea Gibson described the murdered teacher as “most ambitious” during her three years at Queen’s College.

Ms Gibson said despite their best efforts, those who knew Mrs McIntosh are still struggling to cope with the heinous act that claimed the life of the young teacher.

“Three short years, but it seemed much longer because she got involved from day one. She had a major impact, tremendous impact, she impacted the students and teachers,” said Ms Gibson.

“Mrs McIntosh was loved and respected by her colleagues, and truly loved and appreciated by her students. In three short years, Mrs McIntosh demonstrated to our school community what it means to do whatever it takes to accomplish said goal.”

Mrs McIntosh joined the staff of Queen’s College in August 2012.

During her time at the institution, she coached spelling bee teams and assisted with several extra curricular actives, including drama and dance.

On Monday, three men – 21-year-old Armando Sargeant of Kemp Road, 25-year-old Johnny Mackey of Bonaby Alley, and a 17-year-old boy - were charged with her murder and attempted armed robbery.

It is alleged that the three attempted to rob the Queen’s College teacher, at gunpoint, of her 2009 silver Toyota Corolla on November 11. After Mrs McIntosh was shot, her car crashed into a wall.

In the weeks since the homicide, counselling teams offered by the Methodist Church and the Ministry of Education have been in close contact with the school ensuring that both students and teachers received the help needed.

To conclude Tuesday’s service, students of Mrs McIntosh’s fourth grade class lit memorial candles in her honour.