Miss Mac leaves a legacy that spans generations

There was a time when torches were used to light the way, when farmers travelled by mule and donkey to take their produce to market, and when Jamaica was still a British colony – Iscilda McCootie was here before all of it.

Now, 105 years later, when ‘Miss Mac’ as she was affectionately known, finally went to the “never fret country” she often spoke about, it was clear that she had taken a whole era of Jamaica with her.

“Mama had both – she had a long life and she had a beautiful life,” grandson Daraine Luton, editor of the THE STAR said. “Today, we gather to give thanks for Icilda McCootie. Our matriarch.” Bethlehem Prayer House in Llandewey, St Thomas, could hardly contain the number of people who turned out to celebrate her life on Saturday. The church was packed. People spilled onto the road, sat along the pathway leading up to the church and gathered outside, determined to be part of the farewell. Inside, persons of all ages sat side by side, a living picture of the generations Miss Mac had touched. There were silent tears, especially among relatives, but there was also laughter, applause and singing, as memories of the beloved matriarch filled the church.