A moving, dignified service for our gracious Decima
Decima was a lady who cared deeply for her family, friends and community
It was a dignified service for a lady who served her family, friends and community with dignity, dedication and integrity.
A packed St James Church on Gladstone Street said farewell to much-loved Decima Jones (80) on Friday who, on June 3, passed on after a brave battle against cancer which she handled with determination, courage and never once grumbled.
Husband of 58 years, Peter, gave a moving, courageous tribute to Decima whom he called his pillar of strength. Earlier, a group of red-coated Dundee Diehards (one of the founding members of the re-enactment group was Peter and Decima worked tirelessly to assist the group since their formation over 16 years ago) acted as pall-bearers.
It was a touch that Decima would have loved – she and Peter were dedicated to the group that have starred in countless battle re-enactments, documentaries and movies.
Tributes were also read out by friend and Tourism Dundee committee member, Pat Rundgren, on behalf of Decima’s youngest daughter, Jenny-Lee who lives in England and her son, Garry, who is in Australia. Both were with their mother just over a month ago in Dundee.
Frieda Trusler spoke on behalf of the Golden Girls Club – a group of local senior ladies who meet monthly for fun and fellowship. “Decima was a lady who cared deeply for her family, friends and community. A gracious lady who was always calm and wise.”
Daugther, Sherrill Ponton, said ‘their Decima could never be replaced’. “Always well-groomed even for a drive up the road, mum was always impeccably turned out. She taught us so much and was always at Dad’s side. You will always be in our hearts, mum.”
Decima’s interests were varied: reading, Sewende Laan, choir singing, cooking, gardening, music, cross-word puzzles and so much more. She was also a resolute member of St James and St Mary’s Anglican Churches.
Naresh Gopie, Tourism Dundee chairman, said Decima had worked for tourism for 22 years with such dedication and efficiency that she had set the highest standards for those left behind.
“Decima’s contribution to tourism in this area is unmeasurable. She was never one to seek the limelight but was a workhorse of a lady behind the scenes. Peter, we have seen your courage during the time Decima fell ill and please know that we are with you as friends.”
A message was also read out on behalf of the Girl Guides organisation of which Decima was once Area Commissioner.
The service was conducted by Rev Alixe Fraser, Rev Amos Nkosi and Brother Daniel with readings from 1 Corinthians 13 (1-13), Psalm 147 and Matthew 13: 31-32.
The Dundee Diehard group carried the coffin out of the church. Outside St James, there was a touching moment when Peter thanked the Diehards for being there and asked ‘if it would be okay’ for him to salute them on behalf of Decima.
Of course, they did not mind. It was a salute to a special lady. One that Dundee will be certainly poorer without.
Rest in Peace, dear Decima.
