Scores of people representing almost every sporting discipline and aspect of playing, coaching or administration turned out yesterday at the Gymnasium of the Garfield Sobers Sports Complex to say their farewells to former physical education teacher, national netballer and basketballer, coach, official and administrator Shakira Shorey.
Shorey, who was a long-serving member of staff of the Daryll Jordan Secondary School, passed away on March 5 after nearly a decade-long battle with cancer. She was also the second vice-president of the Barbados Amateur Basketball Association (BABA) and the vice-president of the Referees Association.
The mourners included Government ministers Charles Griffith and Peter Phillips, president of the Barbados Olympic Association Sandra Osborne, BOA’s office manager Glyne Clarke, president of the BABA Francis Williams, president of the Barbados Netball Association Dr Carmeta Doughlin, members of the netball and basketball officiating bodies, principal of Daryll Jordan, Ken Layne, and many students from that school and George Lamming Primary.
Dozens from Talons Track Club also turned out to bid their final goodbyes to a founding member of the club.
The mood of sadness yet rejoicing was fashioned by the melodious tunes played by the Daryll Jordan Steel Orchestra. There was hardly a dry eye as the mourners filed past the customised casket, which bore Shorey’s name and images of glorious times with many of her successful basketball and netball teams.
Battling tears, teaching colleague Anella Michaels spoke of Shorey’s commitment to whatever task she took up as well as her steadfastness towards her students, friends and family.
Those qualities were also lauded by eulogist Tyrell McDonald, who outlined Shorey’s sporting journey where after completing her basketball scholarship she returned home eager to share her knowledge and experience.
Pastor John Yarde, in delivering the message, spoke of John 19:25-26 where Jesus, in preparing for his departure, admonished John to take care of Jesus’ mother.
“Looking across this tier of society and listening to the words spoken of Shakira, we recognise that she was a reliable friend – a teacher in and out of the classroom.
“Like Jesus, Shakira would have made final preparations for her departure. We accept that goodbye means hello to grief where we are exposed to things we never knew about previously. However, this also provides an opportunity to be reintroduced to colleagues and family.
“We wait far too late to show our appreciation or gratitude to others. We need to see these goodbyes as chances to reflect and while grasping joy from the simple things in life, let us also reflect on the complexities of living.
“In saying goodbye to Shakira, let us welcome the opportunities to fully welcome the talents and potentials which God has placed in us.
“Do not let your dreams, potentials or ambitions just remain in your heart or minds. Use this goodbye to say hello to greater opportunities and greater unity [among] colleagues and family,” said Yarde.
Shorey, who played basketball for Clapham Bulls and netball for St Barnabas and Spooner’s Hill, leaves to mourn her daughter Sariah McDonald and mother Sonia Shorey-Howell. She was interred at the Coral Ridge Memorial Gardens. (KB)
