A beloved female worker at the Government Quarry got an emotional send-off on the streets of Hamilton yesterday by Works and Engineering staff.

Family and colleagues of Malaika Butler-Douglas, a 23-year veteran of the quarry and its first female truck driver, packed the Hamilton Seventh-Day Adventist Church and lined King Street for a celebration of her life.

A Works and Engineering heavy truck, among the many vehicle types Ms Butler-Douglas mastered, carried her casket after the service.

Ms Butler-Douglas, a mother of two, died last month aged 50.

Amon Butler, her younger brother, said there was a “beautiful” service, with a song by Olivia Hamilton, a close family friend, as well as a tribute from Roxanne Christopher.

Applause broke from W & E staff along King Street as her casket was borne out and placed aboard the truck.

Ms Butler-Douglas was taken to St John’s Anglican Church in Pembroke where she was interred.