Ismay Louise Philip

August 19, 1929-August 26, 2005

ISMAY Louise Philip was a good woman, friendly, genuine and most importantly, Christ-centred. She was a devoted wife and dedicated mother. She would not deviate from her Christian principles that were instilled in her from her earliest days, principles that she clearly understood and easily practised.

Often she would exclaim: "Life is good! We are Blessed. God is Better than Good."

Ismay knew she was adored by her husband and her seven children, her grandchildren, a host of nephews, nieces and a truly wide circle of friends. She was gifted with a superb mezzo-soprano voice which brought inspiration to countless numbers wherever and whenever she was privileged to sing.

Mrs. Philip was ushered into God's Heavenly Kingdom on Friday, August 26, one week after she celebrated her 77th birthday. Her end was sudden and without pain. Now, her radiant smile and confident personality are but pleasant memories that will linger long.

Ismay was born in Pembroke Parish on August 19, 1927 to the late Clara Grant and Henry Jones. She was predeceased by her brothers Cecil, Philip, Samuel and William, and her sister Clara. Upon the death of her mother at age seven, she moved to Somerset to be cared for by her mother's twin sister Mrs. Bertha Tatem and her husband David.

They became affectionately known as 'Aunt B' and Uncle David. She attended the nearby West End School and attained a good grasp of the 'Three Rs' that stood her in good stead for the rest of her life.

Her regular attendance at Allen Temple AME Church, and participation in its Sunday School and Allen Christian Endeavour League, provided the early opportunities for her talents as a soloist to be manifested to her own advantage and to the admiration of those privileged to hear her sing.

It was there she met her future husband, Ira Pearman Philip, a budding journalist, three years her senior. Her Aunt B cautioned her 'to leave that boy alone because he would be still walking around the parish in his necktie and you will be home with your troubles'.

Their intriguing courtship extended throughout her teenage years, and culminated in a beautiful wedding at Allen Temple AME Church on June 24, 1948. It was a marriage that endured for 57 happy years. Her honeymoon was lengthy. Her first-born, Ira, Jr., arrived on February 24, 1950. Next the marriage produced Don Quedelle, Braxton, Carlsen, Veronica, Anthony and Deborah.

Ismay absorbed herself fully in her children's activities, motivating them to be achievers. She was almost fanatical about being home when they arrived from school, whether at lunchtime or later in the day.

And she never worked outside the home until they were all out of high school. Her house became the focal point not only for her children but others from near and far who liked to 'play in her yard', swim off the nearby rocks, and to enjoy the refreshments they could count on. So many youth flocked there that Bob's Valley where the Philips resided became known as 'Boys' Valley.

She worked unstintingly in her church, the West End School Parent-Teachers Association and various auxiliaries at Sandys Secondary School. One of her great joys was visiting each of her children on special occasions at their colleges or universities in Canada, the US, London and West Indies.

AS her children 'got out of the way,' as she would put it, Mrs. Philip expanded her community, social and cultural outreach. She was unmistakably political but never confrontational. She became Permanent Secretary of the Loyal Mayflower Lodge of the Manchester Unity; many times president of the Orchid Charity Club; the Masonic Fellowship Circle and Shrine Ladies Clubs; Kiwanis Club; Salvation Army Home League, the Fifty Plus Club of Sandys.

Mrs. Philip became an entrepreneur and consummate saleslady of Best Line Soap Products and Sarah Coventry Jewelry. She opened her own business, a convenience store across from her home on Sound View Road in Somerset.

Then she went into the clothing business, selling Lady May Fashions from the boot of her car. She purchased The Third World Boutique, in the Bermudiana Arcade in Hamilton featuring a line of elegant clothing and adorable hats that were a true expression of her own tastes and personality.

Ismay's greatest joy was sharing her great mezzo-soprano voice with others. She was no stranger to the stage or podium after making public appearances since before her teens. She rendered solos, gave recitals and was featured in more concerts and on special occasions than she could list. She performed on numerous occasions in New York, Philadelphia, Detroit, Toronto and London, for which she received many honours and citations.

In July 1975 after concertising in Detroit's famous Cobo Hall, she was presented with a beautifully-framed citation signed by the Speaker of the Michigan House of Representatives for her outstanding contribution to American Centennial Celebration as well as for her promotion of international unity.

In November of the same year after a recital at the Bermuda Cathedral Hall, John Roundree, on behalf of the Metropolitan Detroit Careers Institute, presented her with an International Achievement Plaque.

AMONG her memorable experiences was singing in Grace Congregational Church in Harlem, New York, accompanied by Professor John Motley, who accompanied the legendary Marion Anderson on her tour of Paris. Also she sang in Massey Hall in Toronto at a Women's Congress with a Salvation Army Home League Choir that she directed. There were her annual Christmas radio and televisions specials.

When Mrs. Philip was not predominating in her own right, she graciously shared the spotlight with her husband during his many years performing his public duties as a newspaper journalist, radio and television news director and as a former member of the Bermuda Senate.

She accompanied him as a delegate when both the Bahamas and Belize became Independent from Britain. She accompanied him to Buckingham Palace when he received the MBE. Together they travelled to Manchester Unity Conferences in London, Bournemouth, the Caribbean and Masonic conferences in the US, as well as numerous social and cultural functions in Canada and elsewhere.

She just took everything in her stride, graciously charming people along the way. She was a counsellor and friend to many. She welcomed every opportunity to sing, because she said her gift was a blessing from her Almighty God which she genuinely hoped was an inspiration to others.