http://thereggaevibe.com/ReggaeVibeTV/images/stories/headlines/oneil_edwards.png The management and staff of The Reggae Vibe extends our deepest sympathy and condolences to the family, remaining Voicemail members and friends of the late Oneil Edwards R.I.P.

It was a celebration for the life of Oneil Edwards, the late member of dancehall trio Voicemail at his memorial service that was held at Church on the Rock, St Andrew, last Saturday morning.

After the procession, his body was removed to the Meadowrest Memorial Gardens in St Catherine where it was laid to rest.
The pews within the majestic church that sits on the hill at Clifton Drive were lined with black and white, the prominent shades of the morning, despite well- wishers being asked to wear cheerful colours. Nonetheless, it was a celebration of the life of the silent force within the energetic group.

The Reverend Franz Fletcher told members of the entertainment fraternity, who turned out in their numbers, that it was up to them to effect a positive change within the country by eliminating the lyrical manifestation of violence from their songs.

Then, Edwards' mother
, Lisa Brown, approached the pulpit and exercised great composure as she read the first scripture which was taken from John 11: 21-27.

As tears trickled down the cheeks of some of those in attendance, Edwards' babymother, Ingrid, held the late entertainer's six-week-old daughter, Neahlis Edwards, close to her bosom and mourned her lover's death.

Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture Olivia 'Babsy' Grange, in her tribute, echoed the previous message of Reverend Fletcher as she reiterated that it was time for members of the entertainment fraternity to play their part in helping to rid the country of its high level of crime.

Soon the church was filled with the slow melody of Amazing Grace sung by Edward's close friend, Tracy July. The lyrics stirred emotions within the congregation as faces contorted while some wore an expression of passivity.

nostalgia

A nostalgic feeling was stirred as Tara Playfair-Scott of Street Smart, Marlon Burke, Solid Agency and Camille Didier of Headline Entertainment reminisced about Edwards life - which they spoke of with high esteem, while injecting humour, a characteristic of the deejay's personality, during their remembrance.

His uncle-in-law, Lascelles Bailey, and sister, Kim Edwards, followed suit as they read his eulogy, which was more a celebration of the life of the vibrant entertainer, son and father.

Approaching the end of the service, Praise His Name, a song written by Voicemail was sung by various artistes and the remaining members of the group. At this point, fans and entertainers were seen in the churchyard conducting interviews. Moments after, the pall-bearers consisting of Edwards' brother, Carey Edwards, group members Craig Jackson, Kevin Blaire and friends, Lance Stewart, Neil Garden and Oneil Dawkins, carried the mahogany coffin to the hearse.

Edwards was 35 years old when he passed away. He is survived by his six-week-old daughter, his girlfriend, mother, five sisters and four brothers.