Two designer
caskets--multiple viewing--boom box motorcade to Dovecot--body on display
at wake night before funeral
The thanksgiving service for the life of dancehall icon and veteran dance
choreographer, Gerald "Bogle" Levy, who was gunned down at a
gas station on Constant Spring Road, Kingston, Jamaica on the morning
of Thursday, January 20, is set to take place on Sunday, February 6, 2005
(at a church yet to be decided at press time). Interment will be at the
Dovecot Memorial Park.
With two funeral homes Brite Lite and House of Tranquility
undertaking the arrangements, the late dancer will have a historic funeral
unlike any
other.
Several persons from overseas have already flown into the island, with
many more expected, for what is being described in dancehall circles as
"one of the most fashionable bling bling funerals," which is
expected to attract a full complement of artistes, entertainment high
rollers, various crews,
upcoming dancers, sound system operators, politicians, businessmen and
local and international media, among others.
The veteran dancer who not only touched the world with his catchy dance
moves, but his unique dressing, will set yet another trend on his final
departure. Bogle will have two caskets one of his mother's choosing
from House of Tranquility, which will be a metal casket in which he will
be
buried, and the other from Bogle's close friend Tommy Thompson, CEO of
Brite Lite Funeral Home, which will be a one-of-a-kind masterpiece glass
casket.
Speaking from his Brite Lite office, CEO Tommy Thompson told Jahworks.org
that, "the designer one-of-a-kind glass casket will be engraved with
some of the dancer's famous pictures depicting dance moves. It will be
drawn by our glass house chariot, followed by stretch limousines.
"After the funeral service there will be a party atmosphere on the
way to Dovecot. A boom box will play all the jiggy music Bogle's fans
are accustomed to. The church and areas of viewing will be fully decorated
with flowers and Helium balloons. Vehicles taking part in the procession
will also have bumper stickers saying 'We Love You Bogle' with his photo
at the end."
After the funeral, the designer glass casket that once housed Bogle's
body will become a masterpiece that will be on display at the Brite Lite
funeral
home.
"Someone can just walk in and say they want a casket like Bogle's
own or visitors can just come by to see it," Thompson said.
Thompson added, "Basically it will be a religious service as Bogle
was a God-fearing person. There will be a tight police presence in the
area and on
the night of the wake (Saturday, February 5) persons can view Bogle's
body throughout the night at the Black Roses corner. There will also be
performances from several guest artistes who will be at the venue paying
their last respects."
Bogle's body will also be on display on Friday, February 4, at the Tony
Spaulding Complex and at the Black Roses Corner Lincoln Crescent
on Saturday, February 5.
Up to press time, the church for the funeral service was yet to be finalised.
However, Bogle's mother, Dorothy Smith a.k.a. Miss Mae, and Thompson said
that Bogle will be churched at Kencot Seventh Day Adventist.
Thompson also told Jahworks.org that he is in negotiations with persons
in regards to the burial of Kevin "Matterhorn" Reid, the other
man who was shot along with Bogle and succumbed to his injuries days after.
"He will definitely be buried," he said.
Gerald "Bogle" Levy was born on August 22, 1964 and died tragically
on January 20, 2005. He leaves behind mother Miss Mae; significant others,
Aretha and Tanya; children Nordia, Gerald (Jr.), Annette, Javon and Gerilicia;
brothers Derrick, Donovan, Fitzie and Lennox; sisters Jennifer,
Audrey, Patsy, Paula, Nadine and Simone; several relatives, friends, and
associates.
There will be no floral tribute. Instead, offerings will be collected
in aid of the St. Elizabeth Basic and Iris Gelly Primary schools.
Related Articles:
Who
Killed Bogle and Why?
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