radhica.sookraj@guardian.co.tt
Star pupil Levi Lewis was lauded as a superhero and a legend as he was laid to rest with his mother Abeo Cudjoe, more than a week after they were both brutally murdered at their Penal home.
The killer has not yet been charged by police.
The funeral took place at Boodoo’s Funeral home in Penal Friday morning. Even though their caskets lay side by side, there were two separate programmes for each of them.
His grandmother Mona brought tears to the eyes of mourners when she painted a picture of Levi’s last hour on the earth.
He had walked to his grandfather’s home with blood pouring from his neck to tell grandpa what had happened with his mother.
Mona said, “He ran all the way to grandpa just to tell him. Levi was a prophet to carry the message. He was very close to his mother. He displayed such bravery and courage to save his mom’s life. He died a hero.”
Mona said Levi loved school and looked forward to spending holidays with her, his uncles Shane and Shiva and his father Neil Lewis.
“Levi loved any kind of fruits. He had great potential and would have been someone big. He was a very helpful child. Thank you Abeo for giving me such a great-grandchild,” she said.
Uncle Shane who gave the eulogy said he did not know how the family will ever get over the loss of Abeo and Levi.
“I know he has peace. We should all cherish and spend as much time with our loved ones. Life can be unpredictable,” he said.
Joanne Peschier is consoled by a friend as she cries for her nephew Levi Lewis at his funeral service held at Boodoo’s Funeral Home, SS Erin Road, Penal yesterday.
KRISTIAN DE SILVA
He described Levi as someone who would be mischievous to his grandfather but who was protective and loving to his grandmother.
Shane recalled how Shiva would take Levi anywhere he wanted to go and how his holidays would be a time of happiness.
Principal of the St Dominic’s RC School Lyn Moodie described Levi as a star footballer.
“He had a spring in his step when he walked, Levi and his mother had a close bond. He would help on the family farm. I don’t know the circumstances behind their passing but in the last hours, he proved himself to be a hero. As they lay side by side here, may their souls have eternal life,” she said.
She said Levi will be honoured in the school’s 2022 SEA ceremony.
Class teacher Marcia Barclay said the prowess the school attained in football and track and field was because of Levi. She too described him as a brilliant student who was destined for greatness.
Pastor Mark David told the congregation to leave justice for God.
He said, “As a citizen of this country I am incensed by the surge of violence and murder taking place. Like with Abel, the blood of the innocent cries out for justice and even though they are dead and our knowledge and resources are limited, there is a God and he will repay,” Pastor Mark said.
After the funeral, the bodies were taken to the Batchiya Cemetery for burial.
A soldier, who had surrendered to police two days after the murder, did not attend the funeral.