Stacy-Ann Small will be remembered for the joy she brought into people’s life, says uncle

Small was 47 years old at the time of her passing. The cause of death remains unknown as the family waits for an autopsy.

In an interview with Old Harbour News, uncle, Dexter Gordon described her as the “lynchpin” of a large and loving family. She was the first of ten children for her mother, Jenita Gordon and her late father, Barrington Small. 

“Stacy was a vivacious person. She never met a stranger, only friends she hadn’t made yet. She had several nicknames: some called her the ‘Governor of Old Harbour Bay,’ others the ‘Mayor,’ and many simply called her the ‘Queen of Bay Bottom,’” Gordon shared with a wistful smile. “She was deeply involved in her community socially and politically and was a proud and passionate supporter of the People’s National Party (PNP).”

“She wasn’t necessarily a good singer,” Gordon said with a chuckle, “but she was a bold one. She sang loudly and danced like nobody was watching. She loved Jamaican culture, especially cultural reggae music; it was her heartbeat.”

Her sudden passing came on a day the family was preparing for another funeral, that of their uncle, Basil ‘Little Man’ Vassell. The day started like any other family gathering, filled with stories, laughter and support.

“All morning we were busy preparing for the setup that night. We were trying to keep our spirits up by talking with Stacy, when suddenly her daughter sounded the alarm; screaming, ‘mommy, get up!’ after she fainted,” Gordon recalled.

“From there, the next 45 minutes were spent trying to revive her, with medical advice coming in. We managed to bring her back and she recognized those around her, and we even began joking as a family again. But very shortly after, she relapsed. This time, we rushed her to the May Pen Hospital, where she was pronounced dead at around 10:45 p.m. We were all devastated. Once a group left with her in the car, the rest of us went into emergency mode. Another group formed a prayer circle, while I and others began contacting medical professionals to ensure she would receive the best care.

“What’s really distressing is that the medical equipment and support that would’ve come with an ambulance, if one had been nearby, might have saved her life. That’s a major concern for us. The closest facilities were May Pen Hospital, 14 miles away, or Spanish Town Hospital, 15 miles away. That’s the kind of urgent attention Stacy-Ann needed. It breaks our hearts,” Gordon said, his voice heavy with emotion.

Above all else, Small was a devoted mother of three. Her youngest child is just 10 years old.

“She was so involved in her child’s education,” Gordon added. “When I shared the news of her passing, one of the teachers messaged me and said, ‘Oh my God! I lost one of my most active parents.’ That was Stacy. She would visit the school, speak with the teachers, she was an advocate, always present.”

The depth of the loss is felt not only by family, but also by the many lives she touched throughout Jamaica.

“I’ve travelled all over the country with her,” Gordon shared. “No matter where we went, she either knew someone or made a friend instantly. People remembered her for the joy she brought into their lives.”

In the weeks leading up to her passing, Small had suffered a broken foot after falling at home; an incident that further showcased her selflessness. “She was trying to avoid falling on her granddaughter,” Gordon said. “She twisted herself mid-fall to protect the child, and that’s how she broke her foot.”

“She was literally holding court,” he continued. “Each person who passed by stopped to talk to her, ask about her foot, share a laugh. She told us the cast was tight and her foot still hurt, but she showed us it was healing. She was where she loved to be the most, surrounded by family.”

He added, “Stacy loved family gatherings, and we have them often; whether it’s a beach trip, a shared meal, a prayer meeting, or simply enjoying music together. That night, she was in the arms of her uncle and cousin, with others fanning and comforting her. Everyone rallied around her. That’s how much she was loved.”

“Inside and outside our family, you’ll hear people say that Stacy was their best friend,” Gordon said, his voice full of emotion. “She was just that kind of person. I want people to know, Stacy-Ann was truly loved.”

The wake (setup) will be held on Thursday, September 4, 2025, at her home in Bay Bottom, Old Harbour Bay. Her funeral will take place on Saturday, September 6, 2025. The venue for the funeral service has not yet been disclosed.