Mavis Lawrence, principal of the Lilliput Early Childhood Education Centre in St. James. She had lost her husband in the 1990s, her two sons Everette and Raymond, tragically. She is survived by an only daughter who lives in the U.K. - Contributed

Noel Thompson, Freelance Writer

WESTERN BUREAU

When the 65 students turned up at the Lilliput Early Childhood Education Centre in St. James, yesterday morning, they were greeted with the tragic news that their principal had died.

Some children cried openly as they tried to decipher what was really unfolding.

Their teacher and principal, 57-year-old Mavis Lawrence, was found burnt to death inside her kitchen, a short distance from where she taught.

But speculation was rife among residents that Mrs. Lawrence, who was alone at home on the weekend, had been robbed and murdered, as her handbag containing large sums of cash, a cellular phone and important documents, could not be found.

Her charred remains were said to be in the nude, raising further speculations that she may have been sexually assaulted. She was found sprawled on her back on the floor of her kitchen. The fire destroyed the kitchen and damaged a section of the living hall, but it is uncertain how the blaze started.

About 7:30 a.m. yesterday, Mrs. Lawrence's church brother was at his farm when he saw smoke coming from the house and summoned help.

Mrs. Lawrence's death has cast a pall of gloom over the community at large, as well as the Lilliput Seventh-day Adventist Church where she worshipped and was upheld by many as the 'mother of the church'.

"She was jovial, but a stern and principled Christian who lived up to her Christian and moral principles. She was always one who you could share your problems with," lamented Kamala Miller, a close friend and church sister who lived with Mrs. Lawrence.

I rang her phone several times

Kamala had left for the country where she spent the weekend. "I rang her phone several times, but there was no answer. I found it strange, so I called someone else who told me the sad news," she said.

Mrs. Lawrence was preparing to be assessed and approved by the Urban Development Corporation (UDC) for introducing a 'Values and Attitudes Corner' at her school under the theme: 'Living in the Land of Manners'.

"I sympathise with her on behalf of the UDC," said Sandra Miller-Hall, community officer for St. James. "She was quite excited about the values and attitudes programme. Her death has cast a dampened spirit on the UDC family."

Priska Reid, one of two teachers who work at the Lilliput Early Childhood Education Centre, said: "I can't find words to express my feelings. It is a great blow to the school and the community. We have suffered a great loss. This is a wound that will take a long time to heal."

noel.thompson@gleanerjm.com