Last April, the Christian dance instructor Narissa Spencer was killed in an accident in Georgetown while on her way to teach an aerobics class at the Open Bible church. Sandia Harold-Ramnarine chronicles her life in this ode to friendship and a common causeWhat are the possibilities when two strangers meet traveling a bus after the introduction by a bright and beautiful smile?
The character and attitude of the person behind that smile has left an anchor in the lives of many.
Narissa Theresa Spencer, with the wink of an eye, disappeared out of the lives of family, friends, students and acquaintances.
Narissa was born on March 8, 1975 and on April 28, 2016 her life was stolen by a reckless driver on Lamaha Street, Georgetown. But between 1975 and 2016, Narissa had built a rich legacy of commitment and diligence towards the things she loved.
Back in January, 2003 Narissa met the founder of WIST Ministries International (WIST) while traveling in a mini bus along the East Coast highway. She didn’t have to dig too hard to find the courage to form a conversation.
She quickly introduced herself, first by flashing her beautiful, signature smile and from that moment on she became a member of WIST.
Narissa started as a diligent dance student committed to excellence. She quickly became a core member of the dance team and travelled to various churches and parts of Guyana to minister in dance with grace and excellence. It was no surprise when Narissa quickly developed and displayed the competence of a talented dance choreographer and later a dance instructor.
Narissa required excellence in all she did and always made herself available to be of assistance to others and to give of herself in whatever way she could.
Narissa had blessed dozens with her talent and gift of dance. She taught several dance groups at several churches.
One of those groups was the Better Hope Assembly Of God dance group. It was no surprise when the group won at sectional in the dance category at the Youth Convention.
But the sky was Narissa’s limit. She believed that with hard work, much more could be achieved. In 2013, Narissa motivated the dancers at the Better Hope Assembly of God church to perform their best.
With Narissa as their instructor and choreographer, the East Coast Section won in the dance category at the National level. She was satisfied that her theory of hard work and diligence equals success.
She had been the back bone of WIST for many years and took a leadership role. She was a leader that made things happen and saw every project to the very end. She never gave a commitment and turned back.
Narissa held several offices in WIST including Director for Props and Garments and the Instructor for the Teens + levels one and two classes. This did not stop her from assisting in other roles.
Narissa carried not just an interest or love for dance but a love with a passion for dance and more so dance as a form of worship and praise unto God.
Narissa cared not just for what she did but for the lives and cares of the people she did it with. She has been a faithful servant. She served God first and then served many of us who came into her path.
Narissa’s passing has left such a gap in the people whose lives she touched and the organizations that she served. She has made an invaluable contribution to the dance ministry in the nation. She is irreplaceable.
But she has left such a legacy and example for those of us who are left behind.