Hundreds of family members, friends, classmates, neighbours, and well-wishers turned out for a candlelight vigil in memory of 18-year-old Brianna Clarke, a young culinary student remembered by those closest to her as gentle, soft-spoken and the steadying presence in a boisterous family.

The vigil, organised by the family, took place on Thursday night where the community gathered at Baker’s Corner in the Point community before walking through Bryons Street and Hand Street where the group gathered for a brief prayer near the spot where Clarke was found dead on the morning of March 26.

Candles and phone torches lit the darkened road as the group marched in solemn as the procession then continued ending at Paradise Cove, where tributes, songs and reflections from those closest to Brianna Clarke was held.

Clarke’s grandmother, Blondelle Hopkins affectionately known to the family as Grandma Blondelle, told the gathering that her granddaughter was a quiet, steady presence who had a particular love of the kitchen.

The grandmother described Clarke as the calming force in a family she jokingly called “kind of crazy sometimes,” saying her granddaughter disliked confrontation of any kind.

She then performed an a cappella rendition of Tian Winter’s Glass House, telling the crowd it was one of Clarke’s favourites and a song the two of them had often sung together.

Clarke’s aunt spoke about the plans the family had been making for her niece’s future, noting how her niece held dreams of becoming a private chef and offering catering and party planning services.

A tribute prepared by Clarke’s older sister, Oshari Joseph, described her sister as not just her sister, but her “best friend,” a bond she said had been built through shared childhoods, disagreements and reconciliations.

Clarke’s cousin and self-described closest confidante in the family recounted numerous childhood stories, describing her cousin, whom the family called BriBri as “the pigeon in a school of peacocks”, set apart from the crowd by her sincerity and calm.

Other friends and teachers told the vigil that Brianna Clarke brought light into the lives of those around her, a pleasant but quiet young woman who never complained about anything done to her.

“She always has a way of making everyone feel seen, valued, and loved,” one of her friends said.

The tributes included a final light waving tribute to the song of “Angels in the Sky” by Shelly featuring Signal Band.
Clarke and Lewis, both of Hand Street, were shot outside their residence on the morning of March 26.

Two male suspects, ages 19 and 24, were taken into custody in connection with the investigation, which remains ongoing.
Clarke’s funeral service is scheduled for Thursday, May 21 at 2:30pm at the St Andrew’s Anglican Church.