Family, media figures, politicians and other distinguished members of the community gathered at St Paul African Methodist Episcopal Church in Hamilton yesterday to celebrate the life of journalist Ceola Wilson.

Ms Wilson, whose career spanned broadcasting, print and digital media, was remembered as a fierce and courageous reporter who was not afraid to ask the toughest questions of those in the most powerful positions.

Ewart Brown, Bermuda’s former premier, could not be present but provided a tribute that was read to guests by radio talk show host Sherri Simmons.

In it, Dr Brown described Ms Wilson as “a remarkable Bermudian, a woman whose voice, intellect and courage left an indelible imprint on our national story”.

His tribute added: “For more than four decades, she helped shape Bermuda’s public discourse … she documented our triumphs and our trials.

“Her voice became part of the rhythm of our national life. She challenged leaders and, in doing so, informed the community and strengthened our democracy.”

He said that beyond the headlines and the tough questions was “a women of heart”.

“Ceola was devoted to her family, loyal to her friends and fiercely proud of her Bermudian identity.”

Ms Wilson, who died last month at the age of 64, was known for her no-nonsense approach to journalism but also her authenticity.

Victoria Pearman, Bermuda’s former ombudsmen and a longtime friend of Ms Wilson’s, said: “Ceola was my heart”.

Ms Pearman recalled how she and Ms Wilson met when they were both 20 years old, describing Ms Wilson as “a force” who held the powerful to account.

She said: “Her work was not just a career; it was a calling … Ceola believed in the power of truth; not the convenient truth, not the softened truth, but the truth that liberates, the truth that reveals and sometimes, the truth that disrupts.

“She understood that journalism, at its best, is an act of service.”

Ms Pearman also spoke of how Ms Wilson carried out that service with “devotion, ferocity and unshakeable principal”, and drew attention to how she loved “deeply, fiercely” with loyalty and “without pretence”.

Trevor Lindsay, a close friend of Ms Wilson and fellow colleague who now runs news website TNN, shared some stories of their time working together including for ZBM, and how she guided him into the field of journalism.

He spoke of her doggedness, sharing that one Cup Match, as the deadline for a news report drew close, she sent him back to the pitch to get better shots and coverage than he had delivered.

Mr Lindsay also provided a written tribute that spoke to their 50-plus year friendship and how the world would never see another Ceola.

His tribute said: “Her brilliance in broadcasting, her fearless voice and her unforgettable spirit leave a space that cannot be filled”.

Rick Richardson, a former news director at Bermuda Broadcasting Company and later its chief executive, was a mentor to Ms Wilson during her ten-year stint there.

He recalled how he had her intern at WBLF/WLIV radio station in Harlem, New York, and how, during her time there, he received a call from the station’s news director.

Picking up the phone, Mr Richardson sheepishly asked if everything was OK, to which the executive replied in the affirmative, but added: “You didn’t tell me she would tell me how to do my job!”

Ms Wilson’s television interviews made an impact. They included interviews with one of the island’s first heart transplant recipients as well as with maximum security inmates about life in prison.

She attended Warwick Academy and graduated from Long Island University, New York, in 1984.

She first worked at VSB Radio before joining Bermuda Broadcasting Company.

She also worked for The Royal Gazette in later years as a news reporter and as a columnist for the Bermuda Sun.

Later, she launched her own news outlet Bermuda Real and the talk show One on One.