On a warm and sunny afternoon at Christ Church Devonshire, the sanctuary was full to the brim of persons wearing different shades of pink.

Some had fancy top hats on, some just simple pink, but all had love in their heart as they were there to honour one lady of giant stature, Elsie Phipps.

Elsie Phipps (née Wade), was born and bred in St George’s Parish. After marrying the love of her life, Llewellyn “Lou” Phipps, she moved to Devonshire. There she raised five children, multiple grandchildren and some great grandchildren, but more importantly, she helped to raise the community of Green Acres and Devonshire as a whole.

Boy, oh boy, did Devonshire turn out for her. During the service there was a steady stream of persons giving tributes and testimony of the love she gave to her children, her grandchildren, her nieces and her nephews.

Whether it be her cooking, sewing or motherly love, the stories told reminded us all of who this lady truly was. Outside in the churchyard, many gave tributes informally about the love that she gave to them. I personally can attest to the open door and arms of love she always had.

I often took my grandchildren to see her and at each time she would offer them something as simple as a banana, but it meant the world to them.

One particular Christmas I got a call from her daughter that I had to come pick something up. When I went over there I was given a green package and inside of that package there was a tie, a beautiful tie with a blue background with the Bermuda flag on the top.

On Wednesday, October 14, I wore that tie with pride to honour Mrs Phipps. That tie signifies the tie that she would always have with her family, the people of Devonshire and Bermuda on a whole.

Indeed it is the ties that bind us all. We love you, Mrs Phipps.

• Christopher Famous is the Progressive Labour Party MP for Devonshire East (Constituency 11)