downsmail.co.uk Joan Irene Jennings


JOANIrene Jennings (82) lived inOtham from1989 to 2015, and quicklymade many friends and became involved in volunteering. Born inWales, she


marriedDerek Jennings in 1957 and the couplemoved to Dundee, Scotland, whereDerekworked as a government- employed scientist,


becoming eminent in his field. Joanwasmother toHelen, Richard and


John.Helen said: “My parentsmoved to Othamaftermy father retired at 60. “Mymotherwas a gentle but very social


person,whomade and kept very good friends and had an elegant quality. “My fatherworkedwith a local


businessman called Simon Bricewhilstmy mother became involved in volunteering includingwork atMaidstoneHospital, a hospice shop inMaidstone and as a guide at theNational Trust property, Stoneacre. “My parentswere also involvedwith


the local church inOthamandmymother was part of a large social networkwhich met regularly andwent out in the area. My fatherwas often called to speak at conferences and he andmymother enjoyed the opportunities for travel and the places they visited.” Joan leaves her husband, children,


grandchildren: Callum, Callum, Claire, Henry, Lawrence, Teri-Louise,Adrienne and Struan and great-grandchildren: Rosie, Ewan,Ma�hewandAnna.Another great-granddaughter is expected in September.


Brian Clifford


MANY organisations inMaidstone, and notably in his home village of Bearsted, are indebted to the support, campaigning, voluntarywork and kindnesses of Brian Clifford (85),who died after a short bout of pneumonia. He revived Bearsted and Thurnham


Society in 2005 and as newchairman helped buildmembership from114 to


1,156.Hewas active in the successful campaign to stop Kent International Gateway’s commercial railway and warehouses coming to Bearsted/Hollingbourne. The society said: “Brianwas a very


special person: hewas simply the kindest man, and amanmore generouswith his timewould be difficult to find.” Brianwas heavily involved inmany


Maidstone organisations and trusts,Holy Cross Church, Bearsted, andmore recently he and hiswife Jillwere regular volunteers helping the homelesswith Maidstone ChurchesWinter Shelter. Hewas a dedicatedmember of the


Rotary Club ofMaidstone for about 30 years, holdingmany offices, including president. Hewas awarded the club’s top honour – a PaulHarris Fellowship. He joined the family business founded


in 1747, James Clifford&Sons Ltd, primarily located inHart Street andwith two shops in Bank Street,Maidstone, and another in Sevenoaks. It specialised in manufacturing textile and agricultural products,wholesale distribution of floor coverings and retailed sports, leather and travel goods. AfterNational Service he joined the


TerritorialArmy Kent Yeomanry from 1951/68 andwas honouredwith a TerritorialDecoration award in 1966. Brian’s contributions to Bearsted and the


area – he scrutinised every planning application –weremarked by the parish council in 2009when he received theMynn Award and in 2010 byMaidstonewith a Pride ofMaidstone award. He loved his family life and is survived


by hiswife, childrenNicky, Sue and Andrew, and three grandchildren.


Arthur Earl


THE death has been reported ofArthur Earlwhowas known locally for his involvementwith Kent Police’s special constabulary and fromdecades ofwork as part of Barming Parish Council. Arthur served the council as chairman


for around 22 years, starting his stint in the mid 60s. Current councilmembers recall himwith affection. The present chairman, FayGooch, said: “Every July,whenwe


Camrass Wills Advice you can trust


Do you need help with probate? Do you want to buy a funeral plan?


• We offer help & advice • Home visits • All fees agreed before you proceed DipPFS MSWW


01622 720985 www.camrasswills.co.uk


26 Maidstone Weald August 2019


closed for the summer break he always wished us a happy summer.As a chairman, hewas quite strict but he often had a laugh.” Vice-chairman SandraManser added


“Being tall andwith very dark hair,Arthur was quite a noticeable figure.Hewas, for a while, a special constable,whichmeant he was called on to assistwhen extra policing was needed. In Barming, hewould help anyone andwas often called upon by elderly peoplewhowere unable to help themselves.Hewas devoted to hiswife and looked after herwhen her health started to failmany years ago.Hewas known as ‘a goodman’.”


LenAlliston


THE death of LenAlliston (65) following an accident on theA2 made local headlines. Len, of


Staplehurst and formerly of Yalding was an HGV driver with years of experience. His death came after an accident near Ebbsfleet. Tributes have


been led by Len’s


partner of seven years Linda Reynolds, who described himas a “much-loved and caringman.” Lenwas father to daughter Charlie and


stepfather to Linda’s children Sco�, Ian, Jenny, Jess and Ben. He also leaves grandchildrenMicky, Sonny and Lenny and one great grandchild, Stanley.


Jalisa Forsyth


ALLINGTON’S Jalisa Forsyth (22)was a university graduate known for her devotion to popmusic. Her sudden death prompted an


outpouring of tributes fromfriends and celebritieswho knewthe former pupil of MaplesdenNoakes School. Jalisa had followed the career ofMeghan


Trainor for a decade and the star paid tribute to thewoman she described as one of her best friends, saying: “Iwill never forget Jalisa and shewill forever be a member of theMegatron family. “My deepest condolences go out to her


family and friends. I love you forever and always, Jalisa. I’ll keep you inmy heart and bring you to every performance.” Local Instagramstar Bri�anyArcher


said on Facebook: “In u�er shock: somany hearts broken over this.” Jalisa,who held a degree in business


andmanagement fromtheUniversity of Chester, is also being commemoratedwith a fundraising page started by her family. Proceedswill go to the neonatal unit at PooleHospital inmemory of the fact that Jalisa loved babies.


There is no charge for our obituary service. CallNeilNixon on 01622 630422 or email neilnixon22@gmail.com


Obituaries


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28  |  Page 29  |  Page 30  |  Page 31  |  Page 32  |  Page 33  |  Page 34  |  Page 35  |  Page 36  |  Page 37  |  Page 38  |  Page 39  |  Page 40