Obituary of Allison M. Gillett

Allison Gillett, born in September 1937 in Dangriga, Belize (Stann Creek), passed away, leaving behind a legacy of dedication, grace, and commitment to education and community service.

In 1955, Allison was crowned Belize’s Queen of the Bay, a testament to her poise and elegance, which she carried throughout her life. Her journey as an educator began soon after, dedicating 49 years to teaching and shaping young minds. Her teaching career brought her to Wesley Methodist School in Belize City and Burrell Boom, Belize, where she touched the lives of countless students with her passion for learning and her compassionate spirit - earning the moniker “Teacher Allison”.

Allison's personal life was equally fulfilling. She was married to the love of her life, Philip Gillett, with whom she shared a beautiful family. Together, they had nine children, six of whom she is survived by, each carrying forward her values and teachings.

In the latter part of her career, Allison moved to the United States, where she furthered her educational mission by earning a Master’s Degree as a Reading Specialist. She taught 6th grade at I.S. 111 and later taught 3rd thru 5th grades at P.S. 45. Her dedication to her students was unwavering, and she was known for her nurturing approach and her ability to inspire and motivate.

Allison’s life was a testament to the power of education and the impact one dedicated teacher can have on the world. Her legacy lives on through her family, her students, and all who were fortunate enough to know her. She will be remembered for her warmth, her wisdom, and her unwavering commitment to her community and her family.

Allison was predeceased by her mother, Violet Elizabeth McKesey and father, John (Jack) Maurice Gower Usher; her husband Philip Leopold Gillett Sr.; her son Jocely Philip Gillett and her daughter Reina Antoinette Gillett; as well as her brothers, John (Jamie) Usher; John (Dick) Usher; Hubert Usher; and her sisters Ethel Marie Usher, Ena Usher Sabido/Swasey; Elsa (Patsy) Usher Connelly; Elaine (Betty) Usher Peyssard; Ina (Blanche) Usher McConnell; Marie (Sisty) Usher Perricone. 

She is survived by her daughters Maureen Violet Victoria (Guillermo) Avilez; Denise Allison (Steve) Donaldson; Philippa Shawn (Derek) Graham; Michelle Ester (John) Olsen Jr.; Trecia Ann Nichole (Julius) Gillett-Gontee and son Philip Leopold Gillett Jr.; her grandchildren, Bruce Albert Davis; Brandi Allyssa Davis; Stephanie Denise Donaldson; Steven Ellwood Donaldson; Christian Donaldson; Samir Donaldson; Kyle Donaldson; Brianna Graham; Xavier Lewis Graham; David Jake Baird; Keith Barrington (Linda) Barnes; Selah Isabella Gillett-Gontee;  her brothers Harold (Melba) Usher; Robert Usher; Arthur (Beverly) Usher; Philip (Rebecca) Usher; Denham (Maria) Turton, Kenneth (Thomasa) Williams; Kingsley Williams; and her sisters Yvonne (Gilbert) Franklin; and Judith (Willis) Bodden, and several nieces, nephews, grandnieces, grandnephews, extended relatives, loyal friends and her many students.

Allison Gillett will be deeply missed, but her spirit and contributions will never be forgotten. May she rest in peace.

Friends and family are invited to visit on Saturday, August 3^rd , from 8:30 AM to 10:30 AM, at Freeman Manalapan Marlboro Funeral Home, 344 Route 9 North.  Interment will follow at Rose Hill Cemetery in Linden, NJ. To leave a condolence or find directions, visit www.freemanfuneralhomes.com.