Belver Williams-Niblett, a 61-year-old Jamaican-Australian expatriate known for her generosity, charm and adventurous spirit, died July 9, 2024. She touched many lives through her kindness. “I called, she answered,” was a common sentiment among the nearly 150 attendees at her funeral service held on July 27 in Melbourne, Australia — a testament to her selflessness.
Born in Trelawny, Jamaica, Williams-Niblett’s life spanned two continents , combining her heritage with the community she built in Australia. She found fame through her voice and hosted legendary Jamaican-themed parties at her Melbourne home when she wasn’t singing. She even found moments of fame dancing with former Prime Minister of Jamaica Michael Manley, and appeared on an Australian national football TV show.
She never turned away a lonely stranger, was always willing to feed the hungry and readily stepped in as a surrogate parent for young Jamaican expats living in Australia. Her husband of 24 years Shane Niblett recalls one of his fondest memories with her: “About six years ago I got some tickets for a national television football show. There was an ad break during the show and the warm-up man would entertain the audience.
He asked who would like to pretend to be a coach. Of course, Belver’s hand went straight up but he didn’t choose her. “Before the show was ready to go live, she suddenly stood up and said, ‘You didn’t choose me because I’m Jamaican and you think I don’t know anything about football.
’ The host of the show looked up at her and invited her to come sit on the panel.” Her boldness was apparent as he sat in the audience celebrating her five minutes of fame on national television. Family and friends dressed in red and black in honour of her beloved Australian Essendon Football Club.
She was also laid to rest in an Essendon scarf. People living in Jamaica also celebrated her life with a memorial service at St Peter’s Anglican Church, Falmouth on September 7. Reverend Canon Charles Manderson led the service, choosing readings from the Book of Job to highlight her faith and dedication to family.
He reminded his audience of her quiet confidence and unwavering commitment to family. Joan Williams-Clarke paid a heartfelt tribute to her younger sister. “Belver mothered many of her nieces and nephews.
We will remember her as a powerful masterpiece created as one of a kind.” During the service, a scholarship was announced in Williams-Niblett’s name, benefiting high school students in her native Trelawny where she was a frequent donor. Friends like Clovis Brown and Andrew Domville also paid tribute to her legacy.
Jamaica-based Brown described her best friend as “a beautiful and adventurous soul who embraced life and provided a safe space. She was a treasure chest filled with gems to fit anyone she encountered.” Domville, a Jamaican-Australian expat, described her personality as “rich and vibrant, the quintessential entertainer who thrived on others laughing and being happy”.
Williams-Niblett’s memory serves as a reminder of the impact one life can have on an entire community. Belver Williams-Niblett, queen of the Jamaican-Australian community’s hearts!.
