A CHIRK reverend has paid tribute to a stalwart of the church and community who died earlier this week.

Marlene Jones, who was named Chirk Citizen of the Year in 2016, died on Tuesday.

A popular member of the community, she was church warden at St Mary’s Church, and was known by many for her work within the Chirk area.

Her work received recognition with the Citizen of the Year award in 2016 for her outstanding voluntary work for the benefit of the community of Chirk.

Reverend Matt Wilkinson, of St Mary’s Church, described Marlene as ‘the kindest person’, and a true Christian whose faith was at the centre of her life.

He said: “I’ve been here six years, and Marlene had been church warden all that time until recently when she had to step down.

“She’s been warden here for about 15 years, and it is a very important role in the church.

“She’s probably the kindest person you could ever meet – she’s the kind of person who would do anything for anyone.

“For some people, that statement is truer than for others, but for Marlene, it was completely true for.

“If anyone asked for help from her, she would do it and do it cheerfully as well.

“She always had a smile on her face and always looked on the bright side of things.”

Rev Wilkinson was overwhelmed by Miss Jones’ passion and desire to help others.

He continued: “She did a lot through the church for the town, but she also did a lot of things independently as well.

“That included helping people get to and from the lunch club at the Methodist Church and making sure the elderly people got a meal.

“With everything, she was always the first to volunteer to help out.

“She just knew so many people and everyone would ask how she was. She was such an amazing person and so kind.

“Her love for St Mary’s Church was lifelong.”

Councillor Frank Hemmings awarded Miss Jones with her Citizen of the Year award in 2016.

He said: “I met Marlene a number of times through the church and when we did Dementia Friends sessions.

“It’s really sad when people who do so much in the community pass on.

“People like Marlene who do so much for their community are extremely hard to replace and she will be sadly missed.”