FAMILY and friends of an Usk poet whose death is at the centre of a murder investigation paid tribute to her at her funeral service yesterday (FRI).

More than 140 mourners attended the funeral service of Anne Alice Andree Cluysenaar Jackson, aged 78, at St Mary's Priory Church in Usk. Mrs Jackson, who wrote under the name Anne Cluysenaar, was found dead at her home on Little Wentwood Farm, in Wentwood, near Llantrisant on November 1.

Canon Roy Cale led the service which included the hymns In the Bleak Midwinter, Bread of Heaven and Abide with Me.

Canon Cale said: "Anne lived a full and meaningful life. It is now we look to the memories which are special to us.

"We remember all her work for the community, for education in the world of academics and we thank God for the lovely gifts that she had."

Susan Bassnett, a friend of Mrs Jackson and poet gave a eulogy at the service.

She said: "There are two photos which show the two sides of Anne; the country woman in wellies and Anne the poet and intellectual. Some of you may have known one better than the other or both.

"She had an exceptional gift."

She added: "She watched, observed and took notes on the natural world around her.

"Anne and I have been friends for 43 year. Our friendship deepened as time passed.

"She was not only my friend but my mentor. I would never have been published without her encouragement."

Belgian-born Mrs Jackson, who published her last collection of poems earlier this year, lived at the farm with husband of 39 years, Walt Jackson, after moving to Monmouthshire more than 25 years ago.

Ms Bassnett said: "If I had to use one word to describe Anne's poetry it would be patinous. She was fascinated by all kinds of patterns from frost on a window to the migration of birds.

"I'm sure many will agree with me that she was producing some of her best poetry in her 70s."

The funeral service was followed by a service at Gwent Crematorium in Cwmbran. Donations were asked instead of flowers to the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds and Barnado’s.

l Mrs Jackson's 48-year-old stepson Timothy Jackson, of Mount Street in Sheffield, appeared at Cardiff Crown Court on November 5 charged with her murder.