Devard Benedict Williams - Memorial Booklet

RITE OF CHRISTIAN BURIAL FOR

Born: April 29th, 1964 Died: May 14th, 2023

Age: 59

Services Held at

St. Thomas More Roman Catholic Church

Madeira Street, Palmdale

Nassau, N.P. Commonwealth of the Bahamas On Tuesday, May 30th, 2023

At 11:00 AM

Officiating: Fr. Junior Calixte

Organist: Tyrone Miller

Interment: Catholic Cemetery, Infant View Road

Devard Benedict Williams

If we could turn back the hands of time to April 29, 1964, you would see and hear the joy in the Williams household when the news was received that Bertram Henry and Evelyn Louise Williams were finally the proud parents of a handsome baby boy. He was preceded by eight girls, making him the last child and the only boy. He was truly the gem of the family as his parents and sisters adored him.

His high school years were spent at St. John’s College and he graduated with the class of 1981. Devard was an avid sportsman and scholar and was selected to be a part of the first of a distinguished group of senior high school students to join the the Junior Achievement program where he excelled in leadership and entrepreneurial skills while being a consummate team member. Above all he was loved by his friends in the program who affectionately referred to him as the “coolest” guy not only because of his calm character. As a senior he was gifted with a sports car from his parents that he and his friends would cruise around all over Nassau. But, through his popularity and high scholastic achievements, he was a humble soul. This is a trait that many to this day admired about Devard.

The next phase in his life began in England where he joined his sister Albertha who was studying Law, and he studied for his A Levels. It was a real experience which he enjoyed and would always share stories with friends and loved ones about his time there. On returning home from England, Devard shortly afterwards adventured to California to join his sister Ethelyn, where he attended Marymount Palos Verdes College and was recognized as International Student of the Year 1983-1984. After graduating from Marymount, he decided to study law and attended the Faculty of Law UWI, Cave Hill, Barbados where he obtained his LLB. Then it was time to move on to the Norman Manley Law School, at Mona Campus, Jamaica where he obtained his certificate in Legal Education (CLE). Devard’s scholastic accolades continued as he was called to the Bahamas Bar on September 2, 1993. During his law career he was known as a shark as he specialized in criminal law. However, he also had passion for civil law and found joy in assisting many clients, some of whom could not pay all the legal fees. Devard being the humble person he was would still go above and beyond for those clients. His clients always expressed how kind he was and appreciated everything he did for them.

Although Devard was a striving Lawyer, he found time to welcome and father three children Lavard, Christopher and Audumn. All of whom he

adored in his own way. Devard was always there for all who needed him, especially his immediate family and was seen as the “cool uncle” affectionately called “Uncle” by his nieces and nephews and was the “baby” to his sisters who always ensured to look after him.

Unfortunately, Devard was stricken with a heart condition but because of his “heart of gold” up to his demise on May 14, 2023 he kept giving to those in need as he continued to practice law. He was at peace with God and his presence will be missed by all who knew him.

Well done, Devard we loved you but God loves you best.

Devard was preceded in death by his Parents: Bertram & Evelyn Louise Williams; Sister: Deanna Morrison.

Left to cherish his memories are his Children: Lavard Williams, Christopher Fox and Audumn Bethell of Boca Raton, Florida; Grandchild: Jadynn Williams; Sisters: Ethelyn Lundy, Daphne (Malcolm) Adderley, Albertha Bartlett, Elaine Pinder, Sharon Stewart, Dr. Veronica McIver, and Janet Kemp; Special Friend: Yvette Lockhart; Nephews: Luther Lundy, Eamon (Monique) Adderley, Engidi and Evan Adderley, Darryl E. Bartlett II, Gilchrist Pinder and Jamie Saunders, Timothy, Henry Michael, and Gardner Stewart, Dr. Rashad (Davrilyn) McIver, Stephen (Ezralee), and Matthew Kemp; Nieces: Alexandra and Leah Lundy, Dr. Misty (Alec) Adderley-Rolle and Mia (Rajon) Adderley-Lloyd, Chevon Morrison-Medvin of California, Darleen and Drew Bartlett, Gandhi Pinder, Dr. April McIver, Theresa (Patrick) Kemp-Wells; Grandnephews: Johnathan Lundy, Kymani Lundy, Eamon Adderley Jr., Jace McIver, Hunter Kemp, and Rajon Lloyd Jr.; Grandnieces: Michaela Lundy, Gabriel Medvin, Egypt Adderley, Eryn and Lauryn Bartlett, Alaia McIver, Aysia, Indiya, and Lundyn Wells, and Charlee Kemp; Godchild: Cristianna Munroe; Family and friends: St. John’s College Class of 1981, the Thompson Family, the Mitchell Family, Caroline Bartlett & Family, Rudy Williams, Hon Justice Franklyn (Gillian) Williams, Dr. Francis (Racquel) Williams, and Farley Williams, the Albury Family, Hanna, Heastie, Tynes Family and The Valley Family; Friends: Ettienne Lockhart & Family, Anishka Lockhart & Family, Jackie Brown & Family, Pastor Bobby Brown & Family, Pastor Anthony Brown, Syria Cleare & Family, Glendina McPhee & Family, Margo Collie & Family, Michresha Cleare & Family, Glendera Wood & Family, Shantell Dorsett, Ortland Bodie Jr., Melonie Thurston, Patricia Cartwright & Family, Larry Burrows & Family, Pastor Keon Coakley & Family, Timmy Brown, Daphne Bowleg, Dwayne Simmons & Family, Nelson Burrows & Family, Executive Chef Marguerite Cash, Karen Lockhart, Nigel Bethel, Shenique Taylor & Family, Linda Hepburn & Family, The Ministry of Health, and The Executive and Management Staff of Doctors Hospital; and a host of other relatives and friends, all of whom we recognize and appreciate, but are too numerous to mention at this time.

May His Soul Rest in Peace!

+ ORDER OF SERVICE +

Antiphon (together): I place all my trust in you my God: All my hope is in your saving word.

Priest: Out of the depths I cry to You, O Lord: Lord, hear my voice.

People: O let your ears be attentive to the voice of my pleading.

Priest: If you, O Lord, should mark our guilt; Lord, who would survive?

People: But with you is found forgiveness: For this we revere you.

Priest: My soul is waiting for the Lord, I count on his Word:

People: My soul is longing for the Lord more than the watchman for daybreak.

Priest: Because with the Lord there is mercy and fullness of redemption.

People: Israel indeed he will redeem from all its iniquity.

Priest: To the Father Almighty give glory; give glory to his Son.

People: To the Spirit most holy, give praise, whose reign is forever.

Antiphon (together): I place all my trust in you my God: All my hope is in your saving word.

GREETING

Priest: The grace and peace of God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ be with you.

People: And with your Spirit.

BLESSING OF THE BODY

Priest: I bless + the body of Devard Benedict with the holy water that recalls his baptism of which St. Paul writes: All of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into His death. By baptism into his death, we were buried together with him, so that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might live a new life. For if we have been united with him by likeness to his death, so shall we be united with him by likeness to his resurrection.

ENTRANCE HYMN.............................................................................“How Great Thou Art”

1 O Lord, my God, when I in awesome wonder, consider all the world thy hand hast made, I see the star, I hear the rolling thunder, Thy power throughout the universe displayed.

Then sings my soul, my Savior God to thee: How great thou art, how great thou art. (2)

2 When through the woods and forest glades I wander and hear the birds sing sweetly in the trees; when I look down from lofty mountain grandeur, and hear the brook, and feel the gentle breeze.

3 And when I think that God, his Son not sparing, sent him to die, I scarce can take it in that on the cross, my burden gladly bearing, he bled and died to take away my sin.

PLACING OF THE PALL

Priest: On the day of his Baptism, Devard Benedict put on Christ. On the day of Christ’s coming, may he be clothed in glory.

People: Amen.

4 When Christ shall come with shout of acclamation and take me home, what joy shall fill my heart; when I shall bow in humble adoration, and there proclaim; my God, how great thou art.

Then sings my soul, my Savior God to thee: How great thou art, how great thou art. (2)

CEREMONY OF THE PASCHAL CANDLE

Priest: Behold the light of Christ.

People: Thanks be to God.

Priest: I am the resurrection and the life; he who believes in me, though he dies; yet shall he live, and whoever lives and believes in me shall never die. Do you believe this?

People: Yes! We believe that Jesus is the Anointed One, the Son of God, he who is to come into the world.

Priest: We must work the works of him who sent me while it is day; night comes when no one can work. As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness but will have the light of life. (John 8:12)

Priest: The Lord be with you.

People: And with your Spirit.

Priest: Let us pray: Almighty Father, you raised Your Son Jesus Christ from the dead so that we who believe him to be the Light of the world may, with him, be brought to the fullness of life in his resurrection. Grant, we ask You, that our brother, Devard Benedict who has left this world might merit your forgiveness for the sins which he may have committed and inherit eternal life through the same Jesus Christ, our Lord who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, One God, forever and ever.

People: Amen.

(Please be seated)

LITURGY OF THE WORD

First Reading..........................................................................................................................Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 (Darleen Bartlett)

Psalm 23...........................................................................................................The Lord’s My Shepherd

The Lord’s my Shepherd, I’ll not want; he makes me down to lie in pastures green; he leadeth me the quiet waters by.

My soul he doth restore again, and me to walk doth make

My table thou hast furnished in presence of my foes;

within the paths of righteousness, e’en for his own name’s sake.

Yea, though I walk through death’s dark vale, yet will I fear none ill, for thou art with me; and thy rod and staff me comfort still.

My head thou dost with oil anoint, and my cup overflows

Goodness and mercy all my life shall surely follow me; and in God’s house forevermore my dwelling place shall be.

Second Reading ..............................................................................................................Romans 5:17-21

(Eamon Adderley)

Gospel Acclamation ................................................................................................I am the Resurrection and the life, says the Lord; whoever believes in me will not die forever!

(Please stand for the Gospel)

GOSPEL ....................................................................................................................................John 14:1-6

(After the Gospel, please be seated)

HOMILY ..........................................................................................................................Fr. Junior Calixte

(Please stand for the Intercessions)

INTERCESSIONS....................................................................................................(Dr. Veronica McIver)

(After Intercessions, please be seated)

PRESENTATION OF THE GIFTS................................................Levard Williams & Christopher Fox

PREPARATION OF THE ALTAR

OFFERTORY HYMN..................................................................................................“As The Deer”

1 As the deer pants for the water, so my soul longs after You. You alone are my heart’s desire And I long to worship You.

You alone are my strength, my shield, to You alone may my spirit yield. You alone are my heart’s desire and I long to worship You.

2 I want you more than gold or silver, only You can satisfy. You alone are the real joy-giver and the apple of my eye.

3 You’re my Friend and you are my Brother even though You are a king. I love You more than any other, so much more than anything.

Priest: Pray brethren, that my sacrifice and yours may be acceptable to God the Almighty Father.

People: May the Lord accept the sacrifice at your hands for the praise and glory of his Name, for our good, and the good of all his Holy Church.

(Please stand)

- LITURGY OF THE EUCHARISTTHE PREFACE SANCTUS

People: Holy, Holy, Holy Lord, God of hosts. Heaven and earth are full of your glory, Hosanna in the highest. Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord, Hosanna in the highest.

(Please kneel)

PROCLAMATION OF FAITH

Priest: The mystery of faith.

People: We proclaim your death. O Lord, and profess your resurrection until you come again.

DOXOLOGY

Priest: Through Him, and with Him, and in Him, O God almighty Father, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, all glory and honour is yours, forever and ever.

People: Amen.

Priest: At the Savior’s command and formed by divine teaching, we dare to say:

THE LORD’S PRAYER

People: Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name; Thy kingdom come; thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil.

Priest: Deliver us, Lord, from every evil, graciously grant peace in our days, that by the help of your mercy, we may be always free from sin and safe from all distress, as we await the blessed hope and the coming of our Savior, Jesus Christ.

People: For the Kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours, now and forever. Amen.

Priest: The peace of the Lord be with you always.

People: And with your Spirit

PLEASE REMAIN IN YOUR PEW DURING THE SIGN OF PEACE LAMB OF GOD

(After the ‘Lamb of God,’ please kneel.)

COMMUNION HYMN..............................................................“Through All the Changing Scenes of Life”

1 Through all the changing scenes of life, in trouble and in joy, the praises of my God shall still my heart and tongue employ.

2 Of his deliv’rance I will boast, till all that are distressed, from my example comfort take and lay their griefs to rest.

3 O magnify the LORD with me, exalt his holy name; when in distress to him I called, he to my rescue came.

4 The hosts of God encamp around the dwellings of the just; deliv’rance he affords to all who in his promise trust.

5 O taste and see that he is good; experience will decide how blest are they, and only they who in the Lord confide.

6 Fear him, you saints, and you will then have nothing else to fear; make serving him your sole delight, your wants shall be his care.

POST-COMMUNION HYMN ……………..................................“Alleluia” played by Gardner Stewart

PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION

(Please stand)

FINAL COMMENDATION

(Please stand for the Prayer of Commendation) (Pall is removed and body is incensed in silence)

Priest: Let us pray:

Trusting in God, we have prayed together for Devard Benedict and now we come to the last farewell. There is sadness in parting, but we take comfort in the hope that one day we shall see Devard Benedict again and enjoy his friendship. Although this congregation will disperse in sorrow, the mercy of God will gather us together again in the joy of his kingdom. Therefore, let us console one another in the faith of Jesus Christ.

SONG OF FAREWELL

Priest: Saints of God, come to his aid! Come to meet him angels of the Lord.

People: Receive his soul and present him to God the Most High.

Priest: May Christ, who called you, take you to Himself, may angels lead you to Abraham’s side.

People: Receive his soul and present him to God the Most High.

Priest: Give him eternal rest, O Lord, and let your light shine on him forever.

People: Receive his soul and present him to God the Most High.

PRAYER OF COMMENDATION

Priest: To you, O Lord, we commend the soul of Devard Benedict your servant; in the sight of this world he is now dead; in your sight may he live forever.

Forgive whatever sins he has committed through human weakness and in your goodness grant him everlasting peace. We ask this through Christ our Lord.

People: Amen.

Priest: In peace, let us take our brother to his place of rest. May the angels lead you into paradise; may the martyrs come to welcome you and take you to the holy city, the new and eternal Jerusalem.

1 O Jesus, I have promised To serve thee to the end; Be thou forever near me, My Master and my friend; I shall not fear the battle

If thou art by my side, Nor wander from the pathway If thou wilt be my guide.

2 O let me feel thee near me! The world is ever near:

I see the sights that dazzle, The tempting sounds I hear. My foes are ever near me, Around me and within; But, Jesus, draw thou nearer, And shield my soul from sin.

Priest: Let us pray:

3 O let me hear thee speaking In accents clear and still, Above the storms of passion, The murmurs of self-will.

O speak to reassure me, To hasten or control;

O speak, and make me listen, Thou guardian of my soul.

4 O Jesus, thou hast promised To all who follow thee

That where thou art in glory There shall thy servant be. And, Jesus, I have promised To serve thee to the end;

O give me grace to follow, My Master and my friend.

RITE OF COMMITTAL + BLESSING AT THE GRAVE +

Our brother Devard Benedict has gone to his rest in the peace of Christ. May the Lord now welcome him to the table of God’s children in heaven.

With faith and hope in eternal life, let us assist him with our prayers. Let us pray to the Lord also for ourselves. May we who mourn be reunited one day with our brother; together may we meet Christ Jesus when he who is our life appears in glory.

Priest: We read in Sacred Scripture:

“Come, you who are blessed by my Father, says the Lord, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world.”

PRAYERS OVER THE GRAVE

Priest: Lord Jesus Christ, by your own three days in the tomb, you hallowed the graves of all who believe in you and so made the grave a sign of hope that promises resurrection even as it claims our mortal bodies.

Grant that our brother Devard Benedict may sleep here in peace until you awaken him to glory, for you are the resurrection and the life. Then he will see you face to face and in your light will see light and know the splendour of God, for you live and reign for ever and ever.

People: Amen.

Priest: People: By Your coming as man Lord, save your people. By Your birth. Lord, save your people. By Your baptism and fasting. Lord, save your people. By Your suffering and Cross. Lord, save your people. By Your death and burial. Lord, save your people. By Your rising to new life. Lord, save your people. By Your return in glory to the Father. Lord, save your people. By Your gift of the Holy Spirit. Lord, save your people. By Your coming again in Glory. Lord, save your people.

COMMITTAL

Priest: In sure and certain hope of the resurrection to eternal life through our Lord Jesus Christ, we commend to Almighty God our brother, Devard Benedict.

May the Lord bless him and keep him, the Lord make his face shine upon him, and be gracious to him, the Lord lift up his countenance upon him, and give him peace.

Priest: With longing for the coming of God’s kingdom, let us pray as Jesus taught us: People: Our Father … Priest: May the peace of God, which is beyond all understanding, keep your hearts and minds, in the knowledge and love of God and of his Son, our Lord Jesus Christ. People: Amen.

Priest: May almighty God bless you, the Father, and the Son, + and the Holy Spirit. People: Amen.

GRAVESITE HYMNS.....................................................................................“Bind Us Together”

Bind us together, Lord bind us together with cords that cannot be broken. Bind us together, Lord, bind us together, bind us together with love.

1 There is only one God, there is only one King. There is only one Body, that is why we sing.

2 Made for the glory of God, purchased by his precious Son; born with the right to be free, for Jesus the victory has won.

3 You are the family of God, you are the promise divine; you are God’s chosen desire, you are the glorious new wine.

1. There’s a city of light where there cometh no night; ‘Tis a city of beauty untold; All my treasure are there and its beauty I’ll share, When I get to the City of Gold.

Refrain: When I leave all trouble and care, I shall say good morning up there, I will have great gladness untold; When I get to the City of Gold.

2. There’s no sorrow up there, in that city so fair, And no sickness can enter I’m told; Shadows all will have flown, I will meet friends I’ve known, When I get to that City of Gold.

3. Won’t you go there with me to the home of the free, Would you see heaven’s beauty unfold?

If you will, come along, we will sing heaven’s song, When we get to that City of Gold.

Is Well”

1. When peace like a river, attendeth my way, When sorrows like sea billows roll

Whatever my lot, thou hast taught me to say It is well, it is well, with my soul.

It is well (it is well)

With my soul (with my soul) It is well, it is well, with my soul.

2. Though Satan should buffet, Though trials should come, Let this blest assurance control, That Christ has regarded my helpless estate, And had shed His own blood for my soul.

3. My sin, oh, the bliss of this glorious thought My sin, not in part but the whole, Is nailed to the cross, and I bear it no more, Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, O my soul.

There was a time I traveled

A lonely sinful road

Beneath a heavy burden bending low

But now all things are different

For Jesus took my load

It’s alright now I’m His I know

Refrain:

It’s alright now

For I am in my

Savior’s care It’s alright now

My Savior hears and answers prayer

He’ll walk beside me

‘Til I climb the heav’nly stair

And ev’rything is alright now

A-down a lonely pathway

Without a friend to guide

I walked in sin and sorrow all alone

‘Til Jesus came and found me

And drew me to His side

It’s alright now for I’m His own [Refrain]

No more in sin I wander

No more in darkness roam

The Lord has placed My feet on higher ground

Each day new heights I’m gaining My soul is nearing home

It’s alright now I’m heaven bound [Refrain]

Tributes

In a world of thoughts and memories where you once were, I can find no peace when each passing day grows a deeper realization that you are gone. The way I feel can not be translated into words as I am left with only the reminiscence of your gentle kindness and recounts of you. You were a man of few words, but your intelligence and generosity projected through the little things you did and will never be forgotten. It pains me that so much is left undone and that you went without saying goodbye. Daddy I miss you and you will forever rest in paradise in my heart until I see you again.

I remember the little things you did, and how it helped shape me to be the man I am today.

A core memory is when I posted a sad song lyric as my MSN messenger status. You came online, and within seconds you were on the phone making sure I wasn’t “depressed”. I find it funny because I thought nothing of it, but you felt the need to check on me - just in case.

You shared a trick with me that you used in school. You said that changing rooms in the house when studying each subject helped with retaining information. That very trick took me through high school and university.

Dad, these are just small moments in the grand scheme that highlight how much you cared. I’ll always cherish the lessons you imparted with me. Thanks for everything, may you rest peacefully.

Your Son,  Lavard Deron Williams

Your son, Christopher

Tributes

A Tribute To My Darling

Devard Benedict Williams

Devard you and I became acquainted while I was working in the Ministry of Finance. I remember you jokingly asking me out for lunch and me answering you “Devard, I am only a secretary-clerk here and I am not on your level”. When you initially approached me, I realized that you were a very unselfish and down to earth person. You were a pillar of strength, someone who encouraged me to pursue higher education. As I reminisce, it was you who inspired me to apply for the Bahamas Supermarkets Fellowship Scholarship and to write for an in-Service Award to go abroad to pursue a Bachelor of Science Degree in Computer Information Systems. Today, I am grateful that I took your advice “Vardy”, as I now have attained same with a minor in Business Administration.

I must say that God had truly connected us as ‘two angels together” as you always said. You were a gentleman to me and had always shown me respect, never once talking down to me. We both respected and appreciated each other. Devard, you had always given me sincere advice whenever l needed to problem solve any situation or crisis that I was facing. We got so close that you trusted me to work in your law firm. It was a pleasure for me to complete your work as this gave me an opportunity to learn how to perfect the completion of your conveyances, bails, divorces and other legal documents Vardy, I admired the way you expedited matters for your clients with intelligence and professionalism. Your clients would always call back and say that you were a very humble person.

Devard, you always said you saw the potential in me to become a lawyer and the legacy you left has truly reignited a passion in me to fulfill my life long goal of becoming an attorney. You used to always tell me ‘ that the challenge is there to pursue it and to always be prepared spiritually and mentally to accomplish same.

You were never selfish with your ideas and you staunchly use to say, “what is knowledge if it is not imparted”. To date, I have completed a few semesters of law school. As. I continue to reminisce on your life and how our Lord took you. Vardy, you left all of your love ones including me and my family shocked of how you peacefully and gracefully left this earth to be with our Savior.

It is truly a void not only for me but for all of your family and close friends that the Almighty God has decided to move you on to this new and significant chapter in your life in Heaven.

Sleep on Vardy, take your rest with Christ I love you, yes. we all do but Jesus Christ loves you best God gave you fifty-nine years and we must accept this. Devard you are and will always be missed. One thing must be clear; you are gone and what you taught me will always live on.

Rest in peace Devard Benedict Williams.

FROM: Yvette Juliet Lockhart