Clarence Williams Memory Book FINAL by Print Works at The Huyler Group

BORN: 10th July, 1952 DIED: 14th September, 2018 AGE: 65 Service held at Bethel Baptist Church Meeting Street Nassau, The Bahamas Saturday, 30th, September, 2018 10:00 a.m. Officiating Reverend Timothy Stewart Assisted by: Other Ministers of The Gospel Interment: Lakeview Memorial Gardens Mausoleums J. F. K. Drive Nassau, The Bahamas

Remembering

Battle

~A Time to be Born~ To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under heaven. On the 10th day of July 1952, a handsome baby boy was born to Cecilia Harris and James Williams he was named Clarence Bernard Williams. ~A Time to Live~ Terrence, as he later came to be known by family members, grew up on 2nd Street in the Grove, Nassau Bahamas. He attended Southern Junior school and began working at an early age. Throughout his life Terrance had to play many roles; Father, Friend, Husband, Caretaker, Guardian and Big Brother. Along with his many roles he gained various nicknames: “Baba” was affectionately given to him by his niece Sharon; “DOC” by his many friends; Uncle Terrence to his nieces and nephews, and most notably, the name that immediately identifies the man we all know and love “BATTLE”. In 1975 he played the most important role of all that he occupied, he became a father, this role became the Hallmark of the rest of his life. The first of his children would be Shaliz L. Williams followed by Talia O. Williams. In 1982 he met and later married Rochelle Franks, this union resulted in three children Vanessa Williams, Terchelle Williams, and Finnel Williams. Battle was an enormous figure known throughout New Providence, those who knew him knew that he could scarcely go 10 feet without someone calling out “Battle” to which he would raise his hand with his signature peace sign and a smile. One of his favorite pastimes was Junkanoo he was so involved with the national event that he rose to the ranks of group Marshall and later became the personal photographer for the Chippingham Knights. Battle’s love for Junkanoo was matched only by his love of art. Terrence commissioned many works of art from family portraits to Native depictions, and many others. Amidst his other hobbies, Battle enjoyed anything related to the restoration and rehabilitation of his vehicles, in fact Battle considered himself a “Lay - Mechanic” and worked tirelessly on his antique car collection. During the second part of his life, Battle would be considered the Minister of Nutrition and Healthy Living. Organic, natural foods, mixed with a good dose of physical exercise, was his prescription for a good life, and he extolled the virtues of his beliefs to all within reach. Battle crossed paths with many people during his life, and when the occasion called for him to act as guardian he did so, Battle found great joy to have adopted and provided for Nakita Storr, and Walliscia McKinney, this made up

his 7 daughters, his pride and Joy. He helped many kids along the way and his home was always open for his nieces, nephews and strangers. Later after the passing of his daughter Vanessa he yet again stepped up became mother and father to Vanessa’s daughter Finesse Williams. Dependable, reliable, consistent, Terrence was all of these things to anyone he came in contact with; he acted on a moment’s notice never backing down when called on, he was always the problem solver, the family “Mr. Fix It”, our SUPERMAN, Our ROCK. He lived his life with no regrets and always said, “I DID IT MY WAY AND I HAVE NO REGRETS”. Battle became a widower and later found companionship with Patrice Bethel, whom he was committed to until God called him home Sept 14th 2018. ~Special Mention~ Battle was blessed to have the experience of two exceptional Sons-inlaw. “Pops” as he was sometimes called by them, spoke with and interacted daily with his boys; he confided in them, partnered with, and he had their confidence, admiration and love, he will be missed. ~ A Time to die~ On September 14th 2018, Clarence Bernard Williams was called home to Glory, leaving behind all of the imperfections of his earthly body, all of the demands, and all of the commitments of this world. “Daddy” has gone on, but he leaves a rich legacy, and large shoes to fill. Rest On Daddy, Rest On. Left To Cherish His Memory are: Special Friend: Patrice Bethel;

Daughters: Shaliz Williams-Pierre, Terchelle Williams-Major, Talia Gibson, Finnel Williams, Nikita Storr and Walliscia McKinney; Grandchildren: Rachel Jones, Anjolie & Alaina Pierre, Finesse Williams, Takiha Rolle and Sherwin Gibson, Jr.; Brothers: Carl Lopez, Arthur Jones, Clement Richards and Glen Gardiner; Sisters: Gloria Bethel, Sonia Harris, Cynthia Richards and Yvette Gardiner; Sons-In-Law: Joseph R. Pierre and Achsah Major; Aunt: Kathleen Jones; Cousins: Ariel (Errol), Washington, Charles, Marvin, Loften, Phillip, Linden, and Michael Missick, Fran Joan, Sylvia, Jimmy & Lincoln Hamilton, Frank Missick, Annarine, Joey and Jeff Jones; Nieces & Nephews: Kay Hamilton, Sharon, Rudolph, Ninwood, and Kevin Hanfeild, Brenda Culmer, Naomi Williams, Tabitha Job, Karen Kitchen, Andy, Chuck, Angelique, Tony, and Niles Bethell, Floyd, Bernard, Lisa & Leah Parkinson, Candice Thompson, Marco, Chiquita Harris, Teko, and Tina Lopez, Meko, Randy, Roc, Lopez, Devon Panton, Chantale, Cardinla,Cardinal Moss, Delano Franks, Cruiz and Croix Culmer; Grand-Nieces: Secarra, Kalliah, Cassie, sherine and Aries Johnson; Brothers-In-law: George Jones and Phillip Bethell, Clement Richards and Glen Gardiner; Sister-In-law: Yvonne Jones; Other Relatives & Friends including: Ray & Tara Bethel, Crystal &Tylar Lightbourne, Re’gene & Jadyn Bethel,Nikko Storr, Billy, Sean, Clyde, Ms. Miller, Capron, Beverly, Colin, Tristan Smith, Ratheno Stratchan, Franklin Ferguson,Rose Marie & Patrick McClure, Capron, Rose, Beverly, Effie Knowles,Roxanne Franks, Ray stratchan, Francis hunt, Sean Pritchard, Timothy Fernander, Mr.wells, Ashleigh payne, Caroline McKenzie, Rubis gas station family, Russane & Winston Forbes, Jason Kinsale, Patrice & Anthony Major, Amanda, Maria, Gippy Stubbs,Ted Sr & Jr Rolle, Stubbs Family, “My Bar Hawkins Hill” “New Life Health Store” and “Better Living Health Store”.

Order of Service Procession Of Family | “ Don’t Cry for Me” Opening Words Of Comfort | Minister Opening Hymn | When We All Get To Heaven Sing the wondrous love of Jesus, Sing His mercy and His grace. In the mansions bright and blessèd He’ll prepare for us a place. (Chorus) When we all get to Heaven, What a day of rejoicing that will be! When we all see Jesus, We’ll sing and shout the victory!

Let us then be true and faithful, Trusting, serving every day; Just one glimpse of Him in glory Will the toils of life repay. Onward to the prize before us! Soon His beauty we’ll behold; Soon the pearly gates will open; We shall tread the streets of gold.

While we walk the pilgrim pathway, Clouds will overspread the sky; But when travelling days are over, Not a shadow, not a sigh. Opening Prayer | Evangelist Kwame Selzer Prayer Response | “It is Well” 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.

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!

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

And, Lord, haste the day when my faith shall be sight, the clouds be rolled back as a scroll; the trump shall resound, and the Lord shall descend Even so, it is well with my soul

Though Satan should buffet, though trials should come, let this blest assurance control that Christ has regarded my helpless estate, And hath shed His own blood for my soul.

Old Testament reading | Ecc 3:1-12 | Finesse Williams (granddaughter) Hymn | City Of Gold There’s a city of Light, where there cometh no night; ‘Tis a city of beauty untold; All my treasures are there and its beauty I’ll share, When I get to that city of gold.

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 friend I’ve known When we get to that city of gold.

(Chorus) When I leave all trouble and care, I will say good morning up there; I will have great gladness untold, When I get to that city of gold

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.

Some glad morning when this life is o’er, I’ll fly away; To a home on God’s celestial shore, I’ll fly away (I’ll fly away).

When the shadows of this life have gone, I’ll fly away; Like a bird from prison bars has flown, I’ll fly away (I’ll fly away)

(Chorus) I’ll fly away, Oh Glory I’ll fly away; (in the morning) When I die, Hallelujah, by and by, I’ll fly away (I’ll fly away).

Just a few more weary days and then, I’ll fly away; To a land where joy shall never end, I’ll fly away (I’ll fly away)

Graveside Hymns Glad Reunion Day There will be a happy meeting in heaven I know When we see the many loved ones we’ve known here below. Gather on the blessed hilltops with hearts all aglow. That will be a glad reunion day. (Chorus) Glad day, a wonderful day, Glad day, a glorious day; There with all the holy angels and loved ones to stay, That will be a glad reunion day.

(Chorus) It’s alright now, for I am in my Saviour’s care It’s alright now; my Saviour hears and answers prayer He’ll walk with me, (He’ll walk beside me) Till I climb the heavenly stair, And everything (And everything is alright now)

There within the holy city we’ll sing and rejoice, Praising Christ the blessed Saviour with heart and with voice. Tell him how we came to love Him and make Him our choice. That will be a glad reunion day When we live a million years in that wonderful place Basking in the love of Jesus, beholding His face. It will seem but just a moment of praising His grace. That will be glad reunion day.

It Is Finished There’s a line that is drawn through the ages On that line stands an old rugged cross On that cross, a battle is raging To gain a man’s soul or it’s loss (Chorus) It is finished, the battle is over; It is finished, there’ll be no more war It is finished, the end of the conflict; It is finished and Jesus is Lord On one side, march the forces of evil All the demons, all the devils of hell On the other, the angels of glory And they meet on Golgotha’s hill

It’s Alright Now There was a time I travelled a lonely sinful road; Beneath a heavy burden bending low; But now all things are different, since Jesus took my load It’s alright now, I’m His I know.

A’ down a lonely pathway, without a friend to guide, I walked in sin and sorrow all alone ‘Till Jesus came and found me, and drew me to His side; It’s alright now, for I’m His own. 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.

The earth shakes with the force of the conflict And the sun refuses to shine For there hangs God’s son, in the balance And then through the darkness he cries Yet in my heart, the battle was still raging Not all prisoners of war had come home These were battlefields of my own making I didn’t know that the war had been won Oh, but then I heard the king of the ages Had fought all the battles for me And that victory was mine for the claiming And now praise his name, I am free.

To My Love, My Soulmate Clarence (Battle) Williams You lived, you laboured, you laughed And you loved God has given us so many precious gifts And you were one of those Memories of you I will always cherish You loved and cared for me and my family as if we were your own I will be loving you always Rest In Peace my love Patrice

The Measure of a Man I do not possess the eloquence of words nor the compositional competence to adequately describe the depth of LOVE that my Father Clarence B. Williams had for his children, his family, and his friends. My father would, over his lifetime exhibit unconditional LOVE, the forgiving, unwavering LOVE of a parent, the steadfast committed Love of an old friend . My Father was Made of TRUE Manhood, never balking from his calling as â&#x20AC;&#x153;Daddyâ&#x20AC;?, even in times when it was not expected. During his journey he became father to the fatherless, a refuge to those in need, and ever a helping hand to many. I have always been amazed at the many people whose lives he touched both directly, and indirectly, and I am challenged to walk in his spirit of sacrifice, charity, and Love.... My Father was given little in this life, yet he gained much, knocked down, yet he overcame, he was a survivor of many tragedies, and he Battled against tremendous odds. He was a champion of the weak, and vulnerable, and an advocate of the ostracized. New Providence has lost a Gem, a captain of the old Guard, and we are left seeking Peace with destiny. Rest On Pops Much Love ~ Shaliz~

My Dad, My Heroâ&#x20AC;Ś You raised me up so I can stand on mountains; you raised me up so I can be me, independent, believe in myself, pass through the storms of life and not me shaken by whatever comes my way. All the morals and values you taught me has molded me and are still molding me for greatness. I am the strong woman I am today all because of you and God by my side. I couldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t ask for a better father. You were real and genuine, the finest gentleman I ever knew. The best father a girl could ask for. Any day dad, I would choose you over the others to be MY DAD! Each day, your words of advice and encouragement have given me hope to always be confident in myself and not fail to take the next bold step for fear of the unknown. I assure you I am a better person each day and will always make you proud to be your girl. You will always be my SUPER HERO DAD! Love, Talia

Daddy’s Girl I wished, prayed, cried and begged God to make it all go away or make it a dream. Every day I wake up hoping I’m dreaming. This can’t be what life is supposed to be like. How do I say goodbye to my best friend, the man that loved me from birth, protected me and cared for me? I feel so empty and it’s better to sleep than face reality; how do I go on, how do I face this world without my NUMBER ONE GUY by my side? I would always say, one person I know who will always love me and never leave me is you, now look you gone and leave me. I would do anything to bring you back! I’m going to miss the old stories about how I would never leave your side or just watch you sleep for hours. I wish you would call to ask me for advice, about salmon, about exercising, or just simply calling to tell me you love me. The number one thing that I admired about you is your strength and I think you passed that on to me. You did not have it easy but you never gave up, you overcame every obstacle that was given to you and even took on the ones that was not yours. You had the biggest heart of them all and that’s why I was so proud to call you my dad. You taught me well daddy, you showed me how to hold my own, stand on my feet and how to be a woman. I was myself around you and I was never afraid to be me because you loved me for me. I’m still not leaving you, you said you could always count on me and I will never make u say anything else, so even in death I still have your back. My rider I love you and miss you always because fathers and daughters never say goodbye. You will always be my Daddy Love, Terchelle

To My Father Time seems to be at a stand still daddy, but I guess that’s what happens when your heart is broken and you can’t seem to put the pieces back together. You were my hero, my best friend, my other half and I was always your baby. Regardless of the wrong I may have done or how much my sisters thought you babied me up that never stopped you from letting the world know how much we both needed each other. Daddy you taught me well, you showed me unconditional love and for that I will forever be grateful for you. I keep wishing, I keep praying, I keep hoping that you would come home and with each day passes I sit and wait to only be a little more hurt with each day that you don’t come. I guess I have to accept the fact that your gone but that doesn’t make the pain any easier to bear. I know Takiha will miss the days y’all would spend eating coconuts or going to Wendy’s for what you could call her favorite addiction those old artificial nuggets but I will never let her forget you and neither will I. Thank you daddy for being my father, my provider, my protector, my mr fix it, but most of all my hero....daddy take your rest and sleep well! Kiss Mommy and Vanessa for me Love Always Finnel “Baby”

To Daddy Battle, Yesterday I felt ok, I smiled when I thought of you. I thought of the first time I met you and my sisters, Christmas 1998. I thought of the first time you caught me in a lie The countless times you called to check on me and left countless voicemails The last time I saw you and the last words you said Today I feel empty and sad as I wonder Did I thank you enough for all that you have done for me? Did I thank you for the sacrifices you made and the unconditional, selfless love you gave ? Today I want to thank you for choosing to love me when you didnt have to, for loving me as your own and embracing me as your daughter. Today I thank you for changing my life for the better, for giving me stability and being the man every little girl needs. Today I will celebrate you by honoring your memories and living by your example. You are a true definition of a good man, a great father and my dad. I love you always, Nakita

he word “daddy” is not defines by whether or not a man has a biological child. For as long as I can remember you have always accepted me as one of yours, you were selfless, kind, cool, determined and sometimes funny. There was never a moment that you never made me feel unloved or useless. You always told me to forgive others even if they aren’t sorry. You always taught me to have hope, especially in myself. You were definitely my number one fan when it came to sports. Weather it was a softball game or track meet, I could have always counted on you being there. You’d always say, “Boy Wally, I can’t wait to see you on the big screen when you make it to the Olympics” You pushed me so hard to make sure that I focused on my goals. So you weren’t just a step dad to me, but a loving and caring father; someone that could never be replaced or forgotten. The relationship that we had was different, but truly special. Therefore I am nothing but grateful to have had a true father like you in my life. Love, Wally

y grandfather was a hard worker, a family man, and a lover of life. He celebrated his life in his youth, and when it was time to handle responsibilities, he handled them. I saw him as a cool grandfather, with a smooth style who doted on me, bonded with me, and showed real love to his family. He earned the nickname “battle” for a reason, yet at heart he felt deeply for his fellow man. It is a blessing that he faced every challenge in his life, and came out more refined, and dignified because of them. I could not have asked for a better grandfather, and I would not have if I could. Love, Rachel

randpa was probably one of the most influential people in my entire life. He taught me so many important life lessons that will stick with me for eternity. But grandpa wasn’t just any old man who gave his grandkids gifts, attention, and money, he was my grandpa. He was a cool guy. Always known by the citizens of Nassau and greeted with the old phrase, “Hey Battle”, grandpa was like a mini celebrity. Grandpa would always take my sister and me to Atlantis and we’d have a great time. I remember one time he took me to a little ice cream shop and he told me that when I grow up I should come to Nassau and work as a lawyer. I never thought I’d say goodbye to my Grandpa, my role model, and friend Clarence Williams so soon. I was hoping you’d be around by the time I was in college and I’d bring my friends to Nassau to meet you because I always bragged about how much of a cool Grandad, and of the legend you were. 66 years of blessing the world with your kind, free, generous and welcoming spirit, you will be missed and I am forever grateful and thankful to have gotten to know you before you left this world. Our entire family is affected by the news of September 14, 2018 and it will forever change my life. On behalf of all your friends, family and those who simply knew the great person you were, we love you so so much grandpa and not a day will go by that we will miss your grandiose personality. Rest in paradise, you deserve the absolute world and more. Love your Granddaughter, Anjolie

Dear Daddy, From the moment that I could speak “Daddy” is all that I have ever called you. You were my father first and my granddaddy second. When my mother died you took on every role possible and made sure I was very well taken care of. It was very rare for me to hear you say the word “no” to me. Having you around meant that I knew I would never need for anything. I will miss hearing you call the house phone with plenty of questions to ask me. Or hearing you say, “Finesse you eating poison aye” whenever I ate fast food. It hurts my heart to know that you will not be here to see me graduate high school, walk me down the aisle or see me have children. I want to be able to say that when I am older and out in the world that I am someone you are proud of. You have a place in my heart that no one could ever have. Take your rest now, for you lived your life your way. Sincerely yours, Nesse

Dear Grandpa Its never occurred to me how much I would miss you The times we spent together was never enough If I had known this day would come so soon I would have talked with you more, hugged you more, but I never imagined this day was going to happen, not for many, many more years Grandpa You were a person worth fighting for A person worth waiting for U are Battle U are Pops U are hero U are Baba U are my grandpa who I miss dearly This is not goodbye but this is a little time apart. Love, Alaina

Dear Daddy, I miss you already and mommy told me you went to heaven with my Grammy but just remember I love you and I will never forget you. Thank you for always taking me to Wendy’s that was our favorite thing to do. I will help mommy be strong and I will feed the cats for you. I won’t cry I will be a big girl because I know that’s what you would have wanted. Rest in Peace Daddy. Love, Takhia

here is a cloud over my head now, and an emptiness in my heart; to my children grandpa was a legend around Nassau, whenever we visited they were always so excited to hear everywhere that we went “Battle “and they always told me “Dad Grandpa is famous”. For 26 years Pop has filled the void of my own father. I enjoyed driving around, and listening to the stories about his life, his dreams and his ambitions, we talked politics, sports, and family. Pop was a music lover. And we drove around for over 20 years listening to the music of the 70s, 80s and 90s, whenever we were in town during the Christmas season I was his Junkanoo companion. Pops, you’re gone too soon I already miss our almost daily chats, that usually started with you saying “hey Joe I saw this thing on TV check it out for me, Billy Joe” or when I would ask you, how you were doing, you’d often say “Taking my licks”. My life is the better from these 26 years that I was a part of yours, your passing has left us with much grief, and it is a major blow, but I am proud to have been privileged to call you Father –In-law. Pop, you have lived the life of a Legend, the Buffalo Soldier of Nassau, Bahamas, you have given the best of yourself, and I will miss you. Love always, your son in law, Billy Joe.

Love SJ

Message of Gratitude We, the family of the late Clarence Williams, would like to express our humble gratitude and sincere thanks to all who, in one way or another, provided us with support in this time of bereavement. Our sorrow is easier to bear with help from God and friends like you. Your thoughts, prayers and especially your presence have been a source of strength to us and for this we thank you. Though we still mourn, our hearts swell and our spirits are lifted knowing that â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Clarenceâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; will forever be loved and remembered by each of you here today. We ask that you continue to lift us up in prayer. May the good Lord bless and keep you all in His perfect peace. The Family

Pallbearers Joseph Pierre Cardinal Moss Croix Moss Nikko Storr Teco Lopez Rashan Marco Lopez Randy Lopez

Honorary Pall Bearers Achsah Major Carl Lopez Arthur Jones Billy Sean Pritchard Meko Lopez

Provided by SIDDA Communications Group Tel: 394-BOOK (2665) Mobile: (242) 818-3478 Email: info@siddagroup.com Nassau, N.P. Bahamas