Original Memory Book for Jessel "Dennard" Smith

A Service of Thanksgiving for the life of

Dennard

JESSEL THERON DENAYND SMITH

October 4th, 1981 - February 24th, 2024

AGE: 42

SERVICE HELD AT: Central Zion Baptist Church

Eight Mile Rock, Grand Bahama

Saturday March 9th, 2024

10:00 am

OFFICIATING:

Rev. Agatha Martin

Mt. Zion Baptist Church - Senior Pastor

ASSISTED BY: Rev. Ken Russell

Mt. Zion Baptist Church – Assistant Pastor

PSALMIST

Rev. Kurt Hanna

Central Zion Baptist Church – Associate Minister

INTERMENT

Harbour West

Eight Mile Rock, Grand Bahama

THIS IS DENNARD

His Life, His Time, His Legacy

The autumn of 1981 forever changed Rev. Ralph and Mother Louise Russell’s household. It was the 4th of October when the Russell household welcomed a beautiful browned skinned baby boy with a head of silky curly hair. The first baby in the house in 8 years. He was christened Jessel Theron Denaynd Smith. Dennard was Pamela’s first child and the third son of his late father Edwin Smith who predeceased him on May 5th, 2023.

Baby Dennard was adored by everyone. Everyone fought to take care of him. Finding a babysitter was never a problem, everyone wanted to keep him.

The Russell’s household dynamic was an unusual one; there was a trio of D’s Dennard, Donald Jr ‘DJ’, and Dominica, with Tasha being the big ‘sister’. Years later Devaughn, Peter and then Nahshon would join the first cousins’ ‘siblingship’. Although DJ and Dominica relocated these six remained as close as any siblings.

Dennard, DJ, and Dominica all attended Mary Star of The Sea School, their daily routine always involved them doing something together. Theirs was a bond that could not be broken.

Dennard gained lifelong friends many of whom remained a group and moved from Mary Star to Freeport Anglican School together. Pastor Bruce Russell was not only a cousin but one of those lifelong friends from boyhood to adulthood. Dennard held that adage ‘my cousins are my first friends’ to heart. Avalon Kelly may be the only friend Dennard had that was not a cousin. He and Avy were so tight that Avy became family and Avy’s loyalty was proven on a daily basis through his routine visits and calls; he was also Dennard’s personal barber.

In High School Dennard was an all-around student. He was incredibly talented; he was an awesome artist that could have drawn any image free hand. This natural talent led to him winning many drawing competitions.

He was also very athletic and extremely competitive. His love and enthusiasm for sports was very evident. He mentored his younger brother DJ and lured him into sports. He often boasted that he taught DJ everything he knows.

When the time came for Dennard to seek higher education, it was him, Justin and Dominica who went to school and lived together in Fort Lauderdale. Dennard later moved to Savannah with his first cousin Jamaal; with whom he shared an unbreakable bond. Their love for each other was tangible they loved, lived, and had many laughs as brothers. During these college days Dennard’s relationship with his brother Bruno ‘Geo’ strengthen. A brotherly bond that remained, even though the lived oceans apart they frequently spoke.

The most exciting time in Dennard’s life was the birth of his princess Dru Morgan Louise. Dru was born on Dennard’s grandmother’s birthday and he insisted that she Dru bore ‘Mother’s’ name. Dennard loved his princess with his whole being and it showed. Every opportunity he had shared those precious moments he spent with his daughter on social media. Every picture he had of her was plastered on his social media pages. Dennard’s smile was the brightest whenever she was with him.

Dennard was always a quiet, humble person. He was soft spoken and well mannered. He was protector and defender, someone who you can always rely on for anything at any time.

Dennard was also no nonsense, and was quick to correct his younger brother DJ who at times was more outgoing. Truth be told Dennard was DJ’s sense of reasoning, he often said when DJ was going anywhere he had to go to keep DJ out of any serious problems.

Dennard loved sports; in particular he loved basketball and football. He would spend a great amount of time watching and often times re-watching games. He was a Miami Heat Fan and he was an unapologetic ‘AVID’ Miami Dolphins fan. During the Football Season he enjoyed the Facebook banter between him and rival teams fans. Dennard was extremely proud of his daughter Dru’s athleticism as well as her artistic skills which he took credit for.

He followed his nephew’s games and proudly posted DaShawn’s games boasting of DaShawn’s inherited talents. Skills he claims DaShawn got from him not his dad DJ. It was a dream come true that Dennard was able to attend a few of DaShawn’s games, the most recent one was in January of this year while in Alabama attending doctor. This trip to Alabama was particularly special as Dennard, DJ and Devaughn were altogether for the first time in a while. During this visit the brotherly bond was further solidified.

In early 2016, Dennard had a bout of sickness which he thought was the flu; as he experienced flu-like symptoms. He felt sluggish and fatigued and a few weeks later he started experiencing blurred vision and loss of equilibrium. It was then that he decided to seek medical attention. After several doctors’ visits and numerous tests, it was deduced that he had Multiple Sclerosis.

Dennard worked for a short while after being diagnosed, however he steadily got weaker and it was no longer feasible for him to continue to work. Dennard was proud and determined to remain independent. He never wanted to appear as a burden to anyone and would attempt to do everything for himself. His reply was always ‘I’m alright’, ‘I’m good’. Whenever his food was brought to him he would say put on the night stand, he would proceed to get up to get his meal.

Dennard was full of life and to us it may seem that he may have been dealt an unfortunate plight, but we thank God for the time Dennard spent with us. Our Lord is Sovereign, and the Sovereign God we serve is in total control, He is the source of our strength.

To Dennard from his mother. Dennard from the day you were born and came into my life making me a mom you had my heart you were a beautiful little soul.

God had a surely given me a gem. You were a baby that everyone loved you were set side. Dennard’s love for shoes was extraordinary even from an infant. He insisted on having the latest tennis and the nicest shoes. I remember you wanted these shoes so bad I could not find them; you insisted my friend Brenda help me find these shoes we were looking all over Florida for them to no avail. After we could not find them, you called your daddy to look for them, which he did find them, you call your daddy to look for them, which he surely did find for you. You were always particular about your appearance, always neat even after a full day of school.

I am so happy that you knew Jesus. During your illness you never complained, you would always say thank God that this sickness was not the worst and that you were not in any pain, you prayed that one day you would be healed.

Whenever anyone asked you how you were doing your response was always ‘I’m alright’ right up to the very end; that Saturday morning at around 7:30am our last conversation you told me that you felt good and that you had a good night’s sleep. I never knew you were preparing to leave us in such a quiet manner. The Angel came and flew you back to your heavenly Father, you accepted your wings and flew back to your heavenly father who give you a glorious new body. You were all smiles as you bid farewell to this world of trouble and trials. I know that one day I will see you again for God only takes the best. I will miss you on our family trips and travels all over.

As quietly as Dennard lived, he quietly gained his wings on Saturday February 24th, 2024. He was tired of this life with its troubles and strifes. He is now resting with Our Sovereign Lord. No more fatigue, he has traded an old body for a brand new perfect one. Some of Dennard’s final words with his mother were that he had a good night’s sleep and that he was alright.

He will forever be loved by:

His only Princess: Dru Morgan Louise Smith

His loving mother: Pamela Russell-Thomas

Brothers: Donald ‘DJ’ Thomas Jr, Devaughn Smith, Peter Hall & Nahshon Russell, Ricardo Smith, Bruno Smith, and Elexiou Baillou

Sisters: Dominica Russell, Anakeba Smith, Ioshi Taylor and Ashley Taylor-Anderson

Nieces & Nephews: Dashawn and Kamilah Thomas, Ricardo Smith Jr, Akeelah, Danial, Ama, Zion, Kwabena, Zara, Marcus Mackey Jr, Michaela Dorsett, Fredricka Anderson.

Uncles: Sherwood (Esther) Russell, Chris (Myrtis) Russell, Julian (Janice) Russell, Edmund (Jessica) Russell, Carroll, Jerome, Joel Russell, Retired Superintendent Asst. Commissioner Reuben Smith, and Retired Sergeant David Smith.

Aunts: Lorna (Kenu) Russell, Natasha Russell, Karen Edwards (Lynden), Diane Thomas, Muriel Clarke, Geleta Gray, Ruthmae McPhee.

Grand Aunt: Alice Hudson

Grand Uncle: Amos Pinder Jr.

First Cousins: Tangernika Russell, Chantel (Michael) Miller, Shaquanna (Edward) Ross, Jamaal (Candace), Javard, Felicia, Demetrius, Dently, Raymond, Vito (Athena), Lilliano (LaDawn), Kristie, Andra (Bradley) Bowe, Tavaras, Justin (Jeri) Jasmine, Janelle, Edmund Jr. (Nicole), Gabriel, Joshua (Naomi), Jevon, Ryan, Kai, Khalil, Jade, and Janae

Close Cousins: Jerry, Myoshi, Jevon, Jeremy,& Jaret Banks, Henry Rolle, Terria Grant, Linell Russell, Phyllis Buchanan, Kevin (Shavon) Morris & Family, Tadd & Clemente ‘Baby D’ Martin

Close Friends: Avalon Kelly, Randy Parker, Sasha Najman

THE RUSSELL CLAN

Rozena Johnson, Patrice & Paxton Cooper, Sharon Johnson, Marva Williams, Stacey Mycklewhyte, Eardley & Ronalee Saunders & Family, Drexton Saunders, Deidre Saunders, Ethelyn Russell- Rolle, The late Elva, Anthony (Boozie) Rolle, Dr. Gemma Rolle, Andrew (Mcquella) Rolle, Tracee Rolle, Patrenda (Carl) Brice, Sandra Russell, Pastor Bruce (Krystal), Brittany (Devan) Williams, Ormand Russell, Francine & Krysta Russell, The family of James & Jackie Parker, Gazel Rolle & Family, Jakes (Calvin) & Barbara Bartlette, Lavie. Phillipa, Vince, Javan, John & Beverly Curtis, Robin & Gale, Terecita (Suggie)

Hilton, The late Walcott, Paulette Russell & Family, Kently Martin & Family, Rev. H. Lindy & Nelly Russell & Family, Cheryl ‘Rose” & Kirk Russell & Family, Engsley Johnson & Family, Kingsley Russell & Family, Dale Russell- Basden & Family, Sandra (Dwayne) Swann & Family, Terrance Russell & Sons, The Late Pauline Knowles & Daughters, Natasha (Philip) Davis & Family, Ethleyn “Ettie” Grant & Family, Raymond Harris “Pat” Grant & Family, Family of the late Philip Grant, Jude ‘Kess’ Grant, Bishop Ricardo (Lady Shandlene) Grant, Violet (Mervin) Wright & Family, Jackie (Richard) Rolle & Family, Charles (Jerissma) Adderley, Wanye Smith, Jennifer ‘Myoshi’ (Jerry) Banks & Family, Wendal Stuart, Beryl Stuart & Family, Vienna Parker & Family, Patra Stuart & Family, Judy ‘Joy’ Rodgers & Family, Rufus (Yvonne) Johnson, Jerry, Georgina, Martha, Jana, Teddy, Eddie, Nadio Rolle. Patricia ‘Patty’ Russell & Family, Leslie (Ruby) Shornae & Linda Rolle.

THE PINDER CLAN

Anastacia Pinder, Dionne & Frankie,Veola (Troy) Kesson, Coral Grant & Family, Theon Archer & Family, Thelia (Stuart) Coakley & Family, Danny (Chantel), Denise & Daria Pinder, Darold Pinder, Barry (Jennifer) Pinder, Broderick Pinder, Prescott (Lori) Pinder, Virgil (Hendria) Pinder, Bertha Bethel, Agatha Vincent & Family, Sherri Bethel, Amaryllis (Clifford) Storr, Marvin (Jasmine) Hudson, George Hudson, Jevaughn Powell, Portia Haley, Sheena (Leo) Pratt, Diane (Frederick) Russell, Barbara Pinder, Elizabeth Pierre, and Nakia (Anthia) Pinder, Ethel, Big Jim, Vincent, Therese and Tresh Charlton.

THE SMITH CLAN

Loretha (Javan), Sweeting Deidre, Carlene, Edith Roxbury, Linda (Jarred) Johnson, Dr. Shamine Gray-Barron, Dr. Kamala (Ramon) Gray-Poitier, Rochelle, Amanda Smith, Deion Smith, Shakara (Carl) Smith-Curry, Shanelle (Godfrey), Helen (Paul) McPhee, Cheryl Clarke-Barr, Raquel Smith, Kate Smith, Judy, Emmie Simms, Angel, Sandra, Mary, Joanne, Antoinette, Loretta Smith, Stephen, Phillip, Billy, Franklyn Clarke, Pastor Don (Janice) Clarke, Charles Gray Jr., Jamaal Smith, Shawn, Ronald, Ednol, Darrel, David Smith, Joseph Smith, and Lindwood Smith.

God Mothers: Coralee Godet, Minister Yvette Rolle

Other Relatives & Family Friends: Rev’d Agatha Martin, Patrenda, Keturah, Sandy & Jason Martin. Erma Jones-Munroe, Gea Robinson, Sherrick & Paddie Martin, Sheila ‘Terzah’, Sellie, and Karen Forbes, Family of the late Bishop Ellis & Wenzalee Russell, Beverly Sands, Joyann Stuart, The Freeport Anglican High School Class of 2000, Shorah Johnson, Cherice Rolle, Keithlyn Russell, & Herbert Symonette

Management & Staff of Russell’s & Pinder’s Funeral Home, The Congregation of Mt. Zion Baptist Church, The Congregation of Central Zion Baptist Church, The Community of Russell Town, and the wider Eight Mile Rock Community.

Order of Service

Moderated

by

Rev. Ken Russell

ENTRANCE OF FAMILY

SONGS OF PRAISES | Led By Rev. Kurt Hanna & Worship Team

OPENING SENTENCE

CHOIR SELECTION | Mt. Zion Baptist Church

CALL TO WORSHIP PSALMS 121

I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help. My help cometh from the LORD, which made heaven and earth. He will not suffer thy foot to be moved: he that keepeth thee will not slumber. Behold, he that keepeth Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep.

The LORD is thy keeper: the LORD is thy shade upon thy right hand. The sun shall not smite thee by day, nor the moon by night.

The LORD shall preserve thee from all evil: he shall preserve thy soul.

The LORD shall preserve thy going out and thy coming in from this time forth, and even for evermore.

OPENING PRAYER | Deaconess Georgina Rolle

PRAYER RESPONSE | Great is Thy Faithfulness

Great is Thy faithfulness, O God my Father

There is no shadow of turning with Thee Thou changest not, Thy compassions, they fail not

As Thou hast been, Thou forever will be

Great is Thy faithfulness

Great is Thy faithfulness

Morning by morning new mercies I see

All I have needed Thy hand hath provided

Great is Thy faithfulness, Lord, unto me

Summer and winter and springtime and harvest

Sun, moon and stars in their courses above

Join with all nature in manifold witness

To Thy great faithfulness, mercy and love

Great is Thy faithfulness

Great is Thy faithfulness

Morning by morning new mercies I see

All I have needed Thy hand hath provided

Great is Thy faithfulness, Lord, unto me

Pardon for sin and a peace that endureth

Thine own dear presence to cheer and to guide

Strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow

Blessings all mine with ten thousand beside

Great is Thy faithfulness

Great is Thy faithfulness

Morning by morning new mercies I see

All I have needed Thy hand hath provided

Great is Thy faithfulness

Great is Thy faithfulness

Great is Thy faithfulness, Lord, unto me

SCRIPTURE READING | Psalms 46 | DaShawn Thomas

AS I KNEW HIM | Bruno ‘Geo’ Smith

Jamaal Russell

CONGREGATIONAL HYMN | Hark My Soul

Hark, my soul, it is the Lord!

’Tis thy Savior, hear His Word; Jesus speaks, and speaks to thee, Say, poor, sinner, lovest thou Me?

“I delivered thee when bound, And, when bleeding, healed thy wound; Sought thee wandering, set thee right, Turned thy darkness into light.

“Can a woman’s tender care Cease toward the child she bare?

Yes, she may forgetful be, Yet will I remember thee.

“Mine is an unchanging love, Higher than the heights above, Deeper than the depths beneath, Free and faithful, strong as death.

“Thou shalt see My glory soon, When the work of grace is done; Partner of My throne shalt be: Say, poor sinner, lovest thou Me?

Lord, it is my chief complaint

That my love is weak and faint; Yet I love Thee, and adore: O for grace to love Thee more!

REMARKS | April Bartlett & Avalon Kelly On behalf of FAHS Class of 2000

SOLO | Tara Jones

CONGREGATIONAL HYMN | My Faith has found a Resting Place

My faith has found a resting place, Not in device nor creed; I trust the Ever-living One, His wounds for me shall plead.

I need no other argument, I need no other plea; It is enough that Jesus died, And that He died for me.

Enough for me that Jesus saves, This ends my fear and doubt; A sinful soul I come to Him, He’ll never cast me out.

My heart is leaning on the Word, The written Word of God, Salvation by my Savior’s name, Salvation through His blood.

My great Physician heal the sick, The lost He came to save; For me His precious blood He shed, For me His life He gave.

REFLECTIONS OF MY ‘BIG’ BRO | Donald ‘DJ’ Thomas

CHOIR SELECTION | Mt. Zion Baptist Church Sanctuary Choir

SCRIPTURE READING | Thessalonians 4: 1 -18 | Nahshon Russell

CHOIR SELECTION | Mt. Zion Baptist Church Sanctuary Choir

HIGH PRAISE | Led By Rev. Kurt Hanna & Worship Team

EULOGY | Pastor Agatha Martin

PRAYER FOR THE FAMILY | Bishop Ricardo Grant

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS | Natasha Russell

RECESSIONAL HYMN | It’s Alright Now

Its Alright Now

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

Chorus:

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

(Repeat Chorus)

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

GRAVESIDE SERVICE

READING OF THE WORD OF GOD | Rev. Agatha Martin PRAYER

THE COMMITTAL

The Strife is O’er

Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!

The strife is o’er, the battle done; The victory of life is won;

The song of triumph has begun: Alleluia!

The pow’rs of death have done their worst; But Christ their legions has dispersed; Let shouts of holy joy outburst: Alleluia!

The three sad days are quickly sped; He rises glorious from the dead; All glory to our risen Head: Alleluia!

When Peace Like A River

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.

(Chorus)

It is well, it is well, With my soul, with my soul, It is well; 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.

He closed the yawning gates of hell; The bars from heav’n’s high portals fell; Let hymns of praise His triumphs tell: Alleluia!

Lord, by the stripes which wounded You, In us You’ve won the vict’ry too, That we may live, and sing to You: Alleluia!

Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!

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!

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

Tribute to Dennard

As a parent I could not be more proud of the person my son was. His qualities were extraordinary. He was kind, compassionate and had a great sense of humor. His unwavering spirit and boundless love brought immense joy to our lives, leaving us in awe of his character and the impact of how he touched the hearts of everyone around him.

My heart is heavy as I acknowledge losing you. Dennard you were so precious. The tragic and sudden nature of your passing has left us shaken and the void your absence leaves in our lives is immense. The pain we feel in this moment is without a doubt the most unbearable pain a parent can experience. God promised that he would never put more on us than we can bear. I am trusting God for the strength to go on. I will miss you as it was my pleasure caring for you and getting you the best medical care possible, keeping you comfortable and happy, preparing your meals and sitting down with you and most importantly praying for you and praying with you as I anointed your legs asking God to heal you. But the sovereign God, the allknowing saw that you were tired and so he called you home to a place where there is no more pain and suffering. You were always so special to me never a problem child. God had set you aside to be a good example. I will greatly miss you. I loved you in life and I love you in death, I will love you as long as Thou gives me breath.

Love Mummy

Dad

Dad, if tears can build a stairway And memories a lane.

I would walk right up to Heaven And bring you back again.

No farewell words were spoken, No time to say ‘Goodbye’ You were gone before I knew it And only God knows why.

My heart still aches with sadness daddy

And secret tears still flow

What it meant to love you

No one can ever know

But now I know you want me

To mourn for you no more.

To remember all our happy times Life still has much in store

Since you’ll never be forgotten, I pledge to you today

A hollowed place within my heart Is where you’ll always stay

Love you forever Daddy,

Love your baby Dru

“He has sailed away from this life”

ACKNOWLEDMENT

Perhaps you sent a lovely card

Or quietly sat in a chair

Perhaps you sent a floral arrangement

If so the family saw it there.

Perhaps you spoke the kindest words

As any friend could say Perhaps you were not there at all,

Just thought of us that day

Whatever you did to console our hearts

We the family of Dennard Smith appreciates you so much for whatever part you played. We wish to convey our deepest appreciation; we extend our heartfelt and sincere thanks to you our many friends and family who have supported us during this time of great loss.

For all the times you extended a loving hand and kindly loved with demand we say thank you!

Your prayers, telephone calls, and visits have meant so much to us.

We would like to thank you all by name, but space nor time permits, only know that all you have will remain in our hearts forever.

PALLBEARERS

Donald Thomas Jr. Devaughn Smith

Nahshon Russell Bruno ‘Geo’ Smith

Jamaal Russell

Justin Russell

Khalil Russell

Avalon Kelly

Jevon Russell

Kai Russell

HONORARY PALLBEARERS

Sherwood Russell

Julian Russell

Carroll Russell

Joel Russell

Tadd Martin

Chris Russell

Edmund Russell

Jerome Russell

Kidroy Russell

Theron Smith