SERVICE OF PRAISE, THANKSGIVING, CELEBRATION AND REFLECTIONS OF THE LIFE OF
Eddie Hugh Miller
BLOOMED INTO LIFE: Thursday, February 09, 1984 FADED INTO ETERNITY: Thursday, September 05, 2024
AGE: 40 Years
SERVICE HELD AT Bethel Baptist Church Meeting Street Nassau, New Providence, the Bahamas
Wednesday, September 25, 2024 at 1:00 p.m.
OFFICIATING:
Rev. A. DeWitt Hutcheson
ASSISTED BY: Evangelist James Dean
ORGANIST: Brother Lakwan Bain
BURIAL WILL BE IN: Lakeview Memorial Gardens & Mausoleums
Gladstone Road and John F. Kennedy Drive Nassau, New Providence, The Bahamas
REFLECTION OF THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF EDDIE HUGH MILLER
Eddie Hugh Miller made his grand entrance into the world on Thursday the 9th day of February 1984. He was the eldest child of Patricea Wright and Edmund Miller, (both deceased).
“Ed” as he was affectionately called spent his formative years with his grandaunt, Ms. Charlton, on Market Street and on weekends and holidays with his grandmother “Mama” Ethel Grant, in Golden Gates. In the absence of both parents during his early years, life was not easy for him.
As a little boy, Eddie’s grand aunt passed away, resulting in his mother moving back into the family home and singularly raising her children. Patrice did
the best she could with what she had, to provide for them.
Eddie’s education began at the Yellow Elder Primary and later The Government High school where he developed a love for basketball and track and field. In fact, whenever he shared the story he could have been an NBA player, he was just that good! Eddie played on several of the local teams and did exceptionally well. Unfortunately, due to financial constraints, that avenue of excelling was halted but his need to achieve pressed on!
After completing high school Eddie sought and was employed with several establishments but quickly realized that he did not want to be bound by a “Nine to Five” Job. He had bigger dreams and greater desires. Armed with an infectious smile and and a head filled with business ideas, he was determined to provide and be the standard bearer of success in his family.
In July 2006, a turning point in his life emerged when his beloved mother passed away. Eddie was always the caretaker of his younger brother Lathario, but now he had the added sponsibilities of the entire household and instantly took on the role of a father figure to his other siblings, Teko, and Deneisha. Eddie did the best he could as a young man to lead, care for, provide and protect them.
Ed, a “go getter” at heart, was driven by his entrepreneurial skills where he set goals and vigorously pursued them. He successfully obtained a Public Service Tour Badge, which enabled him to own and operate a jitney service; and a Class-B Captain License, with the hopes of running his own
island water tour and fishing business. As if that was not enough, he decided to take up an Emergency Medical Technician certification course, because for one reason or the other he wanted to be an EMT and drive the ambulance. Loaded with a book filled with business ideas, he went on to own and operate a sports bar, a carwash and a rental car company. Eddie always had a master plan at making his dreams a reality and financial success.
In 2001, Eddie met and fell in love with a young lady that would change the trajectory of his life forever in the person of Thereca Shandia. Little did he know, she would give him the family he needed and desired.
On August 2nd, 2008 they officially became husband and wife and Eddie also became a beloved son and brother to the Hepburn family. This union brought forward two beautiful children, Ethan Joshua and Eden Teanna and Eddie could not have been happier!
The 23 years of love Eddie and Reca shared for each other was unmatched and imperfectly perfect in every way. One of his greatest roles to date, was that of husband and father. Eddie took great pride in providing for his wife and children and spared no expense when it came to their wellbeing. In the midst of his infectious and witty smile Eddie often reminded Reca that there was not a woman alive that could ever take her place because she stood with him, supported, protected, and gave selflessly to him, through good and bad times.
As a father, Eddie always showed up at track practice, father daughter dance recitals and made the provisions and sacrifices necessary for Ethan and Eden to excel, succeed and survive scholastically, spiritually and financially.
Eddie’s journey through life was not void of challenges but every hurdle he encountered rendered him stronger. He started and ended everyday with prayer, because he realized prayer was the answer. He was the type of person that prayed for his family and friends whether they knew it or not.
If you encountered Eddie and asked how he was doing he would often reply “right here thanking God for life during these hard economic times”.
His Family, especially his brothers and sister meant everything to him, and he made every effort to ensure that they knew he loved them. He was the big brother they could count on to show up, support and provide. If you ever had the privilege to be in their presence, it was always pure laughter, and their comedic skills was unmatched, with Eddie playing lead. To his nephew Tahj, he was simply, “uncle’s baby”, as this was a song he greeted him with every Sunday when Tahj and JB visited the Miller’s household. He gave effortlessly and wholeheartedly to his siblings until the day he transitioned.
To the Miller family he was their “Lil Eddie” … a true replica of his father in looks, walk, talk and mannerism. Eddie was a bundle
of joy to his aunts, uncles and cousins who loved him dearly. Whenever Eddie entered the room at family functions everyone would light up because there was going to be jokes on someone for the entire time that he was present! With Eddie there was never a dull moment and he was the life of the party.
In the cool of any given day, if you had the privilege to be in the Hepburn household when Eddie entered, it was always a loud bellow, “Mama” of which Mrs. Hepburn would reply quite jovially, “looka my Hughey”. Then the thunderous voice would strike again, “Papa” Mr. Hepburn would say, “hey Sir George of London”, his response was always the infectious smile. Everyone had a special moment or banter that Eddie would give. For Calvin it was, “hey sister-in-law” preceded by laughter. For Ricardo it would be the time when he took over the mic and emceed his wedding with his comedic skills, because the host, so Eddie thought was boring the crowd, “Whatssssss happeninnnnn” he screamed and that’s how the party started!
Eddie was also a philanthropist in his own rights, always willing to lend a helping hand to all that encountered him. You wanted to purchase a vehicle, call Eddie, you needed your car licensed, call Eddie, you needed a job call, call Eddie, you wanted to purchase or sell a lot, call Eddie, you needed someone to pray for you, call Eddie, “Mr. Make it Happen, made it happen”!
Eddie was an old soul with a genuinely humble heart to love and give. Always mannerly and always smiling. He was known to have taken the shoes off his feet and the shirt off of his back to give to strangers in need. He was an angel that would show up in the nick of time to mothers in the foodstore that could not afford to pay for all
of their groceries. If you had a need and made it to Eddie, “Mr. Make it Happen, made it happen”! If he ate, everyone ate because he did not believe in one group of people prospering while others suffer. He would tell you he knew what it was to go hungry and made it his life’s mission to ensure that his wife, children and family members never had that experience.
His, love for others were far reaching. So much so, that Eddie often talked about building a shelter for men, women and children who were having a hard time and needed somewhere to rest their heads and a hot meal. Unfortunately, he never got to build that shelter but he assisted many families, quietly, unnoticed and seeking no recognition.
Eddie had lots of plans, many more dreams and goals to pursue, but God had another plan for him, and on September 5th, 2024 a day that will never be forgotten he was taken from his loved ones and transitioned from time to eternity.
Radiance of this “Amethyst of A Gem” will always glow in the hearts of his:
Wife: Thereca Shandia Miller
One Son: Ethan Joshua Miller; One Daughter: Eden Teanna Miller; Two Brothers: Lathario Miller and Teko “J.B” Bannister;
One Sister: Denisha Brice (Jamaro); Four Nephews: Tahj Bannister, Calvin Jr., Theo Jr. and Rashad Hepburn;
Six Nieces: Tyra, Cynae, Tori and Cali Hepburn, Samya King and Danniyah Hanna;
Five Uncles: Donald Grant Sr. (Donna), James Ferguson, Frank Sr. (Darnell) and Hughvon Miller and Kevin Wright Sr. (Lisa); Six Aunts: Agatha Dorcas Bethel (Lorenzo), Linda Wright, Berthamae Archer, Michelle Munroe, Samantha McIntosh and Giselle Rahming; Cousins: Azaria Bethel, Ty ’Leah (Abbey), Tyrone (Leah), Ty, Teron, Tosh, Tyrin, Tajj, Emmerson, Marvin, Jermaine (Natasha) and Melinda Archer, Betty Archer, Tyrell Griffith, and Rickquille, Warren Minns, Connalee, Jermaine (Racquel) and Teneil “Summertime” Adderley, Crystal, Monique, Bruce and Johnnie Ferguson, Nicoya, Donald Jr. and Donva Grant, Shatara Austin, Deborah Thompson, Alexandria Stubbs, Rodney and Baltram (Bert) Deveaux, Konto Sr. (Rakell), Frank Jr., Edmund Jr. (Cheryl) and Dwayne Miller (Phillipa), Theron and Jamaal Brown, Phylicia Adderley, Shantelle, Latoya, Robert Jr. And Shanthon Munroe, Schyler Dorsette, Aja and Gyles Knowles, Tiara and Lynardo Higgs, Jahtara Davis, Kyle Ernest, Rayoontae Deal, Keva, Kevin Jr., Keno, Kevon, Keira and Kobe Wright, Anthony and Yvonne Williams, Vincent “J” Pratt and Precious Curry (Anthony); Grandaunt: Mavis Pratt (Vincent); Father-in-law: Tyrone Hepburn; Mother-in-law: Theresa Hepburn;
Three Brothers-in-law: Calvin Sr., Ricardo and Theo Hepburn Sr.; Godmother: Thomsina “Ida” Wilson; Four Godsons: Te’Andre Brown, Lian Bethel, Emanuel Jacques and Ma’Kaii Richardson; Two Goddaughters: Daria Dean and Demi Richards; Other Loving Family and Friends Including: Whitney Storr, Delores Clarke, Sharon Clyde, Rudolph “Squeeze” Smith, Teaco Brown, Gayle Darville, Julian Thompson, Lorrie Williams, Edith Marshall, Elvis and Olga Demeritte, Araline Mackey, Pearl Rodriquez, Densel and Karell Richards, Perry Stubbs, Curliemae Clarke, Zelrona Mackey, Jerome Bannister, Howard Taylor, Giodarno Farrington, Jameson Jacques, Adrian Hanna, Nigel Hepburn, Al Gaitor, Bernado Lewis, Vincent Rahming and their families, The Coconut Grove, Market Street and Bamboo Town Communities, The Cox, Hepburn, Wells, Thompson, Thurston, Stubbs and Brown Families, The Family of the late James Nottage of Tarpum Bay Eleuthera, Pastor Dianna Francis and The First Baptist Church Family, One Touch Carwash Family, Driven Auto Rentals, St. Cecelia’s Basketball Team and GHS Class of 2001.
Order of Service
MUSICAL PRELUDE | Organist
PROCESSIONAL OF FAMILY | Song | “The Goodness of God”
OPENING WORDS OF COMFORT | Minister
OPENING HYMN | “Farther Along”
Tempted and tried we’re oft made to wonder, Faithful till death said our loving Master, Why it should be thus all the day long; A few more days to labor and wait; While there are others living about us, Toils of the road will then seem as nothing, Never molested though in the wrong. As we sweep through the beautiful gate.
Refrain:
Farther along we’ll know all about it, Farther along we’ll understand why; Cheer up, don’t worry, live in the sunshine, We’ll understand it all by and by.
When death has come and taken our loved ones, When we see Jesus coming in glory It leaves our home so lonely and drear; When He comes from His home in the sky; Then do we wonder why others prosper, Then we shall meet Him in that bright mansion, Living so wicked year after year. We’ll understand it all by and by.
OPENING PRAYER | Minister
PRAYER RESPONSE | “As The Deer”
As the deer panteth for the water
You’re my friend and You are my brother, So my soul longeth after thee
Even though you are a king. You alone are my hearts desire I love you more than any other, And I long to worship thee
So much more than anything.
Chorus
You alone are my strength, my shield I want You more than gold or silver, To You alone may my spirit yield Only You can satisfy. You alone are my hearts desire You alone are the real joy Giver, And I long to worship thee
And the apple of my eye.
FIRST SCRIPTURE LESSON | Psalm 91 | Konto Miller {cousin}
DUET | Aleece and Cayden Bannister
FIRST SCRIPTURE LESSON | Matthew 5:3-10 | Teron Archer {cousin}
CONGREGATIONAL HYMN | “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 wilt be.
Refrain:
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!
TRIBUTES | Eden Miller {daughter}
Giselle Rahming {aunt}
DUET | Aleece and Cayden Bannister
SOLO | Frene Forbes {family friend}
EULOGY/SERMON | Rev. A. DeWitt Hutcheson
ALTER CALL
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.
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!
PRAYER FOR THE FAMILY | Mrs. Theresa Hepburn {mother-in-law}
RECESSIONAL HYMN | “I’ll fly Away”
Some glad morning when this life is o’er,
When the shadows of this life have gone, I’ll fly away;
To a home on God’s celestial shore,
I’ll fly away;
Like a bird from prison bars has flown, I’ll fly away (I’ll fly away).
I’ll fly away (I’ll fly away)
Chorus
I’ll fly away, Oh Glory
Just a few more weary days and then, I’ll fly away; (in the morning)
When I die, Hallelujah, by and by,
I’ll fly away;
To a land where joy shall never end, I’ll fly away (I’ll fly away).
I’ll fly away (I’ll fly away)
MY LOVE,
Words can’t even begin to describe how your absence has left such a void in my life.
The hours have turned into days and days have slowly turned into weeks and I will never be ok with loosing you.
Our love began some 23 years ago and from young you were always determined to go after whatever it is that you wanted and in fact you did just that! I remember it like yesterday, your words echoing in my ears “ I’m gonna marry you”. I looked at you like you were crazy and it’s safe to say 16 years of marriage later you got what you wanted!
There are absolutely no words to describe the never ending love and bond that we shared. We grew up together, we learned together, we made mistakes together, we made a family together, we prayed together, we cried together, we celebrated together and we overcame life’s obstacles together.
You were my soul mate and best friend. You were my lover, my confidant and prayer partner.
I’m going to miss the days with you sending me TikTok recipes to cook for you because according to you I was the best cook and you were my TikTok Daddy because of your love for the app.
I’m going to miss our dinner dates, long drives, spontaneous weekend trips, and karaoke nights with the kids. I’m going to miss the way that you loved and protected me. The house feels so empty since you’re not here and the nights are long and lonely. I loved you unconditionally in life and I will continue to love you unconditionally in death!
Take your rest my love!
I love you forever!
Your Queen
Dear Daddy,
We just want to say that you were an amazing dad and a even better role model for us. We will never forget and stray away from the life lessons that you instilled in both of us. From inception, you taught us to have a creative mind along with knowing that our possibilities were endless.
You always told us that whatever we do, you know we will succeed. You were the person who believed in our abilities long before we believed in ourselves.
Your jokes and just overall kind and giving heart will be more than missed and we will never forget your hustle mentality that flowed throughout your body.
Nothing was never to great, good or expensive for us. We will miss coming to you to get our own way when mommy already said no, because we knew you were the soft hearted one. There were so many things that you shared with us before you passed away. Two things that stand out to us are, “nothing in this world is given or promised other than death” and “manners and respect will take us around the world.” As we continue to live our life Eden and I will try our best to make you proud and honor your name. It’s more than heartbreaking that you are not here to help us navigate the course of our lives, but just know we love you and miss you dearly daddy!
From “Josh” & “Babygirl”
To Those Whom I Love & Those Who Love Me
When I am gone, release me, let me go. I have so many things to see and do, You mustn’t tie yourself to me with too many tears, But be thankful we had so many good years.
I gave you my love, and you can only guess How much you’ve given me in happiness. I thank you for the love that you have shown, But now it is time I travelled on alone.
So grieve for me a while, if grieve you must, Then let your grief be comforted by trust. It is only for a while that we must part, So treasure the memories within your heart.
I won’t be far away for life goes on. And if you need me, call and I will come. Though you can’t see or touch me, I will be near. And if you listen with your heart, you’ll hear, All my love around you soft and clear.
And then, when you come this way alone, l’ greet you with a smile and a Welcome Home. Anon.
Big bro I know death is a part of human nature, but I still can’t help these tears from falling on this paper.
Dear Eddie...
words can’t truly express how I feel since the day you passed,life doesn’t seem real
They say time makes it better but this wound can never heal.
You taught me from death there is no appeal
You are my brother, my confident,my friend, you are the one on whom I could always depend.
Everytime I called on you, your answer was “just say when” In this world to me you were an angel amongst men, though your journey on earth has come to an end.
To your family you will be remembered as a precious gem…you wouldn’t want me to cry so my heart will bleed until we meet again.
When I took my first steps, I wanted to walk like you…
When I spoke my first words,I wanted to talk like you...
I’ve seen great men, but they are not like you When it came to defending your brothers, nobody fought like you.
When my days seemed hopeless you always came through, There is a piece of you in everything that we do. Mamma taught us principles, but you showed us the world and it was your advice that got me my first girl.
You are the true definition of a brother’s keeper, you taught me so many lessons you were my favorite teacher.
I never knew anyone so strong and so brave,in the roughest of times you always said to look forward for better days.
Even under pressure you found a way to smile, I can picture you laughing as you saw me trying to copy your style.
Big bro all I ever wanted to do was make you proud and I hope you knew it even though it’s been a while since I said it out loud. You taught me to be my own man and not run with the crowd, You and JB were always my silver lining behind all my dark clouds... You always gave me words of comfort,oh how I need them now, Right or wrong big bro you always had our back, so until my last breath,I’ll always love you for that!
I would give anything for us to take one last ride, since that can’t happen you’ll always live inside.
I will see your face every time I look at your kids, so even in death you found a way to live...
We will cherish the memories but will always feel the pain, hoping one day we will wake up from this dream.
Big bro I know you gonna shine wherever you are If God puts you in the sky then we just have to look for the brightest star!
You’ve fulfilled your purpose, now you’re with the Father above, Just know that on this earth you will always be loved.
To everyone that loved you, you were a blessing, a gift and a treasure, Though you’re in a separate place we will always be together. You can smile from the afterlife because through God we will make sure your name and legacy live on forever...LLE.H.M Lathario
To my dear brother,
The world lost a shining light and I lost a cherished brother. As I grapple with this profound grief, I find solace in reflecting on the incredible person you were and the profound impact you had on everyone fortunate enough to know you.
Brother you were more than just family; you were my confidant, my partner in mischief, and my greatest supporter. Your laughter was a melody that could turn the darkest days into moments of joy, and your kindness was a beacon that illuminated even the most challenging times. You had an uncanny ability to make everyone feel valued, always putting others before yourself.
One of my fondest memories is how you would light up any room with your presence. Whether it was with your infectious smiles, warm hugs, thoughtful words or jokes, you had a way of making anyone feel like they mattered in the world. Your generosity knew no bounds, and you had a unique talent for turning ordinary moments into extraordinary ones.
Brother you taught me what it means to live fully and love deeply. You taught me what it meant to be responsible. You taught me what it meant to beat all odds. You embraced life with a passion and a zest that was truly inspiring. Your dreams were big, your heart was open, and your spirit was indomitable. Although your time on this earth was far too short, yourlegacy will endure through the countless lives you touched and the love you so generously shared.
Thank you for being a light in my life. Your memory will forever be etched in my heart, and your love will continue to guide me. Rest peacefully, knowing that you were deeply loved and will be profoundly missed. Your legacy will live on in the hearts of everyone who had the honor of knowing you.
With all my love,
As you would affectionately call me, “Fat Cat”
Nephew
Of all the many blessings However great or small
To have had you for a nephew Was the greatest one of all. The family chain is broken now And nothing seems the same But as God takes us one by one The chain will link again.
Eddie Miller was a husband, a father, a brother and a son. My memories of him can be categorized as fun.
I encountered Eddie playing basketball on Mother Pratt park.
By his competitive nature we were friends from the start.
Over time competitors became brothers and it stayed that way until his end.
These words can’t begin to tell, how much l really miss my friend.
Eddie loved his kids and dogs the same could be said about me.
Now he’s transitioned into the afterlife headed on to glory.
Eddie was a friend to many and most of The Grove family can attest to that fact.
The Grove community has lost one of its own and a good one at that.
In memory is where I’ll keep you friend, so we’ll never be apart.
I now close this tribute but never my heart.
My lil brother �� Julian “Cojack”Thompson
Cemet e ry Service
PRAYER | Minister
HYMN | “City of Gold”
There’s a city of light Where there cometh no night, There’s no sorrow up there ‘Tis a city of beauty untold; In that city so fair All my treasures are there And no sickness can enter I’m told; And its beauty I’ll share Shadows all will have flown, When I get to that city of gold. I will meet friends I’ve known, When we get to that city of gold.
Chorus:
When I leave all trouble and care, Won’t you go there with me I will say good morning up there; To the home of the free, I will have great gladness untold, Would you see heaven’s beauty unfold? When I get to that city of gold. If you will come along We will sing heaven’s song, When we get to that city of gold.
COMMITTAL | Rev. A. DeWitt Hutcheson
COMMITTAL HYMN | “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.
There within the holy city we’ll sing and rejoice, Praising Christ the blessed Savior 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 a glad reunion day.
HYMN | ““Heavens Jubilee””
Some glad morning we shall see, Jesus in the air
Coming after you and me, joy is ours to share
What rejoicing there will be, when the saints shall rise
Headed for that jubilee, yonder in the skies
Chorus
Oh what singing, oh what shouting
On that happy morning when we all shall rise
Oh what glory, Hallelujah
When we meet our blessed Savior in the skies
Seems that now I almost see, all the sainted dead
Rising for that jubilee, that is just ahead
In the twinkling of an eye, changed with them to be
All the living saints to fly, to that jubilee.
When with all that heavenly host, we begin to sing
Singing in the Holy Ghost, how the heavens will ring
Millions there will join the song, with them we shall be
Praising Christ through ages long, heaven’s jubilee.
FINAL REMARKS | Funeral Director
BENEDICTION | Minister
Teko Bannister
Jameson Jacques
Ricardo Hepburn
PALLBEARERS
Adrian Hanna
Tyrone Archer
Calvin Hepburn Jr.
HONORARY PALL BEARERS
Ethan Miller
Tyrone Hepburn
Konto Miller
Donald Grant Sr.
Frank Miller
Calvin Hepburn Sr.
MESSAGE OF GRATITUDE
“In The Words of Helen Steiner Rice”
People everywhere in life, from every walk of life have given us so many things intangible and dear. We couldn’t begin to count them all, or even make them clear; we only know we owe so much to people everywhere. You have brought sunshine into our home; you have visited, prayed, through gifts of all kinds, called asked about us and simply cared. For this we are thankful. Our sorrow is easier to bear with the help from God and friends like you. We appreciate all you have done for us during our hour of bereavement.
May God richly bless you all, the family!
Emerald Memorial Mortuary
“Honouring Those Who Die, Caring for Those We Serve”
#85 Mount Royal Avenue, P. O. Box N-3907 Nassau, New Providence, the Bahamas
Mobile: {242} 457-1986 / {242} 455-1197
Email: emeraldmemorialmortuary@outlook.com
Website: www.emeraldmemorialmortuary.com
Tel: 394-BOOK (2665) Mobile: (242) 818-3478
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