MATRIARCH
February 2, 1914-December 22, 2020 Graveside Service: Woodlawn Gardens Soldier Road Nassau, New Providence The Bahamas Saturday January 16th 2021 2:00 p.m. Officiating: Bishop Cedric Bullard (Former Pastor, New Good Will Church of God) Reverend Dr. Julia P. Bain (Pastor Emeritus, Church of God Bernard Road) Pastor Darren Wood (Pastor, New Good Will Church Of God)
Obituary
With long life will I satisfy him, and shew him my salvation. (Psalms 91:16 KJV). This scripture aptly summarizes the extensive and beautiful life of Mother Gwendolyn Clarke. God demonstrated his love to her by granting her his saving grace. Born on February 2, 1914 to Bartholomew Minns and Diana Saunders in Green Turtle Cay, Abaco, Gwendolyn began her education at the age of five and left school at the age of 14. This was customary at that time. Gwendolyn Clarke or “Ma Gwen” as she was affectionately called was one of 8 siblings consisting of 6 sisters and 2 brothers. In Ma Gwen’s early life, she belonged to the Anglican Church. In 1931, though, she joined the Church of God after being joined in holy matrimony to Mr. Wilton Sawyer, a member of the Church of God at that time. The ceremony was performed by one of the former overseers, the late Bishop W.R. Franks. During the 1940s, Ma Gwen relocated to Nassau, where she joined the Fowler Street Church of God congregation as an active member and ushered for conventions. Her talent for playing the guitar afforded her the opportunity to participate in many street meetings, playing for the honor and glory of God. Throughout her tenure within the Church of God, Ma Gwen was a faithful supporter to many other ministries including the Mission Through Faith Church of God, the Vision of Hope Church of God, and the New Goodwill Church of God. As she entered the late years of her life it naturally became increasingly difficult to attend church in person. Nonetheless, she remained steadfast in the daily ready of God’s word and prayer. She was also happy to allow her church to administer the Lord’s supper and washing of the feet every month at her home. Ma Gwen was unwavering in her beliefs and shared her faith with anyone she encountered. She declared what she missed most about church life, which was going from house to house for the purpose of holding prayer meetings. Eventually she and a few neighbourhood friends namely Ms. Syl and Ms. Margaret, along with her faithful godson, Pastor Durant Smith, held prayer meeting at her home, on Wednesdays. Ma Gwen had a full and celebrated life. In 1951, she gave birth to her only biological child Cynthia who birthed her four grandchildren. She played an integral part in their development and was fascinated and loved by all the great grands that came along. She took a delight in baking, cooking, playing and holding her great grands
whenever she could. The older of the great grands were kept in check with a little switch kept on the bookshelf. Ma would always say that the younger great grands could never qualify for punishment by the switch. She loved them all. Her nieces and nephews would also share her company hearing old stories of their parents when they came by or called on the phone. She had a genuine concern for her entire family. Her love was not limited to her biological family as she became a mother, grandmother, great grandmother, friend and family to persons encompassing the Bahamas. Ma Gwen was strong in stature for her age and coherent in mind up to the time that she died. In addition to various services of thanksgiving held Ma Gwen’s honor, she received the centenarian recognition from Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II on the celebration of her 100th birthday. She also received various compliments within the Church of God Bahamas Turks & Caicos and other denominations. Ma Gwen spent most of her life employed with Fayne and Dianne Solomon and their family. They affectionately called her Gwennie and even after retirement, she maintained a meaningful and valuable relationship with them. The community of Fox Hill held Ma in high esteem. From the young to the not so young, there was always a visitor at Ma Gwen’s house. These visitations, as a result of the Covid Pandemic, afforded her a short time of few words of conversations near the window with her family and friends. “What a time, I have never seen anything like this” she would say. She prayed for the Lord to come even more quickly. The anticipated call from her God came on December 22nd 2020 and our dearest Ma Gwen transitioned to join the encompassing great cloud of witnesses. Hallelujah! Ma was predeceased by her daughter Ms. Cynthia Curtis. Siblings: Geneva Butterfield, Francis Symonette, Enid Curry, Virginia Moncur, Harold Lowe and Mable King. CONTINUING HER LEGACY: Grandchildren & Spouses: Shanandon & Shedell McKenzie, Shandale Grant & Alexander Grant (deceased) Antonio & Cira Davis and Anthonia ‘Peaches’ & Newton Roxbury; Great Grand Children: Shanandon II, Shanniah, Shardonnae & Shardae McKenzie; Alexae & Shanareo Grant, K’Leigh, A’Myah and Skylar-Mae Davis, and A’Mahni Roxbury; Godchildren: Durant & Keva Smith, Charmaine Smith, Chriscola Johnson; Adopted Family: Sheila Butler (Oldest daughter), Rev. Dr. Julia & Richard Bain
& Family, Carolyn & William Demeritte & Family, Ana Wilson Smith & Family, Bishop & Mrs. Cedric Bullard & Family, Katrinka Whylly & Family, Yvanette & John Johnson, Judy Cooper, Keisha Moss and Kesna Pinder; Community Nurse: TCN Deborah Watson (Adopted Daughter); Nieces & Nephews: Eudene Thompson, Faye Major, Zorene & Mary Curry, Stephanie Storr, Linda Davis , Angela & George Bullard, George “Woody� Lowe, William & Sheila Curry, Charles & Rosie Curry, Calvert, Pedro John and Sheniqua Curry; Grand Nieces & Nephews: Marie & Keith Roberts, Sherry Thompson, Celeste & Leonard Cleare, Natasha Storr, Renee, & Mr. & Mrs. Felipe Major, Michelle Smith, Andre & Shasta Major, Tony and Marcus Major, Craig, Jeffery, Steve and Yvonne Thompson, Alvin Storr, Woodron Lowe, Drexel, Hendrick, Emery Curry, Zorene, Adrian & Keisha Curry, John Jr. Jonavon, Johnette, Nikeya and Christopher Curry, Mikhal, Mikhala and Miguel Bullard; Great Grand Nieces & Nephews: Rashanta , Lashantae and Rashad Cleare, Felipe Jr. & Olivia Major, Aniya Storr and great grand children of Charles and Enid Curry; Additional Family & Friends: Martin & Dianne Solomon, Sylvia, Jacinta Rolle & Family, Issac Jr. & Mrytis Mckenzie, Lulamae Taylor, Jackie Wright & Family, Margaret Strachan & Family , Issacc Mckenzie Sr. & Family, Bishop & Mrs. Denzel Hutchinson & Family, Bishop & Mrs. Daniel Hall & Family, The Family of the Late Merdena Smith, The Family of the Late Gladys Butler, Sandra Franks, Anterue & Nicole Davis and Family, Mary Davis & Family (Miami Florida), Shonah Bastian, Anishka OliverChung, Karenza Grant, Charles LaRoda, Mr. Leon Black, Patsy Williamson & Family, The Honorable Hubert Alexander & Delores Ingraham, The Honorable Shonel Ferguson and the Free National Movement, Senator Honorable Fred Mitchell and the Progressive Liberal Party, Gloria Miller & Family, Carl & Sonia Kemp, The Franks Family, Theophilus Moss Jr., Bishop Johnny Lowe, Bishop Salathiel Rolle & Family, Bishop Felix Miller & Family, Carolyn Curtis Thompson & Family, Michael, Kendal & Clayton Curtis, Randolph & Dorine Curtis & Family, Andrew Mckenzie & Family, Suzelle Mckenzie, Evie Babb & Family, Henry & Priscilla Moxey, Donna McCoy, Krystal & Rashae Rolle, Ernest Mckenzie, Mr. & Mrs. Almardo Burrows, Ethel, Beverly Roberts & Family, William Hall Sr. & Family, Pastor & Mrs. Darren Wood and the New Goodwill Church of God Family, Vision of Hope Church of God Family, Fowler Street Church of God Family and the loving community of Fox Hill. Absent from the body present with the Lord!
Order of Service
Invocation | Rev. Dr. Julia P. Bain
Opening Song | Blessed Assurance Blessed assurance, Jesus is mine! O what a foretaste of glory divine! Heir of salvation, purchase of God, born of his Spirit, washed in his blood.
Perfect submission, perfect delight, visions of rapture now burst on my sight; angels descending bring from above echoes of mercy, whispers of love.
(Chorus) This is my story, this is my song, praising my Savior all the day long; this is my story, this is my song, praising my Savior all the day long.
Perfect submission, all is at rest; I in my Savior am happy and blest, watching and waiting, looking above, filled with his goodness, lost in his love
Old Testament Reading | Shanandon Mckenzie & Anthonia Smith (Grand Children) Selection | Bro. John Johnson (New Good Will Church of God) New Testament Reading | Shanandon Mckenzie II & A’Myah Davis (Great Grandchildren) Reflections | Bishop Durant Smith (Godchild) Selection | Jacinta Rolle (Friend & Neighbour ) Eulogy | Bishop Cedric Bullard Prayer for the Family | Rev Dr. Julia P. Bain Committal | Pastor Darren Wood Committal Song | It Is Well With My Soul 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.
Tribute
At first you had only Durant and Dwayne as your boys to love. Then I came along and finally you got your first grandson. You would always talk about how you held me in your arms for the first time. That was the beginning of your never ending love. You reminded me of an incident that took place when I was a toddler. You had just given me a bath and I had managed to slip out of the house. Realizing I wasn’t there, you frantically ran out in search of your Don. Thanks be to God the neighbor and friend Mama Carmi brought me back to you naked as the day I was born. I never got away from you again. I fondly remember the days as a young boy, you couldn’t drive but you and I got around on foot. All over Nassau doing your errands, and from time to time stopping to give my little legs a break. No matter how long the day was, it was never complete without a treat from the Stop N Shop. Into my adult years, it was then my turn to take you around. Going to the food store, church and for lunch. Like my childhood days, we ended with a treat. We upgraded to ice-cream. From a child to the end of your days you taught me right from wrong. I didn’t accept everything at first, but deep down I knew you were right. You were an absolute model of a virtuous woman. Everyday of your life began with prayer for your entire family, community and church. You exemplified Christian values and introduced us to Church and the reading of God’s word. You were strong headed and not easy to get over. When we disagreed, it was a respectful clash of the Titans. But Ma, your love for me was guaranteed. You always gave of your time, no matter how much I talked you kept up. You listened to my struggles and celebrated my triumphs. Thank you Ma Gwen for everything that you were. You don’t choose your parents but if God had allowed us that choice it would still be you. So thank you Ma for your fervent and effectual prayers over my life and little clan. I am glad that from time to time, God had allowed me to tell you all these things. Loving you always and forever. YOUR DON.
TRIBUTE TO CLARKY Cordial and a few words, more than twenty years ago, was how it all started and quickly evolved into long and frequent talks. I cannot identify the exact time but for sure somehow along the way, she captured a piece of my heart. The occasion for a week to go by and we didn’t speak or see each other was rare. What used to be rare is now a constant reality. I miss her. Ma Gwen was a precious soul. She had genuine concern and love for family and friends. Above all, was her steadfast allegiance to God. Her routine of prayer, reading of God’s word and encouragement about the things of God will never be forgotten. Her life story was a sermon to “Contend for the faith”. Ma loved life but longed for the next chapter. Death was the next chapter in time, but the first chapter in eternity. She will remain in my heart until I can hold her in heaven. Her life was a blessing, her memory is a treasure, she is loved beyond words and missed beyond measure.” “Your smile is forever in my mind”. Loving you always, DELLY
THANK YOU
Thank you for the way you took care of us as kids. You were encouraging and playful. You gave the best hugs and always wanted our kisses. You spoiled us and showed your love all the time. Thank you for being an amazing great grandmother. We will meet again one day. Loving you forever. Your Third Great Grand Child – Shanniah
TO MA GWEN I always knew that the time would come for me to write this tribute, though I never thought that I would feel this way. My heart does not ache with grief, and it’s not because you prepared me for your death for so long. It’s because I knew how much going to heaven meant to you, and I am truly so elated for you. You had an immensely long journey here on earth where you lived a kind, honest and generous life. You cared for me. Through your cooking, your fresh bread every Saturday, our long and affectionate conversations and your overall love for me. I will remember your voice the most Ma Gwen. It’s raspy tone always offered important life lessons, old stories, jokes and Christian principles that have had a huge impact on my personality today. You were always real with me and often stern, and I thank you so much for it. Additionally, your smile and laughter was simply contagious. You lived the life of a true Christian. Your moral compass was impeccable, and I could never find fault in you even if I didn’t agree with the message you were trying to get across. I wish I had played my trumpet for you more, because you never hesitated to express your firm admiration for music. But the melodies that I was unable to provide to you, I am certain the choirs of heaven will compensate for. Our loss was the Lord’s gain. Congratulations Ma Gwen, my love, you’ve made it in. With love eternally, Shanan
TRIBUTE TO MA GWEN
Ma you will be truly missed. At your old age your vibrant personality and morals was what I admired most about you. Taking care of us and always checking on us when our parents couldn’t. I will never forget all of the lessons you taught us. I love you Ma Gwen Alexae (Great Grand daughter)
M
y Great Grandmother, who I affectionately called Ma Gwen was one of a kind. Not only did her age separate her from any other grandmothers but it was the fact that she had all her normal senses which is not common for most great grandmothers her age. I remember times when me and my cousins would spend hours at her house playing games and helping to cook food for us all. Even when me and my cousins tend to get out of hand Ma Gwen always knew exactly how to put us back in our place. Those distant yet vivid memories are what made me notice how much of a caring person my great grandmother was and is one of my fondest of the many memories I have. She was a blessing from heaven and I’m glad she was mine. Shanareo
TO MY LOVING GREAT GRANDMOTHER “MA”
Ma Gwen was a kind and lovely person. There was no one quite like her. She always had my favorite cookies when I came to her house which was her way showing me love. She showed her love to everyone around her and made others laugh. Ma always checked up on my family. Ma Gwen loved to see Skylah and watch her run around, play and laugh warning her at all times to be careful of her toe. Ma Gwen always said that she was ready to go and be with Lord and that she lived a long life. She always told my sisters and I that she wanted us to be like her and live long like she did. Ma we will miss very much and would always take your words of wisdom to us throughout life. Gone but never forgotten. Love Always K’Leigh
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he was loving but a feisty person. Even though she was old she still cared for us. I remember her baking bread for us at times all by herself. She gave us cookies and advice on how to live a long and good life and also to make sure to take care of our parents. Ma always said she was ready to leave this earth but I still wasn’t expecting her to go so early or to go before the New Year, hoping that we would have one more birthday to celebrate her at 107 years old. But she did. Her time finally came. We all loved her and she will always be in our hearts now and forever. Rest In Peace Your great granddaughter A’Myah
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he last few weeks have been sad but comforting to silently recall your pleasant smile, your voice and that familiar face loved by so many. For now we must continue to move on as the world keeps turning and changing from day to day but the precious memories of you will never fade and leave our hearts. God finally answered your call and gave you the best Christmas gift ever. Absent from the body, present with The Lord. Your words of wisdom will forever be engraved in our hearts as you had the secret to a long life. Now here’s to hoping that this message which carries so much love reaches you in heaven. We will close our eyes and cry on the days ahead but we know what you’d want; for us to smile, open our eyes, love and let your memories live on in our hearts and in the lives of your great grandchildren. Take your much requested rest. We love you now and forever Ma. Tones And Cira
Tribute To Ma Gwen” The oldest limb has fallen from the family tree, I keep hearing a voice that says, “Grieve not for me”. Ma Gwen is at ease, her soul is at rest Remembering all, how she truly was blessed. What can I say about you Grammy oh let me see? A lot of things to many, but just “Ma Gwen” to me: The sweetest person one could ever meet, She would even call you off the street Just to make sure you got something to eat. “None of my home-made bread for you today – That’s for my Grandchildren: they’re on the way. Take a piece of fish, if you wish, But just remember, that’s the children’s favorite dish!!!
By birth or by marriage everyone was the same. We all got the tongue-lashing: a disciplinarian true, Constantly reminding us of the right things to do. A Prayer Warrior indeed and a Matriarch too You nurtured the three generations God gave to you. To some you may be forgotten To others just part of the past But to us who loved and lost you The memory will always last. Say hi to Mummy and Alex And tell them how we miss and love them too. Your legacy will live on in a word or a song Ma Gwen you were the true definition of strong.
A heart of gold stopped beating, two shining eyes at rest, God broke our hearts to prove He only takes the best. We will miss and love you Ma Your 106 years of life was full of loving deeds Dale and Peaches Forever thoughtful of our every special needs. She was able to summon the elite of our land From Dame to P.M. down to the common man. Even to the other party who say “dey fa Fred”, She would politely tell them: “Nice try – but I still voting RED!” Grand children, Great-grands, regardless of name,
Ma Gwen Ma Gwen, her daughter Cynthia (who predeceased her) and I became close friends in 2011. She was 97 years old then. With that friendship came the whole family. They had me at “hello”. They were both striving women who quietly and with unshakable strength knew how to fight against all odds. In 2014 for her 100th birthday, I wrote to Queen Elizabeth requesting a special and exclusive honour for Ma Gwen; an honour reserved only for people in the Commonwealth who attained the age of 100 years. We rejoiced and celebrated that honour in the Church of God Bernard Road. John 14:27 says “do not let your heart be troubled and do not be afraid”. Ma Gwen lived that bible verse! She was not afraid and spoke of her readiness to meet her Lord and Saviour. In some ways, she even felt that He was taking too long to call her home. She was that unique individual who, when on her birthday you wished her many more, she would prompt, unequivocally and unapologetically retort “no thank you”. Psalm 90:12 declares, “teach us to numbèr our days, that we might gain a heart of wisdom”. Ma Gwen numbered her days and felt she had gotten more than her fair share. She taught us how to live, but she still worried about us; she hardly left home, but she knew what was going on in Fox Hill. She wanted the very best for us individually and she wanted the very best for Fox Hill collectively. I was blessed beyond measure to call her friend, mentor and an unswerving supporter. We shall miss her, but we will be comforted by the memory of her humour, her kindness, her frankness and her connectedness to us. On behalf of the entire Fox Hill community, I express heartfelt condolences to her grandchildren and their spouses, her great grandchildren, her extended family and to all those who loved and cherished her. She is in the bosom of her Lord. Shonel Ferguson, MBE, MP
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here do I start? Its been three years and eleven months since I came to know you, we had our moments but it was worth the time. Your daily reading of the bible and your prayer life I admire and appreciate because sometimes I wanted to slack up but couldn’t. On November 18th 2020, I watched you cry and pray speaking in tongues telling the Lord you are ready to go. Well, Ma, he did hear your prayer and called you home to rest. So fly angel. Rest in the arms of Jesus; new feet, new body. Rest in Peace Rosie
Mam Gwen,
Your life was full of loving deeds, forever thoughtful of our special needs. Today and tomorrow, my whole life through I thank God for all those special times we share together. I will always love and cherish you. REST IN PEACE. FROM YOUR NURSE TCN DEBORAH WATSON & FAMILY
A TRIBUTE TO MY GODMOTHER “ MA GWEN” “Ma Gwen” said to me when I was a little older, my mother had just arrived home with me from the hospital. As she was making preparation to feed me and to prepare something for her to eat, “Ma Gwen” said that she came by to see how we were doing before riding her bicycle to Fox hill, with Cynthia her daughter. “She said inside a crib, she saw this pretty baby. She said he was so pretty!” I know girls are pretty but boys??? “Ma” said she picked me up and I just looked at her without a word, at that moment she knew that I would be her godchild. “Ma Gwen” was a godmother beyond par excellent to me, especially when my mother needed assistance in taking care of me. On my birthdays, “Ma Gwen” will bring a gift for me. When it is Christmas, she would bring gifts for my siblings, but my gift was always different, they all knew that I was her Godchild. When her daughter Cynthia had her first set of children and one of them was a boy, well I thought I was knocked out of the scene. But can I say, “Ma Gwen” never showed me any difference, I think she just showed me more love, especially after my mother past, she became a mother to me. Every other Sunday we would go there for dinner as children and when school is close we would spend many summers with her. When I got married and I brought Keva to her, she looked at Keva, and right away her spirit loved her, then they would tag team on me. When my last son came, I really got knock out of first place, because everything was, “ this is for my boy, make
sure he gets it.” Whether it is some fruits, some bread, or his lunch money. “Ma Gwen” was a God-fearing person, and especially when we sat and talk, she would tell me things that to my amazement leaves me with my mouth dropped open of her memory. There was a time when she said I remember when my mother taught me how to make a sweet cake. I said to “Ma,” how old were you when she taught you how to make it? She I was around 8yrs old. So I said “Ma” you are too old now and you can’t bake that cake. She said to me you wait and see. Two days later “Ma Gwen” called me and said come here Durant, I have something for you. When I arrived, guess what was at her house, she had baked the sweet cake. “Ma Gwen” loved her fish, conch, crab, and peas soup with plenty of dough, her cassava and sweet potatoes. I would bring her my boil and she would say you have any more? Why did you bring me a little bit of it? Then I would say “Ma Gwen” I have to watch how much food you eat, “ boy don’t tell me what to eat,” she would respond. I know when you born.” Well when she make that remark, that means I must sit down, shut up and listen. It was a pleasure to go to the shop for her, especially for her medications, then there were times I had to take her to the clinic for her dressing and she would say I am not ready to go home yet. That meant let us go for a drive. As she got older, we would spend much time in the Word of God, and what amazes me is how on a bright sunny day she would pick up her bible and read scriptures to me, and then I have to explain it to her. To see her excitement, to see her under the anointing, to see her worshipping her God, was always a blessing for me to see. Many times she would say Durant I am ready to go home, and my response was “Ma Gwen,” your mansion is not finished yet, just hold on the Lord knows when to call you home. When Sister Rose came to stay with her, I would ask Sister Rose if she knows this hymn out of the songbook, and Sister Rose would say no. Then I would begin to sing it, “ When We all get to heaven, What a day of rejoicing that will be, “Ma” would not give us a chance to finish it and she would continue singing it.” Then I would say Rose do you know this one, “ He abides, He abides, halleluiah he abides with me, I rejoicing night and day as I walk the narrow way for the comforter abides with me. Again you could hear “Ma Gwen” singing along with me. “Ma” was a faithful worker to the Church of God, she served as an usher in Church of God Auditorium, Fowler Street under Pastors like Bishop W. R. Franks, Bishop Samuel Pinder, Bishop Asa A. Sergeant, and Bishop Rupert Johnson. As an usher, she also served in our National Convention and one of those members who help raise funds to build the convention center. “Ma Gwen” went along with Rev. Leslie Rolle and my father Willis Smith on street meetings, where she would play the guitar. Winning souls for The Kingdom of God was her goal, covering her family and other pastors and minister in prayers was her duty. There are so many things I could write and say, but let me say to the readers as I closed, the Sunday before she passed, after church I stop by to see how she was doing, as I stood at the door in her voice she said Durant, I am not feeling too good, while sister Nola sat next to her. I told Sister Nola to closed the curtain behind her back and then she said to me, I am ready to go home. Would you believe me, this is the only time I did not say to “Ma Gwen” you can’t leave us because your house is not finished. “Ma Gwen” was faithful in taking care of her siblings, and any other persons who were in need. She would give of her finances, she would give of her food, and she would give of the fruits in her yard. I know she would be missed especially by those persons who were closed to her, and may her soul and the soul of the righteous rest in peace. “Ma Gwen your house is finished! You have fought a good fight, you have finished your race.” Bishop D. Durant and Rev. Keva Smith - “Your Godchildren”
Tribute to Mother Gwendolyn Clarke Psalm 116.15 said precious in the eye of the lord is the dead of the saint. She is affectionate known as Mother Gen by her Church family and community As I sit to reflect on the life of this great woman and those who sat in her home; Former Prime Minister, Former Governor General, bishops, pastors, ministers. Policemen and the list go on. Truly I can saw that mother Gwen has touched the life of so many persons In these times in which we living, only a few persons live to see 80 years, only a selected few make to 90 and only a chosen few live to see 100 and beyond. Mother Gwen has lived 106 years, in her right mind, is nothing more than the grace of God . She lived her live like Abraham, looking for a city not made with hand whose builder and maker is God. I have learnt a few lessons from Mother Gwen during the 12 years served as her pastor. Firstly, that in order to live the Christina life to its fullest a person must be truthful to God and truthful to themselves. Secondly, that in order to live peacefully in this world full of disappointments and trials one must lose the fear of living and the fear of dying. Mother Gwen is one of the few persons I have met in my life who had no fear of death. Thirdly, mother Gwen was a plain talker who speaks her mind as she sees things. This principle she practice allowing her to sleep in peace at night with no ill feeling in her heart. Fourthly and most important, was her commitment to God and her church. Mother Gwen holds firm to the teaching of Christ such as communion , washing of saints feet and sanctity of marriage just to name a few. She would remind me of the early teaching she received from the Church of God at Green turtle key and the principle of Holy living. God has finally answered mother Gwen’s prayer. For the past 12 years of visiting Mother Gwen’s home her words were ,” pastor I’m ready to go with the lord and I don’t understand why to lord does take me home; but in due time” . Today we celebrate Mother Gwen for the lord has called her home. Bishop Denzle Hutchinson
MARTIN SOLOMON REMEMBERS GWEN WITH LOVE: Gwen was my warm, witty and loving caretaker as a child. With her passing, a meaningful part of the best of my childhood slips away. To me, Gwen was hope and faith, personified. I offer this short poem by Henry Scott Holland, in reflection of Gwen’s guidance and influence in my upbringing, and the wisdom, comfort and reassurance Gwen showed me, in.her loving care for me, as a young man. All Is Well Death is nothing at all, I have only slipped into the next room I am I and you are you Whatever we were to each other, that we are still. Call me by my old familiar name, Speak to me in the easy way which you always used Put no difference in your tone, Wear no forced air of solemnity or sorrow Laugh as we always laughed at the little jokes we enjoyed together. Play, smile, think of me, pray for me. Let my name be ever the household word that it always was, Let it be spoken without effect, without the trace of shadow on it. Life means all that it ever meant. It is the same as it ever was, there is unbroken continuity. Why should I be out of mind because I am out of sight? I am waiting for you, for an interval, somewhere very near, Just around the corner. All is well. Henry Scott Holland
In Appreciation
We would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to our family, friends and colleagues for your support during our time of sorrow. Your prayers, telephone calls, condolences and other sympathetic gestures gave us strength and courage to carry on. Ellen Gwendolyn Clarke was an amazing and phenomenal woman and we are comforted in knowing her love and kindness lives on in friends like you. May God continue to bless you. The Family
Pall Bearers Durant Smith Shanandon Mckenzie Antonio Davis George Lowe Marcus Major Newton Roxbury Shanandon Mckenzie II Shanareo Grant
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