IN ORDER TO BE BORN, YOUNEEDED:

2 parents

4 grandparents

8 great-grandparents

16 second great-grandparents

32 third great-grandparents

64 fourth great-grandparents

128 fifth great-grandparents

256 sixth great-grandparents

512 seventh great-grandparents

1,024 eighth great-grandparents

2,048 ninth great-grandparents

For you to be born today from 12 previous generations, you needed a total sum of 4,094 ancestors over the last 400 years.

Think for a moment – How many struggles? How many battles? How many difficulties? How much sadness? How much happiness?

How many love stories? How many expressions of hope for the future? – did your ancestors have to undergo for you to exist in this present moment…

— Lyrical Zen

Take your flight on the Russell Ancestral Plane.

Forever In My Heart, Francine

Garrette Russell

My very first memory of Aunt Elva was when she visited Grand Bahama and I was approximately four years old. I was so excited for that trip because she told me she had two suitcases filled with gifts. Of course, I thought she was bringing two suitcases filled with toys, but instead she brought two large suitcases filled with books. As a child I was probably disappointed, but now I see how she was making sure to give us the same training she did with Tracee, Gemma and Andrew. I find myself doing the same thing. If you know me, you know any gift from me is going to be a book.

Aunt Elva was the family Historian, she ensured that we all knew our Heritage, especially our African Heritage. If it is one thing she made sure of was that we all knew the name Ann Tobias, who was our ancestor from the motherland. She stressed the importance of knowing these things, because it empowers and grounds you. Our love of history forged an even closer relationship between us.

My Aunty became my role model as I embarked on my journey in the history field. I chose my own path but she immediately became a mentor. Now, as her niece/mentee came other obligations. That means being her messenger for when she wanted to give my daddy a piece of her mind (they had a special unbreakable bond), or to be able to run an errand within the timeframe she needs it done. I am pretty sure I broke a few records on Elva’s Errand team. Her slogan for the team was “well who is more important than me?”

Quality time with family meant everything to her. Christmas 2021 she was making her last family memory. She toiled in the kitchen and cooked the christmas dinner, she delegated, she fully decorated the house (1 large christmas tree and about 6 mini christmas trees), she gave her speech, we played our games and we took our photos. There was one particular moment when I knew her heart was filled. She said to her siblings “Y’all come, let’s take this photo, this just may be the last photo we take of all of us alive” and they obliged. I snapped away, with her making sure I got her best angles. In that moment her heart was filled indeed.

I know you are in heaven asking Ann Tobias all the questions you wish you wanted ask.

To know her is to love her. Words can’t describe the feeling. No one was like Aunt Elva. I’m lucky enough to have been able to spend my younger years living with her. She was truly my go to forever thing I needed.

A life well lived and she also made sure everyone knew our history. Long live “Ann Tobias”. The history you’ve passed on to all of us - I’m grateful for it. Forever etched in my heart are the memories we shared. I will especially miss you being the first person to call me as soon as I land in Nassau (not haven’t yet disembarked the plane). I am slowly accepting the expectation of visiting you when I land or to get the “Ine see you yet” call. Part of me went with you when God called you home. Your legacy will live on forever in our hearts and those of her who knew her best.

I am in a place of comfort. The fear now is gone. Put those things in your thoughts, In your memory I live on.

-unknown

Colossians 2:5 For although I am absent from you in body, I am present with you in spirit

Forever Krysta (Milly)

ALioness Is Most Gentle Around Those

She Loves, She provides and protects especially her cubs.

At the sound of twig broken she would jump to attention, No foe dare approach, as they sense her apprehension.

Now the lioness fades off and allow the young cubs to thrive, Leaving her cubs to carryon her work, for the rest of their lives.

My Aunt Elva was the lover of all things natural. She attended her garden and allowed its beauty to flourish. I spent many days watching her put so much effort in ensuring her creations would flourish. There was no lack in her dedication with nature and with family. She would defend her husband, country, political party and family just as a lioness protecting her cubs.

Elva is example for all to never give up, to stay true to your beliefs and most importantly, remember family first.

You Will Be Missed, Rest In Peace!

Troy Anthony Strachan