A Celebration Of Life
Florine MARIA WILSON 1939 - 2022
SERVICE HELD AT
Bible Truth Ministries Martin Close Nassau, New Providence The Bahamas
Saturday, July 30, 2022 at 10:00am OFFICIATING
Pastor Patrick Smith, Senior Pastor Evangelic Assembly Church of God in Christ
ASSISTED BY:
Pastor Ellison Greenslade, Senior Pastor Bible Truth Ministries
INTERMENT:
Lakeview Memorial Gardens and Mausoleum John F. Kennedy Drive Nassau, New Providence The Bahamas
Obituary
Mary Lewis welcomed her only child a beautiful, cherished baby girl, Florine Maria, on Friday, December 15, 1939. Later in life this Baby was lovingly called, Flo, Ma Flo, Florina, and Mummy.
Florine Maria Coakley was united in Holy matrimony to the love of her life, Neville McCrann Wilson I, “Nev” on August 17, 1955 and thereafter, often referred to herself as Mistress Neville Wilson when she wanted to jokingly make a point about who she was. Flo developed great work ethic and an entrepreneurial spirit from her industrious Mother. This was evident throughout her working years. She started her career at Pantry Pride, in Freeport, Grand Bahama, where she demonstrated superior customer service skills. Those customer service skills led her to Northeast Airlines in 1970, which was later acquired by Delta Air Lines. Flo proved to be an exceptional employee who performed many functions and held many positions, including Reservations, Ticket, Baggage Claim, and Cargo Agent. Not only was she an exemplary employee who valued her work, she made a lifetime of friendships (her Delta family). She valued and
cherished those relationships. In February 2000, she retired from Delta and embarked on another phase of her career. She was invited to join Pinder’s Customs Brokerage where she worked for several years before hanging up her hat and enjoying full-time retirement. Her family was over the moon because this meant she was able to make frequent trips to visit them and was not constrained by time or the need to get back to work.
She was the consummate entrepreneur and kept herself busy with many ventures, including operating multiple newsstands and a delivery service, which she continued for many years. And yes, she loved to travel. She enjoyed numerous vacations with her children, grandchildren and friends. She visited many countries but one of her most memorable trips was to Jerusalem and Tel Aviv. She also took a delight in enabling others to fulfill their travel dreams. What a Blessing! Her universe was large and encompassed so many people. Her love and time were not reserved just for her family. She touched the lives of so many. Many of whom we don’t even know. We are in awe and overwhelmed with emotions by the number of people who have approached us with stories of how she helped, supported, encouraged, and made a difference in their lives. She had the purest heart and most
generous spirit. She was the kind of person who made you feel like you could do whatever you put your mind to. She had the gift of encouragement. Her kindness and genuine nature resulted in sincere and dedicated friendships. Many of whom provided the family with love and support during her challenging illness. They were always there for her and demonstrated the true meaning of friendship. Flo exuded the characteristics of a true Proverbs Woman. She was God fearing, full of faith, an honorable and loving wife, hardworking, savvy business woman, financially wise, a protector and provider, and adored by her family and many others. She was far more precious than jewels (Proverbs 31:10). Flo is predeceased by her husband Neville Wilson I, son Warren Wilson
and bonus son Marco Wilson. She was loved and will be greatly missed by Sons: Woodrow (Cheryl) Wilson of Orlando, Florida; Cornell (Jane) and Tiberious (Sandra) of Miami, Florida; Neville II “Cranny” (Tami) Wilson of Atlanta, Georgia; Daughters: Karen Smith and Deneen Wilson of Miami, Florida; Juliet (Solomon) Lightbourn of Freeport, Grand Bahama; J. Cythella (Glen) Rolle; Tabitha (Dave) Forde of Upper Marlboro, MD; Dez (Chad) Reidel of Lake Wales, Florida. Grandsons: Omar (Latonia), Aaron and Tyson Wilson, Tiberious “TJ” Wilson Jr., Newton Harris, Trevor (Tonya) Smith, Magnus Lightbourn, Donald “DJ” Owens Jr., Chad Isiah Riedel Jr. and Khalil Hall. Granddaughters: Ketonia, Chelsea, Kyla, Arianne and Alyssa Wilson, Danielle (Stephen) Jones, Golda and Tamar Smith, Solana M.L. Lightbourn, Reghan Forde, Amber and Alissa Riedel. Great Grandchildren: Jalani, Nasir, Nuri and Lorelai Wilson, W. Hilton Wilson III, Alexander and Ailani Steszewski, Karizma Petion, Mamay Petion Jr., Nevaeh Lewis, Kamari Thomas, Chase Davis, Malachi and Michaela Smith, Derek and Selena Jones, Chinae and Chinyah Deal, Seosaph
and Solana Lightbourn, Demi Moss and Jiya Harris. Other family & friends including but not limited to: Evelyn Adderley and family, Gloria Young and family, Avis Lewis and family, Petrona Lewis and family, Maria Thompson and family, Susanita Gardner and family, Lenore Ferguson and family, Donnie Burke and Family, Simon and Elvin Bridgewater and family, the Delta Airlines Family, Doreth Campbell and family, Theresa Minnis and family, Wendall, Dawling and Prisca Dean, Vanessa Minnis, Tia Barrett, Judith Theophilus, Leonie Lockhart, Sybil Darville, Kim Bonaby, Mebra Evans, Jackie Cox of Atlanta, Georgia and Pastor Patrick Smith. Caregivers: Lenora Thompson and Venette Whyte.
Order ofService MUSICAL PRELUDE | Organist
FAMILY PROCESSIONAL
OPENING SENTENCES | Pastor Patrick Smith
OPENING HYMN | Through All the Changing Scenes of Life Through all the changing scenes of life, In trouble and in joy, The praises of my God shall still My heart and tongue employ.
Oh, make but trial of His love, Experience will decide How blest they are, and only they, Who in His truth confide.
Oh, magnify the Lord with me, With me exalt His name; When in distress to Him I called, He to my rescue came.
Fear Him, ye saints, and you will then Have nothing else to fear; Make you His service your delight, Your wants shall be His care.
The hosts of God encamp around The dwellings of the just; Deliverance He affords to all Who on His succor trust. INVOCATION | Magnus Lightbourn (Grandson) PRAYER RESPONSE | Sweet Hour of Prayer 1 Sweet hour of prayer! sweet hour of prayer! that calls me from a world of care, and bids me at my Father’s throne make all my wants and wishes known. In seasons of distress and grief, my soul has often found relief, and oft escaped the tempter’s snare by thy return, sweet hour of prayer! 2 Sweet hour of prayer! sweet hour of prayer! the joys I feel, the bliss I share of those whose anxious spirits burn with strong desires for thy return! With such I hasten to the place where God my Savior shows his face, and gladly take my station there, and wait for thee, sweet hour of prayer!
3 Sweet hour of prayer! sweet hour of prayer! thy wings shall my petition bear to him whose truth and faithfulness engage the waiting soul to bless. And since he bids me seek his face, believe his word, and trust his grace, I’ll cast on him my every care, and wait for thee, sweet hour of prayer!
1ST SCRIPTURE READING | 1 Corinthians 15: 50-58 | Golda Smith (Granddaughter) MUSICAL TRIBUTE | When They Ring Those Golden Bells | Mrs. Doreth Campbell 2ND SCRIPTURE READING | John 3: 16-21 | Danielle Jones (Granddaughter) MUSICAL TRIBUTE | Medley | Glen Rolle AS I KNEW HER | Evelyn “Eve” Adderley (Read By Zenovia Collie) OBITUARY | To be read in silence SERMONIC HYMN | Oh I Want to See Him As I journey through the land, singing as I go, Pointing souls to Calvary—to the crimson flow, Many arrows pierce my soul from without, within; But my Lord leads me on, through Him I must win.
When in valleys low I look toward the mountain height, And behold my Savior there, leading in the fight, With a tender hand outstretched toward the valley low, Guiding me, I can see, as I onward go.
(Chorus) Oh, I want to see Him, look upon His face, There to sing forever of His saving grace On the streets of glory let me lift my voice, Cares all past, home at last, ever to rejoice.
When before me billows rise form the mighty deep, Then my Lord directs my bark; He doth safely keep, And He leads me gently on through this world below; He’s a real Friend to me, oh, I love Him so.
When in service for my Lord dark may be the night, But I’ll cling more close to Him, He will give me light; Satan’s snares may vex my soul, turn my thoughts aside; But my Lord goes ahead, leads whate’er betide. EULOGY | Pastor Patrick Smith PRAYER FOR THE FAMILY | Pastor Patrick Smith RECESSIONAL HYMN | His Comings Draweth Nigh Lift up your heads, ye saints, we’re told redemption draweth nigh Ere long His glory we’ll behold as lightning from on high We’ve toiled and prayed and waited, but soon His face we’ll see And when He comes He’ll dry each tear, and we the bride shall see. Chorus His coming draweth nigh We’ll meet Him in the sky And go with Him to the marriage feast somewhere on high Oh what a time t’will be Our loved ones we will see Far up above the tribulation by and by
Farewell gay world, our song shall be, we’ll sing thru the air Above the rugged hills and trees his wondrous glory share Lift up, look up, still watch and pray, tho’ fading be your eye Nor think His coming be delayed, it surely draweth nigh. Around the festive board that day we’ll raise a mighty shout Like many waters of the sea, we’ll sing and dance about The angels cannot sing the song, they stand with folded wings And wonder at the praise prolong, we’ll crown him king of kings
Graveside Songs 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.
THE EASTERN GATE I will meet you in the morning, Just inside the Eastern Gate. Then be ready, faithful pilgrim, Lest with you it be too late.
(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)
(Chorus) I will meet you in the morning; I will meet you in the morning Just inside the Eastern Gate over there. I will meet you in the morning, I will meet you in the morning, I will meet you in the morning over there.
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.
If you hasten off to glory, Linger near the Eastern Gate, For I’m coming in the morning; So you’ll not have long to wait.
No more in sin I wander, no more in darkness roam The Lord has placed my feet on higher ground; Keep your lamps all trimmed and burning; Each day new heights I’m gaining, my soul is nearing home, For the Bridegroom watch and wait. It’s alright now, I’m heaven bound. He’ll be with us at the meeting Just inside the Eastern Gate. O the joys of that glad meeting With the saints who for us wait! What a blessed, happy meeting Just inside the Eastern Gate!
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 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.
Mummy Memories of
Mummy “Florina”, you left me with so many memories:
ccompanying you Daddy and Grandma Mary home A with baby boy (Cranny) and baby girl (Tabby). Those trips cemented my role as the big sister. Mummy said, Cranny and Tabby were the last two buttons on Abraham’s jacket. ressing me up for bike rides with Daddy. You always D kept me dressed to the nines. aking sure I learned to braid hair because that was M not your forte. My sisters are grateful you passed that responsibility on to me because Mummy as much as I love you, you used to jack up their hair. Two fat plaits sticking out on the side of their heads 😊 No one can fault you for trying. Broadening my horizons with frequent trips abroad. I nstilling a strong work ethic and showing me the value of work by getting me my first paying job. A whopping 10 cents an hour! Can’t believe that was ever a legal wage. I attribute all my professional accomplishments to you. You were always proud of me and indeed all of us. ummy. You are my hero. Amazing and loving mother. M We spent and shared many happy moments together. You will be in my heart forever. Thank you Mummy for pouring so much of you into me and investing in my and the lives of us all. Karen “Sister Jenny”
Florine
Remembering
She didn’t have to love me Nor did she have to care Yet with her heart she looked to see She being a person rare, A helpless child in need of a place to be.
‘Believe you me’ this is not made up. Provision and fair treatment Never drinking from a bitter cup Encouragement and support, nothing to resent Great guidance and advice, on this I learned to sup. Now this I hold dear, not only did she choose to love me, I know she liked me.
This saying from her has greatly impacted my life over the years: “One bad shot don’t spoil a good Bows man.” I am ever so grateful for the part she so graciously played in my life. I will miss her dearly, truth be told I’ve been missing Mummy for a while... She will be laid to Rest in Peace & Rise in Glory. So until then... Juliet, the daughter in Freeport
Thank You Cythella & Glen
Our gratitude to our sister, Cythella and brother-inlaw, Glen is indescribable. You two were the rock that maintained the foundation over the last five plus years. Taking exceptional care of Mummy and doing so willingly. You’ll brightened our days with nuggets of humor of things Mummy said or did, and shared videos of her singing and enjoying music (her favorite past time).
Mum,
I love you with an everlasting love.
That ugly disease took you away from me a little while. But by the Grace of our Faithful Loving God, you came back to me the last five years. We had our challenges. But together we overcame. Some say “God will bless me”. The real blessing was being here with you and taking care of you. It was a joy Mum. We cried, we laughed, we danced, we prayed…and Glen sang. Your Glenny. I will miss you Mum. We ended where we started. Best friends. Glen and I Love you. To God be the Glory.
Glen, God knew what He was doing when He placed you in Cythella’s life making you a part of our family. You didn’t know it, but you were on assignment. An assignment you graciously and lovingly accepted. One you excelled at. You, our dear brother were the family’s Joseph and Boaz all wrapped up in one. Dear sister, Cythella, you proved to be steadfast and faithful. You ensured Mummy enjoyed the best quality of life possible, with outings, music and other activities, that she enjoyed. The role you assumed was not easy by far. The stresses of caregiving are physically and emotionally exhausting. We saw the effects it had on you, but you did not waver. You kept us informed, reprimanded us when we were not doing our part, directed us on her care when we visited, and allowed us to live our lives with minimal disruptions knowing she was in good hands. You sacrificed more than anyone can imagine. Have no regrets, you held down the fort like a true hero. We are forever grateful for the gold star treatment and care delivered to Mummy. We appreciate and love you both to the moon and back! The Siblings
To Mummy
Oh Mama, where do I begin? My cheerleader, the person who loved me fiercely like no one else ever will. The mother who made my dreams come true. The mother who exposed us to so much greatness and provided not only what we needed but what we wanted (if you thought it made sense). The mother who fostered and encouraged my love for reading and bought me every Sweet Valley High and Danielle Steele book out at the time. I just had to mention a book, or an author and it was there. You kept my mini library stocked. The mother who fueled my love for travel. Who showed us the world is huge and ours for the taking if we wanted it. My biggest critic – challenging me to be the best at whatever I did. Always keeping us grounded with your brutal honesty – calling us out when we did something dumb or just plain stupid. We were no better than anyone else, but we were always to be proud of who we are. You always told us hard work never hurt anyone. You mastered the balance of doing for us and making sure we were equipped to take care of our ourselves. Losing you is one of the most painful experiences ever. That call knocked the wind out of me and I will never be the same again. I thought I had prepared myself for that call over the last year or so but boy was I wrong. Oh, how I miss you! Over the years as your memory faded, I missed tremendously your frequent visits, our chats, your encouragement, and your wise counsel. But knowing you
were still with us, provided a modicum of comfort. And those moments of clarity you displayed reminded us you were still in there. Unable to communicate with us the way we so desperately wanted but still in there. Holding it together for us. Our fearless leader until the end! You used to say we are only on loan in this life, but we were not ready for our Heavenly Father to call in that loan and reclaim you. We wanted to keep you in your earthly home for just a while longer. Okay, much longer. But we know you were ready to go to your eternal home. The dementia stole your memories and robbed us of our time with you. But what could never be taken away is the loving memories we created as a family and the indelible impression you left. You left the blueprint and roadmap for us to carry on. Your wisdom, love, and bright shining light lives on and will be with us for generations to come. Take your bow, hear your applause, and claim your reward! We could never give you all that you deserve. You are our GOAT (Greatest of All Time)! We are forever grateful God chose you to be our mother. The angels are singing and rejoicing – another great one is amongst us. Love you, Mummy! Forever! PS - Hugs and kisses to Daddy, Grammy, Grand-Mary and Grand-Pearl. Our loss is their gain. I know they are so proud of the life you led. Tabitha “Anna”
Thank You!
How do I say thank you enough to the first woman I ever loved? The person who made decisions for me before I was born that were strategic to afford me opportunities others may not have. The conscious decision on what country I was born in. The person who taught me so much. The person who gets most of the credit for all the good in me. And no credit for what’s bad in me. The person I think about every morning when I wake up and spend my day working hard to make her proud. The first person that gave me an example of what a strong black woman looks like. A mentor for life. A provider. A mother to every childhood friend I bought to the house. The person that defined family in a way many aspire to and instilled in me family values I am so thankful for. The person who never gave up on me when I was not focused or not living up to my potential. The person who taught me how to save money, the importance of good credit and being responsible with my finances. The person I model my work ethic after. The person who showed me the world was so much bigger than travelling to visit Grandma Mary in Andros and family in Miami. While helping me understand, all the trips, along with the associated memories created are priceless. Returning home for visits as an accomplished adult and being introduced as your “baby boy” always made me smile. I looked forward to every trip home, your trips to visit me, every phone call, every moment I had with you. I thank the Lord for allowing me to have you in my life as long as I did. I am so happy I was able to give you “your roses” while you were here. All your birthdays I spent with you were always special. Celebrating family with you during our Thanksgiving get togethers in Miami and waiting patiently as you cooked with love. All the moments in recent years I selfishly enjoyed. Those memories we made were more for me as you graciously endured your fight with Alzheimer’s. While you did not always know who I was during this phase of your life. That beautiful smile was always present and that was all I needed. You continued to teach me and shape my beliefs until the end. I truly believe it’s important to hold your loved ones closely. Give them their roses while they are here and tell them you love them. Thank you. We did that Mummy. I miss you and will always love you Mummy. Love, Neville II, Cranny, Your Baby Boy
To Grammy I would first like to say thank you for all that you’ve done for me Grammy.
You were truly my biggest cheerleader. Every single certificate, pin, trophy, etc. I received I brought to you right away for you to add on your clipboard or place on your dresser. I received a hug and kiss followed by the words “Grammy so proud of you” each time. You viewed me as one of the smartest people ever, a bit extreme but I definitely loved the support. Thank you for initiating my love for travel. I absolutely loved being your travel buddy. The teachers at every school that I attended definitely knew I was going to be on the first flight out with you every Thanksgiving. One of my favorite memories is when we visited Aunt Tabby one summer and we went to Target with Aunt Juliet. In Target we felt the aftershock of an earthquake and one of the employees yelled, ‘Earthquake!’. I promise, I’ve never seen you run so fast in my life while Aunt Juliet and I stood like statues processing what was occurring. Afterwards all you had to say was ‘I was going to live to tell the story’. You were a hardworking woman who taught me the value of hard work and reward. Florine Maria Wilson, one of my guardians on earth, and now one of my guardian angels above. I love you. Alyssa
In the Hands of God In the Hands of God, even death is a time for rejoicing; So, when death brings weeping and sorrow, It beckons us to seek our God, as we ask about tomorrow. In these hours of heartache draw closer in believing That even in death, God’s Hand is not cause for grieving But a time for joy in knowing Death is just a stepping stone, To Life that is everlasting, Such as we have never known. Author unknown (Adaptation)
Acknowledgement The family of the late Florine Maria Wilson would like to thank you our many friends and relatives for your kind expressions of sympathy, assuring words, and your presence here today for the final earthly parting. May the peace of God that passeth all understanding keep your hearts and minds in the knowledge and love of God. The Family
To God be the Glory PALL BEARERS
Funeral Services Entrusted To Demeritte’s Funeral Home Market Street P.O. Box-GT2097 Tel: 323-5782
Magnus Lightbourn Omar Wilson Trevor Smith Newton Harris O’Dingha Sawyer Prescott Lloyd
Provided by SIDDA Communications Group Tel: 394-BOOK (2665) Mobile: (242) 818-3478 Email: info@siddagroup.com Nassau, N.P. Bahamas