Requiem Mass of Thanksgiving For the Life of the Late
Aged: 73 Years
Saturday, April 15, 2023 at 11:00 A.M.
Service Held At St. Barnabas Anglican Church
Baillou and Wulff Roads
Nassau, Bahamas
Officiating:
Rev’d Fr. Roderick Bain
Assisted By:
Rev’d Fr. Kristopher Higgs
Organist:
Mr. Weston J. Mortimer
Obituary
William Arthur Geoffrey Symmonett Jr. better known by family and friends as (Duggie, Doug) was born on the 9th day of January 1950 to proud parents William Arthur Geoffrey Symmonett Sr. WAGS and Pricilla Grant-Glover Symmonett (Kitty), in Matthew Town, Inagua. He was the fourth child of eight children and received his early education at Western Junior and Western Senior high school on Blue Hill Road.
Geoffrey commenced his career at the Bahamas Telecommunications Corporation in 1971 under the tutelage of Mr. Ivan Knowles in the Air Conditioning Department where he started out in A/C Maintenance apprentice and later became an A/C Manager.
He was eager to learn and caught on quickly. He was a responsible, dependable, and a capable worker and because of this, he was afforded the opportunity to enroll in air conditioning classes at Teachers Training Center on Soldier Road.
He maintained all air condition systems at Nassau Batelco Phone exchanges and travelled extensively to the Family Islands to complete maintenance service to all BTC air conditioning units.
Geoffrey was a quiet, humble, soft-spoken man and took pride in what ever he had to do. He was a “Jack of all Trades” so to speak; an Air Condition Technician Manager, farmer, mechanic, plumber, home appliance repairs technician and well-versed in many other areas where he helped his family and friends who needed his assistance.
Geoffrey made an acquaintance with Audrey to whom he was introduced by his cousin at Smiley’s Place on JFK. Of course, his cousin had an eye for Audrey as well but Geoff being a brave soldier took control of the situation and introduced himself and everyday afterward, he would knock off from work and come to Smiley’s Place until closing time just to be around the person he had an attraction for.
After being single for a few years, he asked for Audrey’s hand in marriage and on May 5, 1984, they were united in matrimony. With Vernon, his brother, being the Master of Ceremony, he commented on Geoffrey being all dressed up in his suit, necktie, and shoes and he said out loudly, “Duggie has on shoes today’, many invited guests burst out in laughter as they knew that he was a down-to-earth who always wore a T-shirt, blue jeans, and converse tennis.
Our family life will not be the same without his presence, laughter, and personality as he left to be with your Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. We love and miss him.
Until we meet again, family, loved ones, friends and acquaintances we say; we will meet you in Glory.
Predeceased By:
Parents: Geoffrey & Kitty Symmonett, Brothers – Lionel & Naomi Symmonett, Vernon Symmonett, Christopher & Cutel Symmonett
Sister – Sheila Symmonett
Left to mourn is his loving wife of 38 years AudreyC. Symmonett, Justice of the Peace.
Children: Kenyon (Crystal), Darion (Laretha), Jamaal (Jasmine), Symmonett, Kayette (Chris) d’Albenas, & Vernon Dean Jr. Ciarra).
Grand Children: Kylie, Zara, & Demetri Symmonett, & Grayson d’Albenas
Brothers: Don (Bridgette) Symmonett & Oris (Chanelle) Symmonett.
Sisters: Yvonne Symmonett, & Veronica (Warren) Fraser.
Nieces: Della Reese, & Anya Symmonett, Jennifer (Felix), Gia (Greg) Stubbs, Tishka (Darius) Francis, Kyra (Denzil) Augustine, Darcia (Jeff) Arnett, Dominique Symonette, Orissa & Obriel
Symmonett, Charmaine Higgs, Margo & Marcia Ferguson, Rhondrica & Raven Paul, Benisha, & Benet Johnson, Nadia
Lewis, Nathalee (Brenric) Knowles, Shanel,Serrette, Sasha
Serrette,
Nephews: Stephen Symmonett, Derek & Deane Symonette, & Edward Symmonett, Miles & Arthur Felix, Marcel Pierre Jr.,
Akeem & Andree Bovil, Khalil Higgs, Shawn Jr, Stephen Jr. & St.
Claire Serrette, Bennett Johnson.
Brothers-in-Law: Jay, Pastor Charles Johnson, Lorenzo & Augustus Johnson (deceased), Derek Johnson, Vernon Dean Sr., Jermaine Thompson, Stephen (deceased), Shawn, Sherwin (Rhonda) & Shelton (Janet) Serrette, Edward Gibson, Pierre Bovil Sr.
Sisters-in-Law: Phyllis Symonette, Violet Bovil, Shelly Oulomou, Albertha Jackson, Sandra Dean, Carla Johnson, Joanne & Deborah Thompson, Cynthia Johnson, Rosemarie Johnson, Portia Serrette and Laretta Johnson.
Other Family Relatives & Friends: Sir Arthur & Lady Joan Foulkes, Gwen Turner & Family, Venincia Thompson & Family, Betty & Sam Hall &Family, Mary& Philip & Family, Dwight, Julian & Corliss & Family, Janice & Family, The Ford Family, Major Family, Turnquest Family, Seymour Family, Farquharson Family, Fort Fincastle Family, Martin Fox & Family, Ida Hanna & Family, Sherry Waterman, Claudia Pickstock-Brown and Family, Grace Meicholas, Bernadette Godet, Prescola King & Family, Meta Bethel & Family, Billy Albury & Family, Denise Clark, Dr. Elizabeth Darville, Louise Gibson & Family, Benjamin Seymour & Family, Mytile Liten & Family, The Johnson Family, The Gibson Family, Ivan Knowles & Family, The Family of the late Gertrude Burnside, Derek Sands & Family, Stony and Julie Duncombe & Family, The Carey Family, Carl Bethel & Family, Olga Cooper & Family, Steve Bonaby & Family, Anita Turnquest & Family, The Dean Family, The McFarlene Family, Tototam Ramattan & Family The Fraser Family, Donald & Marlene Edwards & Family of Atlanta Georgia, Lowell Edwards-Symmonett, Wayne & Irene Fernander, Evelyn Neilly & Family, Valencia Thompson & Family ,Milton Street Family, Staff at Bahamas Telecommunications Corporation, St. Barnabas Church Family, Management & Staff at Walk In Medical Clinic, Staff at Bahamas Development Bank Neighbors, Families and Friends too numerous to mention. We would also like to acknowledge members of the Clergy at St. Barnabas Parish; Rev’d Fr. Roderick Bain and family, Deacon Kristopher Higgs & Family Bishop Gilbert Thompson and Family, Canon Basil Tynes and Family, members of St. Barnabas Parish. Doctors: Dr. Nevein Girgis & Nurse Butler, and support staff at The Cancer Center, Dr. Gemma Rolle, Dr. Bernadette Rolle, and Dr. Sy Pierre, Stephanie Allen, Caregivers: Rosemarie Johnson & Yvonne Symmonett. We apologize to other relatives and friends whose names were not mentioned.
To Be Read in Silence
May His Soul Rest in Peace.
service Order of
RECEPTION OF THE BODY
Celebrant: With faith in Jesus, we receive the body of our brother GEOFFREYfor burial. Our brother was washed in Holy Baptism and anointed with the Holy Spirit. Let us therefore, with confidence, pray to God our Heavenly Father, the Giver of life, that He will raise him to perfection in the company of the Saints.
Celebrant: The Lord be with you.
ALL: And also, with you.
Celebrant: Let us Pray.
O God of grace and glory, we remember before you this day our brother GEOFFREY. We thank you for giving him to us, his family, and friends, to know and love as a companion on our earthy pilgrimage. In your boundless compassion, console us who mourn. Give us faith to see in death the gate of eternal life, so that in quiet confidence, we ma y continue our course on earth, until by your call, we are reunited with those who have gone before, through Jesus Christ our Lord.
ALL: Amen.
Celebrant: Jesus said, I am the resurrection, and I am the life, he who believes in me, though he dies, yet shall he live, and who ever lives and believes in me shall never die. John 11:25-26
The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases. His compassion never fails; every morning they are renewed. Lamentations 3:22-23
Jesus said, let not your hearts be troubled; believe in God, believe also in me. John 14:1.
I am sure that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor height, nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8:38-39.
If we live, we live to the Lord, and if we die, we die to the Lord; so then, whether we live or whether we die, we are the Lord’s. For to this end, Christ died and lived again, that he might be Lord both of the dead and of the living. Romans 14:8-9.
We brought nothing into the world, and we take nothing out. The Lord gives, and the Lord takes away: Blessed be the name of the Lord. Job 1:21.
The eternal God is our refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms. Deuteronomy 33:27.
INTROIT HYMN | Jerusalem the Golden Alexander Ewing (1830-1895)
Jerusalem the golden, with milk and honey blest, beneath thy contemplation sink heart and voice oppressed: I know not, oh, I know not, what joys await us there; what radiancy of glory, what bliss beyond compare!
They stand, those halls of Zion, all jubilant with song, and bright with many an angel, and all the martyr throng: the Prince is ever in them, the daylight is serene; the pastures of the blessèd are decked in glorious sheen.
There is the throne of David; and there, from care released, the shout of them that triumph, the song of them that feast; and they who with their Leader have conquered in the fight, for ever and for ever are clad in robes of white.
Oh, sweet and blessèd country, the home of God’s elect! Oh, sweet and blessèd country, that eager hearts expect! Jesus, in mercy bring us to that dear land of rest, who art, with God the Father, and the Spirit, ever blest.
Celebrant: Let us pray.
Almighty God, we remember before you today your servant Geoffrey and we pray that, having opened to him the gates of larger life you will receive him more and more into your joyful service that, with all who have served you in the past, he may share in the eternal victory of Jesus Christ our Lord; Who lives and reigns with You, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God forever and ever.
Congregation: Amen.
The congregation sits for the Liturgy of the Word
-The Liturgy of The Word-
THE OLD TESTAMENT LESSON |
(Jamaal Symmonett (Son)
A reading from the word of God written in Ecclesiastes 3:1-15
For everything there is a season and a time for every matter under heaven: a time to be born and a time to die; a time to plant and a time to pluck up what is planted; a time to kill and a time to heal; a time to break down and a time to build up; a time to weep and a time to laugh; a time to mourn and a time to dance; a time to throw away stones and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace and a time to refrain from embracing; a time to seek and a time to lose; a time to keep and a time to throw away; a time to tear and a time to sew; a time to keep silent and a time to speak; a time to love and a time to hate; a time for war and a time for peace.
What gain have the workers from their toil? I have seen the business that God has given to everyone to be busy with. He has made everything suitable for its time; moreover, he has put a sense of past and future into their minds, yet they cannot find out what God has done from the beginning to the end. I know that there is nothing better for them than to be happy and enjoy themselves as long as they live; moreover, it is God’s gift that all should eat and drink and take pleasure in all their toil. I know that whatever God does endures forever; nothing can be added to it, nor anything taken from it; God has done this so that all should stand in awe before him. That which is already has been, that which is to be already is, and God seeks out what has gone by.
At the end of the reading, the reader says: The Word of the Lord.
VIDEO TRIBUTES |
Ms. Laretha Fernander& Dance
Senior Justice Bernard Turner
Mr. Derek Sands
THE NEW TESTAMENT LESSON | Obriel Symmonett (Niece)
A reading from the Word of God written in 2nd Corinthians 5:1-15 For we know that, if the earthly tent we live in is destroyed, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens. For in this tent we groan, longing to be further clothed with our heavenly dwelling, for surely when we have been clothed in it[a] we will not be found naked. For while we are in this tent, we groan under our burden because we wish not to be unclothed but to be further clothed, so that what is mortal may be swallowed up by life. The one who has prepared us for this very thing is God, who has given us the Spirit as a down payment. So, we are always confident, even though we know that while we are at home in the body we are away from the Lord— for we walk by faith, not by sight. Yes, we do have confidence, and we would rather be away from the body and at home with the Lord. So, whether we are at home or away, we make it our aim to be pleasing to him. For all of us must appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each may receive due recompense for actions done in the body, whether good or evil.
Therefore, knowing the fear of the Lord, we try to persuade people, but we ourselves are well known to God, and I hope that we are also well known to your consciences. We are not commending ourselves to you again but giving you an opportunity to boast about us, so that you may be able to answer those who boast in outward appearance and not in the heart. For if we are beside ourselves, it is for God; if we are in our right mind, it is for you. For the love of Christ urges us on because we are convinced that one has died for all; therefore, all have died. And he died for all, so that those who live might live no longer for themselves but for the one who for their sake died and was raised. At the end of the reading, the readers say: The Word of the Lord.
GRADUAL HYMN | Hark My Soul, it is The Lord | William Cowper (1731-1800)
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!
THE HOLY GOSPEL | John 14: 1-6 | Read By Clergy
“Do not let your hearts be troubled. Believe in God, believe also in me. In my father’s house there are many dwelling places. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, so that where I am, there you may be also. And you know the way to the place where I am going.” Thomas said to him, “Lord, we do not know where you are going. How can we know the way?” Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the father except through me.
THE SERMON | Rev’d Fr. Roderick Bain
At the conclusion of the sermon, the congregation stands, and is led in the Nicene Creed
Celebrant: Let us with confidence and hope confess the faith, into which we were baptized, as we say,
ALL: I believe in God, the Father Almighty, creator of heaven and earth. I believe in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord. He was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary. He suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried. He descended to the dead. On the third day he rose again. He ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again to judge the living and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit, he Holy Catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.
THE
PRAYERS OF INTERCESSION | Mrs. Yolande Rolle (Family Friend) (Form A)
Leader: For our brother Geoffrey let us pray to the Lord Christ who said, “I am Resurrection, and I am life.”
Leader: Lord, you consoled Martha and Mary in their distress: Draw near to us who mourn for Geoffrey dry the tears of those who weep.
All: Hear us, Lord.
Leader: You wept at the grave of Lazarus, your friend, comfort us in our sorrow.
All: Hear us, Lord.
Leader: You raised the dead to life: Raise our brother Geoffrey to eternal life.
All: Hear us, Lord.
Leader: You promised paradise to the thief who repented: Bring our brotherGeoffreyto the joys of heaven.
All: Hear us, Lord.
Leader: Our brother Geoffreywas washed in Baptism and anointed with the Holy Spirit: Give him fellowship with all your saints.
All: Hear us, Lord.
Leader: He was nourished with your Body and Blood: Grant him a place at the table in your heavenly kingdom.
All: Hear us, Lord.
Leader: Comfort us in our sorrows at the death of our brother Geoffrey. Let our faith be our consolation, and eternal life our hope.
Silence may be kept.
Celebrant: Lord Jesus Christ, we commend to you our brother Geoffrey who was reborn by water and the Spirit in Holy Baptism. Grant that his death may recall to us your victory over deathand be an occasion for us to renew our trust in your father’s love. Give us, we pray, the faith to follow where you have led the way; and where you live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, to the ages of ages.
Congregation: Amen.
The congregation kneels for the Act of Penitence.
-THE ACT OF PENITENCE-
Celebrant: If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, God is faithful and just and will forgive our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
A period of silence shall be kept.
Celebrant: Let us therefore confess our sins.
All: Almighty God, our Heavenly Father, we have sinned against you and one another, in thought, word, and deed, and in what we have left undone. We are sorry and repent of all our sins. For your Son, our Lord Jesus Christ’s sake, forgive us all that is past, and grant that we may serve you in newness of life to the glory of Your name. Amen.
Celebrant: Almighty God, have mercy upon you, pardon and deliver you from all your sins, confirm and strengthen you in all goodness and keep you in life eternal; through Jesus Christ our Lord.
All: Amen.
OFFERTROY HYMN | And Can It Be That I Should Gain? | Thomas Campbell (1825-1876)
And can it be that I should gain An interest in the Savior’s blood? Died He for me, who caused His pain— For me, who Him to death pursued? Amazing love! How can it be, That Thou, my God, shouldst die for me?
’Tis mystery all: thee Immortal dies: Who can explore His strange design? In vain the firstborn seraph tries To sound the depths of love divine. ’Tis mercy all! Let earth adore, Let angel minds inquire no more.
He left His Father’s throne above So free, so infinite His grace— Emptied Himself of all but love, And bled for Adam’s helpless race: ’Tis mercy all, immense and free, For O my God, it found out me!
Long my imprisoned spirit lay Fast bound in sin and nature’s night; Thine eye diffused a quickening ray I woke, the dungeon flamed with light; My chains feel off, my heart was free, I rose, went forth, and followed Thee.
No condemnation now I dread; Jesus, and all in Him, is mine; Alive in Him, my living Head, And clothed in righteousness divine, Bold I approach thee eternal throne, And claim the crown, through Christ my own.
Priest: Through your goodness Lord, we have this bread and wine to offer, the fruit of the earth and the works of human hands. They will become our spiritual food.
People: All things come from you, oh Lord, and of your own do we give you. Blessed be God forever. Amen.
-THE PRESENTATION OF THE OFFERINGDemetri Symmonett and Grayson Albenas
Celebrant: The Lord be with you.
All: And also, with you.
Celebrant: Lift your hearts.
All: We lift them up unto the Lord.
Celebrant: Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.
All: It is right to give God thanks and praise.
Celebrant: It is right and a good and joyful thing, always and everywhere to give You thanks, Father Almighty, everlasting God, through Jesus Christ our Lord, who rose victorious from the dead and comforts us with the blessed hope of life eternal. For to Your faithful people, O Lord, life is changed, not ended; and when our mortal body lies in death, there is prepared for us a dwelling place eternal in the heavens.
Therefore, we praise you, joining our voices with angels and archangels, and with all the company of heaven, who forever sing this hymn to proclaim the glory of Your Name.
All: The congregation and clergy then sing the Sanctus from the Timothy Gibson Mass*
Holy, holy, holy, Lord, God of power and might; heaven and earth are full of Your glory. Hosanna in the highest. Blessed is He who comes in the Name of the Lord. Hosanna in the highest.
Celebrant: Sovereign Lord and Father, to you be glory and praise forever. In your boundless wisdom you brought creation into being in your great love you fashioned us in your image; in your tender compassion you sent your Son Jesus Christ, our Savior, to share our human nature; in the power of the Holy Spirit, He overcame the power of sin and death and brought your people to new birth as first fruits of your new creation.
On the night that He was betrayed He took bread, and when He had given thanks to you. He broke it and gave it to his disciples and said: “Take this and eat it: this is my Body which is given for you. Do this for the remembrance of me.”
And after supper He took the cup of wine: and when He had given thanks, He gave it to them and said: “Drink this, all of you: This is my Blood of the New Covenant, which is shed for you and for many for the forgiveness of sins. Whenever you drink it, do this for the remembrance of me.”
Celebrant: Therefore, Father, according to the command of your dearly beloved Son: All: We remember His death. We proclaim His resurrection. We await His coming in glory.
Celebrant: And we offer you, Father, our sacrifice of thanks and praise, send your Holy Spirit on these gifts of bread and wine that they may become the Body and Blood of your Son, Jesus, our Lord, and Redeemer. As we partake of this holy food of new and unending life, may your Holy Spirit establish us as a royal priesthood with the Blessed Virgin Mary, St Joseph, St. Barnabas, St. John the Baptist, and all your sons and daughters who share in your eternal inheritance, through Jesus Christ our Lord. With her and in her and through her, by the power of the Holy Spirit, we worship you, Father
-THE EUCHARISTIC RITE-
Almighty, with all who stand before you in earth and heaven, in songs of everlasting praise:
All: Blessings and honor and glory and power be yours forever and ever. Amen
-THE LORD’S PRAYER-
Celebrant: As our Savior has taught us, so we pray
All: Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your Name; your kingdom come; your will be done on earth as in heaven. Give us today our daily bread, forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us. Save us from the time of trial and deliver us from evil. For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours now and forever. Amen.
-THE BREAKING OF THE BREAD-
Celebrant: We break this bread to share in the Body of Christ.
All: Though we are many, we are one body, because we all share in one bread.
THE INVITATION -
The entire congregation is invited to the Communion rail to participate in The Lord’s Supper.
Celebrant: The Gifts of God for the people of God
All: Our souls will feast and be satisfied, and we will sing glad songs of praise to Him.
-THE AGNUS DEI-
Lamb of God, You take away the sin of the world: Grant him rest.
Lamb of God, You take away the sin of the world: Grant him rest.
Lamb of God, You take away the sin of the world: Grant him rest eternal.
-COMMUNION-
Solo By: Mr. Kent Forbes
Solo By: Mr. Shayne Lewis
-POST COMMUNION PRAYER-
All: Almighty God, we thank you that in Your great love You have fed us with the spiritual food and drink of the Body and Blood of Your Son Jesus Christ and have given us a foretaste of Your heavenly banquet. Grant that this Sacrament may be to us a comfort in affliction, and a pledge of our inheritance in that kingdom, where there is no death, neither sorrow nor crying, but the fullness of joy with your saints, through Jesus Christ our Savior. Amen.
The entire congregation including the bereaved family are asked to stand for the Commendation.
THE COMMENDATION
V. Blessed be God our Father: R. The Creator and Preserver of all life.
V. Blessed be Jesus Christ: R. The Savior and Redeemer of mankind.
V. Blessed be the Holy Spirit: R. The Enabler and Sustainer of those who seek for grace.
V. The Lord be with you. R. And also, with you.
Celebrant: Grant us, Lord, the wisdom, and the grace to use aright the time that is left to us here on earth. Lead us to repent of our sins, the evil we have done and the good we have failed to do; and strengthen us to follow the steps of your Son, in the way that leads to the fullness of eternal life; through Jesus Christ our Lord.
All: Amen.
Celebrant: Give rest, O Christ, to your servant with your saints.
All: Where sorrow and pain are no more, neither sighing, but life everlasting.
Celebrant: You only are immortal, the creator and maker of mankind; and we are mortal, formed of the earth, and to earth shall we return. For so did you ordain when you created me, saying, “You are dust, and to dust you shall return.” All of us go down to the dust; yet even at the grave we make our song:
All: Give rest, O Christ, to your servant with your saints, where sorrow and pain are no more, neither sighing, but life everlasting.
Celebrant: Let us commend our brother Geoffrey to the mercy of God our Maker and Redeemer. Deliver your servant, Geoffrey O Sovereign Lord Christ, from all evil, and set her free from every bond, that he may rest with all your saints in the eternal habitations; where with the Father and the Holy Spirit you live and reign, one God for ever and ever.
All: Amen.
Celebrant: Into your hands, O merciful Savior, we commend your servant Geoffrey acknowledge we humbly beseech you, a sheep of your own fold, a lamb of your own flock, a sinner of your own redeeming. Receive him into the arms of your mercy, in the blessed rest of everlasting peace, and into the glorious company of the saints in light.
All: Amen.
Celebrant: Let us go forth in the name of Christ.
All: Thanks be to God.
The day Thou gavest, Lord, is ended, The darkness falls at Thy behest; To Thee our morning hymns ascended, Thy praise shall sanctify our rest.
We thank Thee that Thy church, unsleeping, While earth rolls onward into light, Through all the world her watch is keeping, And rests not now by day or night.
As o’er each continent and island The dawn leads on another day, The voice of prayer is never silent, Nor dies the strain of praise away.
The sun that bids us rest is waking
Our brethren ’neath the western sky, And hour by hour fresh lips are making Thy wondrous doings heard on high.
So be it, Lord; Thy throne shall never, Like earth’s proud empires, pass away: Thy kingdom stands, and grows forever, Till all Thy creatures own Thy sway.
As the body is borne from the church, the following sentences are said: Christ is risen from the dead, trampling down death by death, and giving life to those in the tomb.
The Son of Righteousness is gloriously risen, give light to those who sat in darkness and in the shadow of death.
The Lord will guide our feet into the way of peace, having taken away the sin of the world.
Christ will open the kingdom of heaven to all who believe in His Name, saying, Come, O blessed of my Father inhis kingdom and prepared for you.
Into paradise may the angels lead you. At your coming may the Martyrs receive you, and bring you into the Holy city, Jerusalem.
RECESSIONAL HYMN | ” The Day Thou Gavest, Lord is Ended” | John Ellerton (1870)
Legacy His
Tribute To My Darling Husband
Geoffrey, Duggie, “HON” you were a loving and wonderful husband, friend, soul mate and rock. Not only that - a compassionate, respected father to our children.
As the children grew and sought advice, you wisely gave it but allowed them room for free choice. Your kind, caring and generous attitude spilled over to family, friends and acquaintances. (especially, your dry humor, all you met had a sample of that wit).
We first met at Smiley’s Place JFK Drive. I remember my shyness but eagerness for your visits during our courtship.
You remembered all special events of our lives -Birthdays, Wedding Anniversaries, Valentine’s Day and Christmas - I have all the cards to show for this amazing fact. My grief is immense I loved my life because it gave me you and I loved you because you were in my life.
Goodbye my Dear, sleep on and take your rest, I love you but Jesus loves your best.
Love Always Audrey
Tribute our Daddy
You may have known him as Uncle Doug, Uncle Geoff, Duggie, but to us he was Daddy. He was our life molder, protector, life advisor and the daddy we could’ve call on to get advice on just about anything.
Daddy was talented in many ways; from car parts to farming to even simple installation on appliances around the house. A man of many talents.
Know that we will miss your sarcastic random jokes that would make everyone in the room burst out in laughter.
The many nights playing cardsand, eleven points, were our favorite games to sit down and play for hours and hours. We would sometimes miss our days of playing card games and would watch western movies instead. On Saturday mornings when we heard the knockingon the window it meant it was time to get up and cut the grass.
To the man who would always put goat pepper on every meal, we are going to miss you daddy. We can continue to reminisce about you and the good times we shared, but God called you home and took you out of your suffering. We wish that all could have been together to hold and hug you and say goodbye as that was the hardest thing in life that we never got the chance to do as a family.
We will keep your legacy going for as long as we live and always remember the life lessons you taught us. We have our mummy now.
Take your rest and we will see you on the other side.
We love you daddy.
Darion, Jamaal, and Vernon
Gardens Symmonett
Dill seed
Tomatoes
Garlic tree
Mango tree
Spice tree
Red kidney beans
Apple Banana
Sugar Banana
Dulf Bananna
Hog Banana
Sugar cane
Spanish Thyme
Rosemary tree
Sour Sop
Pigeon peas
Coconut tree
Sweet potato
Guinne Hen leave
Thistle plant
Lemon / fever grass
Catnip tree
Bergeronia
Tree of life
Cerasee
Avocado
Guava
Pepper mint
Finger pepper
Lime tree
Okra Tree
Sour Lime
Pineapple Tree
Spinach Tree
We Remember
William Arthur
Geoffrey Symmonett Sr.
20 July 1915 - 10 March 1991
Christopher Symmonett
12 October 1941 - 19 June 2004
Sheila Symmonett 23 February 1944 - 18 March 2020
Priscilla Kitty Symmonett
Lionel Symmonett 24 June 1930 - 6 March 2022
Vernon Symonette 8 November 1937 - 7 July 2022
26 September 1910 - 13 November 2013
Acknowledgment
We, the family of Geoffrey Symmonett are grateful to all who have given us strength and encouragement through your prayers, cards, visits, phone calls and assistance. We would also like to thank the Clergy of St. Barnabas Parish and to you our many relatives, friends, neighbors, and the wider community.
May God Bestow his Richest Blessings on You - THE FAMILY-
PallBearers
Don Symmonett Oris Symmonett
Jamaal Symmonett Karlen Symmonett
Vernon Dean Jr. Derek Sands
Honorary PallBearers
Darion Symmonett Stephen O. Symmonett
Benjamin Seymour Totaram Ramarttan Jr.
Funeral Service Entrusted To:
P.O. Box N-1026
Nassau Street
Nassau, Bahamas
242.322.4433 (T) 242.328.2314 (F)
242.422.1033 (M)
Provided by SIDDA Communications Group
Tel: 394-BOOK (2665)
Mobile: (242) 818-3478
Email: info@siddagroup.com
Nassau, N.P. Bahamas