Obituary of REV. GODFREY BRIAN
HUYLER
Godfrey Brian Huyler, the 4th son of seven children born to the late Herbert and Alice Huyler, on 13th March 1945, Meadow Street, Bain Town, New Providence.
He was born to be an independent person, which he portrayed throughout his adult life.
As a preteen, Godfrey worked in the market downtown Nassau selling fruits and vegetables for his grandmother, Rachel Huyler, before going to school. He attended St. Mary’s Day school, prior continuing his education at the Government Primary School and graduating from Western Senior School.
Godfrey was employed at the General Post Office while pursuing a course in plumbing. Upon completion, he worked as a plumber, at Bahamas Plumbing and gained a wealth of experience. In 1963, he moved to Freeport and worked at Wood Plumbing for a few years. During 1965, he claimed he wanted to move back to Nassau to be closer to his parents. However, his eyes were also in another direction towards JUDITH ROSE SAWYER. It was in December of that year, Godfrey proposed to Judith. The two were joined in Holy Matrimony in August 1966 and the rest is history.
Godfrey dedicated the rest of his life taking care of his wife ‘Ju’ and raising their 3 sons whom he loved. He did his very best to set a good example for his boys and those around him. His family was #1 priority.
His second love was Prince Hall Masonry. He joined The Prince Hall Lodge following the footsteps of his uncle Bruce Huyler where he spent more than forty years. Godfrey served as Worshipful Master, Grand Patron and onto the distinguished title of Grand Master. During his tenure he established the Prince Hall Family News Paper, the Prince Hall Band, the Prince Hall Corporative Union, and the Prince Hall Family Foundation. Due to his involvement all his sons are now Prince Hall Masons. Godfrey remained a member until the time of his death.
Godfrey was born to be an entrepreneur. Though he started out as an employee, he quickly got a taste of independence and never returned to the employment line. Godfrey owned and operated a wrecker, a bodywork shop, a construction company, a furniture store, a water and soda depot, a drug
store, an ice cream parlor (Super Dipper), a shed building company, car rental, car sales and travel agency (Aarow Travel and Tours) and many other business partnerships. If you ever needed help with a business, Godfrey would sit and talk with you about developing it. One of Godfrey’s most impressive skills was being a people person. He spoke to everyone. If you had a question, he had the answer. If you had a problem, he had the solution.
It was in the mid-nineties when Godfrey pursued a course in Theology at Baptist Bible Institute. A short time after graduating, Godfrey had a burning desire to serve more intimately with God. This desire birthed a new ministry for helping people. Thus, Bethesda Community Church was established in 2002. He served with distinction not only by preaching the word of God, but by also making sure that hot meals were served after service. A few years later, his act of service expanded to include clothing in December 2004. Godfrey received an Honorary Degree of Doctor of Divinity. In November 2007, he was presented with a B.A. in Christian Psychology and Counseling.
Until early 2024, even after his health began to decline, Godfrey made sure that after every Sunday service, hot meals were served and clothing distributed to those in need.
Godfrey was predeceased by his parents Herbert Sr. and Alice Huyler, siblings Judy Campbell, Constance Gardiner, and Herbert Jr.
Godfrey is survived by his loving Wife: Judith Rose of 58 years; Sons and Daughters-in-law: Godfrey Gavan (Pequita), Brian Mauricio (Yolanda), Kevin D’Marco (Raquel) and Rashad (Raynica); Grandchildren: Katherine, and Gabrielle Huyler, Cien (Tyler) Gordon, Leah Rodgers, Brian, Brandon, Blake, Rashad Burrows Jr.;
Great Granddaughter: Tylen Gordon;
Brothers: Kenneth, Arthur, Leroy (Rose) and Andrew (Donna) Huyler; Sisters: Ida Saunders and Luella Pratt (Cedric); Aunt: Albertha Bain; Brothers and Sisters-in-Law: Dorothea Charlow, Vivienne Huggins (Kenneth), Cecile Edgecombe, Cynthia Sturrup, Gaynelle Wood (Ralph), Garth (Nita), Clyde Warren (Daphne) and Dorcas Sawyer, Elaine Sawyer; Nephews: Shawn (Paulette), Glenroy, Donald (Drea), McQuin (Jasmin), Vladimir (Ursula), Dion (Chantel), Vincent, Dale, Denis, Jeffrey, Neil, Devon, Andy, Franco (Shantika), Douglas (Cindy), Darren, Julian, Giles, Ralph; Nieces: Tanya, Valerie, Sonia, Rosita, Alicia, Cedricka, Gina, Caron, Sonia Ida, Alfreda, Teako, Hanako, Raquel, D’Andra, Terelle (Bervin), Donna, Neil Claire, Dawn, Carla, Caron (Godfrey); Katerina, Larissa (Theo), Noelle, Sarah; Special Family and Friends: Gino and Beverley Nairn, Judy Deveaux, Vanria Munnings, Hillary Huyler, Kenneth and Mel Huyler, Stephanie Crawley, Maxine Bethel, Mary Thompson, Pat Moxey, Jamaine Bostwick and Sheldon Dean, Christine Clarke, Lillis Strachan, Dion and Linda Forsythe, Rev. and Mrs. Anthony Richardson, Cheryl Richardson, Cheryl Beauchamp, The St. James Community Baptist Church Family of Chicago, Illinois, Rev. Reginald and Dulcita Ferguson, Fritz Swan, Paula Balfe, Vernell Cash, Angela Wells, Keno and Vanessa Taylor, Stafford and Judy Rolle, Sadie Moss, Tom Basden Family, Mag Sherman, Patricia Clarke, Monique Oliver, Sidney and Sandra Deveaux, Leonie Stubbs, Rev. James Bain, Fernley Palmer, Rev. and Mrs. Ornan Johnson, Rev. Rolston and Mrs. Wendy Smith, Paula Rolle, B Man Archer, Lency Coakley, The Fernander Family, The Clarke Family, Marge Bowleg, The Saturday Round Table, Pastor Ricardo Turner, Lamont Bostfield, The Sea Breeze Community, The entire Prince Hall Family and a host of other relatives and friends too numerous to mention.
MAY HIS SOUL REST IN PEACE
Order of SERVICE
MODERATOR: Rev. Christopher Huyler-Roberts
MUSICAL PRELUDE | Organist, Zion Yamacraw Baptist Church
PRAISE & WORSHIP | Zion Yamacraw Baptist Church Praise Team
PROCESSIONAL AND SEATING OF THE FAMILY
OPENING REMARKS | Rev. Howard T.G. Smith
OPENING HYMN | “My God Is Real” | Congregation
There are some things, I may not know
There are some places, I cannot go
But I am sure, Of this one thing
My God is real, For I can feel Him in my soul
CHORUS
Yes God is real, He’s real in my soul
Yes God is real for He has washed and made me whole
His love for me Is just like pure gold.
Oh, I cannot tell, Just how I felt
When Jesus took my, My sins away
But since that day, Since that hour
God has been real, For I can Feel
His holy power
OPENING PRAYER | Rev. Larry Austin
PRAYER
RESPONSE IN SONG | “Goodness of God” | Congregation
I love you, Lord
For Your mercy never fails me
All my days, I’ve been held in Your hands
From the moment that I wake up
Until I lay my head
Oh, I will sing of the goodness of God
CHORUS
Cause all my life You have been faithful
And all my life You have been so, so good
With every breath that I am able
Oh, I will sing of the goodness of God
I love Your voice
You have led me through the fire
In darkest night You are close like no other
I’ve known You as a Father
I’ve known You as a Friend
And I have lived in the goodness of God.
Your goodness is running after, it’s running after me
Your goodness is running after, it’s running after me
With my life laid down, I surrender now
I give You everything
Your goodness is running after, it’s running after me.
SCRIPTURE READING | (Old Testament - Psalms 91:1-7) | Beverley Nairn
AS I KNEW HIM | Rev. Ornan Johnson
SCRIPTURE READING | (New Testament – John 10: 27-29) | Clyde Sawyer
SOLO | Rev. Christopher Huyler-Roberts
COND OLENCES | Rev. Anthony Lawrence Richardson
Senior Pastor, St. James Community Baptist Church of Broadview, Illinois
Grand Master, P.H.A, Lee Wallace
SOLO | Cheryl Charlow
EULOGY | Rev. Dr. Glendon E. Rolle, Ph.D., Esq.
Pastor Zion Yamacraw Baptist Church
PRAYER FOR THE FAMILY | Rev. Canon Stephen Davies
RECESSIONAL HYMN | “When We All Get To Heaven” | Congregation
Sing the wondrous love of Jesus, Sing His mercy and His grace; In the mansions bright and blessed He’ll prepare for us a place.
CHORUS
When we all get to heaven, What a day of rejoicing that will be!
When we all see Jesus, We’ll sing and shout the victory!
While we walk the pilgrim pathway
Clouds will overspread the sky; But when trav’ling days are over Not a shadow, not a sigh.
Let us then be true and faithful, Trusting, serving ev’ry day; Just one glimpse of Him in glory Will the toils of life repay.
Onward to the prize before us!
Soon His beauty we’ll behold; Soon the pearly gates will openWe shall tread the streets of gold.
RECESSIONAL OF MINISTERS AND CASKET
Graveside SERVICE
OPENING REMARKS
HYMN | “City of Gold”
1 There’s a city of light
| Rev. Dr. Glendon E. Rolle, Ph.D. Esq.
2 There’s no sorrow up there
Where there cometh no night, In that city so fair ‘Tis a city of beauty untold; And no sickness can enter I’m told; All my treasures are there Shadows all will have flown, And its beauty I’ll share I will meet friends I’ve known, When I get to that city of gold. When we get to that city of gold.
CHORUS
3 Won’t you go there with me
When I leave all trouble and care, To the home of the free, I will say good morning up there; Would you see heaven’s beauty unfold? I will have great gladness untold, If you will come along When I get to that city of gold. We will sing heaven’s song, When we get to that city of gold.
PRAYER | Rev. Dr. Glendon E. Rolle, Ph.D. Esq.
COMMITTAL | Rev. Dr. Glendon E. Rolle, Ph.D. Esq.
HYMN | “Glad Reunion Day”
There will be a happy meeting in Heaven, I know
When we see the many loved ones we’ve known here below Gathered on that blessed hilltop with hearts all aglow That will be a glad reunion day.
CHORUS
A glad day, a wonderful day, A glad day, a glorious day
There with all the holy angels and loved ones to stay That will be a glad reunion day.
When we live a million years in that wonderful place
Basking in the love of Jesus, beholding His face It will seem but just a moment of praising His grace
That will be a glad reunion day.
CLOSING REMARKS | Rev. Dr. Glendon E.
HYMN | “Farther Along”
1 Tempted and tried we’re oft made to wonder,
Rolle, Ph.D. Esq.
3 Faithful till death said our loving Master, Why it should be thus all the day long;
A few more days to labor and wait; While there are others living about us, Toils of the road will then seem as nothing, Never molested though in the wrong. As we sweep through the beautiful gate.
2 When death has come and taken our loved ones,
4 When we see Jesus coming in glory, It leaves our home so lonely and drear; When He comes from His home in the sky; Then do we wonder why others prosper, Then we shall meet Him in that bright mansion, Living so wicked year after year. We’ll understand it all by and by.
CHORUS
Farther along we’ll know all about it, Farther along we’ll understand why; Cheer up, don’t worry, live in the sunshine, We’ll understand it all by and by.
HYMN | “Blessed Assurance”
Blessed Assurance, Jesus is mine
Oh, what a foretaste of glory divine
Heir of salvation, purchase of God
Perfect Submission, perfect delight
Visions of rapture now burst on my sight
Angels descending bring from above Born of his Spirit, washed in His blood
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
TRIBUTE TO OUR FATHER
Daddy, it still does not feel real; waking each day knowing you are no longer here with us. There is a part of us that has always felt like you would be around to guide us through whatever life throw our way. You were more than just our father. You were our rock, our foundation, the one who gave us wise counsel and the strength to hold us steady. We are trying our very best to keep it together. However, there is no denying the void you left behind. We take comfort, though, in the fact that you taught us so much in the time we had with you. Lessons that will remain with us. You showed us what it meant to be strong, to be men of integrity, to always care for our own, and as brothers to be each other’s best friend. We are grateful for the way you lived, the sacrifices you made and the love you gave us. It is your memories which will keep us going even when the days feel heavy. We miss you everyday day daddy, “George”, and will keep your spirit alive. Yes, Mommy is safe and well taken care off. Your legacy lives on in us and we will make certain it never fades. Love, Gavan, Ricio and Marco
TRIBUTE TO MY HUSBAND
We have had challenges but prevailed with God’s help, strength, good health, endurance, and our strong belief in God. God has been ever-present in our time of need. Godfrey, my Godfrey, you were my all-in-all. The fun and memories can never be erased. Thank you for being my best friend. Thank you for being there for JU. You will forever linger in my mind UNTIL WE MEET AGAIN.
Your Wife, Judith
Tributes TO OUR BROTHER
We did not see it coming. Life has a way of showing us its hurtful side again. There is no way to make up for the time lost as it’s gone, but there are always old memories of shared advice with hearty laughter of the way things use to be. You lived your life to its fullest and now you’ve gone home to take your rest. We love you brother, but God loves you best.
Your Brother Kenneth
I never would have imagined that you would leave so soon. Just like that, you went away. I’m lost for words. Godfrey Brian Huyler, my “Gupie”. I will always remember your words of wisdom and encouragement that you shared. Our laughter and talks about the good old days growing up in Bain Town. My heart is full, but I dare not question God. You are in a better place. I than God for the time he allowed you to live and enjoy your family. We loved you life and in death. Take your rest in the arms of Jesus.
Your sister Luella
Today we gather to honor and celebrate the life of my Big Brother Godfrey “KILLER O’BRIAN” Huyler.
A unique person who was both large in life and in person. He was a caring loving person who was known as a problem solver, who firmly believed that he could and should help anyone who showed up asking or appearing to be in need of his help. A God-fearing man who loved and cared for his wife, children and siblings.
I believe that Godfrey was blessed by our grandmother Rachel Huyler (deceased) who openly showed her love for him. man, missing you already “bro”, I know that you were a Godly man who has passed on from life to eternity. God bless.
Your Brother Andrew
A TRIBUTE TO MY BROTHER, MR. GODFREY HUYLER
To me, family means having people in your life who love and accept you for who you are, those who will do anything to make you smile and who love you unconditionally.
Herbert and Alice Huyler embodied this from the moment we met. They embraced me as their daughter, and I, in turn, became part of their family. With them, I gained not just parents but nine siblings: Kenneth, Hubert, Arthur, Leroy, Judy, Constance, Godfrey, Andrew and Luella. Our bond grew in beautiful and special ways, deepening with time.
I have so many fond memories of Godfrey. As a young man, he often pressed boundaries with Mother, and as his big sister, I was always there to lend a hand. Whether it was ensuring he left the house on time after over sleeping for school in a freshly pressed shirt or distracting Mother and Herb so he could sneak back in unnoticed, we shared many laughs and moments of solidarity.
Godfrey was the glue that held us together. He organized everything: from family celebrations and birthdays to trips and even cruises, with Judy always assisting. As life got busier and children entered our lives, Godfrey made sure our bond only grew stronger. We proudly took on new roles as Godparents and celebrated one another’s milestones.
Even as our children grew, we remained close. I cherish the times we visited each other, especially trips to Berth, Roy, and Junior. One of my most treasured memories is our last time together. We stood in front of Mother’s house, took a photo, and he said, “See you later, ‘I.’” I responded as always, “Love ya.”
As Desmond Tutu so beautifully said, “You don’t choose your family. They are God’s gift to you, as you are to them.” Godfrey, you were truly a gift to us all. So, see you later, dear brother. I love you and will forever be grateful for all you did for me and my children, Jeffrey, Lynden and Sonia.
With love, Your big, little sister, Ida
Dear Family, God sent a message to us through his son Jesus Christ, word of comfort and hope of which he promised us to love him and he will give us everlasting life in his kingdom. I know my brother Godfrey made it through the gates of Heaven. I am sure.
Arthur , Rosita, Alicia, Quin , Trevor and our North Carolina family.
