Celebrating the Life and Legacy of The late
Edna Vernetta Gray Evans July 24th,1938-August 30th,2018 80years old Held at Southwest Cathedral Carmichael Road Nassau Bahamas Saturday, September 22nd,2018 11am Officiating Pastor Rhodrick Brown Assisted By Other Ministers of The Gospel Interment Woodlawn Gardens Soldier Road Directing The New Commonwealth Funeral Home
Edna Vernetta Evans (nee Gray) lived a life characterized by humility, faith, sacrifice and perseverance. She was born to Rollie Gray and Beatrice Pratt on July 24, 1938, McKanns, Long Island, Bahamas. Her birthplace is where she would be educated, learn the value of family relationships, learn the importance of a strong work ethic and shape the boundaries of her religious outlook. At the age of nine, Edna moved with her mother and stepfather from Long Island to the island of New Providence. In a few short years, she would begin working for the estate and family of the Bahamas’ first Baronet. Working for the Oakes family for twenty years would be Edna’s most enduring form of employment. Following this job, she was hired by her elder cousin, and somewhat of a second mother, Nettie Curry, who operated a private linen and uniform service. The relationship between Nettie and Edna was pivotal to the maturation of Edna from young girl to resilient, responsible woman. Throughout this time, Edna would give birth to seven children and marry Mr. Basil Ellsworth Evans Sr. (deceased). Her family would become the bedrock of her existence, the motivation for her hard work, the subject of thousands of her prayers and the enthusiasm for so much of her joy and laughter. Shortly after her arrival from Long Island, Edna Evans made another significant set of relationships. She would become a member of the Dixie Highway Church of God. Wulff Road was not yet a formal thoroughfare, still unpaved and with little vehicular traffic. For over fifty years Edna served the members of the church in a number of capacities and graced the third pew of the western side of the building with her warmth, stylish dress and strong alto. After retiring from the formal world of work, Edna continued energetically as the caretaker of the babies of family and the friends of family. In doing so, she supported herself and made a positive impact on dozens of families. With certainty, she imprinted a lasting image of a loving mother figure on the hearts and minds of the children she took care of.
Reminded by the subtle nudges of her own mortality, Edna Evans reluctantly brought her babysitting service to a halt. Her free time then fully occupied by visits to and from family and friends, leisurely resting in the shade of her car port and attendance at her church. In mid-July 2018, Edna was admitted to the Princess Margaret Hospital. Subsequently, on the darkest, quietest part of the morning of August 30, 2018, she breathed for the final time. Her journey in this realm was complete. She joined the God in whom she had put her trust. Edna Evans was of a rare class of women. Whether it was through a word of encouragement, a shy smile, or a plate of good food, her meek, generous example is one that will endure. Left to grieve her absence and celebrate her memory are the following: Daughters: Indianna Seymour, Ella Cooper, Alisa Larrimore and Registered Nurse Felicia Evans. Sons: Detective Sergeant 527 Basil Evans Jr., Christopher Evans Sr. and Antoine Evans. Adopted Children: Trevor McPhee, Eureka Lockhart, Julieth Wallace, Aultrece Munroe, Marvin Major of Atlanta, Georgia and Targina Sands. Step Children: Tyrone Clarke, Suzanne Clarke, Kayla Dean, Adrian Evans, Roslyn Evans, Zhivargo Evans, Melissa Evans and Jamal Evans. Sons-in-Law: Arthur Seymour and Charles Larrimore. Daughter-in-Law: Leicester Evans. Brothers: Verdon Gray, Felix Gray and Rhodrick Gray. Sisters: Irene Rahming (deceased), Lenora Major, Lulamae Minus, Hazel Austin, Grace Dean and Curlena Gray. Aunts: Alice Miller and Dorothy Miller.
Uncles: Charlie Gray of Fort Pierce, Florida and Hallie Gray. Brothers-in-Law: Vernal Major, Nick Austin, Theodore Rahming, Bruce Dean, Perry Gilbert, Frank Gilbert, Samuel Gilbert and Bedie McKenzie. Sister-in-Law: Jackie Gray, Clara Gray, Eleanor Turnquest, Peggy Gilbert, Jackie Gilbert, Edith Gilbert, Merril Culmer (deceased), Mary McKenzie (deceased). Grandchildren: Jon Rahming, Marvin Rahming (Deneil), Jason Rahming (Ariel), Yana Bethel (Jermaine), Deron Butler, Khari Maycock, Vashti Evans, Aishya Evans, Christopher Evans Jr., Denise Lightbourne, Willdaja Percentie, Camera Darling, Cameri Darling, Zion Bannister, Terio Smith, Trevon Dean, Shaun Dean and Kayshauna Dean, Lamarinque Evans. Great-Grandchildren: Stephon Rahming, Xavion Rahming, Aniya Rahming, Carmelo Rahming, Teniel Rahming and Jerneisha Bethel. Great-Great-Grandchildren: Zordia Rahming Nieces and Nephews: Kenva Beneby, Tekea Cash, Naa-mah Rahming, Adrian Rahming, Bradley Major, Kevin Major, Nadia Major, Randy Major, Valerie Minus, Theresa Minus, Novia Davis, Tanya Strachan, Herbert Minus, Sean Austin, Ron Austin, Larissa Rolle, Latriska Kemp, Ryan Austin, Bryan Austin, Charmaine Johnson, Charlton Dean, Kareem Dean, Javon Forbes, Doral Gray, Ricardo Gray, Henry Gray, Alvin Gray, Desmond Gray, Deangelo Gray, Dwayne Gray, Sheena Gray, Glen Gray, Nadia Gray, Natasha Gray, Shakera Gray, Tanno Gray, Tammy Gray, Samea Gray, Rodney Gray and Denise Gray. Godchildren: Susan Marche, Winifred Longley, Bernadette Brennen, Phillipa Cooper and Carlos Thompson. Host of other relatives and friends including: Gwendolyn Evans and family, Minister Joydawn Roberts and family, Almeta Brown,
Vanessa Seymour, Bryan Miller, Dwight Miller, Oscar Miller Jr., Ricardo Miller, Judy Gray, Garfield Gray, Betty Miller, Shirley Miller, Diane Miller, Donald Miller, Junior Miller, Mary Young, Hesford Brooks Sr., Sonia Storr, Pamela Brooks, Owen Brooks, Johnimae Brooks, Dr. Hesford Brooks Jr., Carrie Gray, Ella Gray, Mavis Gray, Joyce Gray, Sinclair Gray, Lamont Gray, Fletcher Ferguson, Lillis Strachan, Leona Miller, Stephanie Green, Hilda Saunders, Ann Major, Miriam Bowe and family, Christine Major, Rev. Sherwin and Dorothy Smith and family, Fredricka Johnson, Althea Hepburn and family, Florence Butler, Rhoda Knowles, Rev. Reginald Saunders and family, Cynthia Sands and family, Iris Tynes and family, Charles and Elva Turner and family, George Turner and family, Joann Webb and family, Mabelline Hemmings and family, Bishop Rhodrick Brown and family, Ken and Mercelita O’brien, Dr. Keith O’brien and family, Michael Bowleg and family, Carl Brice and family, William and Katherine Percentie and family, Christine Oliver, Eunice Smith and family, Lizetta Adderley, Patsy Miller, Ivarina Miller, Helena Curry, Debbie Wallace, Brenda Wilkinson and family, Carolyn Jolly and family, Hollyann Colebrooke, Frances Horton, Children of the late Clayton and Gladys Kelly, Betty McPhee, New Dixie Church of God family, Mt. Nebo Baptist Church family, New Born Church of God family, Guadeloupe Street Community, Criminal Record Office Central Detective Unit of The Royal Bahamas Police Force, Class of ’87 St. Augustines College, Class of ’79 Government High School, Jesus People Ministries International, Miami, Florida, Doctors and Nurses of Princess Margret Hospital, Intensive Care Unit, Dr. HuntBurrows, Dr. Dames, Gynecological and Maternal Wards of The Princess Margret Hospital and other relatives and friends too numerous to mention.
Order of Service Processional Seating of Family Moderator | Minister Keith Rolle Opening Hymn | Heaven’s Jubilee Some glad morning, we shall see Jesus in the air Coming after you and me, joy is ours to share What rejoicing, that will be, when the saints shall raise Headed for that jubilee, yonder in the skies.
Seems that now I almost see all the sainted dead Raising for that jubilee, that is just ahead In the twinkling of an eye, changed with them to be All the living saints to fly to that jubilee
(Chorus) Oh what singing, Oh what shouting On that happy morning, when we all shall rise Oh what glory, hallelujah? When we meet our blessed Saviour in the skies.
When with all the heavenly host, we’ll begin to sing, Singing in the Holy Ghost how the heav’ns ring Millions there will join the song, with them we shall be Praising Christ thru ages long, Heaven’s jubilee.
Invocation | Pastor Reginald Saunders Old Testament Reading | Psalm 91 | Trevon Dean (Grandson) Congregational Hymn | I’m Glad I Counted the Cost When first I started to seek the Lord, I’m glad I counted the cost; I fully measured my Jesus’ Word; I’m glad I counted the cost.
I laid my sorrows at Jesus’ feet, I’m glad I counted the cost; And now I’ve pleasures so pure and sweet, I’m glad I counted the cost. I’ve bid farewell to this world of sin, I’m glad I counted the cost; And now my Jesus abides within, I’m glad I counted the cost.
(Chorus) I’ve paid the price and obtained the prize, He saved my soul that was lost; And now my treasures are in the skies, I’m glad I counted the cost.
I cast on Jesus my every care, I’m glad I counted the cost; And all my burdens He helps to bear, I’m glad I counted the cost. ’Twill not be long till the Lord shall come, I’m glad I counted the cost; And bear my soul to that heav’nly home, I’m glad I counted the cost.
Tribute | Theresa Minus (Niece) New Testament Reading | I Corinthians 15:50-58 Naa-mah Rahming (Niece) Selection | Bishop Cephas & Minister Brenda Dames Condolences | Ministers (2 mins.) Congregational Hymn | It is Well 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 His Cross, and I bear it no more; Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, O my soul!
It is well with my soul! It is well, it is well with my soul!
For me, be it Christ, be it Christ hence to live; If dark hours about me shall roll, No pang shall be mine, for in death as in life Thou wilt whisper Thy peace to my soul.
Though Satan should buffet, though trials should come, Let this blest assurance control, That Christ hath regarded my helpless estate, And hath shed His own blood for my soul. As I Knew Her | Franklyn Rolle (Friend) Trevor McPhee (Adopted Son) Obituary | To be read in silence Solo | Targina Sands (Adopted Daughter) Introduction of Speaker | Moderator Eulogy | Bishop Rhoderick Brown
Prayer for the Family | Minister Theodore Rahming (Brother-in-Law) Benediction | Moderator
Recessional Hymn | When the Roll is Called Up Yonder There was a time I traveled A lonely sinful road Beneath a heavy burden bending low But now all things are different For Jesus took my load It’s alright now I’m His I know
A-down a lonely pathway Without a friend to guide I walked in sin and sorrow all alone ‘Til Jesus came and found me And drew me to His side It’s alright now for I’m His own
Chorus: It’s alright now For I am in my Savior’s care It’s alright now My Savior hears and answers prayer He’ll walk beside me ‘Til I climb the heav’nly stair And ev’rything is alright now
No more in sin I wander No more in darkness roam The Lord has placed My feet on higher ground Each day new heights I’m gaining My soul is nearing home It’s alright now I’m heaven bound
Graveside Service Opening Sentences | Minister Opening Prayer | Minister Opening Hymn | It’s Alright Now Committal | Minister Hymn | When We All Get to Heaven My Savior First of All
WHEN WE ALL GET TO HEAVEN
WHERE THE SOUL NEVER DIES
Sing the wondrous love of Jesus, Sing His mercy and His grace. In the mansions bright and blessèd He’ll prepare for us a place.
To Canaan’s land I’m on my way, Where the soul (of man) never dies; My darkest night will turn to day, Where the soul (of man) never dies.
(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!
(Chorus) No sad farewells, no tear - dimmed eyes, Where all is love, and the soul never dies. Dear friends, there’ll be no sad fare-wells, There’ll be no tear-dimmed eyes, Where all is peace and joy and love, And the soul of man never dies.
While we walk the pilgrim pathway, Clouds will overspread the sky; But when travelling days are over, Not a shadow, not a sigh. Let us then be true and faithful, Trusting, serving every 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 open; We shall tread the streets of gold.
A rose is blooming there for me, Where the soul (of man) never dies; And I will spend eternity, Where the soul (of man) never dies. My life will end in deathless sleep, Where the soul (of man) never dies; And everlasting joys I’ll reap, Where the soul (of man) never dies. I’m on my way to that fair land, Where the soul (of man) never dies; Where there will be no parting hand, And the soul (of man) never dies.
Acknowledgement/Vote of Thanks | New Commonwealth Funeral Home
To My Friend Over the past 20 plus years I had the distinct pleasure of you being a dutiful neigbour and friend. I would never be concerned with my coming and going as you always kept a watchful eye. I remember with fondness our frequent visits when we would sit on the porch for hours and talk about life. On one of my recent returns from traveling you said “Out of all my friends that travel I always miss you so much”; and now I will be the one that Misses you forever. May Your Soul Rest In Peace Elva Turner
Edna Vernetta Gray Evans
A Virtuous Woman M
om you are a virtuous woman worthy of praise. You’re one who gave your last to ensure your children got what was needed. You nourished and groomed us according to the Word of God. You were always there encouraging and cheering us on no matter what. You spoke to us on life’s lessons.You always, always taught us not to render evil for evil but to let God fight for us despite what others do. You showed us how to be committed and faithful to God by example You stood on God’s promises no matter what curve ball life threw you From childhood to adulthood you presented each of us before your Master,praying for our salvation and protection We are saddened that your physical presence is now absent from us We know that you are basking in your Saviour’s love We love you Edna Vernetta Gray Evans, your memories will live on in our hearts and lives forever. The Children
To Grammy Who was the hero in your life? For some, it may be their parents, a friend or even a famous person that you admire. For me, the answer was my grandmother. Everyday for fifteen years of my life, she was involved in almost all aspects of my life and, although she is no longer among us, her lessons and words of wisdom continue to resonate with me. Everyone who knew my grandmother knew her to be generous. She gave what she had to others regardless of who you were. If she hadn’t seen you in a while, she would ask you how you were, ask about your family and, before you left, she would offer some words of advice and a few dollars. A little known aspect of hers was her stubborn nature. Once she made up her mind about something, nothing would change it. While I miss it now, there were times that I thought this trait was pretty annoying. Lastly, my grandmother was spiritual and this was something everybody knew. She prayed everyday regardless of the time and she attended church anytime a service was happening, unless she was sick or otherwise preoccupied. She knew her Bible better than the back of her hand but she continued to read it daily and quoted it to get her point across. All these aspects are what made my grandmother an inspiration for me. She loved and cherished those she encountered and prayed for their safety whenever she had an opportunity. So grammy, rest on because I know you’re in a better place and although I love you, Jesus loved you best. Khari Maycock, grandson
To Our Grammy God saw you getting tired And a cure was not to be So he put His arms around you And whispered “Come to me.” With tearful eyes we watched you As you slowly slipped away And though we loved you dearly We couldn’t make you stay. Your golden heart stopped beating Your tired hands put to rest God broke our hearts to prove to us He only takes the best. They say memories are golden well maybe that is true. We never wanted memories, We only wanted you. Your Life was love and labour, your love for your grandchildren true, You did your best for all of us, We will always remember you. If our tears could build a stairway, and memories alone. We will walk right up to heven, and bring you back home again. We Love you Grammy!!!
To My Phenomenal Step-Grandmother. You were the type to give your only tam to secure my head from draft. You were the type to give your last for me to get the ice cream cone I didn’t need. You were the type to comfort me when things got rough and always! Always! Insured me that everything was going to be alright once I trust the Lord. You were the type to sit on the porch for hours with me tell stories and talk about everything. You were the type to say what you mean and mean what you said. You were the type to invite me just about everywhere as if you knew your time was near. You were the type to laugh with me untill our stomach hurt and sound no longer came from our mouth. You were the type even when hospitalized to ask about the details of my work day as if I was the one laying in that bed. That’s how loving you were. You were the type to groom a little girl into a woman. You were the type to always wear a smile no matter what. You were the type to pray over my 1st car to ensure my safety. You were the type to call just to check up on me. You were the type to take me to church every Sunday. You were the type that I could never fully express the type you were on paper. You were a strong,independent, exquisite woman who never shed a tear in bad times. You Walked, spoke and dressed with elegance and grace. You were timeless and a work of art standing on your own. To know you was only to love you. Lord knows we love you, but he loves you more. Miss Evans we will miss you down here but no worries you have left enough of yourself for us to go on. Take your rest my darling, we will catch up later and talk about everything on a porch of your choosing. I love you! Willdaja
Message of Gratitude We, the family of the late Edna Vernetta Gray Evans, would like to express our humble gratitude and sincere thanks to all who, in one way or another, provided us with support in this time of bereavement. Our sorrow is easier to bear with help from God and friends like you. Your thoughts, prayers and especially your presence have been a source of strength to us and for this we thank you. Though we still mourn, our hearts swell and our spirits are lifted knowing that ‘Edna’ will forever be loved and remembered by each of you here today. We ask that you continue to lift us up in prayer. May the good Lord bless and keep you all in His perfect peace. The Family
Honorary Pall Bearers Basil Evans Jr Christopher Evans Sr Antione Evans Charles Larrimore
Pall Bearers Jon Rahming Marvin Rahming Jermaine Bethell Trevor McPhee Brian Miller Dwight Miller
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