Peureton Higgs Book

PEURETON

JOSUSIA HIGGS

1961 - 2024

SERVICE HELD AT

Paradise Baptist Church

Five Cays, Providenciales, Turks AND Caicos Island

Saturday, March 2, 2024

OFFICIATING:

Rev’d Dr. S. Goldston Williams

Pastor Richard Cairns

Rev’d Derek Hamilton

Pastor Bradley Handfield

INTERMENT:

The Bight Public Cemetery

DIRECTING:

Corey’s funeral Chapel

“I shall pass this way but once; any good that I can do or any kindness I can show to any human being; let me do it now. Let me not defer nor neglect it, for I shall not pass this way again.”

Etienne de Grellet

Obituary

Lives of great men all remind us

We can make our lives sublime, And, departing, leave behind us Footprints on the sands of time;

Footprints, that perhaps another, Sailing o’er life’s solemn main, A forlorn and shipwrecked brother, Seeing, shall take heart again.

Tuesday November 7, 1961 will forever be etched on the hearts of the ever-growing Higgs clan of Conch Bar Middle Caicos. It was that day Theodore Ebenezer and Ivis Beatrice Higgs (both deceased) welcomed their tenth child whom they took pride in naming Peureton Josusia (Josiah). Peureton like all the other children of that time grew up in a Christian home where Godly principles were instilled in him from an early age. His mother, a nononsense woman and choir mistress saw to it that morals and respect were instilled in him. As was the norm of that day, Peureton began his academic journey at the Conch Bar All Age school (now the Doris Robinson Primary School) under the tutelage of the late Doris Robinson. It was there a solid educational foundation was laid which would be the bedrock of his future educational endeavors. In 1974 Peureton matriculated to the Turks and Caicos High School (now H.J. Robinson High school) in Grand Turk. This was a rare opportunity during that time as High schools were not as easily accessible as they are today. This was a blessing afforded to very few.

Upon arrival in Grand Turk, Peureton was entrusted to the care of Mr. Alec and Mrs. Edith “Dolly” Dickenson who were his guardians during his tenure in High School. It was during these years in Grand Turk that many of his lifelong friendships were forged- friendships and bonds that lasted decades. It was also during his time in high school he was given the alias Marley because of his knotty Afro which resembled the dreadlocks of famous reggae artist Bob Marley. This new name would be the name the world came to know him as and a name he really loved. It is alleged that he loved the name

Marley more than he did Peureton. Marley completed his secondary education and graduated with the glass of 1979. In pursuit of academic excellence and being the highly motivated, ambitious and aggressive person he was he later enrolled in the Antigua State College where he obtained a teaching diploma in building technology (woodwork/ carpentry). Upon completion of his tertiary education Marley returned home and gained employment with the Turks and Caicos Islands Government as a teacher stationed at the Doris Robinson Primary. This was a noteworthy accomplishment for him. Not only was he afforded the opportunity to impact lives, but he got to do it at his alma mater. Unfortunately, his career as a teacher was short lived, however the skills he acquired in college in building technology/ carpentry would go on to mold and shape his future career as a successful professional construction contractor known throughout the Turks and Caicos Islands.

As years went on, Marley matured into a dashing promising young man. It was his desire to seek a lifelong companion and that opportunity presented itself in July 1981 when he attended the wedding of his cousin in Lorimers, Middle Caicos. It was there he beheld for the very first time the beautiful Lundie Smith of Bottle Creek, North Caicos who was attending the very same wedding. According to Lundie, “Everywhere I went somehow Marley seemed to be present and very visible. Avoiding him was not an option.” He was bitten, she was smitten – the rest was history. The couple were later joined in Holy Matrimony on July 27th 1985. This union went on to produce 1 daughter whom they adored, Purilun Luchair.

Shortly after their marriage the young couple relocated to Providenciales in search of better employment opportunities. Marley was a hard worker with great work ethics, he was bound for success. He first gained employment with Conch farm in 1986 where he served in various capacities, notably as one of

its managers and the employees bus driver. His colleagues testify that he was indeed a dependable, dedicated, hard worker with an infectious smile and bubbly personality. It was during his time at Conch Farm he had his first experience as an entrepreneur when he opened a watersports company. He was some of the first locals to launch out in this area of entrepreneurship. In pursuit of maximizing his full potential Marley left Conch Farm in 1993 and opened and owned many more successful businesses, namely Apex construction and cabinetry, Club Sodax and two apartment complexes. He was undoubtedly a very ambitious and hardworking man. Marley was a family man. He was Lundie’s Marls, Luchair’s Daddy -because only she had a daddy and Kwale’s big belly Papa. They were his world and everything evolved around them. To his extended family and friends, he was the helper, the one with the biggest heart, always willing to help where he could and always ready to give. Nothing was too good for those he loved. He never referred to his sisters by their names, it was always “my sister”. To his nieces and nephews, he was the cool uncle who was always up for a good time. He never called any of them by name, but instead “my niece” or “my nephew/ neph”. Marley accepted everyone with an opened heart, opened arms and a perpetual smile. If the bottom was falling out of his world one would never know because he made the best of it and always looked for the ray of light in a dark situation. Marley was known to be the life of every party or family event he attended. He loved dancing, playing dominoes and spending time with family. He always believed that where there was good music, there should be dancing otherwise the music would be wasted. That was Marley, fun and jovial at all times.

Peureton Josusia “Marley” Higgs’ life was tragically snatched away on Friday, February 2, 2024, after 8pm outside his residence in Glass shack during a senseless act of violence. He was only 62 years old with so much planned to be

accomplished and so much more to offer. While we may not understand God’s will, we trust His perfect plan. The will of God will never take us, where the comfort of God cannot dry our tears.

Marley, a kind and thoughtful soul, will be sorely missed and remembered for the many lives he touched. Marley everyone you left in this world hates that you are gone. We will always love and miss you until we meet again. Left to cherish his fondest memories: His wife of 38 years Lundie;

Daughter: Luchair;

Grandson: Kwale ;

Sisters: Daisy, Wealthy, Carramanda, Punchetta, Betty, Nina, Whitleen, Vennis and Wandamae;

Brothers: Franklyn, Silas, Clinton, Carlton, Peter, Royal and Nelson;

Sisters in law: Jenamay, Patsy, Nova, Donita, Rossetti, Diane, Shirleen, Julie, Irene, Josefina and Elaine;

Brothers in law: Dennis Snr, George, Cardinal, Rev. Samuel, Dennis, Alpheus, Errol, Arnold, Wainwright and Mason;

Aunt: Patience ‘Leo’ Missick;

Steps-sibling: Yvette, Samuel (Beatrice), Lydia, Bernie, Aditha, Sharon, Joshua and Quinton; Nieces and Nephews: Lee (Tony), Elloner, Alvera, Vaneta, Wendy (Phillip),Dennis Jr, Tessa (Adrian), Bethel, Charles, Debra, Ansilee, Desilene, Melvin (Judy), Judymae (Paswell), Felton (Tamica), Paula (Johnny), Valeda (Stellon), Kelsey, Kerwin, Kwam, Desmond, Shenique, Mesha, Kimberly, Mark, Barbara, Dwight (Julene), Derek (Joy), Pamela (Dennis), Gary, D’angelo (Lisa), Danielle, Dante, Danalio, Clintera, Stephen, Denaz (Charlene), Demekos, Dejeana, Linval (Kelly), Donvanno (Stevonya), Samuelear, Deserika, Brenton, Carlton, Jamaal, Shera, LaTera, Kaden, DeShawn, Alex (Vickiana), Fred, Royal Jr, Franklyn (jr),Jeff, Bruce, Derrick, Coleman, Dwight, Sabrina, Claudia, Nicola, Timica, Keisha, Jennifer, Le’chea (Randy), Lakito, Lateka, Ruggiedell, Runa, Randy, Kwana, Kevin, Perez, Jerry,Rochelle, Tiffany, Jennifer Bridgett, Russell (Jabrinia), Roxann, Ruthann, Randell, Andre, Andreka,

Andy, Alpheus III, Chevonya and Ariel, Alexandria, Daveina, Deronetta, Sherika, Alphus IIII, Alphio, Alfred Arlington, Sibonne, Denisha, Denika, Denielle, Denrick and Dennis Jr.; Godson: Edric Smith; Numerous grand nieces, grand nephews, great grandnieces and great grand nephews;

Noteworthy cousins: Alco, Petrina, Alicia, Stalvert (Valerie), Byron, Larry, Iona (Hormel), Fairbell, Elsa (Barry), Evelyn, Marsha, Dadaune, Dale, Sherman, Clifford, Kim (Adelaide), Pastor Shirley, Lovely, Kay, Barbara, Keith, Vernon, Carvin, Samuel (Hamutal), Sarah, Beatrice, Chutton, Flint, Gwendolyn, Delia, Indira, Khalin, Beathia (Phillip), Bettyann, Dalton, Hyacinth, Tony, Karen, Roberta, Paul, Ralph, Rocky, Oehlers, Franco (Wilda), Joy, Debbie, Blossom, Faith, Harewood, Stanley, Jonathan, The descendants of the late Lothan and Edward Higgs, Descendants of the late Dottis Tucker, Satara Stubbs, Carrinilda OuttenDecedents, Gertrude Taylor, Flexie Robinson Jonathan Taylor, Julia Wright and Hellen Been; Dear friends: Hon. Jeffrey and Eleanor Hall, Joseph “Carlie” Robinson, Levard Evans, Brian Cyrus, Claude Henry, Carlos Silva, Philip Boire, Majid Afshar, Suzanne Van Veenendaal, Alvin and Kier Hegner, Stanley Williams, Chris Richardson, Barbara, Carl and Kathleen Moore and the Conch Bar, Bambara and Lorimers communities of Middle Caicos.

Numerous relatives too numerous to mention.

Marley was predeceased by his father Theodore, his mother Ivis, his sisters Dottis and Elaine, brothers Gleco, Hilgrove, Humphrey, Stafford, and Ruggie and his sister in-law Betty. May his soul Rest In Peace.

Order of Service

PRESERVICE | Voices of Unity

PROCESSION OF FAMILY

OPENING SENTENCES | Pastor Richard Cairns

OPENING HYMN | No Tears in Heaven

No tears in heaven, no sorrows given, All will be glory in that land; There’ll be no sadness, all will be gladness, When we shall join that happy band.

Refrain:

No tears in heaven fair, no tears, no tears up there, Sorrow and pain will have have flown; No tear, in heaven fair, no tears, no tears up there, No tears in heaven will be known.

INVOCATION | Rev. Derek Hamilton

Glory is waiting, waiting up yonder, Where we shall spend an endless day; There with our Savior, we’ll be forever, where no more sorrow can dismay.

Some morning yonder, we’ll cease to ponder O’er things this life has bro’t to view; All will be clearer, loved ones be dearer, In heav’n where all will be made new.

RESPONSE TO INVOCATION | Where No One Stands Alone

Once I stood in the night

With my head bowed low

In the darkness as black as could be

And my heart felt alone

And I cried, “Oh Lord Don’t hide your face from me”

Like a king, I may live

In a palace so tall

With great riches to call my own

But I don’t know a thing

In this whole wide world

That’s worse than being alone

[Chorus]

Hold my hand all the way

Every hour every day

Come here to the great unknown

Take my hand, let me stand

Where no one stands alone

Take my hand, let me stand

Where no one stands alone

OLD TESTAMENT READING | Psalm 46:1-11 | Ms. Shenique Higgs (Niece)

SOLO | Krishanah Williams

REFLECTION | Hon Jeffrey Hall (Friend)

Mr. Franco Smith (Cousin)

Mrs. M. Whitlean Williams (Sister)

CONDOLENCES | H.E Anya Williams Deputy Governor (Tci) Opposition Representative

Hon. Washington Misick (Premier, Turks & Caicos Islands)

SOLO | Mr. Russell Gardiner ( Nephew)

NEW TESTAMENT READING | 1st Corinthians 15:50-58 | Mrs. Valeda Gardiner (Niece)

TRIBUTE | HJRH Class Of 79”

VIDEO PRESENTATION

PRAISE AND WORSHIP

EULOGY | Rev. Dr. S. Goldston Williams

PRAYER OF COMFORT | Pastor Bradely Handfield

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS | Corey’s Funeral Chapel

RECESSIONAL HYMN | The Life Boat

We’re floating down the stream of time, We have not long to stay;

The stormy clouds of darkness

Will turn to brightest day.

Then let us all take courage, For we’re not left alone;

The lifeboat soon is coming To gather the Jewels home.

Refrain:

Then cheer, my brother, cheer, Our trials will soon be o’er, Our lov’d ones we shall meet, shall meet, Upon the golden shore.

We’re pilgrims and we’re strangers here, We’re seeking a city to come, The lifeboat soon is coming, To gather the Jewels home.

Sometimes the Devil tempts me, And says it’s all in vain

To try to live a Christian life

And walk in Jesus’ name;

But then we hear the Master say, “I’ll lend you a helping hand, And if you’ll only trust me, I’ll guide you to the land.”

BENEDICTION

The lifeboat soon is coming, By eyes of faith I see

As she sweeps thro’ the waters

To rescue you and me,

And land us safely in the port

With friends we love so dear.

“Get ready,” cries the Captain; “Oh, look, she’s almost here.”

Oh, now’s the time to get on board, While she is passing by;

But if you stand and wait too long, You shall forever die;

The fare is paid for one and all, The Captain bids you come, And get on board the lifeboat, She’ll carry you safely home.

COMMITTAL SERVICE

OPENING REMARKS | Rev’d Dr. S. Goldston Williams

PRAYER | Pastor Richard Cairns

HYMN | The Last Mile Of The Way

1 If I walk in the pathway of duty, If I work till the close of the day, I shall see the great King in His beauty When I’ve gone the last mile of the way.

Refrain:

When I’ve gone the last mile of the way, I will rest at the close of the day, And I know there are joys that await me

When I’ve gone the last mile of the way.

2 If for Christ I proclaim the glad story, If I seek for His sheep gone astray, I am sure He will show me His glory

When I’ve gone the last mile of the way.

COMMITTAL | Rev.D S. Goldston Williams

HYMN | City Of Gold

BENEDICTION

CLOSING HYMN | The Eastern Gate

1 I will meet you in the morning, Just inside the Eastern Gate; Then be ready, faithful pilgrim, Lest with you it be too late.

Refrain:

I will meet you, I will meet you

Just inside the Eastern Gate over there; I will meet you, I will meet you, I will meet you in the morning over there.

2 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.

3 Here the dearest of ties we must sever, Tears of sorrow are seen ev’ry day, But no sickness, no sighing forever When I’ve gone the last mile of the way

4 And if here I have earnestly striven, And have tried all His will to obey, ‘Twill enhance all the rapture of heaven

When I’ve gone the last mile of the way.

3 Keep your lamps all trimmed and burning; For the Bridegroom watch and wait; He’ll be with us at the meeting Just inside the Eastern Gate

4 Oh, the joys of that glad meeting With the saints who for us wait! What a blessed, happy meeting Just inside the Eastern Gate!

Tribute To My Late Husband,

“To my beloved Marls, you have left this earth, but your love remains etched in my heart forever”.

“ In your absence, I find strength in the memories we created together”.

“You were not just my husband; you were my confidant, my best friend, and my rock, I miss you every day”.

“Though you’re gone, your legacy of love and kindness lives on in our child”.

“You were the love of my llife, and I will cherish our time together always”.

“My heart aches for your presence, but I’m grateful for the time we had together”.

“Though my tears flow, they are a testament to the depth of our love”.

“Your memory is a light that shines even in my darkest hours”.

“In the quiet moments, I feel your presence, and it brings me comfort”.

“Our love story may have ended, but the love we shared will live on in my heart”.

“I will forever be grateful for the love you gave me, and the love you left behind”.

“ You were my protector, and your love continues to shelter me”.

“Each day without is a reminder of the precious moments we had together”.

“You may be gone, but your love surrounds me like a warm embrace”.

“ I find solace in knowing that we will be reunited one day”.

“Your love was a gift, and I cherish if now more than ever”.

“I carry your love with me, like a secret treasure, locked deep within my heart”.

“You were my forever love, and I’ll hold onto that forever”.

“Our love was a beautiful symphony, and even in your absence, the music plays on”.

“Your love gave me wings, and I’ll continue to soar in your memory”.

“I miss the sound of your laughter but I hear it in my heart every day”.

“You were my partner in life and I will honor your memory by living a life of love and purpose”.

“Your love was a beacon of light, and I’ll carry that light forward.”

“You were my soulmate, and your love will forever be etched on my soul”.

“Until we meet again, my love, I’ll hold you in my heart and keep your memory alive”

Your loving Wife, Lundie

My Daddy’s Gone

Like a little girl, I am waiting, But this time anxiously: For someone Lord anyone, To bring my daddy back to me.

I fear I must be dreaming, I’m have a nightmare; Cause I can’t see my daddy, Though I’m looking everywhere.

My daddy’s never left me, He must be coming back; Days turns to night and day again, Leaving behind an ugly fact.

My daddy was my life support, He was my everything; My babysitter, my Visa, my Santa Claus; I asked and he would bring.

The memories of his Undying Love, Struggle excruciatingly with the pain; Oh, to hear my daddy’s voice, But silence instead remains.

I pray dear Lord to give me strength, To show me how to cope, My Daddy’s gone! He’s really gone! Lord replace my pain with hope.

Love and miss you dearly! Luchair

IN LOVING MEMORY OF A SPECIAL BROTHER

Brother, since your passed away

Life just hasn’t been the same

We would move heaven and earth

To have you here with us again

The time we spent together Meant the world to us

We have many treasured memories

As we grew up together, happily

We are so grateful for the years we had And the closeness that we shared Your thoughtfulness and loyalty

And the way you always cared.

You were a wonderful Brother, We miss you no end

You were more than just our family … You were a kind and supportive friend.

Until we meet again,

Your siblings

Daisy, Wealthy, Caramanda, Franklyn, Punchetta, Nina, Royal, Silas, Betty, Clinton, Peter, Whitleen, Carlton, Nelson, Venice, and Wandamae

TO MY DEAREST (FAVORITE)

UNCLE MARLEY,

Unc, I’m holding back the tears remembering your voice, your laughter, your dance moves, those wonderful and happy times spent with you.

If I knew Sunday, January 28th would have been the last time I saw you and hugged you, I would have embraced you a little longer. I can’t think of anything I wouldn’t give, to see your smile, to hear your voice, to receive a WhatsApp message from you just to check on me. Just to dance with you and laugh with you again, for since you’ve been gone life feels like a bad dream.

I love and appreciate you in life and I love you even more in death. Your memories will live on in my heart.

Forever in my heart, Your niece Tammy

AFTERGLOW

I’d like the memory of me to be a happy one. I’d like to leave an afterglow of smiles when life is done. I’d like to leave an echo whispering softly down the ways, Of happy times and laughing times and bright and sunny days.

I’d like the tears of those who grieve, to dry before the sun;

Of happy memories that I leave when life is done.

REMEMBERING OUR CLASSMATE

For five years in high school, We never saw him mad; Always with his trademark smile, He’d be looking extremely glad.

While other seemed to be stressed out, And feeling in the dump; He’d quickly lively up the joint, Just like a human helium pump.

No matter how much time had passed, Since his classmates saw each other; He’d spend time catching up, Like lifelong sisters and brothers.

He’d drop whatever he was doing, To help someone in need; This precious soul was good as gold, And worth much more indeed.

Sadly, time has passed us by, And we are left to mourn; But in our hearts and in our class, Merry memories of Marley shall live on.

Written by: Cynclair P. Musgrove Turks and Caicos High School

Class of 1979

Love Marley

Acknowledgements

Perhaps you sent a lovely card

Or sat quietly in a chair; Perhaps you sent a floral spray, If so, we saw it there.

Perhaps you spoke the kindest words

As any friend could say; Perhaps you were not there at all Just thought of us that day. Wherever you did

To console our hearts, We thank you so much, Whatever the part.

The family of the Late Peureton Josusia “Marley” Higgs express our sincere gratitude to you our many friends who have shared in our sorrow. It is because of your prayers, love support and other acts of kindness , our grief is easier to bear. Your kindness is deeply appreciated and will always be remembered. We extend a special thank you to the following for their unwavering support:

Joseph “Carlie” Robinson, Marino Carlos Silva, Hon. Jeffrey Hall, Franco Smith, TeeJoe, Levard Evans, Claude Henry, Apex Inovative Builders, Wainwright and Diann Missick, Bianca Thomas and family, Alvin and Kier Hegner, Sara Gram, Danielle Grant- Missick and Evelyn Grant, Majid Afar, Renau Destin, Mario Ingham, Evans Petite, Carnie Harvey and family, Crystal Landy and The Middle Caicos Family, Joanna Misick, Tina A’Hearn, Hertz Car rental, Coreys Funeral Chapel and the Paradise Baptist Church Family. We thank you all sincerely and may God’s richest blessings be yours.