BORN | 28th November 1970
DIED | 24th March 2024
AGE | 53
SERVICES HELD AT HOLY SPIRIT ANGLICAN CHURCH
Nassau, N.P. Bahamas
DATE: Saturday, April 13th, 2024
TIME: 10:30a.m.
OFFICIATING
Rev.’d Fr. Neil G Nairn
ASSISTED BY Canon Crosley Walkine
ORGANISTS
Mr. David Rahming
INTERMENT MADE IN Lakeview Memorial Gardens
R.I.P.
Father In Thy Gracious Keeping Leave We Now Thy Servant Sleeping
Jeleta Barbara Mckinney was born on 28th November 1970 in Nassau, Bahamas. She was the sixth and youngest child born to the union of her beloved parents, George W. McKinney and Princess Barbara McKinney.
Growing up in a large, blended household, she was the ‘little darling’ of the family. She was the baby, and she was treated as such. She was especially a favourite of her father, George, who doted on her and showered her with extra love. Even so, she was really grounded and never behaved as a spoiled or entitled child.
As a little girl, “All I want for Christmas is my two front teeth” was Jeleta’s song for a few years. It was a refrain so adorable, in the face of her toothless grin, that it became a memorable source of playful teasing from her siblings.
The bond with her father, George, was particularly close and enduring. When he acquired a motor vessel in the mid-seventies to operate as a mailboat, he named the vessel “MV Jeleta” as an homage to his baby girl.
Jeleta attended Queen’s College during her early school years; and thereafter transferred to St. Augustine’s College (SAC). She was a proud member of SAC’s graduating class of 1988.
After high school, Jeleta entered the work force when she obtained a job in 1989 in the Bahamas Government Service at the Port Department.
Jeleta’s educational aspirations were not satisfied, so she applied for and was granted study leave between 1990 and 1995. This enabled her to pursue her ambition of obtaining a tertiary education. She attended the University of Georgia and earned a degree in Accounting. Subsequently, she successfully obtained her professional designation as a Certified Public
Accountant in 2004. Jeleta was a member of the Bahamas Institute of Chartered Accountants (BICA) since 2004.
Jeleta’s heart was in the civil service, and she returned to work in the Ministry of Finance for the next twenty-eight years. Jeleta’s journey as a Finance Officer took her through a number of Ministries and Departments of Government:
• Port Department (1989-1990);
• Study Leave (1990 – 1995)
• Public Treasury Headquarters (1996 – 2004)
• Internship at Deloitte and Touche (2004 – 2006)
• Public Treasury Headquarters (2006 – 2007)
• Ministry of Social Services (2008- 2012);
• Bahamas Customs Department (2013 – 2017);
• Department of Inland Revenue (2018);
• Ministry of Finance (2018 – 2020);
• Ministry of Public Works (2020 – 2022; and
• Public Treasury Headquarters (2022 – 2024). .
During Jeleta’s stint with the Ministry of Social Services, she became involved with the Kingdor National Parkinson Foundation; and specifically, the Gala Ball, which she enjoyed immensely.
As a young lady, Jeleta’s strong character became readily apparent. She
had a steadfast moral compass, and she was a ‘jealous’ guardian of the integrity of the office she occupied.
In her personal life, Jeleta was a meticulous, straight shooter. Her direct approach could unnerve anyone, no matter their status or position.
Thoughts shared about Jeleta: Fair! Caring! Direct! Loyal! Committed! She always aspired to the role of disciplinarian with her grand-nieces and grand-nephews but had a soft spot for her little ones. She listened to them and knew the strengths and the challenges of each. She encouraged them to not be afraid and stand up for themselves. She was so proud when they did well… and when they did well, she would say “you know you gat to do something for them”.
Though Jeleta was quiet and unassuming, she had a depth of compassion and commitment to those she loved. She was deeply concerned about the wellbeing of her family and she was always willing to share her time and resources.
Jeleta was the primary caregiver of her father, George, during the latter part of his life. She made sure that he was taken care of, made sure check on him through out the night and made sure that “a fly didn’t light on him.” She not only cared about her father, but also anyone in her personal space. She would ask questions and encourage her siblings to have their check-ups; and, if there was a potential health challenge, she would research and find out how to deal with the problem.
In recent years, Jeleta not only focused on her physical health, but also on her spiritual health. She read her Bible as a constant source of comfort and assurance. There was a scripture reference she relied on for each season she embraced. She was true in her abiding faith in God and her embrace of God’s will for her life.
Jeleta quietly passed away at home on Sunday, 24th March 2024 surrounded by her family.
Jeleta was predeceased by: George W. McKinney (father), George W. McKinney Jr. (Brother), Audrey Colebrook (sister) Agnes McKinney (sister) and Michelle Strachan (niece)
She is survived by her:
Mother: Princess Barbara McKinney (nee Lockhart);
Brothers: Whiteley McKinney Sr., Barry McKinney, Andrew McKinney, Samuel McKinney, Glen McKinney, Talbot McKinney;
Sisters: Dale Saunders, Beverly McKinney, Georgiemae Bethel, Deborah McKinney, and Enid McKinney (Taryll Wilkie);
Sisters-in-law: Pearline McKinney, Ava McKinney, Valderine Heastie, Inga Farrington-McKinney, Yhonnick McKinney; Uncle and Aunts: Dr. Jerome B. McKinney (Theresa), Yvonne Miller, Enid McKinney-Taylor (Wilfred), Queenie McKinney-Foard; Nieces and Nephews: Ashlar Colebrook, Anree Colebrook; Latoya McKinney and Deveka McKinney; Kimberly Duncombe Seymour, Michelle Horton (Richard), Richard Petty, Ramon Thompson and Farrintino Thompson (Ronique); Whiteley “Bolo” Mckinney Jr., Christina “Libby” McKinney, Jonathan “Pokey” McKinney; Bonnie McKinney; Maurice Bethel; Christopher McKinney; Verniqua “Niki” Burrows, Vernesko “Nessy” Burrows, Verniesha “Neisha” Burrows; Khary, Kieran, Saige, Margeaux, Connor and Sebastian McKinney; Talbot Jr., Talaune and Tanique McKinney;
Great Grand Nieces: Danier Allen, Kimara and Kimiesha Seymour, Leah and Aaron Horton; Xavier, Serenity and Harmony Thompson; Jeremiah and Emery Thompson; Derecia and Mathew Myles; Kevinique and Kevin Blanc; Aubrey Colebrook; Rashad Clyde Jr.; Karmen, Kyree, Kaleb, Kylee and Khali McKinney; Meghan Strachan; Jerniqua and Rashad Rolle; Vernesko Jr. Violet and Hialey Burrows;
Great Great Grand Nephews and Niece: Melody and Blair Allen Jr.; Adrian Jordan and, Damir Symonette;
Cousins: Janet Nixon, Simeon Lockhart Roslyn Lockhart, Anna Hall, Lydia Jones , Philip Lockhart, David Lockhart, Jennimae Alexander, Collingwood Wallace, Paulette Pennerman Rosemary Sweeting, Patrick Lockhart, Shawn Moxey, Perry Lockhart, Donna Miller, Kevin Lockhart, Linda Lockhart, Dereck Lockhart, Mario Lockhart, Keith Lockhart, Renae Rahming, Paulette Lockhart and Rochelle Rahming, Charles McKinney, Georgina McKinney Albury (James), Anthony McKinney (Ursula), Stephanie McKinney, Sheila McKinney-Greene, Lynn McKinney Lewis, Carolyn McKinney Collie (Rodney), Aniskah McKinney, Germaine McKinney Rahming (Lamont), Bernadette Mckinney-Burrows; Annamae Delancy, Michael Delancy (Darlene), Sybilene Delancy Cumberbatch, Evelyn, Daniel (Tammy), and Georgina Delancy; Monique M. Foard-Jarmon (Lee Sr.), Howard A. Foard III (Pia), Danielle C.O. Foard-Krafft (Jonnathan); Samuel Symonette, Miguel (Drew) and Daja McKinney; Wayde King; Dwight (Katie) and Glenn Rahming; Kathrine “Katie” McKinney; Keith and Alric North (Laura); Jamila and Weser Curry; Lee Jarmon Jr, Matthew Jarmon; Carolyn, Nathaniel Krafft and Ethan Krafft; Zackary, Jayde and Sayde King; Takendra, Litman(Reggie) and Brianna Rahming; Alberta, Genai, Christopher, Serena, Symba, Sean and Qohe Rahming; Keith North, Keith H. North (Yakeisha), Katrina North, Larry North (Sierra), Kristie North-Wallace (Elston), Kevin North; Alric “Ricky” L. North, Andrew and Aaron North; Jessica, Jonathan, Keirsten, Tyrese, Keith III and Keith North IV; Yakeithea, Lakeithea, Keith IV, Keith V and Kendrick North; Rickiya Bannerman, Tierra North, Treyniece North, Ka’Travia Young, Cedric Miller Jr.; Danariah and Larissa North; Shamar Ulysse and Elston Wallace Jr.; Aria North; Xavier Etienne; Nicola and Dr. Olivia Mckinney; Dr. Candice Richardson (Ricardo), Dominique Hammond, Charles Carey(Dominic); Nadia Bethel, Ariella Muhlenkemp (Brad), Julius Cox; Leslie and Lia Rahming; Ryan, Kyle and Joshua Collie; Georginique, and Craig Burrows; Monique Hall and Keith Robinson; George, Trevor, Ashland, Stephen, Sean and Christine Murray, Sharon Murphy-Francis; Robbie Green and Rachael Minnis; Mark McKinney; Michael Albury (Kandra) and Christopher Albury (Luz); Stacey Smith (Ian); Kathy Thurston; Bryanna; April Delancy-Moore (Spencer) Malani Moore; Sherrylynn Bastian (Lamond); Chloe, Annalisa; Paul Cumberbatch (Starla), Mackayla; Peter and Kareem Cumberbatch, Cornelia, Kellynn; Desiree Trisco (Eric) Gabriela and Michelangela Trisco; Nelson Burrows and children; Tanya (Chris) Melinda Springer; Dantricia and Daniel Delancy Jr.;
God Child: Destiny Moss and Torrin Greene;
Relatives & Friends:
Mrs. Evelyn “Gippy” Gibson and Family, Deborah Bridgewater, Idena Moss, Mercier Bannister, Malik Pratt, Liam Pratt, Brenda Neely, Gia Willaims-Ferguson, Simon Wilson, Barbara Zonicle, Althea Smith, Cheryl Pratt, Sonia Thompson, Patricia Williams Patrice Greene Charmaine Deleveaux, Kateranne Johnson, Pearline Williams, Krimild Seymour, Omische Sears, Sharon Forbes, Verlincia Farquharson, Juliet Moss Barbar Minnis, Deborah Knowles, Cheryl Williamson, Christine Thompson, Kayla & Fred Callender Kevin Curry, Management Team-Treasury, Staff of the Public Treasury, St. Augustine’s Class of 1988, Kingdor National Parkinson’s Foundation and a host of other relatives and friends too numerous to mention.
Special thanks to: Dr. Delton Farquharson.
Pets: Rocko and Jessica.
The Celebrant meets the body in the church and says:
With faith in Jesus Christ, we receive the body of our sister Jeleta for burial. Our sister Jeleta 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 her to perfection in the company of the Saints.
V: The Lord be with you.
ALL: And also with you.
V: Let us pray.
O God of grace and glory, we remember before You this day our sister Jeleta. We thank You for giving her to us, her family and friends, to know and love as a companion on our earthly 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 may 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.
Jesus said, I am the resurrection, and I am the life; he who believes in me, though he die, 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 12:8-9
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
TRIBUTE | Simon Wilson
Financial Secretary
SOLO | Tisqua Sands
The congregation stands for the Introit Hymn
Through all the changing scenes of life, In trouble and in joy, The praises of my God shall still My heart and tongue employ.
O magnify the Lord with me, With me exalt His Name; When in distress to Him I call’d He to my rescue came
The Hosts of God encamp around The dwellings of the just; Deliverance He affords to all Who on His succour trust.
O make but trial of His love, Experience will decide How bless’d are they, and only they, Who in His truth confide.
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.
To Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, The God Whom we adore
Be glory, as it was, is now, And shall be evermore.
Almighty God, we remember before you today your faithful servant Jeleta and we pray that having opened to her the gate of larger life, you will receive her more and more into your joyful service, that, with all who have served you in the past, she 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, for ever and ever. Amen.
The congregation sits for the Ministry of the Word
OLD TESTAMENT LESSON | (Wisdom 3:1-5,9) | read by Beverley McKinney (Sister)
Reader: A reading from the word of God, written in Wisdom chapter 3 beginning at the 1 verse.
But the souls of the righteous are in the hand of God, and no torment will ever touch them. 2 In the eyes of the foolish they seemed to have died, and their departure was thought to be a disaster 3 and their going from us to be their destruction, but they are at peace. 4 For though in the sight of others they were punished, their hope is full of immortality. 5 Having been disciplined a little, they will receive great good, because God tested them and found them worthy of himself; Those who trust in him will understand truth, and the faithful will abide with him in love, because grace and mercy are upon his holy ones, and he watches over his elect.
At the end of the reading
READER: The Word of the Lord
ALL: Thanks be to God
The congregation remains seated and sings the hymn:
The Lord’s my Shepherd, I’ll not want; He makes me down to lie
In pastures green, He leadeth me The quiet waters by.
My soul He doth restore again, And me to walk doth make, Within the paths of righteousness, E’en for His own Name’s sake.
Yea, tho I walk through death’s dark vale, Yet will I fear no ill; For Thou art with me, and thy rod And staff me comfort still.
My table Thou hast furnished In presence of my foes; My head Thou dost with oil anoint, And my cup overflows.
Goodness and mercy all my life Shall surely follow me; And in God’s house for evermore
My dwelling place shall be.
NEW TESTAMENT LESSON | ( Revelation 21:2-7) | read by Destiny Moss (Godchild)
Reader: A reading from the word of God, written in Revelation Chapter 21 beginning at the 2nd verse.
2 And I saw the holy city, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. 3 And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “See, the home of God is among mortals. He will dwell with them; they will be his peoples, and God himself will be with them and be their God; 4 he will wipe every tear from their eyes. Death will be no more; mourning and crying and pain will be no more, for the first things have passed away.” 5 And the one who was seated on the throne said, “See, I am making all things new.” Also he said, “Write this, for these words are trustworthy and true.” 6 Then he said to me, “It is done! I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. To the thirsty I will give water as a gift from the spring of the water of life. 7 Those who conquer will inherit these things, and I will be their God, and they will be my children.
At the end of the reading
READER: The Word of the Lord
ALL: Thanks be to God
In preparation for the proclamation of the Holy Gospel, the Gradual Hymn is sung. The People stand.
Jerusalem, the golden, With milk and honey blest, Beneath thy contemplation
Sink heart and voice opprest.
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 Sion, 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 blessed 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.
O sweet and blessed country, The home of God’s elect!
O sweet and blessed country
That eager hearts expect!
Jesu, in mercy bring us
To that dear land of rest;
Who art, with God the Father And Spirit, ever Blest.
READER: The Lord be with you
ALL: And also with you
READER A reading of the Holy Gospel taken from St John the 14th chapter, beginning at the 1st verse.
ALL: Glory to Christ, our Saviour
At the end of the proclamation
READER: The Gospel of Christ
ALL: Praise to Christ our Lord
Devotional: Be still and know that I am God.
Be still and know that I am God.
I am the Lord that healeth thee.
Be still and know that I am God. I am the Lord that healeth thee.
Be still and know that I am God.
In thee, O Lord, I put my trust.
In thee, O Lord, I put my trust.
In thee, O Lord, I put my trust.
I am the Lord that healeth thee.
At the conclusion of the sermon the congregation stands.
PRESIDENT: 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.
I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic church, The communion of saints,
The forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.
The congregation remains standing
THE INTERCESSIONS | led by Christina ”Libby” McKinney (niece)
LEADER: For our sister Jeleta, let us pray to our Lord Jesus Christ who said, “I am Resurrection and I am Life”.
ALL: Hear us, Lord.
LEADER: Lord, You consoled Martha and Mary in their distress; draw near to us who mourn for our sister Jeleta and 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; give our sister Jeleta eternal life.
ALL: Hear us, Lord.
LEADER: You promised paradise to the thief who repented; bring our sister Jeleta to the joys of heaven.
ALL: Hear us, Lord.
LEADER: Our sister Jeleta was washed in baptism and anointed with the Holy Spirit; give her fellowship with all your saints.
ALL: Hear us, Lord.
LEADER: She was nourished with your Body and Blood; grant her a place at the table in your heavenly kingdom.
ALL: Hear us, Lord.
LEADER: Comfort us in our sorrows at the death of our sister Jeleta. Let our faith be our consolation, and eternal life our hope.
ALL: Hear us, Lord.
PRESIDENT: Lord Jesus Christ, we commend to you our sister Jeleta who was reborn by water and the Spirit in Holy Baptism. Grant that her death may recall to us your victory over death, and 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, throughout all ages, world without end. Amen.
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.
The congregation kneels
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.
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.
The congregation stands and sings the hymn:
HARK, my soul! it is the Lord; ‘ Tis thy Saviour, 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 towards 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.
ELEMENT BEARERS | Vernesko “VJ” Burrows, Rashad “RJ” Rolle and Violet Burrows (Grand nephews and grand niece)
CELEBRANT: Through your goodness, Lord, we have this bread and wine to offer, the fruit of earth and the work of human hands. They will become our spiritual food.
ALL: All things come from you, O Lord, and of your own do we give you. Blessed be God for ever. Amen.
The congregation sings:
And can it be that I should gain an interest in the Saviour’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!
Amazing love! How can it be, that thou, my God, shouldst die for me!
’Tis mystery all: th’Immortal dies: Who can explore his strange design? In vain the first-born seraph tries to sound the depths of love divine. ’Tis mercy all! Let earth adore, Let angel minds inquire no more. ’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!
’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 fell off, my heart was free,
I rose, went forth, and followed thee. My chains fell 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 th’eternal throne, and claim the crown, through Christ my own.
Bold I approach th’eternal throne, and claim the crown, through Christ my own.
CELEBRANT: The Lord be with you.
ALL: And also with you.
CELEBRANT: Lift up your hearts.
ALL: We lift them up to the Lord.
CELEBRANT: Let us give thanks to the Lord our God
ALL: It is right to give him 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, 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 the company of heaven, who forever sing this hymn to proclaim the glory of Your Name.
ALL: 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 for ever. 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 Saviour, 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”.
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. John The Baptist St. Joseph and all your sons and daughters who share in Your eternal inheritance; Through Jesus Christ our Lord. With Him and in Him and through Him, by the power of the Holy Spirit, we worship You, Father Almighty, with all who stand before you in earth and heaven, in songs of everlasting praise:
ALL: Blessing and honour and glory and power, be yours forever and ever. Amen.
CELEBRANT: As our Saviour 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.
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.
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.
ALL: Lamb of God, You take away the sin of the world; grant her rest.
Lamb of God, You take away the sin of the world: grant her rest.
Lamb of God, You take away the sin of the world; grant rest eternal.
During the administration of Holy Communion, the following hymns are sung:
And now, O Father, mindful of the love that bought us, once for all, on Calvary’s tree, and having with us him that pleads above, we here present, we here spread forth to thee that only offering perfect in thine eyes, the only true, pure, immortal sacrifice.
.
Look, Father, look on his anointed face, and only look on us as found in him; look not on our misusings of thy grace, our prayer so languid, and our faith so dim; for lo! Between our sins and their reward we set the passion of thy Son our Lord.
And then for those, our dearest and our best, by this prevailing presence we appeal;
O fold them closer to thy mercy’s breast,
O do thine utmost for their souls’ true weal; from tainting mischief keep them white and clear, and crown thy gifts with strength to persevere.
And so we come; O draw us to thy feet, most patient Saviour, who canst love us still; and by this food, so awful and so sweet, deliver us from every touch of ill; in thine own service make us glad and free, and grant us never more to part with thee.
We pray thee, heavenly Father, to hear us in thy love, and pour upon thy children the unction from above; that so in love abiding, from all defilement free, we may in pureness offer our Eucharist to thee. Be thou our guide and helper,
O Jesus Christ, we pray; so may we well approach thee, if thou wilt be the Way: thou, very Truth, hast promised to help us in our strife, food of the weary pilgrim, eternal source of life.
And thou, creator Spirit, look on us, we are thine; renew in us thy graces, upon our darkness shine; that, with thy benediction upon our souls outpoured, we may receive in gladness the body of the Lord.
O Trinity of Persons,
O Unity most high, on thee alone relying thy servants would draw nigh: unworthy in our weakness, on thee our hope is stayed, and blessed by thy forgiveness we will not be afraid.
Pleasant are Thy courts above, In the land of light and love;
Pleasant are Thy courts below, In this land of sin and woe;
O, my spirit longs and faints
For the converse of Thy saints, For the brightness of Thy face, King of Glory, God of grace.
Happy birds, that sing and fly
Round Thy altars, O most High!
Happier souls that, find a rest
In a heav’nly Father’s breast; Like the wandering dove, that found No repose on earth around, They can to their ark repair, And enjoy it ever there.
Happy souls, their praises flow
Even in this vale of woe!
Waters in the desert rise, Manna feeds them from the skies; On they go from strength to strength, Till they reach Thy throne at length, At Thy feet adoring fall, Who hast led them safe through all.
Lord, be mine this prize to win, Guide me through a world of sin, Keep me by Thy saving grace, Give me at Thy side a place;
Sun and shield alike Thou art, Guide and guard my erring heart.
Grace and glory flow from Thee; Shower, O shower them, Lord, on me!
POST-COMMUNION DEVOTIONAL O Jesu, blessed Lord, to Thee
O Jesu, blessed Lord, to thee my heartfelt thanks forever be, Who hast so lovingly bestowed On me thy body and thy blood.
Break forth, my soul, for joy, and say, ‘What wealth is come to me today! My Saviour dwells within me now; how blest am I! How good art thou!’
CELEBRANT: Almighty God,
ALL: 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 all Your saints, through Jesus Christ our Saviour. Amen.
In preparation for the Commendation the congregation sings the post communion hymn:
Great is thy faithfulness, O God my Father, there is no shadow of turning with thee; hou changest not, thy compassions they fail not, as thou hast been thou forever wilt be.
Refrain: Great is thy faithfulness! Great is thy faithfulness; morning by morning new mercies I see; all I have needed thy hand hath provided great is thy faithfulness, Lord, unto me!
Summer and winter, and springtime and harvest, sun, moon and stars in their courses above, join with all nature in manifold witness to thy great faithfulness, mercy and love.
Refrain:
Pardon for sin, and a peace that endureth, thy own dear presence to cheer and to guide; strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow, blessings all mine, with ten thousand beside!
Refrain:
(All stand including the family for the Commendation)
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: Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!
All: Give rest, O Christ, to your servant with your saints, where sorrow and pain are no more, neither sighing, but life everlasting.
The Celebrant facing the body says:
CELEBRANT: Let us commend our sister Jeleta the mercy of God our Maker and Redeemer. Deliver Your servant, Jeleta O Sovereign Lord Christ, from all evil and set her free from every bond, that she may rest with all Your saints in the eternal habitations; wherewith the Father and the Holy Spirit You live and reign, one God forever and ever.
ALL: Amen.
(The Celebrant sprinkles the coffin with Holy Water to remind us that in the waters of Baptism we were made members of Christ, Children of God and inheritors of the Kingdom of Heaven. Next, he censes the remains. Incense is a symbol of the prayers of earth and heaven. See Rev. 8:3,4).
CELEBRANT: Lord have mercy
All: Christ have mercy
CELEBRANT: Lord have mercy
Our Father in heaven….
ALL: 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.
CELEBRANT: Into Your hands, O merciful Saviour we commend your servant Jeleta. Acknowledge, we humbly beseech you, a sheep of your own fold, a lamb of your own flock, a sinner of your own redeeming. Receive her 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: Rest eternal grant to her, O Lord;
ALL: And let light perpetual shine upon her.
CELEBRANT: May she rest in peace
ALL: Amen.
CELEBRANT: May she and all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace.
ALL: Amen.
CELEBRANT: Let us go forth in the Name of Christ
ALL: Thanks be to God
The service concludes with the singing of the recessional hymn:
There was a time I travelled 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.
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 beside me ‘till I climb the heavenly stair, And everything is alright now.
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.
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.
Tempted and tried, We’ve oft made to wonder Why it should be thus all the day long, While there are others living about us, Never molested tho’ in the wrong.
Farther along we’ll know all about it, Farther along we’ll understand why; Cheer up my brother, live in the sunshine, We’ll understand it all by and by.
When death has come And taken our loved ones It leaves our home so lonely and drear; Then do we wonder why other prosper, Living so wicked year after year.
“Faithful till death,” Said our loving Master, A few more days to labour and wait; Toils of the road will then seem as nothing As we sweep through the beautiful gate.
When we see Jesus coming in glory, When He comes from His home in the sky; Then we shall meet Him in that bright mansion, We’ll understand it all by and by.
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
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 a glad reunion day
When peace, like a river, Attendeth my way,
When sorrows like sea billows roll; Whatever my lot, Thou has taught me to say, It is well, with my soul. It is well, it is well, with my soul.
Though Satan should buffet, Though trials should come, Let this blest assurance control, That Christ has regarded My helpless estate, And hath shed His own blood for my soul. It is well, with my soul, 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 the 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.
And Lord, haste the day
When my faith shall be sight, The clouds be rolled back as a scroll; The trump shall resound,
And the Lord shall descend, Even so, it is well with my soul.
It is well, with my soul, It is well, it is well, with my soul.
There’s a city of light
Where there cometh no night
‘Tis a city of beauty untold
All my treasures are there
And it’s beauty I’ll share
When I get to that city of gold
When I leave all trouble and care
I will say good morning up there
I will have great gladness untold
When I get to that city of gold
There’s no sorrow up there
In that city so fair
And no sickness can enter I’m told
Shadows all will have flown
I will meet friends I’ve known
When we get to that city of gold
Won’t you go there with me
To the home of the free
Would you see heaven’s beauty unfold?
If you will, come along, We will sing heaven’ song
When we get to that city of gold
Although you sleep in Heaven now you’re not that far away, My heart is full of memories and you’re with me every day. You lived your life with meaning, and with a smile upon your face. A world that was full of happiness is now an empty place.
People say that only time will heal a broken heart, But just like you and me, it has been torn apart. I know you are at peace now and in a place where you are free, Meet me at the Pearly Gates when Heaven calls for me.
Wow! It is hard to believe that you’re gone.
There are a few words I think of when I think of you: FAITH! STRONG! Determined, Caring, Resourceful and Meticulous.
The last two years has impressed upon me your faith in God, your strength, your caring nature and your meticulousness.
While you are Mummy’s baby, you won’t know it. If something wasn’t done in the time you think it should have been done, then there would be questions or you will make it happen.
You were a “Let it make sense” person. If it didn’t make sense, there would be questions. If it wasn’t fair, you would have questions. With those big eyes open, some people would say “dry eye” you would ask your direct questions. You have made men a lot bigger than you say “I scared of that one”.
You taught me to be stronger and to focus on the important things.
Leta, I am sooooo proud of you! I am proud of how you handled your journey! You did it believing that God was in control and that you were placed in your situation for a reason. I believe your journey strengthened your faith and ours as well.
I love you! I miss you! Rest in Peace and Rise in Glory.
Deborah
I was moved by your resilience courage and positivity while trying to overcome your challenges. You eventually succumbed but I know that you were not afraid of this outcome. Your faith was strong and you were guided by His word.
As you lay gravely ill, you were selflessly concerned about the well-being of others among us who laboured under less serious circumstances.
You have left us too soon, but your suffering has ceased. I am assured that we will meet again in eternity.
With love, Andrew
My Baby sister! It will be hard without you. You have been a great support to my children and my grandchildren from birth. You were one of their greatest supporters. You always wanted the best for them. You were a blessing.
We will miss you. I never thought that I would lose you so soon, you were always a fighter and oh so strong. The pain of losing you sometimes is unbearable, but I know that you’re in a better place and watching over us. Our love for you will never end.
I will really miss you. Sleep on my dear sister, take your rest. I love you!
Your big sister Enid.
Jeleta you were a blessing; strong, determined, and caring. You made sure that things happened and tried to get us to understand the importance to take care of ourselves. When I didn’t things as quickly as you wanted, you ensured that it got done anyway. I watched you take care of Daddy and you did it with so much love truly you set a great example for all of us.
I will miss you. Rest in peace my Sister… “Lil girl”. Sammy
From Glen
My dear niece, you were a force in our lives – a beautiful, caring, shining light that will never be extinguished. You looked out for me and pushed to make sure I looked out for myself. Making sure I was straight. You will forever be in our hearts, your memory a cherished treasure. Rest in peace, sweet Jeleta. You were loved beyond words and will be missed beyond measure.
From your Aunt Yvonne ‘Vonne”
Aunty Leta left a mark on my heart that will never be erased, you were a gem and will remain to be cherished. Dealing with your death has been inconceivably intense for me. As the days goes by it gets harder and harder knowing that you’re no longer here. Aunty Leta you taught me to never give up and reach for the stars. Your unwavering strength & courage will remain with me forever. I was blessed to have your unconditional love, guidance & support in my life. You left a legacy that will be remembered through the generations to come. I miss you and love you more than words could express. God truly gained a angel when he chose you to come home.
From your Niece Verniqua Latoya “Niki”
Burrows
Thank You for being a major piece in my life. A piece that can never be replaced.
Thank You for being devoted.
Thank You for encouraging me.
Thank You for caring.
Thank You for being involved.
Thank You for the Real.
Your profound presence in my life is irreplaceable, a cherished cornerstone that I hold dear. Your ability to understand the unspoken and offer solace even before I realized I needed it is a gift I will always treasure.
Your voice, with its countless questions that guided me, will be missed the most. Your meticulous attention to detail ensured I stayed on the right path.
The influence you have had on my life has shaped me in countless ways, leaving lasting impressions that I will endure.
What word would I use to describe you: Strong! A testament to your resilience and fortitude. Tiny but mighty! THANK YOU for being strong!
I love you Now, Then, Always, Forever. Sleep peacefully, until we meet again!
Verneisha (Your Niece)
To the one who looks at me from Heaven, the one who always encouraged me to follow my dreams, to speak my mind and always be kind. I miss you more than you will ever know.
We think about you always, we talk about you still, you have never been forgotten, and never will. We hold you close within our hearts and there you will always remain, to walk and guide us through our lives. Those special memories of you will always bring a smile if only I could have you back for just a little while, then we could sit and talk again just like we used to do. You always meant so very much to me and always will. The fact that you’re no longer here will always cause me pain but you’re forever in my heart ….. until we meet again.
Your grandniece Jerniqua
Tribute to my Aunty Jeleta
Aunty Jeleta was a very nice person; she was always kind to me - I can hear her saying, ‘Chris you alright?’ She took time to ask what activities I was involved in and how I was spending my time. At Christmas and birthdays, she would be sure to get me a gift.
I will miss my Aunty Jeleta dearly - I wish she would have stayed with us a little longer; but we don’t always get what we want.
So, bye for now Aunty Jeleta –Rest in Peace, God loves you best.
Christopher McKinney (Nephew)
Strong, focused, goal-oriented, frugal, no-nonsense, honest, speaks her mind, caring, kind-hearted, supportive, gives good advice, determined, warrior, God’s beloved daughter. Those are a few characteristics of Jeleta that I have come to know and appreciate over the years.
She and I enjoyed many good conversations spanning from personal goals, projects, career focus, healthy lifestyle, shopping, spending tips; but most importantly the talks of her spiritual walk of faith with God always made the conversation. She was deliberate and intentional in her study of the Bible and spent lots of time poring over many different texts. On any given day, she would share her daily devotions which were always positive and encouraging - I believe it was her personal way of sharing her faith.
Like all of us she had plans - plans to live and embrace life’s opportunities; this was evident in her daily activities, decisions and goals. She was always willing to share helpful information or give good advice - she didn’t spend any time on worry, she pressed past the struggles like they didn’t exist; she remained focused on what was helpful to her journey and maintained an inner peace.
She was a believer and trusted deeply for her healing; nothing was to distract from a laser focus of health, healing and her strong relationship with God.
I have come to realize that Jeleta, didn’t give up, she didn’t lose - she just simply turned her situation over to her God who has never lost a battle.
I love you Jeleta, I will miss you…but one day we will meet again, when the trumpet shall sound and the dead in Christ shall rise first…Selah
As I sit here, memories of our childhood flood my mind. You and I grew up like sisters rather than Auntie and Niece. I can recall, the excitement we had, when it was our turn to perform our dance routine for the family, to the tune of Smokey Robinson’s “My Mama told Me”; I can still . remember the choreography to this day.
You taught me how to swim the Butterfly and the Breast Stroke. You taught me how to play Swan Lake on the piano! We played Jacks, hop scotch, we climbed trees, we learned how to ride bikes together on the hill in Bannerman town; well, actually you learned, I ended up in the tree, coming down the hill! When you weren’t speaking to someone, sure enough, I wasn’t speaking to them either. I admired everything about you and mimicked your every move! Our relationship personified, “Monkey see, monkey do!”
You were a woman of class, grace and sheer elegance! You loved your family and you were admired by many.
I guess the good Lord, saw that I admired you so much, He decided to bless me with twins that look like you! I can still hear your voice when you saw them last saying, “Wow! they are carbon copies, almost made me look twice!”
The news of your passing has hit me like a ton of bricks! I keep hoping to wake up and find that this is a nightmare or this was some cruel joke played. I took for granted that you would always be here; I told myself, I had time, but time didn’t wait! God saw that you were perfect for His garden and called you home! I wish I had one more day just to tell you that I love you! I wish, I took more time to show you!
Thank you for the years we’ve shared and the memories we made, thank you for your love, thank you for teaching me, thank for being my Auntie!
You have gained your wings! Rest now, in sweet peace! I love you and will miss you!
Forever in my heart, Kim
From Kieran, Saige, Margeaux, Connor and Sabastian
Whenever my sister and I would go home to Nassau, we would always spend time at my brother George and Barbara’s home. Jaleta was always there with my brother.
George, Catherine, Queenie, and I went on a cruise in 2012 and George was not feeling his best. Queenie called Jaleta and Beverly to come meet us in Aruba to take George back home.
When Jaleta, Beverly, and Sister-in-Law Barbara arrived we were of course happy to see them and we had a good day. During our last trip home to Nassau, Jaleta took us to Paradise Island and we enjoyed the scenery, watching the fishes, and other things. When Jaleta got off work, she would join us at George’s house where she dutifully tended to her father. It was so amazing to see how caring and loving she was with George. She would check him completely to make sure everything was well with him. She lovingly watched over him the way a mother would a child.
My dear niece Jaleta, we will miss your smiling face!
With all my love, Enid McKinney Taylor
by her Uncle Jerome McKinney
I was especially shocked when I heard of my dearest niece, Jeleta McKinney’s passing. Only six months ago, I had a long conversation with her. Because of her acceptance of reality, there was no inkling of her illness. I cherish those last moments that I had with her.
Jeleta was bright, beautiful, and even-tempered. She had a modest demeanor with an effervescent and enduring personality. She was gifted with a great capacity for giving, sharing, and caring. She was committed to everything that was just and right. Only the inscrutable and omnipotent one [God] knows the reason for her passing. We are blessed that she was able to grace us with her presence for the time that she did.
Jeleta radiated light to all those she had the pleasure of meeting. She personified tenderness and caring. At the end of our first meeting many years ago, Jeleta politely asked me some unforgettable questions. She wanted to know if I liked the Bahamas. I said “of course I do. I had to go away to obtain advanced degrees that were not available in the Bahamas.” She said, “but why did you stay so long?” My response was that I needed to obtain the highest degree possible so I can teach and work anywhere I wished. She quickly responded “ I understand the point you have made. Uncle Jerome, I love you and all of us do.”
Though Jeleta is gone, her shining light will never be extinguished. Her boundless capacity for caring and loving that she exhibited toward her ailing father will forever warm our hearts. It is truly difficult to find words to express how much she will be missed. I know that the exemplary life that she lived has paved the way for her wondrous flight to the kingdom of the Unmoved Mover [God].
You left us too soon. You were our beautiful soft spoken, smiling Angel on earth. It is so hard to comprehend that you will no longer be in our presence.
I am missing you even now and will always miss you for who you were. You were a living example of Maya Angelou’s “Phenomenal Woman.” You keenly and selflessly cared about everyone around you, your parents, your family, your friends and even our troubled world.
Despite your departure from this earthly plane, you have blessed me with numerous memories which warm my heart and grant me peace. Our amazing times together on a weekend afternoon downtown on Bay Street always filled us with joy. One day in the Straw Market, you introduced me to a Bahamian who made and sold authentic works instead of those cheap China made replicas. My heart filled with seeing a true Bahamian craftsman and I was inspired to buy several pieces despite their expensive price. When I use them in my home in the States, I am reminded of how much I cherished you—my sweet niece. I also remember you taking us sightseeing on Paradise Island. Even now, I can see us enjoying the aquarium in Atlantis; or walking around in Aruba when you, your mother, and your sister Beverly came to meet my sisters Cathrine, Enid, my Brotherin-Law Wilfred, my cousin Corine and me to pick up your father because he had become sick on our cruise to the Caribbean Islands and South America.
I also find myself reflecting on the nights after your father’s nurse went home. I would hear you walk down the stairs every two hours to check on your father; or on weekends seeing you, Deborah, Enid,
and your mother tend to his needs. It did my heart well to see how you all worked together to take care of my beloved brother. This was such an impressive display of LOVE and testament of your life of kindness and of service.
When I think of you, I remember how much I treasured the walks we had together in your parent’s garden and how we would pick a wide variety of beautiful Bahamian fruits. I can still remember how sweet and delicious the fruits were as well as the vegetables that your mother and your Aunt Yvonne meticulously planted and harvested.
Yes Jeleta, you are no longer with us on earth, but your presence will always be with me. Even now as I summon the strength to write these words, images of you staying up late, laughing, and chatting with me when I came home for visits bring me comfort. Your last text to me--just two weeks before your passing was so fantastic as usual and you did not hint that something was wrong. You clearly had my brother’s dignity and strength in you. You were so brave to the END and thought so much of your family’s needs, you sought not to worry them with your pain.
Farwell, my dearest Niece, it is so difficult to fathom that you are gone so young. You leave a legacy of enduring love, happiness, tranquility, and moral character. Rest in God’s arms now and may your beautiful spirit continue to live in all of us.
Love Forever, Queenie McKinney Foard
Jeleta, was my twin cousin. She and I were only a few weeks apart and whenever I went home to Nassau, Bahamas as kids we were inseparable - from preteen giggling girls talking all night, to young women. At times, Jeleta was also the measuring stick that I compared myself to as we grew up. So many of my “first” in life were with Jeleta, like the first time I did something really daring (climbing onto the garage roof), the first time I rode public transportation and explored a city area without adult supervision (riding the Jitney from the shop on Wulff Rd. to downtown Bay St.), the first time I went to night club, and the first time I used a George Forman grill in the middle of the night – Enid helped with that too (smile).
From the time that I was twelve years old, I always stayed at my Uncle George’s house when I went home because that was where Jeleta was. She ALWAYS made sure I was taken care of and had fun. I can still hear Jeleta saying: “Meneek, what do you want to do?” or “Meneek where do want to go?”, or “You good?” When Jeleta and I were college age and I expressed a desire go to Eleuthera to experience the birthplace of our parents, Jeleta made all the arrangements with Uncle George and Barry to make sure I got there. While on that trip we learned about the secrets of the Mermaid pond from Aunt Catherine, which ended up being something we laughed about whenever we saw each other. I will always remember that Jeleta’s efforts and consideration helped me to see the ruins where our parents were born and gain a new connection with my family roots.
Growing up, Jeleta provided such a happy, safe, and welcoming place for me when I needed it; and those many years impacted my whole life and poured such richness into my spirit. When I think of my island home, my memories of our times together from climbing roofs, to exploring the yard and playing in the pool (when it was filled); are at the forefront of my mind. I have witnessed Jeleta giving so freely of herself to so many, and putting others’ needs above her own. I have also witnessed the joy and comfort that Jeleta’s kindness and infectious smile and laughter brought to others, including my own family who often talk of her (especially my youngest son, Matthew).
With Jeleta’s homegoing, I feel like a piece of me is gone with her loss, and I can’t imagine how my cousins who are her siblings, nieces and nephews, and my Auntie Barbara are coping with the loss of her warmth, humor, care, and gorgeously bright smile. The blessings that Jeleta gave me in this life so selflessly have contributed to the spiritual and cultural riches that I have been able to share with my husband, and pour into my children, nieces and nephews. Despite being the age that we are Jeleta and I always hugged and squealed like little girls when we saw each other, and I thought she and I would be doing the same this spring when I came home to the Bahamas like always. I don’t understand why the Father took Jeleta home so soon, but I know I will see her again one day and will miss her absence in this world to the end of my days.
I LOVE you and will MISS you Jeleta from the bottom of my childhood heart to the top of my grown woman soul!
Dear Jaleta,
You were always a beautiful light to me—one of my sweetest and most beautiful cousins. I always enjoyed coming home to see you. Your smile and voice were so infectious and would always lighten my heart, no matter what was going on. No visit to the Bahamas was complete until we got a chance to laugh it up together.
My heart is heavy knowing that you so quietly bore the weight of your fleeting health. That said, I am heartened to know that you stood strong and transitioned from this earth on your own terms. You undoubtedly possessed every ounce of your father’s (my uncle’s) stalwart resolve which speaks to your gracious and steadfast constitution.
I always knew you as a believer and if anyone was confused about what living a Christian life looked like, they only needed to see your loving example as daughter, sister, cousin, coworker, friend, or caretaker. Our family will not be the same without you, and my visits home will feel less fulfilled.
I know God was with you every step on your life’s path and I know Heaven’s light shines even brighter now that your soul dwells within Our Father’s house. I pray that your spirit has found everlasting peace, and I will always hold your love close to my heart.
My wife and I extend our deepest love, condolences, and prayers to your mother, brothers, sisters, the rest of the McKinney family, friends, and coworkers. May God Bless you all!
Our Love Always, Mr. Howard A. Foard III (McKinney) & Mrs. Pia Foard
Someone once told me that when the Good Lord comes to call, he makes no mistakes and that one’s strength in Heaven is not only needed but needed to battle another front unknown to this world. A front that is in need of your Angelic spirit and attributes that will be multiplied in strength by the heavens above, ten fold.
Therefore, when a request comes from above that has chosen you… you have no choice but to leave all earthly possessions and more importantly and most heart breaking, you must leave all your loved ones behind.
I can’t make sense of why such an amazing, selfless, beautiful, strong, determined, and loving person such as yourself , is not needed here in our world, here on this earthly plain. But as you have always acted for the greater peace and for the love of others… you’ve answered this question on your own terms with honor , in peaceful silence in a long lasting slumber.
My soul aches that you had to be so brave and make this decision on your own, but I know that Uncle George (your father), Uncle Charles, Aunt Kathleen, Aunt Susan, Aunt Catherine, Aunt Lena, Uncle David, and Uncle Matthew have welcomed you and will forever in eternity will guide you with their love and embrace.
So, I will think of this thought to comfort my own grieving heart and the many memories of my youthful childhood of you and my sister hanging like besties, all of us at the beach, the brief hang outs at the shop, your slow graceful smile, your forever patient presence and composure.
I Love you my DEAREST COUSIN JELETA. May God always have mercy upon your ascending beautiful soul and forever we will PRAISE him!!!!
Love Always Your Cousin, Danielle Carolyn Octavia Krafft ( McKinney)
Jeletes as I affectionately called her, was my friend, my sister in Christ, my sister from another mother. We bonded over similar interest, our love of God, of Jesus Christ our Saviour, and love of family. My family became her family she always asked how they were. Always ensuring I knew when a sale was eminent and vice versa, we kept each other informed with information which would be beneficial to our progress.
Jeleta was a confidant who I would call to release the tension of the day with, always willing to listen, she had a calming effect on people. I called her Barack Obama, always steady in the midst of a storm. She always saw good in people no matter their true nature, willing to go the extra mile in assisting someone in need.
Jeleta was a lovely individual people were drawn to her, because of her engaging spirit, she was quiet, unassuming and self-assured, she knew who she was. She was private in nature, however I respected that, because I knew she would be the same with other people business. Those who knew her spoke of her with kindness and will surely miss her.
I will miss the long hours of conversation and sound advice, which was usually taken, I will surely miss her presence, such a sweet soul, my dear friend may your soul rest in peace.
Goodbye friend.
Deborah “Bridge” BridgewaterFifteen years ago, Jeleta McKinney stepped into the Department of Social Services, embodying dedication and expertise. Her decision to serve in the public sector, despite her impressive credentials as a Certified Public Accountant, exemplified her selflessness and commitment to making a difference.
Jeleta’s commitment to excellence was evident from the outset. She operated at an efficient, high level, always striving to elevate not only herself but also her colleagues. She encouraged professional development and ensured that hard work was duly recognized and rewarded.
Beyond her professional endeavors, Jeleta possessed a generous spirit. When invited to attend the Kingdor National Parkinson’s Foundation’s Charity Gala Ball, she declined any special favors, insisting on paying full price to support the cause wholeheartedly. Accompanied by her loved ones, she embraced the event with warmth and enthusiasm, personifying the spirit of altruism.
As a friend, Jeleta was a rare gem—gentle, knowledgeable, and unfailingly honest. Year after year, she selflessly dedicated her time and expertise to furthering the mission of the Foundation, leaving an indelible mark on all who had the privilege of working alongside her. I remember one day Jeleta accompanied me at a function, and someone asked if the pretty Jeleta was my daughter; she was young and beautiful inside and out.
It was with profound sadness that we learned of Jeleta’s illness only after her passing. She bore her suffering with grace and dignity, shielding her pain from those around her—a testament to her quiet strength and unwavering resolve.
Kingdor and I mourn the loss of a dear friend and invaluable ally. May Jeleta McKinney’s soul find eternal peace, her legacy enduring in the hearts of those she touched. Farewell, dear friend; may you rest in peace and rise in glory.
Mavis Darling-Hill
I wish I could tell Jeleta how her character made an unforgettable impact, On the lives of her friends and classmates on her graduating class at SAC.
She was mild mannered in her demeanor; soft spoken was her style.
But the thing that could never go unnoticed was that amazing, unwavering smile!
To know her was to love her, she was simply one of a kind
Just a sweet soul more precious than gold, a gem that’s hard to find.
A treasure like this will truly be missed, Lord give peace to the family and friends
May their burdens be lighter with each day a bit brighter as their dearly departed ascends.
There is no debate from the class of eighty-eight, in our hearts Jeleta will stay.
Take your rest dear friend, our schoolie from back when; we’ll reunite One Sweet Day.
How can I find the words to tell of how I miss you.
Losing a sister is one of life’s biggest challenges, I never thought I would have to go through this again. If I could have one prayer answered it would be for you both to be here.
I haven’t stop crying since the day you left. My world has been shattered since the day I got the call. I will never forget your beautiful smile that lights up a room. The memories we’ve made I’ll hold onto and treasure. I will always Love you, Rest in peace my dear sister until we meet again.
Love your Brother Barry
“Memory is a way of holding on to things you love, the things you are, the things you never want to lose.”
You were my baby sister and it broke my heart to lose you. Tears flow with the thought of you no longer being here. We may not understand why but we will trust God through the process. I loved you in life and will continue to love you in death.
Jeleta Barbara McKinney
Jeleta Barbara McKinney
We, the family extend our sincere thanks and appreciation to the many friends and family for each and every act of kindness shown to us during this most difficult time. Your prayers, visits, calls, messages and well wishes will always be remembered. We Sincerely Thank Everyone of You
PALL BEARERS
Whiteley McKinney Jr.
Christopher McKinney
Vernesko Burrows
Jonathan McKinney
Maurice Bethel
Anree Colebrook
Taryll Wilkie
HONORARY PALLBEARERS
Whiteley McKinney Sr
Barry McKinney
Andrew McKinney
Samuel McKinney
Glen McKinney
Talbot McKinney
Vernesko “VJ” Burrows
Rashad “RJ” Burrows
Tel: 394-BOOK (2665)
Mobile: (242) 818-3478
SCAN HERE
