A Celebration of Praise and Thanksgiving for the life of
Lela Clarke SUNRISE: June 20, 1946 SUNSET: August 4, 2018 Aged: 72 Years SERVICE HELD AT Annex Baptist cathedal Wulff & Pine Dale Nassau, N.P., The Bahamas August 18th, 2018 @ 10:00am Officiant: Apostle Mitchel E. Jones Organist Dec. Lorenzo Symonette AssistedBy: Rev. Willard Cunningham Pastor Trajean Jadorette Interment Woodlawn Gardens
Obituary A
wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, friend, a virtuous woman, a woman worthy of praise!
On Thursday 20th June 1946 in the quaint settlement of Black Point, South Andros, the union of the late James Livingstone Penn and the late Annie Rahming Penn was blessed and strengthened with the birth of their fourth child. This bright bundle of joy was named Lela Jane. Lela was the apple of her parent’s eye, especially her father James. Unfortunately, this was short lived due to his passing three months after her birth leaving her to be reared and cared for by her mother, grandmother and family. She received her early education at the Kemp’s Bay All Age School. Due to tough economic times, Lela was separated from her mother Annie, who went to work on the Contract in South Florida to provide a better quality of life for her children. Lela and Livingstone were left in the care of their grandmother ‘Mama Sue’ in Black Pont, South Andros. In 1958 Lela relocated to New Providence to join her mother and older siblings. She continued and completed her secondary education at the Eastern Senior School In 1969 She caught the eye of Lenny Milton (deceased) and was united in Holy Matrimony. They were blessed with three children. Lela’s first job after completing high school was at the Klonaris Shop and Mademoiselle where she worked as a Sales Clerk. In 1972 she was employed with the Ministry of Education until her retirement as a Clerk in the Learning Resources Unit in 2011. She was a member of and worshipped at Saint John’s Native Baptist Church from 1958 to 2000 where her mother was also a member. After the passing of her mother in 2000; Lela joined the Annex Baptist Cathedral and remained a faithful and dedicated member until her passing. Lela was a unique, beautiful and very caring person. She was a praying woman and truly found joy in serving Jesus. When Lela’s mother had to be hospitalized for the first time and the arthritis rendered her immobile, Lela became the soul
care giver for her mother. She would travel from Shirley Street to Joe Farrington Road at Lunch time every day to check on her mother. This continued from 1987 until November 2000 when her mother passed away. In August 1998 Lela was united in Holy Matrimony to Mr. James Alexander Clarke. Lela was a praying woman and would pray for and pray with anyone. She helped to convict many persons to Christ in her life time. She was indeed a loving, kind and generous soul who believed in giving and helping others. It was a rarity for anyone to leave her presence without being offered something along with a word of prayer. Her smile was infectious and she possessed a wonderful disposition. She was also a no nonsense person and was never afraid to stand up for Christ, for others or for herself. Lela loved her children and especially her two grandchildren who she affectionately called “Aid and Tra-Tra”. She was always happy and excited to see her family and children. Lela loved to dress up and would buy any hat or dress that caught her eye no matter the price tag. She took great pride in her appearance. She was often imitated but could never be duplicated. She was an avid traveler and enjoyed travelling with her children, siblings and grandchildren. In March of 2018, Lela became ill and had to be hospitalized. Although her body was weak, her faith in God remained steadfast and strong. God saw that her body was getting tired and the hills were getting high to climb and so on the evening of August 4th, 2018 while in hospital Jesus whispered to her and said, “Lela my dear child come home, it’s supper time!” Lela gently closed her eyes and quietly slipped into eternity. Left to cherish her fond and precious memories are: Her devoted husband: James Clarke; Three daughters: W/Cpl 2045 Carolyn Milton, Annie Curtis and Terry Milton; One brother: James Livingstone Penn of Miramar, Florida; One sister: Isadora McPhee; One adopted sister: Ellen Adderley; Two adopted daughters: Patricia Knowles and Shirley Lightburne; One adopted son: James Clarke Jr.; One son in law: Dwight Curtis; Two grandchildren: Avery Curtis and Travis Ritchie; Two adopted son in law: Christopher Knowles and Philip Lightburne; Ten adopted grandchildren: Chrishawn, Pacarcia, Paronn, Pachancia Knowles, Krishae, William, Willayah & Sha’Ryiah Gilbert, and Christianna Knowles, Romant Deveaux, Lydia Grant, and Obie Archer; Five sisters in law: Eleanor Penn, Sandra Clarke, Shirley Stuart, Theresa and Jennifer Clarke; Eight brothers in law: Lionel, Lewis, Robert, Daniel, Brandon, Fredrick, and Franklyn Clarke, James McPhee;
Eleven nieces: Anne Marie Evans and Family, Alvern Brown and Family, Florinda Robinson and Family, Dora Miller and Family, Rosemarie Archer, Luella Rolle and Family, Susan Penn and Family, W/ASP Cassandra Penn, Joette Penn and Family, Tina and Denise Penn; Nephews: Ednol Wright, Dereck Higgs, Thomas Astwood, James Livingstone Penn Jr., Pastor Jeremy Penn, Livingston Penn III of England; Three Godchildren: Elkin Roker, Paron and Perez Hall; Numerous other relatives and friends including: Elder Catherine Roker and family, Pastor Henry Bullard of Black Point, South Andros and family, James Bullard of Freeport and family, Robert Bullard and family, Serethea Clarke, Doctor Nelson Clarke and family, Mark Clarke and family, Patricia Ollie of Chicago and family, Katherine Johnson and family, Runez Rahming and family, Mozena Sands of Little Creek, South Andros and family, Altamae Lewis of Freeport and family, Clarence Rahming and family, Charles Rahming and Family, Malfred Rahming and family, Lennis Rahming and family, Dr. Elliston Rahming and family, Ernest Rahming and family, Rosetta Gibson and family, Ivy Rolle and family, Laura Forbes and family, Cinderella Kelly and family, Brenda Rahming and family, Jenetta Ferguson and family, Norris Rahming and family, Nehemiah Cooper and family, Loretta Williams and family, Vera Williams and family, Wilfred Taylor and family, Carolyn Taylor and family, Vera Taylor and family, Olgarene Clarke and family, Corrine Smith and family, Thomas and Eugene Taylor of Freeport, Julian Rolle of Rolleville, Humphrey and Harold McPhee and family, Barbara McCartney and family, Glen Ferguson and family, Cozette Hall and family, Andrea Moxey and family, Samantha and family, Ethlyn Curtis and family, Enderlyn Clarke and family, Michelle Johnson and family, Monique Cooper and family, Eunice Rolle-Russell and family, Pandora Cash of Lower Bogue, Eleuthera, Maranette and Family, Angerine Curtis and family, Karen Walcott and family, Apostle Mitchel and Lady Julia Jones, officers and the entire Annex Baptist Church family, Anthony Ritchie and family, Dr. Delton Farquharson, The staff and students of Doris Johnson Senior School , Pastor Timothy Stuart and members of Bethel Baptist Church, The staff of Sunshine Holdings Limited and Gateway Ascendancy Limited, Staff of the Public Service Commission, The Royal Bahamas Police Force. Heaven’s Garden must now be in full bloom since God looked down and called Lela home! May her soul rest in peace
Order of Service PRELUDE MODERATOR | Rev. Dr. Jackson Miller PROCESSION OF FAMILY OPENING REMARKS | Apostle Mitchel E. Jones SELECTION | Annex Sanctuary Choir INVOCATION | Rev. Willard Cunningham CONGREGATIONAL HYMN | And Can It Be And can it be that I should gain An interest in the Savior’s blood? Died He for me, who caused His pain— For me, who Him to death pursued? Amazing love! How can it be, That Thou, my God, shouldst die for me?
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 mystery all: thee Immortal dies: Who can explore His strange design? In vain the firstborn seraph tries To sound the depths of love divine. ’Tis mercy all! Let earth adore, Let angel minds inquire no more.
Long my imprisoned spirit lay Fast bound in sin and nature’s night; Thine eye diffused a quickening ray I woke, the dungeon flamed with light; My chains feel off, my heart was free, I rose, went forth, and followed Thee.
No condemnation now I dread; Jesus, and all in Him, is mine; Alive in Him, my living Head, And clothed in righteousness divine, Bold I approach thee eternal throne, And claim the crown, through Christ my own.
OLD TESTAMENT READING | PSALM 27 | Mrs. Jackie Williams (Cousin) SELECTION | Annex Sanctuary Choir TRIBUTE | James Livingstone Penn (Brother) SOLO | Gayle Johnson SPECIAL VIDEO TRIBUTE NEW TESTAMENT READING | 1st Cor. 15:51 - 58 | Christopher Knowles (adopted Son-in -Law) AS I REMEMBERED HER | Elder Catherine Roker (Cousin) SELECTION | Bethel Baptist Men’s Ministry Choir CONDOLENCES | Ms. Seretha Clarke (Cousin) Under Secretary, Ministry of Education AS I REMEMBERED HER/CONDOLENCES | Dec. Pandora Hall HYMN OF PREPARATION | Annex Sanctuary Choir MESSAGE | Apostle Mitchel E. Jones PRAYER FOR THE FAMILY | Trajean Jadorette (Pastor of New Covenant Church) RECESSIONAL HYMN | When We All Get To Heaven 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.
While we walk the pilgrim pathway, Clouds will overspread the sky; But when travelling days are over, Not a shadow, not a sigh.
(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!
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.
Graveside Hymns City of Gold
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 its beauty I’ll share, When I get to that city of gold.
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!”
(Chorus) 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
It is well with my soul! It is well, it is well with my soul!
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 friend 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’s song When we get to that City of gold.
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. 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! 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.
That Glad Reunion 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. A glad day, a wonderful day, A glad day, a glorious day There with all the holy angels and loved ones to stay That will be a glad reunion day. When we live a million years in that wonderful place Basking in the love of Jesus, beholding His face It will seem but just a moment of praising His grace That will be a glad reunion day. A glad day, a wonderful day, A glad day, a glorious day There with all the holy angels and loved ones to stay That will be a glad reunion day.
A Tribute to My Wife: Lela Milton Clarke
Proverbs 18:22 reads “ He who finds a wife finds a good thing and obtains favor from the Lord.� When I met Lela, I did not realize the extent of the goodness, mercy and favor that would follow me. Lela helped to change my life and make me a better person. I was truly fortunate to find a good wife: a woman who served God with her whole-heart. Because of Lela’s devotion to Christ, I also made a commitment to give my life to Christ. I can recall working at A.F. Adderley as a teacher. I was not saved, even though I had a fear of the Lord. Lela prayed for her unbelieving spouse; that I would be saved. She also prophesied salvation over me. Admittedly, God honored His word and saved me. The Holy Spirit convicted me, made me uncomfortable and drew me to Christ. I repented and decided to follow Christ. My conversion to Christianity felt like a Pentecostal experience that was described in Acts 2:1-40. I felt like I was in the upper room and was filled with the Holy Spirit. Lela helped me to realize that with God all things are possible, and that the joy of the Lord is my strength. I was very blessed to marry a Proverbs 31 virtuous woman. Lela exhibited Godly characteristics, and was committed to praying and reading her bible daily. In fact, Lela thought me how to pray with boldness and to
develop a relationship with God. She helped me to rely on God’s word, and to have faith in God. I learned to stand still and let God fight my battles. She would say, “Sit small, because God have the key to your problem”. Therefore, as a result of being married to Lela I learned to let go of problems, and let God deal with them. Lela was kind hearted. She believed in giving to others and planting positive seeds in people’s lives. She strongly believed that if people keep their hands closed, God would not be able to put anything in it. So, she was truly a giving person. As I reflect on Lela’s life, I can proudly say that my wife was a beautiful person on the inside and outside. Lela, truly loved to dress. She wore the most exquisite dresses and hats. She was not deterred by the price of the items, and would make an investment in her clothing, regardless of the cost. She took pride in how she presented herself, and was a role model for others to emulate. Lela will definitely be missed, and I will forever cherish my memories with her. She was truly a special gift from God to me and her family. Although I am saddened by her passing, I have peace knowing that she is with God. I love you Lela! From your husband James Clarke
A Tribute to my Mother You can only have one mother Patient, kind and true.. No other friend in all the world Will be the same to you. When other friends forsake you To mother you will turn… For all her loving kindness She asks nothing in return. As I look upon her picture Sweet memories I recall… Of a face so full of sunshine And a smile for one and all. Yes, you are my shining diamond, my rock to hold onto in good and bad times. Mommy, I love you with all my heart and soul. Mommy, you were always there for me and had inspiring words for me. I will miss you despite the fact I know you will always be with me. God has called you home to be in his garden. You will shine like a diamond in God’s Holy Garden. If anybody asked me, “What’s wrong with me, I will tell them I am save, save and I am running for my life”. Your daughter Terry Milton
Sweet Jesus, take this message, To my dear mother up above; Tell her how I miss her And give her all my love. I cried when you passed away. I still cry today. Although I loved you dearly, I couldn’t make you stay. A golden heart stopped beating, hard working hands at rest. God broke my heart to prove to me that He only takes the best. To give you warmth and calm your fear The touches bind without a sound Mother and child: forever bound. May her Soul Rest in Peace Your Daughter Carolyn Milton
Dear Grandma, You’re the best grandma in the world. Grandma you were always positive, kind and supportive to me throughout my life. I love you and know you still love me. I know you are with Jesus and you will always be with me. Jesus as took you in his garden to be with him. Love you Grandma. Your Grandson Travis Ritchie
Dear Grammy, You were one of my biggest supporters. You always encouraged me to do my best. Any special event I had you made sure you were front and center. Anytime, I needed something I could always depend on you. Being the oldest out of two grandchildren you always told me to look out for Travis. You were always a loving, kind and vibrant person. Where ever you went you always dressed elegantly. I remember your words of encouragement to me before a big exam. Your helpful words always pushed me to do my best. Even though your body is gone I know that your spirit is with me every day. I love you Grammy and I will never forget all you have done for me. I will carry your words of encouragement with me every day. I will always love you, may your soul rest in peace. Love your grand- daughter Avery Curtis
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hat beautiful lady lying in front of you there is my sister Lela. We were born in the settlement of Black Point, Andros. My brother Joseph passed on in ………. He was the second sibling and my mother who was the Matriarch of the family she passed on in 2000.
My sister Lela was the youngest of the family and now only two of us left. My sister Isadora the eldest, Ellen Adderley the adopted sister, and I being the third sibling. Lela was a good daughter, sister, cousin, aunt and most of all she was a great mother. A mother who loved and cared for her family unconditionally that Ladies and gentleman is the greatest love a parent or parents could have for their family. My sister has left three beautiful loving caring daughters Carolyn, Annie, Terry and two lovely grandchildren Avery and Travis.
Lela! You’re no longer with us in body but the memories of you will always linger in our hearts. We love you but Jesus loves you best. Sleep on take your rest. Your loving cousin Cathy Roker & Family
But now my sister is gone. She has fought a great fight, she has finished her task. “Guddoes” for Lela! Now she is resting and waiting for that day when she shall receive her just reward. As I look around, I see handkerchief and tissue wiping tears from eyes that is expected ladies and gentlemen, because we are missing her presence. My sister would not want it to be that way. In life she loved to get dressed up to go to church every Sunday morning. She was a joyful person so let us be happy for Lela because the Bible says, “Mourn for those that come into the world and rejoice for those that leave the world. Ladies and Gentlemen, I think she is listening. Lee, your family and friends love and missed you. We realize that Jesus loves you best. Sleep on Lela and take your rest. No more sickness, pain, sorrow and most of all death. For all the former things are passed. From now on it’s just going to be rest, beautiful peaceful rest. On that glorious morning when the trumpet of the Lord shall sound the dead in Christ shall rise and when the Lamb’s book of life is opened and the name Lela Penn Clarke is called you may jump up and say present. Then you will hear that still voice, “Welcome, Welcome Thou Good and Faithful Servant”. Lela we love you and will miss you always. Your loving brother Livingstone “Winkie”
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aying goodbye is always a very difficult thing to say; whether you had told me that or see you later still would not have made this pain any easier to bear. THEREFORE, THIS IS NOT A GOODBYE BUT RATHER UNTIL WE MEET AGAIN!
You were always there for my family and I; through the good times and the bad we could always count on you to intercede on our behalf. We could call upon you any hour of the day or night and be assured that we were always in your prayers and for that we say THANK YOU! We have travelled near and far; as far as Alaska and had plans to do so much more when you would have recovered as you told me that you would BUT God had greater plans. Your time was up on this side of the hemisphere and you had to go, but you have left behind such good memories to comfort and sustain us AND IT IS THESE MEMORIES THAT WE WILL USE TO REMEMBER OUR TIME TOGETHER WITH YOU ON THIS EARTH. We never realized that this day would come so soon, but here it is! To our ‘Mommy’ & ‘Grammy’ as we affectionately called you; although we grieve because of your departure you will always and forever live in our hearts. There is no need for us to worry for we know that you are out of your pain and suffering and in our savior’s care AND YOU ARE FREE. We are certain that once we continue to live and model the life you have instilled in us we will most definitely meet again. So, until we meet again; sleep on my dear and take your well-deserved rest we love you more BUT GOD LOVES YOU BEST! Patricia Knowles
Mommy It is impossible to put into words the love and appreciation I have for you. My heart is heavy and very saddened by the fact that you are gone. Thank you for never giving up on me. From day one you were always my support system and my greatest fan. You always wanted the best for me and always tried to make me happy. Thank you for taking me to church, instilling in me Godly principles and for being an excellent role model. You taught us right from wrong and you always put our needs before your own. I can remember our early days at the Annex Baptist Church during special programs when we would dress alike. The many vacations we took together and all the fun times we’ve had. You were there to walk me down the aisles when I got married and was at the hospital all night awaiting the arrival of your first grandchild making sure that I was okay. I cannot recall a time in my life when you were not there
for me. I will always remember our late night phone conversations, the laughter we shared and the tears we sometimes cried. I know that you are in a much better place now, free of pain and suffering. Our earthly bond is now broken but our spiritual bond will remain strong. I will miss you mommy and I will always love you. And so Mommy, when you get to Heaven and see Mama, please hug her and give her a great big kiss from me. Sleep on Mommy and take your well deserved rest, I love you, but Jesus loves you best. I will always love you! Your daughter Annie
A Tribute to my Mother I have finished now with this house of clay Please kindly and carefully lay it away And let me rest from this life of pain Failing in sunshine, storm and rain Trying to help my family and friends Turning no needy from my door Many times I was misunderstood When I had done the best I could I’m tired now so let me rest Don’t cry, don’t you know God knows best? I have another house you know Where God’s redeemed can go I don’t need this house of clay So tenderly, carefully lay it away.
A Tribute to my baby sister “Lee” It feels like years but it has only been weeks. And yet that is still too long. I still love you the same as if you were still here with me, laughing during the good times and crying during the bad times. I miss being able to call you any time and spend hours talking about everything under the sun As children we were close and had a special bond But we grew up and grew apart, as most siblings do. We had our own set of friends and our own set of goals for our lives, but that still didn’t change the fact that we are sisters. There was nothing that I wouldn’t do for you and nothing that you wouldn’t do for me. I always wish you were still here with me enjoying life. But I can understand why God would want such a beautiful angel on his side from now until eternity. Just know that I love and miss you. Your big sister, Dora
Acknowledgements The Family of Lela Lilly Penn Miltom Clark wishes to express sincere appreciation to the many family and friends for all of their support and encouragement during this time of bereavement. Your prayers, visits and acts of kindness will never be forgotten. It is during these difficult times that you recognize the power of love and its ability to bring comfort in the midst of anguish and despair. May the almighty god continue to bestow His richest blessings upon you. Honorary Paul Bearers James Livingstone Penn Chris Knowles Dwight Curtis Lionel Clarke Paul Bearers Elkin Roker Thomas Astwood Jr. Carly Philip Lightbourn Anthony Ritchie Chrishawn Knowles William Gilbert Paronn Knowles
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