The Celebration of the Holy Eucharist in Thanksgiving For
Lovely
Armbrister Born: September 28 1925 Died: July 28 2018 Aged: 92 Years Service Held At: Saint Agnes Anglican Church Baillou Hill Road, Grants Town Nassau, New Providence, The Bahamas Saturday August 4 , 2018 at 10:00 AM Officiating: Cannon Warren Rolle Organist: Allison Dean Interment: St Agnes Cemetery New Providence, The Bahamas
Obituary A Time to Be Born On the 28th September 1929, Cornelius and Alice (nee Panza) Nesbitt were blessed with a healthy and most lovely baby girl whom they christened Lovely Catrina. She was the fifth of fourteen children born to the union in Duncan Town on the beautiful and peaceful Ragged Island. A Time to Aspire Lovely was educated at the Ragged Island All Age School and like many young women during that time, she learned the craft of sewing and loved it. At the time Lovely was the eldest surviving daughter of her parents and became a caretaker to her younger siblings. Lovely moved to Nassau after school to take a job as a maid but soon realized that it was not her calling and continued to harness her craft in sewing. A Time to Love Love is the greatest gift of all! On January 18, 1954 after a long courtship in Nassau, Lovely married the love of her life; Charles Napier Armbrister. Their union produced five boys and four girls (one of whom predeceased her). Charles and Lovely soon returned to Ragged Island after their marriage where they started their family. Charles decided to move the family to New Providence in the 1960s to advance his career and provide a better life for his family. He was prepared to work and preferred that his wife Lovely take care of the children and their home. It was the sweetest thing to note that Lovely shared the same birth date as her husband; September 28th. They were both celebrated each year by their children and grandchildren. A Time to Live Lovely or Loveless as she was affectionately called was a nurture at heart. Anyone was welcome in their home. Though Lovely took care of the home, she continued to sew uniforms not only for her children but for many of the families in the neighborhood. She made numerous lifelong friends from the areas of Martin Street, Fort Fincastle and West Street area who would come and visit her from time to time. Lovely would also sell the salty and cups to the neighborhood children and school children of Woodcock Primary School which was opposite their residence. Lovely had a strong spirit and her presence could not be ignored. She thrived on teaching her children values and the importance of family. She was a disciplinarian, she didn’t tolerate foolishness from anyone and she wasn’t afraid to voice her opinion about anything. You would always know how she felt. She was the defender of many and opened her door and kitchen to many in need and offered whatever she had. Her children and grandchildren have grown to adopt this same spirit.
Lovely brought her children up in the Anglican faith at St. Agnes Anglican Church where most of them continue to attend today. She was an avid and active member of church and a long serving member of the ACW until she was unable to attend due to her health. Despite not being able to attend on occasion she received her Day by Day and Parish News and worshipped at home. Many would come and visit her on behalf of the ACW and Pastoral Care Ministries to ensure that she was doing well and in good spirits. During her active years Lovely was an international traveler. She graced the Holy Land with St Agnes Church on more than two occasions and bragged about her experiences in the River Jordan, at the Tomb of Jesus, the Pyramids in Egypt and so on. She experiences touring in Europe and spoke of her distaste for the food and hard beds. No matter where she travelled, there was no place like home. Her grandchildren were fascinated by her stories, her photos, souvenirs and trinkets that she brought back from her trips. Lovely didn’t miss a beat. She would visit her sister in Exuma and assist her in her restaurant called the Silver Dollar. They were inseparable and gorgeous alike. Sometimes folks couldn’t tell t hem apart. Lovely LOVED her grandchildren. She had a hand in raising every single one. She taught them not to allow anyone to take advantage of them. She taught them to take pride in themselves. She taught them to be proud of where they came from. She taught them that Ragged Island perseverance. You can ask a certain few the television line up and they would tell you Young & The Restless, Bold and the Beautiful, All My Children, One Life to Live, General Hospital and then Neighbors on ZNS. She played an active role in taking care of them before they entered school, taking care of them after school and attending church with them on Sundays. You’d always hear folks say “Lovely’s children think they’re better than other people”, but it wasn’t that…she raised them to have pride in themselves. You could always hear her saying “Look what good has come out of West street” when she referred to her children. She was proud of each and every one. She would be excited for family vacations with her children and grandchildren and shared a love for shrimp from Red Lobster. A Time to Reflect Lovely went through her share of difficulty with her health as many do as they begin to age, but no matter what she went through she kept her faith in God. The Ragged Island Rose was a survivor, a fighter, she was resilient. She was the eldest living of all of her siblings and she continued to bloom as she aged. As she got well into her eighties, her daughters Valerie and Freda who lived with both
parents attended to their every need. On July 13th 2017, her husband Charles departed this life to be with our Maker after a silent battle with cancer. Lovely was heartbroken, as were her children. She didn’t know a life without her beloved husband. Despite feeling alone at times being the only surviving member of her family and no husband she was always assured by her children that she was here for a reason. Her grandchildren and great grandchildren would sit on her bed or lay with her daily and reminisce about the old days but you could hear from her talk that she was a bit tired. A Time to Expire On July 27th 2018, Lovely was admitted to hospital after complaints of not feeling well at home. On July 28th 2018, Lovely quietly slipped away amidst children waiting to visit her at the hospital and was escorted home by many a host of angels. The nurses all exclaimed that they didn’t expect her to die however, we have learned in this life that we do not questions God as his work is well done. Mother, Grandmother, Aunt, you were so much to so many. As you did not know how you would go on without your eternal love Charles, we too struggle in finding a way to go on without you….but we will. We must! As a family we will remain anchored in love with the fortitude of our Ragged Island Rose. May your soul rest in peace! Left to carry on her legacy and cherish his memories are: Daughters: Claudette Charlton, Freda Campbell, Valarie Armbrister and Vera Perpall; Sons: Edison Pintard, Charles Armbrister III, Phillip Armbrister, Cordell Armbrister, Carl Armbrister; Daughters-in-Law: Ena Pintard, Lisa Armbrister , Sharon Armbrister , Joy Armbrister;
Sister-in-law: Sheba Armbrister, Rev. Julia Pratt, Ramona McLain, Mary Armbrister Brother-in-law: Lee Armbrister, Asa Armbrister; Grandchildren: Eunice, Lynette, Edison Jr., Shari & Brian, Charles Jr. and Shenique, Omar, Demetrius and Casey, Brian and Stacy, Stephen, DéMar & Monica, Lazar, Inoa, Kenique, Kameron, Carl, Devad & Danielle, Jonathan, Corlisa & Marco, Nikita, Cordell Jr., Cordesha, Shakira, D’Casim, Cai-el, Carlie, Aaliyah, Levanti, Omari, Leshae,, Makayle, Breon, Jonathan, Krisia, Rosco Perpall, Ricardo Perpall, Hughes Perpall, Vernekia Perpall, Sean Perpall, Elvardo Perpall and Shanique Mackey; Great Grandchildren: Brenden, Lazaria, Raven, Kaileb, Koen, Zoë, Jurnee, Brian Jr., Brianna, Lyriq, Daniel, Antonique, Cordelia, Jaiden, Laiya, Aiden, Amiyah, Robin, Gabriel, Jayse and Jonathan Jr.; Nieces & Nephews: Iva, Emerald, Pearlene, Coronell, Ena, Melbert, Aneka, Monica, Sharlene, Pauline, Shantel, Rodney & Caroline Collie, Linda, Jean, Flora, Tamli, Lyette, Rashae, Thomas, Alfears, Harrison, Albert, Robert, Lee Jr., Cornelius and Cammy, Leonie, Alice, Elliot, Joe, Carl, Godfrey; Grand Nieces & Nephews: LaKeisha, LaKerira, Dashnique, Terry, Kelly, Dion, Kim, Taurean and Shavaad; A host of other relatives, family and friends including but not limited to: Emmit, Oscar, Joseph and Vernita Munroe and Oralene Maycock, Viola Butler, Cyril & Claudine Joffre, Christopher & Francis Wallace, Ernie Wallace, Camille Johnson, Wayde Wallace, Bill Wallace, Ella & Prince Raining, William Lockhart, Ellery Lockhart, Burnell Munroe, Yvonne Munroe, Rodney Lockhart, Susie & Marjorie Lockhart, Sheila Curling, Enid Lockhart & Family, Genesta Lockhart & Family, Eloise Armbrister & Family, Doris & Eloise Rolle, Paula Cunningham & Family, Marilyn & Courtney Strachan, Dorcas House Staff, The Golden Girls, Barrett & Jenny McDonald, Rommel Winters, Joy Lockhart & Family, Jackie Alleyne & Family, Judy Brown, Alicia Brennen & Family, Dr. Kenworth Newbold & Family, Arlene Newbold & Family, Dr. Christine Chin & Staff, Hutchinson Family, Stephanie Darville & Family, Marilyn Swaby & Family, Ramona Edgecombe, Shervin Seymour, Simone Armbrister & Family, St. Agnes Anglican Church Parish Family, St. Agnes ACW, Living Waters Kingdom Ministries Family, Nurse Santi and Nurse Louie (PMH A & E), Mano, Conrad, West & Scott Street Community of Bain & Grants Town and the entire community of Duncan Town, Ragged Island.
Order Of Service RECEPTION OF THE BODY: With faith in Jesus Christ, we receive the body of our sister Lovely for burial. Our sister 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. Celebrant:
The Lord be with you.
ALL:
And also with you.
Celebrant:
Let us pray.
O God of grace and glory, we remember before you this day our sister. 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.
OPENING SENTENCES: 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 11:25-25 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 angles, 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 14:8-9 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 OPENING HYMN | Through all the changing scenes of life Through all the changing scenes of life, In trouble and in joy, The praises of my God shall still My heart and tongue employ.
Oh, make but trial of His love, Experience will decide How blest they are, and only they, Who in His truth confide.
Oh, magnify the Lord with me, With me exalt His name; When in distress to Him I called, He to my rescue came.
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.
The hosts of God encamp around The dwellings of the just; Deliverance He affords to all Who on His succor trust. HE COLLECTS FOR PURITY: All: Almighty God, to you all hearts are open, all desires known, and from You no secrets are hid: cleanse the thoughts of our hearts by the inspiration of Your Holy Spirit, that we may perfectly love You and worthily magnify Your Holy Name, through Christ our Lord. Amen. COLLECT FOR THE DEPARTED: Celebrant:
Let us pray:
Almighty God, we remember before You today Your servant Lovely, and we pray that, having opened to her the gates 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, forever and ever. All: Amen.
THE OLD TESTAMENT LESSON | Wisdom 3: 1-9 | Kaileb Burrows & Cai-El Armbrister PSALM 23 SECOND LESSON | 1 Corinthian 15: 51-58 | Caleb Burrows GRADUAL HYMN | Hark, my soul, it is the Lord!
Hark, my soul, it is the Lord! ’Tis thy Savior, hear His Word; Jesus speaks, and speaks to thee, “Say, poor, sinner, lovest thou Me?”
“Mine is an unchanging love, Higher than the heights above, Deeper than the depths beneath, Free and faithful, strong as death.
“I delivered thee when bound, And, when bleeding, healed thy wound; Sought thee wandering, set thee right, Turned thy darkness into light.
“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?”
“Can a woman’s tender care Cease toward the child she bare? Yes, she may forgetful be, Yet will I remember thee.
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!
THE HOLY GOSPEL (Congregation and Family stand for the reading of the Gospel) CHOIR | My soul has found a resting place SERMON | Cannon Warren Rolle THE APOSTLE CREED (All stand)
CELEBRANT: 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 INTERCESSION | by Raven Briggs Leader:
For our sister Lovely, let us pray to the Lord Christ who said, “I am Resurrection and I am life�.
Leader: Lord, you consoled Martha and Mary in their distress; draw near to us who mourn for our sister 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 sorrow.
All:
Hear us, Lord.
Leader:
You raised the dead to life; Raise our sister to eternal life.
All:
Hear us, Lord.
Leader:
You promised paradise to the thief who repented; bring our sister the joys of heaven.
All:
Hear us, Lord.
Leader: Our sister 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. Let our faith be our consolation, and eternal life our hope. All:
Hear us, Lord.
Silence may be kept. Celebrant: Lord Jesus Christ, we commend to you our sister 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, to the ages of ages. All: Amen. THE ACT OF PENITENCE Celebrant: If we say we have no sin we deceive ourselves, and the truth in 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.
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. THE ABSOLUTION Celebrant: 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 PEACE Celebrant: We are the Body of Christ. By the one Spirit we were all baptized into one body and have all been made to drink of one spirit.
All:
Let us then pursue the things that make for peace and build up the common life.
Celebrant:
The peace of the Lord be always with you.
All:
And also with you.
THE OFFERTORY HYMN | Thy way, not mine o Lord Thy way, not mine, O Lord, However dark it be; Lead me by Thine own hand, Choose out the Path for me.
Choose Thou for me my friends, My sickness or my health. Choose Thou my cares for me, My poverty or wealth.
Smooth let it be, or rough, It will be still the best; Winding or straight it leads Right onward to Thy rest.
Not mine, not mine the choice, In things both great and small; Be Thou my guide, my strength,
I dare not choose my lot; I would not if I might: Choose Thou for me, my God, So shall I walk aright.
My wisdom and my all. Let every tribe and every tongue Before Him prostrate fall, And shout in universal song The crowned Lord of all!
Take Thou my cup, and it With joy or sorrow fill, As best to Thee may seem; Choose Thou my good and ill. OFFERTORY PRAYER Celebrant: Through your goodness, Lord, we have this bread and wine to offer, the fruit of the 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 forever. Amen. THE PRESENTATION OF THE OFFERING ELEMENT BEARERS | Carlie Armbrister Koen Burrows
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?
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.
’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.
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.
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!
THE EUCHARISTIC PRAYER 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 God 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, O 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 all 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 forever. 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 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.” And 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. Agnes 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:
Blessings and honour and glory and power be yours forever and ever. Amen.
THE LORD’S PRAYER: 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 it is 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. THE BREAKING OF THE BREAD 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.
THE AGNUS DEI
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 her rest eternal.
THE COMMUNION COMMUNION HYMNS: And Now, O Father, Mindful of the Love 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 one true, pure, immortal sacrifice.
And then for those, our dearest and our best, By this prevailing presence we appeal; Oh, fold them closer to Thy mercy’s breast! Oh, do Thine utmost for their souls’ true weal! From tainting mischief keep them white and clear, And crown Thy gifts with strength to persevere.
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 so we come; Oh, draw us to Thy feet, Most patient Savior, 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 nevermore to part with Thee.
HOW GREAT THOU ART O Lord my God, When I in awesome wonder, Consider all the worlds Thy Hands have made; I see the stars, I hear the rolling thunder, Thy power throughout the universe displayed. (Chorus) Then sings my soul, My Saviour God, to Thee, How great Thou art, How great Thou art. Then sings my soul, My Saviour God, to Thee, How great Thou art, How great Thou art! When through the woods, and forest glades I wander, And hear the birds sing sweetly in the trees. When I look down, from lofty mountain grandeur And see the brook, and feel the gentle breeze. And when I think of Go d his son not sparing Sent Him to die, I scarce can take it in; That on the Cross, my burden gladly bearing, He bled and died to take away my sin. When Christ shall come, with shout of acclamation, And take me home, what joy shall fill my heart. Then I shall bow, in humble adoration, And then proclaim: “My God, how great Thou art!� POST COMMUNION PRAYER All: Almighty God, 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 your saints; through Jesus Christ our Saviour. Amen.
HYMN | For all the saints For all the Saints, who from their labors rest, Who Thee by faith before the world confess’d, Thy Name, O Jesu, be forever blessed. Alleluia!
And when the strife is fierce, the warfare long, Steals on the ear the distant triumph song, And hearts are brave, again, and arms are strong. Alleluia!
Thou wast their Rock, their Fortress and their Might; Thou, Lord, their Captain in the well-fought fight; Thou, in the darkness drear, their one true Light. Alleluia!
The golden evening brightens in the west; Soon, soon to faithful warriors comes their rest; Sweet is the calm of Paradise the blest. Alleluia!
O may Thy soldiers, faithful, true, and bold, Fight as the Saints who nobly fought of old, And win, with them, the victor’s crown of gold. Alleluia!
But lo! there breaks a yet more glorious day; The Saints triumphant rise in bright array; The King of glory passes on His way. Alleluia!
O blest communion! fellowship Divine! We feebly struggle, they in glory shine; Yet all are one in Thee, for all are Thine. Alleluia!
From earth’s wide bounds, from ocean’s farthest coast, Through gates of pearl streams in the countless host, Singing to Father, Son and Holy Ghost: Alleluia!
THE COMMENDATION: The president and other ministers take their place at the body: Celebrant:
Give rest, O Christ, to your servant Lovely 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.
Celebrant: Let us commend our sister to the mercy of God our maker and Redeemer. Deliver your servant, Lovely. 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; where with the Father and the Holy Spirit you live and reign, one God forever and ever. All:
Amen.
Celebrant: Into your hands, O merciful Saviour, we commend your servant Lovely. 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:
Let us go forth in the Name of Christ.
All:
Thanks be to God.
RECESSIONAL HYMN | It is finished
There’s a line that is drawn through the ages On that line stands an old rugged cross On that cross, a battle is raging To gain a man’s soul or it’s loss
The earth shakes with the force of the conflict And the sun refuses to shine For there hangs God’s son, in the balance And then through the darkness he cries
(Chorus) It is finished, the battle is over; It is finished, there’ll be no more war It is finished, the end of the conflict; It is finished and Jesus is Lord
Yet in my heart, the battle was still raging Not all prisoners of war had come home These were battlefields of my own making I didn’t know that the war had been won
On one side, march the forces of evil All the demons, all the devils of hell On the other, the angels of glory And they meet on Golgotha’s hill
Oh, but then I heard the king of the ages Had fought all the battles for me And that victory was mine for the claiming And now praise his name, I am free.
Graveside Hymns: Glad Reunion Day
CITY OF GOLD
There will be a happy meeting in heaven I know When we see the many loved ones we’ve known here below. Gather on the blessed hilltops with hearts all aglow. That will be a glad reunion day.
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.
Chorus: Glad day, wonderful day, Glad day,oh glorious day; There with all the holy angels and loved ones to stay, That will be a glad reunion day.
(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
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 glad reunion day.
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.
Oh Jesus I have promised O Jesus, I have promised To serve Thee to the end; Be Thou forever near me, My Master and my Friend; I shall not fear the battle If Thou art by my side, Nor wander from the pathway If Thou wilt be my Guide. Oh, let me feel Thee near me; The world is ever near; I see the sights that dazzle, The tempting sounds I hear; My foes are ever near me, Around me and within; But, Jesus, draw Thou nearer, And shield my soul from sin. Oh, let me hear Thee speaking, In accents clear and still, Above the storms of passion, The murmurs of self-will; Oh, speak to reassure me, To hasten, or control; Oh, speak, and make me listen, Thou Guardian of my soul.
O Jesus, Thou hast promised To all who follow Thee That where Thou art in glory There shall Thy servant be; And Jesus, I have promised To serve Thee to the end; Oh, give me grace to follow, My Master and my Friend. Oh, let me see Thy footmarks, And in them plant mine own; My hope to follow duly Is in Thy strength alone. Oh, guide me, call me, draw me, Uphold me to the end; And then to rest receive me, My Savior and my Friend.
D
earest Lovely (Mamie), for some reason, as I grew older, it seem fitting to call you ‘Lovely’. It was heartening to know that you left us so quietly, for a better place, unlike your talkative, feisty self, I am glad that you were so positive in your assurance of our God’s welcoming acceptance. You were our rock in every way. Always ready to fight my battles for me, even anticipating a battle before I did.. I would like to think I do the same for my children. Yeah, my children who always reported me to you for a ‘better’ outcome of our disputes. I am also glad that we had a chance to further strengthened our motherdaughter relationship - sometimes confusing (especially with some of the many old stories you told), but always enlightening. You were the best grammi to my children, who simply adored you. Your loving care of them, from birth, will always be a part of their lives. I know you are at peace now - until we meet again your loving ‘oldest gal’, Claudette
To our Queen,
We will miss you. Your praying at daybreak and at midnight. You taught us how to pray. It was a pleasure to take care of you we’re glad we could have said thank you. You were the greatest Mom in the whole world. Take your rest our LOVE. We love you but JESUS LOVES YOU BEST. Love your children Charles, Freda, Cordell and Carl
If Roses Grow In Heaven By Delores M. Garcia
If roses grow in heaven, Lord please pick a bunch for me. Place them in my Mother’s arms And tell her they’re from me. Tell her I love and miss her, And when she turns to smile, Place a kiss upon her cheek And hold her for awhile. Because remembering her is easy. I do it every day. But there’s an ache within my heart That will never go away Love Always , Phillip, Valarie, Edison, Carl and Cordell
I do not know a life without you Grammy. The memories of being rocked to sleep on your lap whilst listening to you hum spirituals when I was a small child are as vivid as the stories you would tell right up until the time you left us. The power of your unconditional love that has nurtured your tribe, that has nurtured me, will not only live on through our families but will be instilled in everyone we care about for years to come. You were my rock, my shoulder to cry on, my pillar of love and acceptance. There is no doubt that my ability to love and be of this world came directly from you. My Lovely Grammy, oh my Ragged Island Rose, the hole in my heart will only be filed by the memories your warm touch, and by knowing that the last words we said to each other were ‘I love you.’ Love Lazar
Grammy,
I’m not big on words but I have to say that I miss you and will always live you. Your impression on me will always linger and and I’m thankful for the time we shared. Take your rest with granddaddy. You both deserve it well. Love your grandson Kameron
Heaven gained an angel,
you fought hard along the way Always singing praying and praising is how you started and ended your day. Big hugs and lots of kisses was the order of the day, as you met and saw family members that walked in along the way. Talking about Freda and Valarie always when they made you mad; Most times I’d chuckle to myself and tell you it’s your time to listen and let them take care and tend to you like you did for us; hoping to switch the topic. It worked,and most times you’d go back to how It was when we were children. We’d laugh and giggle from one story to the next and talk about all your pictures on the glass and the old people that visited you. All an um :your children will surely miss you We have lots of memories, Rest peacefully in heaven you’ve earned it : Our angel The highest degree! Love Shari, Brian, Raven and Laiya
“Grammy gone, Noa” Three words that felt like a knife in my heart when my mother uttered them. Thank you for being the best grandmother one could ask for. From impatiently waiting on the rice to finish after church, being sent to cash and carry for a ‘sweet soda’, hanging out on vacation while attempting to get you to ride rollercoasters with me and Sam, or even suffering through the many stories you made us watch. I’ll cherish every memory! I know for a fact that I will never forget you and how much you’ve impacted my life. Not only that, but everyone in this little town that knew you and adored you so much! I love you forever Grammy, and I miss you. Forever your favorite grandson. Noa
...”Grief is the price we pay for love”. that was a caring message sent to me this past weekend from a good friend’s dad through my wife and another good friend. he must have known that i was searching for an answer to this heart wrenching pain, this unbelievable hurt, this indescribable grief. my grammi was (IS), to me and so many others, an unavoidable matriarch. every trip home warrants questions of ‘you been by grammi yet?’ or ‘when you comin by grammi?’ or ‘grammi waitin for you to reach.’ even as her home base moved from the living room to the bedroom over the past several years, there was never a question in my mind that she wouldn’t always be there in the little green house on west st. that saw so many generations being molded from nothings into somethings. next to my mother, my grammi had the biggest hand in raising me and making me the best young man possible in a constantly developing environment. she has held SO many of us in her arms, nurturing every child, grandchild, and great-grandchild brought into her care, and has always welcomed so many more into her (and grandaddi’s) home. i’m not sure how to exist in a space devoid of her, but i will. i will be strong for my mum and my aunts and my uncles. i will be strong for my brothers and my cousins. and when we lay you down in your final resting place on saturday grammi, i will try to take solace in the fact that, as you have so lovingly held all of us, you are now being held by someone or something greater and are at peace. i love you grammi... Love DeMar and Monica
Tribute To A Precious Gem As I sit to write some of my most treasured memories about you, my heart is heavy and the tears just won’t seem to stop. Since you left am dealing with emotions beyond my control, but my comfort is knowing that one day I will see you again. I would always say, I don’t know how I’ll manage without you, but today I must face reality that you are no longer on this side of the vineyard, so I must carry on. Grammy you were always there no matter what was going on in my life. I can fondly remember our telephone calls and visits, I would always greet you with how are you doing? And rest ashore your response was always the same, “am right here, holding on to my God’s hands.” I will surely miss the wonderful times we had. You were plain speaking and did not forget to let anyone know how you felt about things. I remember when I had my first child and told you; I was looking for a nursery for him; you look me in the face and told me, “you did not go to any nursery, I kept you and the rest of my grandchildren, so put in your mind that my great grandchild is not going to any nursery either, so you better bring him right here until he’s ready to go to school. Grammy you were something else, you often asked me, “how them people to work treating you?” If I said someone made me mad or was giving me problems you would say, “tell them leave you alone because they don’t want me to deal with them”. You were never short of words. I will surely miss you. I can still hear you saying at the end of our telephone conversations and visits, “I love you baby”. Sleep on Grammy and take your well-deserved rest. I know you are rejoicing with Granddaddy and the Angels. Good Bye my Precious Grammy Love Lynette
An Eternal Memory …Until We Meet Again. 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 And always will do too The fact that you’re no longer here Will always cause me pain But you’re forever in my heart Until we meet again. Love Your Girl Paulene
A Tribute to My Loving Great Grandmother Each day I come to see you, you were always watching church on T.V., when I would come into your room you would be very excited and held out your arms for a hug and a kiss. You always use to tell me your dreams and stories and I will miss that. You always would say Zarie I love your singing and never stop praising God. I would always say, “thank you” and “yes mam.” Rest in Peace Grammy no more aches and pain, you are home with the Angels now. I will meet you at the Eastern Gate someday. Love Lazaria
S
tern but kind, full of wisdom and appreciation, loved by family and friends are just some of the words lingered in our hearts as we remember our Grammy. Growing up, there wasn’t a Sunday/Holiday/birthday that went by where we didn’t make our way to the warm filled home on west street where our Grammy resided. Being welcomed with open arms, Grammy always told us how it was, good or bad. An elite member of the St.Agnes church, having a passionate love for God, unique and well rounded personality made her stand out. “Lovely the Libra”, words cannot express how much we will miss you. Remembering her times as a seamstress as if it was yesterday, she made sure her grandchildren clothes were intact. Grammy you’ve planted a special gift in each one of us and for that our memories with you will forever be rooted. An unconditional love for her family we will forever have you in our hearts. We love you Grammy!!! Corlisa(Antonique,Cordelia),Nikita,CordellJR(Jaden,Callia),Cordesha(Daniel),Aaliyah(Aiden),Levanti,Omari,Léshae
Grammy, Thank you for always making me feel wanted, for making me strong, for making me stand up. You were always there no matter what was right or wrong. You were ready to fight anyone and I mean everyone for any of us. I could always refer to West st as home and I still do. Any of your grandchildren could bring a friend and they would be welcomed just like family. If you couldn’t hang West st, you weren’t in the click lol. Grammy, my heart is broken in ways that I’m tying to comprehend. I find myself struggling with change and acceptance of you being gone in the present. However, I’m assured that your strength will always be with me. Your strength and will are with my children. I’m grateful that my children have been blessed to have memories of you. We have been blessed to have been witness to your life. We love you and miss you more than mere words can say. That Ragged Island Rose in you shall forever bloom in my heart. We will learn to cope with this void but oh Grammy I can’t explain for the life of me how much I’m missing you. Loving you forever! Roses in succession Kenique, Kaileb, Koen and Zoë (your angel)
ďżź Words of Gratitude We say thank you for your care and concern during this period of our loss. You have made the burden easier to bear and we solicit your continued prayers as we do the same for you. May God richly bless you all, the family!
PALL BEARERS
Charles Armbrister Omar Armbrister D’Casim Armbrister Carl Armbrister
Jonathan Armbrister Devad Armbrister Kameron Armbrister Cordell Armbrister Jr
HONORARY PALL BEARERS Lee Armbrister Charles Armbrister III William Lockhart r Carl Armbrister
Edison Pintard Christopher Wallace Cordell Armbrister Phillip Armbrister
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