St. Agnes Anglican Church
Blue Road
Grants Town, New Providence, Bahamas
Saturday 23rd September, 2023 at 3:00 PM
OFFICIATING
Venerable Keith N. Cartwright
Rector, St. Agnes Church
Grants Town, New Providence, The Bahamas
Reverend Deacon Howard L. Bethel
Assistant Curate, St. Agnes Church
Grants Town, New Providence, The Bahamas
ORGANIST
Preston Ferguson
INTERMENT
St. Agnes Cemetery
These memories are dedicated to my Number One Fan, Molly Deveaux –Farrington, my grandmother, from her baby boy. My first recollection of her was in her lap being cuddled in a rocking chair while she rubbed my legs.
Osborne Jerome Sawyer was born on 15th January 1939 in the back bedroom in a house in Sunlight Cottage, a street off the main road East Street (known at that time as the new road), to parents Eric Leonard Sawyer and Pearl Remilda Farrington. He was the second child of Eric and Pearl. He and his elder sister Coral were left in the care of their grandmother, as his mother went to New York, looking to escape the hardships of Nassau in the 1940’s. He would join her, some years later.
As a young boy, growing up on East Street, he attended Our Ladies School, Southern Prep, Junior and Senior, then went on the St. John’s High School. His summers were spent in Rum Cay with family where he had his first taste of Family Island life.
Life was difficult for young Ozzie but his grandmother did her best to look after he and Coral. His friends of the old East Street would become his lifelong friends, whom he cherished.
Determined to make a better life for himself, Ozzie worked primarily as a bus boy until he was able to pay his own way to New York to join his sister and mother who had already established herself as a wife and mother. Shortly after arriving in the United States as a young and determined young man, he joined the Navy. It was here he found his talents that would lead to an illustrious career later on. He also learned excellent cooking skills while in the Navy.
After his four-year duty he remained in New York where he was married and started his family. Looking to escape the busy life, and opting for a more suburban sprawl, he moved the family to Washington D.C. Ozzie yearned though to return home to his native Bahamaland. Not long after the country’s independence he returned home, to as he put it, “help to build his country.”
He set his sights on nation building from the inside out. As a young Navy Trained engineer, with practical experience in the United States, he was a shoo-in for any hotel that would have it. His early employment was at the Sonesta Beach Hotel. It wasn’t long before he landed a top spot in the Engineering Department at the Holiday Inn, Pirate’s Cove on Paradise Island.
It was here he laid his foundation, eventually rising to the post of Chief Engineer. He trained countless young Bahamians and helped mentor so many who went on to flourish thanks to his expert tutelage. During the 1980’s he helped to operate one of the busiest and most popular hotels in The Bahamas at that time. In fact, he was recognized for making it the most energy efficient in the Region.
By the 1990’s he would transition to another well-known hotel in paradise – The Grand Hotel. He continued his exemplary leadership and mentoring. His knowledge of engineering and ability to problem solve were known and admired in the industry. Eventually, he moved west, and settled at the former Radisson Cable Beach Hotel. Still a trailblazer and Bahamian hotelier at heart, he continued to pass along his knowledge and skills, helping to build our tourism industry, ensuring that our guests were comfortable in well run and efficient hotels.
It was around this time, in 2002 he married Christine Evans. The two settled at the Coral Harbour residence, to which he eventually retired. She was more than a wife to him – a friend, companion, partner and eventual caretaker. As he transitioned from working life to retirement she was there to ensure his home was his castle, where he remained active in his backyard garden, and travelling whenever he could to his beloved Rum Cay. Christine remained vigilant and at his side, until his passing.
As he was building his career, Ozzie also built the most important monument to his life, his children. Hope, Jerome, Adrian and Zendrai, and Tiffany (Molli). He dedicated his life’s work to ensuring his children were given opportunities he could only
dream of as a child. He had unique relationships with all of them and tried to ensure he was present when needed.
He was also stepfather and surrogate father to others like Lincoln Dorsett and Christopher Farrington, whom he loved and nurtured as if they were his own. As his grandchildren arrived, he relished in the opportunities to nurture a new generation of Sawyer off-spring.
Always the soldier, he survived bouts with both colon and prostate cancer in the past 20 years. He never allowed his illnesses to interfere with his living.
A believer in family first, he helped to establish Mondevco, a family grouping dedicated to developing Rum Cay and the generational property inherited by descendants of the Deveaux clan. He loved Rum Cay, and used every opportunity to visit and encourage other family members to join him. He is well known for his passion for the island.
The life of Osborne Jerome Sawyer Sr. has so many chapters. This final chapter is a reflection on the great achievements of his life and those family members he’s touched.
He is survived by his:
Wife: Christine Sawyer; Sons: O. Jerome Sawyer Jr., Adrian Dean; Daughters: Valerie Barksdale of Norfolk, Virginia, Hope ShellyAnn Ratliffe, Zendra Neely, Tiffany Molli Sawyer; Stepsons: Lincoln Dorsette Jr., Ricardo Knowles; Brothers: Gerald Sawyer, Dudley Sawyer; Sisters: Coral Sawyer, Donna Wilkinson-Paulding, Daphne WilkinsonTaylor, Andrea Smith, Linda Bartlette, Sandra Lloyd; Grandsons: George B.J. Ratliffe, Kylan Dean; Granddaughters: Alexzandria Neely, Lashay Dean, Amaya Dean; Son-in-law:
Clement Neely; Daughters-in-law: LaToya Dean, Kesanaya
Dorsette; Aunt: Maureen Rahming; Brothers-in-law: Joseph
Paulding, Douglas Taylor, Robert Bartlette, Douglas Lloyd of Canada, Pastor Jeffery Evans, Walter V. Evans Jr., Samuel Evans, Rae Anthony Evans; Sisters-in-law: Barbara Sawyer, Marva
Sawyer, Terry Bain, Linda Evans, Chantelle Gentle, Laverne Evans; Nieces: Dena Knowles, Cassandra Knowles, Akosua
Taylor, Araba Taylor, Esi Taylor, Nia Paulding, Pina Davis, Stanya Davis, Amanda Sawyer, Annette Humes, Mitzi Butler, Erika Murphy, Krystal Bain-Symonette, Brittany Bain, Gabrielle
Evans, Alicia Evans, Arneya Evans, Jasmine Evans, Shandria
Evans, Danielle Gentle, Richardia Evans; Nephews: Gerard Sawyer, Juan McCartney, Rev’d Father Enrique McCartney, Christopher Farrington, Derek Knowles, Dion Knowles, Jamaal Paulding, Kwesi Paulding, PaKwesi Taylor, Walter Sawyer, Julian Knowles, Wilfred Bain Jr., Walter Evans III, Jekaro Evans, Jae Ashley Evans, Sebastian Gentle; Grandnieces & Nephews: Annalise Brown, Aliyah Brown, Gabriela Pinto de Arruda, Celeste Pinto de Arruda, Elijah Brown, Camari Smith, Milan & Kai Murphy, Daly McCartney, Jesse & Jamie McCartney, Jaevann & Jace Evans, Carter Anthony Evans ;
Other Relatives & Friends including:
Roosevelt, Augustus, & Dianne Rahming and Monique Wright. Marita, Michelle, Dwight, Glenn, Montgomery Roberts. Debbie Strachan. Michael Fernander. Vernal Huyler. Gibao
Butler. Andrew Rolle. Dr. Adrian Dean. Reine McKinney. Allena Albury, Audley, Brent, & Brigette Dean, Bianca Willie, Keisha Deveaux Strachan, Suffragan Bishop Gilbert & Olga Thompson. Gilbert Thompson Jr. & Heather Maynard, Rosemarie Thompson, Orentress & Cathy Smith, Dianne Austin, Meta,
Earl Bethell & family, Ingrid, Stuart, Dr Leslie & Beverly Culmer & family, Marilyn Sands & Family, Kaye, Leiliann & Lakaya
Wilson, Gwen Moncur & family, Addington & Ruth Cox, Kara
Wright, Arvin Butler, Kystal Lafleur, Elise Strachan & Family, Renee Mckinney-Callendar & Family, Madrick Strachan, Kaivon Wells & Family, Alfrieda McPhee & Family, Barbara Campbell & Family, Jayden Swain & Family, Aiesha Brown & Family, Patricia Brown & Family, Dudley McKenzie & Family, Nathaniel &Valarie Dean & Family, Ethelyn Rolle & Family, Patrenda Brice & family, Ormon Russell, Andrew Strachan & Family, Albert & Pauleen Munnings, Carla & Abby Smith, Ricardo Deveaux, Francine Butler, William McKartney , John Forbes, Stacy Rahming, Gladys Sands & Family, Mae Johnson & Family, Wilfred Jacks & Family, Mable Stubbs & Family,Pastor Rex Major & Family, Wes Bastian & Family, The Maynard Family, The Simeon Leah Evans Family, Shirley Whylly & Family, Doreen Cleare & Family, Shiela Rolle & Family, Sandril Evans & Family, Rachel Strachan & Family, Halcie Hanna & Family, The Bahamas Hotel Managerial Association, The Rum Cay Social Club, Emmanuel Gospel Chapel Church Family, Rum Cay Social Club,
And a host of other relatives and friends, too numerous to mention.
Celebrant: With faith in Jesus, we receive the body of our brother Osborne for burial. Our brother 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 him 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 brother, Osborne. We thank you for giving him to us, his 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.
Celebrant: Jesus said, I am the resurrection, and I am the life; he who believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, and whoever 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 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. Job1:21
Praise to the Lord, the Almighty, the King of creation! O my soul, praise Him, for He is thy health and salvation; all ye who hear; now to His temple draw near, joining in glad adoration.
Praise to the Lord, who o’er all things so wondrously reigneth, shieldeth thee gently from harm, or when fainting sustaineth! Hast thou not seen how thy heart’s wished have been; granted in what He ordaineth?
Praise to the Lord, who will doth prosper thy work and defend thee; surely His goodness and mercy shall daily attend thee: Ponder anew what the Almighty can do, if to the end He befriend thee.
Praise to the Lord! O let all that is in me adore Him! All that hath life and breath, come now with praises before Him.
Let the amen sound from His people again; gladly for aye we adore Him.
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.
Celebrant: Let us pray: Almighty God, we remember before you today your faithful servant Osborne; and we pray that, having opened to him the gates of larger life, you will receive him more and more into your joyful service, that, with all who have faithfully served you in the past, he 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.
All: Amen.
OLD TESTAMENT LESSON | Isaiah 25:6 – 9 | Read by Debbie Strachan (Cousin)
On this mountain the LORD of hosts will make for all peoples a feast of fat things, a feast of wine on the lees, of fat things full of marrow, of wine on the lees well refined. And he will destroy on this mountain the covering that is cast over all peoples, the veil that is spread over all nations. He will swallow up death forever, and the Lord GOD will wipe away tears from all faces, and the reproach of his people he will take away from all the earth; for the LORD has spoken. It will be said on that day, “Lo, this is our God; we have waited for him, that he might save us. This is the LORD; we have waited for him; let us be glad and rejoice in his salvation.”
Reader: The Word of the Lord
All: Thanks be to God.
NEW
LESSON | 1
Corinthians 15:50-58 | Read by Krystal Bain Symonette (Niece)
Reader: A Reading from the First letter of Paul to the Corinthians Chapter 15 verses 50 to 58
What I am saying, brothers and sisters, is this: flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God, nor does the perishable inherit the imperishable. Listen, I will tell you a mystery! We will not all die, but we will all be changed, in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed. For this perishable body must put on imperishability, and this mortal body must put on immortality. When this perishable body puts on imperishability, and this mortal body puts on immortality, then the saying that is written will be fulfilled: ‘Death has been swallowed up in victory.’ ‘Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting?’ The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, my beloved, be steadfast, immovable, always excelling in the work of the Lord, because you know that in the Lord your labour is not in vain.
Reader: The Word of the Lord
All: Thanks be to God.
GRADUAL HYMN | The Lord’s My Shepherd (CPWI 478)
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
THE HOLY GOSPEL | John 11:21-27
Celebrant: The Lord be with you.
All: And also with you.
Yea, tho’ I walk in 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 forevermore my dwelling place shall be.
Celebrant: A Reading from the Holy Gospel according St. John chapter 14 verses 1 to 6
All: Glory to Christ our Saviour.
“Do not let your hearts be troubled. Believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father’s house there are many dwelling places. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, so that where I am, there you may be also. And you know the way to the place where I am going.” Thomas said to Him, “Lord, we do not know where you are going. How can we know the way?” Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.
Celebrant: The Gospel of Christ.
All: Praise to Christ our Lord.
PRAYER FOR THE FAMILY | Pastor Jeffrey Evans
SOLO | Samuel Evans
SERMON
APOSTLES’ CREED:
Celebrant: Let us with confidence and hope confess the faith into which 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. He will come again to judge the living and the dead. 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.
Leader: For our brother Osborne, 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 Osborne 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: Raise our brother Osborne to eternal life.
All: Hear us, Lord.
Leader: You promised paradise to the thief who repented: Bring our brother Osborne to the joys of heaven.
All: Hear us, Lord.
Leader: Our brother Osborne was washed in Baptism and anointed with the Holy Spirit: Give him fellowship with all your saints.
All: Hear us, Lord.
Leader: He was nourished with your Body and Blood: Grant him a place at the table in your heavenly kingdom.
All: Hear us, Lord.
Leader: Comfort us in our sorrows at the death of our brother Osborne. Let our faith be our consolation, and eternal life our hope.
Celebrant: Lord Jesus Christ, we commend to you our brother Osborne, who was reborn by water and the Spirit in Holy Baptism. Grant that his 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.
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.
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.
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.
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 called, 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 blest 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.
Tiffany Sawyer - Daughter
George Ratliffe - Grandson
Alexzandria Neely - Granddaughter
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 for ever. Amen.
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 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.”
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. John The Baptist, St.Agnes, St George 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 for ever and ever. Amen.
Celebrant: As our Saviour has taught us, so we pray:
All: Our Father, which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy Name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done, in earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive them that trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation: But deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory for ever. 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.
AGNUS DEI:
ALL: Lamb of God, you take away the sin of the world: grant him rest.
Lamb of God, you take away the sin of the world: grant him rest.
Lamb of God, you take away the sin of the world: grant him rest eternal.
Draw nigh and take the body of the Lord, and drink the holy blood for you outpoured.
Saved by that body and that holy blood, with souls refreshed, we render thanks to God.
Salvation‟s Giver, Christ, the Only Son, by His dear cross and blood the victory won.
Offered was He for greatest and for least,Himself the Victim, and Himself the Priest.
Victims were offered by the law of old, which in a type this heavenly mystery told.
He, Ransomer from death, and Light from shade, now gives His holy grace His saints to aid.
Approach ye then with faithful hearts sincere, and take the safeguard of salvation here.
He, that His saints in this world rules and shields, to all believers life eternal yields;
With heavenly bread makes them that hunger whole gives living waters to the thirsting soul.
Alpha and Omega, to whom shall bow all nations at the doom, is with us now
HYMN | Here, O my Lord, I see Thee face to face (CPWI 589)
Here, O my Lord, I see Thee face to face; Here would I touch and handle things unseen; Here grasp with firmer hand the eternal grace, And all my weariness upon Thee lean.
I have no help but Thine; nor do I need Another arm save Thine to lean upon; It is enough, my Lord, enough indeed; My strength is in Thy might, Thy might alone.
HYMN | O Jesu, Blessed Lord to Thee (CPWI 612)
O Jesus, blessed Lord, to Thee
My heartfelt thanks forever be, Who hast so lovingly bestowed On me Thy body and Thy blood.
Here would I feed upon the bread of God, Here drink with Thee the royal wine of Heaven; Here would I lay aside each earthly load, Here taste afresh the calm of sin forgiven
Break forth, my soul, for joy and say What wealth is come to me this day! My Savior dwells within my heart: How blest am I! How good Thou art!
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 all your saints, through Jesus Christ our Saviour. Amen.
To God be the glory, great things He has done; So loved He the world that He gave us His Son, Who yielded His life an atonement for sin, And opened the life gate that all may go in.
Refrain
Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, Let the earth hear His voice!
Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, Let the people rejoice!
O come to the Father, through Jesus the Son, And give Him the glory, great things He has done.
O perfect redemption, the purchase of blood, To every believer the promise of God; The vilest offender who truly believes, That moment from Jesus a pardon receives.
Refrain
Great things He has taught us, great things He has done, And great our rejoicing through Jesus the Son; But purer, and higher, and greater will be Our wonder, our transport, when Jesus we see.
Refrain
Officiant: Give rest, O Christ, to your servant Osborne with your saints. All: Where sorrow and pain are no more, neither sighing, but life everlasting.
Officiant: 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 sprinkles the casket 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. Incense is a symbol of the prayers of the Church. Revelations 5:8, 8:3-5
Officiant: Lord have mercy.
All: Christ have mercy.
Officiant: Lord have mercy.
Officiant: Our Father
All: Which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy Name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done, in earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive them that trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation: But deliver us from evil. Amen.
Officiant: Let us commend our brother Osborne to the mercy of God our Maker and Redeemer. Deliver your servant Osborne O Sovereign Lord Christ, from all evil, and set him free from every bond that he may rest with all your saints in the eternal habitations: where with the Father and the Holy Spirit you live and reign, one God for ever.
All: Amen.
Officiant: The Lord be with you.
All: And also with you.
Officiant: Let us pray.
Into your hands, O merciful Saviour, we commend your servant Osborne. Acknowledge, we humbly beseech you, a sheep of your own fold, a lamb of your own flock, a sinner of your own redeeming. Receive him into the arms of your mercy, into the blessed rest of everlasting peace, and into the glorious company of the saints in light.
All: Amen
Officiant: Rest eternal grant unto his soul, O Lord.
All: And let light perpetual shine upon him.
Officiant: May he rest in peace.
All: Amen.
Officiant: May his soul and the souls of all the faithful departed through the mercies of God, rest in peace.
All: Amen
For all the saints who from their labors rest, who Thee by faith before the world confessed; Thy name, O Jesus, be forever blest. Alleluia, 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, Alleluia!
O blest communion, fellowship divine! We feebly struggle, they in glory shine; yet all are one in Thee, for all are Thine. Alleluia, 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, Alleluia!
But then there breaks a still more glorious day: the saints triumphant rise in bright array; the King of glory passes on His way. Alleluia, Alleluia!
From earth’s wide bounds, from ocean’s farthest coast, through gates of pearl streams in the countless host, in praise of Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Alleluia, Alleluia!
Officiant: Christ is risen from the dead, trampling down death and giving life to those in the tomb. The Son of Righteousness is gloriously risen, giving light to those who sat in darkness and in the shadow of death. The Lord will guide our feet into the way of peace, having taken away the sin of the world. Christ will open the kingdom of heaven to all who believe in His Name, saying, Come, O blessed of My Father; inherit the kingdom prepared for you.Into paradise may the angels lead you. At your coming may the Martyrs receive you and bring you into the Holy City, Jerusalem.
Minister: Everyone the Father gives to me will come to me; I will never turn away anyone who believes in me. He who raised Jesus Christ from the dead will also give new life to our mortal bodies through His indwelling Spirit.
My heart, therefore, is glad, and my spirit rejoices; my body also shall rest in hope.
You will show me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy, and in your right hand are pleasures for evermore.
I heard a voice from heaven saying, “Write this: “Happy are the dead who die in the faith of Christ! Henceforth,” says the Spirit, “they may rest from their labours, for they take with them the record of their deeds.”
Man born of woman has but a short time to live. Like a flower he blossoms and then withers; like a shadow he flees and never stays.
In the midst of life we are in death; to whom can we turn for help, but to you, Lord, who are justly angered by our sins?
Lord God, holy and mighty, holy and immortal, holy and most merciful Saviour, deliver us from the bitter pains of eternal death. You know the secrets of our hearts: In your mercy hear our prayer, forgive us our sins, and at our last hour let us not fall away from you.
In sure and certain hope of the resurrection to eternal life through our Lord Jesus Christ, we commend to Almighty God our brother Osborne and we commit his body to the ground; earth to earth, ashes to ashes, dust to dust. And we beseech you in your infinite goodness to give us grace to live in your dear love and to die in your favour, that when your well beloved Son shall come again in judgement both this our brother Osborne and we ourselves may be found acceptable in your sight. Grant this for the sake of your Son Jesus Christ our Lord.
All: Amen.
Let us pray.
Minister: Almighty God, with whom still live the spirits of those who die in the Lord, and with whom the souls of the faithful are in joy and felicity: We give you heartfelt thanks for the good examples of all your servants, who, having finished their course in faith, now find rest and refreshment. May we, with all who have died in the true faith of your holy Name, have perfect fulfillment and bliss in your eternal and everlasting glory; through Jesus Christ our Lord.
All: Amen.
Minister: Merciful God, Father of our Lord Jesus Christ who is the Resurrection and the Life: Raise us, we humbly pray, from the death of sin to the life of righteousness; that when we depart this life we may rest in him, and at the resurrection receive that blessing which your well-beloved Son shall then pronounce: “Come, you blessed of my Father, receive the kingdom prepared for you from the beginning of the world.” Grant this, O merciful Father, through Jesus Christ, our Mediator and Redeemer.
All: Amen.
Minister: Grant, O Lord, to all who are bereaved the Spirit of faith and courage, that they may have strength to meet the days to come with steadfastness and patience; not sorrowing as those without hope, but in thankful remembrance of your great goodness, and in the joyful expectation of eternal life with those they love. And this we ask in the Name of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Minister: Rest eternal grant to him, O Lord;
All: And let light perpetual shine upon him.
Minister: May he and all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace
All: Amen
Minister: The Lord bless him and keep him, the Lord make His face to shine upon him and be gracious to him, the Lord lift up His countenance upon him and give him peace.
All: Amen.
Minister: Alleluia. Christ is risen.
All: The Lord is risen indeed. Alleluia.
Minister: Let us go forth in the name of Christ.
All: Thanks be to God.
Minister: Unto Him that is able to keep us from falling, and to present us faultless before the presence of His glory with exceeding joy; to the only wise God our Saviour, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and forever
Abide with me; fast falls the eventide; The darkness deepens; Lord, with me abide; When other helpers fail and comforts flee, Help of the helpless, oh, abide with me.
Swift to its close ebbs out life’s little day; Earth’s joys grow dim, its glories pass away; Change and decay in all around I see— O Thou who changest not, abide with me.
I need Thy presence every passing hour; What but Thy grace can foil the tempter’s pow’r? Who, like Thyself, my guide and stay can be? Through cloud and sunshine, Lord, abide with me.
I fear no foe, with Thee at hand to bless; Ills have no weight, and tears no bitterness; Where is death’s sting? Where, grave, thy victory? I triumph still, if Thou abide with
Hold thou thy Cross before my closing eyes; shine through the gloom, and point me to the skies: heaven’s morning breaks, and earth’s vain shadows flee; in life, in death, O Lord, abide with me.
The day thou gavest, Lord, is ended, the darkness falls at thy behest; to thee our morning hymns ascended, thy praise shall sanctify our rest.
We thank thee that thy Church, unsleeping while earth rolls onward into light, through all the world her watch is keeping and rests not now by day nor night.
As o’er each continent and island the dawn leads on another day, the voice of prayer is never silent, nor dies the strain of praise away.
The sun that bids us rest is waking our brethren ‘neath the western sky, and hour by hour fresh lips are making thy wondrous doings heard on high.
So be it, Lord; thy throne shall never, like earth’s proud empires, pass away; thy kingdom stands, and grows for ever, till all thy creatures own thy sway.
I am grateful to The Almighty God for allowing me the opportunity to be a part of your most exciting adventurous life.
Ossie, all the good times we had were mind blowing. You called yourself my “honey dripper”. You have always provided for my every need. You protected me. You loved me unconditionally. Thank you for all you have done for me. The day we got married you were the first person in church. You were always on time for me.
No more pains. No more bad feelings. No more sleepless nights.
Our Sovereign God in all his mercies, looked down and saw a jewel that needed to be in His crown
You are resting in the arms of Jesus. You turned your eye on Jesus and the things of this world grew dim.
Oh what joy, that night when you asked the Lord to come into your heart. I know where you are. The look on your charming face is that of peace.
You are missed and I often cry but I have that Blessed assurance that Jesus is mine. I know that you got me. The pictures of your smiles are beautiful memories. I appreciate all you’ve done and if I could, I would do it all over again. You were my earthly god. I honor you and I treasure our memories!
Your Wife, Christine
Daddy, I always wanted to be like you. To have your discipline, your sharpness, your wit and sense of humor. You were truly an exceptional, one-of-a-kind person. To have you as father is a privilege and a merit. You affectionately named me “Molly” after your grandmother, whom you spoke of often and cherished all of your days.
You will always be one of my best friends and counselors. You always listened closely as I explained to you my life challenges and had such a wise approach and advise to follow. Your point of view was always so simply put, and I trusted in your wisdom. Our difference in age gave such a flair to our relationship.
You always know how to make me smile and with your infectious laugh, have me in stitches. One of my favorite things about you is the passion for your career and your professional life which greatly influenced my career path. One tone that has always resonated is the profound impact you had on others. Often, people would randomly approach us in the grocery store and thank you for the guidance you imparted in their life. That made me so proud.
You parented with intention. Many summers, you would have me complete book reports and To test the accuracy of my account, the selected book would always be a book that you’ve read before. Those moments meant the most to me. You always held true to family values.
Dad you were my jack, I really do miss you. I love you, you loved all your children. You were so proud of offspring. On our last car ride, I’m so happy we got a chance to laugh together one more time and that we said ‘I love you’ once last time. You always never got tired of me telling you that.
To my guardian angel, until we meet again!! Love, Molly
Please allow me to take this time and tell you a little bit about my one good Daddy.
My way or the highway, that was your stance on most things, but what was ever so amazing, even if I chose the highway and seemingly got lost I could close my eyes and reach out to feel your hands catching me.
Oh daddy, my ONE GOOD DADDY my heart is breaking but I know you’re in a better place. More than 20 years ago you beat colon cancer, in more recent times you beat prostate cancer. In my eyes, you were my superhero.
I would call you in the mornings and you would always answer the phone on the first or second ring.
Some mornings I could hear that you really didn’t feel well and I would say “hey Ossie how are you feeling?” You would say “I right “chere” drinking muh coffee with a little piece of something sweet and listening to you on this radio talking all of my business!
From a very little girl my daddy could do no wrong. Anything you ate I wanted some of it from your plate, anywhere you went I wanted to go with you.
The one time in my life that you did beat me I almost had a seizure just from the mere shock of it all. I remember thinking how could my one good daddy do that to me? Did I deserve it, of course I did but you were MY DADDY so quite naturally I expected a bligh.
In your last hours of life with no brain activity I leaned into you and I kissed you on your forehead with a river of tears streaming down my face while rubbing your head I said daddy I love you so much and it’s OK you can leave us. We will be OK. I guess that was all you needed to hear because just a few hours later, you did just that, you transitioned from time into eternity and yes daddy, you left us.
Holidays will not be the same, Sunday dinners will not be the same, birthdays and every other occasion will just not be the same because you have gone on to your eternal resting place.
Oh daddy what was once was your earthly vessel and now serve as your mortal remains will be buried in the ground, but we will live on knowing that we have you on one shoulder and Mommy on the other, our forever angels.
Sleep on MY ONE GOOD DADDY, sleep on and take your rest oh yes we do love you but The Master loves you best.
Until we meet again Your Daughter
The One and Only
Hope Shelly Ann
No words can describe how much you impacted our lives through your kind words, deep affection and wisdom. Receiving the news about your death broke my heart, it’s so sad to know you’re gone but I have hope that one day we will meet again. You always had a story to share, and I promise to cherish all our memories. I love you to infinity. Until we meet again grandpa.
Alexzandria
A stepfather is a man who is not a child’s biological father, but is in a committed relationship to that child’s mother.
A father on the other hand is a protector, provider, teacher, mentor, friend and emotional anchor. I placed Ozzie in this category as “a father” from he took me under his wings from I was a young boy.
Based on all of the mentoring and lessons he taught me, I am no longer a young boy, but a mature man who was always proud to identify him as my father.
The voices of a million angels could not express my gratitude, all that I am and ever hope to be, I owe it all to you.
I love you and appreciate everything you ever did for me, you will forever be in my heart and will never be forgotten.
Lincoln Dorsette (Stepson)You were my father’s first cousin, but to me you were Uncle Ozzie, and on his passing, your willingness to step up and assume the role of a father to my brother and I was commendable. A role you embraced with grit, love, care, and dedication has meant the world to me. You were more than family; you were a father figure and a guiding light in my life. Your unconditional love, unwavering support, and words of wisdom molded me into the person I am today. Your kind-heartedness and immeasurable belief in me will forever be etched in my heart. I promise you, that I am committed to continuing to make you proud. Uncle Ozzie, I am truly going to miss our Sunday gathering (oh what a time we used to have). You were a pillar of strength for me during both the good times and the challenging ones, too. Although you are no longer with us, your legacy of love and the countless, precious memories we shared will linger in our hearts, forever. Thank you for being an incredible uncle who treated me as his very own. Indeed, I am blessed beyond measure to have had you in my life and you will always hold a special place in my heart. Until we meet, again Uncle Ozzie!
Oh uncle Ozzie I still can’t believe that you are gone thank you for everything that you have done for me I’m going to miss the bond we shared laughing and talking I can’t forget that laugh you had thanks for them delicious soups that you would always make with your master chef hands I always had enjoy it whenever you made soup I’m going to miss spending the day with you and auntie Christine and Molly going to Nesbit your favorite restaurant or going out for conch salad and just living our best life and doing a lot of fun activities we did together as a family but again thank you for everything. So sleep and take your rest Love you Uncle Ozzie.
Love, Sebastian
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
PALLBEARERS:
Jerome Sawyer
Adrian Dean
Lincoln Dorsette
George Ratliffe
Andrew Rolle
Christopher Farrington
Dudley Sawyer
Gerald Sawyer
Father Gilbert Thompson
William McKartney
Dudley Mckenzie
Earl Augustus Rahming
Tel: 394-BOOK (2665)
Mobile: (242) 818-3478
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