The Form and Order For The Rite of Christian Burial For the Life
Owen GARETH MARSHALL Born: July 13, 1978 Died: August 15, 2021 Aged: 43 Years Service Held At: Saint Andrew’s Cemetery Kitt’s Hill, George Town, Great Exuma, The Bahamas Saturday, September 11th, 2021 @ 1:pm Officiating: The Rev’d Fr. Welcott A. Bain Organist: Oris Cooper Interment: Saint Andrew’s Cemetery Kitt’s Hill, George Town, Great Exuma, The Bahamas
In the quaint and picturesque settlement of George Town, Exuma joy bells rang through the air on July 13th, 1978 as newlyweds Aranah and Joycelyn Marshall announced the birth of their first child and named him Owen Gareth. As a young boy, he was always easy going and wellmannered, full of laughter and humor. Owen began his early education in 1985 at George Town Primary School where he excelled as a youngster. He then sucessfully completed his secondary education at L.N. Coakley High School in 1997, where he served with distinction as a Prefect. After leaving school, he was gainfully employed with Davis Landscaping/Tropics North with the Late Ricahrd Davis who took him under his guidance and treated him as a son. Owen was stationed in Bimini from 2005-2015 where he served as a Foreman and an equipment operator. Owen was respected and cherished by Mr. Josh Rutter. Mr. Rutter would always remind Owen of his birthdays. Mr. Charles Gonzales frequently visted Bimini this is where Owen became Mr. Charles Gonzales “buddy”. Charles ensured that Owen attended Footballs games in the US. As time went by Owen meet Mr. William Leathers and Cliff Johnson ( Tango and Cash) off Valley Crest Landscape Maintenance. Shortly thereafter, Plumeria Landscape was birthed for which Mr. William Leathers made sure Owen was named Shareholder/Part Owner because Mr. William Leathers loved and respected him,due to the fact that he was indeed an avid worker and very well mannered. Owen worked on numerous projects: namely the Bimini Bay, Bakers Bay, Atalntis Phase 3, LPIA Project and Baha Mar project just to name a few.
I believe both the late Richard Davis, Mr. Josh Rutter and William Leathers would had the easiest task in the world. They Bid the jobs and pass the labour force onto Owen. Owen dominated the Landscape industry without a doubt he mastered his craft.He was kowldedeagle on various plant species and various chemcials used in landscaping. No job was too big or too small for him. Owen rested when all of his tasks were completed, he worked without complaints at the end of each work shift. Owen was a remarkable person! He went above and beyound the call of duty, a true teamplayer and leader. I believe that it is against this backdrop along with his leadership abiliteis which earned him the respect by those who serverd under his belt and led him to open his owen company a few months befere his passing. A great Giant of a Man has left to beautify heaven. Owen’s love for the Lord grew stronger as he got older. It was evident in his conversations so it came as no surprise when he would send out daily gospel clips and scriptures to his family members and friends. On August 15th 2021, after battling a short illness, God looked down on His faithful servant and called him home. Owen’s time slipped into eternity. Awaiting that great reunion is: Son: Owen Marshall, Jr.; Daughters: Kaitlyn and Courtney Marshall; Mother: Jocelyn Marshall; Adopted Parents: Milton and Irene Strachan ; Brothers: Darron, Darrell (Shandrea) Marshall; Adopted Brothers: Dwaine (Jandilee), Kenvin (Marsha) Brent Strachan, Sheldon Carey; Adopted Sister: Natasha Strachan; Niece: Deishanay Marshall; Nephew: Jumari Marshall; Uncles: Granville, Rodney, Charles, Gabriel, Rev Samuel Smith; Aunts: Idamae Smith, Shirley Marshall; Grand Aunt: Maria Ferguson; Fiance: Gremeka Thompson;
Cousins: Clarence, Shantell, Tomesina, Eleviouse, Silvan, Tenerro, Calvaniece, Clavon, Clavante, Kaylee, Thorne, Taro, Rico, Charles, Jr, Rusca, Regina, Rodney jr, Eugene Ferguson. Samamtha, Dr. Saletha, Sheldon, Samuel Jr, Shabniah Smith. Terecita Munroe (Philip Sr), Jernae Johnson, Philip jr, Former commissioner of Police Anthony Ferguson, Clarice, Von, Ken, Reginald Barry Dorsette, Ezra bodie (Ingrid), Alton, Izrael, Coral, Cordella, Nicky, teddy, Andrew Bodie. Sandra, Kenneth, Patience, Levon ferguson. Norman, Lovie Humes, Dexter Saunders, Anthony and Heneritta Richardson, Jennimae Smith (Rev Cedric), Ivan Ferguson, Sharon wright, Martin Clarke, May wright, Leverne Symonette, Sonia Dean of new york, Christian Dean of Washington Dc, Sabrina Fowler, Sylvia Butler, Rowshell Fox, Regina, Terry, and Carl Marshall of Miami, Juanita Mckenzie (Rev. Kendal), Patricia Munroe (Oascar), Delglicia Smith, Nadia Moss, Terelle Johnson, Tristan Adderley, Octavia Ferguson (Ken), Sandra Marshall, Livingston Marshall Jr, John Marshall, Keva Campbell, Bernadette Weech, Camille Moss, Julian, Michael, Phillipa and Brian Marshall, Marilyn Farqherson (Vernon). Special friends & colleagues: Family of the late Richard Davis, Mr. Josh Rutter, Charles Gonzales, Luciano Paul of Nebraska, Mr. William Leathers, Jim Bender, Anthony Penn, Cliff, Greg Stuart, Rodney Marsh, Kirklynn Evans, Sandy Bastian, Kelson, Cameron Johnson, Tameko Strachan, Clovis, Perry, Elton Johnson, Tina Gray, Shanique Wright, Tanya Buchanan, Peter Rolle of Bimini. Karen Major, Gia, Judy, Ashley, Breniya and Linda, Stephen Sands and Bradshaw Major, Gina Other Relatives and Friends: Ellen curry& family, Marion Clarke & Family, Althea Ferguson & family, Shirley Ferguson, Danita Thompson, Patsy Rolle, Anya dames, Angela Bethel & family, Dorothy Dodgeville, Rose Taylor and family, Edith Lockhart & family, Deidre Webb, Tyrone & Desmond Munroe, Rev Lynden Clarke & Family, Rev Adam Brown & Family, L.N. Coakley class of 1997, Management & and staff of Bimini Bay, Staff of Coco Cay, Berry Islands, Staff of Bahamas Environmental Group, Management & Staff of Bakers Bay, The Entire community of George Town and The Forest, Exuma.
THE ORDER OF SERVICE Minister: On the day of his baptism, Owen put on Christ. In the day of Christ’s coming, may he be clothed with glory. Minister: Lord hear our prayers and be merciful to your servant Owen, whom you have called from this life. Welcome him into the company of your saints, in the kingdom of light and peace. We ask this through Christ our Lord. All:
Amen.
Collect of Purity: Almighty God, to you all hearts are open, all desires are 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: All:
The Lord be with you. And also with you.
Celebrant: Let us pray: Almighty God, we remember before you today your servant Owen 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 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
The congregation sits for the Liturgy of the Word.
THE MINISTRY OF THE WORD THE OLD TESTAMENT READING | Isaiah 25: 6-9 | Read by: Jumari Marshall - Nephew The Reader says: A reading from the Word of God written in the Book of Isaiah Reader: The Word of the Lord All: Thanks be to God.
CONDOLENCES | Rev Lynden Clarke – Pastor Palestine Baptist Church Mr. William Leathers -Former employer TRIBUTE | Song- Tanya Buccanan- Friend As I knew him | Kirkllynne Evans- Friend THE GRADUAL HYMN | The Strife Is O’er Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia! The strife is o’er, the battle done; Now is the victor’s triumph won; O let the song of praise be sung: Alleluia! Death’s mightiest powers have done their worst; and Jesus hath his foes dispersed; Let shouts of praise and joy outburst: Alleluia!
On the third morn he rose again glorious in majesty to reign; O let us swell the joyful strain: Alleluia! Lord, by the stripes which wounded Thee, from death’s dread sting thy servants free, That we may live, and sing to thee: Alleluia!
(All stand for the proclamation of the Holy Gospel) THE HOLY GOSPEL | JOHN 14:1-6 Gospellor: All:
The Lord be with you And also with you
Gospellor: All
A Reading from The Holy Gospel of Our Lord Jesus Christ according to John Glory to Christ our Saviour
Gospellor: All:
The Gospel of Christ Praise To Christ Our Lord
The Sermon | Fr. Welcott Bain THE PRAYERS OF THE FAITHFUL | LED by Rev Kendall McKenzie - Cousin Leader: For our brother, 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 brother and dry the tears of those who weep.
All:
Hear, us Lord.
Leader: All:
You wept at the grave of Lazarus your friend; comfort us in our sorrow. Hear us, Lord.
Leader: All:
You raised the dead to life; Raise our brother to eternal life. Hear us, Lord.
Leader: All:
You promised paradise to the thief who repented; bring our brother to the joys of heaven. Hear us, Lord.
Leader: Our brother was washed in baptism and anointed with the Holy Spirit; give him fellowship with all Your Saints. All: Hear us, Lord. Leader: Owen 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. Let our faith be our consolation, and eternal life our hope. All: Hear us, Lord. Celebrant: Lord Jesus Christ, we commend to you our brother 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. Amen. All stand including the bereaved family is asked to stand for The Commendation -THE COMMENDATIONPresident: Congregation: President: ALL:
Lord Have Mercy Christ Have Mercy Lord Have Mercy
Our Father which art in heaven.....
President: Congregation: President: Congregation:
Blessed be God our Father. The Creator and Preserver of all life. Blessed be Jesus Christ. The Saviour and Redeemer of mankind.
President: Blessed be the Holy Spirit. Congregation: The Enabler and Sustainer of those who seek for grace. President: The Lord be with you. Congregation: And also with you. President: Grant us Lord, the wisdom and the grace to use aright the time that is left to us here on earth. Lead us to repent of our sins. The evil we have done and the good we have failed to do; and strengthen us to follow the steps of your son, in the way that leads to the fullness of eternal life, through Jesus Christ our Lord. All: Amen. THE COMMITTAL: In sure and certain hope of resurrection to life through our Lord Jesus Christ, we commend to Almighty God our brother Owen 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 judgment both this our brother Owen and we ourselves may be found acceptable in your sight. Grant this for the sake of your Son Jesus Christ our Lord. All: Amen. Minister: Let us Pray Almighty God, with whom still live the spirit 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. All: Amen. 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
All:
Amen.
Minister: All:
Rest eternal grant to him, O Lord; And let light perpetual shine upon him.
Minister: All:
May he and all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. 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 life up His countenance upon him and give him peace. All: Amen. Minister: All:
Alleluia, Christ is risen. The Lord is risen indeed. Alleluia.
Minister: All:
Let us go forth in the name of Christ. Thanks be to God.
RECESSIONAL HYMN | AND CAN IT BE
And can it be that I should gain an interest in the Saviour’s blood? Died he for me, who caused his pain? For me, who him to death pursued? Amazing love! How can it be that thou, my God, shouldst die for me?
Long my imprisoned spirit lay fast bound in sin and nature’s night; thine eye diffused a quickening ray; I woke, the dungeon flamed with light; my chains fell off, my heart was free, I rose, went forth, and followed thee.
Tis mystery all: the Immortal dies! Who can explore his strange design? In vain the first-born seraph tries to sound the depths of love divine. ‘Tis mercy all! Let earth adore, let angel minds enquire 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 the 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!
HYMNS WHEN WE ALL GET TO HEAVEN Sing the wondrous love of Jesus, Sing His mercy and His grace; In the mansions bright and blessed He’ll prepare for us a place.
Let us then be true and faithful, Trusting, serving every day; Just one glimpse of Him in glory Will the toils of life repay.
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!
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.
While we walk the pilgrim pathway, Clouds will overspread the sky; But when trav’ling days are over, Not a shadow, not a sigh. FARTHER ALONG
IT’S ALRIGHT NOW
Tempted and tried, we’re oft made to wonder Why it should be thus all the day long; While there are others living about us, Never molested, though in the wrong.
There was a time I traveled a lonely sinful road, Beneath a heavy burden, bending low; But now all things are different, for Jesus took my load, It’s alright now, I’m his I know.
CHORUS: Farther along we’ll know more about it, Farther along we’ll understand why; Cheer up, my brother, live in the sunshine, We’ll understand it all by and by.
CHORUS: It’s alright now, for I am in my Saviour’s care, It’s alright now, my Saviour hears and answers prayer; He’ll walk beside me ‘till I climb the heavenly stair, And everything is alright now.
Often when death has taken our loved ones, Leaving our home so lone and so drear, Then do we wonder why others prosper, Living so wicked year after year.
And down a lonely pathway, without a friend to guide, I walked in sin and sorrow all alone. ‘Till Jesus came and found me, and drew me to his side, It’s alright now, for I’m his own.
“Faithful till death,” saith our loving Master; Short is our time to labor and wait; Then will our toiling seem to be nothing, When we shall pass the heavenly gate.
No more in sin I wander, no more in darkness roam, The Lord has placed my feet on higher ground, Each day new height I’m gaining, my soul is nearing home, It’s alright now, I’m heaven bound.
They say that time is a healer But as time goes on, I seem to find it just as hard To focus the fact you’ve gone I know your up in heaven And looking down on me And when I look up at the stars I know that’s where you’ll be Our time on earth was special But it’s only the very start So please keep watching over me While we’re not so far apart You’ll never be forgotten And every day I’ll shed a tear But it’s only because I love you And wish you were still here From you love: Gremeka Thompson
In loving memory of my dad
Those special memories of your dad, will always bring a smile. If only I can have you back, just for a little while. Then we can 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 bring me pain. Your forever in my heart, until we meet again. Your babies: Kaitlyn and Owen Jr.
My Daddy, An Unsung Hero There is a saying: “Any man can be a father, but it takes someone special to be a Daddy”. If you must know the criteria’s that it takes to be a daddy feel free to Google ‘Owen Gareth Marshall’. I can assure you that a long detailed list will await you. My daddy was indeed a hero with an invisible cape. Anyone who knew me personally could say without a shadow of a doubt that only Courtney had a ‘Daddy’ no one’s father could compare to MY DADDY. It is because of you that I know how I should be treated by anyone. You tried your endeavor best to ensure that I was well exposed, so that “any joker wouldn’t be able to fill my head with dreams and empty promises.” Most importantly you made it your duty to ensure that I was properly educated because “education is something that no one can take from you.” It is now that I appreciate those long lectures more than ever. Your words instilled courage, high standards and Godly morals and values within me. For as long as I can remember you told me that if I ‘fail to plan then I plan to fail’. You embedded into my memory Ecclesiastes 3:1-8. You never failed to emphasize that “For everything there is a season, and a time for every purpose under heaven:” I was taught that a promise is a comfort to a fool ,so you made commitments. You made one commitment, which was to give everything that you didn’t have and more. I can say with confidence that you did not let me down. You always told me that if you weren’t able to give me something that I must do without it,so you ensured that you were always in a position to give me what I needed and most times what I wanted. It’s safe to say that you prepared me for everything except for you leaving me permanently. I’ll always miss you telling me that you love me before hanging up the phone. You would always tell me that if you didn’t have children to take care of that you would have quitted your job. It was because of us that you fought everyday. Now it is my time to face the world head on and fight in honor of you. Thank You for being more than a father. Thank you for being a daddy, but most of all thank you for being my daddy. I’ll always be your Annalisse, and you’ll always be my unsung hero. ~Love Courtney
To my Son Owen you have been a Pilar of strength throughout the years. I could always rely on you make the right decisions, you was always a phone call away. I thank God for the 43 years that he loan you to me. Yes I know that one day I will meet you In those mansions bright and fair Mother’s love can ne’er forget you And I’m sure I’ll know you there!! Love you O, Mommy
To our Brother So many things I want to say, you were always a phone call away!! Now I sit here wondering what to do, because there’s no one to replace you. You showed me a lot of things. I learned a lot I didn’t know, But you forgot to teach me one last thing – How to let you go. I wish I got to say “I Love You” one last time Before you were given to the sky. If God could grant me one last wish, I’d ask to say “Goodbye.” I miss you so much, in my heart you will always hold a special place. Your little brothers Darrell( Shandrea) and Darron
You was the best Uncle anyone could have!! We are so thankful for ‘everything’ you did for us and for all the sunshine you have brought into our lives. Thank you Uncle Owen for loving us the way you did!! You will be missed forever and always. The beautiful moments you shared with us will always speak of a great person that you were. Rest in peace up in heaven! Your niece and Nephew : Jumari and Deishanay
MESSAGE OF GRATITUDE We, the family of the late Owen Gareth Marshall would like to thank all who have displayed love and concern for us during this time of bereavement. We sincerely appreciate your prayers, calls, visits and other acts of kindness. May God continually bless you! The Family
PALL BEARERS Darrell Marshall Granville Ferguson Clarence Ferguson William Leathers Alton Bodie Elton Johnson
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