Mother Ruby Rolle

A SERVICE OF PRAISE AND CELEBRATION FOR Mother RUBY MELVINA ROLLE

August 6, 1928 – February 6, 2024

Age: 95

SERVICE HELD AT:

Bible Truth Ministries

Located: Martin’s Close, Off Cowpen Road, Nassau N. P. Bahamas

Saturday 24th February, 2024 at 10:00am

OFFICIATING:

Bishop Dr. Christopher Burrows (General Overseer, Shield of Faith Evangelistic Church)

ASSISTED BY:

Revernd Dr. Elease Burrows

Pastor Lowell Burrows

Elder Edwin Burrows

ORGANIST:

Elder Lorenz Burrows

MUSICIANS:

Jayden Burrows, Lesean Burrows

INTERMENT:

Lakeview Memorial Gardens, John F. Kennedy Drive

Obituary

The Journey of Mother Ruby M Deleveaux Rolle

It was the year 1928, 6th day of August, when the cry of a newborn baby broke the stillness in the home of John Henry and Melvina Deleveaux as they welcomed the birth of their 12th child and sixth daughter into the world. They named her Ruby Melvina. Henry and Melvina resided on the Island of Mayaguana in the settlement of Abraham’s Bay with their large family. This was where Ruby’s Journey began.

Growing up on the Island of Mayaguana, Ruby received her early education under the tutelage of the late Mr. Ishmael Forbes, headmaster at that time. She developed skills in reading and arithmetic. She loved reading and as an adult, spent much time reading the Bible and Black History Books.

Being one of the younger siblings, Ruby was catered to and loved by everyone. She was lovingly referred to as Liza or Punta. Growing up she was usually assigned domestic chores like cooking and cleaning because she did not enjoy working in the fields. This afforded her the luxury of staying at home with her mother most of the time.

Ruby was a member of Zion Native Baptist Church under the Pastorate of the late Reverend Edward Charlton where she was baptized.

Following the death of her parents at the tender age of 18 years, Ruby relocated to the island of New Providence to live with her eldest brother the late Jacob Deleveaux and his wife Sarah. A few months later she had the opportunity to reside in the United States of America with her second oldest brother the late Samuel Deleveaux and his wife Catherine. Samuel’s intentions were to have Ruby permanently reside in the U.S. with him and his family. However, after six months she longed to return home to the Bahamas. Finding unease in Homestead Florida, she returned to New Providence and her journey continued.

After several years Ruby returned to Mayaguana where her two eldest sisters the late Laurie McKinney and Catherine McPhee lived with their families.

It was while in Mayaguana, she met a handsome young South Androsian, who had traveled to the island with his aunt to work at the US Navy Missile Base. Ruby was swept off her feet by the young debonair, Edwin Leafred Rolle. Shortly afterwards, in 1953 they were joined in Holy Matrimony.

The first two years of marriage were spent on the Island of Mayaguana. During this time, Edwin managed to build a three room house for his family in Nassau. They again migrated to New Providence to live. This was short lived. Edwin secured employment in North Andros and again moved his young family to Mastic Point in order to provide for them. After approximately three weeks on that island, Ruby found herself widowed with four young children to care for.

The Journey continued. Ruby returned to Nassau where she sought employment to provide for her children. She was later blessed with three more children. She worked in private homes as well as in the hospitality industry where she met and made many friends. Her experiences in hospitality enhanced her culinary skills. She baked her special blend Corn Bread and cooked delectable souse dishes every Saturday, which she shared with her church leaders and persons in the community. She was a strong, courageous, honest, and industrious woman. Those she worked for trusted her and she became a confidant to many. In her line of work she had the opportunity to meet and interact with persons from Greece, England, Canada, and many other places.

In her later years she was employed by the Government of the Bahamas at the Sandilands Rehabilitation Hospital in the area of Housekeeping. Proud of her job, she left a track record of punctuality and good work ethics. Upon her retirement from the Public service, Ruby nurtured and looked after her grandchildren after school and during summer vacations.

In Nassau, Ruby attended Zion Baptist Church pastored by the late Reverend Talmadge Sands for several years before moving to the Calvary Temple Church, now Miracle Revival Fellowship Church, which was near her residence at that time.

During the course of her journey she became a founding member of the United Christian Church where she worshiped for many years with her children under the leadership of the Late Bishop A. H. Hepburn. As the Lord would have it, Ruby’s daughter and her husband were called into ministry in 1993 and she joined in ministry with her children at the Shield of Faith Evangelist Church. The journey was long but “Ma Ruby” as she was affectionately called by old and young in the community and her church, served well; giving of her time and her finances.

Mother Ruby Rolle ( “Grammy Ruby” as church members called her) was a prayer warrior, and upon her retirement her days were filled with tele-prayer-athon. She would call friends and loved ones and pray for them over the telephone. She was never ashamed to witness to persons about the love of Jesus. Her favorite Scriptures were St John 3:16-17 and Psalms 117; which she recited after every prayer. As the Mother of her church, she was not afraid to clip your ear in order get your attention back in the worship service.

Mother Ruby Rolle, instructed her children in the ways of the Lord; teaching them to read the bible and engaging in prayer early in the morning and in the evening before going to bed.

Ruby kept the prayer bells ringing wherever she went. Ruby also did not allow persons who visited her home to leave without praying first; especially if it was 12:00 noon. You had to pray and pray individually. This continued for many years, as her journey continued.

The years rolled by and Mother Rolle’s steps were slowed. Unable to attend worship services, she would still support the ministry with whatever she received in the form of financial gifts and paid her tithes faithfully.

Ruby spent her final days being cared for by her children and caregivers at her home in Palm Tree Estate where she resided with her youngest daughter Lynette. She would often join in with singing and occasionally dancing during a song that she enjoyed. When she could not sit up anymore, she would dance with her hands and shoulders. If you sang a song and the lyrics were incorrect, she would automatically stop singing and recite the correct words. During this time she often quoted Hymns like “Heaven is a holy place and No Sin can enter there” and “Tell me Jesus my Saviour, is my name written there?”.

On Sunday 20th and 27th January, under the leadership of Leason, her forth grandson, her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren, all met at her home, some on facetime and others in person as they sang, read the word, and prayed with her. Often she would express her love to her children and grandchildren. We can all hear her say, “Who you is? You is my child? I love you!”

The final steps of her journey continue. On Saturday 3rd February, Mother Rolle shouted out ….. “Three!” Although questioned about the meaning of “Three”, she did not respond. She had closed her eyes to this world and refused to open them again. On the Sunday the 4th February, 2024 was the last time all her children gathered around her bed and sang. Her final words to those by her bedside on Monday 5th February was, “I ready to go home.” Then on Tuesday evening at 6:15 pm, shortly after the singing and the final prayer, with her four daughters and caregiver around her bed, Ruby breathed her last breath on this side and her earthly sojourn ended.

Ruby was predeceased by her Husband Edwin L. Rolle, her parents John H. & Melvina Deleveaux, sisters Queenie Brown, Laurie McKinney, Catherine McPhee, & Orion Deleveaux; Brothers: Jacob, Samuel, Leonard, Mervin, Jervis,, Buster & Sidney Deleveaux; and great grandson Lowell C. B. Burrows Jr. Left to cherish her memories are: 5 daughters: Bricemae Gibson, Rev. Dr. Elease & Elder Marilyn Burrows, Minister Gwendolyn Alexandre, & Evangelist Lynette Rolle. 2 Sons: Rev. Dr. Jerome Deleveaux & Deacon Stephen Douglas.

Sons-in Law: Bishop Dr. Christopher B. Burrows, Deacon Samuel Burrows.

Daughters-in-Law: Deaconess Patrilee Deleveaux, & Jacqueline Douglas.

Grandchildren: Anwar T. Lewis, Deaconess Indira Rolle, Evangelist Elecia Outten, Pastor Lowell, Elder Lorenz, Minister Leason & Elder Edwin Burrows; Samantha Boykin, Travaldez Burrows; Jerisha Rolle, Shonell Bullard; Roniece Walker, PSC Romiel, Rodrique & Racel Alexandre; Jamal, Jada, and Megan Douglas; Adopted Grand’s: Stephon & Stanley Farquharson; Princeton Saunders; Grandsons-in-law:- Pastor Hartley Rolle, Mr. Michael Boykin and Matthew Rolle.

Granddaughters-in-law:-Tennielle, Keva, Atilia & Melissa Burrows: Mimi Alexandre, & Adopted Granddaughter in-law Karissa Farquharson

Great Grandchildren: Julecia, Alease & Abegayle Outten; Leyhanessa, Leyhannah, Hartley Rolle Jr. ; Jayden, Joel, & Jordyn, Lorenz Jr., Leason Jr. Leasean, Christian, Aleaha, Aleasha, Allyssa, Edwin Jr., James, Nathaniel, & Makayla Burrows; J’Layah Outten, L’Varn & M’kayala Rolle; Darren, Gershawn, Gevar, Gabriel, & Shau’nae Bullard; Latisha, Lawrence, MaryCharlotte, & Mitchell Alexandre, Saniyah Barton, & Skylar Louis, Arden Walker, & Allianna Douglas, Skylar Farquharson. Great, Great Grandchildren: Christopher Outten, Johann, & Luciana Barcenas.

Nieces: Min. Dr. Ethlyn Deleveaux, Francetha Stuart, Cenetha McKinney, Elder Patricia Brown, Tency Oliver, Deniece Evans, Retired Superintendent of RBPF Telinda Missick, Ruby Ingraham, and Persephone Munnings; Deaconess Gurlena Jones, Berthamae Duncanson, Mary Chong , & Suzanne Deleveaux of Florida USA; Rosemary Taylor; Nephews: John Henry ‘Shark’ Deleveaux of USA, John Deleveaux of Nassau, Reverend Clifford, Alfred, Milton and Magistrate Samuel McKinney; Amos Jr., Hexin, Earlston, Professor Dr. Sidney, Leonard, Eldridge, Ian, & Carlton McPhee; Mervin Deleveaux; Minister Christopher and Billy Saunders. Care Givers: Noreen Mcpherson and Dezreene Codringeon. Other Relatives & Friends not limited to and inclusive of the following:- The descendants of the late Pinn and Francis Charlton, The Descendants of the late Emerline & Jack Deleveaux, Tiffany, Tianna, and Logan, Nurse Beverly Singh, Sonia Marcel, Matilda Williams of San Salvador, Minister Gloria Sturrup and Family, The Family of Shield Of Faith Evangelistic Church; Pastor Steven Edgecombe & the family of Carmichael Community Bible Church; Pastor Alex Thompson & the family of Carmichael Bible Church; The family of Blue Hill Gospel Chapel; Pastor Ellison & Lady Leila Greenslade, The family of the late Alexander Burrows. Bishop Luther and Pastor Irena Thurston, Dr. Antonio and Dr. Sonia Guerrero, Dr. Indira Jones, Mr. Tony Lewis, Carmen Moxey, Altomease Thompson, Victoria Coakley, Finetha Taylor, Doretha & the Murphy sisters, Rosetta Walker, Alice Watson, Darlene Rolle Cargil, Bridgette Morley, Monica Moss. Mrs. Shantell Lockhart and Family; Mrs. Karen Smith; The Family of Palm Tree Estate Community; & The Community of Abraham’s Bay Mayaguana.

Order of Service

“O praise the Lord, all ye nations: praise him, all ye people. For his merciful kindness is great toward us: and the truth of the Lord endureth for ever. Praise ye the Lord.”

MODERATOR | Rev. Dr. Elease Burrows (Daughter)

MUSICAL PRELUDE ENTRANCE OF FAMILY MINISTERIAL PROCESSION

OPENING SENTENCES | Bishop Dr. Christopher Burrows

OPENING HYMN | “Just over In The Glory Land”

I’ve a home prepared where the saints abide

Just over in the glory land

And I long to be by my Saviour’s side

Just over in the glory land

(Chorus)

Just over in the glory land

I’ll join the happy angel band

Just over in the glory land

There with the mighty host, I’ll stand

Just over in the glory – land

I am on my to those mansions fair,

Just over in the glory land

There to sing God’s praise and His glory share

Just over in the glory land

What a joyful thought, that my Lord I’ll see

Just over in the glory land

And with kindred saved, there forever be

Just over in the glory land

With the blood-washed throng I will shout and sing

Just over in the glory land

Glad hosannas to Christ, the Lord and King’

Just over the glory land

OPENING PRAYER & INVOCATION | Elder Edwin Burrows (Grandson)

OLD TESTAMENT READING | Pslams 90:1-12 | Jada Douglas (Grand Daughter)

L’Varn Rolle (Great Grand Son)

PRAISE & WORSHIP | Shield Of Faith Praise Team

NEW TESTAMENT READING | 1 Corinth. 15:51-58 | Samantha Boykin (Grand Daughter)

SELECTION | Deaconess Indira Rolle (Grand Daughter)

REFLECTIONS | Roniece Walker (Grand Daughter)

Anwar Lewis (Grand Son)

Dr. Sidney McPhee (Nephew)

TRIBUTE | Grand & Great Grand Children

CONDOLENCES | 2 Mins | Rev. Alex Thompson (Carmichael Bible Church)

Pastor Stephen Edgecombe (Carmichael Community Bible Church)

Mr. William Pratt (Director of Immigration)

SELECTION | Shield of Faith Choir

EULOGY | Bishop Dr. Christopher Burrows (General Overseer – Shield of Faith)

PRAYER FOR THE FAMILY | Pastor Ellison Greenslade (Bible Truth Ministries)

RECESSIONAL HYMN | “ I’ll Fly Away”

Some glad morning when this life is o’er, I’ll fly away;

To a home on God’s celestial shore, I’ll fly away (I’ll fly away).

(Chorus)

I’ll fly away, Oh Glory I’ll fly away; (in the morning)

When I die, Hallelujah, by and by, I’ll fly away (I’ll fly away).

When the shadows of this life have gone, I’ll fly away;

Like a bird from prison bars has flown, I’ll fly away (I’ll fly away)

Just a few more weary days and then, I’ll fly away;

To a land where joy shall never end, I’ll fly away (I’ll fly away)

Graveside Service

HYMN | “The Eastern Gate”

I will meet you in the morning, Just inside the Eastern Gate. Then be ready, faithful pilgrim, Lest with you it be too late.

(Chorus)

I will meet you in the morning; I will meet you in the morning

Just inside the Eastern Gate over there.

I will meet you in the morning, I will meet you in the morning, I will meet you in the morning over there.

If you hasten off to glory, Linger near the Eastern Gate, For I’m coming in the morning; So you’ll not have long to wait.

Keep your lamps all trimmed and burning;

For the Bridegroom watch and wait.

He’ll be with us at the meeting

Just inside the Eastern Gate.

O the joys of that glad meeting

With the saints who for us wait!

What a blessed, happy meeting

Just inside the Eastern Gate!

PRAYER | Bishop Christopher Burrows

THE COMMITTAL | Pastor Lowell Burrows (Grandson)

HYMNS OF FAITH | “It’s Alright Now”

There was a time I travelled a lonely sinful road; Beneath a heavy burden bending low; But now all things are different, since Jesus took my load It’s alright now, I’m His I know.

(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 with me, (He’ll walk beside me)

Till I climb the heavenly stair, And everything (And everything is alright now)

A’ down a lonely pathway, without a friend to guide, I walked in sin and sorrow all alone

‘Till Jesus came and found me, and drew me to His side; It’s alright now, for I’m His own.

No more in sin I wander, no more in darkness roam

The Lord has placed my feet on higher ground;

Each day new heights I’m gaining, my soul is nearing home, It’s alright now, I’m heaven bound.

REMARKS | Funeral Director

BENEDICTION | Pastor Lowell Burrows (Grandson)

CLOSING 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

(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

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

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

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

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.

Her Legacy

Mommy I am blessed to be your first born, a title I wear proudly and with great honor. I’m forever grateful for your continuous presence in my life.

Throughout the years you have taught me the importance of serving the Lord, loving family and giving unconditionally and reminded us, that as your children, we were here to help others; a core value which I will treasure everyday.

As your health began to deteriorate, I became one of your primary caregivers. I treasured these precious moments shared during those times. Your whit, your counsel and wisdom remained ever present. Not one day did you complain and with every service rendered, you responded with “God bless you”.

Sometimes when you did not remember who I was, I would spell my name and you would say ‘Bricie’ punctuated by “my Mama” or “my daughter”; mommy nothing made me prouder than being called your daughter.

Your daily conversations were about Heaven. It’s amazing how you did not remember some of your grandchildren names, but you knew every verse of every song, the Books of the Bible and entire Bible chapters. You carried the word of God within your heart.

Mommy I miss you immensely but I know that you are with your Saviour whom you longed to see, yea these many years.

-with love Bricie

It’s nearly impossible to know me without knowing MY Grammy. I bragged about you to everyone and with every chance I had, I sang your praise, I relived and retold the jokes we shared, I recalled the stories from my childhood. I wanted everyone to know just want an amazing person I had the privilege of calling Grammy.

We’ve always been two peas in a pod, from childhood I was your shadow and I believe you would have had it no other way. Your house was home. Your spaghetti and meat sauce which became the Friday special was the treat to look forward to after a long week of school. Your homemade bread was divine and I couldn’t wait for you to turn your back for a second so I could pick a piece of the raising dough. Your open doors and your open arms paled in comparison to your open heart. A heart for service, a heart for others, a heart for God and a heart made from pure gold. You did and offered without expecting anything in return. You simply loved!

I first handedly felt and was a direct recipient of your love. Your laughter infectious. Your whit uncanny; you had a comeback for every and anything. Quick on your feet.

Your prayer life devout. I often would tell people “you don’t want me to tell my Grammy pray for you”, because your prayers always meant business! It’s hard to sum up into words, the parts of a woman who was both great in stature and in values and principles.

Thank you for being a pillar of strength. Thank you for the being the embodiment of a virtuous woman.

Thank you for your love.

Thank you for the kindness you showed me and to anyone else who had the experience of being blessed by your presence.

Thank you for teaching me the virtue of prayer. Thank you for generating a spark and being light to every room in which your feet entered.

Thank you Grammy for being You!

I carry you with me always.

I loved you then and I love you even more now!

Your baby grandson – Anwar

MOTHER

Mom! Oh how my heart pained, at your Passing.

I miss you so, so much. You were mother and father to me all my life. Your love and words of wisdom are etched in my heart. Mom you were everything a mother could be and I will always cherish the times we spent together. As I listen quietly I can hear your voice as you prayed to God to direct your children’s life. “Father in the precious name of Jesus, touch that child. You supported every foreign ministry that requested an offering and you did it all, so that they may pray for your family. Because of your prayer, love, guidance and teaching, I am who I am today.

Growing up, I saw your silent tears falling and did not understand the magnitude of it, but I acted as mother and consoled and encouraged you. Today I understand.

Love you Mommie! Till we meet again…. Your daughter Loisy

AN ODE TO MY GRAMMY

Great in statue, strong in faith, Not world renowned, But to us all, you were great. You never went to college, You never held a degree, But your love for reading and learning, Surpassed everything.

You’d read the bible, And shared every word You even made us read And then state what we’ve learned. As children, From as early as the age of two, I remembered, We’d sit on the front porch, And listen to you.

You told us stories, From the Bible and your homeland. You were a historian, And to us, you were grand. You were a woman of faith, Driven by prayer. You blessed everyone, Far and near. One thing you would say, Without dismay, “I love you,” we heard, Each and every day. As we say our goodbyes, To rest you go, Grammy we love you For sure you know. You can talk to Jesus, And in that sharp fine voice declare, “ Tell me, Jesus, my Saviour, is my name written there?”

Love Elecia, Julecia, Alease, Abegayle, and Christopher

As I sit here and reflect on my life, the volume of information that I captured on paper of how you impacted my life is too much to share now, but I remember you my Grandmother, a real lady, a proverbs 31 woman, a mother/father to her children and the same to her grandchildren.

Grammy you left us a legacy, big shoes to fill. A hole in my heart that only the Comforter can seal. I love you My grandmother, my confidant, my friend, my Rube’ -Your price is far beyond diamonds or pearls –

Ruby Melvina Deleveaux Rolle – rejoice in heaven’s jubilee.

Your first Grand – Indira Rolle

Ruby Melvina Rolle - a name that will always be synonymous with 12 noon prayer meetings, fresh baked bread every Saturday afternoon, the best fried fish and of course a genuine love for each and every child and subsequent grand & great grands. Grammy was a mighty prayer warrior, with a strength and resiliency that is forever admirable. She passed on those traits of love, strength and a passion for God to her children which in turn passed them on to all of her generations. Grammy made sure that any and everyone that came into her presence was covered in prayer and in love...she loved on everyone. Even in her last days, she would always say “I love you” and you know she meant it. One of her favorite sayings was “Heaven is a holy place, filled with glory & grace, and no sin can enter there”.

There will never be another but we can all strive to live a life that honors her legacy. Sleep well Grammy, be sure to gather all the angels in prayer & worship each day.... we love you but God loves you best.

Mom I want to thank you for all you have done for me. Even though I lived abroad you were my Souce of strength. I can remember ‘back in the day’ receiving a phone call from you every Sunday.

2. Whenever my children and I were sick you would get on a plane in a heart beat. There were many times you came to our rescue. Mom thanks for the many summers my children spent with you.

3. ⁠you always ensured that when I returned home I had a bag of goodies. Coming to Nassau would never be the same without you, for when I landed your house was my first stop.

4. ⁠Your last words to me was “God bless you”.

5. ⁠Thank you for being a praying mother. You were a great example of what a Godly mother should be. This is so hard. It doesn’t seem real. Mom take your well deserved rest, sleep in peace!

Love Gwen (Sally) – Daughter

Grammy was the perfect grandmother. Praying, baking bread and teaching us the word of God. My heart is so full because the time that I spent with her is so precious to me. Her stories will live in me and I pray that I pour into my child the way she poured into me. I love you but Jesus loves you best.

Roniece (Grand Daughter)

TO MY DEAREST ‘GAMMY’,

So many memories with you grammy etched forever in my heart.

Many tears you wiped always reminding me that ‘gammy’ loves you and days spent writing letters to your favorite television pastor. When the clock struck 12 everything ceased , because it was prayer time.

You dear not to pick up the phone during that time, only exception being it was Jesus on the line.

Your touch, bright smile, unique laugh and sense of humor will forever remain forever remain with me.

You picked up the phone this time Grammy because it was Him calling and in true warrior fashion you were ready.

With Love Riss

A TRIBUTE TO GRAMMY

One of my fondest memories of my childhood was going to your house on Saturday afternoons to pick up fresh baked bread and raiding your mango tree! You would always ask me, “did you read your bible today?” It wasn’t until I became a man that I understood why it was so important to study the scriptures and pray daily. Today as we celebrate your life, I want to thank you for all your thoughts and prayers that undoubtedly helped me through some of the darkest times of my life. You will be missed. We love you grammy.

To a life well lived:

A life well lived is a legacy, Of joy and pride and pleasure A living, lasting memory, Our grateful hearts will always treasure.

-Jamal Douglas (Grandson)

MUDDA DEAR

My dearest, Precious, Beautiful,

These are the names I called you.

I reflect on the precious memories we had together. The Book of Ruth came to mind. Ruth declared, “Do not urge me to leave you or to return from following you. For where you go I will go, and where you lodge I will lodge. Your people shall be my people, and your God my God. 17 Where you die I will die, and there will I be buried. May the Lord do so to me and more also if anything BUT death parts me from you.” (Mudda I ain’t going with you on this journey, you’re gern by ya self.)

Mudda we travelled. Every Family island I was transferred to for work, Mudda, you went with me. We traveled to Grand Bahama, Bimini, Exuma, Eleuthera, and San Salvador. Not only did we travel for work purposes, but also for vacation. You’ve been to California, Texas, and many other places in Florida. Mudda, your love and support for TBN afforded us the opportunity to travel to two Conferences hosted by the late renowned Evangelist, Morris Ceurello, with Minister Hanna and his family.

Mudda, as time went on, your saying became true, “Once a man, twice a people.” Your strength begun to weaken and your memory fade, but Your love for God, your family, and faith remained strong. Your steps became slowed and few but your mouth remained hard and sharp. The hospitality remained, when feeding you, You would offer your food to others and say, “you eat it.”

As you got older, you statred your Night time singing and praying. You would tap us to join in the all night singing and prayer. Joy (my sister) would often say, “ Lynette you can’t do this to me, you have to come in the bed and sleep with Mudda, while I sleep on the floor.” I would often respond, Mudda it’s night, you gat to sing with the angels. When day broke Mudda was fast asleep. Her night became day and her day became night. This continued for many years up to the time of her death. When you graced her bedside she would say, “Come let’s pray, come, let’s sing.” Lights had to be turned off to prove to her that it was night to which

she would respond, “ Turn the light back on”. To which I would say,”no,” because I have to go to work the next day. Mudda had an automatic clock, as soon as evening came she would call my name, even when I wasn’t home. As soon as I arrived Noreen would say, Mudda calling you. I would quick change and go to her to sing and pray.

Mudda, on Christmas Day 2023, while sitting up next to me in bed, you said to me,” I am leaving you, I am going home.” I replied, “ No, I want you to be here until you are one hundred.” She responded,”NO!”

After this, Mudda, you turned your face from the world and began to release everything and everyone as you looked heavenward.

One of the last word you said to me while I stood over you was HEAVEN. When I asked how you were doing? Your reply was again, HEAVEN.

So, To everything there is a season and a time for every purpose under heaven, a time to be born and a time to die; laugh and a time to mourn.

Mudda you transitioned to glory. You left a legacy behind. I will always love you.

Lynette

TO THE WORLDS GREATEST GRANDMOTHER

Grammy we will never forget the many things you taught us and how loved you made us feel. Your kindness and love were so special, and your heart so pure and true. You made the world a better place just by being you. Of all the special gifts in life however great or small, to have you as our Grammy was the greatest gift of all. You were a prayer warrior and you showed that daily at 11:59 everything was turned off in the house an it was time to pray. Your wisdom,patience and warmth shaped us in ways we will never forget.

May your soul rest in eternal peace grammy from Stephon, Karissa and Skylar

MESSAGE OF GRATITUDE

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,