Service of Praise & Thanksgiving
June 29, 1936 – February 20, 2021 Friday, 5th March, 2021 at 10:00 a.m. Service held at Mt. Moriah Baptist Church Farrington Road Nassau, Bahamas Officiating Rev’d. Dr. Wilton Strachan Organist Mr. Darville “Sonny” Walkine Interment Woodlawn Gardens Soldier Road Nassau, Bahamas
O
Obituary
n Monday, June 29, 1936 the cries of a newborn baby girl were heard in the quiet settlement of Driggs Hill, South Andros. This beautiful baby girl was born to proud parents, Reuben “Bertie” and Blanche McKenzie (nee Smith). She was named Ruth Inez McKenzie and was the second daughter born to this union. “Inez” or “Nez” as she was affectionately called, attended the South Andros All Age School where she obtained her formative education. At the age of 17 she and her older sister Lilla left Andros to seek employment in New Providence. Inez and Lilla were like two peas in a pod and lived very closely. They doubled-dated, travelled together and shared in each other’s family celebrations and sorrows together. Inez was a caring older sister and mothered her younger siblings who stayed with her when they moved from Driggs Hill to Nassau in their teens. Initially, she worked at Britannia Hotel on Hog Island (Paradise Island) and later at other establishments including Howard Johnsons Restaurant. She was an entrepreneur at heart and finally decided to open her own “milk stand,” adjacent to her home on Cordeaux Avenue West which she managed for a number of years. Inez being a single parent met, fell in love with and eventually married Anthony B. Taylor in July, 1969. This union produced two sons. After their marriage, they moved to Oakes Field where she opened a dry goods and clothing store and also operated a dressmaking business in the early 70’s. Inez was a seamstress extraordinaire and made elegant outfits for her daughters, family members and customers alike. While managing her home-based business, Inez took pride in caring for her husband and children. She was passionate about her children’s education and would always incentivize them with a trip or a monetary gift for good academic performance. She instilled positive values in her children teaching them the importance of hard work and encouraged them to be honest, fair and to take pride in whatever they did. She ensured that her children were very active in church and participated in church activities such as Boys and Girls Brigade. Being the caring mom she was, when her older children got married and left home, she would call them often to bring their pots or some other container when they got off work to collect their soup or other delicious meals she would have prepared. Her life revolved around her husband, children and by extension her grandchildren. Every Saturday around 3 p.m. all roads led to the homestead on Farrington Road where the entire clan would gather on
her back porch around a table, later named by her children, the “Round Table”. This was truly “family time” and no one wanted to be left out; everyone ate, drank and caught up on events of the week. Inez enjoyed travelling and spending time in Raleigh, North Carolina, Indiana and Atlanta, Georgia with her son “Tony” and his family. During the summer months she would take her two little traveling partners with her - grandchildren Sharrana and Edgar (EJ). They would come back every summer with many funny stories about Grammy, including how she cooked all day and made them eat full three meals daily. Inez faced many medical challenges including, hypertension and diabetes and with the passing of her eldest child, Sharon in 1991, she became distraught and heart-broken, nonetheless she continued to persevere. In 2004, she lost her husband which further took a toll on her. Around 2012, she was diagnosed with Alzheimers Disease and that along with her other pre-existing conditions contributed to her limited daily activities. Almost three years ago she had a fall which left her bedridden and as a result, her medical condition further deteriorated. God saw her suffering and on Saturday, February 20, 2021 at approximately 4:09 p.m. He saw it fit to call her home. Ruth Inez was predeceased by her Husband: Anthony B. Taylor Sr.; Daughter: Sharon Ann Kemp; Parents: Reuben “Bertie” and Blanche McKenzie; Grandchildren: Tennille and Quincy Darling; Sisters: Lila McPhee and Helen Forbes; Brothers: Leslie and James ‘Jimmy’ McKenzie. She will be lovingly remembered by Daughters: Beverley Pintard, S. Andrea Darling-Thompson, Sharlene Hanna-McPhee (Edgar), Theresa Darling-McPhee (Frederick); Sons: Clifford Darling Jr. (Judy), Dr. Anthony Taylor Jr. (Kaaryn) and Alexis Taylor; Adopted daughter: Rushena Darling. Grandchildren: Dominique Johnson, DeVaughn and David Dean (Schamel); Christopher Darling; Lawrence Brandon, Lamon and Lawren Pintard; Syann, Shonari and Shenaniah Thompson and Sharanna Thompson-Matulka (Michael); Ebony Hanna-Beneby (Lauren), Edgar Jr. and Ehren Hanna (Giselle); Fredra McPhee-Seymour (Vincent); Anthony III, Andrew and Ann Taylor; Great grandchildren: Vaughn, Deshai and Da’Scha Dean; Marvin Rolle, Kristaneka, Christopher J., Gabriella, Kamari, Shantanique, Bill and Clifford Darling; Ray, Kennedy, Lamon Jr, Alexander, Lera, Lawren Jr and Lauren Pintard; Nathan, David and Caleb Matulka, Sakari, Shiloh and Shaniya Thompson; Latajha and Hannah Beneby, Elyse and Ellie-Irie Hanna; Vi’Niyah and Vincent Seymour. Brother: Adelbert McKenzie; Sisters: Dorothy Curtis, Rose Miller, Juanita Hamilton, Janet Simmons and Ivadell McKenzie; Aunts: Doris Albury, Dame Marguerite Pindling and Priscilla Williams; Uncle: Sidney McKenzie;
Sisters-in-law: Elsa McKenzie, Isabella Pratt and Marina Fernander; Brothers-in-law: Daniel Simmons and Arlington Allen; Nieces and Nephews including: Dareo and Brendalee Ferguson and Darren Knowles; Troy, Trevor and Dellarese McKenzie, Shira Newbold and Keith Jones; Jonathan (JC) and Roy Forbes, Vanria Smith, Janice Arthur, Jillian Meeres and Edsel Armbrister; Nikita, Lynden, Anthea and Terran Curtis, Tanya Bullock and Monalisa Adderley; Ericka Barr and Monique McKenzie; Neil McKenzie and Kimberley Forbes; Sean, Roshann, Corri and Peter Miller; Ricardo, Royal Jr and Adrian Hamilton, Nicoya Rolle and Gayle Bowleg; Damon Dames, Crystal Mercedes, Cherelle Stuart and Chernecia Campbell; Laura Pratt-Charlton; Lambert Miller, Tyrone Frazier, Marco Nicholls, Charles Gibson, Stephanie Hepburn, Maria Dunigan, Nancy Dean; Judy and Duvalier Taylor; Gretchen Taylor-Forbes, Clarrice Taylor-Knowles, Darrell, Craig, George, Derek and Jennie Taylor; Lucymae Simmons, Brendalyn, Otario, Alexandria, Arlyne and Arlington Allen Jr, Natasha Minnis and Pastor Shacarra Curry; Rochelle Hanna, James Knowles and Trevor Taylor; Alexander and Melanie Fernander-Lightbourne, Denice Thurston-Bethell, Cyril and Everette Thurston; Travan Rolle and Clint Higgs; Numerous cousins including: Amos and Rodney Flowers, Wanda Miller, Vernice Forbes, Leoma Burke; Arabella, Sheila and Stephanie Forbes; Brenda McKenzie and Hillary Smith; Ivamae Simmons, Patricia Robinson, Stephanie Higgs, Orthnell and Elisha McKenzie, Predensa Clarke and Jazelle Hall; Janice Weech, Cheryl Murphy, Philippa and Everette McKenzie Jr and Lynn Rolle; Obi, Leslie and Monique Pindling and Michelle Sands; Abdul Armbrister; Selwyn, Andy, Gail and Kevin McKenzie and Devon Williams. Other relatives and friends including: Edward Miller, Lisa Solomon, Crystal Stubbs, Vanessa Gardiner and Family, Holly Darville, Shakira Dean, Sherry Waterman, Christine Ferguson and Family, Rena McPhee & Family (Rolleville, Exuma), Gaye Antoine-Bowe and Family, Darville “Sonny” Walkine and Family; Deacon Arthur and Mrs. Inez Peet and Family, Winnifred Lockhart and Family, Myrtle Thompson and Family, Reverend Wilton and Mrs. Marion Strachan and Family, Sam and Sydonie Thompson, Paulette Campbell, Renald Ferguson, Lesia Sands, William Miller, Charles and Elva Turner and Family, Virginia Fox and Family, Alphonso and Willamae Smith and Family, Dr. David and Angela Burrows and the entire BFM Family, Natasha Elliot-Cooper, Sharon Gibson and Family, Natasha Seymour, Mt. Moriah Baptist Church Family, Ms. Patricia Moxey and Staff of Pat’s Senior Citizens Home, Ms. Vivian Moss and Family, the entire Darling Family; Lawrence K. Pintard (Atlanta, Ga.), Jen Dames-Coppe and Family, Claudette Ching and Family, Sharon Sands and Family, Pearl Deveaux-Stubbs and Family, Leotha Nixon and Family, Colina Insurance Family and BTVI Family. We also wish to acknowledge and thank Dr. Agreta Eneas-Carey, Dr. Glen Beneby, Dr. Kelly Johnson, Nurse Latonia Kelly and Sister Ella Anderson; and the staff of PMH Female Medical 1 Ward. The family recognizes that there are many other persons who are related to, may have contributed to the life of, or was touched in some way or another by Ruth Inez. However, it is very difficult to remember all of your names at this time. Therefore, if your name does NOT appear in this obituary, we humbly offer our sincere apology.
Order of Service
Call To Worship | Rev’d. Dr. Wilton Strachan Moderator | Rev’d Anthony Lightbourne Opening Hymn | Great is Thy Faithfulness
“Great is Thy faithfulness,” O God my father! There is no shadow of turning with Thee; Thou changest not, Thy compassions, they fail not; As thou hast been Thou forever wilt be.
Summer and winter, and springtime and harvest, Sun, moon and stars in their courses above, Join with all nature in manifold witness To Thy great faithfulness, mercy and love.
Chorus: Great is Thy faithfulness, Great is Thy faithfulness, Morning by morning new mercies I see: All I have needed Thy hand hath provided - “Great is Thy faithfulness,” Lord unto me!
Pardon for sin and a peace that endureth. Thine own dear presence to cheer and to guide, Strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow Blessings all mine, with ten thousand beside!
Invocation | Rev’d Dencil Kerr Responsorial Hymn | Tis So Sweet To Trust In Jesus ‘Tis so sweet to trust in Jesus, Just to take Him at His Word; Just to rest upon His promise, Just to know, “Thus saith the Lord!”
I’m so glad I learned to trust Thee, Precious Jesus, Savior, Friend; And I know that Thou art with me, Wilt be with me to the end!
Chorus: Jesus, Jesus, how I trust Him! How I’ve proved Him o’er and o’er; Jesus, Jesus, precious Jesus! Oh, for grace to trust Him more!
Old Testament Reading | (Ecclesiastes 3:1-8) | Syann J. Thompson (Granddaughter) Solo | Philip Cartwright Obituary | Read in Silence
Congregational Hymn | My Jesus I love Thee My Jesus, I love Thee, I know Thou art mine; For Thee all the follies of sin I resign. My gracious Redeemer, my Savior art Thou; If ever I loved Thee, my Jesus, ‘tis now.
I’ll love Thee in life, I will love Thee in death, And praise Thee as long as Thou lendest me breath; And say when the death dew lies cold on my brow, If ever I loved Thee, my Jesus, ‘tis now.
I love Thee because Thou has first loved me, and purchased my pardon on Calvary’s tree. I love Thee for wearing the thorns on Thy brow; If ever I loved Thee, my Jesus, ‘tis now.
In mansions of glory and endless delight, I’ll ever adore Thee in heaven so bright; I’ll sing with the glittering crown on my brow; If ever I loved Thee, my Jesus, ‘tis now
New Testament Reading | (2 Corin. 5:1-10) | Ehren J. Hanna (Grandson) Selection | Musical Selection Spoken Word | Rev’d. Dr. Wilton Strachan Prayer for the Family | Bishop Denczil Rolle L.I.F.E Worship Center Closing Hymn | How Great Thou Art O Lord my God, when I in awesome wonder, Consider all the worlds Thy hands have made, I see the stars, I hear the rolling thunder, Thy power throughout the universe displayed!
And when I think that God, His Son not sparing, Sent Him to die, I scarce can take it in. That on the cross, my burden gladly bearing, He bled and died to take away my sin!
Chorus: Then sings my soul, my Savior God to Thee; How great Thou art, how great Thou art. Then sings my soul, my Savior God to Thee; How great Thou art, how great Thou art!
When Christ shall come with shouts of acclamation And take me home, what joy shall fill my heart. Then I shall bow in humble adoration And there proclaim, my God, how great Thou art!
When thru the woods and forest glades I wander And hear the birds sing sweetly in the trees, When I look down from lofty mountain grandeur And hear the brook and feel the gentle breeze. Benediction
Graveside Service Opening Sentences | Rev’d. Dr. Wilton Strachan Hymn | Blessed Assurance Blessed assurance, Jesus is mine! O what a foretaste of glory divine! Heir of salvation, purchase of God, born of his Spirit, washed in his blood.
Perfect submission, perfect delight, visions of rapture now burst on my sight; angels descending bring from above echoes of mercy, whispers of love.
(Chorus) This is my story, this is my song, praising my Savior all the day long; this is my story, this is my song, praising my Savior all the day long.
Perfect submission, all is at rest; I in my Savior am happy and blest, watching and waiting, looking above, filled with his goodness, lost in his love.
Prayer | Rev’d. Dr. Wilton Strachan Committal Hymns | Last Mile of The Way If I walk in the pathway of duty, If I work till the close of the day, I shall see the great King in His beauty, When I’ve gone the last mile of the way.
If for Christ I proclaim the glad story, If I seek for His sheep gone astray, I am sure He will show me His glory, When I’ve gone the last mile of the way.
When I’ve gone the last mile of the way, I will rest at the close of the day; And I know there are joys that await me, When I’ve gone the last mile of the way.
Here the dearest of ties we must sever, Tears of sorrow are seen every day; But no sickness, no sighing forever, When I’ve gone the last mile of the way. And if here I have earnestly striven, And have tried all His will to obey, ’Twill enhance all the rapture of heaven, When I’ve gone the last mile of the way.
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).
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)
(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).
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)
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.
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.
(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)
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.
Due to COVID regulations and restrictions, only immediate family members will be accommodated at the graveside. Also, there will be no repast following the burial. In view of this, the family appreciates their private time to grieve.
I Miss You Mom Mom, I still see your face before me, Your voice I long to hear… I miss and love you dearly God knows I wish you were here. Tears fall freely from my eyes, Like a river, filled with grief. My only comfort now is that, From pain, you’ve fond relief Missing you already, Beverley
Tribute to Mummy
Where do I begin to talk about my mother who was an amazing and beautiful woman that meant the world to me?........ This supportive and hardworking woman who has been such an integral part of my life for all of my life? At this time, words are inadequate to truly express my feelings!! Mummy, you were a disciplinarian who did not spare the rod when your children stepped out of line, but you were always so loving, caring and protective of us. We never doubted your love for us. You were so resourceful and selfless and sacrificed so much of your needs to make sure we had everything we needed. You were a true example of a Proverbs 31 woman……An entrepreneur, a good wife and a great mother. You exemplified Proverbs 31 vs. 15: which reads, ‘She gets up while it is still night and provides food for her family’. You were up early in the mornings making sure you prepared for your husband and children. You never allowed us to leave home without a hot meal and by the time we returned home from school or work, you had a delicious meal prepared for us. Mummy all of your daughters are wonderful mothers to their children because you showed us the way. I don’t remember a time when I needed you and you weren’t there for me and my children, Mummy. You were my rock and I knew that I could talk to you about any and everything. You were so strong and independent, especially after losing your loving husband back in 2004, but when your health started to fail, we moved in even closer. Now it was our loving duty as your children to protect and take care of you. I cherished every moment that we spent together, especially in those final years. I will always cherish the times I was able to pamper you…. and love on you ….and sing and pray with you. Even though, because of the Alzheimer’s, you didn’t remember the names of your children in those final months, you would say that you knew ‘we were one of yours’. It broke my heart in pieces and I had to wipe away my tears at times, when I saw you struggling in your final years. I wished I could just take all the pain and suffering away, but I had to call on the only One I knew could do that, our Lord and Savior, Jesus, Christ. I’m so happy that you learned to lean on and trust Him and accepted Him as Lord of your life. While you have left us physically, my precious Mamadoo, you will forever live in my heart!!!!! I will always love you Mummy and I look forward to seeing you in heaven one sweet day!! Your loving daughter, Andrea May the soul of my precious mother, Rest In Peace!
mummy bought all of our kitchen appliances, ceiling fans and bed linen. From this point on, she continued to instill in us the importance of saving and investing wisely.
Tribute to my mother What can I say about my mother, my queen, the woman who sacrificed so much for her children……for me? It feels like it will take forever to fully explain what my mother meant to me. Reminiscing on my childhood, I remember mummy spoiling me……. she would fix special meals for me when I did not want what she had prepared for everyone else! Further, when my siblings had assigned house chores, mummy would buy me chocolate bars, ice-cream sandwiches or other special treats so that I would help out with these chores!!! Also, I remember while in primary school, mummy would sometimes bring us home cooked food for lunch and have us sit in her car and eat before we went back to class – what an amazing woman, she did whatever she had to do for her children! This pampering continued into my adult life……… after giving birth to all three of my children, my mother drove to our house every morning to show me how to bathe and care for my new baby. In addition to this, she would ensure that food was prepared for us for at least the first few weeks after the babies came.………. this was an expression of love that I would carry with me forever! All of my siblings will agree that our mother has always been an encourager! Not long after our first child was born, mummy made my husband and I join Aunt Lilla’s Asue – we had no choice in the matter! However, in the end we were grateful that we were able to purchase our first piece of property cash! After completing our duplex apartment, to help us celebrate our accomplishment,
Over 20 years ago, I decided to switch to a career that would allow me more flexibility with my time. I did this mainly because I wanted to be in a position to assist my parents more and also spend quality time with my young family. As a result of this, mummy looked forward to our increased travel plans; but most of all she embraced the opportunity to have me run around with her – taking her to doctors’ appointments or to do banking or whatever business transactions she had to take care of. Whenever she called and gave me her schedule, I had to adjust mine to accommodate hers! Despite my mother’s medical challenges and close calls over the last few years, I feel certain that she was favored by God! He spared her life to see all of her children become independent and responsible adults and also to see her grandchildren and great grandchildren excel in their various fields! To God be all the praise and glory! Overall, my mother has been there for me and my family “through thick and thin” and it was my pleasure to pamper and take care of her over the years when she needed me! I am so honored that I got to call this no-nonsense, Godly, caring, virtuous, compassionate and loving woman “Mummy”! I pray that God will grant her a peaceful rest until we are once again reunited. Love you always and forever, Ruth Inez, Mummy……...Mammado! Your loving daughter, Sharlene “The moment you left me; my heart was split in two one was filled with memories and the other side died with you. I often lay awake at night when the world is fast asleep, taking a walk down memory lane with tears upon my cheek. Remembering you is easy, I do it every day but missing you is a heartache that never goes away. I will keep you tight within my heart and there you will remain; you see life has to go on without you, but it will never be the same.”
“Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies...” Proverbs 31: 10-31 KJV
My Mother, My Friend, My Everything How do I say thanks for the things you have done for me? Mummy, I have so many fond memories of you, but time nor space would allow me to express them. You were ever present in your children’s lives, caring for, protecting and loving us unconditionally from birth to childhood and even to adulthood. You gave selflessly to your children, family members and strangers, sometimes giving your last. You instilled good Christian principles in us. You taught us how to be compassionate and kind to others. You also taught us how to be independent, work hard for what we want, learn to satisfy with what we could afford and to always believe in ourselves. Although you were one to not keep company and you were a homebody, your hand stretched far and wide assisting those in need. I am so much like you in many ways. We shared so many good times, joking around as I have a good sense of humor like you did. Those fun times will always be etched in my memory and will never be forgotten. Although I miss you already, I am comforted in knowing you are no longer in pain and suffering. You are safe in the arms of Jesus. I thank the Almighty God for using you, Ruth Inez, as the vessel to give me life and for being an excellent mother. Sleep on mummy, take your rest, until we meet again. Your baby girl, Theresa
Tribute to My Grammy – EBONY (GRANDDAUGHTER)
Growing up I always remember my Grammy being a fearless and no-nonsense woman. She loved and protected her own without question. Much of what I know about cooking actually came from my watching her in the kitchen; methodically planning and preparing family meals. Grammy was the cleanest and neatest cook ever! One hot summer’s day as I was chilling and hanging with my cousin Dominique and Uncle Alexis at Grammy’s house on Farrington Road, I decided to have ice as a cool snack while yapping and laughing and having a good old time. Suddenly, a huge piece of ice slipped down my air passage and I began to choke. I could not talk nor could I breathe, so I ran out of the room frantically pointing to my throat to indicate to Grammy that I was choking. She hopped up out of her chair (while her stories were on) and slammed my back so hard three times I thought I would die from a broken back. The ice flew out on the first hit, but Grammy was taking no chances. Meanwhile, Alexis was there attempting his version of a Heimlich maneuver on me. Something would surely kill me that day, I thought. After Grammy realized that I was able to speak, she shewed
Alexis away and then I was able to explain to her what had happened. We were all so relieved. In that moment I realized that my Grammy must have been so frightened, but she didn’t panic – she jumped into action. You see, my Grammy was a very sharp woman. No one took her words lightly. She could throw a stone and hit a moving target! I had no doubt that my grandmother would jump in front of a moving vehicle, or take down any person(man or woman) to save any one of us. You had better not mess with any of her children or grandchildren…or else! Words cannot express the love and gratitude that I have for my Grammy – our matriarch. Many life lessons she has taught me, and I will forever hold them dear to my heart. Sleep in peace my dear Grammy. You have earned your well-deserved rest. I will love you forever and ever. Ebony.
Tribute for Grammy My Grammy was an unconventional Proverbs 31 woman who was the most forthright person I knew. She did not tolerate nonsense and was quick to put anyone, except for her grandchildren, in their place. Grammy was and is our treasure; she was and is an absolute blessing to us.
Many days after school and during summers I would be so excited to go to Grammy’s house because I knew she was going to have some warm home cooked food like peas soup or okra soup. But more importantly than that she had almost every Bahamian fruit tree in her yard that I could climb; from mangoes, guinep, tamarind and hog plum. She was always growing herbs and items that she can use to cook with. Grammy would cook Bahamian soup in these huge pots so that she could make sure each one of her children had enough for them and their families. As a child, I really thought my Grammy was rich; no matter what was going on Grammy always had money whether in her cleavage, under her mattress or in her Bible. Grammy was always a giver to her children and grandchildren; my first big gift from her was a computer on my 10th birthday. Grammy was a seamstress, so when I began sewing in high school, I used to ask her to teach me a few things and during that time she made me a blue checkered apron that I still have and use and treasure today. Recently a friend and I were laughing at how no one in the world prepared us more for Covid than our grandmothers. There was the never-ending scent of Clorox bleach and Pine sol through the house, along with the scent of Dettol, because we had to bathe several times each day during the Summer. Grammy was a stickler for cleanliness! As Grammy’s health began to deteriorate, she was not remembering names of family members. Mummy would FaceTime me in London to speak with Grammy; she would ask her, “Do you know who that is?”, and she would say, “Yes that’s Syann.” It was special to me because I knew her memory was fading. To this day, I believe I held a very special place in her heart. While everything else could have been shifting, my Grammy was the backbone and the rock of the family. I cannot imagine how empty my life would have been growing up without Grammy. My grandmother gave me what I could only describe as a truly beautiful and quintessential Bahamian experience. Ruth Inez McKenzie-Taylor was clothed with strength and dignity and was able to laugh at the days to come because she was surrounded by children and grandchildren who loved her dearly. Like Proverbs 31, her children will arise and called her blessed, but moreover, we are blessed because God chose this beautiful, feisty, Andros gal to grace our lives. I love and miss, Grammy, Your loving granddaughter, Syann
us. Grammy would give of her last to help those in need. I will never forget the sound of her distinct jovial laugh, her signature scent of Elizabeth Arden’s Red Door perfume, her incomparable peas soup and dumpling, or how she always seemed to have an endless supply of Rich Tea biscuits.
A Tribute To My Grammy
As a young girl growing up, I remember going to Grammy’s house after school. We would look forward to the luscious native fruit trees her home garden had to offer. Mangoes, guinep, hog plums, scarlet plums and sugar bananas were some of my favorite. We would sit on the back patio to talk or listen to her sing old hymns or just enjoy the sound and feel of the soothing island breeze. Grammy was definitely a character. She loved deep and hard. Spoke her mind fearlessly while always showing her love in action. Devoted to her family, her unwavering love was clear to
My cousin EJ and I would travel to Raleigh, North Carolina, with Grammy to spend the summers with our uncle Tony and aunt Kaaryn. We thought it to be special that we were the only grandchildren to have this opportunity. However, when we came back and shared our stories with our siblings and cousins they always laughed and said otherwise. Grammy would get us up early in the mornings making food, scrubbing bathrooms, dusting and vacuuming. Then when we would finally take a break it was for her beloved soap tv shows. One visit in particular, EJ and I remember vividly. This was because uncle Tony cooked a duck. It was our first time ever eating duck. Everyday, until that duck was gone, Grammy reminded us about the duck leftover to be eaten. EJ and I would bet each day to see how long it would be before Grammy mentioned the duck. Now, anytime I think of eating duck, I always think of her. There are so many fond memories left of my Grammy, that make me smile, but the ones I will cherish most, are those times I watched Grammy reading her Bible, talking to her Lord and Saviour and worshipping through singing those old hymns. It brings me great peace and comfort to know that joy undeniable, love everlasting and hope of eternal life are now hers, forever. Rest in our Heavenly Father’s arms Grammy, Your loving granddaughter, Sharrana
A Tribute to our Sister”
INEZ... better known as Nez. You were the second pride and joy of your parents. You were affectionately called Nezzie by your grandparents. Your siblings and cousins loved you too. You grew up in Driggs Hill and always had a mind of your own. You and Lilla were always in charge and your sisters and brothers understood that because Mama had a broom. Your children understood you as a mother extraordinaire. You provided the best and for that you were truly blessed. We laughed at you many times as we knew you liked to be alone, especially when your Soap Operas and news were on. You were rarely up to company, but we came anyway even though we didn’t stay long. I remember the good food that only you and Dor could cook. Your grandchildren adored you and you knew it too. As for their love, you would’ve pulled through. Well big sis, Delbert, Dor, Rose, Nita, Net and Iva will surely miss you but we’re glad that you are at rest in Paradise with Jesus, daddy, mama and the others who went on before you. Your...siblings will always love you.
Tribute to our Grammy
Grammy, you were such a loving and nurturing grandmother to us. When we were children, we always got so excited when mummy told us to get ready to go your house. We loved hanging out around you and playing in the backyard, climbing all those fruit trees and picking and eating all those delicious native fruits. Your dumpling soup was the best in the world and we looked forward to enjoying a nice bowl of that scrumptious soup, or some other delicious meal that you would prepare, when we came by your house. You encouraged us to be the best that we could be and always told us to find a good woman get married and settle down. When we stopped by to visit you one day after you were diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, you didn’t remember our names, but we were so touched when you just broke down started crying. We knew then, that while you couldn’t call our names, you knew that ‘we were yours’!!! Your grandsons who loved you so much. Grammy we will remember and love you always!! Your grandsons, Shonari & Shenaniah Thompson
My Dearest Grammy A limb has fallen from the family tree, I keep hearing a voice that says, “Grieve not for me. Remember the best times, the laughter, the song. The good life I lived while I was strong. Continue my heritage, I’m counting on you. Keep smiling and surely the sun will shine through. My mind is at ease, my soul is at rest. Remembering all, how I truly was blessed. Continue traditions, no matter how small. Go on with your life, don’t worry about falls. I miss you all dearly, so keep up your chin, until the day comes when we’re together again.” My dearest Grammy, words can never express the way that I feel. I will try not to mourn, but celebrate the life you lived. The bond that we shared was indeed special. I was privileged to be born on your birthday and I am honored to have been given your first name. I will forever cherish all the time we spent together. As I reminisce, I think about the good times we had. I remember numerous days watching our favorite soap operas like Bold & Beautiful, Days of our Lives and Passions. I remember helping you braid your once long, beautiful hair. I remember as a child having to call you every night just to tell you goodnight and I love you before I go to bed. My sweet Grammy, sadly I am unable to call you now, but I will always hold you in my heart. I loved you then, I love you still, I always have and I always will. Rest in perfect peace. Your granddaughter, Freddie
y of our B eand loved Gra With lovthat loved us, mmy e fryou om Tony, An drew, and reminding us to do our Ann Dear Grammy , best – Love, Andrew you will be missedThank and always remembered. Rest in paradise. for You Grammy Dear Gram – Tony my missed and , you will be visiting us when you always remembere d. Rest in p aradise. – Tony could, always telling us In Memory of our Beloved Grammy Thank You that you loved us, and Grammy for visiting us when you could, always telling us you loved us, and reminding us to do our best With love from Tony,thatAndrew, and Ann reminding us to do our – Love, Andrew best – Love, Andrew Dear Grammy, you will be missed and always remembered. Rest in paradise. – Tony
tooofyoung remember ed Grammy Belov our to y ut I remember that you Tony, om We love youAndr into ew, and Ann th Inez Taylor Dear Gram my, I was to o many of yo ur visits, bu young to remember t I rememb loved us. Th er th an eternity – A k you. We love you in at you to ntonia Beth Inez Taylor
Dear Grammy,
Thank You Gram visiting us w my for could, alwa hen you ys telling us too young to remember many of your visits, but I thatIywas ou lo ved us, and remremember you loved us. Thank you. We love you into inding us that to do our best – Love eternity , Andrew – Antonia Beth Inez Taylor
Thank You Grammy for visiting us when you could, always telling us that you loved us, and reminding us to do our best – Love, Andrew
ear Grammy, I was too young to remember any of your visits, but I remember that you ved us. Thank you. We love you into ernity – Antonia Beth Inez Taylor Thank You Grammy for visiting us when you could, always telling us that you loved us, and reminding us to do our Andrew I was too young to remember – Love, best Dear Grammy,
many of your visits, but I remember that you loved us. Thank you. We love you into eternity – Antonia Beth Inez Taylor
In Appreciation
We would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to our family, friends and colleagues for your support during our time of sorrow. Your prayers, telephone calls, condolences and other sympathetic gestures gave us strength and courage to carry on. Ruth Inez McKenzie-Taylor was an amazing and phenomenal woman and we are comforted in knowing her love and kindness lives on in friends like you. May God continue to bless you. The Family
Honorary Pallbearers
Clifford Darling, Jr. Dr. Anthony B. Taylor Alexis B. Taylor Edgar J. Hanna, Jr. Shonari J. Thompson David A. Dean
Edgar McPhee, Jr. Frederick McPhee Lauren O, Beneby Shenaniah J. Thompson Lawrence B. Pintard Vincent Seymour
Funeral Service Entrusted To:
Provided by SIDDA Communications Group Tel: 394-BOOK (2665) Mobile: (242) 818-3478 Email: info@siddagroup.com Nassau, N.P. Bahamas
P.O. Box N-1026 Nassau Street Nassau, Bahamas 242.322.4433 (T) 242.328.2314 (F) 242.422.1033 (M)