Princess Elizabeth Penn-Simms was born on the 27th June 1960 to the Late
Kathleen and Late Oscar Penn. She had 6 siblings, 4 of whom predeceased her, the Late Rick Penn, the Late Rudy Penn, the Late Henry and the Late Joycelyn Penn. Her immediate elder brother, Edward Penn and sister, Alice Penn Coakley lives on with precious memories of all their siblings including her. She was nicknamed and affectionately called “Ponka” by many. She attended Tathberry Primary School on Mackey Street until her family moved to the big island of Grand Bahama. In Grand Bahama, she attended and graduated from both Hawksbill Junior High School and Hawksbill Senior High School. She graduated at the age of 16 with a high school diploma. At the age of 14, Princess was introduced to Brady Simms, better known in those days as “Sugar”. Brady knew that Princess was still in school and said that he would wait for her to graduate from high school to make her his bride. Princess moved back to Nassau at the age of 18. Princess was always happy and full of life. Her happiness continued when she married the man of her dream, Brady in September 1978. To add to her happiness, in October 1978, they had their first born, a bouncing baby boy, Dominic Adolphus. They carried on with their happiness as they had Dominique Elizabeth and Dominica Alice. Princess loved and cared deeply for all of her children on one accord. She showed no one more love than the other. She even took the marriage vows of her son seriously as she adored her daughter-in-law, Kamilah. On the other hand, when it came to her grandchildren she thought that they were the best thing to happen to her since her marriage and her children. She adored all three of her grandchildren, Dominic Adolphus Simms Jr., Amelia Danielle Simms and Dior Sky Elizabeth Williams and spent time with them daily. Princess starting working at a very young age in order to make sure she helped her husband in providing for their family. Her first job was at the International Bazaar, Downtown Nassau then onto City Markets. Her last job and one that she enjoyed over the past 25 years and until her untimely passing was at the Ministry of Tourism of The Bahamas as a Senior Manager. She enjoyed going to work every morning. She enjoyed the persons she worked with and never complained about any of them. Her many years of being at the Ministry showed that she was the true “Ambassador of Tourism”, as she claimed herself to be. Princess enjoyed life. She loved to socialize and travel. She loved even more to socialize and travel with her family and close friends whom she cherished dearly. If she could have taken everyone on her vacation trips she would have. She always ensured that everyone was happy. She would be the life of the party as she was the one to take charge and make sure that everyone was also having a good time. Princess shared often a big smile which will live forever in everyone’s mind and heart. Princess went on to be with her Heavenly Father alongside her beloved husband, Brady on Thursday, 19th May 2016.
Brady Adolphus Simms was born on the 30th September 1956, to the Late Iceland McBride and the Late Nixon Simms on the small island of Moore’s Island in the Abacos. He lived in Moore’s Island with his grandparents the Late Essie and Late Henry Davis and enjoyed many days with his brother, Nixon there on the island. He graduated at the age of 17 from Moore’s Island All Age School and moved to Nassau to live with his sister, Curlene, and join the Royal Bahamas Police Force as a Fireman. After completing training at the Police College he was transferred to Grand Bahama where he met the love of his life, Princess. He returned to Nassau after completing the required time in Grand Bahama and worked actively in the Fire Department. When Brady met Princess she was 14 years old but he was willing to wait for her to become of age. They later became one in September 1978 and welcomed their first born, Dominic Adolphus. Dominique Elizabeth and Dominica Alice later joined the joyous family. Brady enjoyed the company of his loving wife and children. They took many family vacations together even with his daughter-in-law, Kamilah and grandchildren, Dominic and Amelia. Though his time was short with granddaughter, Dior he cherished every minute he spent time with her. Brady loved his children and grandchildren wholeheartedly. After 35 years of service as a Fireman, Brady retired. He loved the service so much that he returned as a Police Reserve and a Bailiff in the Supreme Court. His last Bailiff appointment, before his unexpected passing, was with His Lordship Mr. Justice Bernard Turner whom he enjoyed working with. He use to speak about work daily proving his enjoyment. Brady, a humble man, enjoyed life like his wife, Princess. He always made sure that his wife was happy then in line would be his children and grandchildren. He made sure that they were happy firstly and then others. His family was his life. Family vacations were a big part of Brady’s life. He would not only take his family on vacations but would also visit his family, namely his sister Eloese while on vacation. He didn’t keep much friends but those that he kept were close. He had a close knit friend circle and every time they got together they enjoyed the time spent. He too had a smile that would never be forgotten. Brady went on to be with his Heavenly Father alongside his treasured wife, Princess on Thursday, 19th May 2016.
Cherished memories will forever linger in the hearts of their: CHILDREN: P.C 2627 Dominic, Dominique and Dominica Simms; DAUGHTER-IN-LAW: Kamilah Simms; SON-IN-LAW: Roberto Williams; GRAND-CHILDREN: Dominic Jr., Amelia Simms and Dior Williams; BRADY’S IMMEDIATE FAMILY: SISTERS: Curlene Johnson-Harty and Elouise Johnson-Sutherland; BROTHER: Nixon Simms; BROTHER-INLAW: Conrad Sutherland; SISTER-IN-LAW: Jennifer Simms; NIECES: Marva Heastie (Perry), Laschelle Wiecek (Thomas), Rayne Heastie, Abigail, Maachah, Talitha Lawrence, Kenya (Gregory), Keva (Josh), Kerstella, Kamilah & Kaylar Simms; Nephews: Marvin Campbell (Deborah), Gregory Johnson (Azuca), Fabian Campbell (Latoya), Ashur and Enos Lawrence and Kendrick Simms (Tamara); PRINCESS’ IMMEDIATE FAMILY: SISTER: Alice Coakley; BROTHER: Edward Penn; BROTHER-IN-LAW: Michael Coakley; SISTERS-IN-LAW: Evangeline and Marva Penn; NIECES: Sharon Seymour (Floyd), Sheena Burrows-Cox (Flavio), Sharo Burrows (Hermes), Raquel Burrows (James), Princess, Judy and Hazel Penn, Roselyn Adderley (Carl), Dr. Jacqueline PennKnowles (Charles), Anya Penn-McIntosh (Jevon), Brenda Benton, Sandra Fanakos, Hope Thompson- Watson, Cheryl, Denise and Latika Penn W/ SGT. 1889 Tonya Thompson Moss; NEPHEWS: Cyril Smith (Ettamae), Aaron Forbes, Dario Burrows (Marcia), Charon Penn (Shericka), Randy and Troy Penn, Torriano Penn (Jody), Anthony, Rudyard Jr., Rico, Wellington, Micha, Paul, Chris and Denbri Penn, Rodriego, Demetrius and Sean Thompson; BEST FRIEND: Deborah Pinder; BOTH PRINCESS & BRADY OTHER RELATIVES AND FRIEND INCLUDING: Denalee Penn, Charles & Virginia Outten & Family, Alva Coakley & Family, William & Alice Grant, Natasha & Prescott Wallace, Monika Grant, Charles Grant, Ural Burrows & Family, Bridget Outten & Family, Carla & Bernie Minnis, Charmaine Stuart, Whitlean Dorsett & Family, Leslie & Sabrina Ingraham, Marcia Johnson, Judy Gardiner, Sophia Butler, Randolph & Sanora Knowles, Ann Kelley, Glenwood Coakley, Shenicka Knowles, Christina Brennon,
Pauline Lightbourne, Alton & Christine Mckenzie, Lathera, Latara Dana & Family, Jimmy & Gail Davis & Family, The Nassau Village Community, Management & Staff of Supreme Court, Commissioner of Police Ellison Greenslade and The Royal Bahmas Police Force, Police Reserves, Gaming Board Enforcement Department, Blunsheba Miller, Lionel Penn, John Penn, Lee Penn, Dayna Wilson, Christine and Bethsheba Lightbourne, Hon. Obie Wilchcombe, Rt. Hon Perry G. Christie, Rt. Hon Hubert A. Ingraham, Justice Bernard Turner, Hon. Vincent Vanderpool Wallace, Ron O. Pinder, Dion Smith, Diedre Maycock, Registrar General Department, Rev. Melvin Grant, Rev. Robert McKinney, Adrian Fox, Paul Robinson & Family, Dino & Karen Josey, Norma & Emmitt Farrington, Norma Fynes, Terry Ward, Marion Astwood, Edward & Fredrick Anderson, Diana Ferguson, Terria Butler, Desire and Emily Robinson, Ricardo Neely, Sir Durward Knowles, Nakeisha Humes, Bernadette Morris, Caroline Williamson, Nadia Brown, Margaret Newbold, Naomi Wood, Gaynell Dames, Audrey Demeritte, Meconald Penn, Tracey Charlow, Monique Dawkins, Wellington Smith, Claudette Whyms, Davio Rolle, Michelle Ritchie, Stanley Bernard (Gloria) Leamshould & Bernadette Morris, Kaysa Hanna, Demiko Hunter, Michael Fernander, Althea Smith, Michelle Webb, Shanta Goodman, Kenny, Brendia Bain, Dellareese & Cheryl Grant, Rossmarie Moree, Queenie Newton, Georgette Stubbs, Karen Russell, Charles, Virginia and Bridget Outten, Carla and Bernard Minnis, Alice, Monika and Cahrles, Grant, Natasha and Prescott Wallace, Lee Peen, Sharmaine, Sharvonne and Dr. Sheema Smith, Prince and Princess Cornish, Rose Hanna, Ketchner, Clement, Agatha and Peggie Penn, Eunice an Lucy Penn of Florida, Anne Penn, Elizabeth Smith, Queenie Hanna-Newton, Deloris Lightbourne, Alecia and Nathaniel Morris, Dorothyia and Peter Norman of the U. K., Heartlyn Moss, Pauline and Bethsheva Lightbourne, Christine and Lance Darville, Ina Smith, George II and Sheryl Smith, Ester and Nolan Dorsette, Bobby Lightbourne, Robert and Vallie Stubbs, Sherika and Sheryl Penn, Wally and Robert Stubbs, Joyce Pinder, Keith Coakley, Terrance Mackey, Elivita Black, Rev. Fredrick McAlpine, Sade Evans, Nadia and Clement Penn and a host of relatives and friends too numerous to mention.
The Royal Bahamas Police Force Military Funeral Prelude | R.B.P.F Choir Procession of Ministers, Color Party & Casket Opening Sentences Opening Hymn | ““All Hail The Power Of Jesus’ Name” All hail the power of Jesus’ name! Let angels prostrate fall. Bring forth the royal diadem, and crown him Lord of all. Bring forth the royal diadem, and crown him Lord of all!
Let every tongue and every tribe responsive to his call, to him all majesty ascribe, and crown him Lord of all. To him all majesty ascribe, and crown him Lord of all!
O seed of Israel’s chosen race now ransomed from the fall, hail him who saves you by his grace, and crown him Lord of all. Hail him who saves you by his grace, and crown him Lord of all!
Oh, that with all the sacred throng we at his feet may fall! We’ll join the everlasting song and crown him Lord of all. We’ll join the everlasting song and crown him Lord of all.
Opening Prayer | Pastor James Newry First Scripture Reading | 1st Corinthians 13: 1-13 | Debra Pinder Musical Selection | Dwight Armbrister As I Knew Him | Jimmy Davis Musical Selection | “His Eye Is On The Sparrow” | Ministry Of Tourism Choir As I Knew Her | Alva Coakley Musical Selection | Clement Penn
Tributes | Aaron Forbes (Nephew) Fire Department and Supreme Court Rev. Fredrick McAlpine Special Guest Appearance | “The Singing Bishop” Bishop Lawrence Rolle Second Scripture Reading | Inderia Kelly Musical Selection | Royal Bahamas Police Force Choir Remarks | The Commissioner of Police The Hon. Minister of National Security The Hon. Obediah H. Wilchcombe, M.P. Minister of Tourism Hymn | “And It Can Be” And can it be that I should gain An interest in the Savior’s blood? Died He for me, who caused His pain For me, who Him to death pursued? Amazing love! How can it be, That Thou, my God, shouldst die for me?
Long my imprisoned spirit lay Fast bound in sin and nature’s night; Thine eye diffused a quickening ray I woke, the dungeon flamed with light; My chains feel off, my heart was free, I rose, went forth, and followed Thee.
’Tis mystery all: thee Immortal dies: Who can explore His strange design? In vain the firstborn seraph tries To sound the depths of love divine. ’Tis mercy all! Let earth adore, Let angel minds inquire no more.
No condemnation now I dread; Jesus, and all in Him, is mine; Alive in Him, my living Head, And clothed in righteousness divine, Bold I approach thee eternal throne, And claim the crown, through Christ my own.
He left His Father’s throne above So free, so infinite His grace— Emptied Himself of all but love, And bled for Adam’s helpless race: ’Tis mercy all, immense and free, For O my God, it found out me! Eulogy | Rev. Christopher Russell Closing Prayer
Recessional Hymn | “We’re Marching To Zion” Come, we that love the Lord, And let our joys be known; Join in a song with sweet accord, Join in a song with sweet accord And thus surround the throne, And thus surround the throne.
Let those refuse to sing, Who never knew our God; But favorites of the heavenly King, But favorites of the heavenly King May speak their joys abroad, May speak their joys abroad
Chorus: We’re marching to Zion, Beautiful, beautiful Zion; We’re marching upward to Zion, The beautiful city of God.
The hill of Zion yields A thousand sacred sweets Before we reach the heav’nly fields, Before we reach the heav’nly fields, Or walk the golden streets, Or walk the golden streets.
Procession of Ministers, Color Party & Casket
Opening Remarks Hymn | “Gathering Buds” Jesus has taken a beautiful bud, Out of our garden of love, Borne it away to the city of God, Home of the angels above.
Fathers and mothers, weep not or be sad, Still on the Savior rely; You shall behold them again and be glad, Beautiful flowers on high.
Chorus: Gathering buds, gathering buds, Wonderful care will be giv’n; Jesus is gathering day after day, Buds for the palace of heav’n.
Blooming in beauty in heaven they are, Blooming for you and for me; Follow the Lord, tho’ the city be far, Till our bright blossoms we see.
Full blooming flowers alone will not do, Some must be young and ungrown; So the frail buds He is gathering, too, Beautiful gems for His throne.
Then let our songs abound, And every tear be dry; We’re marching through Immanuel’s ground, We’re marching through Immanuel’s ground, To fairer worlds on high, To fairer worlds on high.
The Committal | The Rev’d Father Stephen Davies Hymn | “When Peace Like A River” When peace, like a river, attendeth my way, when sorrows like sea billows roll; whatever my lot, thou hast taught me to say, It is well, it is well with my soul.
My sin, oh, the bliss of this glorious thought! My sin, not in part but the whole, is nailed to the cross, and I bear it no more, praise the Lord, praise the Lord, O my soul!
Chorus: It is well, it is well, With my soul, with my soul, It is well; it is well, with my soul.
And, Lord, haste the day when my faith shall be sight, the clouds be rolled back as a scroll; the trump shall resound, and the Lord shall descend Even so, it is well with my soul
Though Satan should buffet, though trials should come, let this blest assurance control that Christ has regarded my helpless estate, And hath shed His own blood for my soul.
Words of Comfort | Evergreen Mortuary Benediction Closing Hymn | “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.
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.
Chorus: I will meet you, I will meet you Just inside the Eastern Gate over there; I will meet you, I will meet you, I will meet you in the morning over there.
Oh, the joys of that glad meeting With the saints who for us wait! What a blessed, happy meeting Just inside the Eastern Gate!
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.
A Tribute to My One Sister, My Princess My One Sister, My Princess, how do I say Good Bye? My One Sister, My Princess, how do I let go to what we had? I can surely say that our good times of laughter always outweighed our bad; But what do I do now? My One Sister, My Princess I will miss you, You always showed me that you cared, You cried with me and always been right there. You always stayed by my side, As we laughed and we cried. My One Sister, My Princess, the person who has been where I have been; My One Sister, My Princess, the one I called when things wasn’t going right; My One Sister, My Princess, you were more than just my Sister or my Family; My One Sister, My Princess you will be my Forever Friend. I Love you Ponka, My One Sister, My Princess Love Alice
Brady,
If tears could build a stairway and memories a lane I will walk right where you are and bring you back again. No farewell words were spoken, no time to say goodbye. You were gone before I knew it and only God knows why my heart still ache with sadness and secret tears still flows. What it meant to love and have a brother like you no one will ever know , I can’t call and come look for you anymore and ask you why you didn’t call me and to hear you say nothing change. I still love you now I know you would not want me to mourn for you no more, but to remember all the happy times life has much in store. Since you will never be forgotten I pledge to you today a hollowed place within my heart is where you will always stay. Your Sister Curlene
A Tribute to Our Grandparents You were always there for us, No matter if it was just to feed us or drop us. You would go above and beyond, Even when our parents thought we were wrong. You were special people and our guides, You taught us how to be strong and have pride. In times of need you always lent our parents a hand, And when we needed it you always made us understand. You gave us love and so much more that was easy to see. You were perfect examples of the kind of person that we should be. Love always and forever, DJ, Amelia and Dior
A Tribute To Princess Simms
How fortunate we all are to be a part of that special number of persons who have met Princess. She was truly a dynamic character; at no point in time she could be considered predictable. A woman that was fearless and powerful! Who lived her life by a Sinatra-like philosophy of doing life her way with no regrets. To friends and family she was a pillar of strength, but to those foolish enough to cross her path she was a roaring Lioness ready devour anyone or anything that would endanger her pride. Her love for her family and friends were deep as the ocean and expansive as the sky above. It is not the end of the physical body that should worry us, rather, our concern must be to live while we are alive to release our inner selves from the spiritual death that comes with living behind a facade, designed to conform to external definitions of who and what we are. Princess did exactly that and more for this reason those of her family left behind will be blessed for many moons. By Mario Woodside
A Tribute To My Dear Sister And Friend Princess
Time sits still and I think of you…and I wonder if this is all a dream. Will I be awakened soon? Oh my friend, I long to see you. I just want to sit with you for a while and share our lunch together as we usually do. I want to hear you laugh at my stale jokes and lift my spirits when I feel low. Oh friend of mine, I miss you so! Since you have been gone my days are long…my eyes well with tears and Then I hear you voice – and I smile. I smile because I was so fascinated by the unique and special way you Showered your family and others with love! Sometimes I would stare in awe and say, “Yes, that’s my buddy. To know her is to lover her.”
I am grateful to the Almighty God for placing you in my life, for being there for me in the good and not so good times. My friend you were good to me, my son Giresse and my entire family. I am grateful to your wonderful children, Dominic, Dominique, Dominica and to your lovely daughter-in-law, Kamilah. They have always shown me love and respect. It is with assurance that I will spend Time with them for it is through them, that I will see you! Take your rest my friend. Keep the angels smiling. Until we meet again! Your loving friend, Debra
Reflection
“The Princess I knew and want to Remember” Princess and I became close friends when she was transferred to Festival Place where we shared an office. Princess took to me very quickly and she made sure that I knew just that. Princess was one who spoke her mind and was never short of words, but she had a kind, giving, loving warm heart. “That is the Princess I knew and want to Remember” She would talk to me about her family whom she loved so dearly and I would talk about my family. We shared lunch every day and even if I did not feel like eating, she would still buy lunch for me sometimes and say “don’t stop my blessings girl” and so I had to eat it or take it home. “That is the Princess I knew and want to Remember” Princess would call my house at any time, day or night, to update me on what she referred to as the ‘411’. If my mom, daughters or husband answered the phone, she would engage in conversation with them before even asking to speak with me. She treated me like a sister and my daughters, Adra and Ava, like her own. “That is the Princess I knew and want to Remember” Every birthday celebrated in my home, rest assured I always received a coconut and pineapple tart from her. I can remember when she tried her hand at baking a potato bread, and made me the guinea pig so to speak. “That is the Princess I knew and want to Remember” Princess was One of a Kind Persistent – Radiant – Informative – Noble – Caring – Ecstatic – Sincere – Selfless Gone But Not Forgotten, Rest In Peace My Sister!!!!!!!!! Sherry Miller Ministry of Tourism (2016)
Flag Bearers Flag Operators Cpl 2837 Edgecombe - ISD P.C 3604 Major -SED P.C 3551 Pratt -SWD W.P.C 3287 Williams - ED P.C 3846 Evans -TPU P.C 3600 Johnson – SED Flag Present Sgt 2206 Smith - CDU Commander of Colour Party Sgt 1444 McGregor - FS Fire Party
Cpl 245 McKenzie -SSS P.C 3528 Cash - SWD P.C 3588 Bullard - DEU P.C 3600 Johnson - SED P.C 3666 McIntosh - SD P.C 3727 Cartwright –PTU P.C 3904 Smith - CD P.C 3829 Brown – CD P.C 3828 Ferguson –PTU P.C 3720 Anderson - MD P.C 3809 Levarity – PTU P.C 3842 Smith - CD P.C 3886 Hield – PTU
Firing Party Commander Sgt 1253 Bain -MD
Pall Bearers Sgt 1401 Carey - CD Sgt 435 Smith - ED Sgt 2106 Rolle - DEU Sgt 2362 Demeritte - CDU Sgt 2460 Williams –TPU Sgt 1236 Charlton –UR Sgt 2904 Knowles -MD Sgt 1470 Sands – UR Sgt 390 Martin -FS Sgt 2539 Miller – CDU Honorary Pall Bearers W/Sgt 1759 Miller - UR