Z
Obituary
elma Ernestine Dean is the second of four children born to the late Mrs. Advilda FranksScavella in New Providence but with proud roots in Rum Cay.
In January, 1993 Mrs. Dean was promoted to the post of Director of Education and held that position until her retirement in 1997, having completed forty three years as an educator.
She attended St. Joseph School, Western Junior High School and the Government High School for her academic pursuits.
Mrs. Dean, a lifelong Anglican, is a member of St. Barnabas Church where she has served on the vestry, in the Altar Guild and was part of the Take Ten, a community outreach programme. She is a member of the Pilot Club, an international civic organization with particular emphasis on service to our community and brain disorders. Since her retirement in 1997, Mrs. Dean is still actively involved in community activities and has served in several areas of need in the country. These include the following:-
Teaching was always her first choice because of her love for children and her early conviction that education was the key to successful living and national development. Her professional training was pursued at The Teacher’s Training College in Nassau, Redland College in Bristol, England and later at the University of Miami. During her career she taught at Southern Senior School, Southern Preparatory School, Wester Preparatory School No. 3, Claridge Secondary School, C. H. Reeves Junior High School (10 years), S. C. McPherson Junior High School (4 years) and Government High School (6 years).
1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
Conciliation – Labour Department Juvenile Panel Prison Visiting Committee Civil Services Appeal Board Child Abuse Committee
It was a privilege to serve and it enriched her life to do so. Mrs. Dean has been married to Mr. Audley Dean for the past 57 years and is the mother of three children, Brent Dean, Bianca Dean- Willie and Brigette Dean and step daughter Sheryl DeanKnowles. She is also the grandmother of two wonderful young men, Ethan and Elijah Willie and three precious little girls, Allison, Amber and Alana Dean. On January 15, 2021, Zelma went to be with our Lord and Saviour in his Heavenly Kingdom. Zelma left to cherish her memory a multitude of family and friends. Brother & Sister: Earnest Scavella and Earnestine Scavella; Brothers in Law: Hamilton and Dale (Sybil) Dean; Sisters in Law: Andree Braynen, Theodora (Willworth) Campbell and Melvern Miller; Daughter In Law; Angelica Dean: Nieces and Nephews: Donna Pratt, Kaye Wilson, Andre and Rodney Jr. Braynen, Michelle Hudson, Michael Braynen, Nakeisha DeveauxStrachan, Stephen, Henderson, Doria, Shekia and Earnest Jr. Scavella. Carlton Ingraham, Claudette Russell, Gina Ingraham, Hamilton Jr., Gidget and Hank Dean, Toya Rahming, Wentworth Campbell, Tehranique Darrell, Micheal Dean; Cousins: Philip Franks, Anthony Franks, Wilhelmenea Shearer, Monique Campbell, Ethelyn Franks, Mavis Humes, Dr. Kirtland Culmer, Ethelyn Stuart, Dr. Leslie Culmer, Sandford Culmer, Raymond H. Culmer Jr., Adina Gallagher, Bernie (Ivy) Turnquest, Stuart Culmer, Patricia Franks-Russell, Ingrid Culmer, Rt. Rev. Gilbert A. Thompson, Coral Sawyer, Oswald Sawyer, Deloris Stringfield and their families. The Thompson, Bethel and Strachan Families. We would be remiss if we did not acknowledge Mrs. Karen Archer, Mrs. Elva Rolle and Mrs. Dorothy Coakley. Her medical team, Dr. Raleigh Butler and Dr. Delton Farquharson who cared for her so faithfully during the final months of her life and Nurse Kalfani and the Oncology Unit were excellent.
Order of Service
RECEPTION OF THE BODY Celebrant: With faith in Jesus Christ, we receive the body of our sister Zelma for burial. Our sister was washed in Holy Baptism and anointed with the Holy Spirit. Let us therefore, with confidence, pray to God our Heavenly Father, the Giver of life, that He will raise her to perfection in the company of the saints. Celebrant: All:
The Lord be with you. And also with you.
Celebrant: Let us pray. O God of grace and glory, we remember before you this day our sister Zelma. We thank you for giving her to us, her family and friends, to know and love as a companion on our earthly pilgrimage. In your boundless compassion, console us who mourn. Give us faith to see in death the gate of eternal life, so that in quiet confidence we may continue our course on earth, until by your call, we are reunited with those who have gone before; through Jesus Christ our Lord. All:
Amen
CELEBRANT | Opening Sentences Jesus said, I am the resurrection, and I am the life; he who believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, and who ever lives and believes in me shall never die. [John 11:25-26] The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases, His compassion never fails: every morning they are renewed. [Lamentations 3:22-23] Jesus said, Let not your hearts be troubled; believe in God, believe also in me. [John 14:1] 1 am sure that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor height, nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. [Romans 8:38-39] If we live, we live to the Lord, and if we die, we die to the Lord; so then, whether we live or whether we die, we are the Lord’s. For to this end Christ died and lived again, that he might be Lord both of the dead and of the living. [Romans 14:8-9] We brought nothing into the world, and we take nothing out. The Lord gives, and the Lord takes away: Blessed be the name of the Lord. [Job 1:21] The eternal God is our refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms. [Deuteronomy 33:27]
INTROIT HYMN | And Can It 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?
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!
’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.
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.
Celebrant: All:
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.
The Lord be with you. And also with you.
Celebrant: Let us pray: Almighty God, we remember before you today your servant Zelma, and we pray that, having opened to her the gates of larger life, you will receive her more and more into your joyful service, that, with all who have served you in the past, she 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 OLD TESTAMENT | Wisdom Chapter 3 verses 1-5, 9 | Cheryl Bethel (Godchild) Reader:
A Reading from the Book of Wisdom Chapter 3 verses 1-5, 9
But the souls of the righteous are in the hand of God, and no torment will ever touch them. In the eyes of the foolish they seemed to have died, and their departure was thought to be a disaster, and their going from us to be their destruction; but they are at peace. For though in the sight of others they were punished, their hope is full of immortality. Having been disciplined a little, they will receive great good, because God tested them and found them worthy of himself; Those who trust in him will understand truth, and the faithful will abide with him in love, because grace and mercy are upon his holy ones, and he watches over his elect. Reader: People:
This is the Word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.
SECOND HYMN | Hark My Soul Hark, my soul, it is the Lord; ‘tis thy Saviour, hear his word; Jesus speaks, and speaks to thee, ‘Say, poor sinner, lov’st thou me?
‘Can a woman’s tender care cease towards the child she bare? Yes, she may forgetful be, yet will I remember thee.
‘Thou shalt see my glory soon, when the work of grace is done; partner of my throne shalt be: say, poor sinner, lov’st thou me?’
‘I delivered thee when bound, and, when wounded, healed thy wound; sought thee wandering, set thee right, turned thy darkness into light.
‘Mine is an unchanging love, higher than the heights above, deeper than the depths beneath, free and faithful, strong as death.
Lord, it is my chief complaint that my love is weak and faint; yet I love thee, and adore; O for grace to love thee more!
THE NEW TESTAMENT | Thessalonians Chapter 4 verses 13-18 | Shelly Hudson (Niece) Reader:
A Reading from the Book of Thessalonians Chapter 4 verses 13-18
We do not want you to be unaware, brothers [and sisters], about those who have fallen asleep, so that you may not grieve like the rest, who have no hope. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose, so too will God, through Jesus, bring with him those who have fallen asleep. Indeed, we tell you this, on the word of the Lord, that we who are alive, who are left until the coming of the Lord, will surely not precede those who have fallen asleep. For the Lord himself, with a word of command, with the voice of an archangel and with the trumpet of God, will come down from heaven, and the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive, who are left, will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. Thus we shall always be with the Lord. Therefore, console one another with these words. Reader: People:
This is the Word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.
GRADUAL HYMN | Alleluia! Sing to Jesus! Alleluia! Sing to Jesus! His the scepter, His the throne; Alleluia! His the triumph, His the victory alone. Hark! The songs of peaceful Zion Thunder like a mighty flood; “Jesus out of ev’ry nation Has redeemed us by His blood.
Alleluia! Bread of angels, Here on earth our food, our stay! Alleluia! Here the sinful Flee to You from day to day. Intercessor, friend of sinners, Earth’s redeemer, plead for me, Where the songs of all the sinless Sweep across the crystal sea.
Alleluia! Not as orphans Are we left in sorrow now; Alleluia! He is near us, Faith believes, nor questions how. Though the cloud from sight received Him When the forty days were o’er, Shall our hearts forget His promise, “I am with you evermore?”
Alleluia! King eternal, You the Lord of lords we own; Alleluia! Born of Mary, Earth Your footstool, heav’n Your throne. You within the veil have entered, Robed in flesh, our great high priest; Here on earth both priest and victim In the eucharistic feast.
AS I KNEW HER | Tiffany Glass (Governor District Pilot International)
SERMON | Fr. Godfrey Kerr Celebrant:
Let us with confidence and hope confess the faith into which we were baptized, as we say,
All: I believe in God, the Father Almighty, creator of heaven and earth. I believe in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord. He was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary. He suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried. He descended to the dead. On the third day He rose again. He ascended into heaven, and is seated at the right hand of the Father. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy Catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen INTERCESSIONS | Led by: Cleomie Woods (Friend) Leader:
For our sister Zelma, 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 beloved sister Zelma 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 sister Zelma to eternal life. Hear us, Lord.
Leader: All:
You promised paradise to the thief who repented: Bring our beloved sister Zelma to the joys of heaven, Hear us, Lord.
Leader: Our sister Zelma was washed in Baptism and anointed with the Holy Spirit: Give her fellowship with all your saints. All: Hear us, Lord. Leader: Our sister Grace was nourished with your Body and Blood: Grant her a place at the table in your heavenly kingdom. All: Hear us, Lord. Leader: Comfort us in our sorrows at the death of our sister Zelma. Let our faith be our consolation, and eternal life our hope. All: Hear us Lord. Celebrant: Lord Jesus Christ, we commend to you our sister Zelma, who was reborn by water and the Spirit in Holy Baptism. Grant that his death may recall to us your victory over death, and be an occasion for us to renew our trust in your Father’s love. Give us, we pray, the faith to follow where you have led the way; and where you live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, to the ages of ages. All: Amen.
THE ACT OF PENITENCE Celebrant:
If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, God is faithful and just, and will forgive our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. Let us therefore confess our sins.
Let us therefore confess our sins
All: Almighty God our Heaven Father, we have sinned against You and one another, in thought, word and deed. and what we have left undone. We are sorry and repent of all our sins. For your Son, our Lord Jesus Christ’s sake, forgive is all that is past, and grant that we may serve you in newness of life to the glory of your Name. Amen. THE ABSOLUTION Celebrant: Almighty God have mercy on you, pardon and deliver you from all your sins, confirm and strengthen you all goodness, and keep you in life eternal; through Jesus Christ our Lord. All:
Amen.
Celebrant: We are the body of Christ. By the one spirit we were all baptized into one body and have all been made to drink of the one Spirit. All: Let us then pursue the things that make for peace and build up the common life. Celebrant: All:
The peace of the Lord be always with you And also with you
HYMN | Pleasant are thy court above Pleasant are thy courts above In the land of light and love; Pleasant are thy courts below In this land of sin and woe. O, my spirit longs and faints For the converse of thy saints, For the brightness of thy face, For thy fullness, God of Grace!
Happy souls, their praises flow Even in this vale of woe; Waters in the desert rise, Manna feeds them from the skies; On they go from strength to strength, Till they reach thy throne at length, At thy feet adoring fall, Who hast led them safe through all.
Happy birds that sing and fly Round thy altars, O most High; Happier souls that find a rest In a heavenly Father’s breast. Like the wandering dove that found No repose on earth around, They can to their ark repair And enjoy it ever there. A-men.
Lord, be mine this prize to win; Guide me through a world of sin; Keep me by thy saving grace; Give me at thy side a place. Sun and shield alike thou art; Guide and guard my erring heart; Grace and glory flow from thee; Shower, O shower them, Lord, on me!
THE PRESENTATION OF THE ELEMENTS ELEMENT BEARERS Celebrant: Through your goodness Lord, we have this Bread and Wine to offer, the fruit of the earth, and the work of human hands. They will become our spiritual food. All: All things come from you, Lord, and of your own do we give you. Blessed be God forever. Amen. EUCHARISTIC PRAYER Celebrant: All:
The Lord be with you. And also with you.
Celebrant: All:
Lift up your hearts. We lift them up to the Lord.
Celebrant: All:
Let us give thanks to the Lord our God. It is right to give God thanks and praise.
Celebrant: It is right, and a good and joyful thing, always and everywhere to give you thanks, Father, Almighty, Everlasting God: Through Jesus Christ our Lord; who rose victorious from the dead, and comforts us with the blessed hope of life eternal. For to your faithful people, O Lord, life is changed, not ended; and when our mortal body lies in death, there is prepared for us a dwelling place eternal in the heavens. Therefore, we praise you, joining our voices with the angels and archangels, and with all the company of heaven, who forever sing this hymn to proclaim the glory of your name. All: Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of power and might; heaven and earth are full of your glory. Hosanna in the highest. Blessed is he comes in the name of the Lord. Hosanna in the highest. Celebrant: Sovereign Lord and Father, To you be glory and praise for ever. In your boundless wisdom you brought creation into being; In your great love you fashioned us in your image; In your tender compassion you sent your Son, Jesus Christ, our Saviour, to share our human nature; In the power of the Holy Spirit, He overcame the power of sin and death and brought your people to new birth as first fruits of your new creation. On the night that he was betrayed He took bread, and when He had given thanks to you, He broke it and gave it to his disciples and said: ‘Take this, and eat it: This is my Body which is given for you, Do this for the remembrance of me’. And after supper, He took the cup of wine; and when He had given thanks, He gave it to them and said: “Drink this, all of you: This is my blood of the New Covenant which is shed for you and for many for the forgiveness of sins. Whenever you drink it, do this for the remembrance of me.” Celebrant: All:
Therefore, Father, according to the command of your dearly beloved Son; We remember His death, We proclaim His resurrection, We await His coming in glory.
Celebrant: And we offer you, Father, our sacrifice of thanks and praise. Send your Holy Spirit on these gifts of bread and wine that they may become the Body and Blood of your Son Jesus, Our Lord and Redeemer. As we partake of this holy food of new and unending life, may your Holy Spirit establish us as a royal priesthood with the Blessed Virgin Mary, blessed Joseph, blessed Ambrose, blessed John the Baptist and all your sons And daughters who share in your eternal inheritance; Through Jesus Christ Our Lord. With Him and in Him and through Him, by the power of the Holy Spirit, we worship you Father Almighty, with all who stand before you in earth and heaven, in songs of everlasting praise. All:
Blessing and honour and glory and power be yours for ever and ever. Amen.
THE LORD’S PRAYER Celebrant:
As our Saviour has taught us, so we pray:
All: Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as in heaven. Give us to day our daily bread. Forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us. Save us from the time of trial and deliver us from evil. For the kingdom, the power and the glory are yours, now and forever. Amen. THE BREAKING OF THE BREAD Celebrant: All:
God of promise, you have prepared a Banquet for us. Happy are those who are called to the supper of the Lamb.
THE INVITATION Celebrant: All:
The Gifts of God for the people of God. Our souls will feast and be satisfied, and we will sing glad songs of praise to Him.
THE AGNUS DEI Lamb of God, you take away the sin of the world, grant her rest. Lamb of God, you take away the sin of the world, grant her rest. Lamb of God, you take away the sin of the world, grant her rest eternal COMMUNION HYMNS POST COMMUNION PRAYER All: Almighty God, we thank you that in your great love you have fed us with the spiritual food and drink of the Body and Blood of your Son Jesus Christ, and have given unto us a foretaste of your heavenly banquet. Grant that this Sacrament may be unto us a comfort in affliction, and a pledge to our inheritance in that kingdom where there is no death, neither sorrow nor crying, but the fullness of joy, with all your saints; through Jesus Christ our Saviour. Amen
HYMN | Abide with me Abide with me, fast falls the eventide The darkness deepens Lord, with me abide When other helpers fail and comforts flee Help of the helpless, oh, abide with me Swift to its close ebbs out life’s little day Earth’s joys grow dim, its glories pass away Change and decay in all around I see O Thou who changest not, abide with me
I fear no foe, with Thee at hand to bless Ills have no weight, and tears no bitterness Where is death’s sting? Where, grave, thy victory? I triumph still, if Thou abide with me Hold Thou Thy cross before my closing eyes Shine through the gloom and point me to the skies Heaven’s morning breaks, and earth’s vain shadows flee In life, in death, o Lord, abide with me Abide with me, abide with me
COMMENDATION Celebrant: All:
Blessed be God our Father. The Creator and Preserver of all life.
Celebrant: All:
Blessed be Jesus Christ. The Saviour and Redeemer of mankind.
Celebrant: All:
Blessed be the Holy Spirit. The Enabler and Sustainer of those who seek for grace.
Celebrant: All:
The Lord be with you. And also with you
Celebrant: Grant us, Lord, the wisdom and 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. Celebrant: All:
Give rest, O Christ, to your servant Zelma with your saints. Where sorrow and pain are no more, neither sighing, but life everlasting.
Celebrant: You only are immortal, the creator and Maker of mankind; and we are mortal, formed of the earth, and to earth shall we return. For so you did ordain when you created me, saying “You are dust and to dust you shall return.” All of us go down to the dust; yet even at the grave, we make our song: Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!
All: Give rest, O Christ, to your servant with your saints, where sorrow and pain are no more, neither sighing, but life everlasting. Celebrant: Let us commend our sister Zelma to the mercy of God our Maker and Redeemer. Deliver your servant Zelma O Sovereign Lord Christ, from all evil, and set her free from every bond, that she may rest with all your saints in the eternal habitations, where with the Father and the Holy Spirit you live and reign, one God for ever and ever. All: Amen. Celebrant: Into your hands, O merciful Saviour, we commend your servant Zelma. Acknowledge, we humbly beseech you, a sheep of your own fold, a lamb of your own flock, a sinner of your own redeeming. Receive her into the arms of your mercy, into the blessed rest of everlasting peace, and into the glorious company of the saints in light. All: Amen. Celebrant: Rest eternal grant unto her, O Lord. All: And let light perpetual shine upon him. Celebrant: All:
May she rest in peace. Amen.
Celebrant: May her soul, and the souls of the faithful departed through the mercy of God, rest in peace. All: Amen. Celebrant: All:
Let us go forth in the name of Christ. Thanks be to God.
RECESSIONAL HYMN | 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.
STATEMENT ON THE PASSING OF MRS. ZELMA DEAN THE MOST HON. DR. HUBERT MINNIS PRIME MINISTER AND MINISTER OF FINANCE Along with so many other Bahamians, I was saddened to hear of the passing of Mrs. Zelma Dean, a veteran educator, who was also deeply committed to national and community service. A former teacher, school administrator and Director of Education, Zelma Dean had a deep appreciation of the role of education in national development, including the cultivation of responsible and engaged citizens. She was among a generation of educators who touched the lives of thousands of students and who burned with a passion to develop the potential and gifts of our children and young people. She began her educational career in 1954 as a student teacher. Zelma Dean brought tremendous personal qualities to her many assignments in the government- operated school system and in her contributions to the civic and political life of the country. These qualities included: a stickler for details, personal integrity, clarity of purpose and vision and a passion for excellence. Trained in mathematics, she approached matters logically and with a determination to solve problems. She understood that numeracy and literacy were vital for personal development and lifelong learning, exemplified in the creation of “Let’s Read Bahamas”, which was fundamental in the promotion of literacy in schools and for adults. She was instrumental in the development of Programme S.U.R.E. She had a strategic vision for national education as seen in her contributions to improvements and novel programs in the government-operated school system. Her personal commitment to and involvement in community service was evidenced in her development of and emphasis on the role of co-curricular and community service initiatives for students. I join with my predecessor in office, the Rt. Hon. Hubert Ingraham, who noted of Mrs. Dean:
“She has left a sterling record in education where she was widely appreciated. She commanded the respect of colleagues and students alike.” One of her colleagues, former Deputy Director and Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Education, Mrs. Elma Garraway, noted in a tribute: “Her personal influence, mentorship and vision will continue to impact the youth of our ... Bahamaland.” Mrs. Dean was a dedicated member of the Pilot Club of Nassau and the Pilot Luncheon Club. She served as President of both Clubs. On a personal note, I was pleased to work with her in the development of the Free National Movement’s 2017 Election Manifesto, to which she brought her customary thoroughness, professionalism and dedication to national development. She was fastidious in helping to prepare the Manifesto. Her patriotic spirit was manifest in her active engagement in the political process. One of her dear friends spoke for many others when she described Zelma Dean as a loyal and warm friend, who was deeply committed to her family, her community and her country. On behalf of the Government and people of The Bahamas, and on my own behalf, and that of my wife, Patricia, I offer condolences to her husband, Audley, her son, A. Brent Dean, and her daughters, Bianca and Brigette, other family members, her many friends, former colleagues and generations of students. May her legacy and memory be a blessing to us all and an inspiration for others. God grant her eternal rest. 18 January 2021 Office of the Prime Minister Commonwealth of The Bahamas
TO MY WIFE ZELMA, After 57 years with you by my side, I know what it is to be loved and supported. You and I were truly partners in this life. You gave me three beautiful children, Brent, Bianca and Brigette. We were united in creating a family that held together through thick and thin. Until we meet again my love. Audley.
Mum
First and foremost, it was love. Much like everything else you did in this life, you excelled at being a mom. As we were growing up, you always showed us love. We naively assumed that all children were having their homework checked and being read bedtime stories. Our family traditions included birthday celebrations with cake and eventually sips of champagne as well as travelling for annual summer vacations. Your love allowed us to make those cherished memories. You made sure that we received everything we needed, especially our education. And occasionally what we thought we needed. Even when you were being stern, it came from love. Ever present, whether you stood in front of us to clear a path, beside us to show support or behind is to provide an extra nudge forward, it manifested from your love for us. You wanted your expectations of us to match those that we had for ourselves, because of the love you had for us. There was only one you and we were blessed to have you and your love. You taught us that at the end of the day, it will be family and love. We will always love and miss you Mum. Brent, Bianca & Brigette
STATEMENT BY RT. HON. HUBERT INGRAHAM ON THE PASSING OF VETERAN EDUCATOR
MRS. ZELMA DEAN
I was saddened to learn of the passing of veteran educator, Zelma Dean earlier today. I knew her by reputation even before I came to meet her. Stern, dependable, reliable, honest and forthright are but a few of the adjectives that aptly describe this consummate servant of the Bahamas public service. Among my early acts on becoming prime minister in 1992 was to cause Zelma Dean to be plucked from the governmentoperated school system where she was serving as principal at the Government High School and to have her appointed as Director of Education. Mrs. Dean, a wife and mother with roots in Rum Cay was not intimidated by the size of the undertaking nor of her unexpected promotion from high school administrator to education policy maven. A mathematician, she applied the exacting and measured training of that field to all her endeavours. She was an enthusiastic educator with, I believe, an unmatched passion for improving literacy among Bahamians. It is no surprize then that the “Let’s Read Bahamas” Bahamas was one of her brainchildren. No one was more disappointed than she that notwithstanding years of dedicated service by countless committed educators, too many of the products of the government-operated school system were far below the standards of what was expected and required in a small, developing country. She firmly believed that change was required to address the many shortcomings in education. And, she was committed to introducing change unintimidated by the fear of failure. Her influence was, if only tangentially, associated with many of the plans and programmes set in motion throughout the 1990s to improve academic achievement. Among such initiatives were those
creating an education programme for single student mothers and another for troubled male students. She was instrumental to programmes to increase the number of teachers in the system, to improve and increase tuition materials available to students and to the continuous reform of the school curriculum including technical education to better prepare students for productive lives. Still others involved increasing the number of classrooms and expanding the footprint of the education system so as to reduce class sizes through an energetic school construction programme in New Providence and around the Family Islands. Her ideas also shaped the plan for the amalgamation of schools in New Providence and in Family Islands where small student bodies meant that specialists teachers were seldom available. Also, the expansion of pre-schools in the government-school system was recommended by her. Several of these would occupy structures left vacant as a result of the amalgamation programme. Mrs. Dean taught in and led a number of schools before taking up her assignment at the Ministry of Education. She has left a sterling record in education where she was widely appreciated. She commanded the respect of colleagues and students alike. Among their warm memories of their wife, mother, aunt and friend, her survivors can be justifiably proud of that legacy and of the knowledge that she will long be remembered by her many students, colleagues and Bahamians of all walks of life. I and my wife Delores extend deepest sympathy to Zelma’s husband Audley, to her children Brent, Bianca and Bridgette, her grandchildren and to all her extended family.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS The Family of Zelma Ernestine Dean wishes to express sincere appreciation to the many family and friends for all of their support and encouragement during this time of bereavement. Your prayers, visits and acts of kindness will never be forgotten. It is during these difficult times that you recognize the power of love and its ability to bring comfort in the midst of anguish and despair. May the almighty god continue to bestow His richest blessings upon you.
Honourary pallbearers Arvin Butler George B. J. Ratliffe Jerome Sawyer Brian Turnquest Funeral Service Entrusted To:
Provided by SIDDA Communications Group
P.O. Box N-1026 Nassau Street Nassau, Bahamas 242.322.4433 (T) 242.328.2314 (F) 242.422.1033 (M)
Tel: 394-BOOK (2665) Mobile: (242) 818-3478 Email: info@siddagroup.com Nassau, N.P. Bahamas