A PRAISE AND WORSHIP CELEBRATION
Betine Andria Morley-Willis "Teenie" For The Life And Witness of
Bloomed: October 7th, 1961 Faded: April 9th, 2016 54yrs
Saturday, April 30th, 2016 at 10:00a.m. At Faith United Missionary Baptist Church Faith United Way off Baillou Hill Road South In the City of Nassau, New Providence, Bahamas Officiating Reverend William Thompson, Th.D., CMG, J.P. Associate Ministers: Reverend Frederick N. Cartwright, Reverend Harrison Thompson, Reverend G. Craig Ellis, Reverend Cleomie McKinney, Reverend Margaret Williams, Reverend Keith Baker & Reverend Samuel Rolle Interment Woodlawn Gardens Soldier Road Vaughn O. Jones Memorial Center #103 Mt Royal Ave & Talbot Street Nassau, Bahamas
Obituary
Betine Morley-Willis
A LIFE WELL LIVED
I have known BETINE MORLEY - WILLIS for the past thirty-five (35) years and I'm honoured to write this story on her behalf. My first recollection of our meeting was at a church function. Both of us at the time were involved in our local church music ministries as well as the youth departments, she was at St. John’s Native Baptist Cathedral and I was at Bethel Baptist Church. Hence, it is safe to say that we practically grew together in church work and in the knowledge of Jesus Christ. Being a musician myself, when I was invited by the Government of the Bahamas through the Ministry of Youth, Sports, and Community Affairs back in 1991 to form the Bahamas National Gospel Mass Choir, Ms. Morley became an integral part of the leadership team as Executive Secretary. She took on the responsibility of the organizational structure of this group of some 300 young people from fourteen (14) different denominations in New Providence, which later spread in North Andros and Grand Bahama. Needless to say, when God led me to establish a ministry in September 1992, Ms. Morley (as she was at that time) came on board and did what she is so skilled in doing, administration and music. October 30th, 1992 the new ministry was commissioned by Rev’d Dr. Timothy Stewart of Bethel Baptist Church, my home base, under the name “Tabernacle Baptist Centre”. For several years Betine was a pillar of strength in the ministry: an intercessor, a psalmist, protocol ministry, organist, choir director, and pastor’s aide. She was there during some challenging times and was always the initiator of encouragement. When the ministry shi�ed at the end of 1999 and joined Evangelic Assembly Church (under the leadership of my uncle Bishop Duke Smith), it was a di�cult period of transition during the year 2000 but she stuck it out with us until 2003 when the Lord had need for her services in another vine-yard. For about five years she worked with Pastor Eugene Ifill at Landmark Baptist Church and he could attest to the fact that Betine was committed to the cause of Christ. Wow! What a Woman – what a Worker! What a Servant-Leader!
Proficiency, accuracy, and accountability, were always a top priority for Betine. Her performance, flawless; her work ethics, excellent; her productivity, undeniably ‘top of the line’; her attitude, serious; her personality, misunderstood by some but revered by many; her passion for and commitment to ministry, unmatched. I searched all over, had some others in-between, but could not find anybody as prepared, as creative and as sincere as one Betine Morley-Willis –a Gem, a Gi�, a God sent! Betine Morley was literally half of my brain, my right hand, my le� foot…! She could do ‘anything’ , set it up right and execute it to its maximum! Betine never le� me! She was still intertwined in the work of my ministry. Anything I needed done she was one call away! All I did was make my request known and by jolly…..it was DONE! Betine was a very industrious young woman and most of what she knew came from her job in the Food & Beverage Department of the Crystal Palace Casino and Resort Hotel under the tutelage of Miss Sharon Forbes. She was transferred to the Kitchen Department where she worked as a Secretary to the Chef. Her tenure at Crystal Palace lasted ten (10) years. Sometime in 2003, she was observed by an eagle eyed "Soldier Boy" who electrified her life with his smile and velvety voice as he sang "Unforgettable" to her on their first date at 'Long Wharf.' Several years later they were joined in Holy Matrimony at Landmark Baptist Church. This seemed to be one of Betine’s happiest days. Mr. Willis loved his wife and would do anything to please her. She brought stability and wholeness to his life and together they were a ‘match made in Heaven’. Many, many years ago when I introduced her to Dr. William Thompson, the founding pastor of Faith United Missionary Baptist Church, and who was also President of the Bahamas National Baptist Missionary and Educational Convention, Betine started out as the secretary of the church until Dr. Thompson saw what kind of skills she really exemplified. Betine worked her way to the administrator’s post of the church where she worked long hours, day and night to make sure the job was done without flaws. It was during this time that Minister Betty Thompson, wife of Dr. Thompson, grew very close to Betine. She took Betine’s baby (Tiffany) in her home and spent many summers with her. Mrs. Morley-Willis was indeed a strong and confident young lady who set particular goals for her life and was passionate about accomplishing these goals. She had prepared herself academically and took advantage of every possible opportunity to enhance and expand her knowledge base and to sharpen her skills. She understood that anything worthwhile to accomplish came through hard work and perseverance. From the time of her birth, October 7th, 1961, she suffered many hard trials, setbacks, disappointments and frustrations BUT her character was formed and established to be the WOMAN she turned out to become- STERN, HUMBLE, NO NON-SENSE, ROWDY, EFFICIENT AND PROFICIENT! From the Mangrove Cay, Andros All Age School then coming into Nassau at the C.C. Sweeting High school, where she graduated in 1977.
Pre-deceased by her father, Arthur Munnings of Boston, Massachusetts, her early upbringing came through her late Great- Grand Mother, Victoria Moxey in Little Harbour, Mangrove Cay, Andros, then by her late Grand Aunt, Mary Moxey formerly of Wellington Street, Nassau. Betine’s marriage to Mr. Vincent Morley, Sr. did not work out as they expected it to but a very handsome son, Vincent Jr. was produced and oh was he was her pride and joy. Ten years later, her own princess (Tiffany) was born and oh my, isn’t she adorable. Tiffany became everyone’s baby, especially “National’s” little baby. Despite the fact that she loved her two children to death, she became 'Mom' to Omar, Dwight, CJ Kurtiss, Simone, Jamie, Felicia, Vanessa, Angel, Alexis, Felecia Wilmott, Laurene Greene, P. Styles, Jason, Cheryl, Lester, Patrice, Patricia, Dellseaner, Elder Stephen Sands, Steven Brown, Leslie, Sherrine, Rickey, Jermaine and Constance Cooper. Betine was a remarkable example of “motherhood.” She invested herself totally into the development of her children. Her life was consumed with passion to see her children secured, especially her daughter Tiffany. She befriended Rev. Julia Pratt from Landmark Baptist church and they became very close. Both Betine and her husband Vincent lived with Reverend Pratt for a short time before they moved in their house on Major Street, Yellow Elder Gardens. In fact, some of the neighbors and church members referred to them as ‘mother’ and ‘daughter.’ 'Teenie' was a 'MOTHER' to most of us; friend and foe, stray and straight, desolate, destitute, disheartened, lost, alone, lonely, and to those that were dis-advantaged. Betine worked untiringly with Dr. William Thompson up until Thursday, April 7th, 2016. She reminded him of her Doctor’s appointment for Friday morning and she said as soon as she was finished she would come back to the o�ce. But that was not to be. Many are the plans of men but God’s purpose always wins. Friday she went in because her food was not digesting and by Friday evening she was admitted in the hospital and on Saturday evening her voice was hushed in death. So soon! So sudden! So subtle! No goodbye, no farewell, no last words. Jesus Christ, her Lord and Saviour took her breath away and the angels gently closed her eyes for eternal rest. My heartfelt tribute on behalf of my beloved sister in Christ.
Pastor Patrick V. Smith
Le� to cherish her fond and precious memories are: Husband: Vincent Clive Willis, Retired Sergeant Major of Jamaica’s Defense Force 1 Son: Vincent Rashad (Shaddy) Morley, Jr. 1 Daughter: Tiffany Rashae’ Manace, ( Moxey Manace) 3 Sisters: Debbie Alleyne, Winifred King & Stacey Sweeting 2 Step-Daughters: Stacy Ann Willis-James of Arizona, Shanice Willis of Canada 1 Step-Son: Kevin Willis, Flight Lieutenant of Royal Air Force of England 1 Brother: Dencil Wells, Sr. 2 Aunts: Cynthia King of Mangrove Cay, Andros & Millicent Burrows of New York 1 Uncle: Isaiah King of Mangrove Cay, Andros 7 Nieces: Sherron Young & Shannon Alleyne, Shanii Oliver and Elicia Hall; Anna, Arizel and Abagail Wells 1 Nephew: Dencil Wells, Jr. 4 Sisters-In-Law: Yvonne & Nadine Willis of Jamaica, Carlene Willis-Davis of Detroit Michigan, Juliette Willis of Manchester, England 2 Brothers-In-Law: Rev. Wilfred Willis & Peter Willis of Jamaica Numerous Cousins: Dianna Davis & Family, Carmi King & Family, Sybil Green & Family, Thaddeus Moxey & Family, Margarita Bannister & Family, Elizabeth Green & Family, Lorraine Green & Family, Ethel Russell & Family, Reginald Moxey & Family all of Mangrove Cay, Andros, Senator Telator Strachan, Cabinet Minister Melony Gri�n & Family, Keva Johnson, Barbara Barnes, Karen, Jimmy, Pembroke Jr., Chalma, Naomi Morley, Miriam Adderley, Maria Johnson, Enith Kerr, Arthur Jr., Ruel, Daniel, Rev. Gralin, Copelyn, Jeremiah, David, James, Lincoln, Kenneth, Vincent Moxey, Viola Bodie, Janet Bullard, Diane Moxey, Liz Roker, Rosemary Rolle, Ellis Bodie-Young, Ethlyn Wildgoose of Freeport, Frances, Michael & Leonard Carroll, Fealy Demeritte Jr., Christine Taylor, Ida Roberts, Roslyn ‘Rosie’ Green, Rev. Dr. William & Minister Betty Thompson & The Faith United Baptist Church Family, Adopted brothers & sisters: Lloyd William & Julia Thompson of Orlando, Florida and Jerrod &Anna Thompson of South Carolina, Rev. Patrick Smith & The Evangelic Assembly COGIC Church Family, The Bahamas National Gospel Mass Choir, Rev. Christopher Roberts & Family, The Bahamas Baptist Mass Youth Choir, The Gospel Music Workshop Choir of America, Bahamas Chapter (GMW), Mary Armbrister, Ramona McClain, Annabella Johnson, Jereldine Wilson, Charles & Lee Armbrister, Leeton Armbrister of USA & Bishop Asa Armbrister of Baltimore, Maryland, Bradley, Michael & Briscoe Pratt, Gretamae, Wendy & Cleopatra Pratt, Deacon Helen Rolle, Her Special Friends: Diane Miller, Sharon Forbes, Rochelle Oliver, Felecia Wilmott, Terry Woodside, Renee, Melanie Johnson, Ena Rolle, Rosa Walkes, Nina Culmer, Olive Thompson, The Oliver & Darville Family, Michael Kirby and the Major Road, Yellow Elder Gardens, Wellington Street and Mangrove Cay, Andros Communities and many others too numerous to mention.
Order of Service
Betine Morley-Willis
A CELEBRATIVE WORSHIP EXPERIENCE
Liturgists: Reverend Frederick N. Cartwright Pastor Patrick V. Smith, Evangelic Assembly Church of God in Christ ENTRANCE & SEATING OF THE FAMILY RECEPTION OF THE BODY……..DR. WILLIAM THOMPSON PROCESSION OF MINISTERS Processional Hymn……“I’m Glad I Counted The Cost” by W. J. Henry THE CALL TO WORSHIP Rev. Harrison Thompson “I am the resurrection and the life, saith the Lord: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live; And whosoever liveth and believeth in me, shall never die. I know that my Redeemer liveth, and that He shall stand at the latter day upon the earth. And though, a�er my skin, worms destroy this body, yet in my flesh shall I see God: whom I shall see for myself and mine eyes shall behold and not another. We brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. The Lord gave and the Lord hath taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord.” Music Ministry by Faith United Tabernacle Choir Opening Hymn of Praise………...…...……..…“Hark My Soul, It is the Lord’s” by William Cowper, 1731-1800 Old Testament Lesson (Psalm 91:1-7)..………….……..Sister Melanie Johnson PRAYER OF INVOCATION……….……….Reverend Fredrick N. Cartwright Prayer Response….. “I Need Thee Every Hour” by Annie S. Hawks, 1835-1918
Remarks…………………………………………..…………………………………Reverend Lloyd Thompson - The Women’s Ministry of Faith United Music Ministry by Faith United Tabernacle Choir New Testament Lesson (Revelation 21:1-7)…………………....……………………..….Reverend Keith Baker Congregational Hymn………………….....…………….……. “And Can It Be” by Charles Wesley, 1707-1788 MUSIC MINISTRY (A & B) by The Bahamas National Gospel Mass Choir Introduction of Speaker by Reverend Harrison Thompson MUSIC MINISTRY by The Bahamas National Gospel Mass Choir THE MESSAGE FOR TODAY The Reverend William Thompson, Host Pastor President, The Bahamas National Baptist Missionary & Educational Convention President, Caribbean Baptist Fellowship The Combined Choir The Resolution …………………………….……………….………………………Minister Lisa Knowles Prayer For The Family by Bishop Delton Fernander The Bahamas National Gospel Mass Choir – “He That Overcometh” THE RECESSIONAL…….. “Still Have Joy”
Tribute to Mommy
For a lady so gentle, kind, loving, kindhearted, and I can continue to go on. Mommy, you have been a major part of my life for the 20 y ears that I have been alive, taking care of me and leading me into being the beautiful young lady that I am today. Anything I needed, you were always right there for me, you were my best friend and I could have spoken to you about anything and you would give excellent advice. You always knew what was going on before I even spoke to you about it. No one understands the pain I feel because of how close our bond was but God knows and he does all things well. I will forever hold you near and dear to my heart. You taught me about Christ and showed me how I should be treated by a gentleman and as a result of that I am a born again believer of Jesus Christ and a young married strong woman and a lady. I do not have enough words to express how you have impacted and been such a blessing to my life but just know that I appreciated and loved you very much. Until we meet again mommy.
Your Princess Nana loves you.