A SERVICE OF PRAISE & REFLECTION In Memory of
Ricardo Emulo Kenneth Francis Bloomed: May 20th 1977 Faded: February 23rd 2016 38yrs
Saturday, March 19th, 2016 at 10:00 a.m. At
evAnGeLiC ASSemBLy Church of God in Christ
Baillou Hill Road & Fleming Street In the City of Nassau, New Providence, Bahamas O�ciating PASTOR PATRICK V. SMITH, B.Th., J.P. Assisted by Reverend Nelson Brown Elder Stephen Sands Interment Lakeview Memorial Gardens JFK Drive Nassau, Bahamas Demeritte's Funeral Home Market Street Nassau, Bahamas
The Life And Legacy Of
Ricardo Francis
TO BE READ IN SILENCE "The LORD is my Shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures; He leadeth me beside the still waters.; He restoreth my soul. He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for His name’s sake. Yea though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies; thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever." Psalm 23
A Time To Be Born On May 20th, 1977 a 7lb 8ounce bouncing baby boy was born to Irene Lightbourne and John Francis in Nassau, Bahamas. This precious gift from God was named and christened Ricardo Emulo Kenneth Francis. “Rickey,” as he was affectionately called, captured the hearts of many family members with his admirable looks. Many times he was mistaken for a little girl because he was so “pretty”. A Time To Live He was christened at the Church of God McCollough Corner. His mother made sure that he attended church; she wanted him to grow up with Godly principles. Rickey as a child was always well-mannered, humble and had a caring spirit. Rickey was a man of few words and had a few very close friends. His best friends and confidants were Dwight Gri�n, Marlo Gardiner and Roscoe Dean. A Time To edUCATe Rickey’s formal academic education began at Be Heal Revival Preschool and continued at Claridge Primary, R.M. Bailey Jr. & Sr. and completed at A.F Adderly Sr. High School. A Time To WorK Rickey began working at an early age; his first job was as a salesman at Bahamas Bus and Truck. He then moved on to work with his friend Davon at his family business, Studio of Draperies/ Carpet Barn. After that he went to A.I.D, Sanpin Motors, Security at the Airport and Albany. After Rickey would have worked numerous places in Nassau, he moved to Harbour Island where he secured a job at Dave’s Air Condition and Refrigeration and then at Sammy’s Restaurant and Bar. Rickey was adventurous and had a keen interest in working. Although he was challenged at times, he always tried to do the right thing and was very honest and never compromised his job.
The Life And Legacy Of
Ricardo Francis
A Time for Love and Family On August 5th, 2007, Ricky, Shaniqua and C.J attended a beach picnic at Coral Harbour Beach. After an evening of dancing and having fun, Ricky confessed to Shaniqua that he had been in love with her for some time. He then learnt that the feeling was mutual and from that day a beautiful relationship blossomed. One year later on August 12th, 2008 they were blessed with a beautiful baby girl whom they named Rihanna Rachea Raven Francis. On February 13th, 2009 Ricardo and Shaniqua were joined in Holy Matrimony. This was a happy union. Ricky enjoyed being a stay at home dad caring for Rihanna along with Omar, D’ Andrea, De’Andrea and Shanny, with Carlianna coming over most weekends. Ricky also successfully ran a small bistro called “Rihanna’s Munchies”. Everyone from near and far came for the delicious macaroni, grilled chicken, pork and hamburger. Ricky loved to cook and experimented with new dishes. The Food Network was his favorite channel. He prepared all different types of dishes for his family and most Sundays his friends would also drop by for dinner. In Stapleton Gardens where they lived, the neighbors often thought they were having a party every week because family and friends would flock to the house for his delicious cooking. The summer months brought great joy to all the children including his niece and nephew D.J and Da’ Venya, because this meant picnics at the beach or Bonefish Pond. His love for the Island life called him to explore and later relocate to Harbour Island, where he enjoyed life as an “Island Boy” with Kidd Love and other friends from Briland. However, he deeply missed his daughters Carlianna and Rihanna and he decided to move back to Nassau. While back in Nassau, he used his time to create unforgettable memories with his daughters and granddaughter Tajhae who called him “Papa”. The Saturday before he died he walked Rihanna to Saturday classes and on Sunday Rihanna took him to church with her and his mother, for what would now be the last time. His daughters will forever be comforted in knowing that he loved them and is now their Guardian Angel. On the morning of February 23rd, 2016 Ricky slipped away quietly to meet his Creator. Although Rickey died young, he lived a very full life. Left to cherish his memories are: his wife - Shaniqua Campbell; daughters - Carlianna Johnson & Rihanna Francis; mother - Muriel Irene Lightbourne; adopted mother - Hilda Outten; father in-law - Theodore Campbell Sr.; step children – Omar Sturrup, D’Andrea Sturrup, De’Andre Dawkins; granddaughter - Tajhae Frazier; sisters - Deborah Hall & Sharmaine Sands; brothers - Bradley Lightbourne, Dave Poitier, Keno Williams, Avarie Poitier; adopted brothers - Micheal & Perry Johnson, Sedrick, Valdez & Keith Poitier; sisters in law - Shelly Poitier, Calpurnia, Cyprianna, Crystal, Crystallaire and Shandrea Campbell;
brothers in law - Terrance Sands, Inspector Theodore Campbell II, Ted and Dino Campbell; nieces - Tiffany Murray, Latisha Lightbourne, T’keyah Sands, Da’venya Poitier, Cravannah Taylor, Sanchez Poitier, Avyneesha, Avari Poitier, Chantiarrah Johnson, Keniyah, Keaana, A’mayia Williams, Freddiesha & Julie Carol; nephews - Jerquann Lightbourne, Davanno Hall, Lateko Farrington, Craig Taylor Jr., David Poitier Jr., Irvin Newton, Brendon, Valentino and Branton Lightbourne, Lateko Farrington, Touren Sands, Saquavon Poitier, Xavier Poitier, Crashawn Saint-vil, A’mari & L’Dreon Williams, Freddie Carol III, Andre Smith; grand niece and nephew - Ravyn Cash, Cai Taylor, Antoinio, Kingsley Lightbourne; niece in law - Alisha Collins Lightbourne and Felicity Taylor; aunts - Marcia Hall, Jennifer, Marilyn, Ruth, Suziemae & Cynthia Lightbourne, Shirley Dean; uncles - Bradley Gibbs, Kenneth, Victor, Dudley, Eddison and Kennedy Lightbourne, John Thompson; grand aunt - Irene Harvey; grand uncles – James Lightbourne and Claudius Lightbourne; God father – Bishop Rudolph Pinder; God Children – N’Shea Gri�n, Tenisha Ferguson and Kelliesha Munroe; cousins – Bradley Jr., Bradlena, Jessica, Charnell, Debbonie, Latoya, Tiny, Brandon, Granvill, Donnalee Smith, Donnell Smith, Marcia Smith, Melissa DeanJervis,Tanya Dean-Cooper, Sean Dean, Nekcola Dean-Rolle, Kyle Brooks, Russell-(DudleyJr.), Michelea Saunders, Robbie-(Roberto), Vickavia Gomez, Victronia, Vicquell, Quinten, Kenrick, Kenear, Judidah, Ed-diah, Shanetta & Derneisha Thompson of Providenciales, Kristen, Kyle & Khemisha of Grand Turk, Honorable Porsha Stubbs Smith of the Turks & Cacois Island, Venis Stubbs, Roslyn Tooth & Family. other relatives & friends including: Shukera Campbell, Dwight & Shanika Gri�n and Family, Roscoe Dean and Family, Joey & Juney Young and Family, Derek Saunders and Family, Charley Mackey and Family, Meoche Saunders and Family, Auralee Deleveaux and Family, Ms. Quintine and Family, Calvin Lockhart and Family, Proxanna Brown and Family, Alexander Mullings and Family, Desmond & Sheila Peters and Family, Maria Rolle and Family, Martha Dean and Family, Beverly Storr and Family, Raphael Saunders and Family, Davon Bethel and Family, Vaughn Ferguson And Family, Karen Delancey and Family, Portia Glinton and Family, Timothy Frazier and Family, Chris Elliot and Family, Hesikah Butler and Family, Mike Knowles and Family, Roland Goffe and Family, Lucy Butler and Family, Calvin Munroe and Family, Garnel Sturrup and Family, Elmina Bethel And Family, James Glinton and Family, Maurice Glinton and Family, Oswald Glinton and Family, Howard Harvey, Bobby Rolle and Family, Kenrick Tinker and Family, Anthony Paul and Family, Skulla and Family, Mad and Family, Pedro and Family, Keith and Family, Wayne and Family, Elma Saunders, Hon. Jerome K. Fitzgerald, Minister of Education, Science and Technology, Carpet Barn Family, Bahamas Bus & Truck Family, A.I.D Family, Sanpin Motors Family, Albany Construction Family, Peardale Family, Union Village Family, Pinedale Family, Claridge Road Family, Briland Family, The Crusaders Brass Band, McCullough Corner/Highway Church of God Family, Pastor Patrick Smith and Family & The Evangelic Assembly Family and a host of other relatives and friends, too many to mention.
Order of Service ORGAN PRELUDE ENTRANCE OF THE FAMILY MODERATOR: Reverend Nelson Brown THe CALL To WorSHiP: "I AM THE RESURRECTION AND THE LIFE; HE WHO BELIEVES IN ME THOUGH HE DIE, YET SHALL HE LIVE AGAIN, AND WHOSOEVER LIVES AND BELIEVES IN ME SHALL NEVER DIE." (John 11:25) "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." (1 Timothy 6:7 | Job 1:21) "LORD THOU HAST BEEN OUR DWELLING PLACE IN ALL GENERATIONS. BEFORE THE MOUNTAINS WERE BROUGHT FORTH, OR EVER THOU HADST FORMED THE EARTH AND THE WORLD, EVEN FROM EVERLASTING TO EVERLASTING, THOU ART GOD." (Psalm 90:1-2) OPENING HYMN…………………………………......................…."Tis' So Sweet To Trust In Jesus" Written By: Louisa M. R. Stead
Tis' so sweet to trust in Jesus, Just to take Him at His Word; Just to rest upon His promise, Just to know, “Thus says the Lord!”
Yes, ’tis sweet to trust in Jesus, Just from sin and self to cease; Just from Jesus simply taking Life and rest, and joy and peace.
O how sweet to trust in Jesus, Just to trust His cleansing blood; And in simple faith to plunge me ’Neath the healing, cleansing flood!
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! O for grace to trust Him more!
OPENING PRAYER…………………………...................………………………Elder Stephen Sands PRAYER RESPONSE………………………….........................…….."Pass Me Not O Gentle Saviour"
Written By: Fanny Crosby
Pass me not, O gentle Savior, Hear my humble cry; While on others Thou art calling, Do not pass me by. CHorUS Savior, Savior, Hear my humble cry; While on others Thou art calling, Do not pass me by. Trusting only in Thy merit, Would I seek Thy face; Heal my wounded, broken spirit, Save me by Thy grace. Thou the Spring of all my comfort, More than life to me, Whom have I on earth beside Thee? Whom in Heav’n but Thee? OLD TESTAMENT LESSON (Psalm 16: 1-11)…………….....……. Carlianna Johnson (Daughter) SOLO…………………………………………………….........………… Rihanna Francis (Daughter) NEW TESTAMENT LESSON (Romans 8: 35-39)……….....……….N’shea Gri�n (God Daughter) SPECIAL TRIBUTE…………………………………………......……….….Sedrick Poitier (Brother)
OPENING HYMN ………………………………………...…………………….. “It's Alright Now” There was a time I traveled A lonely sinful road Beneath a heavy burden bending low But now all things are different For 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 'Til 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 Savior's care It's alright now my Savior hears and answers prayer He'll walk beside me 'til I climb the heav'nly stair 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.
SOLO…………………........................………………………………….. Gio Gibson (Family Friend) “AS I KNEW HIM”….......................………………………Dwight & Shanika Gri�n (Best Friends) TRIBUTE ……………………………………………….............…….Marlo Gardiner (Best Friend) SOLO……………………………………….............…………………………...Theresa Rolle (Friend) DANCE……………………………………..........………………………...…Da’venya Poitier (Niece) God’S Word for TodAy - PASTOR PATRICK V. SMITH PRAYER FOR THE FAMILY CLOSING HYMN…................................................……. "Glad Reunion Day" Written By: Adger M. Pace There will be a happy meeting in heaven I know When we see the many loved ones We've known here below Gather on the blessed hilltops with hearts all aglow That will be a glad reunion day
CHorUS: Glad day, a wonderful day Glad day, a glorious day There with all the holy angels And loved ones to stay That will be a glad reunion day
There within the holy city we’ll sing and rejoice, Praising Christ the blessed Savior with heart and with voice, Tell Him how we came to love Him And make Him our choice, That will be a glad reunion day
When we live a million years In that wonderful place Basking in the love of Jesus Beholding His face It will seem but just a moment Of praising His grace, That will be a glad reunion day