the homegoing celebration For The Life of
Sarah Healias Oliver Sunrise: April 11th, 1961 Sunset: June 5th, 2016 Age: 55
Service held at: The Church of God of Prophecy Duke Street, Dunmore Town, Harbour Island, Bahamas Saturday, June 25th, 2016 at 11:30 a.m. Officiating: Bishop Ghaly Swann Pastor: Englerston Street, COGOP Assisted by: District Overseer Minister D. Philip Ferguson and other Ministers of the Gospel Interment: St. Catherine’s Cemetery Dunmore Town, Harbour Island, Bahamas
ATribute To My Wife
It all started a Sunday night, November 13th, 1979 at the Church of God of Prophecy in Great Harbour Cay. While visiting I met this lovely, beautiful lady I asked her name she told me her name and guess what? Her name was Sarah Healias Sawyer. We were friends a long time. We used to talk to each other on the phone at Romora Bay Club where she was employed for about two years. Since we were getting so close I asked her to marry me. She told me No the �irst time, but Yes the second time. I felt like that was the love of my life. In the year 1981 I took Ms. Sarah Healias Sawyer as my lovely wedded wife. Born to this union four lovely children Latisha, Alexandra, Joseph Jr. and Jasmaine She was a Good Woman. Rest Baby, I Love You.
Your Husband
Obituary
Sarah Healias Oliver
A bouncing baby girl was born to Julia and Albert on the 11th day of April, 1961 in Dunmore Town, Harbour Island, Bahamas and was given the name Sarah Healias. Everyone called her Healias. Healias attended the St. Benedicts Catholic Primary School and later to the All Age Public School in Dunmore Town, Harbour Island. To complete her secondary School Education, Healias relocated to New Providence and attended R.M. Bailey Senior High School. After graduating in 1978, Healias was gainfully employed at Romora Bay Club for many years as an Accountant. Healias cared for people. She was the Bahamas Hotel & Catering Allied Workers Union Representative for North Eleuthera during her time at Romara Bay and even for many years afterwards. Healias attended and participated in many courses with the Ministry of Tourism. She was a Bahama Host graduate. Healias fell in love and was joined in Holy Matrimony to the love of her life, Joseph Alexander Oliver on the 14th day of February, 1981. This union produced 4 children Lathecia, Alexandria, Alexander Joseph Jr. and Jasmine Oliver. After leaving Romara Bay, Healias pursued her passion for the Arts and Crafts. She attended BTVI, where she obtained her certification in conch shell jewelry. Healias's second love was Sea Shells. She enjoyed going to the beach to pick up shells. Whenever she travelled to the family Islands everyone had to get her shells. Even the week before she died she asked for shells. Healias was also a successful business woman. She owned and operated a clothing & shoe store, “Olivia’s Boutique” a store that provided quality cloths for children, teens and adults. She owned and operated her own souvenir store on Chapel Street. Healias took pride in her shell work and each piece was made to perfection. Healias attended the Church of God of Prophecy where she served diligently as Secretary of the Church, Youth Directress, which included Youth Choir & Drama and Assistant to the Women’s Ministry. Healias served on the National Harvest Team up to her demise. Healias was an active member in her church and gave unselfishly of her time, means and talents in her service to God. She enjoyed writing plays and teaching the parts to the children. Healias looked forward every year to hold Vacation Bible School not only in the Church of God of Prophecy in Harbour Island but she also assisted the Church of God of Prophecy Carmichael Road with their Vacation Bible School. She also held Vacation Bible School in Hatchet Bay, Eleuthera. Healias traveled some Sundays to Tarpum Bay and Hatchet Bay, Eleuthera to preach and teach the word of God. Healias preached on many of our Family Islands and New Providence in the Bahamas. She truly loved the Lord and this was displayed throughout her life and by her unselfish and devoted service to her Church. Serving God was her everything.
Healias once held the Position of President of the Parent Teachers Association at the Harbour Island All Age Public School in Harbour Island. She held the Position of Assistant Treasurer of the Commonage Land in North Eleuthera until her demise. She also represented the Bahamas Allied Workers Union Pension Fund for North Eleuthera. Healias was hospitalized on the 16th of May, 2016. She practiced what she believed, “God is in control and trusted him through the process. After a few ups and downs, on Sunday, the 5th of June, Healias peacefully answered the call and went to be with her Lord and Saviour. Healias's memories will forever be in the hearts of her devoted husband: Joseph Alexander Oliver Sr. Four children: Lathecia (Justin) Young, Alexandria, Alexander Joseph Oliver Jr. (Lanricka) and Jasmine Oliver, one step son Kaden Oliver, one sister Deaconess Monique (Pedro) Morley: two brothers: Montgomery Basden, Pastor Oshnal (Valderine) Knowles, five grand-children: Jayden, Alexon, Judah, Alexia and Jaylyn. Aunts: Dianne Culmer, Ruth Percentie, Jannie Moxey, Lillis Imlach, Luann and Shelly Saunders. Uncles: Eric, Peter, Loran and Dennis and Rev. Gralin Moxey: Numerous Nieces and Nephews including: Pedro Morley Jr., Pedraniquah, Daniel & Paige Morley, Tiara Knowles, Montgomery, Shanique, Avis Munroe, Jaime (Priscilla) Moxey, Lucian (Samuel) Lightbourne, Joshua, Edward & Asher Munroe, Hailey Moxey, Portia (Shawn) Taylor, Sonia Culmer, Ulysees Jr. (Donna) Culmer and Daron Culmer, Ashan, Ulecia, Sydiah and Lyric Culmer, Coralie Sands, Cheryl Higgins, Walberger Collie, Louchie Bryant, Louise Rolle, Agnes Rass, Gretchen Davis, Elizabeth Roberts, Tony Roberts, Erica Sturrup, Mario Sturrup, Gustone & Linda Lewis, Patricia & Jackie Sawyer, Delroy Lewis, Dexter (Nicole) Lewis, Shavonya Basden, Mother-in-Law: Annie Oliver; In-Laws: Iris (Samuel) Lewis, Justina (Don) Mackey, Wilfred (Susan) Oliver, Remilda & Jason Oliver, Gregston (Calae) Oliver, Marilyn Oliver, Judyann (Kevin) Wells & Sidney (Erica) Oliver. God-mother: Conswala Saunders, God-children: Andrea Oliver, Thorn Higgs and Anthony Williams Jr., A Host of other Relatives and Friends: Lugana Higgs, Margaret Grant, Beryl Saunders, Wilma Bullard & Family, Alvin Cash, Wilton Brown, Betty Davis, Juanita Mather, The Culmer Family, The Higgs Family, The Lewis Family, The Johnson Family, The Darville Family, The Sawyer Family, The Thompson Family, The Woods Family, The Percentie Family, The Miller Family, The Davis Family, The Mather Family, The Barry Family, The Cleare Family, Damien Ingraham, Alexion Rolle, Mario Bowleg, Brent Deveaux, Headlese Smith, Deandra Thompson, Darcy, Mr. Paul Smith (Electro Telecom), Nita Curry & Family, Kevin and Ann Collie & Family, The Saunders Family, Mayfield Neely & Family, The Bartlette Family, The Church of God of Prophecy Family, Workers House, Pension Fund Department, The Staff of Centurion Bible Ministries, Savannah Tennessee; The Staff of DeKalb Medical Centre, Decatur Atlanta, The Staff of Georgia Cancer Specialist Dr. Jay, The Hatchet Bay, Tarpum Bay, North Andros and Harbour Island Communities, other relatives and friends too numerous to mention.
May Her Soul Rest In Peace!!
Tributes t o Mom
Sarah Long black silky hair, stained with a beauty that couldn't compare. A smile that could capture the hearts of many not just one. Her greatest desire was to hear the Lord say "Well Done". She was always the same sweet person with every and anyone. Now absent from the body and present with the Lord, your final destination, your spot you secured. "Only whats done for Christ will last" was what mom recited daily. You never failed to remind us of God's grace and mercy continuously. As you traveled from island to island spreading God's word, I could never once forget your teachings I've heard. Your main concern was making sure the youths made it right with God. You loved those that did you wrong the same as those that loved you endlessly. This powerful woman of God had no ordinary heart like you and me. Sarah loved infinite and unconditionally. You gave us all individual gifts, but a smile you gave to me, but as you soar the skies my sweet sweet angel continue to Rejoice In Glory. I love you Mommy always and forever from 1 of 3 of your beautiful flowers. From: Jasmine (daughter)
How do you replace....she who is irreplaceable...how can you fill such endless emptiness and subdue such significant sorrow. We will....we can..I will....I can by replacing all those tangible memories with all of those intangible memories, and take all the love she gave us, and place it in our...in my heart and filling every moment....from this very moment with all those precious moments we spend together...we shared together....and make them last forever. Anyone that truly knew me knew my mom was my everything, my queen, my earthly angel and she's the reason I am....who I am today she would always refer to as me one of her beautiful flowers...she was truly my best friend and closes confident, we shared a bond that was as unbreakable as we were inseparable. I can vividly remember when I first found out about her ailment, it was in that very moment i felt like my heart was ripped out of my chest but i was ready to go into war with her and be by her side every step of the way… as you would always say to me "baby stop worrying and lets pray". As my mom came to live with me last year, my whole life changed, we shared priceless moments together. I can remember she would call me every day to see how I was doing at work and what time I would be home because she missed me and looked forward to 4pm everyday. As time went on i remember almost every night I would sing to her in her moments of discomfort and my only prayer would be for her recovery even if the exchange would be my life for hers because she was my world. Even though my mom was ill she never let that get the best of her, she was always smiling, giving words of encouragement and most of all ministering to any and everyone that she came in contact with, even on the hospital bed she took the time to tell her nurses about God. She was a strong woman of faith, as she would say “I’m Blessed and Highly Favored". Even though it hurts beyond anybody can know or imagine I am glad for every second, every minute and every hour we shared together and all the time she spent with me here on this earth and I am glad to that she has no more trials..no more tribulations..no more hurt and no more pain as she has gone to a place where they are not welcomed and she can now rest her head on her makers chest From: Alexandria and have eternal rest. I Love you more than I can ever say or express but I will say that you are gone but you will never be forgotten. I love you mom now and forever. (daughter)
Home-Going Service
Sarah Healias Oliver for
Saturday, 25th June, 2016 11:30 a.m. Praise & Worship Organ Prelude
Processional (Family) .....………....………….…………………………………………………… “Well Done” Selection ................................................................................................................ Alexander Oliver (son) & Friends Moderator: District Overseer Minister D. Philip Ferguson Opening Remarks: .……….........…………………......……… District Overseer Minister D. Philip Ferguson Hymn: .................................................................………………………………………………..“Victory In Jesus” I heard an old, old story, How a Savior came from glory, How He gave His life on Calvary To save a wretch like me; I heard about His groaning, Of His precious blood's atoning, Then I repented of my sins And won the victory.
I heard about His healing, Of His cleansing pow'r revealing. How He made the lame to walk again And caused the blind to see; And then I cried, "Dear Jesus, Come and heal my broken spirit," And somehow Jesus came and bro't To me the victory.
I heard about a mansion He has built for me in glory And I heard about the streets of gold beyond the crystal sea; About the angels singing, and the old redemption story. And some sweet day I’ll sing up there The song of victory.
Chorus: O victory in Jesus, my Savior, forever, He sought me and bo’t me with His redeeming blood; He loved me ere I knew Him, and all my love is due Him, He plunged me to victory, beneath the cleansing flood. Opening Prayer: ….………..........………..………………………………………………. Bishop Samuel Higgs Prayer Response: ………….......……...…………………………………………….. “Just Over In Glory Land” I’ve a home prepared where the saints abide, Just over in the glory land And I long to be by my Savior’s side, Just over in the glory-land
Chorus: Just over in the glory-land I’ll join the happy angel band, Just over in the glory-land; Just over in the glory-land There with the mighty host I’ll stand, Just over in the glory-land.
Selection:............................................................. Dance ................................................ Jasmine Oliver (daughter) Old Testament Reading: ................................... Psalm 24 ................................................... Paige Morley (niece) Selection: .............................................................................................................................Joseph Oliver (husband) New Testament Reading: .......................1st Corinthians 13:4-13.................................. Asher Munroe (cousin) Selection: ............................................................ Dance ....................................COGOP Children Dance Group Obituary: (To Be Read in Silence) As I Knew Her: ……………………………………………………………...….............. Jannie Moxey (Aunt) Condolences: Sister Georginia Barry Pastor Curtlin Johnson Mr. Desmond Peters - National Harvest Team Director Other Ministers of the Gospel Introduction of Speaker Solo:…………………………………………………………….........…...….…. Alexandria Oliver (Daughter) Eulogy: ………………………………………………………………...…..........................Bishop Ghaly Swann Pastor: Englerston C.O.G.O P Prayer for Family: …………………………………………………………………..Pastor Jeffrey Knowles Sr. Recessional Hymn: …………………………………………………………....“Blessed Jesus Hold My Hand” As I travel thru this pilgrim land There is a Friend who walks with me, Leads me safely thro’ the sinking sand, It is a Christ of Calvary; This would be my pray’r, dear Lord, each day To help me do the best I can, For I need Thy light to guide me day and night, Blessed Jesus, hold my hand.
Let me travel in the light divine That I may see the blessed way; Keep me that I may be wholly Thine And sing redemption’s song some day; I will be a soldier brave and true And ever firmly take a stand, As I onward go and daily meet the foe, Blessed Jesus, hold my hand.
Chorus: Blessed Jesus, hold my hand, Yes, I need Thee ev-’ry hour, Thru this land, this pilgrim land, By thy saving pow’r; Hear my plea, my feeble plea, Lord, dear Lord look down on me, When I kneel in prayer, Blessed Jesus hold my hand.
When I wander thru the valley dim Toward the setting of the sun, Lead me safely to a land of rest If I a crown of life have won; I have put my faith in thee, dear Lord, That I may reach the golden strand, There’s no other friend on whom I can depend, Blessed Jesus hold my hand.
Service of Committal Introductory Remarks: .......…………………………………..................District Overseer Philip D. Ferguson Opening Song Invocation: ........................................................................................................................Pastor Jeffrey Knowles Sr. Committal: ................................................................................................... District Overseer Philip D. Ferguson Words of Gratitude: ............................................................................................. Commonwealth Funeral Home
Graveside Hymns “It Is Well” 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.
“It Is Finished” There’s a line that’s been drawn through the ages On that line stands the old rugged cross On that cross a battle is raging For the gain of man’s soul or his loss.
Chorus: It is well, with my soul It is well, it is well with my soul.
Chorus: It is finished, the battle is over It is finished, there’ll be no more war It is finished, the end of the conflict It is finished and Jesus is Lord.
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. My sin O the bliss of this glorious tho’t My sin not in part but the whole Is nailed to His cross, and I bear it no more Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, O my soul!
On the side march the forces of evil All the demons and devils of hell On the other the angels of glory And they meet on Golgotha’s hill. The earth shakes with force of the conflict, And the sun refuses to shine, For there hangs God’s Son in the balance And then through the darkness He cries.
“Just Over In The Glory Land” I’ve a home prepared where the saints abide; I am on my ay to those man-sions fair, Just over in the glory land, Just over in the glory land And I long to be by my Savior’s, There to sing God’s praise, and His glory share, Just over in the glory land. Just over in the glory land. Chorus: What a joyful tho’t, With the blood washed throng Just over in the glory land, that my Lord I'll see, I will shout and sing, I’ll join the happy angel band Just over in the glory land. Just over in the glory land, Just over in the glory land; And with kindred saved, Glad hosannas to Christ Just over in the glory land, Therefore-ever be, The Lord and King, There with the mighty host I’ll stand, Just over in the glory land Just over in the glory land. Just over in the glory land.
To My Sister
Tributes
Who can find a virtuous woman For her price is far above rubies The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her She did him good not evil all the days of her life She riseth also while it is yet night and giveth meat to her household She considereth a field and buyeth it. With the fruit of her hands she planteth a vineyard She stretcheth out her hand to the poor, She reacheth forth her hand to the needy. Strength and honour are her clothing, and she rejoice in time to come. She openeth her mouth with wisdom, and in her tongue is the law of kindness. Many daughters have done virtuously, but she excellest them all Favour is deceitful and beauty is vain but a woman that feareth the Lord she shall be praised Who can find a virtuous woman that was my big Sis. Monique Morley Sister
To the world’s best Aunty, you were an angel sent from above
Your words of encouragement, tender love and care reflected a mothers love And someone who was always there. Aunty you were amazing, understanding, but most of all a blessing to us. We will truly miss the times you took us crabbing, for the first time fishing, curving and lets not forget picking up shells off the beach. The memories of you will forever remain n our hearts, You were special to us and thank you for your teachings we love you but God loves you best Rest In Peace Aunt Healias.
From: Nieces & Nephews Morley Family
TRIBUTES You may rest now my friend, enter in eternal peace. You fought tirelessly as a true warrior. Although the battle was long and weary, you came out victorious, Because the burdens and pains of this life never penetrated into your spirit. You are free now my love, free to roam in the celestial heavens, With nothing to hinder your angelic wingspan as you fly with the cherubim and the seraphim. You will be remembered my sister, more so as a loving mother; a trustworthy friend, a good wife and virtuous woman. You have left much to inherit, your legacy of love will always inspire, And will last beyond this lifetime. Your best friend, Cecilia Oliver Grammy you are gone but your love will live on in us. We miss you always. Jayden: i will be a good girl and stay focus in school grammy, I will take care of my mommy like you told me too. I love you. I will miss helping you collect shells on the beach and you showing me how to do shell craft. I will miss our talks and your encouraging words. I will be a good girl. grammy just for you. To My friend and guardian Angel, my Grammy. From Jayden
A gobblin lives in our house she would say if I ate too quickly. She loved gathering and Cleaning her shells it was her happy thing to do. She loved gathering her love ones for prayers, going to church and serving the Lord is what she loved to do. Now she is absent from the body and present with the Lord. RIP my spiritual Grandmother. Alexia We love you grammy, We will miss you so much. We will be good boys. From Alexion & Judah
Niece Shiniqua Tribute
Tributes t o Mom
Only time can heal the void I feel, time is a compass that moves forward never backwards revealing. Reminiscing, so much more to say but I understand it was your time to get away. Not hearing your voice or seeing you I now must face. The way you smiled and your teddy bear hugs and gentle kisses I will miss. As you softly whispered I love you baby like a dew mist. Unconditional love you have given as a wife, a mother and grandmother you were willing. We shared your love and you with the world; unselfishly you gave it all not expecting anything at all. The work you have done has spoken for you; through us many will enchantedly remember you. Priceless you are and forever will be for your life's journey, you were sent to teach me to be strong, willing to work, unselfish, loving, caring, and most of all God fearing. The life I spent with you will never fade away, it will rise like the beautiful dawn with me and set with sun so sweetly! You were not only my mother but, my friend, my rock and my role model. Your daughter Lathecia 'Put God first you will say trust in him and always, remember to pray.' This is not Good-bye but until we meet again this I know. You are ok you told me so. I love you Mommy my Angel.
“Tisha”
Yes I have lost but heaven has gained. I know the angels were rejoicing when God called your name. You have always talked of a place of no sorrow, no pain. You have gone on to Glory and now I am mourning in pain. They say life is certain but death is sure. You have died in the flesh but your spirit lives on. I can see you saying this one last time 'your my one and only bow-bow and your all I got.' The strength of your blood runs deep in my veins, for you were the rock and firm foundation of the family, now your legacy will live on through your daughters and son. I can hear the angels singing well done thy humble servant. So go on take your rest Mom. As I hear your voice whisper in the air, the last words you said to me 'continue to grow in Christ.' So go on Mom and take your rest. From your one and only Bow-bow. Joseph Jr. (son)