Friday, December 27, 2024
In Loving Memory
Helen Eloise
Swann
May 1, 1949 - December 28, 2022
It has been two years, but it feels like yesterday. Your memory is our greatest treasure to cherish, love and keep forever. Tough absent, you are always near, Still missed, still loved, still very dear.
Helen will forever remain in the hearts of her husband, son, grandchildren, brothers, sisters and numerous other relatives and friends.
Death Notices For
Alicia Munroe, 47
a resident of #15 Saint street died at her residence Saturday December 21,2012.
Funeral arrangements are entrusted to THE NEW COMMONWEALTH FUNERAL HOME and will be announced at a later date.
Raynaldo D’Angelo Rolle, 34
affectionately called “Beast
Mode”
a resident of pinewood gardens died Saturday November 30, 2024.
Funeral arrangements are entrusted to THE NEW COMMONWEALTH FUNERAL HOME and will be announced at a later date.
Death Notice for
RODELINE JUSTIN, 53
of Sunrise Road, Gamble Heights, & formerly of Port de Paix, Haiti, died at the Princess Margaret Hospital on Friday, December 20th, 2024.
She is survived by her, Husband: Pastor Paul Justin; Daughters: Tatchiana, Johanna, Pauldine S. Justin & Shirleen Justin; Brothers: Willy Sineus, Adler Jean Jaques; Sister: Adeline Jean Jaques; and a host of other relatives and friends.
Funeral Arrangements will be announced at a later date.
Deborah Garvey General Manager
Funeral Service for
MAUREEN DENISE HARRIET STORR, 75
a resident of #57 Pinewood Drive & formerly of Pirates Wells, Mayaguana, will be held at Bible Truth Ministries, Martin’s Close off Cowpen Road, on Saturday, December 28, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. Officiating will be Pastor Ellison Greenslade, assisted by Other Ministers of the Gospel. Interment follows in Woodlawn Gardens, Soldier Road.
She was predeceased by her Father: The Rev. Dr. Carol Storr; Mother: Gloria Greenslade; Brothers: Mark, Keith, and Douglas Storr.
Left to cherish precious memories are her, CHILDREN: Dr. Nicholas and Martine Storr, O’Man and Nicola Forbes, and Lauren ‘Krisy’ Storr. BROTHERS: Everard ‘Tony’ Lewis, Pastor Ellison (Leila) Greenslade, Alvin (Pandora) Greenslade, and Kennedy ‘Brillo’Storr. SISTERS: Judy (John) Deveaux, Betty Greenslade, Gwendolyn (Levi) Johnson. Donna Storr, Debbie (Richard) Balfour, Carolyn Storr, Colleen Storr of South Carolina, Jacqueline Storr-Fudge of Atlanta, Georgia, and Chelsea Storr of Miami, Florida. GRANDCHILDREN: Nicholas Storr Jr., Kiara Forbes, Kaitlynn Storr, Nathan Storr, and O’Man Forbes Jr. NEPHEWS: Calvin Greenslade, Tashad (Tyvanna) Lewis, Tashon Lewis, Anwar Lewis, Jermaine (Roshanti) Deveaux, Ellison Greenslade II, Elliott Greenslade, Levan Johnson, Glenford Parris, Donovan Balfour, Camron Fudge, Theotis Fudge, Quinn Askew, Omar Askew, Caleb Jeremiah Storr, Aarin Michael, Antonio Alvarado, Andre’s Alvarado, Charles Deveaux, and Jason Bethel. NIECES: Latisa (Reco) Whyte, Lakera Thompson, Tonique Lewis, Tonyia Lewis, Dr. Nicholette Greenslade, Destiny Greenslade, Tequilla (Elvardo) Knowles, Kendra Cooper, Natasha Johnson, Lakishna Johnson, Leoneisha Johnson, Natassia (McGarick) Wright, Brittnee (Christopher) Treco, Richenda (Mario) Mcphee, Rionda Balfour, D’Andra Balfour, Primrose (Dario Sr.) Smith, Torres Storr, Kermia (Jafar) Smith, Khalida Abdul Hadi, KendiiStorr, Dr. Elyssa Cooper, Ashland Storr, Dr. Kenya Jones, Kendra Kelly, Kenva Bethel and Carmen Forbes. GRANDNEPHEWS: Lanado Thompson, Jayden Deveaux, Brendario Thompson, Jamari Deveaux, Kayden Greenslade, Letrey Johnson, Liam Johnson, Lamair Johnson, Donald Burrows Jr., Aiden Knowles, Ethan Davis, Jenero Bethel, Ryan Wilson Jr., Christopher Treco Jr., Elijah Treco, Benaiah Treco, Jayden McPhee, Mario McPhee Jr., Mateo McPhee, Rion Larrimore, Roston Brown, Javaision Farrington, Elijah Askew, Amir Askew, Kamryn Askew, Theotis Fudge III, Dario Smith Jr., Deemer Smith, Naseem Smith, Luke Strick and Kennedy Storr III.
GRANDNIECES: Rekeitra Whyte, Ciandra Bowles, Renell Whyte, Calyn-Joyce Greenslade, Janiyah Deveaux, Mahogany Deveaux, Tylan Lewis, Contayah Symonette, Noelle Symonette, Anna Knowles, Naliyah Storr, Charittee Treco, Jaylah Parris, Sammayah Smith, Chenae McPhee, Halo McPhee, Mia McPhee, London Askew, Nylander Fudge, Makayla Fudge, Jeanette Michael, Brittany Gomez, Tamyah Smith, Tylah Smith, Jalila Abdul Hadi, Brazil Roache, Lauren Jones and Ashley Jones. GREAT GRANDNEPHEWS: Taysean Symonette, and Savion Bethel Jr. SISTER-IN-LAW: Shirley Storr. GODCHILDREN: Chevette Charlton, and Solomon Henfield. UNCLES: Jackson (Elizabeth) Storr, Delvin (Vangie) Moss, Livingston Henfield, and Copeland Morley. AUNTS: Alvetha Black and Advilda Black. COUSINS: David Morley, Sarah (Sylvan) Edgecombe, Paula Morley, Kenny Henfield Sr., Sharea Henfield, Leroy (Erica) Henfield Sr., Solomon (Keva) Henfield Sr., Laurie Henfield, Rochelle Henfield, Brenda (Freddie) Mackey, Alexander (Aneka) Clyde, Sophia Clyde, Anatasha (John) Penn, Maguerita (Ray) Rahming, Sue Ann (Whitney) Kenny, Ishmel (Lilly) Morley, Carol Morley, Stephen (Natalka) Greenslade Sr., Gary Greenslade Sr., Nathaniel Clyde, Elkin (Lisa) Black, Kevin Black, Janiece Black, Susan (Bertrum) Roker, Donna YearwoodHayes, David Storr, Sylvin Storr, Antoinette Storr, Bernadette Murray, Jeremiah Storr, Terrance Storr, Monalisa Storr, Patrick Rolle, Cindy Neil, Bernadette Steadman, Michelle Storr, Wilbert Bain, Dana Baine, Lavanya Fulton, Jerome Bridgewater, Adrienne Storr and Schnita Storr. OTHER RELATIVES & SPECIAL FRIENDS: The Deveaux Family, Edny Knowles (Neighbor), Elsie Whyte and Family, Rosemarie Murray and Family, the FNM Pinewood Association, the Mayaguana Community, Seddy, Eugene, Fritgerald, Wynsome, Ronnalee & Donnalee Ferguson & Family of Abaco, Myrtis Russell & Family, Vanria HynesMurray & Family, Dominic Gibson & Family, the congregation of Bible Truth Ministries, Minister Elvin Taylor and the Taylor Family, Patricia Dean, Staff of Citi Trust, Staff of BAF Financial, Deidre Kelly & Family, Sandra Moss & Family, Gertymae Beneby & Family, Miriam Emmanuel & Family, Briceemae Gibson & Family, Sarah Gardiner & Family, Velma Pratt & Family, the Rev. Howard Williamson and the Robinson Chapel AME Church & Family, Rev. Dr. Ranford Patterson and the Cousin McPhee Chapel AME Church & Family, the Brothers of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc., Wallace Rolle & Family, Carlos Dames & Family, Adrian Bryan & Family of Fort Lauderdale, Florida, Wayne Jones & Family of Miami, Florida, Martin Farrington & Family, Bevelyn Winder & Family of Great Harbour Cay, Danielle Davis of Scotia Bank, Bertha Higgins & Family, Berkley Forbes & Family, Stephen Sweeting, Esther & Peter Sherman, Percy Miller & Family, Errol Russell & Family, Cynthia Brown & Family, Laura McPhee & Family, Daisy Black & Family, Velva Edwards & Family, Vernita Ellis & Family, Lolamae Rolle & Family; together with a host of other relatives & friends.
Friends may pay their last respects at Demeritte’s Funeral Home, Market Street, from 12-5:00 p.m. on Friday & on Saturday at the church from 9:00 a.m. until service time.
Death Notices for
Retired Nurse FRANCES PATRICIA THURSTON, 87
a resident of Carmichael Road, died at her residence on Wednesday, December 18, 2024.
She is survived by her 4 children: Anthony, Geno, Patrice & Philip; 2 sisters, 20 grands, 15 great grands, 2 great great grands; 4 nieces, 5 nephews & a host of other relatives & friends.
Funeral arrangements will be announced later.
BEATRICE
BLANCH FERGUSON HENFIELD, 95
a resident of #4 Eve Road, Eastern Estates, died on Friday, December 20, 2024.
She is survived by her, Daughter: Annamae Neely; Grandsons: Joshua Neely and Caleb Neely; Brothers: Admiral Ferguson and Wilkerson Ferguson; numerous nieces & nephews & a host of other relatives & friends.
Funeral arrangements will be announced later.
Death Notices for ROSEMARY SAUNDERS, 95
of McKinney Avenue, Stapledon Gardens, died at Doctors Hospital on Monday, December 16th, 2024.
She is survived by her, daughters: Denise Sands, Dr. Kreimild and Farrah Saunders and Dr. Nina Graham; grandchildren: Nero Sands, Peter Deveaux-Isaacs, Israel Graham, Gabrielle and Celestia Saunders; great grandson: Peter Deveaux Isaacs III; brother: Ernest Munroe; and a host of other relatives and friends.
Funeral Arrangements will be announced at a later date.
JOSEPH HERBERT CUMBERBATCH, 85
of Carmichael Road, died at the Princess Margaret Hospital on Wednesday, December 18th, 2024.
He is survived by his, daughters: Juliette CumberbatchCooper and Joan Cumberbatch-Dobson; sons: Julian and Stephen Cumberbatch; sisters: Dorothy Miller, Claudia Knowles and Regina Huyler; brothers: Samuel and Kenneth Cumberbatch; numerous grandchildren and a host of other relatives and friends.
Funeral Arrangements will be announced at a later date.
DEREK AMBROSE BOWLEG, 72
Death Notices for ALEXIS SAUNDERS, 44
of Swordfish Drive, died at the Princess Margaret Hospital on Saturday, December 21st, 2024.
He is survived by his, wife: Fern Bowleg; sisters: Coral Bonamy, Thelma Rolle and Stephanie BowlegMcKenzie; and a host of other relatives and friends.
Funeral Arrangements will be announced at a later date.
of Collina Drive, Faith Gardens, died at the Doctors Hospital on Friday, December 20th, 2024.
She is survived by her, husband: Terez Romer; daughter: Alexcia Romer; son: Tereze Romer Jr.; mother: Virginia Saunders; sisters: Crystal and Natoria Saunders; brothers: Gary, Joel, Quintino and Carl Saunders; aunt: Stella Smith; uncles: Robert Cartwright and Joseph Miller; and a host of other relatives and friends.
Funeral Arrangements will be announced at a later date.
Funeral Service For
Eldridge Rolle, 75
a resident of Moore’s Avenue off Wulff Road, New Providence, The Bahamas will be held a Evangelistic Pentecostal Church, Pentecostal Drive Garden Hills #2, New Providence, The Bahamas on Saturday, 28th December, 2024 at 10:00a.m.
Offciating will be Bishop Stanley Williams Seymour assisted by other ministers of the Gospel. Interment will follow in the Old Trail Cemetery, Old Trail and Soldier Roads, New Providence, The Bahamas.
He was predeceased by his parents: Thomas & Lucille Rolle; 2 sons: Deron & Wendell Rolle; 1 brother: Thaddeus Rolle; 2 sisters: Catherine & Luceeda Rolle; grandchildren: Shanrio Deveaux & Wendelyn Russell.
Left to cherish his memories are his wife: Min. CarmaeRolle; children: Elridge Jr. Rolle (Evangelist Tara) Daniel Rolle (Min Verdell), Janeth Rolle Deveaux (Shayne Sr.), Min. Raymond Rolle (Monalisa) Shermark Rolle, Nathaniel Rolle (Ladata), Bridgette Rolle Arthur (Gary Sr.), Don Pierre, Diaro , Elvis Rolle, Kathy Rolle and Laura; brothers: Reuben (Francina), Roscoe (Kimble), Kenneth and Eric Rolle; aunt: Rev. Edna Rolle; grandchildren: Grade 2 Customs Offcer Eldrica Rolle, Corporal Eldrick Rolle of the Department of Correctional Services, Taranique, Eltaro Rolle, Dwayne, Deidreann, Sherylann Rolle, Davey, Danicka, Delshannon, Danielle, Wendell, Delano Rolle, Sheena, Shayne Jr. Deveaux and Shaneth Bowe (Kevin Bowe), Wendy Rolle, Raymond Jr. & Raynell Rolle, Shermarka, Sherpetra, Shermark Jr., Shermeka, Natalia, Natavia, Nathaniel Jr., Dathan Rolle & Deshanta Bain, Garinique, PC 14 Gary Jr. (Walequa) & Garin Arthur. Snomera , Antoniqua, Tiana, Tenae, Latahj, Kiona, Trinity, Kaylee, Lyric, Lauren; great grandchildren: Elraya, Faylani, Lamar, Sanaii, Dei’andre, Treasure, D’Ajanae, Delshanique, Delshanna, Junaya, Delshannon Jr., Murray Jr., Dalana, Delano Jr., Shaquaniah, Kevanique, Kevin Jr., Deshad Jr., Shakari, Shamaya & Shalaya, Kevaughn, Samiya & Shakhai, Gandy, T’Ajh, Faith & Jeremiah, Alexandria, Thay’Ajanae, Mylee, Pisces; in-laws: Willamae Neely, Min. Albertha Bridgwater, Min. Sandra Johnson, Min. Theresa Ramsey, Michelle & Angela Rolle; nieces & nephews: Sophia, Tyra, Shanta, Denise, Rubyann, Rueben Jr., Roseann, David, Ronald, Theo, Joanne, Regina, Thaddia, Vernita, Min. Judy, Shawn, Philip, Benson, Larry, Glenda, Melinda, Doreen, Carlos, Tecoyo, Demarco, Tamara, Mario, Shakera, Brittany, Kino, Karen, Crystal, Ricardo, Omar, Esther, Dominic, Joshua, Franklyn, Frazelle, Kamesha, Andy, Shoe, Granville Edgecombe, Donna Forbes, Joe Knowles,
Retired Supt. Floyd Bastian, Norman & Lorraine, Ken, Marvin & Yulette, Dorothy Thompson & family, George & Marsha Richardson family, Apostle Livingston Lynes & Family, Pastor Lucy Taylor & family, Pastor Gregory & Evangelist Eloise Major & family, Pastor Bruanne Lightbourne & family, Minister Portia Gray & family, Bishop Sidney McIntosh & family, Prophet Keith Rolle, Pastor Stanley W. Seymour & family, Pastor Davidson & family, Pastor Tyrone Mott & family, Pastor Howard Mott & family, Kaynetta Charlton Cleare & Family, Randol & Princess Culmer & family, Angelo Ferguson & Family, Stafford Sands & Family, Steve Munroe & Family, Shawn Stubbs & Family, Steve Neymour & Family, Theo Glinton & Family, Donna Lockhart & Family, Francita Sands & Family, Francita Martin & Family, Ann & Floyd & family, Shirleymae Taylor & Family, Karen Strachan & Family, Mr. Mackey & Family, Frankie Ambrose & Family, Pamela & Ms. Doramae & Family, The Forbes family, Margaret Russell & Family, The Moore Avenue family, The Rolle’s Family, The Rahming Family, The Strachans Corner Family, The Sunlight Village family, Solomon’s Family, Fusion Superplex Family, Kemps Bay, Smiths Hill and the entire South Andros Family, The Cornelius & Rosanna Clan & Family, The Honourable Glennys Hanna Martin, The Honourable Jomo Campbell, The Male Med-Surg West & Princess Margaret Hospital Family, The Department of Social Services (Robinson Road) and a host of other relatives and friends too numerous to mention.
Viewing will be held at Eternal Rest Mortuary, #244 Market Street and Oxford Avenue, New Providence, The Bahamas on Friday, 27th December, 2024 from 10:00 a.m - 5:00 p.m and again at the church on Saturday, 28th December, 2024 from 10:00 a.m. until service time.
Death Notice For
Keith Garvin Allen Jr., 28
a resident of Windsor Lane West, New Providence, The Bahamas died on Friday, 6th December, 2024 at the Princess Margaret Hospital.
He is survived by his mother: Natasha Wright; father: Keith Allen Sr.; children: Kiniyah and Keanno Allen; numerous sisters and brothers including: Kenrico and Nakeisha Wright, Deontae Johnson and Chan Riley Jr., Robin Forbes & Keneisha Cleare; fancé: Britnel Mackey; and a host of other relatives and friends too numerous to mention at this time
Funeral arrangements are being fnalized and will be announced at a later date.
Funeral Service For Death Notice
of A Gem
Hazel Eloise Wilson,74 affectionately called “Sugar”
a resident of Rosalind Street, Chippingham, New Providence, Bahamas and formerly of Old Bight, Cat Island, Bahamas will be held at Friendship Baptist Church, Laird Street East, New Providence, The Bahamas on Saturday, December 28th, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. Offciating will be Pastor Archie Burrows assisted by Pastor Ercell Dorsett. Interment will follow in the Southern Cemetery, Cowpen and Spikenard Roads, New Providence, The Bahamas.
The radiance of this Garnet of a gem will forever glow in the hearts of her daughter: Christhel Wilson; grandchildren: Audley, Ashley and Christen Zonicle, Marcean Knowles, Nathen Wilson, Kamiesha and Carlisa; great grandchildren: Christeena, Makiia and Shamaya Zonicle, Mayson Knowles; brother: Harrison Wilson (Jenny Wilson); sisters: Miriam Saunders, Dorothy Wilson, Marina Daniels. Nieces: Eloise Jones (ChristopherJones), Denell Daniels, Olga Lightbourne, Virgil, Portia, Irene and Nardia Wilson; nephews: Charles Saunders (Elizabeth), Matthew Laramore, Edgar Lightbourne, Kenny and Jackie McKenzie, Terrence and Cedric Wilson Lamarsh Clarke, Ian, Oliver, and Shane Wilson; numerous grand nieces and nephews including: Tamica Clarke, John Clarke and Roberto Laramore; other relatives and friends including: Rick and Joanne Lowe and family, Ethermae, Michael Solomon, Nelson King and family, Romer family, Zonicle Family, Burrows family and a host of other relatives and friends.
Viewing will be held at Eternal Rest Mortuary, #244 Market Street and Oxford Avenue, New Providence, The Bahamas on Friday, 27th December, 2024 from 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. and again at the church on Saturday, 28th December, 2024 from 10:00 a.m. until service time.
for HALLEY RAYMOND GRAY, 93
of Lobster Avenue, Golden Gates #1 and formerly of McKanns, Long Island, complete his earthly walk of this life, at his residence on Sunday, December 22, 2024.
Halley is preceded in death by his: Father: Clarence Gray; Mother: Ellen Turnquest-Gray; Son: Clarence Gray; Brothers: Rolly, Donald, Henry, Charlie, Johnny and Garnet Gray; Sisters: Muriel Edgecombe, Lee Knowles and Alice Miller;
The Radiance of this “Bloodstone of A Gem” will always glow in the hearts of his:
Wife: Rev. Angela Flora Gray; Two Sons: Garfield (Hannah) and Halley Gray (Audra); Four Daughters: Judy Pinder, Joan Mackey, Cathleen Rahming (Bennet) and Denise Foulks (Brian); Numerous: Grand and Great Grandchildren; Numerous: Nephews and Nieces; Four Brothers-in-law: James and Randolph Sands, Michael and Richard Johnson; Sisters-in-law: Willamae and Robertha Johnson; Godsons: Christopher Johnson; Other Loving Family and Friends.
Celebration of A Gem Service, will be announced when completed. Check our website for updates.
Funeral Service For
Attorney Joan Ferguson, 86 née Brazier
of Devonshire Drive will be held on Tuesday, December 31, 2024, 11:00 a.m. at St. Christopher’s Anglican Church, Lyford Cay. Officiating will be Venerable Archdeacon Keith N. Cartwright.
Joan is survived by her beloved daughter: Tracy Avery Ann Amanda Ferguson-Johnson; her devoted son-in-law: Joseph Paul Johnson; and her treasured grandson: Charles Avery Evans Johnson. She is fondly remembered by her extended family and friends including: Halcie Hanna, Dr. Cherilyn Hanna, Dorinda Forbes, Capt. Edsel Hanna, Dario Hanna, Bradley and Donita Ferguson and family, Elburt Ferguson and Angela Archer, Prime Minister Philip Davis, Dr. Rudolph K. King, Cmdr. Berne Wright and family, the staff of Joan Ferguson & Co. and Dunmore Law Chambers, the Bahamas Bar Association, the Coral Harbour Homeowners Association, Nurse Rolle, Mrs. Shirley Walker, Ms. Agnes, the doctors and staff of Female Medical 2 PMH, the manager and staff of Avery’s Restaurant, the community of Adelaide, parishioners of St. Christopher, Archdeacon, the Venerable Father Keith Cartwright, Rector of St. Agnes Anglican Church, and a host of other cherished friends and relatives who loved and admired her.
Death Notice For
Pamela Knowles Williams, 58
a resident of Collage Gardens off Prince Charles Drive, New Providence, Bahamas passed peacefully on Sunday, December 22nd, 2024.
Left to cherish her memories are her son: Johnathan Hart; mother: Ruthiemae Sweeting; sisters: Patrice Clarke ( Andrew), Portia Rolle (Henry), Colleen Colebrook, Simone Beckles of Miami, Florida, Kirsten Sweeting; brothers: Preston “Marvin”, Colin Colebrook, Cleophas Knowles, Pressley Colebrook, Alexander Sweeting; and a host of other relatives and friends.
Funeral arrangements will be announced at a later date.
Death Notice For
Everette Kennis Canter, 72
of Monastery Heights and formerly of Mastic Point, Andros, Bahamas passed away at the Princess Margaret Hospital on Monday, December 9, 2024.
He is survived by his two daughters: Kenice and Kenia Canter; one son: Ryan Canter; two grandchildren: Rayon and Rayia Canter and other relatives and friends.
Funeral arrangements will be announced at a later date.
of Monastery Heights, Fox Hill, died on Saturday, December 21st, 2024.
He is survived by his, Daughters: Princess & Treaje Zonicle; Son: Delshannon Zonicle Jr.; Mother: Shonna Demeritte; Father: Daniel Zonicle; Sisters: Shavonn, Danielle, Shonique Kenya & Dannelee; Brothers: Daniel Jr. & Dino; Grandparents: Daniel & Fredricka Pierre; Numerous niceces & nephews, Aunts & uncles and a host of other relatives and friends who will be mentioned at a later date
Funeral Arrangement has been entrusted to Evergreen Mortuary located on Parkgate & Village Roads.
Denalee
Funeral Service for
VICTOR MOXEY, 71
of Homestead Street off of Moore Avenue, will be held on Saturday, December 28th, 2024 at St. James Native Baptist Church, St. James Road at 10:00am. Officiating will be Pastor Richard Hanna, assisted by other ministers of the gospel. Interment will follow in Old Trail Cemetery, Abundant Life Road.
Dominique, Maverick, Charles, Andre, Ricardo, Moxey, Compton Cuffy, Morris Clarke; Mother and Father-in-law: Samuel and Norma Sturrup; Brothers-in-law: David Taylor, Shane, Kevin and SGT 1577 Albert Brown, Devon Winright, Rev Gladstone Patton Jr.; Sisters In-Laws: Karen Moxey, Remelda Moxey, Cassandra Brown-Matthews, Audra Brown-Martin Aunt: Elain Major; Nieces and Nephews: 100 plus nieces and Nephews, Grand- Nieces and Nephews: 43 grand-nieces and nephews, Cousins: Haymish and Clarence and Katrina Moxey and 32 others.
Relatives and Friends May pay their last respects at Evergreen Mortuary located on Parkgate and Village Road on Friday, December 27th, 2024 from 10:00am - 5:00pm and again at the church on Saturday from 9:00am until service time
#4 Village & Parkgate Rd. Nassau, Bahamas | Marsh Harbour, Abaco, S. C. Bootle Highway | Exuma Bahamas, Hooper’s Bay Ofce: (242) 356-7008 or (242) 356-7009 • Mobile: (242) 565-9758 Email: evergreenmortuary@gmail.com
Death Notice for
Left to cherish his memories, Wife: Muriel Sturrup-Moxey; Sons: Shallico Moxey, Justin Sturrup, Orlando Brown, Jason Brown (predeceased); Adopted Sons: Vincent Cepheus, Randy Brown Daughters: Katie Moxey-Johnson (Predeceased) Lavate MoxeyGibson (predeceased) Devine Whylly, Anastacia, Carla, Brenda Green, Yukinari Green-Hanna, Julianne Sturrup, Brenda Humes; Grand Children: Samantha, Shaniqua, Shallico Jr. and Shalton Moxey, Yvette Ingrahm, Maronesha Clarke, Shakera Roxberry, Joel Johnson, Martinque Coleby-Whylly, Staneisha Whylly, Stantwon Romer, Devenique Lewis, Tyranique Sands, Justina, Ariel, Aliceanna Green, Dexter and Dexterinque Gardiner, Paython Scott, Jamila and Jamari Sturrup, Myla and Dixon Brown Alexandre-Brown, Andrea Russell, Andrew Jr. Crystal and Brendan Humes. Great-Grand: Jalaya Borrows-Whylly, Jazaya Green-Whylly, Christina Williams, Damatya, Damario, Dawn and Dawntae Fernander, Joel Jr., Katie Hennessi and Ashton Johnson, Akeem, Devanio and Aston Humes, Jackito; Sisters: Brenda Knowles, Yvonne Taylor, Karen, Annette Moxey, Stari Ortis, Colleen Nottage, Cyprianna Stuart, Daile Winright, Marva Patton, Iva Rolle, Denise Fowler, Arnette Gartner of Canada; Brothers: Dwain and Karen Moxey, Edgar and Remelda Moxey, Calvin,
HARRINGTON VERNON MOSS, 66
of Soldier Road, died on Thursday, December 19th, 2024.
Funeral Arrangement has been entrusted to Evergreen Mortuary located on Village & Parkgate Road.
#4 Village & Parkgate Rd. Nassau, Bahamas | Marsh Harbour, Abaco, S. C. Bootle Highway | Exuma Bahamas, Hooper’s Bay
Email: evergreenmortuary@gmail.com
Denalee E. Penn Mackey | Terrance Mackey CEO & President Manager & Funeral Director
Memorial Service for
DAWN JEWEL SANDS, 66
of Ocean View Drive, Westridge, will be held at Calvary Bible Church, Collins Avenue on Saturday, 28th December, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. Pastor Rob Elliott will officiate. Cremation was held.
Left to Cherish memories are her, Children: Dallace & Kyle Ferguson and Brittany Sands; Grandchildren: Mila and Bianca Ferguson; Brother: Larry Taylor; InLaws: Sarah (Lizetta) & Roger Newman, Garror (Leonard) & Pamela Sands, Chrystal & Sherman Culmer, Ruth & John Thompson, Henretta & Spence Bethel; Nieces & Nephews: Jason Taylor, Asleah Elias and Andrew Taylor, Abdula Newman, Juliet & Clampton Sands, Orrin & Lisa Newman, Everlette & Bradley Woodside, Adrian & Melissa Bethel, Renaldo & Lateka Culmer, Selando & Angelique Thompson, Marc Sands and Latia Thompson; Grand Nieces and Nephews: A’leysha, Brandon & Cierra Woodside, Cielle & Cruz Sands, Adrianna & Kenrissa
Leah Newman, Omari,
Death Notice for JEAN
MENARD CASIMIR,
50
of Claridge Road, died at his residence on Saturday, 14th December, 2024.
He is survived by, one (1) Son: Jean Casimir Jr.; one (1) Daughter: Tanaviaa Casimir; three (3) Sisters: Vivian & Christine Casimir, Carline Laurent; two (2) Brothers: Fritz Casimir and Yvenel Laurent; one (1) Grandchild: King Casimir; two (2) Uncles: Joel & Fritznel Casimir; and a host of other relatives and friends.
Funeral arrangements will be announced at a later date.
Bethel,
Re’Naya and Raina Culmer; and a host of other relatives and friends.
Celebration Service For
Debbian Christina Livingston, 62
of Market Street will be held at New Covenant Baptist Church, East West Highway on Saturday, December 28th, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. Offciating will be Rev’d. Trajean Jadorette Senior Pastor assisted by other Ministers of the gospel.Cremation will follow.
She was predeceased by her father: Vernal Livingston; her maternal grandparents: Mr. Felix & Mrs. Florence Musgrove; paternal grandmother: Orie Sweeting.
Left to cherish her precious memories are her beloved caring and devoted mother: Mrs. Agatha Livingston; sisters: Winifred Lewis, Deaconess Violet Missick; brothers: Jeffrey Livingston, Christopher Livingston; sister-in-law: Nelda Livingston; brother-in-law: Deacon Newton Missick; aunts: Eleanor, Sheila and Leila Musgrove, Dorothy Williams, Lillis & Letesha Sweeting; Annamae Major; uncles: Robert Musgrove & William Major; nieces: Makell (Elson) Bowleg, Lanique Woods, Newrika (Cordell) Tarless, Neosha Missick, Michaela Lewis; nephews: Marvin Pratt, Sterling Pratt, Newton Missick Jr.; grand nieces & nephews: Shavez, Sterneisha & SterniahPratt, Destiny, Asya, Grace & Emily Pratt, Khyley & Khelsi Bowleg, Shawndre, Amerie, Janard, Johnniecia, Ella-Rose, Kevin Jr., Joeziyah, Katia, Noah Missick; cousins: Kay Musgrove, Felix Musgrove Jr., Gordon Musgrove, Monique Musgrove, Althea Morley, Mary Ferguson, Deborah Arthur, Jackie, Shanel, Sylivia Musgrove, Althea Sweeting, Pastor Denise Johnson, Shatel & Deron Musgrove, Monique Williams, Cyril Morley, Minister Dr. Sonia Hepburn-Marshall, Daphne, Jacklyn, Oris & Marjorie Cooper, Raquell Moss, Samantha Griffn, Perry Ferguson, Benjamin, Eukun, Kevin, Raymond Cooper, Hughdon Rolle, Bianka Johnson, Ranardo Jules, Prince & Princess Hepburn, Raquel, Geronimo, Monique, Natlie & Tedore Major, Livingston (Ret. Justice Claire) Hepburn, Prince (Lashan) Hepburn, Herley ‘Hector’ Hepburn, Peter & Kenneth Tracey, Mary (Minister Keith) Davis, Betty (Stephen) Rolle, Rev. Sheila Tracey ,Cheresa(Patrick) Roach, Nicola Sands, Ulene Johnson, Olive Neely, Mizpah Rolle, Ruthmae King, Daniel & Merlene Romer, Maebree Johnson, Ronald & Ricky Young, David Armbrister & Family, Sylvia & Natalee Ramsey & Family; other relatives and
special friends: Pastor Trajean & Minister Jadorette, Bishop Simeon & Minister Hall & The New Covenant Baptist Church Family, Pastor Valerie Carpenter, Minister Deborah Strachan, Deacon Millie Mullings, Deacon Anna Lloyd, Sis. Val Kemp, AnnaMae Gelin, Paula Ferguson, Theresa & Denise Capron, The Musgrove and Morley family from Exuma; special thanks to the next-door neighbors
Relatives and friends may pay their last respects at Serenity Funeral Home and Crematorium. #153 Baillou Road on Friday from 12:00 noon to 5:00pm and at the church on Saturday from 10:00am until service time.
Where the Name is Service and your loved ones ours.
Families are our #1 Priority.
Death Notice For
Mr. Godfrey Ronald Smith Jr., 37 affectionately called “Birdie”
of Sour Sop Street, Pinewood Gardens, New Providence, Bahamas and Bahama Palm Shores, Abaco, Bahamas died at The Clinic Marsh Harbour Hospital on Friday, December 20th, 2024.
Mr. Smith was predeceased by his mother: Mrs. Eunamae Smith.
Mr. Smith is survived by his son: Shiloh Smith; father: Mr. Godfrey Smith Sr.; sisters: Shetara Smith, Shekera Dorsett; numerous cousins, aunts and uncles and a host of other relatives and friends too numerous to mention.
Where the Name is Service and your loved ones ours.
Families are our #1 Priority
Memorial Service For
Memorial Service Remembering With Great Love the Life of
Mrs.Olive Louise Walkes-Smith, 85
service will be held at Grant’s Town Seventh-Day Adventist Church, Wellington Street, New Providence, Bahamas on Sunday, December 29th, 2024 at 11:00am. Offciating will be Pastor Leonardo Rahming assisted by Pastor Wilson Isnord, Elder Michael McCoy, Elder Nelson Bain and Elder Tyrone Paul. Cremation was held.
Olive wrote her own obituary many years prior, and the persons who brought joy and meaning to her life were mentioned, some of whom predeceased her. They are Ruth White; Olive’s two sisters, Berthamae and Louise; one brother, Fredrick Lord, of New York; one adopted daughter, Taba Styles; one sister-in-law, Maxine Lord; two brother-in-law, Reginald Rigby and Phillip Archer; four nieces: Sharon, Dulcie, Durell, and Deandra; fve nephews: Bertram Jr., Michael, Mario, Joseph, and Jason Lord; one adopted grand-niece, Shanquell Wilson; one adopted grand-nephew, Warren Wilson Jr.; one great-grand niece, Bri’Ell Miller; three adopted grandsons; two god-daughters: April Pinder of the USA, and Gina Deveaux of Canada; along with numerous grand nieces and nephews. Other relatives and friends includes: Cyril and Eloise Johnson and family; Michael and Lorraine Duvalier and family; Dr. John Carey and Shazara Carey (deceased); Deborah Darling; Betty Tinker; Cyril and Rose McMillan and family; Roland and Olga Brown (deceased) and family; Lillian Forbes; Reginald Forbes; Dennis and Estelle Mackey, and all the old X-Ray staff of PMH; Hermaine Thompson; Magnal Thompson, and Daven Mackey; the Grant’s Town Church family; Donna Michael and family; Marsha McClean and family of Texas; Coralee of the USA; Cecil “Perry” Brown (deceased); Shervin, Shanette, and Terry Brennen; Lee Strachan; Father James Moultrie and family; Ruth Walkes; Pastor Michael and Mrs. Brenda Toote; Agatha Moncur; Dr. Serville; and many others too numerous to remember or mention. In her own words, Olive said, “Sorry if I left you out, but I loved you all. So long until that glad day.”
Services are entrusted to Serenity Funeral Home and Crematorium. # 153 Baillou Hill Road.
Where the Name is service and your loved ones ours. Families are
Funeral Service For
Aneaka Lenor Moxey, 48
of Staniel Cay, Exuma, Bahamas and formerly of Nassau will be held on Saturday, December 28, 2024, 11:00am at Word of Truth Ministries International, Gladston Road. Officiating will be Bishop Lestor Cox assisted by Cephas Rolle Jr. Interment will be in Southern Cemetery, Spikenard and Cowpen Roads.
Loving memories will always be in the hearts her children: Nikeve (Ricardo) Knowles, Stephon Miller; grandson: Orion Knowles; parents: Gaylene and David Moxey; sisters: Anastacia Brooks, Anya (Alfred) McPhee, Colette Moxey, Shakira Gray, Tamika Rahming-Johnson, Judy Johnson, Jennifer Nottage; brothers: Algernon (Maria), Anver (Cathy), Pedro (Blondie), Jamal Moxey, Preston Johnson; nieces: Chante Major, Travante Miller, Avea, Anina Moxey, Pakera, Candia, Quenisha, Ava, Shaquille and Dajanisha; nephews: Jason, Terrance, Vanta, Q’Shawn, Julian, Reno, Pedro Jr., Preston Jr., Leonard and Alexis; grandniece: D’ahjur McPhee; uncles: Keith Hilton, Bernard, Howard, Cephas, James Rolle; aunts: Margie Shepherd, June Reid, Linda Rahming, Olga Rolle, Beverly Lightbourne, Sharon Collie, Dorothy Swann; cousins: Jamal, Antoinette Hilton, Nicolette Farrington, Edward Shepherd, Keith, Desmond Reid, The Seymour family of Haynes Lane; friends: Tammy and Konica Rolle, Richa Moss, Shavone Clarke, Sheila Marshal, Tamika Andrews, Anastacia Maksyhung, Denika Curits, Wayde Adderley, Theresa Rolle, Terrell Williams, The Fanny’s Restaurant & Bar Crew and other relatives and friends.
Viewing will be held in the Celestial Suite at Restview Memorial Mortuary and Crematorium Ltd. on Robinson and Soldier Roads on Friday from 12:00pm to 5:00pm and on Saturday at the church from 9:30 am until service time.
Memorial Services For
Ethrel Louise Forbes, 70
of Kemp’s Bay, South Andros, Bahamas will be held on Sunday, December 29, 2024, 2:00 pm at Grant’s Town Seventh Day Adventist Church. Offciating will be Pastor Kareem Black assisted by other ministers. Cremation will follow.
Loving memories will forever be in the hearts of her sons: Derek Smith and Desmond Thompson; sisters: Retired TCN Flordell Pratt, Floriemae Forbes, Mary Barr, Retired Chief Corrections Offcer Donna Humes, Eulamae Rahming, Patrice Ash and Karen Jones; brothers: Retired Immigration Superintendent Philip Forbes, John, Mark, Leo and Basil Forbes; companion: Dwight Rolle; granddaughters: Derenique and Dereka Smith, Bre’nae Thompson; grandson: Deran Smith; great grandson; god daughter: Florina; aunts: Barbara Duncombe and Colette Forbes; uncle: Starlin Duncombe; nieces & nephews: Police Constable Antonio Pratt, Staff Nurse Ghenet Pratt-Harris, Petty Offcer Renaldo Pratt, Christopher and Lynette Ash, Rochelle Flowers, O’Cara Forbes-Nixon, Olivia ForbesPratt, Dario, Philicia, Dashanique and Deshanne Humes, Vanessa Harris, Angelique, Jeranique and Terez Forbes, Jhare, Jamel, Lamal and Deaero Forbes, Johnette Forbes, Jonell Adderley, Tayshawn and Tristan Forbes, Mark Jr., Marcus, Antonique, Lea, Leonardo and Alexandria Forbes, Samantha and Samara Barr, Warren Jones, Lamont and Alexio Ash; 35 grand nieces and nephews; six great grand nieces and nephews; sisters-in-law: Orian and Minerva Forbes; brothers-in-law: Lloyd Jones and Courtney Johnson; other relatives and friends including: Schenerre Pratt, Ronald Harris, Brandon Pratt, Cenita, Branique Forbes, Laquell Forbes, Andrea Fowler, Alexander Smith Jr., Givary Rahming, Brent and Vincent Duncombe, Alexander Harris, Ashley Hanchell, Gary Hepburn, Daniel Nixon, Reuben, Kenneth and Eric Rolle, Nelson and Myrtle Rolle, Hazel Johnson and Family, Patrick and Edith Forbes, Relcina Rolle, Geralene, Welton, Haven, Vincent, Elon and Rosetta Forbes, Ethel Colebrooke, Retired ASP Floyd Bastian and Norman Bastian, Lorraine Sands, Joycelyn Moxey, Sidney, Dyllis, Rodman, Louise, David, Randy, Dale, Clayton, and Terry Forbes, Roger Forbes and Family, Charles Miller and Family, Rosalee Knowles and Family, Florina Rolle and Family, Vernita Miller and Family, Lucy Taylor and Family, Roland Smith and Family, Eleanor Knowles, Emmerson Adderley, Darlene Greene, Cheryl Perpall, Rose Forbes, Wenzel Duncombe, Reginald and Wellington Forbes and their Families, Tyrone Burrows, Maureen Ellis, Naomi Turner and their families, Emily, Darcel and Geneva Fynes, Veronique Collie, Cecilia Stuart and Family, the Entire South Andros Community, Doctors and Nurses of Female Surgical #1 PMH; and many others too numerous to mention.
Viewing will be held in the Celestial Suite at Restview Memorial Mortuary and Crematorium Ltd. on Robinson and Soldier Roads on Friday from 10:00am to 5:00pm and on Sunday at the church from 1:00pm until service time.
Chief Immigration Offcer
Mrs. Christine Ann Sweeting-Armbrister, 57
will be held on Friday, December 27, 2024, 10:00am at Deliverance Tabernacle, Sealink Avenue, South Beach Estates, New Providence, The Bahamas. Offciating will be Bishop Mark D. Knowles assisted by other ministers of the gospel. Cremation was held.
Loving memories will forever be in the hearts of her mother: Cenemae Sweeting; husband: Shain Armbrister Sr.; two children: Chaina Armbrister and Shain Armbrister Jr.; one adopted daughter: Monalisa Knowles; four sisters: Brenda (Edney) Pickstock, Nadia (Ellis) Neely, Angelique Sweeting and Denise Sweeting; one brother: Christopher Sweeting; in-laws: Mark (Jasmine) Holbert, Marsha Holbert, Troy Holbert, Craig (Tara) Armbrister, Ashlyn Armbrister and Eric Moree; aunts: Betty Sweeting, Vernalee (Bradley) Miller, Ethelyn Smith and family, Brenda Gaitor, and Dorthy Major; nieces: Jonay Carey, Lashan (Fredrick) Armbrister, Mataya Sweeting, Markita Holbert, Letroya Holbert, Sharmaine Lewis and family, Karla and family, Linda Moree and family, Trecara Cleare, Tenetia Smith, Caryn Cleare, Kenisha Rahming, Lekendra Rahming, Antoinette Rahming and Tiara Armbrister; nephews: John Carey, Brendon Carey, Trayce Neely, Bryson Sweeting, Mark Holbert Jr., Craig Armbrister Jr., Adam & Aiden Armbrister, Eric Moree II and family, Rodney (Negy) Forbes and family, Anton & Antonio Armbrister, Jamar Holbert, Gerado Taylor, Jacobi, Godfrey, Shantano, Rico and Stafford; cousins: Ulrick (Collette) Rahming and family, Wendy (Robert) Sweeting and family, Shanique Rahming, Sean and family, Julian Rahming and family, Dino Ferguson, Donell (George) Wilson and family, Cindy White and family, Barcia McIntosh, Brianne Miller and Crystal Duncombe; friends: Marie Darling and family, Carolyn Cleare and family, Everlina Pennerman and family, Leroy Miller, Earl Hanna, Sophia Minnis, Montello Gibson, Antonio (Cheryl) Thompson, Elliot Melus, Tanis Francois, James Munroe, Allan Cunningham and family, Charlene Gardiner, Cloretta Gomez (Glen) and family, Carnie Gibson (Caleb) and family, Sloane (Rochelle) Smith and family, Camille Feaste, Charmaine (Harold) Williams and family, Jamal (Mellie) Bullard and family, Ms. Ellie Goodman, Dr. McKay, Wyberg Brown and family, Perry Davis and family, Eddy (Ketura) Ferguson and family, Alexander Burns, Monalisa Knowles and family, Mr. Ridley (Carol) and family, Nadia Balfour, Frank Hall, Eric Miller, family of the late Mrs. Carmetta Rolle, Shemah Saunders and family, Kaynell Brown, Norman Bastian, Ella Rolle, Wendy Smith, Marsha Jones, Brenda Ferguson, Mr. and Mrs. Jephtha Brown, Bahamas Immigration Department, Bahamas Customs Department, and other friends too numerous to mention; special thanks to: Doctors and staff at Cleveland Hospital, Doctors and staff at Doctors Hospital and the community of Mallard Close, Monastery Park.
Persons wishing to pay their respects by signing the register book can do so at Deliverance Tabernacle from 9:00am until service time.
Funeral Services For
NECKA ESTELLE WALKER-WELLS, 54
of Killdeer Drive, Monastery Park, who died on Friday, December 13, 2024, will be held on Saturday December 28, 2024 at 10:00 am at Evangelistic Temple, Fourth Terrace, Collins Avenue. Officiating will be Senior Pastor Rev. Keno Smith, assisted by Pastor Vaughn, National Superintendent of the Assemblies of God in the Bahamas and Turks and Caicos Islands Cash, Sr. Associate Pastor Dave Cash, Associate Pastor Rev, Bradick Cleare. Interment will follow in Woodlawn Gardens, Soldier Road.
She is survived by her Mother, Lerina WalkerWilliams; Sister, Samantha Agbeblewu (Durham, NC); Brothers, Dominique Williams (Montgomery, AL), Verneski Williams; Sister-in-Law: Chandra Williams (Montgomery, AL); Nephew: Samuel Agbeblewu (Durham, NC); Aunts: Candice Deveaux, Elizabeth Munnings, Faith Swain, Anita Swain, Beryl Walker Green, Jane Mae, Carmetta, Dorinda and the late Charlotte and Orien Walker; Uncles: Retired Sergeant Wilberforce Jerome Swain, Jr. and Richard Swain of Freeport, Grand Bahama, Rex Miller, Rev. Nathaniel, Ruben Holland and the late Louis and Bruce Walker; Other relatives &a friends including: Nursing Officer Fiona St. Albord & family, Elizabeth Gilbert & family, Arlene King, Tanya Smith & family, Tina Johnson & family, Latoya Rahming & family, Jeminita Swain, Jalisa Frazer & family, Alexandria Swain & family of Grand Bahama, Hubert Munnings & family of Philadelphia, USA; Cameron Munnings & family of Orlando, Florida, USA; Mark Deveaux & family of Nebraska, USA; Robert Deveaux, Renaldo Swain, Richard Swain, Jr., Leonardo Swain & Elijah Swain all of Grand Bahama, Dimitri Johnson and Rashad Swain in Halifax, Canada. Gabrielle Barnett (Ahijah), Faith Burrows, Zion Burrows, Micah Musgrove, Jessica & Julie Smith, Albert and Andrew Ingraham, Virginia Sawyer and family, Ministers George and Carolyn Rodgers and family, Bishop Cannel T. Swain J. P. TH. D. P. H. DCSC and Allie Swain, Desiree Wells, Rosetta (Dwayne) Robinson of Miami, Florida, USA, Dena (Philip) Sands, the late Ivy (Moses) Curry, Gelera Kate (Timothy Keith) Ferguson, Ula (Dwight) Johnson, Ruth (Delroy) Stewart, Naomi (Peterson) Storr, Barbara (Barry) Thompson, Vanria Bowe, Ingrid (Peter) Capron, Dawneka (Matilyn) Brown, Veronica, Doranda, Dandrea, Florabell, Medlene, Patricia, Malaya Theresa, Shavonne, Miriam, Pearlene, Judy, Theresa and the late Lavern Walker, Everette, Dave (Joy) Jackson, Carlton (Katie) Walker of Georgia, USA, Kamalo Boysie (Whyonia) Charles (Dora), Quincy (Amanda) of Toronto, Canada, Cleveland (Deborah), Capt. Rogest (Khady), Ricardo (Charmaine), Dominique (Alexis), Ian (Dellerease), Abby, Kenneth, Brent, Stanley, Lester, Edmund, Shawn, Troy and the late Tom Walker, Shirley Fox, Sainfilers Masse, The Wells family, The Bethel and Bowe family of Exuma, The Lloyd Family, Pastor Gary Curry and family, Pastor Vaughn Cash & family, Pastor Kino Smith & family, The entire Evangelistic Temple Church Fellowship & family, The Central Gospel Chapel Church family, The Bahamas Faith Ministries International Church family, The Evangelistic Temple Sanctuary Choir, Music Ministry & Fine Arts Ministries,
Bro. Dino Huyler, Minister Dexter Kerkulah, Mr. Percy Grant & The Humane Society, Hon. Frederick Mitchell, R.M. Bailey Class of 1987, The Monastery Park Community, The Community of Long Bay & Sugar Loaf San Salvador, Dr. Brenda Cleare and the Staff of LJM Maritime Academy, additional members of the Swain, Walker and Ingraham Families and a host of other relatives and friends too numerous to mention. Special Thanks to: Doctors Hospital staff, ICU nurses, 4 th floor nurses, Mrs. Brittney Butler, Dr. Curling, Dr. Rahming, Dr. Munnings-Thompson, Dr. Wadhwa and all who assisted with her care.
There will be no Public Viewing.
Arrangements by Vaughn O. Jones Memorial Center Mt. Royal Ave. & Talbot St., Nassau, The Bahamas.
MILDRED SUZANNA CARTWRIGHT, 77
of Hamilton’s, Long Island, who died on December 13th, 2024, will be held at Holy Cross Anglican Church, Hamilton’s, Long Island, on Saturday, December 28 th , 2024, at 1:00 p.m. Officiating will be Father Ruel J. Strachan. Interment will follow in Holy Cross Anglican Church Cemetery, Hamilton’s, Long Island, The Bahamas.
Millie was predeceased by her husband: Wesley; sons: James and Simon; grand children: Randy and Xena.
Left to cherish her memories are Daughters: Samantha Knowles and Clarece Cartwright; Stepchildren: Terrance (Cynthia), Shawn (Sandy) Cartwright and Lesa Bethel; Grandchildren: Brandon (Montana) Knowles, Brad and Breanne Cartwright; Sisters: Predensa (Lester) Carroll, Barbara (Ravi) Jesubatham, Paula (Victorino) Caparas, Martha (Lawrence) Cartwright; Brother: Paul Knowles (Paulette); Aunts: Alma, Isabel and Eva Knowles; Sons-in-law: Dwayne Knowles and Denver Cartwright; Sisters-in-law: Ruth Wong, Eileen and Dawn Knowles; Step Grand and Great Grandchildren, Nieces, Nephews, Cousins and a host of relatives and friends too numerous to mention including: Daniel Darville, Annie Minnis, Winnie Cartwright, Hamilton’s, Pettys, Mangrove Bush Communities, Father Strachan and St. Paul’s Parish, Father Andrew and the Catholic Community, Dr. Lightbourne, Nurse Opal Knowles, Nurse Dominique Knowles and staff at the Deadman’s Cay Clinic.
Viewing will be held at Holy Cross Anglican Church, Hamilton’s, Long Island on Saturday from 11:00 a.m. to service time.
Arrangements by Vaughn O. Jones Memorial Center Mt. Royal Ave. & Talbot St., Nassau, The Bahamas.
Funeral Service For
JEROME BERTRAM CARTWRIGHT, 59
of Johnson Terrace who died on Friday, December 6, 2024 will be held on Saturday, December 28, 2024 at 10:00 am at St. Margaret’s Anglican Church, Kemp Road. Officiating will be Rev. Fr. Whitfield Hutcheson. Interment will follow in Lakeview Memorial Gardens, John F. Kennedy Drive.
Fond memories will forever linger in the hearts of his, Loving Wife: Lewenrea Cartwright (Honey) Children: Jerrad and Jazze Cartwright; Sister: Oralee Bowe; Brothers: Patrick Jonah Cartwright (Helen) and Larry Morris; Father-In-Law: Wendel Smith (Faye); Sister-In-Law: Sherrylyn Smith, Christine Cartwright and Simone Bean (Mark); Brother-In-Law: Alexi (Derika); Nieces & Nephew: Opal Knowles (Jude), Melissa, Tracy, Tonya (Marcian) Bowe, Tamika, Kyleisha, Natalya and Normeika Cartwright, Jayda Curling, Alexxa Smith, Alana and Noel Bean, Tamaro (Lashara) and Omar (Angelique) Bowe, Patrick Cartwright and Ace Smith; Grandniece & Grandnephews: Khairo, Kaidyn, Raphaella, Braxton, Bailey; Cousins: Virgina Major, Naomi Louis, Glenda Wilson, Frank, Lander, Rudolph, Horace Clement (Simone) and Terrance Cartwright (Monique) and family. Michelle and Alfred Carroll, Kayla Stubbs-Coleby, Indira Demeritte (Ron), Simon (Michael); Other Relatives & Family: The Cartwright & Bowe Family of Long Island, Leeland Curling, Angel Butler & Family, Janet Williams, Demon Thompson, Reginald Robinson & Family, Faye Major & Family, John Fox, Malvina Watson & Family, Dr. Ren Xun and Family, Dr. Tyrone Bartlett & Family, Alfred, Edward and Joyce Armbrister, Loretta Carey & Family, Icelee Smith & Family, Stanley Coleby & Family, Miata (Burt) and The New York and Atlanta Families, Margarita Demeritte, Charlotte & Linda Marshall & Family, Garen Ledon (Valerie), Ian Hutchinson, Jacqueline Major & Family, The Fox Family, Ruth Mae Mortimer & Family, Dwayne Capron and St. Margaret’s Anglican Church Men, Thea Knowles and the S.M.A.C. Altar Servers. Fr. Whitfield Hutcheson, Fr. Harry Ward, Fr. Rowland
Hamilton and the members of St. Margaret’s Anglican Church, The Landscaping Department at Atlantis Paradise Island, The Johnson Terrace and Kemp Road Communities.
We the family apologizes for any names that was not mentioned. You are just as important as those who was and we Love you all.
Viewing will be held in the Legacy Suite of Vaughn O. Jones Memorial Center, Mt. Royal Ave. and Talbot Street on Friday (TODAY) from 12:00 noon to 5:00 pm and at the Church on Saturday from 9:00 am until service time
Death Notice for
ASA HAROLD THOMPSON, 41
of #105 Crow Close, Monastery Park, died at the Princess Margaret Hospital on Monday, December 23, 2024.
He is survived by his, brother: Dominic Thompson; sisters: Tameika Watson, and Tanya Thompson; Nephews: Vanbert “Vejay” Pratt, Jr., and Darrius Thompson; Niece: Elizabeth Watson; Uncles: Reginald Minnis, Sr., of Clarance Town Long Island, Rodney Minnis, Leo Major, Locksley “Potcake” Thompson, Kenneth “Kirk” Thompson; Aunts: Caroline Thompson, Theresa Cooper, Marsha Thompson, and Allison Johnson; Numerous other relatives and friends.
Funeral Service will be announced at a later date.
Funeral Service For
Vernetia Curry, 86
a resident of Roberts Drive, South Beach Estates, New Providence, Bahamas and formerly of Devil’s Point, Cat Island, Bahamas will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, December 28, 2024 at Zion South Beach Baptist Church, Zion Boulevard. Offciating will be Pastor Anthony Sampson, assisted by other Ministers of the Gospel. Interment will follow in Lakeview Memorial Gardens, John F. Kennedy Drive.
Vernetia was preceded in death by her loving parents: Lorenzo and Calutha; her cherished grandmother: Mable F. Davis, and her dear siblings: Esphelene Clarke-Sands and Lorenzo Curry Jr.
She is survived by her sons: Zack Joseph Francis (Sharon), Sandy Thomas Mackey (Natasaya); daughter: Mable Ena Francis Irving; grandsons: Aaron David Francis (Raquel), Dennis Irving, Jr. (Burlynn),Ashley Mackey (Petreann Heastie), Sandy Thomas Mackey, Jr. (Taneka); granddaughters: Tiffany Francis, Amanda Mackey (Randy), Vanessa Sampson (Oriel), Vernetia Melissa Cowart (Corey); great-grandsons: Joel Eliseo Galeano Francis, Maximus David Francis, Davis
Benjamin Irving, Desmond Dean Irving, Corey Anthony Cowart Tristan Charles Mackey; great-granddaughters: Ntajha Charlton, Aubrey Lauren Mackey, Arryanna Ann Mackey, Vanessa Melia Cowart, Crystal Melissa Cowart; brothers: Christopher Clarke (Sandra), Arnold Clarke; sisters: Blomfeld Ferguson, Gelitha Humes, Anniemae Ramming (Derrington), Lorene Clarke, Charlene Clarke, Mable Stubbs, Terry Kemp; nephews: Christopher Clarke, Jeffrey Clarke, Ricardo Clarke, Anthone Clarke, Delcristo Clarke, Louvin Sands Kirkwood Clarke, Kenaz Clarke, Harwood Humes, Dr. Terrel Humes, Dr. Trevon Humes, Derrington Rahming Jr., Garvin Rahming, Devaughan Rahming, Edward Buckingham I, Leevan Archer; grand nephews: Kenrick Clarke, Ka’van Archer, Mario Adderley Jr., Kirkwood Clarke Jr., Jonathan Larrimore, Brandon Larrimore, Jihad Humes, Jihan Humes, Cartier Humes, Harwood Humes Jr., Terrel Humes Jr., Edward Buckingham II, Delton Clarke, Chrispen Clarke, Krishard Clarke, Antonio Clarke, Derrington Rahming III; nieces: Darnell Clarke, Christal Clarke, Shantel Clarke, Skye Clarke, Christina Clarke, Calvina Sands, Calutha Larrimore, Blonneva Pinder, Keva Buckingham, Kenva Archer, Kimberly Clarke, Fiona Huffman, Felita Humes, Phd, Garnell Rahming Richie, Chikera Cornish Rahming, Simone Clarke Janour, Valencia Clarke Lundy; grand nieces: Vashti Clarke, Helena Buckingham, Kelsey Buckingham, Meghan Buckingham, Ivory Buckingham, Kathlyn Delelvoe, Katrina Adderley, Hunter Humes, Tahlia Humes, Sumari Richie, Sanoah Richie, Sahannah Richie; cousins: Joel Mackey, Rupert Mackey, Octavious Mackey, Herbert Mackey, Charlotte Culmer, Lula Thompson, Sharon Farrington, Marion Johnson, Joyce King, Amud Rolle, Joanne Bowe, Yvonne and Sandra Donald; special friends: Audrey Rolle, Beryl Wallace, Mary Collins and a host of other relatives and friends too numerous to mention.
Relatives and friends may pay their respects at Cedar Crest Funeral Home and Crematorium Ltd, Robinson and Baillou Hill Roads on Friday 12:00 noon to 5:00p.m and at the church 9:00a.m. on Saturday until service time.
The Secret to Building Powerful FAITH
“If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you” (John 15:7).
First and foremost: A promise to you from GOD: To all ye inhabitants of the world, and dwellers on the earth.
If I “commanded” words to a thousand generations (Deuteronomy 7:9; 1 Chronicles 16:15; Psalm. 105:8), do you think those words will get lost or go missing? Haven’t I then promised to preserve My Word throughout the generations and forever? (Psalm 12:6-7). Is this too hard for Me to do? (Jeremiah 32:17, 27). Can you prove I didn’t? If I didn’t, then you have a case against Me in the courtroom of “My” Holy presence (Job 23:3-7; Isaiah 45:11; Micah 6:3). This will surely “never!” happen because I GOD, I Am, the Word! (Exodus 3:14; John 1:1, 8:58, 12:48; Rev. 19:13).
If My Word or any part of it can get lost or go missing, then I too can also get lost or go missing. Do you believe scholars who say “this” and “that” are lost or missing from My Word, or do you believe Me? (Ps. 56:5). Choose between the two: your scholars or Me, the Word! Haven’t I spoken and it was done? Haven’t I commanded and it stood fast? (Ps. 33:9, 148:2-5; Is. 14:24, 46:10-11). Investigate
Me! Can I or any part of Me get lost or go missing?
Scrutinize the history of My Word; all conflicting sides, and you will find Me! (Is. 34:16). But take heed, lest ye despise My Word and therefore despise Me! (Num. 15:31; Is. 5:24, 30:12-13; Mark 8:38; Heb. 3:12).
For hundreds of years, I chose Hebrew “ONLY!” to write, preserve, and carry My Word around the world, to all ye inhabitants of the world, and dwellers on the earth (1 Kings 8:41-43; 2 Chr. 6:3233, 9:23, 20:29; Ps. 46:10; Isaiah 18:3). Afterward, I used Greek and Latin. So then, couldn’t I use any language “ONLY” (or languages) to do the same? Remember that I am the Word!
Search the scriptures: When “the word of the LORD said” (or “the word of the LORD came unto me, saying”), that was Me, the Word, speaking. When “the words of the LORD said” (or “the LORD hath spoken”), that was what I had already said. I, the Word was there in the beginning with God and was GOD! (Genesis 1:1; John 1:1). So then, read all of Me! Every word! (Matt. 4:4). Feed on Me! (John 6:33-58).
All your information
regarding Me, the Word, came from three sources: books, teachers, and your very own personal experiences. You then, personally and by yourself, along with influence from others, choose which of the information you will believe and accept as truth. Remember that I am the truth! (Deut. 32:4; John 14:6).
Ask Me “first” to steer your thoughts, then carefully and cautiously by yourself, examine the sources I will send you, and you WILL find Me! (Deut. 30:11-14). My Word is alive (John 6:63), intact, and is within your reach. Today! Even NOW! Search for Me! (Deut. 4:29; Jer. 29:13).
Psalm 12:6-7, 33:11, 100:5, 119:89, 160, 138:2; Ecc. 3:14; Is. 40:8; Matt. 4:4, 24:35; Mark 13:31; Luke 21:33; Heb. 10:7, and 1 Peter 1:23, 25. So then, you can believe Num. 23:19; Is. 14:24, 27, and Jer. 32:17, 27. Otherwise, see Rom. 14:23; Heb. 10:38, and 11:6.
THE SECRET
As with physical food, so it is with spiritual food: there are wholesome foods and there are
enormous amounts of fatty and “fast,” unhealthy junk food. As we feed ourselves on spiritual food, it is very important for us to consume the raw nutrients of the words of God.
Unfortunately, Satan has taken the true nutrients of God’s Word and mixed them with excessive amounts of (spiritually speaking), sugar, fat, and salt. Thus, he is creating for us an unhealthy spiritual diet. As a result, we are all not getting a wholesome amount of daily spiritual vitamins, minerals, proteins, carbohydrates, etc., so to speak, from God’s Holy Word: all the nutritional elements to create, build, and sustain a very healthy spiritual body.
Jesus said in Matthew 4:4: “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.” (Jesus linked actual food to His actual Word). There is a deeper meaning here that most of us do not catch (Deuteronomy 8; Psalm 105:37-41; John 6:28-64). There is a hidden truth here that can only be spiritually discerned if reading (or listening) through the Bible is done frequently. (Modern versions did not want us to know this secret, so they omitted, “but by every word of God” in Luke 4:4: the second of “two or more witnesses” needed to validate this crucial point). Therefore, we all must feed on “EVERY WORD!”
We get vitamin A from EVERY word in Genesis, vitamin B from all the words in Exodus, vitamin C from Leviticus, vitamin D from Numbers, proteins from John, carbohydrates from Matthew, Mark, Luke, etc., and so on, so to speak.
Imagine then if you did not read, let’s say, the Book of Nahum, you would lack an essential piece of spiritual nutrition that helps to sustain a totally healthy spiritual body. Jesus is the Word according to John 1:1, 14. If He is the Word (or the bread of life), then we ought to feed on Him for spiritual growth and development. (This we see and can understand what He meant in John 6:32-58). If this spiritual nutrient continues to be lacking in your spiritual diet, over time your spiritual body will eventually suffer and break down. You may ask, ‘How is this possible?’ Jesus said in John 6:63, “…the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life.” John 1:1 says the Word was (and is) God.
Therefore, EVERY WORD of God is important to create, build, and maintain a healthy spiritual body with all the benefits that go along with it. For example, a spiritually healthy body transforms the mind. It has the gift of discernment and the power to love unconditionally. It is mighty in faith (in Romans 10:17, “Faith cometh by
hearing and hearing by the word of God;” Faith can ONLY come this way). It has the power to heal and receive healing. It gets prayers answered (John 15:7 says: “If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you”). It is strong in wisdom, knowledge, and understanding, etc.
You may say that many of the books of the Bible (particularly the books of the Old Testament) are very boring and cannot be understood; hence, you skip and avoid them. The solution to this problem is: do not skip it! “Just read it!” Do not be concerned with how boring it is or not understanding what you read, “JUST READ IT!” Even though you do not understand what it says or it’s boring, when you, “just read it” you still get all the spiritual nutrients the book offers; thus consuming “every” word of God. This is very, very important! If you bite into and chew on most vitamin tablets, how does it taste? Boringly bitter (not sweet)! For this reason, when we take vitamins, we just simply swallow them. We do not carefully study them by biting them to taste their contents. We know they will do our bodies well, so along with water, we just quickly swallow. (This writer is not suggesting that you, the reader, avoid studying the Bible to understand what
For the continuation, log on to: www.apublicviewing.com and scroll to the bottom of the webpage for this article. Smartphone, or tablet users must first download the free “Adobe Reader” App from the App Store on the device to read them. In addition, read the section called: “The Ultimate Sacrificial Act…” in the document called, “So then, why did God choose Himself to come to the earth…”
Pope calls for nations to overcome divisions in Christmas address
By SILVIA STELLACCI and COLLEEN BARRY Associated Press
POPE Francis in his traditional Christmas message on Wednesday urged “all people of all nations” to find courage during this Holy Year “to silence the sounds of arms and overcome divisions” plaguing the world, from the Middle East to Ukraine, Africa to Asia.
The pontiff’s “Urbi et Orbi” — “To the City and the World” — address serves as a summary of the woes facing the world this year. As Christmas coincided with the start of the 2025 Holy Year celebration that he dedicated to hope, Francis called for broad reconciliation, “even (with) our enemies.”
“I invite every individual, and all people of all nations ... to become pilgrims of hope,’’ the pope said from the loggia of St. Peter’s Basilica to throngs of people below.
The pope invoked the Holy Door of St Peter’s, which he opened on Christmas Eve to launch the 2025 Jubilee, as representing God’s mercy, which he said tears down walls of division and dispels hatred.
He called for arms to be silenced in war-torn Ukraine and in the Middle East, singling out Christian communities in Israel and the Palestinian territories, as well as Lebanon and Syria. Francis repeated his calls for the release of hostages taken
from Israel by Hamas on October 7, 2023.
Pilgrims were lined up on Christmas Day to walk through the great Holy Door at the entrance of St Peter’s as the Jubilee is expected to bring some 32 million Catholic faithful to Rome. Traversing the Holy Door is one way that the faithful can obtain indulgences, or forgiveness for sins during a Jubilee, a once-every-quartercentury tradition that dates from 1300.
“You feel so humble when you go through the door, that once you go through it is almost like a release, a release of emotions,” said Blanca Martin, a pilgrim from San Diego. “You feel like now you are able to let go and put everything in the hands of God. See, I am getting emotional. It’s just a beautiful experience.”
Pilgrims submitted to security controls, amid new safety concerns following a deadly Christmas market attack in Germany.
Hanukkah, Judaism’s eightday Festival of Lights, begins this year on Christmas Day, which has only happened four times since 1900.
The calendar confluence has inspired some religious leaders to host interfaith gatherings, such as a Hanukkah party hosted last week by several Jewish organisations in Houston, Texas, bringing together members of the city’s Latino and Jewish communities for
latkes, the traditional potato pancake eaten on Hanukkah, topped with guacamole and salsa.
While Hanukkah is intended as an upbeat, celebratory holiday, rabbis note that it’s taking place this year as wars rage in the Middle East and fears rise over widespread incidents of antisemitism. The holidays overlap infrequently because the Jewish calendar is based on lunar cycles and is not in sync with the Gregorian calendar, which sets Christmas on December 25.
The last time Hanukkah began on Christmas Day was in 2005.
On the front lines of eastern Ukraine, soldiers spent another Christmas locked in grinding battles with Russian forces. It’s their second Christmas at war and away from home since the full-scale Russian invasion in February 2022.
A soldier with the call sign OREL, the Ukrainian commander of 211th battalion, said he had forgotten it was Christmas Day.
“Honestly, I remembered about this holiday only in the evening (after) someone wrote in the group that today is a holiday,’’ he said. “We have no holidays, no weekends. ... I don’t know, I have no feelings, everything is plain, everything is gray, and my thoughts are only about how to preserve my personnel and how to stop the enemy.”
Others, however, said the day brought hope that there would one day be peace. Ukrainians expect the inauguration of US president-elect Donald Trump may bring about a ceasefire deal, and many soldiers who have borne the brunt of nearly three years of fighting, said they hoped that would be the case.
“On such a day, today, I’d like to wish for all of this to be over, for everyone,’’ said Valerie, a Ukrainian soldier in the 24th Mechanized Brigade who would only give his first name. “Of course, there is always hope, there is always hope. Everyone wants peace, everyone wants peace and to return home.”
Residents of New York City awoke to their first white Christmas in Central Park since 2009, according to the National Weather Service New York. The 843-acre urban park recorded a snow depth of one inch at 7am.
In Massachusetts, school children came up with names for a dozen hardworking snowplows, including “Taylor Drift,” “Control-Salt-Delete” and “It’s Snow Problem.” The Massachusetts Department of Transportation this week announced the winners of its competition to name the snowplows, which was open to elementary and middle school students. Other winning names included “Meltin’ John,” “Ice Ice Baby” and the “Abominable Plowman.”
President Joe Biden and first lady Jill Biden spent part of Christmas Day calling each branch of the military stationed overseas to thank them for their service.
German celebrations were darkened by a car attack on a Christmas market in Magdeburg on Friday that left five people dead, including a nineyear-old boy, and 200 people injured.
President Frank-Walter Steinmeier rewrote his recorded Christmas Day speech to address the attack, saying that “there is grief, pain, horror and incomprehension over what took place in Magdeburg.” He urged Germans to stand together and said “hate and violence must not have the last word”.
A 50-year-old Saudi doctor who had practiced medicine in Germany since 2006 was arrested on suspicion of murder, attempted murder and bodily harm. The suspect’s X account describes him as a former Muslim and is filled with antiIslamic themes.
Some Germans participated in joyful holiday traditions despite tough times. Members of the winter and ice swimming club Seehunde Berlin, or the Berlin Seals, waded into Oranke Lake wearing Santa hats as part of their annual Christmas Day swim. Meanwhile, rabbis gathered in town to watch the set-up of a giant Hanukkah menorah in front of the Brandenburg Gate.
Centuries-old angels uncovered at church made famous by Paul Revere
By MICHAEL CASEY Associated Press
STRADDLING the scaffolding high up in a historic Boston church, murals conservator Gianfranco Pocobene is working to uncover eight angels that were hidden under layers of paint for more than a century.
The painted angels — with round childlike faces and wings — once were among the defining features of Old North Church when they were painted around 1730. But officials at the church, a seminal location of the Revolutionary War, painted over the angels in 1912 with thick coats of white paint, part of an austere renovation that restorationists are trying to reverse.
“When we first looked at the project six months ago, we had no idea what was here,” Pocobene said as the church, the oldest church building in Boston, was preparing to remove the scaffolding earlier this month to reveal eight of the 20 painted-over angels.
“It’s really been quite a revelation to find these really interesting and historic works of art on the walls of the church that nobody has seen in our lifetime,” he continued. “Just to be part of a project where we are revealing something from colonial America is really extraordinary.”
A popular stop for tourists visiting Boston’s North End, the Old North Church is best known for the two lanterns hung from its steeple on the night of Paul Revere’s 1775 ride to warn of the British army’s approach. Revere was also a teenage bell ringer in the congregation. In 1860, Henry Wadsworth Longfellow wrote “Paul Revere’s Ride,” mentioning the church and introducing the phrase, “one if by land, and two if by sea.”
But as the 250th anniversary of Revere’s ride approaches in April, church officials also want to draw attention to its beginnings in 1723 and its identity, both as a beacon of liberty but also its connections to the slave trade — many of its first congregants profited off slavery. The church was built to house Boston’s growing colonial Anglican community and its interior was much more colorful and dynamic than what visitors see today.
“For much of the church’s history, people who were coming here to the church would have seen those angels, would have seen the colorful interior,” said Emily Spence, the associate director of education at Old North Illuminated, which operates the church as a historic site.
“The colour scheme was an important part of the identity of the people who worshiped here as members of the
congregation of a Church of England church,” she said, adding the interiors would have set the church apart from Puritans who dominated Boston at the time.
Spence said that exploration started in September with efforts to restore the sandstone and teal-colored angels — eight completed this month and another eight by the spring. They were made to look like stone sculptures and it remains unclear why they were painted over.
Researchers knew from the historical record that the angels were on the walls and they still have a copy of a contract signed with John Gibbs, a congregation member who painted them. A paint study completed in 2017 confirmed their presence but their condition was unclear.
Corrine Long, a painting conservator who works with Pocobene, said one of the challenges was removing seven layers of paint without damaging the angels. The team first applied a solvent gel to soften the layers of paint and then manually removed it with a plastic scraper. After that, they cleaned the angels with cotton swabs before retouching to remove any signs of damage.
Once Pocobene and Long started removing the paint, they knew they’d uncovered something special.
“They all have their own character
— they’re not copies,” Pocobene, who has his own studio in Lawrence, Massachusetts, said. “The artist John Gibbs painted them individually and they’re all in different poses, which gives them a really wonderful rhythmic kind of pattern across the surface of the church.”
For Long, one of the most satisfying parts of the project was returning parts of the church to what the founders had intended — and what tourists should see.
“Whenever I go into a building with history, it amazes me to be surrounded with paintings or the decorations that were there originally,” she said. “When it’s been repainted to be white, it takes away some of that majesty and some of that history.”
On a recent day, the church was mostly empty except for the conservators. But two tourists, Sean Dixon and Sarah Jardine from California, did slip in. They walked the aisles and stared up at the scaffolding. It was hard to see the angels through all the steel but what they did see inspired them.
“I was kind of shocked when I first saw it,” said Dixon, an account manager from San Francisco. “It looks really cool and I’m really excited to see the full picture once the scaffolding comes down.”
CONSERVATOR Corrine Long restores nearly 300-year-old painted angels on the walls of Old North Church in Boston.
Photo: Steven Senne/AP
Christians finding other ways to bring in the new year
While the watch night service is embraced with excitement, others treat it with a feeling of sacredness, showing utmost reverence to God for what is to come.
Even if only for the final hour, persons of Christian faith take the time out with family and friends to attend a church service to reflect on the past year and prepare for the new one ahead.
But this time around some Christian believers told Tribune Religion they are doing things a bit differently. And while they have opted out of watch night service, their activities will still be faith focused.
Travis Morley, a Baptist follower, said this year is the first he will miss out in the last ten years ago. His reason for not attending the traditional service has all to do with his “evolution as a Christian”.
“As I am growing in my relationship with God, I am realising that I do not have to follow traditions. My relationship with God grants me freedom to experience him in the way that I choose to,” he said.
Attending watch night service, he said, has always been a fulfilling and an enriching experience. However, he did not want to be bound by tradition.
“Though I got much out of those services I always felt a bit of pressure when I debating about going or not. So, I would just go to feel like I am doing what is right. But it has been so freeing to know that I can experience God in whichever way choose.
“I am not going to any crazy party or anything but my I plan to go out enjoy the fireworks while still taking a time to reflect on all what God has done in my life so far and seek his direction for 2025,” he said.
As for Crystal Jones, who attends a non-denominational church, she has decided to round up a group of friends to gather instead.
“We are now in an era where the church must come out of its four walls. So instead of going to church my sisters in Christ and I have decided to gather at home. We will pray of course. We believe it is so important to start the new year in a prayerful state; to seek God and hear what he wants us to do in the coming year. It’s also a chance for us to learn from one another.”
Similarly, Meredith Adderley a presbyterian said she and her family will be taking a different approach. Instead of attending the watch night services they will gather
for a time of prayer as family unit.
“We will most certainly take some time out to pray because all have had such a challenging year. Then we will sing praises to God for how far he has brought us,” she said.
Meredith said she is looking forward to worshiping this way as it allows for much more intimacy with her close loved ones.
“We need to be together and speak into the life of one another. I encourage people who may not be going to church may because they are being cautious to maybe gather together in small groups maybe five person and do some Bible study, talk to them and find out if there is anything going on their life that you can pray for,” she said.
As for Jerome Bootle, work duties means he cannot attend watch night service this year, an event he said is always special to him.
“If I can listen in through live stream I will. There are times when I am on my shift where it gets slow enough for me to tune in. That is what I will do. However even if that moment does not come I will spend that final ten minutes of this year in quiet areas praying just like we would in church,” he said.
from back page
Christians finding other ways to bring in the new year
BELIEVERS OPTING OUT OF WATCH NIGHT SERVICE
By JEFFARAH GIBSON Tribune Features Writer jgibson@tribunemedia.net
THE calendar is about to flip and the year 2025 will be ushered in. For some Christians, they will count down the coming new year in the four walls of the church during the traditional watch night services held by most ministries on New Year’s eve.
On the other hand, some have decided to ditch the traditional watch night service and welcome the new year in ways they have not done so before.
Watch night, a late-night service, has been part of the Christian tradition for centuries and marks a new beginning for church-goers.
The service also allows for attendees to review the year that has passed while also making new commitments for coming year.
Watch night service has special significance in the AfricanAmerican community in the United States, since many slaves were said to have gathered in churches on New Year’s Eve, in 1862, to await news and confirmation of the enactment of the Emancipation Proclamation by President Abraham Lincoln, on January 1, 1863.