FOREVER IN OUR HEARTS
CELEBRATING THE LIFE OF
ROSABELL
McQUAY g
SUNRISE: JULY 1, 1947 SUNSET: SEPTEMBER 17, 2021 y Age:74 y
Jubilee Cathedral Church Cathedral Boulevard, Grand Bahama, The Bahamas
SATURDAY OCTOBER 9, 2021 AT 10AM
O F F I C I A T I N G
Bishop Godfrey R. Williams A S S I T E D
B Y
Pastor Randolph Curtis I N T E R M E N T
Grand Bahama Memorial Park Grand Bahama, The Bahamas
THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF
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1947-2021
On the 1st of July 1947, a beautiful baby girl was born to the late Bethel and Couley Ferguson, in Snug Corner Acklins. They named her Una Rosabell Ferguson. As a young girl, Una attended the All Age School in Snug Corner Acklins, until she attained the mandatory school leaving age. In 1960, Una moved to Nassau with her parents and siblings. The family resided on East Street South, where the homestead, remains to date. While serving as a bridesmaid in one of her friend's wedding, Una met Edward McQuay. The two of them courted for a few years, and were joined in Holy Matrimony on 28th April 1969, at the St. John's Native Baptist Church, Meeting Street. This union produced three (3) beautiful children ( Coshell, Rondon and Brandon). Edward, in his quest to provide for his family, obtained employment in Grand Bahama. Being the dutiful wife that she was, on 9th November 1979, Una relocated her children to join her husband in Grand Bahama, where she remained until the time of her death. Una was elated when she got her first job, which was at the Bluefront Food Store, Nassau. She then obtained employment at Super Value Food Store as a cashier and remained there until she moved to Freeport Grand Bahama. While in Freeport, Una worked at A.R.A. Sports Center for a few years. She later moved on to the Lucayan Beach Hotel where she was employed as a Food and Beverage Cashier, until she retired in 1997. It was at the Lucayan Beach Hotel that she formed friendships that lasted until her death. Una was a God fearing woman, who loved to worship and praise her God. She was a member of the St John's Baptist Church, Coral Road, and continued her membership onto the Jubilee Cathedral Church. Una was a devoted member of the Usher Board and Senior Choir. She loved to talk about her God and tell people about how good He has been to her. She was a blessed woman because she was very kind hearted, and always wanted to lend a helping hand to so many. In November 2018, Una was among several members who were honored by Jubilee Cathedral Church for serving 25 or more years of faithful
Una R. McQuay
and dedicated service. This was a very special time in Una's life as she was able to share this occasion, with not only her Freeport family but her family from Nassau, who travelled to Freeport to celebrate with her. Una enjoyed life and was a devoted wife and a loving mother and grandmother. She was always a happy, funny and cheerful person. She could make anyone laugh. Her son, Rondon, always told her that she was supposed to be a stand up comedian. She looked forward to seeing, talking and spending time with her family and friends. Summer 2019 would forever hold a special place in Una's heart because it was then that she was able to have her entire household together under one roof, during their family vacation. It was truly a joyous occasion. In addition to her love for life, family and friends, Una loved exercising and gardening. She was a fanatic when it came to walking as a form of exercising. Her yard was evidence of her "green thumb", as she grew many types of fruits and vegetables. Over the years, Una had many medical challenges. She underwent a triple by-pass open heart surgery in 1999 and had a second one in 2001. She recovered from both of them, exceptionally well. As part of her recovery, she had to increase her exercising, and eat extra healthy. In 2009, Una suffered a stroke, and had to be airlifted to Nassau. She would always say that this stroke did her worst than the two (2) open heart surgeries combined. As the years progressed, Una was in and out of hospitals, with many other challenges, but she always pulled through by the grace of God. This was because UNA WAS A FIGHTER, and each fight brought her even closer to her God. However, while her inner man grew stronger, her body became weak and tired. There were many times when she became sick and tired, of being sick and tired, especially when no one could figure out what was going on with her. On 16th September 2021, Una wasn't feeling well and went to the Rand Memorial Hospital, where she was eventually admitted. However, it was there that God saw the pain that Una's body was going through, and on 17th September, 2021, summoned her home. Una fought her last fight to the end and finished her race strong. "Well done, thou good and faithful servant - Matthew 25:23".
y Una R. McQuay
Unna was predeceased by her parents Bethel and Couley Ferguson, several siblings and a nephew.
HER HUSBAND: HER CHILDREN:
Edward McQuay Coshell(Dwayne) Nairn, Rondon McQuay and Brandon (Tonisha)
GRANDCHILDREN: BROTHERS:
McQuay. Shyon and Zoe Nairn, and Kaeden McQuay. Deacon Ivan(Sally) Ferguson, Lionel( Christina) Ferguson, Edward(Katurah) Ferguson, Kendal(Marcella) Ferguson, Pastor
SISTERS: BROTHERS-IN-LAW: SISTERS-IN-LAW: NIECES AND NEPHEWS:
ADOPTED DAUGHTER :
Ellison(Minister Leila) Greenslade and Alvin(Pandora) Greenslade, Kathleen Ferguson, Rev. Dr Edris( Ernest) Bowe, Minister Judy(John) Deveaux and Betty Greenslade Bishop Hartman Rolle, Lincoln Ferguson and Winston McQuay. Maud Ferguson, Curlean Williams, Bertha Collie and Beverley Mcdonald. Evaneth(Dengelo) Delancey, Brent(Crystal) Ferguson and Dwayne(Elizabeth) Ferguson, Avis Baker, Valerie(Edwin) Rolle, Claudette, Neil(Gail), Nicola, Elridge(Debbie) Andrews, Pedro and Dawnette Ferguson, Dr. Renea(Charles) Bufford, Sheniqua(Henry) Onogaya, BDOC Principal Correction Officer Charles(Valencia) Curtis, Pastor Randolph (Laverne) Curtis, Damaris and Benson(Densina) Curtis, Iral, Ian(Tamara) Ferguson, Indira Williams and Ivanya Ferguson, Omar(Tasia) Ferguson, Laron(Kristi) Ferguson and Larrissa Ferguson, Lionel Jr. and Leonardo Ferguson, Carmen Forbes, Lisa Bowleg and Ken Andrews, Stacia Bowe-Williams, Leonardo and Como Ferguson, Latisa Whyte, Nicolette, Destiny, Ellison III, Elliot and Calvin Greenslade. Caroline Calixte, BEST FRIEND: Sandra Pennerman
NUMEROUS OTHER RELATIVES AND FRIENDS INCLUDING: Majorie Farquharson, Dr Delton
Farquharson, Eartha Pyfrom, Eric Cox, Ida Lafleur, Thelma Kerr, Sandra McPhee, Michelle Williams, Dotleen Raymond and David(FunkyD) Ferguson, Ida Margaret, James and Timothy Cox, Generine Rodgers, Eulene Williamson, Elizabeth Andrews, Remalia Knowles, Kenneth and Preston, Franklyn and Tamika Ferguson, Helen Emmanuel, Diana Deveaux, Judith Randolph, Gerald Jr., Joel, David, Isaac, Aaron and Peter Furguson, Jeffery, Velma, Annabell, Patrice, Leonard and Maria Hanna, Pastor Juanita, Ingraham, Bettyann Grant, Evangelist Lilymae Longley, Lorenzo Symonette, Minister Lydia Stewart, Glen and Deborah Ferguson, Evangelist Delores Francis, Vernita Wallace and Brendalee Knowles. SPECIAL FRIENDS: Cousin Naomi, Cooper.Cousin, Leatha Burrows, Shelia Pratt, Liillian Wilchombe,
Idel Reckley, Debbie Cooper, James Deleveaux and Jubilee Cathedral Church Senior Choir, Catherine, Lewis Williams (Mumma), Karen Woodside, Linda Williams, Maryln Dames and Maxine Bowleg, Ricardo McPhee and Arthur Rolle, Shonell and Cedron. OTHER FRIENDS AND RELATIVES TOO NUMEROUS TO MENTION
Una R. McQuay
g MODERATOR …………………...…...………..………….………….….……. Pastor Randolph Curtis (Nephew) Family Procession Ministers Processional OPENING SENTENCE ................................................................................................ Bishop Godfrey R. Williams Invocation OLD TESTAMENT READING .................................................................. Psalms 91 |Breah Curtis (Grand-Niece) HYMN ................................................................................................................................................ ‘Because He Lives’ God sent His son they called Him Jesus He came to love heal and forgive He lived and died to buy my pardon An empty grave is there to prove my Savior lives
Refrain: Because He lives I can face tomorrow Because He lives all fear is gone Because I know He holds the future And life is worth the living just because He lives
How sweet to hold a newborn baby And feel the pride and joy he brings But greater still the calm assurance This child can face uncertain days because He lives
And then one day I'll cross that river I'll fight life's final war with pain And then as death gives way to vict'ry I'll see the lights of glory and I'll know He lives
AS I KNEW HER ................................................................................................................... Ian Ferguson ( Nephew) TRIBUTE ................................................................................................................................ Rondon McQuay (Son) HYMN ................................................................................................................................................. ‘It’s Alright Now’ There was a time I traveled a lonely sinful road, Beneath a heavy burden bending low; But now all things are diff’rent, for Jesus took my load, It’s alright now, I’m His I know.
A-down a lonely pathway without a friend to guide, I walked in sin and sorrow all alone; ‘Til Jesus came and found me, and drew me to His side, It’s alright now, for I’m His own.
No more in sin I wander, no more in darkness roam, The Lord has placed my feet on higher ground; Each day new heights I’m gaining, my soul is nearing home, It’s alright now, I’m heaven bound.
Refrain: It’s alright now, for I am in my Saviour’s care. It’s alright now, my Saviour hears and answers prayers; He’ll walk beside me ‘til I climb the heav’nly stair, And ev’rything is alright now. NEW TESTAMENT READING …..................................... 1st Corinthians15 Vs 52-58|Evanette Delancy (Niece) SELECTION …………….....................……………..………...……….……………….......................... Praise Team
Una R. McQuay
EULOGY ………………………………………………...……................................... Bishop Godfrey R. Williams Prayer FOR THE FAMILY RECESSIONAL HYMN ........................................................................................... Thank God for Mama (Musical)
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OPENING REMARKS | Bishop Godfrey R. Williams HYMN| ’Glad Reunion Day’ There will be a happy meeting in Heaven, I know When we see the many loved ones We've known here below Gathered on that blessed hilltop with hearts all aglow That will be a glad reunion day. When we live a million years in that wonderful place Basking in the love of Jesus, beholding His face It will seem but just a moment of praising His grace That will be a glad reunion day. Refrain: A glad day, a wonderful day, A glad day, a glorious day There with all the holy angels and loved ones to stay That will be a glad reunion day.
PRAYER | Bishop Godfrey R. Williams COMMITTAL | Bishop Godfrey R. Williams HYMN |’City of Gold’ There’s a city of light Where there cometh no night “Tis a city of beauty untold; All my treasures are there And its beauty I’ll share; When I get to that City of Gold.
Refrain: When I leave all trouble and care, I will say good morning up there; I will have great gladness untold, When I get to that City of Gold.
There’s no sorrow up there In that city so fair And no sickness can enter I’m told; Shadows all would have flown, I will meet friends I’ve known, When I get to that City of Gold.
Won’t you go there with me To the home of the free, Would you see heaven’s beauty unfold; If you will, come along We will sing heaven’s song When I get to that City of Gold.
REMARKS| Rest View Mortuary BENEDICTION | Bishop Godfrey R. Williams
Una R. McQuay
A TRIBUTE TO MY
MY BEAUTIFUL MOTHER Mummy, I never wanted this day to come .Through all your health challenges, I sometimes found myself wondering what would happen if you died, and then I quickly got the thought out of my mind. This is so surreal. I can’t imagine my life without you. I still see your face, I still hear your voice. I used to call you for everything. As I am writing this, I am remembering things I was suppose to tell you. Even since your passing, I found myself saying, "Let me go and call mommy." When we talked and you said that you felt like eating something sweet, I didn't hesitated to make it, and would tell you to tell Branny to go to the boat, to pick up the sweet treats that I baked for you. Even though we're separated by water, I never let that stopped me from doing whatever I could for you. I took pleasure in sending anything you needed, even the dillies that you enjoyed so much. We were always there for each other. You were there with me when I had my two children, and when I had my surgery. I was there with you when you had all of your surgeries. We had a special bond as mother and daughter. I'm missing so much already, and I know I will find myself still calling your cell sometimes and leaving a message. My heart aches, but I have a comfort in knowing that you are in Heaven in the arms of your GOD, where there is no more sickness, no more dizziness, no more bleeding, no more burning , no more tiredness and no more pills. Even though I wish you were still here, I wouldn't be selfish and want to keep you here forever, knowing that you were going through so much. Even though I felt that you may have wanted to stay here a little while longer, God saw that it was time for you to come home . Now, Ron, Branny and I, have our own personal Angel watching over us. We honored you in life, and now we honor you in death. Your children rise up and call you blessed. Mommy take your well-deserved rest. I know that I will see you again. I love you and always will.
-Co
My Wonderful mother-in-law
Rest In Peace Mum… God Knows Best!
God made a wonderful Mother A mother who never grew old He made her smile of sunshine. And Beautiful heart of gold. The day she had to leave us, And her life on earth was through. God had better plans for her, for this is surely true. We will miss you dearly Mum. And will never understand. why you left us so soon, It must be God’s master plan. We will see you once again, when this life done, For God has promise eternal life, once our race is run.
Una R. McQuay
Dwayne
We will be saying goodbye to you today, but you will always be with us. You are the reason I have such a good value of life. It’s too much to put into words. Your memories are many that I will miss. Those phone calls to say come by to do this thing for me, or I made soup today come see how it taste, will be forever missed. Even though you’re not here with us anymore, I will include you in everything I do forever. I Love You Mom, You’ll always be in my heart.
Your Loving Son
Brandon
UNA MCQUAY Certain people touch our lives in a special way, You’re so much like a MOM to me , That’s how I think of you, And I am eternally grateful , For everything you do , You take the time to listen, You always seem to care , You’ll never know just how much, It means to know that you were there , Take your rest now Mom ,I know you are in a better place Your in God’s arm now feeling his warm embrace.
Forever Loved,
Tonisha Una R. McQuay
You are more than just a grandma , You were my best friend. My life has changed forever , But I still love you till the end. Thank you for being a wonderful grandma , And being my best friend, For creating wonderful memories , That will live on with me forever .
We're going to miss you Grammy Sugar. We're going to miss you always telling us to do our best. We love you Grammy Sugar.
GONE TOO SOON…
Thank you for your beautiful friendship. I could always confide in you. A beautiful person inside and out. A proud Mother and Grand Mother who loved her children and grand children. Fond memories will always remain of our trips on holidays ( Sheila and Lillian), going West End and Bahama Bay for conch salad and conch fritters, Sunday dinners at Christmas, Easter, Mother’s and Father’s Day, and other special occasions at the Bunny and Edward Culmer’s house in Fortune Bay. The jokes and laughs, and watching old movies. Una was a praying woman. She believed that God would heal her. A hard worker, an honest cashier, and one who did not get involved in petty ‘You say and I say’. I am so happy that I was a part of her life. She has fought a good fight. She kept the faith. May her soul rest in peace.
Una R. McQuay
A TRIBUTE TO
X Our hearts are saddened. It's still hard to grasp the fact that our Aunty Una is no longer here with us. We thank God for the precious memories. As we cousins reminisce about Aunty Una, there are so many stories we can tell. We reflect on the days when Aunty Una worked at Super Value Food Store. When she got off at 8:00 p.m., some of us, along with either Aunties Clorodell, Kathleen or Esther, or Uncle Lionel would walk with her, Coshell and Rondon, from our grandmother's house on East Street, to her home in Ridgeland Park. There were occasions when Aunty Una would have to stop at any tree, to pick a branch (i.e. a switch), to threaten Coshell and Rondon with a spanking, as they would often get into lil bouts of argument along the walk home. Once they heard the words, "gad-dammit"....it was over. Some of us remember when she finally got her small blue car, an Adventure. We would have to sit still and be quiet because she did not like distractions as she drove. She was so attentive while driving that her eyes were always on the road, with her hands stretched out at the wheel, and no bending at the elbows. She was not only attentive while driving but also when she was watching the soap operas, or listening to the daytime soap on radio, Dr. Paul. If we were in her presence during those times, we had to again sit quietly around her. Aunty Una loved her family and would do anything she could for us. It was at Super Value Food Store, where Aunty Una got Charles (the eldest nephew), his first job, of which, he's forever grateful. Some of us reflect on our visits to Freeport, and the great hospitality she showed; taking us around, attending our functions with us, the great crab 'n' rice and macaroni, the story telling, and the smacking of her lips while she told her stories and jokes. Aunty Una would have you laughing until you cried. Not only could she tell a good story, she did an even better job reenacting it ...body language, facial expressions, voice modulation, and all. Even if she was feeling sick, she would still try to crack a joke. There was never a dull moment when she was around. Aunty Una was a down-to-earth, plain spoken woman, yet fun, loving and caring woman. She had her own made up words for things. Only us knew what she meant by, "pang-pank" and "pok-a-loke". She would call one of us to see how we were, then proceed to tell us how she was doing. She would begin with, " chal, I right-cher." Aunty Una was a God-fearing woman, who loved her church and her God. She would often encourage us in the midst of troubles and trials to pray and just trust God. Some of us can recall one of her favorite songs, "Because He lives I can face tomorrow". We are convinced that this song was one of the forces that enabled her to fight whenever she was faced with any health challenges. Her life is a prime example of the proverbial phrase - when life gives you lemons, make lemonade. She kept a positive attitude whenever she faced an adversity. She was an amazing person. Our lives have been enriched beyond measure from the wonderful times we shared in Aunty Una's presence. She has fought a good fight and kept the faith. Sleep on dear Aunty. FOREVER IN OUR HEARTS
Una R. McQuay
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MEMORIES
Una R. McQuay
y
Rondon McQuay Ivan Ferguson
Brandon McQuay Lionel Ferguson Sr.
y
Iral Ferguson Randolph Curtis Lionel Ferguson Jr.
Ian Ferguson Charles Curtis Laron Ferguson
y We wish to extend our deepest gratitude to family, friends, colleagues and well wishers here and around the world, for your love and support during our difficult time of bereavement. We have been deeply encouraged by your prayers, visits, phone calls, messages and other sympathetic gestures. We know many of you have also been grieving, and sincerely appreciate your sharing of cherished memories. – THE FAMILY
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