
17TH MARCH,1928 – 27TH APRIL, 2024


A MASS OF THANKSGIVING

17TH MARCH,1928 – 27TH APRIL, 2024
A MASS OF THANKSGIVING
MARCH 16TH, 1935 - FEBRUARY 15TH, 2024
Age: 96 YEARS
ST. AGNES ANGLICAN CHURCH
Baillou Road, Grants Town, New Providence, Bahamas
THURSDAY 2ND MAY, 2024 AT 4:00PM
Officiating VENERABLE KEITH N. CARTWRIGHT
Assisted by
THE REVEREND B. TRAVIS FERNANDER Diocesan Youth Officer and Associate Priest, St. Agnes Church
THE REVEREND DEACON HOWARD L. BETHEL
Assistant Curate, St. Agnes Church Organist
MR. PRESTON FERGUSON
17TH MARCH,1928 – 27TH APRIL, 2024
Allan Henry Hanna was born in New Providence on 17th March 1928 to parents Percival James Hanna and his wife Leona Aurelia (nee Butler). Allan was the second son of this union and was followed by three brothers and two sisters.
From an early age, Allan displayed a natural affnity for water. Allan spent countless hours swimming and jumping off the dock on Elizabeth Avenue North with his friends Stanley Major and brothers Robert ‘Burt’ and Morris Demeritte. These formative experiences not only honed Allan’s swimming skills but also instilled in him a sense of confdence and resilience that would guide him throughout his life. In his later years, he made it a routine to embark on early morning swims at the Western Esplanade, often venturing out into the open sea.
Following the traditions of his times, Allan, after leaving school, went to learn a trade. His frst job was with the Pleasantville Construction Company that was stationed in The Bahamas until World War II. This job laid the foundation for a career dedicated to craftsmanship and hard work. He later
matriculated to a Community Plumbing Company where he honed his skills as a tinsmith, alongside esteemed colleagues like Jack Ford, Joe Simon, and Bill Williams. They worked as tinsmiths making rainwater gutters and drainpipes, bread pans, baking pans and copper linings for wooden plant boxes. He later moved to Bradley’s Plumbing on Gomez Alley, off Dowdeswell Street. Allan recounted a memorable anecdote about him and a colleague commuting from Bradley’s Plumbing to the Eastern. They rode bicycles in tandem, skillfully balancing a 20-foot heavy galvanized pipe on their shoulders while also managing to balance their toolboxes on the bicycle handlebars. There were also times when they did not get paid if business was slow, but despite facing times of slow business where payment was uncertain, they persevered, continuing to diligently work and take pride in their craftsmanship. In 1952, Allan embarked on a career in the Civil Service as a plumber at the Board of Works (later Ministry of Works). By 1958, he had risen through the ranks, earning promotions to Foreman in the Plumbing Department and later to Senior and Chief Superintendent. His tenure culminated with his retirement as Building Maintenance Offcer (BMO) at the Ministry of Works.
Throughout his career, Allan’s commitment to his profession remained steadfast, undeterred by any challenges that arose. Allan’s career progression within the Civil Service, culminating in his retirement as the Building Maintenance Offcer (BMO) at the Ministry of Works, refected his unwavering dedication to his profession and his commitment to excellence.
On March 22nd, 1952, Allan embarked on a new chapter of his life by exchanging vows with Marinetta nee Rolle, the love of his life, at her cherished Parish Church of St. Mary the Virgin. Their union was a testament to the essence of unity, epitomizing what it meant for a couple to become ‘one fesh’. Whether in conversation or reference, they were always spoken of as “Allan and Marrie”, symbolizing their inseparable bond.
Together, Allan and Marrie joyfully welcomed fve children into their lives: Garnell, Lynn (deceased), Allan, Constance, and Renee (deceased). Their household was flled with an abundance of love, which they generously showered upon their children
and grandchildren. Allan and Marrie’s deep love for each other served as a foundation for their family, leaving an enduring legacy of unity and affection.
Throughout his life, Allan remained deeply rooted in his faith, fnding solace and community at St. Agnes Church where he and his daughters frequently occupied seats on the southern side. Despite his steadfast dedication to St. Agnes, Allan respected and honored Marrie’s strong bond with her beloved home church, St. Mary’s, acknowledging the profound importance of faith in shaping their lives.
Beyond his professional and familial duties, Allan was a pillar of strength and love for his parents, siblings, and extended family. His unwavering dedication to his loved ones earned him the respect and admiration of all who knew him.
Allan Henry Hanna’s legacy of love, dedication, and resilience will forever live on in the hearts of those who had the privilege of knowing him.
WAS PREDECEASED BY HIS WIFE MARINETTA, HIS DAUGHTERS, LYNN HANNA-DEMERITTE AND RENEE HANNA.
HE WILL BE LOVINGLY REMEMBERED BY
HIS CHILDREN, Garnell Hanna-Kemp (Audley), Allan Hanna, Constance Hanna-Gibson (Carl).
GRANDCHILDREN; Anya and Audley III Kemp, Tamal, Kache, Joshua Hanna, Cameron, Carla and Chelsi Gibson, Lynden Rahming (LJ).
GREAT GRAND CHILDREN; Sanaeya Robinson, Audley IV, Jah’mari, Jah’zari, Kemp and Aden Hanna.
BROTHER; James Hanna (Pittsburg), Sisters; Rosemary Hanna, Dr. Andree Hanna
SISTERS-IN-LAW; Delores Hanna (Pittsburg) Dolores Hanna, Lee Hanna.
NIECES; Althelda Hanna, Clarice Hanna-Cooper, Gina Dean, Gail Stuart (New York), Terri Bellot, Dr. Alys HannaMorris (Hastings, UK), Tracy and Gina Stubbs. Darnell Rolle, Tanya Rolle, Donna Mcphee, Marionette Rolle, Hazel (Rev’d Livingston) Bevans, Yvonne (Paul) Mcphee, Minister Elsa Miller, Jamestina Scott, Helen Rolle, Nephews; Eric and Everette Hanna (Pittsburg), Ivan Hanna Jr., Kevin Hanna, Alexander Hanna (London, UK), Randolph and Alexander Scott, Tyrone, Hubert, Michael, and Anthony Rolle,
NUMEROUS GRANDNIECES AND GRANDNEPHEWS INCLUDING; Christopher, Cassondra, Christina, James Lydel, Ce’Monne and Erica Hanna (Pittsburg), Latasieh Carey, Tonelle Cornish, Allison, Donavon, Kristina Dean, Zachary and Samantha Stuart (New York), Michael, Adrienne, Simone Bellot, Jacob and Daniel Morris (Hasting, UK), Maia and Alexia Hanna (London, UK), Grace Eneas.
FIRST COUSINS: Judith (Kenneth) Cumberbatch, Eric (Dorothy) Butler, Cassandra Allen-Davenport (deceased) G. Cheryl Stubbs, Marilyn (Ernest) Cambridge, Linda Bullard, Mavis (Everette) Burrows, Marsha (Gary) Cooper, Karen (Trevor) Cargill Sr., Maria Taylor, Clarissa (David) Honnet, Everette Carlos Butler, Teresa Butler, Margaret Butler, Carmen Butler.
NUMEROUS RELATIVES & FRIENDS INCLUDING The Roach, Hanna, Heastie, Tynes, Rolle and Jackson Families, Lifelong friends Gwen McDeigan and Dr. Ruby Major. Archdeacon Keith Cartwright, Rev’d Fr. Travis Fernander, Rev’d Deacon Howard Bethel, The Most Rev’d Drexel Gomez, Rev’d Fr. James Moultrie and the Offcers and Members of St. Agnes Church Family, Choirs, ACW, ACM, Usher Board and Visitation Ministry; Maxine Williamson, Relinda Arnett, and Freda Campbell, The Rt. Rev’d Laish and Joann Boyd, Bishop Theophilus Rolle and family and the entire Methodist family.
Mabel Gibson and Family, Barbara Sutherland, Paula Williams, Verna Elcock, Alice Rolle, Daisy Pinto, Carmen McCarthy and Family, Edna Simmons and Family, Janet Bunch and Family, Earl Bostwick and Family, Constance Comery and Family, Arnette Cartwright and Family, Janet Thompson and family, Althea Clifford and Family, Terrice Curry and Family, Christine Adderley and Family, Yolanda Fernander and Family, Vanrea Williams and Family, Yontalay Bowe and Family, Gloria Moss and Family , Rev. Angela Palacious and Family, Angela Tynes and Family, Gaol Alley and Anderson Street Families, many more too numerous to mention.
With a heavy heart, flled with both sorrow and gratitude, I refect on the life of my beloved father, my hero. He wasn’t just a parent to me; he was my mentor, guide, and greatest supporter. His life was a tapestry woven with wisdom, strength, and unconditional love. When Daddy met and married the love of his life, everything changed. His wife and later his children became the center of his world. For sixty-seven years, they journeyed together, with him as the breadwinner and her as the disciplinarian. We quickly learned that seeking counsel from one parent without the other was futile, as their unity was unwavering.
Daddy ensured we had the best childhood imaginable. Though I thought we were rich until I grew older and realized otherwise, we lacked for nothing. He made sure we had what we wanted on birthdays and at Christmas. Our neighborhood friends fondly recall the days spent on our porch, watching snowy TV with Daddy on the roof adjusting the antenna. Whenever he did something for us and friends were around, he ensured he included them. He often piled us into his truck for trips to the beach, ensuring our safety and happiness. Now that I’m older, I realize he spoiled us, but at the time, we didn’t even know it.
As young adults, when we began to work, Daddy never accepted money from us. He paid all his bills and encouraged us to save our money and led, by example, in saving for sickness or any unexpected situations. Even at ninety-six, Daddy took care of himself fnancially and those around him. Despite his age, his mind remained sharp, issuing orders, and requesting his favorite meals daily. Unfortunately, he expected freshly cooked meals every day, a tradition upheld by his beloved wife for sixty-seven years. I tried to explain to him that I couldn’t manage that every day, but he remained frm. I tried as best as I could to be creative with the food I sometimes bought. However, that sharp mind always knew when it wasn’t home-cooked. He told me just a few
days before he was admitted to hospital, “DO NOT GIVE ME ANYMORE BROCOLI CHEDDAR SOUP FROM SUBWAY! I only laughed, and responded, “OK, Daddy.”
We took joy in caring for Daddy and were grateful for the opportunity to make his fnal years as comfortable as he made our lives. Allan Jr. took the morning shift, delighting in attending to bathing, shaving, and taking daddy’s vitals daily. Without transportation sometimes, every day he would still fnd his way to Anderson Street relishing quality times with Daddy.
My shift was lunch, I totally enjoyed our time together, but I enjoyed our conversations even more; Daddy always gave sound advice that you could follow through with. Garnell did the evening shift, she ensured he had his homecooked meals just the way he liked them. If she ever fxed anything he didn’t want, she was back in the kitchen fxing something else. She probably has some of Mummy’s patience. LJ, our nephew was always there with Daddy. He washed Daddy’s clothes, prepared his breakfast, and routinely checked on him during the night.
I really miss Daddy already, going to Anderson Street now is not the same, yes, we had him all of our lives and he lived a full life and he’s gone on to his heavenly reward but that doesn’t ease the pain of not having him with us anymore. I cherish the wonderful memories of our times together and they are sustaining me during these diffcult days.
Until we meet again, Daddy, you will always be my frst love.
Allan was a quiet and soft-spoken gentleman, who was always smartly dressed for church or special occasions. He never interfered in other people’s business. His home was always open to visitors. The only time we ever heard him raise his voice or suck his teeth was when someone criticized his political party. He was famous in our family because he was everything to our mother, the late Grace Clarissa Butler-Bullard, our “Minister of Home Affairs”. He was her nephew but he represented a younger brother and was more like a son. Although they were only separated by 11 years, he still gave her the respect and called her AUNTIE.
If anything went wrong in our house, as Daddy was at work, she would call Allan. He was the only person she trusted and called regularly as no one else was as reliable or could match his professional skills as a plumber and his talents as a handyman. We could still hear her calling him on his job: “Allan the bathroom pipe burst, the tiles fell off the kitchen wall, the tiles on the porch are coming up, the sink is clogged, the kitchen counter needs changing, the door is not closing properly, I need to see you about something” etc. etc. and he would come in record time to fx whatever it was for his beloved AUNTIE. After he completed the jobs, she would ask: “Ok Allan, how much is that?” and 8 out of 10 times he would say:” That is ok Auntie”. Some of the plumbing in our old homestead is what he installed over 50 years ago.
He was a family man who was always available to assist our parents and sometimes collected our sister Marsha along with Lynn from College of The Bahamas in his truck. We will miss him, but we are thankful that he played such an important role in our family and we will always have fond memories of him.
May he Rest in Peace. THE LATE GEORGE AND (AUNTIE) GRACE BULLARD FAMILY
Pappy, you truly were the most remarkable grandfather anyone could wish for. One of my cherished memories is when we all piled into your truck to head to Saunders Beach for a swim. Those days were flled with boundless joy and laughter, and I was constantly amazed at how you effortlessly swam such long distances, nearly reaching the cay and back. Your patience and endless love for your grandchildren were evident in every moment we shared, and your presence brought immense comfort to our family.
Moreover, I was continually amazed by your steadfast presence and support for our family during times of need. Your dedication to those you loved knew no bounds, and your selfessness left a lasting impression on all of us.
As I grew older, our conversations, particularly those about history or politics, became cherished moments for me. I always left feeling enlightened and grateful for your wisdom. Your remarkable ability to fx any plumbing issue in the house, often with just intuition, was truly impressive. Your pride in my achievements meant everything to me, and I could see how genuinely proud you were of every milestone I reached. It seemed like you thought your grandchildren were the most brilliant people on earth, and that belief always flled me with warmth and happiness.
But what I’ll miss most are the stories you shared about how you met Mum and the journey of your love story. Witnessing the deep bond and love between you and Mum was an absolute privilege, leaving an everlasting imprint on my heart. I often refect on your relationship as the epitome of true and enduring love, surpassing even time and death.
Pappy, you were an extraordinary man and grandfather, and no words can fully express how much I love you and will miss you. Finding solace in the knowledge that Mum is now reunited with her beloved Allan in heaven brings me comfort and peace. I can only imagine the joyful reunion you two are having. Until we meet again, Pappy, know that you will forever hold a special place in my heart.
Love your granddaughter. THE BEST
THE BEST
I have countless memories, but one of my earliest and dearest is the time I spent with Grampy as a child. Tamal and I, being the frst two grandchildren, eagerly anticipated being dropped off by our parents at Grampy’s house after school to embark on our adventures over the bridge to pick up Grammy from work. Riding in the silver Toyota, we would stick our heads out the window, giggling with childish delight as we pretended, we were fying on a plane, shouting “Weeeee” at the top of our lungs. Our daily ritual flled us with excitement.
While waiting for Grammy to fnish work, Grampy would let us play in the sand and build sandcastles. These moments are just a few among countless cherished memories spent with Grampy; I could fll a book with them. I can’t recall a single instance when he told us “No”. He was always there for everyone, offering his wisdom and guidance, which will forever be etched in my memory. He was simply the best.
Rest in peace to a remarkable man, a devoted husband, a loving father, and an extraordinary grandfather. Grampy, you deserve this well-earned rest! You are now free from your earthly pain and in the presence of the Lord. We all loved you dearly in life, and our love for you will endure in death. May you fnd comfort in being reunited with your beloved “Marrie” and your two beautiful daughters.
Love your granddaughter. ANYA
MR. ALLAN ‘BISCUIT” HANNA –
Pappy, you truly were the most remarkable grandfather The Gaol Alley neighborhood / family where we all were one. Mr. Hanna, a caring and sharing gentleman to the end.
Remembering him as a Daddy and a provider, his family were always frst in his life.
For all of his children, he provided the best in schools, a comfortable home that was comfortably furnished with the best the era at that time had to offer.
Mr. Hanna being a plumber by profession with the Ministry of Works shared his skills with the entire neighborhood at no cost to any of us.
There was nothing to good or too much for his beloved wife Marrie, who predeceased him. He adored his wife, he took care of his children, he protected his siblings. He was the man in his home.
Rest in peace “Biscuit” our neighbor.
FROM THE GLADYS ADDERLEY CLAN GAOL ALLEY
ALLAN HANNA JR.
R. CARL GIBSON
TAMAL HANNA
CAMERON GIBSON
AUDLEY KEMP JR.
JOSHUA HANNA
AUDLEY KEMP 111
LYNDEN RAHMING JR.