A Bowe

CELEBRATING THE LIFE OF OUR QUEEN

Anita EVELYN BOWE

August 13, 1946 - Sunset: May 27, 2022

Age: 75 years

SUNDAY, JUNE 12, 2022, AT 11:00 A.M.

Service Held At HILLVIEW S. D. A. CHURCH

Tonique Williams-Darling Highway

Nassau, Bahamas

Officiating Pastor Peter Joseph

Assisted By Pastor Paul Scavella

Pastor Michael Toote

Pastor Michael Smith

Organist

Ruby Ann Cooper-Darling

Interment

Western Public Cemetery

Nassau Street, Nassau, Bahamas

FROM YOUR 4TH SISTER Ginger

My dearest older sister. I will always cherish the precious memories of you. My first daughter was your first godchild. You chose the name for my second daughter. You became the godmother for my last granddaughter. When I needed someone to help me with Denise, you insisted on becoming the babysitter and keeping her. I’ll never forget those days of coming home on a Friday evening to peas n’ rice and steamed corned beef, homemade raisin bread and even BBQ ribs.

Nobody could make it like you could! I was so glad you could be there for my 70th birthday. It became hard to see you as your condition continued to worsen, but it makes me glad to know that you’re at peace with no more pain and suffering. I look forward to when we all meet again and can be with our mother. Until then, sleep in peace, Midget.

Me and Midget

BY JULIET

How do I start. Where do I go from? It was always me and my sister. She was there for my birth. She and Pam took over some duties from the midwife of the newborn. I don’t know if God had it so that this was the start of a special bond between us two. The first time I gad an attack of gout I called her five in the morning and she answered. This calmed me because I knew that with Jesus and with Midget I could not go wrong. Until we meet again. Your sister, Juliet.

FROM YOUR BABY SISTER Renee

Midget would always make the best fruitcake every year. When she was done baking, she would hide it, but the amazing smell would always lead me to the hiding spot. Juliet, Mark and I would follow the scent and eat up the fruitcake. Glen, Donalee and Allie would come, and the same thing would happen. At the end of the season, I would’ve had 8 times as much fruitcake as everyone else. That’s my fondest memory of her, the excellent fruitcake.

TRIBUTE FROMInez

My mommy, oh my mommy! I hope everyone realizes that time brings on changes, but oh how I absolutely dreaded that this day would come. You were my best friend, sibling, mother, and father (having lost mine as a youngster), all rolled into one. We had our disagreements as a mother and daughter would, at times calling on Pastor Peter Joseph to act as a mediator of sorts. In time, you and I made amends, by God’s grace. You soothed my hurts as a child and having to become your parent during the past year has brought me to tears many times. Those tears would flow, and you were such a loving mom that it was like a switch came on in you, which caused you to cry too, opening your arms, holding me to your heart and once again soothing your baby girl, always saying, “Nez don’t cry, everything will be okay”. I know some don’t even understand how I coped under all the stress, but its no secret that I adore you and God is great. The Great I Am gave me strength. I sometimes imagine that all of heaven is laughing at me because you left me with a infection- I really tried to stem the tide by trying to get one of the ladies from the church in for YOUR spiritual guidance and day care, but everything I tried fell through. God ensured that I myself had to study the Bible even more, to equip myself to be able to answer all your questions and to earnestly pray with you every day.

I was driven to my knees countless times finding strength and succor. You have left a clear path for me to follow as I witnessed you holding tight, and tighter still to your Savior, until one could not discern where you ended, and He began.

Everybody says ,“Be strong and you’ll be alright”. I know you would want me to, but I can’t promise that right now because I really miss you so much. Until then…INEZ

How could I describe my mother, Anita Evelyn Bowe? Oh, that I was able to use a vibrant paint to but try and capture such a colorful character, or to use Mozart to compose a gentle symphony. At times she had a warrior Spirit, and if I could use Maya Angelou to pen the words that describe her, I could somehow transform it to art.

Daybreak Foxhill Day 1946 saw an excited, heavily pregnant young woman completing preparations to enjoy the day’s festivities when labor pains struck. This much anticipated newborn would be a first of firsts. Her parents’, Burke and Thomasina Bowe’s first child, the first grandchild and first Bowe grandchild of her grandparents Gerald Dean and Evelyn Sands, and Alfred and Charlotte Anita Bowe. She was also the first great grandchild of Bethsheba “Mama” Burrows.

Thomasina labored on into the night and the midwife feared a stillbirth because the baby was breached. In those times, men were kept away from the birthplace altogether but Tommy’s father, Gerald Dean, would not be moved from the area, pacing back and forth, throughout his daughter’s labor. Hearing that the baby would be a stillbirth, he despairingly started designing a coffin. Contrary to the expected outcome, the babe entered the world buttock first that night, becoming the first of twelve children. Mama, absolutely enthralled, would give her great granddaughter, named Anita Evelyn, a different nickname each day until “Midget” stuck.

My mother once again defied the odds when she became ill at around the age of six years old. Grandpa Bowe went to the hospital and demanded his grandchild, instantly (and not too politely). He carried her home to Granny, who nursed her back to health.

The passing of Grandpa Bowe was not the only change made within the Bowe household. Granny acquired new roommates: Anita and her “twin sister” Pamela. This not only ensured that Granny would always be taken care of but that she never had to be alone. In that year the pair switched schools from Southern Prep to Eastern Senior, enabling both to sit the entrance exam for Government High School, or what she lovingly referred to as “Thee GHS”. Anita loved to recall her very first day at school. This was quite the occasion for Grandpa Dean who had a Cadillac which he would clean, polish and shine from front to back so that his girls, (Anita, Pam and his daughter Sheila) could ride in style to school on that day. She would go on to become a part of the Class of ’64, after which, both Anita and Pamela entered the teaching profession. Anita was posted at Western Senior and Pamela at Claridge Road.

Anita was a 4th Generation Seventh Day Adventist, which of course was introduced to her by her mother, Thomasina “Tommy”, whose Great Grand Mother, Sister Marion Burrows was one of the founding members of Englerston Church in the 1940’s, relocating from Grant’s Town which she became a member of back in 1926. Another ten years (1950’s) witnessed more members from Grant’s Town SDA Church joining the fledgling Englerston Church-Sisters Marge Guillaumae, Pearl McMillain, and Evangeline Rolle who were hard workers who concentrated on the youth, including Anita and all her siblings, instilling disciplines which helped them to develop into nation builders. Anita loved attending Sabbath School and participated in all church events and was also very active in Pathfinders and was even promoted to Master Guides. She loved the Lord and her church.

Motherhood came upon Anita like the hurricane her one and only baby was born in. She named her Inez after the storm. She always bragged about how she absolutely fell in love with her baby girl, even though she swore and meant that she would never have another child, claiming that her labor pains made her go blind, dumb and half crazy. Whenever Inez would tease her about the broadness of her nose, Anita would always clap back with “Yeah, you talkin’ about my nose, but it’s your pa who cause this.” Anita and “her Nezzie” have been inseparable since her birth. My mother quit working to be a full-time mother and decided that Freeport would be the island of choice for raising me. It was not until 1979 that she came back to Nassau to once again join the work force.

Anita worked at the Department of Agriculture until she retired in 2011. Father time waits for no man. I noticed comprehension and memory lapses in my mom about five years ago, never dreaming that Alzheimer’s would take her from us so quickly. Sooner rather than later, this debilitating disease was aggressively attacking her brain and senses, compounded by Arthritis in her joints which ultimately left her bedridden. My mother, the warrior, grew wary of the battle, and God called her home.

THOUGHTS OF ADORATION, LOVE AND RESPECT

WILL FOREVER LINGER IN THE HEARTS OF

HER ONLY DAUGHTER: Cheryl Inez Minus

SIBLINGS: Janet Bowe, Jacqueline Cartwright, Ginger, Mark and Donnalee Bowe, Juliet Turnquest, Marcus, Allison and Renee Bowe, and Pamela Dean of Miami, Fl. (Mary), June Carey, and Greg Major

BROTHER-IN-LAW: David Turnquest

SISTERS-IN-LAW: Mary, Heather and Blanche Bowe

AUNTS AND UNCLES INCLUDING: Peter Bowe, Clement, Vernly, Beverley and Heskeith Dean, Valencia Harris, Holly, Rudy, Lester, and Mavis Dean, Sheila Culmer, Audrey Russell, Delores Delancey, Elaine Goodman, Sherry and Theresa Dean, Henry, Amos, Eddie, Precola, and Tomiko Dean, Theophilus and Eugene Dean, Wanda and Paulette Dean

NIECES AND NEPHEWS INCLUDING: Shayne Bowe(Michelle), Raquel and Kip Gibson, Daziano Cartwright (Danica), Dialo (Chereese), Dorian and Delano Cartwright, Denise Moss (Vincent), Demetria Johnson-Frith (Darieo), Kizzy, Burkee and Keano Bowe, Marcian, Sherman, and Markia and Miquie Lopez, Glenique Bowe, Nicolette Mckinney, Perez, and Sharad Bowe, Shenique Cunningham, Dekeil, Zakya, and Yalice Bowe, Lerdon Barr (Bruno), Lashay and Lasalle Thompson, and Lyndee Lopez, Keithera, Kelia, Kapry and Kasimm Kemp, Jakim, Kianja and Tavares Bowe, Azaria, Ayesha, Ashley and Alleyia Bowe, Dedrieann Smith, Elian (Dana), and Arnold Strachan, Patrick Burrows, Terrance, Terrez and Tevaughn (Vandera) Carey, Cecily and Nashwa

Major

CARE PROVIDER: Ms. April Robinson

COUSINS INCLUDING: Linda Brennen, Larry II, Katherine, Anaka, Alister and Vatoy Albury, Bernis

Brennen, Wayne, Tanisha, Quinton, Tishura and Tia

Brenne, Tennile Martin, Inza Wells Young and Bruce

Young, Kimberley Wallace, Syretta and Ewan Wells, Benjamin Brennen, Bernadette, Nadia, Guion, Dario, and Brandon Brennen, Carol and Jipcho Brennen, Brenda, Cameo, Keno and Kirdena Moss, Gardell and Psyche Brennen, Dr. Rodesia Wright, Louie Sweeting, Deon Meadows, Justin Sweeting, Gerald

Jr., Anthony, Jerel, Dwight, Jerron, Antoinne, Breon, and Andre Dean, Adrian and Andrea Dean, Webster Jr. Alonzo and Bernard Pratt, Vaughn Minnis, Bernadette, Eric and Ashley Dean, Tyreka, Vernley Jr.,Vernon and Verdrike Dean, Millie Moss, Clement, Gale and Clement Dean Jr., Ronnie, Chandria, Shayla, Christopher and Yolanda Dean, Karen, Jarrett and Winston Dean Jr., Lamanda, Tomesha Taylor (Vernal), Patrick Burrows Jr., Andrelle and Labridgette Burrows, Kim Butler, Shanelle Dean, Valynn HarrisStaple, Ronald, Arthur, Perry, Winston, Trevor, and Ronnise Seymour, and Eilean White, Peter and Craig Bowe, Pauline Edwards, the family of the late Theus Bain, family of the late Emma Bethel, Patrice, Lancelot, Faye, Jeffrey and Ivy Dean, Theresa Pinder, Rudolph Jr. and Mario Dean, Keith Rolle, Karen and Sharon Dean, Swayne, Harrison and Deisha Dean, Stacey, Lester Jr., Christen and Christopher

Dean, Derek Dean, Omar, Ashley and Delano Sands, Donnie and Dominic, Allison, Donovan, Kristina, Eddyka, Deana, Dede, and Richenda Dean, Caleb and Dwaine Johnson Jr., the family of the late Bruce Stanley Bethel

OTHER CLOSE RELATIVES AND FRIENDS

INCLUDING: Pete, Tiffany, Nicole, Eugene, Ashley, Hurricane, Greg, Devaughn, Cherie, Chevonne, Alexys and Anthony Kelly, Kay, Tony, Kalaina, and Kellie Trott, Alfreda and Theresa Saunders, Illiana, Leante, Maria, Lamara, Francina, Vanessa, Adrian, Granville, and Tanzania Smith, Juanita and Bridgett Gittens, Lester Barnes, Laureen Henfield, Jenniemae, Anthony, Samuel and Eric Goodman, Joan Swaby, Lawrence Lloyd and family, The Brennens of East Street, Ronald Collie and the family of Collie’s Barber Shop, Randolph Minnis and Family, Hillview Seventh Day Adventist Church Family, and the entire Quintine Alley Family.

ORDER of SERVICE

MUSICAL PRELUDE Ruby Ann Cooper-Darling

SEATING OF THE FAMILY OPENING REMARKS ...........................................................................................................................................................

CHORAL MEDITATION ........................................................................................................................ “Lilly of the Valley”

OUR FAMILY SONG

OPENING PRAYER

FRIST SCRIPTURE READING ............ Old Testament (Job 19:23-27) ................ Denise Bernier-Moss (Niece/God Daughter)

CONGREGATIONAL HYMN “And Can It Be”

And can it be that I should gain An int’rest in the Savior’s blood? Died He for me, who caused His pain? For me, who Him to death pursued? Amazing love! how can it be That Thou, my God, should die for me?

Amazing love! how can it be That Thou, my God, should die for me!

‘Tis mystery all! Th’Immortal dies! Who can explore His strange design? In vain the firstborn seraph tries To sound the depths of love divine! ‘Tis mercy all! let earth adore, Let angel minds inquire no more.

[Refrain]

He left His Father’s throne above, So free, so infinite His grace; Emptied Himself of all but love, And bled for Adam’s helpless race; ‘Tis mercy all, immense and free; For, O my God, it found out me. [Refrain]

Long my imprisoned spirit lay Fast bound in sin and nature’s night; Thine eye diffused a quick’ning ray, I woke, the dungeon flamed with light; My chains fell off, my heart was free; I rose, went forth and followed Thee.

[Refrain]

No condemnation now I dread; Jesus, and all in Him is mine! Alive in Him, my living Head, And clothed in righteousness divine, Bold I approach th’eternal throne, And claim the crown, through Christ my own.

[Refrain]

SECOND SCRIPTURE READING New Testament (1Thess. 4: 13-18)

Raquel Gibson (Niece)

MUSICAL SELECTION ..................................................................................................................................Allison Mason REFLECTIONS

MUSICAL

MUSICAL SELECTION ........................................................................................................... Samuel Rolle (Family Friend)

EULOGY ....................................................................................................................................................

Pastor Peter Joseph

PRAYER FOR THE FAMILY Bernard Pratt (Cousin)

Graveside SERVICE

OPENING PRAYER ...............................................................................................................................................................

SCRIPTURE ............................................................................................................................................................................

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

A glad day, a wonderful day

Glad day, a glorious day

There with all the holy angels and loved ones to stay

That will be a glad reunion day

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 God’s grace

That will be a glad reunion day

A glad day, a wonderful day

Glad day, a glorious day

There with all the holy angels and loved ones to stay That will be a glad reunion day

INTERMENT OF THE BODY ................................................................................................................

Pastor Peter Joseph

HYMN .............................................................................................................................................................. “City of Gold”

CLOSING REMARKS

VOTE OF THANKS

HYMN .............................................................................................................................................................. “Eastern Gate”

I will meet you in the morning, Just inside the Eastern Gate; Then be ready, faithful pilgrim, Lest with you it be too late.

I will meet you, I will meet you Just inside the Eastern Gate over there; I will meet you, I will meet you, I will meet you in the morning over there.

If you hasten off to glory, Linger near the Eastern Gate, For I’m coming in the morning; So you’ll not have long to wait.

Keep your lamps all trimmed and burning; For the Bridegroom watch and wait; He’ll be with us at the meeting

Just inside the Eastern Gate.

BENEDICTION ........................................................................................................................................

Pastor Peter Joseph

Anita’s Story

BY PAMELA DEAN

Anita Evelyn Bowe, the first child of Thomasina and Burke Bowe and first Grand Child of Evelyn Sands, Gerald Dean, Alfred Bowe and Grandmother Anita Bowe, was affectionately called Midget by her maternal great-grandmother, Marian Burrows Goodman. It is said that she was so tiny at birth, that she was carried on a pillow, hence the nickname, “Midget.”

Anita was the eldest sister of 11 siblings: Janet, Jackie, Ginger, Burke, Mark, Glen, Donna-lee, Juliet, Marcus, Alison and Renee, and she was respected by each of them in that role. Not only was she their sister, but she was also their surrogate mother at times. She was their teacher and confidant.

“Midget” had an older sister name Pam and an older brother named Heskeith. Anita and Pam (three months apart in age), her best friend, sister, and aunt were inseparable as children. They did everything together and went everywhere together and even dressed alike.

Her mother, Tommy took Pam with her every morning and returned her to her mom every night thus forging a lifetime bond for the twins. Only after being drilled by the employees of a grocery store in the neighbor at the age of six did, they realize they were not truly twins.

The twin adventures included grocery shopping, school, banking and church, where Anita was involved in many organizations including Dorcus, pathfinders and the church choir. She had a nice voice. Her favorite hymn was Lead me to Calvary. She would cry every time she sang that song. Recently while bed ridden, she sang that song and cried for her sisters Renee and Pam.

Midget and Pam moved from Englerston to live with her maternal grandmother after the death of her grandfather. While there they were there, they transferred to Eastern Senior school where they were tested and accepted into Government High School (GHS).

Anita was very mischievous, talented and innovative. One day while walking from Nassau Court to the Western Fort for

physical education (PE), Anita was caught in a sea grape tree by her PE teacher. Her punishment was walking in the front of the teacher’s car for a couple of weeks while the teacher drove behind. Anita made sure to take her time. Traffic was very slow during those hours. After GHS, Anita became a teacher. She later became an officer at the department of Agriculture.

On occasion, Anita worked as a carpenter. One day, someone incorrectly hung the front door. Turns out the door was too long. Anita, took the door off the hinges, sawed the bottom and reinstalled it. She later decided that she need a clothes closet in her bedroom. She went outside, found some wood and built and installed her clothes closet. Anita was a lover of all children, but especially those in her family.

As an infant, her cousin Brendalee was her joy. She would ride from East Street to Rupert Dean Lane on her bicycle with Brendalee in tow hanging from the handlebars in a straw basket. Anita was extremely close to her family, but she had several friends. Nora Brown, Joyce Rolle, Ernistine Roberts, Francita Bowe, Carolyn Edcombe and Persis Blyden were all important to her.

God promised never to put more on her than she could bare. She was faithful to Him until death. We are thankful for the time and the love she showed her family.

Anita was one of a kind, we will meet you on that resurrection morning.

Where and how does one even begin

to put into words the memories and tributes to a person like her…this isn’t easy and it’s not fun! First of all, I know she isn’t gonna be happy with this but hey it was OUR thing, but I refuse and still do call her Anita cause from the time I knew myself I knew her as MIDGET, and to call her anything else didn’t seem right. To me, I think I’m the only person she would even answer when I did! Midget was my aunt, she was my mother, my kids’ godmother, grand aunt and great grandmother. She was always there no matter the time or event for me and my kids. When you were around her it was never a dull moment from her. Teaching us in younger years how to do that famous how to do that famous dance to her and my mom’s famous shopping trips where if she found something priced wrong or a good buy all you hear through the store is, “Ohhhhhhh Ju Ju Ju, we gat them!” After that you could assure them that shelf was cleaned and whatever it was they was supposed to get, buddy they got that another time, and those Christmas gifts…we always knew if anybody never got you a gift, Midget did-panties for the girls and jockeys for the boys, and if she felt like doing a little extra it was a pair of those famous pajamas sets. Midget no matter what always found the time to be there from graduations to birthdays, you could count in her to be there, always. I remember times when I had to go to the hospital to see my baby Naliah in the NICU Unit, and the day the doctors greeted me at the

Jodi’s TRIBUTE:

My fondest memory of my auntie would be during the holidays and special events when she would cook and bake. She would spend hours and hours cooking up the most beautiful spreads to make sure everyone enjoyed their dinner. She also babysat my cousins and I whenever it was necessary, making sure we weren’t running up and down in the house because “in here is not a playground”. She always tried to be there for the special moments, big or small. I’m glad she is at rest and at peace now, but I will always appreciate the love and dedication that my auntie devoted to her family.

door and said to save her sight she needed immediate surgery. The hospital didn’t have the drops they needed so we drove from one pharmacy to another trying to find it. Midget said, “hold on let me pray”. I’m driving all stressed and she’s praying, but by the time I turned that corner back to that hospital, giving up all hope, she said, “let’s go ask them one more time if they were sure they didn’t have any”. The nurse from the eye wing walks out and says ,”we found just enough here fir her eye surgery”. If nothing else that day, she proved to me how powerful prayer really is, and if she never did anything else, she would remind you that she was always praying for her nieces and nephews. Saying goodbye or even Rest In Peace is hard, so I will say until we meet again Midget I’ll be content and happy remembering the times we shared.

YOUR NIECE KELIA

Amara’s TRIBUTE:

My Aunt Anita, My memories of you are few, but there are a few that stand out to me particularly. I remember the times I would come in the room to comfort you. You would call me your daughter, and I’ll cherish those moments forever. Though the time was short, it was loving. Remembering you always, AMARA.

Naliah’s TRIBUTE:

My fondest memory of Midget is when we would watch Family Feud. Whenever the contestants gave a bad answer, she’d call them idiots.

Memories oh memories how they linger.

I have so many memories of my aunt Midget but the time is limited. I remember her being there for the birth of my children, present and correct, the Sunday shopping, the family trips. The more memorable ones would be the final months of your life, the conversations, the baths and the twerks. You held strong like the regal queen that you are. I rejoice now knowing that you are at peace. Take your rest and know that you are loved.

YOUR NIECE KERA

Sylvie’s TRIBUTE:

I’ll always remember my godmother and auntie as a caring person. She would babysit and care for me. In the mornings before school, she would fix my hair for me and make sure I went to school looking perfectly neat. At Christmas time, she decorated the entire house, and I could only imagine the amount of work it took. She made the place look so festive with two Christmas trees and ornaments in every corner. On top of that, she would prepare the very best guava duff for us. Whenever I had an event, she ensured that she was there to support me. I will always appreciate the time we spent together and the lessons she taught me as an authority figure. Rest in peace, auntie.

Dedrieann’s TRIBUTE:

Since we received word that Anita passed, it seems as if nature has been sad. It has been cloudy, rainy, stormy, and people’s homes have been flooded. I think it has something to do with how we feel on the inside. We’re sad and going through the storms and battles of missing Anita. I’m happy to say these storms won’t last forever. First of all, we have the precious memories that she has left with us. The memories we each share of her. I can remember my early memories of my fascination with Anita’s nails as she would do my hair, perm Renee’s hair, style someone’s hair or just put her hands on Inez’s shoulder. I can just see those long, elegant nails right now that I wanted so badly. I can reflect on when she wanted me to be a reader. Renee, Anita, Mom, Esther…everyone liked

to read. They were all readers, but I wouldn’t become a part of that team. She would offer me many books to develop a love for reading. Honestly, she didn’t convince me to develop that love for reading, but she gave me that ability to learn my Sabbath school lesson. I’m grateful for the little and big things she left with us. She was a woman of elegance, and she left that elegance with us. She once told me “you can be sad, but be classy”. I’m gonna try for her sake this week to be classy, but if I mess up, Inez, don’t hold it against me. When Jesus returns, we are going to have the greatest reunion in eternity with all our family members who have gone on before. God is able, and there is nothing He cannot do.

Honorary Pall Bearers