A Butler

“If we live, we live for the Lord; and if we die, we die for the Lord. So, whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord.”

Romans 14:8 JANUARY 27, 1972 - FEBRUARY 10TH, 2024

A C E L E B R AT I O N & T H A N K S G I V I N G S E RV I C E FOR THE LIFE OF

To Earth: January 27th, 1972 To Glory: February 10th, 2024 Age: 52 Years Service Held At

CHURCH OF GOD OF PROPHECY East Street Tabernacle Nassau, N.P., The Bahamas

SATURDAY, MARCH 2ND, 2024 AT 10:00 A.M. Officiating: Bishop Hulan A. Hanna Senior Pastor, C.O.G.O.P. East Street Bishop Dr. Woodley C. Thompson Associate Pastor, C.O.G.O.P. East Street Assisted By: Bishop Dr. J. Carl Rahming Organist: Sis. Louise Simmons Keyboardist: Revaughn Simmons There will be no graveside service

R.I.P. “Though You May Be Gone, Your Love And Light Will Never Fade.

Rest Peacefully.”

Arthurita MICHELLE SMITH-BUTLER

“We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord.”

2 Corinthians 5:8

A Miraculous Arrival and Cherished Beginnings

Arthurita Michelle Butler was born 27 January 1972, the fifth child of Clarence and Louise Smith. She was considered the miracle child, as Louise received a medical procedure to prevent another pregnancy after multiple miscarriages but Arthurita was determined to be a part of this world. Arthurita was affectionately called “DeDa” by her 18-month-old sister the day she was brought home because she couldn’t pronounce Arthurita.

A TRAILBLAZING JOURNEY: From Academic Excellence to Hotel Industry Leadership

Arthurita excelled from the moment she was born, she talked and walked quickly, ready to be heard and be a part of the lives of her older siblings. She didn’t like attending school but excelled with no effort, and competed academically with her sister Patti, which was not difficult. She was a prefect at C. I Gibson Jr. and R.M. Bailey Sr. and received the highest GPA award at both schools. Arthurita believed in hard work, and at one point she worked three jobs to provide for her family, as she was determined to take care of her deceased sister’s daughter Felisha Higgs. One day in 1991, she drove by a construction site on Paradise Island and told her family members she would work at that hotel, she was successful with over 500 applicants and became one of their first Front Desk Clerks. She loved the Hotel industry and was determined to learn everything about it. Eventually, she rose to the position of General Manager. She served on the Board of The

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and Arthurita were married in 2005 and were blessed with their beautiful daughter Kaitlyn in 2009 and her darling son Henry in 2012. After the birth of Henry IV, Henry and Arthurita decided that she would stay home with the children and focus on being their mother and his wife, while he focused on their business, TAB. As much as she loved working, she appreciated the family God gave her.

CHAMPIONING FAMILY BONDS: A Devoted Mother, Wife, and Mentor

Bahamas Hotel Association, contributed to the weekly feature in the Nassau Guardian called “Tourism Champions”, volunteered as part of the 2011 BHA Educators Industry Internship, and won multiple awards from Choice Hotels International. She obtained her Bachelor’s Degree in Business, with a minor in Hospitality, and was a part of the honorees at the 2011 Comfort Suites 20th Anniversary. At the award ceremony Bill Clegg, Regional Vice President, of Brand Performance and Programs for Choice Hotels International, saluted Arthurita on her 20-year anniversary with the hotel and for championing environmental issues in the Bahamas, he declared Arthurita “as a rising star and her visionary approach to environmental management has inspired many, including the numerous visitors.”

A LOVE STORY: Building a Family and Embracing Domestic Bliss

It was at Comfort Suites, Paradise Island where she met the love of her life Henry Butler III, she told her sister, be careful what you ask for, cause you just might get it, because she prayed for a relationship as close as her and her sister; she got it. Henry

Arthurita enjoyed motherhood and was determined to excel at being a mother and a wife. She wanted to be just a call away when her husband or children needed her. She encouraged her niece and children to have a balanced life, join a club, or sports team, participate in pageants, whatever it is, if you love it, do it, nice balance to school work, “you have to do something” she said often. She attended every practice, school play, guide meeting, and wanted to see all the videos of Laila’s races so she, Henry and the kids could cheer from home. She loved sports, and enjoyed watching basketball, and soccer games with her family, especially because lil Henry loved it so much and especially track & field a bond she and Kaitlyn shared and during big track events, Big Henry would call all day to get the highlights, Arthurita and Patti often bragged about their track successes and Arthurita would always provide unsolicited coaching tips, which was just a sentiment to her giving spirit.

A SUDDEN FAREWELL: Embracing Independence and the Final Moments

Arthurita was admitted to hospital on 13th January 2024, after falling in the tub. She spent 10 days in Hospital, released on 23 January, right in time to spend her birthday at home. She was excited to gain her independence, such as driving and called Patti on the 9th February to have lunch at their spot. The two sat for three hours just talking as usual, Arthurita even tricked Patti into delivering buns to coach for the track meet that would occur the following day, little did Patti know that would be their last lunch, their last conversation. The following morning after saying goodbye to her husband, and asking her son if he wanted to return to bed, Arthurita fell out at 6:50 am and the paramedics pronounced she had passed on at 7:20 am - absent from the body, present with the Lord. To God be the Glory.

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Arthurita was predeceased by: her SISTER: Jessica Smith and FATHER-IN-LAW: Henry “Boy” Butler

Left to cherish her legacy:

HUSBAND: Henry Alfred Butler III

DAUGHTER: Kaitlyn Annie Patricia Butler.

SON: Henry Alfred Butler IV. PARENTS: Clarence & Louise Smith.

SISTERS: Melissa Smith and Alexaine (Patti) Smith, BROTHER: Peter Douglas.

MOTHER-IN-LAW: Annamae Butler-Ferguson.

SISTERS-IN-LAW: Gabrielle Douglas, Christine & Ria C. Butler and Annette (Alverro) Morris.

BROTHERS-IN-LAW: Henry Sean (Alexandra) Butler and Michael (Lineka) Butler.

GOD CHILDREN: Seante Rahming, Justin & Jayden Alcy.

NIECES: Felisha Higgs, Cara (Taige) Adderley, Ginger (Jacoy) Minnis, Crystal Gilbert, Catherine (Olando) Riley, Cristina Smith, Laila Arthurita Cleare, Ramiyah Newbold, Anneja Sands, Janette McKenzie and Veronique Morris, Tanisha Farrington, Sha’nae & Keyanna Butler, Kyla and K’lynn Carter.

NEPHEWS: Adam (Annie) Douglas, Marcus Kelly, Oral H. Newbold Jr., Michael Jr. and Mateo Butler, Damien Brown, Henry Butler, Tyrese and Terquan Farrington.

AUNTS & UNCLES: Annis Smith, Lydia Smith, Marina Gibson, Millicent Smith-Wright, Arnold Simms, Cyril Simms, Albert Simms, Franklyn Stuart, Deacon Livingston Smith, Israel Clark, Hurbert Clark.

COUSINS: Marion Smith, Sandra Smith, Phillip Smith, Stephen Smith, Cheryl, Gertrude, Nadia, Elaine Simms & Family, Andrea, Sharon, Cerell Simms & Family, Sherry Stuart, Patricia Sawyer, Benjamin (BJ) Simms, Shenique, Dwayne, Christina, Coleen, Gina, Kevin, Jarvis, Shelly, Minister Desmond Williams, Stacy and Jennifer Williams, Jenice Russell, Eurydice Infanti.

AUNTS & UNCLES IN-LAW: Dorothy Coakley; Minister Evangeline (Bishop Dr. J. Carl) Rahming; Duchess Rolle; Minister Alda (Clinton) Williams; Ann Johnson; Princess (John) Blyden; Linda (Mark) Turnquest; Dr. Reginald (Mattie) Butler; Jenniemae Rolle, Patricia Johnson, Fredamae (Troy) Grant, Cynthia Johnson, Valerie Johnson, Christine Hanna, Olive Hanna and Althea Hanna; Wilfred Hanna and Joseph Johnson; Franklyn Hanna.

COUSINS IN-LAW: Donna (Erin) Adderley & Family; Tanya (Michael) Wright & Family; Simone Coakley & Family; Sandra

(Wayne) Ramocan & Family; Min. Lolita (Rev. George) Bodie & Family; Kimberly (Wilver) Deleveaux & Family; Carla Leggett & Family; Carl (Kym) Rahming & Family; Senator the Honorable Reuben (Natasha) Rahming & Family; Peter (Wendy) Butler & Family; Monique (Mervyn) Major & Family; Patuel (Charmille) Hart & Family; Samantha Hart & Family; Precious, Clintoya & Clintinique Williams & Family; Alexander (Cassie) Butler & Family; Antonio and Royann Johnson & Family; Johnneice, Percy and Prince Blyden & Family; Krystle (Hulan Jr.) Hanna & Family; L’mar and Kyle Turnquest & Family; Mark (Lakeisha) Turnquest & Family, Alfred (Mitzi) Butler & Family.

OTHER RELATIVES AND FRIENDS: Andrea Moxey & Family, Gina Sweeting & Family, Peter McPhee & Family, Anna Knowles & Family, Karen Pratt & Family, Wayne Johnson & Family, Thompson-Knowles Family, Johnson-Knowles Family, Bethel Family, Wayne and Douglas Wells & Family, Perpall Family, Coach Fraiser & Family, Maurice (Flossy) Alcy & Family, Ms. Shelly Daisy & Family, Crispin Cleare & Family, Mr. Frankie Hanna & Family, The Coakleys of Lewis Street, Rahming, Rolle, Johnson, Williams, Blyden and Turnquest Family, The Hanna Family, The Smith Family, Kenyatta Taylor & Family, Angela Phillips & Family, Viola Major & Family, Mancer Roberts & Family, Deidre Barry & Family, Lionel Rolle & Family, Samuel Hart & Family, Lolamae Rolle & Family, Bacchus Rolle & Family, Theus Fountain & Family, Christopher Plakaris & Family, Brian and Ellen Serville & Family, Shaka Serville & Family, The Church of God of Prophecy Family, including: Bishop Hulan A. and Sis. Valerie Hanna & Family, Pastors, Ministers and Members of the C.O.G.O.P. East Street Tabernacle, Bishop Dr. Woodley C. and Sis. Verneque Thompson & Family, National Bishop - Bishop Dr. Franklin and Min. Dr. Rovena Ferguson & Family, Bishop Elgarnet B. Rahming & Family, Bishop Brice H. and Sis. Advira Thompson & Family, (late) Bishop Cephas Ferguson Family, Bishop Maurice and Sis. Annavee Simms & Family, Sis. Oralee Whylly & Family, Sis. Jennie Deleveaux & Family, Mr. Livingston & Min. Sharon Deveaux & Family, Sis. Pamela Newbold & Family, Dr. Barbara F. Williams & Family, Aunt Mable Higgs & Family, Rowena Taylor & Family, Evang. Kim Saunders & Family, Kevin and Min. Patrice Bain & Family, Dec. Fritz & Min. Janet Grant & Family, Dec. Herman & Nora McClain & Family, Sis. Dedrianna Bain & Family, The TAB Therapy Family, Mrs. Sylvia Beneby (QC Primary School Principal) & Family, Mrs. Shawn Turnquest (QC High School Principal) & Family, The Queen’s College Family, Barracuda Club Family, The Boys Scouts Family, The RM Bailey Family, The C.I. Gibson Family, The Comfort Suites Family, The Bahamas Hotel Association Family and Yamacraw Beach Estates Family.

***The family of the late Arthurita M. Smith-Butler sincerely apologizes if your name was inadvertently omitted from her obituary.

We acknowledge your friendship and thank you for your prayerful support during our time of bereavement.

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ELEANOR HUYLER DEVEAUX - MILLER

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O R D E R O F S E RV I C E Moderator: Bishop Dr. Woodley C. Thompson PRE-SERVICE..................................................................................................................................East Street Praise & Worship Team ENTRANCE & VIEWING BY FAMILY......................................................................................................... Kenyatta Taylor (Soloist) OPENING REMARKS......................................................................................................................................................... Moderator OPENING HYMN.................................................................................................................................................... “Trust and Obey” 1 When we walk with the Lord in the light of his word, what a glory he sheds on our way!

While we do his good will, he abides with us still, and with all who will trust and obey. [Refrain]

3 But we never can prove the delights of his love until all on the altar we lay; for the favor he shows, for the joy he bestows, are for them who will trust and obey. [Refrain]

Refrain: Trust and obey, for there’s no other way to be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey.

4 Then in fellowship sweet we will sit at his feet, or we’ll walk by his side in the way; what he says we will do, where he sends we will go; never fear, only trust and obey. [Refrain]

2 Not a burden we bear, not a sorrow we share, but our toil he doth richly repay; not a grief or a loss, not a frown or a cross, but is blest if we trust and obey. [Refrain]

OPENING PRAYER......................................................................................................... .Min. Janet Grant (Women’s Ministry Leader) 1ST SCRIPTURE READING................................ 1 Cor. 15:50-58.............................................................Ramiyah Newbold (Niece) TRIBUTE (3 minutes each)..........................................................................................................................Alexine (Patti) Smith (Sister) Henry Butler IV (Son) Kaitlyn Butler (Daughter) Laila Arthurita Cleare (Niece) CONGREGATIONAL HYMN.............................................................................................................“When We All Get to Heaven” 1 Sing the wondrous love of Jesus, Sing His mercy and His grace; In the mansions bright and blessed He’ll prepare for us a place. [Refrain] Refrain: When we all get to heaven, what a day of rejoicing that will be!

When we all see Jesus, we’ll sing and shout the victory!

3 Let us then be true and faithful, Trusting, serving ev’ry day; Just one glimpse of Him in glory Will the toils of life repay. [Refrain] 4 Onward to the prize before us!

Soon His beauty we’ll behold; Soon the pearly gates will open– We shall tread the streets of gold. [Refrain]

2 While we walk the pilgrim pathway Clouds will overspread the sky; But when trav’ling days are over Not a shadow, not a sigh. [Refrain] A RT H U R I TA M I C H E L L E S M I T H - B U T L E R

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OBITUARY......................................................................................................................................................... To Be Read In Silence CONDOLENCE (3 minutes)..........................................................................................................................................Sis. Karen Pratt DUET.............................................................. “Great Is Thy Faithfulness”....................John & Prince Blyden (Uncle & Cousin-in-law) REFLECTIONS (3 minutes each)........................................................................................................................Andrea Moxey (Friend) Gina Sweeting (Friend) SOLO.......................................................................“Walk With Me”.................................................................Marion Smith (Cousin) 2nd Scripture Reading...............................................2 Timothy 4:6-8...................................................................Cara Adderley (Niece) EULOGY..........................................................................................................................................................Bishop Hulan A. Hanna PRAYER FOR THE FAMILY..................................................................................................................... Bishop Dr. J. Carl Rahming COMMITTAL..................................................................................................................................................Bishop Hulan A. Hanna RECESSIONAL HYMN....................................................................................................................... “Blessed Jesus Hold My Hand” 1 As I travel through this pilgrim land There is a friend who walks with me Leads me safely through the sinking sand It is the Christ at Calvary.

This would be my prayer dear Lord each day.

To help me do the best I can For I need Thy light to guide me day and night, Blessed Jesus hold my hand. [Refrain] Refrain: Jesus hold my hand I need thee every hour Through this pilgrim land Protect me by thy power.

Hear my feeble plea O Lord look down on me When I kneel in prayer I hope to meet you there Blessed Jesus hold my hand.

3 Jesus, hold my hand, I need Thee every hour, Thru this pilgrim land, Protect me by Thy power; Hear my feeble plea, O Lord, look down on me, When I kneel in pray’r I hope to meet You there, Blessed Jesus, hold my hand. [Refrain] 4 When I wander thru the valley dim Toward the setting of the sun, Lead me safely to a land of rest If I a crown of life have won; I have put my faith in Thee, dear Lord, That I may reach the golden strand, There’s no other friend on whom I can depend, Blessed Jesus, hold my hand. [Refrain]

2 Let me travel in the light divine That I may see the blessed way Keep me that I may be wholly Thine And sing redemption’s song some day I will be a soldier brave and true And ever firmly take a stand As I onward go and daily meet the foe Blessed Jesus hold my hand. [Refrain] There will be a repass at The Butler’s Residence - Fox Hill Road South.

Directions: Head South on Fox Hill Road passing Fox Hill Prison and then passing Johnson’s Barber Shop.

Continue until you reach the end of Fox Hill Road (Opposite Hanna Road).

The house is on the left, green trimmed with white.

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T R I B U T E TO

My Mother

A

rthurita Michelle Smith-Butler was many things, she was my mother, a wife, a friend, a sister, a daughter, and an aunt. We all shared so many special moments with her and I’m so grateful for this opportunity for us to come together to celebrate her life, and mourn her death.

Mommy, my best friend, my person, my everything. She truly was an amazing person. I’m not just saying this because she is my mother but because she cared and loved everyone. She wanted to help people, and she wanted peace for everyone.

She had so many plans for her life, her children, her husband, for TAB etc. I hope that I will be at least half of the woman she was and maybe even fulfill some of her plans through my life.

This death was something I don’t think I was, or ever will be prepared for but Mommy taught me the things I needed for life, she told me what she wanted for me and I’m not lost because she truly raised us to be good kids, good people. She truly was the perfect mother or at least tried her best.

We had a very deep connection that only we understood. We shared many important and even silly conversations, we talked about everything. She shared her

thoughts, hopes, dreams, even her concerns for life with me and I shared mine with her. No one will ever take her place as my person to talk to but I know and she knows that I have support and I have people to talk to in these tough times and I am grateful for them.

I know she trusted God through everything. I know she lets God’s will be done in her life and so will I. Some people question their faith, question God during this kind of struggle but I will not, I do not.

My faith is stronger than ever because of the person she was, the person who I got the extraordinary opportunity to call my mother, my best friend, my everything, my person, my therapist, my precious, my angel, my love, my mommy.

I love you and today I officially say goodbye to you physically but you are more than alive in my heart and you will always be, I will keep your memory and live it on. I will look out for Henry and daddy and once again I love you so much, my love.

I’ll miss you forever and ever. thank you for everything you’ve done for me, even though I’m not ready to say this, goodbye Mommy from your little troopers as you used to call us.

Kaitlyn A. P. Butler

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T R I B U T E TO

M

My Mother

y mother was a hard-working, kind and smart woman. Anything I needed she was there. I can remember the good times and the not-so-good times even when she got mad at me for not studying at the end of the day she was my mother.

I can also remember that morning she passed, she asked me if I wanted to hang out with her. I said no, that is probably my biggest regret ever. Some nights I imagine her coming to my room saying goodnight and I would feel happy. As I say my final goodbyes I want her to know that I love her from across the universe and back. Goodbye and I hope to see you on the other side when I go. May your soul rest in peace forever.

Henry A. Butler IV

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T R I B U T E TO

A

My Auntie

untie Dee, you were my auntie, my sister, my mother, when I didn’t know what was going on. My biological mother was taken away from me, and you and Auntie Pattie were the ones there for me. You were the one that never gave up on me even when I gave up on myself. You understood me when no one else did.

Time has helped me to understand what was happening and maturity pulled us together as a family. God

gave you a fingerprint that no one else has, so I want you to know you left an imprint on my life that no else can.

You always kept me in your prayers, always told me to take care of Marcus, to be the best mother. Now that you are gone, continue to watch over me and Marcus. Kiki Loves you. R.I.P Auntie Dee

Felisha Higgs

T R I B U T E TO

W

My Auntie

hen my mom told me at 3am Sunday of your passing, I was so sad, and angry, “why was I just told” but you would have it no other way, “don’t mess up Lailu’s mental before an event.” Just seeing others laugh that day made me so upset, “what is so funny, why aren’t you grieving?” But I am reminded of Isaiah 57, that death should not be looked at as a bad thing, for when the righteous pass they walk into their peace, they are at rest.

Auntie Dee, you meant so much to me, you were more than my Aunt, you were a friend, big supporter of everything I did, a fan, a mother. I can still remember the times I would call you the moment my mom did or said something to me that I didn’t like, the feeling of contentment,

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support and relief I would get when I hear you sternly tell her she was wrong. It’s so hard for me to accept you are gone because your presence in my life was so strong. I hear your guidance during my track events, you encourage me to read my bible, and in moments of frustration, you comfort me with your reassurance.

I wish I could express to you personally once again my gratitude for your motherly impact and relentless encouragement, and thank you for always being there for my mom, she cherishes you more than words can say. Auntie Dee we will be alright and we know you are at peace.

LOVE YOU!

Laila “LaiLu”

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T R I B U T E TO M Y

Daughter-in-law

A

rthurita, you were truly a gift from God. When you came into our family, over the years our love became stronger and stronger. We had a very good relationship to the point where I cannot even remember if we ever said anything to hurt each other.

If there was a situation, you gave your input while remaining very peaceful.

When you were in the hospital and I went to see you, we prayed. After which, you told me that whatever is the Will of the

Lord, you will accept it. You also told me that you had an encounter with the Lord and as a result, you would never be the same. You said that if He allowed you to come out, you would be more loving and more peaceful. Arthurita, thank you for caring for my son Henry III, and my grandchildren Kaitlyn and Henry IV. It is truly hard to say goodbye.

Love Grammie Annamae

Sister’s T R I B U T E

A

rthurita Michelle Smith-Butler, my sister, my mother, my cooler, my best friend. Arthurita, affectionately called DeDa, and to others Auntie Dee, was an introvert, but her love and presence in our family’s life was loud and outgoing. She was never selfish with her love and expressed it continuously. Always wanting to celebrate an occasion with ice cream and cake, and always cheered you on in your accomplishments and never bragged about her own. Arthurita loved her family especially her two beautiful children that she lived and breathed for. She would talk endlessly about what Kaithlyn and Henry were doing, always wanting to know what “Lailu” was up to. When she went into hospital I prayed continuously for her recovery because I couldn’t lose the person I spoke to every morning, a mother of two small children that needed her, a busy and loving wife, but while in

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hospital she reminded me, “Patti, I’m no different than anyone else here, and I may not make it” she made me promise to take care of her children, and she spoke earnestly about her parents, giving instructions for Henry; always thinking of others. In loving memory of my sister, who touched my life with all her warmth and kindness, and who has left a legacy of love, laughter, and so many cherished memories, live your life in love for others, cherish your friends and family, as she did. And as I say goodbye to MY SISTER, may her spirit rest in peace, and to all of you may the memories of her enduring love bring comfort and peace to your grieving hearts, as it has done for mine.

Goodbye DeDa, I love you so so much!

Patti

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PALLBEARERS PETER BUTLER CARL RAHMING JR. MARK TURNQUEST JR. ALEXANDER BUTLER

PATUEL HART ANTONIO JOHNSON PERCY BLYDEN MARCUS LEONTE KELLY

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS We, the family of the late Athurita M. Smith-Butler, wish to extend our sincerest appreciation to those who visited, called, sent floral arrangements or held us up in prayer. Your thoughtfulness during our time of bereavement is truly appreciated. We ask that you continue to lift our family up in prayer. that God in His infinite wisdom will shine His grace upon us as we continue the healing process. Our hearts will be forever enriched by your love and concern.

May God continue to bless you all.

The Family