C Wilson

CELEBRATION OF LIFE & THANKSGIVING of EVANGELIST

Carolie LeGORIA WILSON

THE HISTORIC BETHEL BAPTIST CHURCH

Meeting Street, New Providence, The Bahamas

SATURDAY MAY 28, 2022 AT 11:00 AM

Officiating Rev. DeWitt Hutcheson

Moderator

Rev. Lavette McFall

Assisted By Associate Minister of Bethel Baptist Church & Other Ministers of the Gospel

Organist

Jeno Smith

Keyboardist

Philip Rolle

Interment

The Historic Bethel Baptist Church Cemetery Meeting Street

Carolie LeGORIA WILSON

The Beginning:

It was amid many world events in March 1943, nestled in the settlement of The Bight in the sun-bathed island of Providenciales in the Turks and Caicos Islands; where this beautiful baby girl was born and christened as Carolie LeGoria Delancy. Her parents Albert and Corean welcomed her as their third child following her two older sisters Daisy and Olive (pre-deceased). The stern, loving and Christian environment in the home fostered a strong foundation that molded Carolie into the treasure she became to many. Carolie, Aunty Caddy, Gran, G-Gran, Grammy Wilson, Mom, Aunty and Sister Wil were some of the names her closest loved ones knew her by.

Her Formative Years, Education & Employment:

The Delancy family had a strong connection with the risen Lord, and this was evident in how Carolie lived her life, loving everyone with the love of Christ. She was charismatic and possessed a larger-than-life personality, knowing her God can do “All things”. As simple as calling her home, before saying hello she would say “Praise the Lord”.

As an infant Carolie relocated to the Islands of The Bahamas with her parents, the family settled on New Providence, while other families making that same journey from the Turks & Caicos Islands continued on to Grand Bahama. Carolie attended the Woodcock Primary School and later went on to Our Lady’s Catholic School. The Delancy family decided to leave Nassau and set out for Pineridge, Grand Bahama where they joined other family members in the Pineridge community who are still residing there today. While in Grand

Bahama, Carolie furthered her education at the Pineridge All Age School under the tutorship of Mr. H. W. Campbell.

Upon completing school with her Leaving Certificate, the family returned to Nassau and Carolie furthered her formal education by enrolling at the Dundas Civic Centre, receiving a Certificate for Domestic Work. After completing her formal education, she began her employment journey working as a Sales Clerk for a total of 10 years at G. R. Sweeting Department Store and Elegant Fashions; both in Nassau, then Callahan Variety Store in Freeport, Grand Bahama.

Carolie being the driving force she is and always seeking to make better of what God has given her, sought employment with Star Insurance in the early 1970s, where she became the very first female Manageress after being with the company for 2 years

and 10 months. Carolie’s dedication and determination to excel at everything she did, would lead to her eventually became one of the top agents in the country, making the million-dollar round table on numerous occasions and receiving numerous awards in this regard. After being the success she was, while making a name for herself, another insurance company pursued her and ultimately was successful in their pursuit on their 5th attempt. In the early1990s, she parted ways with Star Insurance and joined the British American Insurance Company Limited where she remained until full retirement. While at British American she continued her pursuit of excellence, also competing among the country’s top agents and receiving numerous accolades for her outstanding performance. In an effort to reward Carolie for her outstanding performance as well as the legacy she left behind at British American through the decades she contributed to the company and insurance industry, a street was name in her honour, Carolie Wilson Court.

Affectionately called Ma by her older grandchildren, she realized the name didn’t suit her youthful progression and thus had a meeting with her grandchildren to discuss that moving forward, she was to be called “Gran”. Always well poised and well-dressed she carried herself with grace and vigor. She passed on the same values that molded her in life to her children and prepared to leave a legacy. She used her life’s lessons to instruct her children, grandchildren, nieces, and nephews and never forgot to include “if it hadn’t been for the Lord on her side, where would she be?”

Gran was a trailblazer in her right, following in the legacy of her parents, gathering assets to make certain her family would always have provisions. She was well traveled and would often take trips with her insurance group, taking her children with her and would also travel with the church annually for the PNB Conferences.

Her Commitment to God and Country:

Sister Wil had a close relationship with God and was saved at the age of 19, as a result of this she was ordained, at the age of 24, as the youngest Evangelist at Bethel Baptist Church in 1959, by the late Reverend H.W. Brown. She was a part of several mission groups, traveling with her sister Olive (pre-deceased) and the Solomon’s Porch Prayer Band to share the word of God around the country. The sisters became instrumental in the establishment of the Five Porches Ministry which has blossomed today into a regular congregation. Sister Wil had a strong commitment to the Lord through her church and had a deep love for ministry. She was a commissioned Evangelist and served with the Senior Choir, Senior Saints, Women’s Fellowship, Council Board, Dorcas Willing Worker (past) and was a Prayer Counsellor. She loved her Pastor Timothy Stewart (pre-deceased) and would often refer to him as her “Pasteur.” She supported the church in every way and was known and loved by all.

Sister Wil had a zeal for life and was very diverse in her daily living, she was a freedom fighter and joined the ranks of individuals who would become leaders in our country through her membership in the Progressive Liberal Party. A strong personality and one of sound character; she led many to join the organization with her and was heavily involved in securing the victory for her party through her constituency involvement. She was a force within the Progressive Liberal Party and served in numerous capacities thus achieving the rank of Party Stalwart (the party’s most powerful body outside of its convention). Although she was committed to her party, she was a proud Bahamian and always talked of God’s blessings on our little nation and prayed without ceasing for his covering on us as a nation and people.

Her Life and Love:

On one of her many walks home from attending the Dundas Civic Centre; Carolie met her a debonair darkskinned gentleman, a police officer named Hollin George Wilson. The late Hollin George Wilson captured her heart, quickly became the love of her life and the couple united in holy matrimony on November 15, 1959, at Zion Baptist Church. This union led to many years of marital bliss, as Carolie would become a proud wife to Hollin, to whom she remained faithful until his demise. Together they were proud parents and shared a loving home.

Her Family:

Carolie loved her family dearly and made certain she stayed in touch with them regularly; she would reach out to every child, grandchild, niece, nephew, or cousin just to remind them how much she loved them. She would call on birthdays and began by singing a song she has become famous for “I just called to say I love you.” She knew no time restriction and would call at very early hours just to ask if you were ok, as it was just her loving nature. She would visit the homes of loved ones and even some former clients with the line “peace to the house.” She came with a burst of energy every time she would visit, and you can rest assured she would bring the warmest hugs and kisses along with her. She extended the comfort of her home and that of her family to almost anyone she met. She enjoyed the company of family and friends, never denying a visitor and reminding you that you were always welcomed.

Her love for family was especially evident after her first retirement from Star Insurance, where she made certain more than 30 family members accompanied her on a 7-day

Caribbean cruise. Carolie was the “Go To” person, once she got a call and made aware of a need, she would go to every length of the earth to make sure the need was met. She became a mother, grandmother, aunt, sister, friend and confident to many.

Carolie was there for every major event in the lives of her family members and felt it nothing to board a flight, even if she was late just to show her support. You could guarantee that she would be in the crowd cheering you on and most times the loudest, even if she was the only voice. Anyone who knew her, would hear her talk about her children and grandchildren, she adored her family and introduced every child or grandchild to friends as though she was the only one who had ever had offspring.

Her Departure:

The year 2020 brought significant changes in the world and it was through new norms of society that played a role in changing the way Carolie moved. Always having the freedom of movement and having the ability to physically see her loved ones brought comfort to her. The limitations caused her to begin to lose her orientation of time and place and her health slowly began to decline. After regaining some form of normalcy, she decided to return to the land of her birth and spend the last year and a half with her daughters who are residents in the Turks and Caicos Islands. She began her preparation to meet her Lord and saviour while also reuniting with her loved ones who preceded her in death. God could not wait any longer for Carolie to join his heavenly choir, so he called her home. His child, Carolie LeGoria Wilson, slipped away peacefully at 4:00 p.m. on Tuesday, May 10th, 2022, with a radiant smile.

Cherishing Her Memories:

DAUGHTERS: (Spouses): Jenesta (Rex) Messam, Normica (Mario) Campbell, Brendalee (Pascal) Mattio, Shandella (Noel) Dames, LaPage (Wendell) Rolle, Constance Wilson, Marilyn Delancy, Hedda Armbrister.

SONS: Hollin & Bertram Wilson.

SISTERS (SPOUSES): Evangelist Daisy Thompson (predeceased), Evangelist Olive Turnquest (pre-deceased), Evangelist Violet (Garnet) Thompson, Lorraine (Lowell) Edgecombe.

BROTHER: Eli Mesitumbo (pre-deceased).

GRANDCHILDREN: Jena (Robin) Janse, Johnna Messam, Mario II, Miguel and Angel Campbell; Tatiana and Tyler Mattio; Noel II, Nicholas, Hollin and Sarah Dames; Wendell, Wenton and Wendana Rolle; Donavon Rolle, D’Von Murphy; Candia (Errol) Seymour, Giovanni and Teray Delancy, Omar, Davina and Da-Vette Armbrister, Naquel (Kodiah) Rolle, Cordina (Trevor) Kemp, Ray (Felicia) Neilly, Lamond (Robyn) Davis, Jermaine, LaKeisha and Jevon Messam, Devon Neilly.

GREAT GRANDCHILDREN: Alasja Campbell, Sahalie Janse, Erin, Cayden, Caylen, and Candon Seymour, Chloe Coralie Messam.

AUNTS : Irene Mullings, Rosetta Stubbs.

NIECES AND SPOUSES: Bernadette (Keith) Clayborne, Carol (Anthony) Knowles, Lathera (Charles) Demeritte, Gardenia (Trevor) Lightbourne, Tamaica (Patrick) Hicks, Monique Darville, Garnique (Mecose) Johnson, Lowrell Edgecombe, Elisa, Elisann and Elia, Shavon Wilson.

NEPHEWS AND SPOUSES: David (Karen) Deveaux, Troy (Patricia) Thompson, Garreth Thompson, Anthony (Christine) Turnquest, Napoleon Turnquest, Lowell and Loutadus Edgecombe, Bertram & Patrick Wilson.

Cousins, Extended Daughters, Sons, Grandchildren, Grandnieces, Grandnephews, God-Children and a host of Other Relatives: Names too numerous to mention but you all know how much she truly loved you and that you all held a very special place in her Big Heart of Gold.

CLOSE FRIENDS AND LOVED ONES: The leadership and membership of the Historic Bethel Baptist Church, Bethel Baptist Senior Choir, the Stalwart Council, Leadership and Membership of The Progressive Liberal Party, The Queen’s Road Nassau East Community, Balfour Avenue Family, West End Avenue, Family Five Porches Church, Community Fellowship Center AG Church family of Providenciales, Turks & Caicos Islands and Dr. Kendra Gardiner-Hall of Family Care Medical of Providenciales, Turks & Caicos Islands, Star General Insurance Company Family and the British American Insurance Company team.

ORDER of SERVICE

(**** Denotes Congregation to stand family remains seated) (++++ All to stand)

THE ORGAN PRELUDE. Jeno Jean-Smith

SELECTION ................................................................................................................ Bethel Sanctuary Choir/Chorale

ENTRANCE OF THE FAMILY ........................................................................................... Bethel Baptist Praise Team

OPENING WORDS OF COMFORT. ................................................................................ Rev. Terrance G. Morrison, Senior Pastor, Zion Baptist Church East & Shirley Streets

OPENING HYMN ............................................................................................................................... “And Can It Be”

And can it be that I should gain An interest 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?

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!

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

Long my imprisoned spirit lay, Fast bound in sin and nature’s night Thine eye diffused a quickening ray I woke, the dungeon flamed with light My chains fell off, my heart was free I rose, went forth, and followed Thee Amazing love! How can it be That Thou, my God should die for me? 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 the eternal throne And claim the crown, through Christ my own Amazing love! How can it be That Thou my God, should die for me?

Christopher Brown Associate Minister, Bethel Baptist Church

............. Proverbs 31:10-21 ................................Tatiana Mattio (Granddaughter)

SELECTION .........................................................................................Omar Armbrister & Rolston Smith (Grandsons)

SECOND SCRIPTURE LESSON

2 Timothy 4:6-12

Da-Vette Armbrister (Granddaughter)

AS I KNEW HER Bernadette Clayborne (Niece)

CONGREGATIONAL HYMN “His Coming Draweth Nigh”

Lift: up your heads, ye saints, we’re told redemption drawedI nigh, Ere long His glory we’ll behold as lightning from on high; We’ve toiled and prayed and waited here, but soon His lace we’ll see, And when He comes He’ll dry each tear, and we the Bride shall be. Chorus: His coming draweth nigh, We’ll meet Him in the sky, And go with Him to go with him to the marriage feast Somewhere on high; Oh, what a time ‘twill be, our loved ones we will see, Far up above the tribulation by and by.

Farewell, gay world, our song shall be, we’ll sing it in the air, Above the rugged hills and trees His wondrous glory share; Lift up, Look up, still watch and pray, tho’ fading be your eye, Nor think His coming be delayed, it surely draweth nigh.

Around the festive board that day we’ll raise a mighty shout, Like many waters of the sea, we’ll sing and dance about; The angels cannot sing the song, they’ll stand with folded wings And wonder at the praise prolong, we’ll crown Him King of Kings.

CONDOLENCES .................................................................................................................. Pastor Bradley Handfield

Community Fellowship Center AG – Turks & Caicos Islands

SOLO. .............................................................................................................................................. Ms. Johnna Messam

TRIBUTE ...................................................................................................................................... Hon. Melanie Griffin

Former Member of Parliament - Yamacraw

TRIBUTE .......................................................................................................................... Hon. JoBeth Coleby-Davis

Minister of Housing & Transport

VIDEO TRIBUTE ..................................................................................................................... Hon. I Chester Cooper

Deputy Prime Minister of The Commonwealth of the Bahamas (Member of Parliament - Exuma and Ragged Island)

SELECTION ............................................................................................................ Bethel Baptist Church Praise Team

EULOGY .............................................................................................................................. Rev. A. Dewitt Hutcheson

Associate Minister, Bethel Baptist Church

SELECTION ................................................................................................... Bethel Baptist Sanctuary Choir/Chorale

PRAYER FOR THE FAMILY ................................................................................................... Apostle Benjamin Smith

The Embassy International – Nassau, Bahamas

RECESSIONAL HYMN. “I’m Glad I Counted the Cost

When first I started to seek the Lord, I’m glad I counted the cost; I fully measured to Jesus’ Word; I’m glad I counted the cost.

I’ve paid the price and obtained the prize, He saved my soul that was lost; And now my treasures are in the skies, I’m glad I counted the cost.

I laid my sorrows at Jesus’ feet, I’m glad I counted the cost; And now I’ve pleasures so pure and sweet, I’m glad I counted the cost.

I’ve bid farewell to this world of sin, I’m glad I counted the cost; And now my Jesus abides within, I’m glad I counted the cost.

’Twill not be long till the Lord shall come, I’m glad I counted the cost; And bear my soul to that heav’nly home, I’m glad I counted the cost.

SERVICE of COMMITTAL

OPENING REMARKS/SCRIPTURE .................................................................................. Rev. A. Dewitt Hutcheson

Associate Minister, Bethel Baptist Church

PRAYER Rev. Patricia Bethell

Associate Minister, Bethel Baptist Church

HYMN “When We All Get To Heaven”

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.

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!

While we walk the pilgrim pathway, Clouds will overspread the sky; But when trav’ling days are over, Not a shadow, not a sigh.

Let us then be true and faithful, Trusting, serving every day; Just one glimpse of Him in glory Will the toils of life repay.

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.

COMMITTAL .......................................................................................................................

Rev. A. Dewitt Hutcheson Associate Minister, Bethel Baptist Church

HYMN ................................................................................................................................................... “We Shall Arise”

In that Resurrection morning

When the trumpet of God shall sound

We shall rise, (hallelujah) we shall rise

Then the saints will come rejoicing and No tears will e’er be found

We shall rise, (hallelujah) we shall rise

We shall rise, (hallelujah) we shall rise (amen)

We shall rise, (hallelujah)

In that Resurrection morning

When these prison bars are broken We shall rise, (hallelujah) we shall rise

In that Resurrection morning

When the shades of life has fled We shall rise, (hallelujah) we shall rise In the day of glory dawning when the sea Gives up His dead We shall rise, (hallelujah) we shall rise

I shall see my blessed Savior Who so freely died for me We shall rise, (hallelujah) we shall rise

And our fathers and our mothers and our Loved ones we shall see We shall rise, (hallelujah) we shall rise

REMARKS .............................................................................................................................. Demeritte’s Funeral Home

HYMN ...................................................................................................................................................... “I’ll Fly Away”

Grammy Wilson

ON BEHALF OF ALLEN FERGUSON (DECEASED) FAMILY

Though your smile is gone forever And your hands we cannot touch We have so many memories

Of you Grammy Wilson whom we loved so much Your memory is our keepsake, and it will never part. God has you in his keeping And we will always have you in our hearts.

Sleep on Sis Wil!!!

May your soul rest in peace and rise in Glory, Amen.

~THE FERGUSON FAMILY~

My Forever Gran

My forever Gran. Your smile was made of sunshine and your heart was pure as gold. You’re my forever “Grandy”, the one who never really grew old.

Our hearts are broken but God took the best. Until we embrace again, sleep on and take your rest. In our memories you’ll live on, we won’t think of you as gone. We can no longer hold you by the hand but you’ll remain in our hearts forever.

Gran: a loving person, a woman of God, a devoted friend, a strong mother and a wonderful grandmother. That is what you will always be. An extraordinary woman you were. Your legacy remains forever.

~ LOVE ALWAYS, YOUR GRANDDAUGHTER

ANGEL NAOMI CAMPBELL ~

MyStrongGrandmother

This has to be the most difficult words to paper I ever had to write because it’s so hard as it seems like yesterday, I spoke to you Gran and heard you say “Guelly, Gran loves you”. I have to stay strong because that’s what you would want me to do, as you were a strong person all your life. Gran, I love you, I miss you and will always cherish your memories as a proud grandson.

~ LOVE YOU GRAN, YOUR GRANDSON MIGUEL ~

LEGACYof Love

Gran, we cannot help but smile when memories of you flood our hearts.

At any given time, one could hear the words:

“Come baby give Gran a hug”

You always greeted us with a smile that could light up any room. Our wellbeing and that of our families was always your concern.

Your kisses and hugs were so sweet and tight they sent the silent but heartfelt message that we were not only genuinely loved but loved just as much.

Your life’s goal was that all would come to know Christ in the pardon of their sins. This was no secret.

You were a true ambassador for Christ and His love shined through you brightly.

“Gran”; (short for grandmother) suits you in more ways than one as you had such a “GRAND” presence about you. You were larger than life. You had a huge heart and loved in a big way. You put smiles on so many faces.

Thank you for speaking that final blessing over our lives. You were always so expressive of your feelings for us but somehow this time it felt different. It was as if you knew that it would be your last chance to do so. This was indeed a precious moment that we will not soon forget.

We love you Gran, take your much deserved rest.

Your spot awaits in that heavenly choir.

Thank you so much for your love.

~ THE MESSAM SIBLINGS ~

To pick my favorite memory of you would be too difficult to choose as you left me with so many. I’ve been able to narrow it down to three of my favorite memories. The first memory is coming to visit you as a little girl and being filled with excitement just to see the snacks you stocked out your kitchen with. We knew that if we told you that we liked something, you would buy it. My second memory is you being there for my graduations, every single graduation that I’ve had. My preschool graduation, year 6 graduation, my high school graduation and my graduation from A-levels. You were really present in each of your grandchildren’s lives, wanting to share every moment with us. It was never any doubt whether you would be able to make it. My last memory is seeing how confident you were in yourself. One of

My Grandmother, A PRIME EXAMPLE

OF LOVE WITH A GOLDEN HEART

your grandchildren could be talking about some difficulty they faced in a government office or anything and you would always say “tell them who your grandmother is, Carolie Wilson, and they will know.” Even though telling them that you were our grandmother would not change anything. This only proves how confident you were in yourself, something that you’ve passed on to me. Continue to take your rest and know that we cherish all of the memories that you’ve given us!

Truly words cannot express how much you meant to me and in fact all of your grandchildren. I will forever miss our routine morning conversations at your bedside before I would head out to work. A few weeks before you passed away you gave me a big task to do, at the time I was like why are you telling me this because you were fine. The other half of me was like how am I going to deliver this message to your grandchildren without alarming them because you knew you were going to occupy your heavenly home, in due time. I know that you are absent from this world and in the presence of your Lord, watching over us but this is still hard to deal with. You were the prime example of what it meant to truly love with your heart of gold, just being in your presence and getting one of your warm hugs & kisses. Gran you were indeed the world’s greatest grandmother; you will forever be in my heart and your memories will forever be cherished.

~ I WILL ALWAYS LOVE YOU GRAN, YOUR GRANDSON WENDELL ~

To one of the most kindest, gentle, loyal and loving human beings that ever step foot on this earth. Gran, you were a lady that I could have depended on, a strong woman and a devoted mother, grandmother, sister and friend. You were also a true and loyal follower of Christ, your smile and presence brought positive feelings and joy to me and others. It’s a heartbreaking feeling to know that you’re gone but you went to take your rightful place in heaven,

TRIBUTE TO My Gran A TRIBUTE TO MY NEWEST GUARDIAN ANGEL,My Grandmother

I will miss you a lot. I know you will continue to guide over me; you have been my grandmother for the past 34 years, in my opinion, you are the best grandmother that a grandson could ever ask for. Just knowing you’re gone brings tears to my eyes. You were courageous and unselfish; I’ll miss you Gran.

~ RE ST ON GRAN, YOUR GRANDDAUGHTER WENDANA ~

~ I LOVE YOU GRAN, YOUR GRANDSON MARIO ~

A TRIBUTE TO OUR Wonderful Grandmother

“As is a tale, so is a life: Not how long it is, but how good it is, is what matters.” -

Lucius Annaeus Seneca

A melancholic day has come upon us that we never expected to creep on us so swiftly and unexpectedly.

As your departure begins to become a reality and sadness seems constant, nostalgia is present to bring smiles and laughter that comfort us.

Gran, the times that we would have shared will always be etched in our memories and will become stories that we can share with our children and grandchildren.

It’s the little things that seem to stand out the most - the Sunday evening dinners at your house, the sleepovers at your house where you insisted that we slept with you in your bed, your weekly recaps of Sunday Church Services to ensure we were attentive or the “Praise the Lord, Hello!” that preceded every telephone conversation.

We will also remember a voice that will always be unmatched, constantly singing hymns during your day or how gleeful you were when you told a joke. There are so many things that we can see, hear and feel as if they were just yesterday.

Gran, we will always love and miss you but we find comfort in the fact that you are living the life that you always sang about, getting to that City of Gold and you are “There with all the holy angels and loved ones to stay”.

At the end of each phone call, you would tell Mummy to give each of us a hug and kiss for you and you would instruct us to do the same to her. Today, we ask that you return the favor - we ask that you give Grampy a hug and kiss for us and you ask him to do the same to you.

~ LOVE YOU, ALWAYS AND FOREVER, YOUR GRANDCHILDREN NOEL, NICHOLAS,

TO MY Loving Grandmother

My Gran, My Gran, My Gran. I stand today giving God thanks for your life and the legacy that you left behind for us to uphold. Thank you Gran for your prayers, love and care, not only with words but with your actions. I am very proud to call you my Grandmother. I miss and will ALWAYS Love you Gran.

A TRIBUTE TO MY GRANDMOTHER

That Meant Everything To Me

Gran,

Speaking of you in past tense feels so unreal. You were EVERYTHING!

There is nothing you couldn’t or wouldn’t do for us!

The past few weeks all I’ve thought of is our childhood and how you were such a huge part of it. Summers and Christmases, having all of your grandchildren under one roof; requesting grocery and movie lists from each of us to meet all of our individual needs! This was life for you. This is what made you happy!! This was not true of just your grandchildren though, you extended this kindness to anyone you came into contact with, even strangers!

You were the kindest, purest hearted person I know! These sentiments have been echoed by all once they hear of your passing. You were truly one of a kind! Having you with us these last few years were a blessing and I’m so thankful we got to spend that time with you and be with you until your last breath.

You told us we would miss you, but I could never have prepared myself for the depth of loss I feel. You have taken a piece of all of our hearts with you. What I would give to hear you call and sing “I just called to say I love you” one more time, or hear you call me your “very first!”

I love you Gran, and I miss you more than I can ever express! Until we meet again. Please watch over us… you’re my favorite Angel now.

Love,

“Your very first”

~ YOUR GRANDDAUGHTER, JOHNNA MESSAM ~

~YOUR GRANDSON GIOVANNI~

A TRIBUTE TO OUR Mother-in-law

MOM, you’ve ran really well!

I know I can speak on behalf of all of your sons (in-law). We came into your life as sons in-law, but quickly became your sons. You loved us just as much as you loved your daughters and you made sure we knew it.

Your smiles were inviting and your affection was contagious; no one could feel bad around you. You always had a word of encouragement and/or exhortation; Mom, you’ve really ran well.

Thinking of you, the name Tabitha, or Dorcas comes to mind. She was a saint known for sowing seeds of good deeds in the book of Acts. Your life was spent meeting the needs of those around you; and you did it in such a way as to not let your right hand know what the left was doing. You did it in secret and now The Lord is rewarding you openly.

Thank you for your love, your christian witness and your example of the believers. Many of us here today can truly say, it’s because of your prayers and influence, our feet are firmly planted and our faith is deeply rooted and grounded in Christ. I can still hear you now, “children, ya’ll serve the Lord”.

During the last few days of your earthly sojourn, as we read scripture

MyGran

Grandmother:

and sang songs of praise, it was more than apparent, even obvious, that you were done with this world; that this world was not your home; that you were looking for a better home, eternal in the heavens, whose architect and builder is God.

You can now join with Apostle Paul and say, “I have fought a good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there’s in store for me, the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge will award me on that day, and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing. Mom, you’ve ran really well, so this is not goodbye, but so long. Because of your influence and godly example, we your sons (in-law) also have this hope, that one day we will see you again; with all the saints, from all the ages, as we gather around the throne of God and hear His welcoming voice say, “Well Done, Thou Good And Faithful Servants! You’ve been faithful over a few things; now I make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your father”.

Until then Mom, you enjoy the presence of the Lord, RIP.

~ YOUR SONS (IN-LAW) ~

was such a light to everyone who had the pleasure of meeting her. She had a special impact on each and every one of our lives and always acted from the kindness of her big heart. She was truly an unforgettable woman that played a big role in shaping me into who I am today. I love you Gran, rest in eternal peace. I can hear you now saying, “I love you more.”

Gran was a wonderful woman

who always made sure you knew just how much she loved you. She not only expressed her love for her family but she showed her love for others in many ways, always helping people when she could in any way she could and going above and beyond to do so. She was a pioneer for working women in The Bahamas all while raising a wonderful family and leaving a lasting legacy that I can only aspire to come close to. –

~YOUR GRANDDAUGHTER TATIANA~

Gran you were one special lady and having to say goodbye because of death is painful. You lived a life that was pleasing to Christ and we stupidly thought he would let us keep you forever. Over the past few weeks, our phone conversations with you became more and more difficult, because we could hear the change in the way you greeted us, your body we knew was weakening but we prayed that you would rally up.

You loved us equally but in your own way, you made each of us feel special because you had a unique way of loving us individually. Omar you proudly considered as your baby even after becoming an adult. Davina was your Day Day even as an adult. You and Da-Vette always greeted each other as Grandmother and granddaughter. It hurt you nothing to share yourself with us. We were never short of hugs and kisses and “I love you’s” from you. God loaned you to us to liven up our lives, to make our lives more complete, to make us well rounded and better human beings. You played a big part in our childhood and we can recall every major event hearing the lone voice from the crowd “That’s my grandchild”. You taught us a lot about love and the meaning of family. You are not just ‘our grandmother’, but our guardian, our friend and our inspiration.

You’re here with us always. We will miss you Gran, but your spirit and strength, lives on in each of us and in the lives that you touched by your love, strength, conviction, wisdom and the very beauty of your soul.

We love you Gran – You truly were a special, special woman! You may have passed on, but your memories would always live on within us. Thank you for your sacrifices, your care and unconditional love. As you reunite with your loved ones, who have gone before you, remember to keep us covered and sheltered in your loving care. Rest in Peace Gran… we will never forget you and we will love you forever… ~YOUR GRANDCHILDREN DAVINA, DA-VETTE AND OMAR~

~YOUR GRANDDAUGHTER TYLER~

EVANGELIST

Carolie LeGORIA WILSON

Pall Bearers

OMAR ARMBRISTER MARIO CAMPBELL II

WENDELL ROLLE WENTON ROLLE

NOEL DAMES II NICHOLAS DAMES

HOLLIN DAMES LOWELL EDGECOMBE II

Honorary Pall Bearers

HOLLIN WILSON II REX MESSAM

MARIO CAMPBELL SR. WENDELL ROLLE SR.

NOEL DAMES SR. MIGUEL CAMPBELL

Thank You

We the family of the late Carolie Wilson would like to express our heartfelt love, gratitude and appreciation for the outpouring of love, prayers and support during this period of bereavement.

Your thoughtfulness, phone calls and love will not be forgotten. THE FAMILY