Elan ANDERSONJ.P.
JULY 12TH, 1945 - NOVEMBER 8TH, 2024
CELEBRATING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF
ELDER
Elan ANDERSONJ.P.
SUNRISE: JULY 12TH, 1945
SUNSET: NOVEMBER 8TH, 2024
AGE: 79
SERVICE HELD AT BOWEN SOUND PENTECOSTAL CHURCH BOWEN SOUND ANDROS, BAHAMAS
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 30TH, 2024 AT 10:30 A.M.
OFFICIATING
BISHOP STEPHAN ADDERLEY ASSISTED BY: OTHER MINISTERS OF THE GOSPEL
PLACE OF REST
BOWEN SOUND PUBLIC CEMETERY BOWEN SOUND ANDROS, BAHAMAS
THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF
Elan ANDERSONJ.P.
ELDER
“I am the resurrection and the life, he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live and whosoever liveth and believe shall never die”
John 11 vs. 25-26
A TIME TO BE BORN
ELAN ANDERSON was born on to the parentage of the late Mary Mackey Anderson and Samuel Anderson in the small settlement of Bowen Sound Andros.
THE EARLY YEARS
From an early age he was taught about hard work and survival by his father the late Samuel Anderson, who was an extremely hardworking man. While growing up he along with his sister Alice assisted in the upbringing of his other siblings.
A TIME FOR FAMILY
In 1966 he met and married Mildred Brown and together they were blessed with six (6) Children. He absolutely adored his children, grand and great grandchildren, who affectionately referred to him as “Pa” him. His union with Mildred however, ended and he was remarried to Mersada Braynen.
A TIME FOR EMPLOYMENT
Elan started his career at the tender age of fourteen (14). He worked with Lloyd Minnis dancing and entertaining and was a part of the band known as the Little Joe and the Exciters. At the age of 16 he began his employment with the Autec Base in Fresh Creek Andros, where he labored cutting track roads. In 1968, Elan gained employment with Bahamas Island & Steel in New Providence and remain there until 1970. He returned to the Navy Base (Autec) in 1970 as a painter and maintained that post for twenty-eight (28) years before retiring.
A TIME TO WORSHIP
In 1975 under the guidance of his uncle the late Nathaniel Mackey, Elan was baptized and became a member of the Pentecostal Assemblies of the World (P.A.W). In 1975 he was appointed treasurer of the of the church and later that same year became the President of the Youth Department, a position he held for twenty (20) years. He was also ordained as an Elder in the Pentecostal Assemblies of the World (P.A.W). Elder Elan Anderson also served as the Assistant Pastor for the Church of God, Cargill Creek, for ten (10) years before returning to the P.A.W, where he served as Senior Elder until his demise.
COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT
Beginning in 1975 he spearheaded the Cargill Creek Annual Independence celebration and in the 1985 he started the homecoming celebrations in the communities of Cargill Creek, Behring Point and Bowen Sound. He served as Local Government council member in all capacities, from floor member to chairman and was very instrumental in the implementation of the All Andros Crab fest. Elan was also a Steward Councilor for the Progressive Liberal Party. Elder Elan Anderson was a member of the Andros Jubilee Singers for many years. Additionally, he was referred to by many as the Bahamian version of James Brown, because he had steps and moves that nobody else could make, as he performed his favorite song “Just a Closer Walk with Thee” at almost every gospel program on the island. He was a community builder who strongly believed that everyone in the community should be treated with dignity and respect. He especially loved the elderly in the community and would always go the extra mile to assist them.
A TIME TO DIE
In June 2024, Elan became ill and had to seek further medical attention in Nassau. The doctors discussed his diagnoses and suggested immediate surgery. However, he refused surgery and instead relocated to Nassau so that he could be closer to his children and enjoy what was left of his life on earth. He received the care needed and was visited weekly by a medical professional who checked all of his vitals. However, on Tuesday 5th November his condition worsened and he was transported to hospital via ambulance at approximately 7:10 a.m. After being moved from A&E he was placed in Trauma and then eventually moved the Male Medical II. During visiting hours on Friday 8th November, his daughters Jacklyn and Loretta and Chantal stood by his bedside singing, praying and praising God. Despite losing his voice he could still hear moved his month to the beat of the songs and as they sang. Prior to singing and praying, Jackie used medical sponges to clean his mouth. His voice could not be heard but his expression told us that he was enjoying it. What was so amazing and worth sharing is how he reacted when his daughter sang the song “it is well with my soul” and Jackie whom he loved dearly rubbed his face and whispered “Pa I’m here now, I drove for three days just to get to The Bahamas to see you, it’s okay, you can go now, we love you and we understand,”. Immediately after whispering those words to him, Chantal shouted “y’all look Pa Smiling” it was for a brief moment that is daughters smiled with excitement thinking that he was coming back to them; however, that was not to be and at approximately 7:30 p.m., on 8th November, 2024, as his daughter, Loretta continued to hold his hands and give God thanks and praise for his life, he gently closed his eyes, as he quietly transitioned from time to eternity.
Sleep in Peace Pa. As stated in Timothy 4:7- 8 “I have fought a good fight, I have finish my course, I have kept the faith and henceforth now is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give at that day; and not to me only, but unto them also that love his appearing”.
LEFT TO FOREVER CHERISH HIS PRECIOUS MEMORIES ARE:
Wife: Evangelist Mersada Anderson
Children: District Elder Charles (Charmine) Anderson, Clarrington Anderson, Edney (Alisa), Elon (Naomi) Anderson; Loretta (Chedi) Ferguson and Dr. Jacklyn Anderson
Grand Children: Crystal Morris, Charlton (Avery)Anderson, Cameron (Charnice) Anderson, Shavargo (Felita) Anderson, Chad, Chadero, Chadez, Charlie Anderson, Clarissa, Eden, Asia, Edney Jr. and Balis Anderson, Chedina (Shavago) Burrows, Chedi Jr. (Chatavinique) and Daishanell Ferguson, Kaino Rolle Jr., Versie Marshall, Enyce, Ethan, Nathan & Nave’ Anderson
Great Grand Children: Caitalya, Azai, Sage, Seth, Shavario and Shavano Anderson, Cherish Ferguson, Cyril Moris Jr. and Caitalya Kelly
Adopted Children: Steve Hanna and Katherine Edgecombe
Godchildren: Bianka and Shirlene Mackey
Step children: Clement (Zendra), Terrill (Toya), Wellington (Lathese) and Norman Neely, Dorothy (Kenworth Sr.) Smith, Desiree (Terrance Jr.) Thompson, Margo (Samuel) Rolle
Father-in-law: Hansel (Corrine) Braynen
Brother: Jollan Anderson
Sisters: Alice Anderson and Artice Williams
Aunts: Mother Daisy Farrington, Amanda Bain, Blooming Mackey
Aunt-in-Law: Evangelist Madline Mackey
Brothers-in-law: Doctor Eric Brown, Charles Newbold, Rev. Oswald (Sabrina) Poitier, Willis Jr. (Nicoya), Garnet (Elcine), Timothy, Audley, Dudley and Nolyn Thompson, Rodrick (Helen), Hansel Jr and Michael Braynen
Sisters-in-law: Katherine Edgecombe, Mary Bowe, Clara Newbold, Pastor Olive Curtis, Beatrice Poitier, Prenell BrownClarke, Paulette, Carol and Stephanie Braynen, Sandra Mackey and Lavern Thompson.
Nieces & nephews including: Alvin, Jollan Jr., Andy, Anya Anderson, Shandlee Anderson-Clervil, Kirkwood, Nelson, Kenneth, Nikkie, Tarnasha Anderson, Kingston, Livingston, Marshanell, Shantell, Jazmyne, Maryann and Jension and Ryan Brown, Shanta, Tamara Coakley, Antoinette Nesbitt, Clementina Zonicle, Michael, Tanza and Oscar Green, Lucille Russell, Kayla and Marvin Williams, Ola Moore, Phillip and Phillipa Neely, Margret Cartwright, Angelo and Jadie Cartwright, Grenelle Mills, Taminiqua Cooper, Rochelle Horton, Reneshia Major, Debbie, Eddison Robinson, Wendy Higgs, Glendina Mills, Andrea Anderson, Joyann, Elizabeth, LaClair and Dianna Curtis. Numerous grandnieces and grandnephews: (18) Step Grand Children, (12) Step great grand children
Special friends: Mildred Brown Anderson, Sharon Clarke, Apostle Dorinda Dean Rev. Hamilton, Ida Nesbitt, Andy Smith, Steve Smith, Deon, Peter Douglas, Charlie and Frankie Neymour, Rozena Thompson, Samantha Nesbitt, Keishlee Brown, Trevor Wilson, Donna and Mable Stubbs, Shirley Gaitor, Adolphus Leadon, Junior Russell, Vallie and Dorsee Adderley, Elizabeth Evans, Deon and Sharmine Neymour
Host of other friends relatives including: Nicola Fowler, Kanio Rolle Sr. and Karish Rolle, Minister Lundy and family, Barry Braynen and family, Elder Beechem Braynen and family, Yvonne Russell and Family, Terry Lowe and family of Fort Lauderdale Florida, Central Andros Local Government, Central Andros Christian Council, the Bain family, Brown family, Mackey family, Ismae Braynen and family, Agnes Leadon and family, Neymour family, Coakley family, Nesbitt family, Curtis family, Hinsey family, Hanna family, Dean family, Pastor Arnold Nesbitt and Bowen Sound Pentecostal church, Pastor Ernestine Farrington and family, The Greater Power House church Family, Pastor Bishop Anthony Farrington and P.A.W family, Bishop Adderley and the P.A.W church family, Andros District, Ingrid Romer and the many radio friends from the Wake Up Call show on ZNS
Thank you to the Doctors and Nurses at A&E, Male Medical II and a special thanks to nurse Fernander, who visited with him weekly
If your name was inadvertently left of, please accept our deepest apology
ORDER OF SERVICE
MODERATOR APOSTLE DORINDA DEAN
Senior Pastor Voice of Deliverance Revival Centre Ministries
OPENING HYMN ...................................................................................................................“WHAT A DAY THAT WILL BE”
There’s coming a day when no heartaches shall come No more clouds in the sky, no more tears to dim the eye All is peace forever more, on that happy golden shore What a day, glorious day that will be
What a day that will be when my Jesus I shall see When I look upon His face the one who saved my by His grace When He takes me by the hand and leads me to the promised land
There will be no sorrows there, and no more burdens to bear No more sickness and, no more pain, no more parting over there And forever I will be with the one who died for me What a day, glorious day that will be
OPENING PRAYER............................................................................................... DISTRICT ELDER PRINCESS BURROWS
CONGREGATIONAL SONG “ JESUS HOLD MY HAND”
As I travel through this pilgrim land, there is a friend who walks with me That leads me safely through the sinking sand, it is the Christ of Calvary This would be my prayer, dear Lord, each day, you help me do the best I can For I need your light to guide me day and night blessed Jesus hold my hand
Blessed Jesus hold my hand yes I need thee every hour Through this land this Pilgrim land, protect me by thy cleansing power, Hear by plea, my feeble plea, Lord dear lord look down on me When I kneel in prayer, blessed Jesus hold my hand
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 song some day I will be a solider brave and true and ever firmly take a stand As I onward go and daily meet the foe, blessed Jesus hold my hand
OLD TESTAMENT READING DESIRE NEELY (Step Daughter) SOLO JOSIAH DEAN
SPECIAL TRIBUTE ELDER JOLLAN ANDERSON (Brother)
SOLO ......................................................................................................................................... STEVE HANNA (Adopted Son)
AS I KNEW HIM ............................................................................................................................... REV. HAMILTON (Friend) TRIBUTE IN SONG ANGELO & JADI (Nephews)
NEW TESTAMENT READING ............................ DAISHANELL FERGUSON & CHADEZ ANDERSON (Granddaughters)
CONGREGATIONAL SONG “I’LL FLY AWAY”
Some glad morning when this life is over I’ll fly away
To a home on God’s celestial shore I’ll fly away
I’ll fly away, oh, Glory I’ll fly away
When I die, Hallelujah, by and by I’ll fly away
Just a few more weary days and then I’ll fly away
To a land where joy shall never end I’ll fly away
When I die, Hallelujah, by and by I’ll fly away
Yeah, when I die, Hallelujah, by and by I’ll fly away
LIFE OF ELAN ANDERSON ............................................................................READ BY LORETTA FERGUSON (Daughter)
CONDOLENCES
CONDOLENCES
MR. LEON LUNDY, M.P, South Andros District
MR. MERLON LEARY, District Administrator
SOLO CLEMENTINA ZONICLE (Niece)
TRIBUTE JACKLYN ANDERSON (Daughter)
READ BY: VERSIE MARSHALL(Granddaughter)
CONGREGATIONAL SONG “IT IS WELL WITH MY SOUL”
When peace like a river attendeth my way, When sorrows like sea billows roll; Whatever my lot Thou hast taught me to say, “It is well, it is well with my soul!”
It is well with my soul! It is well, it is well with my soul!
Though Satan should buffet, though trials should come, Let this blest assurance control, That Christ hath regarded my helpless estate, And hath shed His own blood for my soul.
My sin—oh, the bliss of this glorious thought— My sin, not in part, but the whole, Is nailed to His Cross, and I bear it no more; Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, O my soul!
For me, be it Christ, be it Christ hence to live; If dark hours about me shall roll, No pang shall be mine, for in death as in life Thou wilt whisper Thy peace to my soul.
TRIBUTE ON BEHALF OF NIECES AND NEPHEWS ............................................................. MARYANN BROWN (Niece)
SOLO EVANGELIST MADELINE MACKEY (Aunt-In-Law)
SPECIAL TRIBUTE MERSADA ANDERSON (Wife)
Read By: MINISTER CRESWELL NEELY, (Grand Nephew) TRIBUTE PASTOR REV. OSWALD POITIER, (Brother-In-Law)
REMARKS ................................................................................................... DIOCESAN BISHOP ANTHONY FARRINGTON
PRAISE & WORSHIP .......................................................................................................................................... PRAISE TEAM
EULOGY DISTRICT ELDER CHARLES ANDERSON
PRAYER FOR THE FAMILY PASTOR ARNOLD NESBITT
RECESSIONAL HYMN “IT IS FINISHED”
There’s a line
That’s been drawn through the ages
On that line stands the old rugged cross
On that cross a battle is raging
For the gain of man’s soul or his loss
It is finished, the battle is over
It is finished, there’ll be no more war
It is finished, the end of the conflict
It is finished, and Jesus is Lord
On one side march the forces of evil
All the demons and devils of hell
On the other the angels of glory
And they meet on Golgotha’s hill
COMMITTAL
The earth shakes with the force of the conflict
And the sun refuses to shine
For there hangs God’s Son in the balance And then through the darkness He cries
Yet in my heart the battle was raging
Not all pris’ners of war have come home
They were battlefields of my own making Didn’t know that the war had been won
Then I heard that the King of the Ages Had fought all the battles for me And vict’ry was mine for the claiming And now praise His name I am free
BISHOP STEPHAN ADDERLEY
Today,
I am here with a heart both heavy and grateful. Heavy, because I have lost my companion and my friend. Grateful, for the time we shared.
As I say goodbye, I find comfort in knowing that your spirit lives on in each of us who loved you. And I know you would want us to carry forward with strength, with love, and with the joy you brought into our lives.
You may be gone from this world, but you will never be gone from our hearts. I love you, now and forever.
Gone But Not forgotten!
YourlovingWife
Today as I sat and think My heart was full, but my mind was free !! Beautiful moments flashes through my head of the constant teaching and love, your perfect example of a true father, today I’m better because you! I had the greatest father in the world, to say I love you is an understatement !!!!truly, it is impossible to say life would’ve been the same or better without you in my life.
Rest In Peace pa!!! You have earned your rest you deserve the best. I truly adored you.!!
CharlesIhave never been one to talk much but I have always been an observer and in my opinion you have always been an outstanding FATHER. One who loved and cared for your children to the very end.
As a young lady growing up you protected me and ensured that I never had to ask anyone else for help. There were times I would get angry with you and Tete for being so strict, but as I got older I learned to appreciate your strict upbringing. I can truly say because of then; I am who I am now. One day you said to me”, all I want right now to see you and Jackie. Well today I am grateful to God that it Jackie and I, along with Chan was able to be with you even to the end when you took your last breath and transition from this life into eternity. Pa you never ended a conversation without saying “I Love You”, well today just know that “I Love You Forever! enjoy your well-deserved Rest and may you RISE IN GLORY!!!
Loretta
TRIBUTE FROM
YourGranddaughter, Who You Also Raised As Your Daughter
Par loved all of his grandchildren, but I think it’s safe to say I came second to my cousin Kj who was definitely his favorite. I can vividly remember Par bringing me a juice home every day. I remember my cousin Crystal calling me the juice girl. I would then turn around and steal his chocolates, little that I knew a few months ago this year, he told me he knew but he did not mind.
Par, although overlooked by many, you were our hero, our celebrity, the legend. You left an indelible mark my heart and every time I spoke to you, you inspired me to embrace all life has to offer. You never ended a conversation without reminding me that you love me. My biggest regret is not coming to see you more often when you were in Nassau this past few months, but it just hurt to see you so sick.
Par, your work is done on this side and I find comfort in being able to see you again. I am even more encouraged to stay committed to God. Rest on Par and Rise in Glory. Until we meet again.
YourChantal
Par.GOD saw you getting tired but a cure was not to be ,so he put his arms around you and whispered come with me. With tearful eyes we watched you suffer and saw you fade away, although we love you dearly we cannot make you stay.God broke our hearts to prove to us he only takes the best.when days are sad and lonely and everything goes wrong we seem to hear your whispers cheer up and carry on.each time we see your picture you seem to smile and say don’t cry we will meet again some day,you never say you’re leaving and never say goodbye if love alone would save you ,you never would have died ,I know a part of us gone with you P√ÄR the day God took you home, growing up with you ,was God’s plan so looking at it now it makes me understand why
RIP PAR !
IN LOVING MEMORY OF MyFather.
Par, God saw you getting tired. On May 8, 2024, you wrote a short note in your Bible, saying, “God said He will heal me.”
On November 8, 2024, I witnessed you worshipping, trying to sing and praise the Lord with just mouth movements. I caught glimpses of your smile. I gave you permission to leave us and go with the Lord; within a minute, God put His arms around you and whispered, “Come to Me.”
With tearful eyes, we watched you peacefully transition with the Lord. Although we loved you dearly, we could not make you stay. Your humble heart stopped beating, your body rested peacefully, and your spirit left gracefully.
In my selfish moments, I cried, “Par, please come back!” Jesus! Jesus!
Par, it’s lonely here without you. God, our hearts are broken. God has proven His love to us once again; He chose to take the best.
Par, I miss you more each day. Life doesn’t seem the same since you’ve been gone. My life feels empty; my days are shorter, and my nights are longer and lonelier.
Par, you told me to promise you I’d stay with the Lord, no matter what life throws at me. I promise I’ll find strength. Par, it’s hard right now.
Par, one day we’ll meet again. I can hear a voice saying, “Jack, don’t cry; I’m with the Lord.” I told Jesus you said, “What’s up!”
Until we meet again, rest in peace!
ELDER
Elan ANDERSONJ.P.
HonoraryPallBearers
JOLLAN ANDERSON
CHARLES ANDERSON
CLARINGTON ANDERSON
EDNEY ANDERSON
ELON ANDERSON
CHEDI FERGUSON SR.
PallBearers
KAINO ROLLE JR
CHEDI FERGUSON JR
SHAVARGO BURROWS
CHADERO ANDERSON
C/O SHAVAGO BURROWS
CLINT NEELY
ANGELO DORSETTE
JADI DORSETTE
Acknowledgements
We the family of Elder Elan Anderson JP express sincere thanks and appreciation to relatives and friends for the expression of love during our time of bereavement. We are grateful for the telephone calls, flowers, cards and all other expression of sympathy.
May God continue to bless you all.