A SERVICE OF PRAISE AND THANKSGIVING FOR THE LIFE OF OUR BELOVED MATRIACH
Sunrise: July 30, 1948 • Sunset: April 17, 2024 Age: 75 Years
At
SALEM UNION BAPTIST CHURCH
Taylor Street
New Providence, The Bahamas
SATURDAY, MAY 4, 2024 AT 10:00 A.M.
Officiating
REV’D. GARTH E. ROLLE SUPERINTENDENT, BAHAMAS BAPTIST Union
Pastor, Mt. Hermon Union Baptist Church
Mt. Thompson, Exuma
Assisted by OTHER MINISTERS OF THE GOSPEL Interment
WOODLAWN GARDENS, SOLDIER ROAD
Directing: CEDAR CREST MEMORIAL MORTUARY
JULY 30, 1948 - APRIL 17, 2024
Edna Hunter was born in the picturesque settlement of Forbe’s Hill, Exuma to Haggai and Enid Munroe, nee Bowe. She was the second jewel of this treasure chest born to this union.
Edna commenced her early education at the Forbe’s Hill AllAge School and then later moved to New Providence, where she lived with her aunt, Geneva Munroe at Charles Vincent Street and attended Southern Senior and then later the Dundas Training Centre, where she studied switchboard operation, type writing and bookkeeping. With these skills she worked with her uncle Roy Bowe and aunt Susan at Jiffy Cleaners for many years assisting with payroll and the management of the establishment.
They entered as strangers and left as family. Her personality and smile were infectious and would draw anyone in.
Edna was diligent about her work in whatever capacity she served and was a “stickler” for details. She kept an immaculate house and her surroundings was always “spic and span”. She would literally use a toothbrush to clean between the floor tiles. After years of toiling in the laundry industry, Edna’s last employment in New Providence was at Bapak. There she worked the night shift and during the day she worked for herself as a lunch vendor at C. H. Reeves High School. This she did because she had two children in college at the same time. The love for her children and sacrifices made were enormous.
On the 31th of January, 1998, Edna was joined in holy matrimony to her husband Samuel Hunter, the love of her life. Edna had dedicated her life to the Lord and joined the fellowship of Salem Union Baptist Church. She became a member of the Senior Choir where she sang in the alto section. She loved singing and had an alto so powerful that it would make one envious.
Upon her retirement, Edna relocated to Exuma and enjoyed a full retirement life caring for her home and husband. Edna was an excellent cook and this she did with pleasure for her family and friends, the turn over bread and banana pancakes were her specialty. As radiant and wide as her beautiful smile, so were the doors of her home. Her children’s friends were all welcomed.
Edna exhibited an endless supply of energy as she labored lovingly in her yard. She loved fruit trees and flowers. Like her endless supply of energy, she had an endless supply of love for her children, siblings, nieces and nephews. Oh, how she loved and enjoyed her grandchildren! With this same energy, she loved her church, St Peter’s Union Baptist where she faithfully served and was very active in the Exuma District of the Bahamas Baptist Union.
During the month of October 2023, Edna had to seek medical attention abroad and it was during this time that she was diagnosed with advanced cancer. Her faith never faltered. She took the news with the assurance knowing that grace and mercy would see her through. Some may have buckled but Edna held steadfast believing that Christ wouldn’t put more on her than she could bear. After several rounds of chemotherapy, her body began to weaken but her spirit and faith never dampened.
During her brief illness, Edna resided in Nassau at her daughter’s residence, where she was under the keen eye and care of her daughter Awanno and her granddaughter A’mya. During the course of her illness, she was visited by numerous family, friends and church members. On April 16th Edna was taken to the hospital due to difficulty breathing. She spent several hours in the Emergency Department with her husband and children at her side. She wasn’t able to sing but was able to nod her head as they sang to her. That day she did not complain of any nausea or pain. She peacefully slipped away in the early hours of the following day with her two daughters at her side from time into eternity.
Left to mourn her passing are
HER HUSBAND: Samuel Hunter;
SON: Elgadro Rolle (Migdalia);
DAUGHTERS: Margo Newbold (Plamen) and Awanno Nonhomme (Eddison);
FAMILY AND FRIENDS INCLUDING: Patricia Bridgewater and Family, Michelle; McSweeny and Family, Carolyn Ferguson and Family, Rev Lynden & Carlis Clarke, Rev John & Betty Rolle; Sudlin & Theresa Black, Madlyn Finley and Family, Eileen Crawley, Albertha Bullard, Blonie Sears-Mckenzie, Wayde Bullard, Carrie Mae Bowe and Family, Tiffany Gray and Family, Willis & Beulah Smith, Delores Fernander and Family, Fredrica Munroe and the Farm Crew, Bishop G. Elton Major, Norma Adderley and Family, Timothy Hart, Henry Johnson and Family, Candace Mortimer and Family, Ellen Riley and Family, Dawne Garcia and Family, Faye Postell and Family, Doreene and Lorraine, The Dames, Bowe, Sears Munroe, Hunter, and King Families, Forbes Hill Community, St Peter’s Union Baptist Church Family, Salem Union Baptist Church Family, the Exuma District Family, Nurse Nakia Williams, Nurse Demeritte & the Oncology staff of the Princess Margaret Hospital.
Order of Service
PRESIDING:
Rev’d. Robin Thompson, Pastor, Mt Sinai Union Baptist Church President of the Exuma District Convention
MUSICAL PRELUDE “GOD WILL TAKE CARE OF YOU”
SEATING OF THE FAMILY
PROCESSIONAL OF THE MINISTERS (CASKET LED BY REV’D. GARTH E ROLLE) “BATTLE HYMN OF THE REPUBLIC”
OPENING SENTENCES: “Let not your heart be troubled; ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.”
OPENING HYMN “THROUGH ALL THE CHANGING SCENES OF LIFE”
1. Through all the changing scenes of life, In trouble and in joy, The praises of my God shall still My heart and tongue employ.
2. Of His deliverance I will boast, Till all that are distressed From mine example comfort take, And charm their griefs to rest.
3. The hosts of God encamp around The dwellings of the just; Protection He affords to all Who make His Name their trust.
4. O magnify the Lord with me, With me exalt His Name; When in distress; to Him I called He to my rescue came.
5. O make but trial of His love, Experience will decide How blest are they, and only they, Who in His truth confide.
6. Fear Him, ye saints, and you will then Have nothing else to fear; Make but His service your delight; Your wants shall be His care.
Nahum Tate, 1652-1715 Nicholas Brady, 1659-1726
INVOCATION MIN. WAYDE BULLARD
PRAYER RESPONSE “PASS ME NOT, O GENTLE SAVIOUR”
Pass me not, O gentle Savior, Hear my humble cry; While on others Thou art calling, Do not pass me by.
Chorus:
Savior, Savior, Hear my humble cry; While on others Thou art calling, Do not pass me by.
SELECTION THE CHOIR
OLD TESTAMENT SCRIPTURE PSALM 91 DEANDRANIQUE WHYMS (NIECE)
TRIBUTE ST PETER’S UNION BAPTIST CHURCH
CONDOLENCES................................................................................................................. ST. PETER’S UNION BAPTIST CHURCH REV’D. DR. EDRIS BOWE
ASSOCIATE MINISTER, SALEM UNION BAPTIST CHURCH
DEACONESS VERNITA ROLLE PRESIDENT, WOMEN’S DEPARTMENT, NEW PROVIDENCE DISTRICT
TRIBUTE A’MYA NONHOMME (GRANDDAUGHTER)
NEW TESTAMENT READING 1 CORINTHIANS 15:50-58 EDDISON NONHOMME (GRANDSON)
CONGREGATIONAL HYMN “WHEN THE HOME GATES SWING OPEN”
1. I am on the upward road leading to that bright abode, Where forever my soul shall be free; won’t that be a happy time Heaven’s bells will sweetly chime when the home gates swing open for me.
Chorus:
That will be a happy day when the clouds have passed away; From my cares I shall be free when the home gates swing open for me.
2. Tho sometimes the path may lead thru the vale of sin and greed Jesus ever my refuge will be; Soon at home my trials o’er I shall praise Him evermore when the home gates swing open for me.
3. I’ll keep walking in His light till my faith shall end in sight, He will lead me till safe o’er the sea I shall find a welcome there, And a Crown of glory wear when the home gates swing open for me.
O.A. Parris
OBITUARY ........................................................................................................................................................ TO BE READ IN SILENCE AS I KNEW HER DR. MARCELLA FERGUSON (SISTER-IN-LAW)
SELECTION THE CHOIR “I’LL HAVE A NEW BODY, (I’LL HAVE A NEW LIFE)”
MESSAGE
PRAYER FOR THE FAMILY
REV’D. GARTH E. ROLLE
SUPERINTENDENT BBU, PASTOR, MT. HERMON UNION BAPTIST CHURCH
1. 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.
Chorus:
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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. I cast on Jesus my every care, I’m glad I counted the cost; And all my burdens He helps to bear, I’m glad I counted the cost.
5. ’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.
W.J. Henry A.L.B.
Please allow the casket and family members to exit the church first.
Graveside Hymns
CITY OF GOLD
1. There’s a city of light Where there cometh no night ‘Tis a city of beauty untold, All my treasures are there And its beauty I’ll share, When I get to that City of Gold.
Chorus: When I leave all trouble and care, I will say good morning up there; I will have great gladness untold, When I get to that City of Gold.
There’s a line that is drawn through the ages; On that line stands an old rugged cross. On that cross, a battle is raging For the gain of man’s soul or it’s loss.
Chorus:
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.
“IT
2. There’s no sorrow up there In that city so fair And no sickness can enter I’m told Shadows all will have flown I will meet friends I’ve known When I get to that City of Gold.
3. Won’t you go there with me To the home of the free, Would you see heaven’s beauty unfold? If you will, come along, We will sing heaven’s song When we get to that City of Gold.
Albert Brumley
IS FINISHED”
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 prisoners of war had come home. These 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!
“IT’S
ALRIGHT NOW”
There was a time I traveled a lonely sinful road, Beneath a heavy burden bending low, But now all things are diff’rent, for Jesus took my load It’s alright now, I’m His I know.
Chorus:
It’s alright now, for I am in my Saviour’s care It’s alright now, my Saviour hears and answers prayer; He’ll walk beside me, ‘til I climb the heav’nly stair And ev’rything is alright now.
A-down a lonely pathway without a friend to guide I walked in sin and sorrow all alone, ‘Til Jesus came and found me, and drew me to His side, It’s alright now, for I’m His own.
No more in sin I wander no more in darkness roam, The Lord has placed my feet on higher ground Each day new heights I’m gaining, my soul is nearing home, It’s alright now, I’m heaven bound.
IT IS WELL, WITH MY SOUL
1. When peace, like a river, attendeth my way, When sorrows like sea billows roll; Whatever my lot, Thou has taught me to say, It is well, it is well, with my soul.
Refrain: It is well, with my soul, It is well, it is well, with my soul.
2. Tho’ Satan should buffet, tho’ trials should come, Let this blest assurance control, That Christ has regarded my helpless estate, And hath shed His own blood for my soul.
3. My sin, oh, the bliss of this glorious tho’tMy sin, not in part, but the wholeIs nailed to the cross and I bear it no more, Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, O my soul!
4. And, Lord, haste the day when my faith shall be sight, The clouds be rolled back as a scroll, The trump shall resound, and the Lord shall descend, “Even so”, it is well with my soul.
H.G. Spafford P.P. Bliss
THAT 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; Gather on the blessed hilltops with hearts all aglow, That will be a glad reunion day.
Chorus
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.
There within the holy city we’ll sing and rejoice, Praising Christ the blessed Savior with heart and with voice; Tell Him how we came to love Him and make Him our choice, 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 His grace, That will be a glad reunion day.
To my beloved Grammy,
How much I miss you already. I’m so glad I was able to visit you when I did and got to share and cherish every moment I had with you. Your smile will always be something I can remember and your warm heart that embraced everyone with love. Till the day comes that we meet again, I couldn’t be happier than to be brought into this wonderful family you started. I will love and support them as you have till is my time to go.
LOVE GORDO
To my dearest Auntie Edna,
You’ve been more than just an aunt to me , you’ve been a guiding light, a confidante, and a constant source of love and support. Your kindness, generosity, and compassion inspire me every day to be a better person.
From childhood memories of laughter and good food to the wise counsel and encouragement you’ve offered through the years, you’ve played a vital role in shaping me into the person I am today. Your unwavering belief in me has helped me to believe in myself and do all that I do.
As I look back on the countless ways you’ve enriched my life, I’m filled with gratitude and love. You’re more than just an aunt - you’re a true best friend, a mentor, and a treasured aunt! Thank you for being such an extraordinary aunt. I love you more than words can express.”
LOVE OJ
“Aunty Edna”,
as I sit here with tears streaming down my face, I’m struggling to find the words to express the depth of my love and gratitude for you. You left us far too soon, but the impact of your life will be felt forever. You’ve left a gaping hole in our family, a gulf that can not be filled; but your memory will continue to inspire me every day. I’ll cherish the memories of our laughter, our inside jokes, and our heart-to-hearts. You were the compass in my life, your support, and unwavering belief in me helped mold me into the young woman I am today. Your love was a beacon of hope and comfort in times of darkness. Your kindness, generosity, and compassion inspired me to be a better person.
Your faith, strength and resilience in the face of all you went through taught me to persevere and never give up. As I say goodbye, I take comfort in knowing that your legacy will live on through the countless lives you touched, including mine. I’ll carry your love, wisdom, and spirit with me always. Rest in peace, Aunty Edna. You will be deeply missed, but your memory will never fade.
I WILL LOVE YOU ALWAYS! OPAL
Oh my sweet Grammy,
Don’t grieve for me
For now I’m free
I’m following the path God laid for me
I took his hand when I heard him call, I turned my back and left it all
I could not stay another day,
To laugh, to love, to work or play
it hurts to see you go, to know that I won’t have you here to teach me hymns and help me learn how to hold my note while harmonizing, to know you won’t be here to give me the advice I need in every situation I run into that’s stressful and to watch your stories together. I will always cherish the precious memories that I’ve spent with you, you are truly a blessing. Thank you for always teaching how to be an independent young woman and how to stand up for myself. I felt like I’d always have you forever and couldn’t imagine life without you but now that time has come and I thought I’d be losing my mind, but I feel absolute peace to know you’re no longer in pain and have no worries. I thank God for lending us one of his most precious angels.
-LOVE A’MYA
How do you say goodbye
to a sister who was your doctor, lawyer, banker, friend, teacher, cook, caretaker, but most of all A BIG SISTER MOM. She’s the reason why I am Sgt. Judy Whyms. She made sure I knew right from wrong. She made sure I did my schoolwork, learn to wash properly and how to cook. Oh, she pinched me many a times learning how to iron. The life lessons taught were invaluable. Munch, you taught us all very well. May our Gem sleep in heavenly peace.
LOVE JUDY
Tasks left undone must stay that way I’ve found that peace at the the close of day
If my parting has left a void
Then fill it with remembered joy
A friendship shared, a laugh, a kiss
Ah yes, these things I too will miss
Be not burdened with times of sorrow, I wish for you the sunshine of tomorrow
My life’s been full, I’ve savored much, Good friends, good times, my loved one’s touch
If my time seemed all too brief, Don’t lengthen it now with undue grief
Lift up your heart, rejoice with me, God wanted me now, he set me free.
