MEMORIAL SERVICE
For The Life Of The Late
Sunrise: 12th October, 1936
Sunset: 27th January, 2024
Age: 59 Years
Service Held At
ST. ANDREW’S KIRK
Prince’s Street, Downtown, Nassau, N.P. Bahamas
SATURDAY, AUGUST 31, 2024 AT 11AM
Officiating
REVEREND BRYN MACPHAIL
Assisted By:
REVEREND JUDE VILMA
MOST REVEREND DREXEL GOMEZ
Interment
ST. ANDREW’S KIRK COLUMBARIUM
Prince’s Street, Downtown Nassau, N.P. Bahamas
Dr. Fendt Shearer was the fun-loving and kind-hearted fifth child of Dr. James and Mizpah Shearer.
Born March 27th 1965, Fendt entered this world not knowing the incredible impact he would have on so many people and the indelible mark that he would leave. Although shy as a young boy, Fendt eventually learned to be a prankster, developed a mischievous sense of humour and mastered the art of teasing. You weren’t Fendt’s friend unless you were teased.
Fendt grew up in East Street Gospel Chapel where he surrendered his life to Christ at a young age. Fendt’s love for music, especially hymns of the faith, led him to join the music ministry. He directed the East Street Gospel Chapel’s Senior Choir and turned it into one of the most outstanding choirs of the Brethren church. ”Sing, sopranos, sing!” he would shout, because no matter how hard they tried, they were never strong enough. Fendt shared this enthusiasm for music with the St. Andrew’s Kirk church family which he joined in 2019.
Early in life, he forged friendships with many brothers in the church but especially Elwood Higgins Senior (Ellie), Fendt’s “brother from another mother,” unwavering in his love and support of his Fendt; staying by his side until he took his very last breath. While in Florida, his infectious personality led him to enduring friendships with Dexter and Kellyann Cartwright, Sean and Vyomie Greene, Dr. Stuart McGuiver and Dr. Lilianna
DR. FENDT SHEARER - 3
Betancourt and numerous other people. These brothers and sisters for life surrounded him with tremendous support especially throughout his illness.
After graduating from Nova Southeastern University Optometry school in 2001, Fendt worked with his sister Dr. Ebbie Jackson at Palmdale Vision Centre, then at Bahamas Vision Center (formerly known as Pearl Vision). It was here that he met Deborah for the first time during an eye examination.
The couple was reintroduced through a mutual friend, Antonette Sands, one year later and soon became inseparable. Shortly, after their marriage in 2006, Fendt decided to open his own optical practice and laid out his plan. In 4 years, the couple welcomed the birth of their son Iain, opened the doors to their optical practice LENSES and then embraced the birth of their twin girls, Maya and Zara. It was a union that functioned as a team in every aspect of life. The household was always filled with good food, displays of love, laughter, storytelling and advice on how to live life. He had a unique, infectious personality which could make even the most serious person smile. Even during his illness and grueling treatment, Fendt would take the time to encourage those around him to follow Jesus and to live life with a standard of excellence. In spite of his illness, Fendt worked tirelessly to provide for his family and has set a great example for his children to follow.
On Thursday, August 14, 2024, Fendt peacefully transitioned to his eternal rest surrounded by family and friends singing hymns and praying over him. His passing has left a deep void which we pray will be filled with the Holy Spirit’s peace and comfort as we mourn his death.
Fendt was predeceased by his:
MOTHER: Mrs. Mizpah Shearer (nee Johnson)
BROTHER: Chef McLoid Shearer
Fendt is survived by:
HIS DEVOTED WIFE: Deborah (nee Gomez)
CHILDREN: Iain, Maya and Zara
FATHER & STEP-MOTHER: Dr. Pastor James and Janet Shearer
SIBLINGS: Durell (Carolyn) Shearer, Pastor Ron (Daphne) Shearer, Dr. Ebbie Shearer-Jackson (Theodore Sr.) and Lottis Knowles (Bryan I)
SISTER-IN-LAW: Wilhemenia Shearer
PARENTS IN-LAW: Most Reverend Drexel and Carol Gomez
BROTHERS-IN-LAW: Damian (Camille), Denys (Theresa) and Dominic (Crystal) Gomez
AUNTS: Muriel Thompson, Anita Roberts, Veronica Gomez
UNCLE: Anthony (Andy) Gomez
NIECES: Telia (Ashton) McIntosh, Terell, Tenae, Tavera, Tomia, Deanna Shearer, Denasha, Celina, and Eva Gomez
NEPHEWS: Reuben, Romel, Ron Jr, Tomiko, Feodore, Tramaine Shearer, Othniel Jr. (Catherine) and Joshua Duncombe, Bryan Knowles II, Theodore Jackson Jr., Aaron, Andrew, Drexel, Alexander, and Dylan Gomez
GRAND NIECES: Brianna Shearer, Ashliya McIntosh, Rayanna Brown, Callia Armbrister
GRAND NEPHEWS: Timothy Ward Jr., Lucas Knowles
GOD-CHILDREN: Eldwood Higgins Jr. (EJ), Nicholas Cartwright, Amara and Alyssa Greene, and Adam Cochinomogulos
STAFF: Crystal Bostwick, Stafford Gaitor, Tanniesca Bastian
PERSONS WHO RENDERED EXTRAORDINARY CARE AND SUPPORT: Sean and Vyomie Greene, Dexter and Kellyann Cartwright, Dr. Stuart McGuiver and Dr. Lilian Betancourt, Dr. Caitlyn Hester, Dr. Nkiryka Ezenwajiaku (Dr. NK), the nurses and staff at the University of Miami Hospital, Dr. Marcia Bassett, Anatica Maynard, Beth and Raymond Collins, Peter and Kate Bates, Earla Bethel, Pastor Bryn and Allie MacPhail, Sharon Cartwright, Janet Mackey, Dr. Agreta Carey, Dr. Margo Munroe, Nurse Poitier and Blessed Beginning Nursing Services.
NUMEROUS OTHER RELATIVES AND FRIENDS
including: Nadia (Richard) Butler, Nekia, Floyd, Hugh, Lawson & Kenworth Shearer, Jeanette Styles, Bianca Styles, Brandon Styles, Dr Marcia Bassett, John and Anna Tambini, Augustus Moncur, Robert Hall, Patricia Berry, Dave and Antonette Sands, Pastor Sterling and Anna Moss, Pastor and Mrs. Cedric Moss, Tshombe Godet, Melanie Allen, Natasha Wright, Robin and Andrea Brownrigg, Kevin and Tamika Bowleg, Ernest Greene, Mark and SandraLee Edgar, Michael and Kelly Stuart, Pamela Williams and the staff at JetBlue, NAD wheelchair staff, the Gomez family, the St. Andrew’s Kirk family, the East Street Gospel Chapel family.
SPECIAL THANKS TO: Pedro Ferguson and the staff of East Sunrise Mortuary. Please accept our apologies if we omitted any names. Kindly note that it was unintentional. We appreciate and are grateful for your support.
ORDER OF SERVICE
*Please stand, if able
CALL TO WORSHIP ..................................................................................................................................Rev. Bryn MacPhail
HYMN #180 ..................................................................................................................................................... “And Can It Be?”
And can it be that I should gain
An interest in the Saviour’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 to show His 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
PRAYER OF APPROACH
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 th’eternal throne And claim the crown, through Christ my own Amazing love! How can it be That Thou my God should die for me
HYMN #171 ....................................................................................................................... “The King Of Love My Shepherd Is”
The King of love my shepherd is Whose goodness faileth never I nothing lack if I am His And He is mine forever
Where streams of living water flow My ransomed soul He leadeth And where the verdant pastures grow With food celestial feedeth
Perverse and foolish oft I strayed But yet in love He sought me And on His shoulder gently laid And home rejoicing brought me
In death’s dark vale I fear no ill With You dear Lord beside me Your rod and staff my comfort still Your cross before to guide me
You spread a table in my sight Your saving grace bestowing And O what transport of delight From Your pure chalice flowing
And so through all the length of days Your goodness fails me never Good Shepherd may I sing Your praise Within Your house forever
SCRIPTURE READING ...................................... Psalm 46 (ESV) ........................................................... Othneil Duncombe
God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way, though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains tremble at its swelling. Selah There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, the holy habitation of the Most High. God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved; God will help her when morning dawns. The nations rage, the kingdoms totter; he utters his voice, the earth melts. The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress. Selah Come, behold the works of the Lord, how he has brought desolations on the earth. He makes wars cease to the end of the earth; he breaks the bow and shatters the spear; he burns the chariots with fire. “Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!” The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress. Selah
SPECIAL MUSIC ......................................................................................................................................... Augustus Moncur
SCRIPTURE READING ................................ Philippians 4:4-9 (ESV) ....................................................... Pastor Ron Shearer
Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. 5 Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; 6 do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. 8 Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. 9 What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me— practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.
HYMN #59 ...................................................................................................................................................... “Abide With Me”
Abide with me! Fast falls the eventide The darkness deepens; Lord with me abide When other helpers fail and comforts flee, Help of the helpless, O abide with me.
Swift to its close ebbs out life’s little day Earth’s joys grow dim; its glories pass away Change and decay in all around I see O Thou who changest not, abide with me
I need Thy presence every passing hour What but Thy grace can foil the tempter’s pow’r Who, like Thyself, my Guide and Stay can be Through clouds and sunshine, O abide with me
I fear no foe, with Thee at hand to bless Ills have no weight, and tears no bitterness Where is death’s sting? Where grave, thy victory? I triumph still if Thou abide with me
Hold Thou Thy cross before my closing eyes Shine thro’ the gloom, and point me to the skies Heav’n’s morning breaks And earth’s vain shadows flee In life, in death, O Lord, abide with me
SERMON .................................................. “Joy And Peace In Hard Times” ............................................... Rev. Bryn MacPhail PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING & INTERCESSION ....................................................................................
Rev. Jude Vilma
HYMN #177 .................................................................................................................................................. “In Christ Alone”
In Christ alone my hope is found
He is my light, my strength, my song
This Cornerstone, this solid Ground
Firm through the fiercest drought and storm
What heights of love, what depths of peace
When fears are stilled, when strivings cease
My Comforter, my All in All
Here in the love of Christ I stand
In Christ alone who took on flesh
Fullness of God in helpless babe
This gift of love and righteousness
Scorned by the ones He came to save
Till on that cross as Jesus died
The wrath of God was satisfied
For every sin on Him was laid
Here in the death of Christ I live
There in the ground His body lay
Light of the world by darkness slain
Then bursting forth in glorious Day
Up from the grave He rose again
And as He stands in victory
Sin’s curse has lost its grip on me
For I am His and He is mine
Bought with the precious blood of Christ
No guilt in life, no fear in death
This is the power of Christ in me
From life’s first cry to final breath
Jesus commands my destiny
No power of hell, no scheme of man
Can ever pluck me from His hand
Till He returns or calls me home
Here in the power of Christ I’ll stand
BENEDICTION .......................................................................................................................................
Rev. Bryn MacPhail
RECESSIONAL 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.
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!
While we walk the pilgrim pathway, Clouds will overspread the sky; But when travelling days are over, Not a shadow, not a sigh.
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.”
Refrain
It is well (It is well) with my soul, (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 has regarded my helpless estate, And has shed His own blood for my soul.
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 be behold; Soon the pearly gates will open; We shall tread the streets of gold.
COMMITTAL
IT IS WELL
My sin, oh, the bliss of this glorious thought; My sin, not in part, but the whole Is nailed to the cross and I bear it no more, Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, O my soul!
And, Lord, haste the day when the 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.
IT’S ALRIGHT NOW
There was a time I travelled a lonely sinful road; Beneath a heavy burden bending low; But now all things are different, since Jesus took my load It’s alright now, I’m His I know.
Refrain
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 with me, (He’ll walk beside me) Till I climb the heavenly stair, And everything (And everything is alright now)
A’ down a lonely pathway, without a friend to guide, I walked in sin and sorrow all alone ‘Till 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.
There is no repass. However, refreshments will be served in the church hall.
