G Rolle by Paper Memories

SEPTEMBER 1, 1947 – FEBRUARY 2, 2025

SERVICE OF PRAISE TO GOD

For The Life of

GARNELL

Daphne KEMP-ROLLE

PTEMBER 1, 1947 – FEBRUARY 2, 2025

77 YEARS

Service Held at:

WESLEY METHODIST CHURCH, MCCA Malcolm Road East

SATURDAY FEBRUARY 15TH, 2025 10:30 AM

Officiating:

Bishop Theophilus Rolle

Rev. Kelli Jolly

Rev. Emily Demeritte

Rev. Carl C. Campbell

Organist:

Ms. Dawn Charlow

Interment: WOODLAWNS CEMETERY Nassau, Bahamas

GARNELL Daphne

KEMP-ROLLE

IN HER OWN WORDS

to work in the church doing whatever I could to extend his Kingdom. Of course, there were times when I slipped back but I continued on course.

I thought about doing it for a long time and decided in August 2008 to put pen to paper to write the thoughts I want you to read about me. As it is appointed to man – die we must.

Garnell Daphne Kemp-Rolle (or Dee as she was known to those closest to her) was the only surviving child of those born to Vincent Joseph and Edith Kemp.

I was born in Lewis Street and grew up in the Lewis Street, McPherson Street (the bakery corner) and Market Street areas. There I played and became friendly with Junior Hall who often helped me with my homework. I was also friendly with the younger children of the McCartney (the late Dr. Timothy), the Cooper (Rev. Collingwood), and the Thompson Families. Of course, I knew their older siblings as well. Later on, I became friendly with Louise Fernandez and Zelma Roberts and Family. In those days the names of most persons from the hilltop (i.e. Western Junior and Senior Schools to Hay Street) was known to everyone in the neighbourhood. They were happy days and most of the children in the neighbourhood attended Ms. Phoebe Smith’s School on the Fort Hill (i.e. Fort Fincastle), then Western Junior and Senior Schools, and then many of us went either to St. John’s College (Market Street) or The Government High School.

I grew up attending Wesley Methodist Church Grants Town, often three times on a Lord’s Day, and the Gospel Hall Sunday School in the afternoon.

At the age of 15, I accepted the Lord as my Saviour and continued

In my 30’s, I was afflicted with cancer, but the Lord answered my prayer and healed me and allowed me to see my precious daughter, Jan grow to adulthood. ~

Daphne stewarded her healing well and led with excellence in multifaceted areas of her life. A dedicated leader, a woman of faith, an educator and community builder, who has left an indelible mark on her community, she was the proud mother of one daughter, Kijana Rolle.

Her spiritual foundation lies firmly within the Methodist Church, where she has served in numerous roles, including President of the Wesley Women’s League, Superintendent of Wesley Sunday School, President of the Thelma Gibson Women’s Group, Congregational Steward, and Trustee of Wesley Methodist Church M.C.C.A.

“O Jesus I have promised to serve thee to the end, Be Thou forever near me, my Master and my Friend.”

Garnell pursued higher education at Florida Memorial College (now Florida Memorial University), where her Zeta journey began as a member of the Iota Alpha Chapter of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated. While at Florida Memorial, she made her mark by being crowned Miss Pan-Hellenic Council at a homecoming pageant. Her commitment to excellence and service was recognized when she was named “Soror of the Year” for the Southern Region of the Pan-Hellenic

Council in 1999–2000. In January 2020, the Theta Epsilon Zeta Chapter in Nassau, Bahamas honoured her with the Distinguished Past President Award, acknowledging her unwavering dedication to the chapter’s growth and success.

A former Toastmaster, Daphne’s professional background included banking and the hospitality industry but by far she made her highest contribution in the field of education, having served for over 30 years as a Mathematics educator. The majority of that time was spent at her treasured C.H. Reeves, while H.O. Nash and S.C. McPherson remain the other institutional jewels in her teacher’s crown. In addition, she was a Math tutor and an official marker for the Mathematics Bahamas Junior Certificate (BJC) Examination.

Daphne immensely enjoyed traveling, gardening and baking and for her baking was more than a hobby; it was a ministry. Many can testify to being gifted her delicious creations.

Though she experienced a number of medical challenges over the years, Daphne fought a good fight and leaned on the matchless strength of the God she gave her life to over 60 years ago.

“Oh God our Help in ages past, Our Hope for years to come.”

On Sunday, February 2, 2025, after living a full life marked by faith, family devotion, service, wisdom, generosity, tenacity and love, Daphne, in the presence of her cherished daughter “Jan”, peacefully transitioned from this world of care. She will be missed by those who were impacted by her presence, instruction, kindness and support, and yet in many ways her legacy will live on.

“Yes, God is good in earth and sky, from ocean’s depths and spreading wood,

Ten Thousand voices seem to cry, God made us all and God is good.”

Her survivors include:

HER ONLY DAUGHTER: Kijana Rolle; adopted daughter: Terah Newbold; brother: Philip Kemp Sr.; aunts: Merriel Charlow and Dorothea Charlow uncles: Howard and Hasten (Junior) Charlow; cousins: Philip (Margaret) Finlayson and Family, Andrea Thompson, Karen (Joseph) Munroe and Family, Joyce Cash and Family, Deborah (Emmet) Cartwright and Family, Elaine Thompson and Andrew (Marissa) Thompson and Family, Vincent Charlow and Family, Donna Bannister and Family, Claire (Whitney) Patton, Dale, Dawn and Denis A. Charlow, Margaret Innis and Family, Persis (Judy) Charlow and Family, Elizabeth (Stephen) Hanna and Family, Craig (Gwen) Charlow and Family, Willis Jr. (Adina) Charlow and Family, Marcillis (Derwin) Knowles and Family, Linda (Etric)

Bannister and Family, Nathaniel, Philip, Legester, Cardinal, and Myrian Charlow, Stephen McKenzie, Miriam Hanna, Curtis Charlow and Family, Richard Jarret and Family, Luke Jackson and Family, Meoshi Jackson and Family, Vernita McKenzie, Brenda McKenzie and Family, Hillary Smith and Family, Stephanie Bodie and Family, Lolita Forde and Family, Anthony Rolle and Family, Marilyn Simmons and Family, Ricardo Newman and Family and Lynden Bastian and Family, the descendants of Edith Charlow Colebrook including Gerald Colebrook, Shirley and Eleanor Bain, Sammy Bain, Sandra (Walter) Deberry and Family, Dwayne (Merlene) Ferguson and Family, Craig (Sharnett) Ferguson and Family, Gelize Ferguson and Family, Demitri (Jazzmine) Pickstock, Clarice Bridgewater, Racquel Lightbourne and Family and Liesl (Jadon) McKenzie, William and Philip Wallace and their families, Greg Burrows and Family, Vernice Taylor and Family, Stephanie Taylor and Family, The Family of Carl and Theodore Charlow and The Family of Olive Clarke.

Nieces and nephews: Philip (Chinique) Kemp II and family, Tonya Wyche and family, Alexious (Guy) Bury and family, Inga (Jaysun) King and family, Asheley Kemp, Jenia Joseph, Dino (Kim) Deveaux and family, Dwayne Deveaux and family, Daron (Ismae) Deveaux and family, Deidre (Stephen) Miller and family, Darnette Deveaux and family, Dornika Deveaux and family, Dayvette Bain and family, Dorinda Moss and family, Daci-Vawn Deveaux, Amanda (Robert) Leverette and family, and Trevor Rolle and family.

A host of other relatives and friends: Thomas and Paula Sands and Family, Christine Delancy and Family, Monique Gibson and Family and Portia Jonsson and Family, Javon Delancy and Family, Neno Newbold and Family, Jasmine Bain and Family, The Cousar Family, Ruth Lightbourne and Family, Gerald and Camille Stuart and Family, Nurse Marilyn Knowles, Pauline Cooper-Winder and Family and Dr. Florence CarterGittens and Family, Esther Sargent and Family, Betty Young and Family, Ida Saunders and Family, Arthur Chase and Family, Terrice Carey-Curry and Family, Claudia Ferguson and Family, Rev. Kelli Jolly and the Members of Wesley Methodist Church, MCCA Malcolm Road East, The Thelma Gibson Women’s Group, H.L. (Sharon) Rolle and Family, Patricia Deveaux, Cheri Hanna, Nerissa Gibson, Marcia McMorris, Adrilla Wallace, and Rosemary Braynen; Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Incorporated Theta Epsilon Zeta Chapter, Patricia Elaine Thompson and Family, Kiffany Daxon, The Honorable Philip Davis (Prime Minister), Robert Newman, The Walking Crew of R.M. Bailey, Ruth Neely and Family, Kenneth Adderley and Family, Henry Lockhart, Eddie Williams and Family, The Monastery Park Community, The Big Pond Community, Dorothy Hamilton and Family, and Craig Flowers and Family, Andymore Saunders, Dr. Cyprian Strachan, Dr. Darron Halliday, Dr. Pintard, Dr. E. Rolle, Dr. Margo Munroe, Nurse Judith Demeritte, The PMH Oncology Unit, The Department of Statistics and The Department of Inland Revenue.

ORDER of SERVICE

OPENING SENTENCES

INTROIT HYMN ................................................................................................................ The Strife is O’er, the Battle Done

Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia!

The strife is o’er, the battle done; the victory of life is won; the song of triumph has begun. Alleluia!

The powers of death have done their worst, but Christ their legions has dispersed. Let shouts of holy joy outburst. Alleluia!

The three sad days are quickly sped; he rises glorious from the dead. All glory to our risen Head. Alleluia!

PRAYERS

DECLARATIONOF INTENTION

TRIBUTES

SELECTION

He closed the yawning gates of hell; the bars from heaven’s high portals fell. Let hymns of praise his triumph tell. Alleluia!

Lord, by the stripes which wounded thee, from death’s dread sting thy servants free, that we may live and sing to thee. Alleluia!

Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia!

Kijana Rolle Arthur Chase Esther Joy Sargent

OLD TESTAMENT READING .................................... Wisdom 3: 1 – 9 .......................................................... Karen Munroe

But the souls of the righteous are in the hand of God, and no torment will ever touch them. In the eyes of the foolish they seemed to have died, and their departure was thought to be a disaster, and their going from us to be their destruction; but they are at peace. For though in the sight of others they are punished, their hope if full of immortality. Having being disciplined a little, they will receive a great good, because God tested them and found them worthy of himself; Like gold in the furnace he tried them, and like a sacrificial burnt offering he accepted them. In the time of their visitation they will shine forth and will run like sparks through the stubble. They will govern nations and rule over peoples, and the Lord will reign over them forever. Those who trust in him will understand truth, and the faithful will abide with him in love, because grace and mercy are upon his holy ones, and he watches over his elect.

THE EPISTLE ............................................................ 2 Timothy 4: 6 – 8 .................................................... Donna Bannister

HYMN ....................................................................................................................... Through All the Changing Scenes of Life

Through all the changing scenes of life, in trouble and in joy, the praises of my God shall still my heart and tongue employ.

Of his deliv’rance I will boast, till all that are distressed, from my example comfort take and lay their griefs to rest.

O magnify the LORD with me, exalt his holy name; when in distress to him I called, he to my rescue came.

The hosts of God encamp around the dwellings of the just; deliv’rance he affords to all who in his promise trust.

O taste and see that he is good; experience will decide how blest are they, and only they who in the LORD confide.

Fear him, you saints, and you will then have nothing else to fear; make serving him your sole delight, your wants shall be his care.

GOSPEL READING (All standing) .............................. John 4: 1 – 6, 27 .................................................. Rev. Carl Campbell

SELECTION ..................................................................................................................... Carol Smith and Tanisha Brathwaite Theta Epsilon Zeta Chapter, Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Incorporated

SERMON ............................................................................................................................................ Bishop Theophilus Rolle

THE APOSTLES CREED ...................................................................................................................................... All Standing

I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth. I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord who was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit, born of the virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried; he descended to the dead. On the third day he rose again; he ascended into heaven, is seated at the right hand of the Father and will come again to judge the living and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic** Church, the communion of the saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.

**universal

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, shouldst die for me? Amazing love! how can it be

That Thou, my God, shouldst die for me?

’Tis mystery all! The Immortal dies! Who can explore His strange design? In vain the firstborn seraph tries To sound the depths of love Divine!

’Tis mercy all! let earth adore, Let angel minds inquire no more.

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. ’Tis mercy all, immense and free; For, O my God, it found out 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. My chains fell off, my heart was free, I rose, went forth, and followed Thee

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. Bold I approach the eternal throne, And claim the crown, through Christ my own.

PRAYERS FOR THE BEREAVED FAMILY

PRAYERS OF THANKSGIVING

Praise be to you, O God our Father, who created us in your own image for eternal fellowship with you. Praise and Thanksgiving to You, O Christ, our Lord and our God, who have overcome the sharpness of death and opened the Kingdom of Heaven to all believers and are now seated at the right hand of God in the glory of the Father.

All Praise and glory, blessings and honour, Thanksgiving and worship be to you, O blessed Trinity, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, one God forever and ever. Amen.

We bless your name for the life of our sister Garnell Daphne Rolle, of whom we today lay to rest. We give you thanks for the joy and the blessing her life has brought to others, and for her service to her generation according to your will and for every happy remembrance of her life. We bless you for your mercy and goodness which have followed her all the days of her life, that now the trials of this world are over and death itself is past. Receive her into your perfect \kingdom and bring us with all who have lived and served you faithfully to the fullness of your eternal joy; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

PRAYERS OF COMMENDATION

ETERNAL GOD, who have made us all and hate nothing that you have made, and have given your Son for our redemption, we commend our sister Garnell Daphne Rolle to your perfect mercy and wisdom.

Eternal rest grant unto her

And let perpetual light shine upon her

THE LORD’S PRAYER (To Be Sung)

Guide me, O my great Jehovah, pilgrim through this barren land; I am weak, but you are mighty; hold me with your powerful hand. Bread of heaven, bread of heaven, feed me now and evermore, feed me now and evermore.

2 Open now the crystal fountain, where the healing waters flow. Let the fire and cloudy pillar lead me all my journey through. Strong Deliverer, strong Deliverer, ever be my strength and shield, ever be my strength and shield.

3 When I tread the verge of Jordan, bid my anxious fears subside. Death of death, and hell’s Destruction, land me safe on Canaan’s side. Songs of praises, songs of praises I will ever sing to you, I will ever sing to you.

Guide Me O Though Great Jehovah

BENEDICTION

RECESSIONAL

What a friend we have in Jesus, all our sins and griefs to bear! What a privilege to carry everything to God in prayer! O what peace we often forfeit, O what needless pain we bear, all because we do not carry everything to God in prayer!

Have we trials and temptations? Is there trouble anywhere? We should never be discouraged; take it to the Lord in prayer! Can we find a friend so faithful who will all our sorrows share? Jesus knows our every weakness; take it to the Lord in prayer!

Are we weak and heavy laden, cumbered with a load of care? Precious Savior, still our refuge-take it to the Lord in prayer! Do your friends despise, forsake you? Take it to the Lord in prayer! In his arms he’ll take and shield you; you will find a solace there.

GRAVESIDE SERVICE of COMMITTAL

HYMN .......................................................................................................................................................................... It Is Well

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.

COMMITTAL ............................................................................................................................................................. Minister

HYMN ...............................................................................................................................................

The Lord’s my shepherd, I’ll not want. He makes me down to lie In pastures green: he leadeth me the quiet waters by.

My soul he doth restore again; and me to walk doth make Within the paths of righteousness, ev’n for his own name’s sake.

Yea, though I walk in death’s dark vale, yet will I fear none ill: For thou art with me; and thy rod and staff me comfort still.

The Lord is My Shepherd

My table thou hast furnishèd In presence of my foes; My head thou dost with oil anoint, And my cup overflows.

Goodness and mercy all my life Shall surely follow me, And in God’s house forever more My dwelling place shall be.

EXPRESSIONS OF GRATITUDE ................................................................................................ Bethel Brothers Morticians

BENEDICTION

Mommy,

How do I say goodbye to someone who I have known all my life, who holds my every memory. I am so grateful for the years we had and the memories we made. You took motherhood seriously and provided guidance every step of the way.

Mommy you ensured that I attended church and Sunday School. It was so important to you that when we did not have regular Sunday School, I attended Sunday School at the Brethern Church. As a result, there are individuals who think that I belong to the Brethern Church.

I have learnt the importance of giving back through your example by working tirelessly on community projects and other acts of service. My appreciation of the arts come from the many summer camps I attended such as ballet and swim-

So much of what I do today is the result of your influence especially the way I handle my finances. Your inner strength and determination has definitely affected me.

So I borrow excerpts from Susan Gilbert, Because of you I

Your STRENGH gave me power to reach for new heights.

Your WORDS gave me knowledge to learn wrong from

Your PATIENCE gave me calm to face a new day. Your ADVICE would show me there is always a way.

Your CAPABILITY showed me to strive for my best. Your SELFLESSNESS was given with all of your zest.

You MOLDED and LED me with SUPPORT through it all,

Even LIFTED me up when I’d happen to fall.

So lo and behold, here I am today Because of your love and guiding way.

For I wouldn’t be me if it weren’t you from the start. I love you, Mom, from the depths of my heart.

From your one and only “G”

TRIBUTE TO MY SOROR SISTER-FRIEND

Garnell Daphne Kemp Rolle

It was more than forty years ago that I met Garnell Daphne Kemp Rolle, and what a divine connection it turned out to be. Our meeting came with my return to The Bahamas and my entry into the graduate chapter of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated, where Garnell was not only a fellow member but a force of leadership and grace, serving as President on three separate occasions.

Our bond was sealed in the countless hours we spent in the home of her parents, Mr. Joseph and Edith Kemp. Those moments were steeped in sisterhood and purpose with the business of Theta Epsilon Zeta Chapter always at the forefront. Mrs. Kemp welcomed us like her own daughters, and it was there – surrounded by love, laughter, and a shared commitment to Zeta – that Garnell and I became more than Sorors. We became sister-friends.

Garnell was my person – my sister, confidante and cheerleader as I too was to her. She was steadfast and true, the kind of friend who showed up with intention, purpose and love. Whether it was attending plays and performances at the Dundas Centre, sharing a meal or simply catching up, every moment with her was filled with warmth, honesty, and genuine joy.

She had a way of making life sweeter – literally! Garnell never made her famous guava duff, fresh bread, or soup without calling to tell me, “Come get a taste.” And I always did, without fail. She made sure we stayed connected, always checking in on me and reminding me of the importance of showing up for each other. No matter how much time had passed, we picked up right where we left off.

We celebrated life together – especially her birthdays. Whether it was a new restaurant or an intimate meal at her home, Jan made sure that we all had a grand time. I still laugh when I think about the time, I posted her birthday in our Sorority’s group chat and revealed her age. She gave me a good talking-to for that one. I thought it was a badge of honor to look younger than you were, but she didn’t see it quite that way!

she was blessed to have you by her side.

Garnell, my dear sister-friend, I will miss you more than words can express. I will miss your laugh, kind heart, and your beautiful soul. Thank you for every memory, every moment and every ounce of love you gave me. Rest in eternal peace, my sweet sister, knowing that I will keep a watchful eye on your Kijana, just as you would have wanted me to.

I love you always.

A TRIBUTE TO MY BELOVED COUSIN,

Ms.Garnell Rolle

With a heart full of love and memories, I say farewell to my dear cousin Garnell Daphne Rolle. While I grieve her loss, I take comfort in knowing she left this world in peace, just as she lived – with grace and dignity.

Garnell and I shared a bond that time could never break. We were more than cousins, we were childhood companions, growing up side by side, sharing laughter, secrets, and dreams. As my father’s sister’s child, she was my blood, my family and my friend. The Charlow blood runs strong in both of us, tying us together not just by name, but by love, resilience, and the deep roots of our ancestors. One of the special things we shared was that neither of us went by our first names – we were always called by our middle names Dee and Judy yes it was something small but yet meaningful, a connection that made our bond feel even closer.

At 75 years old, I have seen many seasons of life, but nothing prepares the heart for losing someone so dear. The memories of our youth remain fresh in my mind – the mischief we got into the laughter that echoed through our childhood, and the quiet moments where words weren’t needed because we simply understood each other. Garnell had a warmth about her, a kindness that made everyone feel at home. Now, this day carries a double meaning for me – not only is it the day I celebrate another year of life, but it is now also the day I say my final goodbye to you. It is a bittersweet reminder that time keeps moving, but love never fades.

Though she has left this world, she will never leave my heart. I will her carry her memory with me always, until the day we meet again. Tell Aunty and Daddy hi for me!

Rest peacefully, my dear cousin. You will be missed beyond words.

With love and remembrance, JUDY

Dee,

My darling dearest sweet cousin. Dee I did not know that morning Sunday, February 2, 2025 My God will call you home to Glory. In life I loved your dearly in death it’s still the same. It broke my heart to loose you as I wanted you to stay. There will be no more early morning telephone calls, desserts, bananas and native fruit drinks.

You left me beautiful memories. You will always be in my thoughts and in my heart. Our family chain is broken and nothing will be the same so as God call us one by one the chain will link again. No good byes until we meet on that beautiful shore.

Love Ann

Reflections on OUR FRIENDSHIP

Garnell was known to many as Daphne but to her close friends she was known as “Dee”. I first met Dee at East Street Gospel Hall’s Sunday School more than 65 years ago. Our friendship became a lifelong one. During that time five of us developed a very close bond – Helen, Cynthia, Shirley, Dee, and yours truly Paula. As I think back, it seems as if we had made a vow “’till death do us part”! Up until January of this year, Dee and I were the last survivors of the five friends.

As the years passed, I realized that Dee and I had a lot in common. For a time, we both attended Western Senior School. We both got married to men with the same name – Thomas. We both served as mathematics teachers with the Ministry of Education and were both diagnosed with cancer.

I have fond memories of Dee as we participated in Prize Giving, enjoyed the August Monday picnics, vacationed in Tarpum Bay Eleuthera, played a part in each other’s weddings, and were present at the birth of each other’s children. Two of the most memorable occasions were the birth of Kijana, where my husband was asked to be her Godfather, and our travel to Canada to celebrate Kijana’s graduation.

My husband and I were there with and for Dee during the highs and lows of her life for six decades. I am going to miss our visits, phone calls, birthday celebrations, and her special call at Christmas telling me she had baked my favorite gingerbread and to come and collect it along with a bag of other baked goodies.

My family and I will miss Dee a lot, but her memory will live on through pictures and through a video of our togetherness at her last birthday celebrations in September 2024.

Dee you are now at rest in the arms of Our Heavenly Father. Until we meet again, Rest in Peace.

PAULA SANDS (FRIEND)