H Saunders

HOMEGOING SERVICE OF

Born: 5th March 1971 • Died: 23rd November 2023 • Age: 52 Years

Service held at: NEW BETHLEHEM BAPTIST CHURCH

Independence Drive, Nassau Bahamas

SATURDAY, 16TH DECEMBER 2023 AT 10AM

Officiating:

PASTOR TYRONE LAING

New Bethlehem Baptist

Directing:

EAST SUNRISE MORTUARY

Blue Hill Road & Cordeaux Avenue

Nassau, Bahamas

Herbert Nathaniel Saunders II blessed this world on Friday March 5th 1971 in grand entry as a bouncing baby boy at the Princess Margaret Hospital in Nassau Bahamas.

He was born to the late Herbert Nathaniel Saunders Sr and Linneth McCarthy-Saunders as the first of three children from that union. Herbert was christened on Sunday June 6th 1971 at the Church of God by the Reverend Alfred Thompson in the presence of his godparents Loletta Saunders, the late Daniel Saunders and the late Edward Brown. Herbert grew up in church and always loved God. He accepted Christ at an early age and was water baptized as a teenager. Herbert faithfully attended Friday evening youth meetings and choir practice at Evangelistic Center Assemblies of God Church on Vesey Street throughout his teenage years.

He became an excellent electrician. This was the trade that he harnessed to not only electrify buildings and equipment but also to bring energy to every place he went and to every life he met.

Herbert was a very intelligent boy. He attended preschool at St. Agnes Day School; and primary school at T. A Thompson and Willard Patton Primary Schools. At the age of eleven, he was enrolled in Bahamas Academy of Seventh Day Adventist High School where he discovered his talent for art and cartoons. He attended Mallary Music School where he discovered he had a love for music like his father. He had a talent for playing the piano. Herbert later progressed on to and graduated from the Industrial Training Center, now known as BTVI, Electrical Installation program.

Herbert trained with the Royal Bahamas Police Force and served as a Police Officer in The Commonwealth of The Bahamas for a short time before joining the workforce as an electrician at Taylor Industries. He worked for almost every electrical contractor in New Providence and several contractors in the Family Islands. The construction site was perhaps where he understood the importance of a good story telling and he quickly learned how to embellish the facts to captivate his audience and to make everyone laugh. In his leisure time, he perfected the culinary art of cooking and grilling under the direction of his dear uncle, the late Joseph McCarthy, the ultimate Jamaican Jerk Grill Master on Market Street.

He fiercely loved his only brother, Hubert Norman Saunders and his baby sister Dian Norma Saunders-Adderley. He loved and treasured all of his father’s children: Lesa, Veronica, Gena, Sandra, Cheryl, Janice, Sharon and Kimberly. As a young man he

5TH MARCH 1971 - 23RD NOVEMBER 2023

found pleasure in the company of his cousins and the entire Saunders family, especially Derek Hall. In 1991 with excitement he became a father for the first time. He loved every seed from his loins: Faynell (Daveen and Xi), Anisea (Shaniya and Ashanti), Felicia (Travon and Fantasia), Hervenique (Ashvenique) and his one and only son Herbert Saunders III. On June 29th 2002 he fell forever in love with and married Melessa Brown-Saunders. He adopted the children of that family as his own: Durontee, Keneisha, Gregory and Melessa (Kenrio and Lloyd). Herbert was a true family man and caring father figure.

Herbert embraced the brotherly love and leadership virtues of the Commonwealth Masons Lodge on August 21st 2015, where he was a member of the St. John’s Lodge. He found comfort and dedication in the work of the lodge and in return their friendship, love and full support in the times when he needed that the most. On February 19th 2020 he suffered a cerebral bleed but God was not finished his work in Herbert. Herbert went on to fully recover under the close company of his sister, Dian, where he lived a full life of good health, no stress, peace and joy. Within a twinkle of an eye on November 23rd 2023 God made him absent from his body and he entered his time of rest.

Lefttocherishhismemoriesare:

HIS WIFE: Melessa Brown-Saunders;

MOTHER: Linneth McCarthy-Saunders;

CHILDREN AND ADOPTED CHILDREN: Faynell Saunders-Stubbs (Daveen); Anisea, Felicia, Hervenique, Herbert III, Durontee, Keneisha, Gregory and Melessa; Grandchildren: Xi Stubbs, Travon Moss, Fantasia, Shaniya, Ashanti, Ashvenique, Kenrio and Lloyd.

BROTHER & HIS CHILDREN: Hubert Norman Saunders - Anaia and Amya Saunders.

SISTERS & THEIR CHILDREN: Dian (Dexter) Adderley - D’Mari, Durai, Aliyah and Daron Adderley ; Kimberly Saunders - Antonio, Andre and Anthorne Rolle; Sandra Saunders - Vinteerie (Alexis) Bain, Vincent St. Louis II, and Asha L.V. St. Louis; (the late Gena Feaster) - Keisha Rolle, Geno Saunders, Aaronette Feaster, and Aaron Feaster Jr.; Veronica Saunders (Pierre) Clermont - Olivia (Brennon) Danzler Campbell; Sharon (Perry) Sands - Valarine (Eddy) Pierre, Latheria (Roman) Johnson, Joval Whyms, Sharif Turnquest, Preshea Sands, and Shamar Sands; Janice John - Lawrence (Kia), Mildron (Grace), Jonathon, Nathan, Aaron, Solomon, Gabriel John; Angel (Philip) Rolle and Precious John; Lesa (Apostle Leroy) Jones - Telesa Naughtiest, Candice Smith and Abram Stone; and Cheryl (Tyrone) Laing - Gershom (Shandez) Laing, Tyrone Laing II, Sean (Christel) Laing Collins and Gem (Collin) Higgs; AUNTS AND UNCLES: Gloria (Dudley) Hinds of London, Doris McCarthy Toronto, Lillian Haughton Istanbul, Rose Haughton of North Carolina and Carl McCarthy of New York. Amos Saunders, Sr. Alfred Saunders, Gloria Dorsett, Shirley Brown Sylvia Carlton, Brenda Saunders all of The Bahamas.

OTHER RELATIVES AND FRIENDS: Judy Deveaux, Lydia Armaly, Derek Hall, Zebulon Hanna, Tyrone Paul, Huqlin Mullings, Delton Farquharson, Dennis Nairn, Farlien Pierre (Cow), Brad Woodside, Jerry Joseph, Peter Dean, Monique, Tosha, Tamari, James and Angie Smith, Dwayne and Jamie Smith, Latoya Cartwright, Alicia Roberts, Audrey and Joyann Beneby, Laurette Miller, Joseohine Mckinney, Landera Cash, Kayla Bethel and family, Angie, Kenrick, Darlene, Geogrette, Darlene, Sophia, Kenrick, Giant, Yvone and Harborside Crew, Yellow Elder Crew, Bahamas Academy 89ers Crew, Bahamar Electrical Crew, Atlantis Electrical Crew, Brady Linen, Fusion Superplex Staff, Pepper and Spice Restaurant Staff, Nuvision media, Brothers and Sisters of Commonwealth Masons, Order of the Eastern Stars, Security Beyond Staff, Evangelistic Center Church, Bethany SDA Church.

ORDER ofSERVICE

Great is thy faithfulness, O God my Father, there is no shadow of turning with thee. Thou changest not, thy compassions, they fail not; as thou hast been, thou forever wilt be.

Great is thy faithfulness!

Great is thy faithfulness!

Morning by morning new mercies I see; all I have needed thy hand hath provided. Great is thy faithfulness, Lord, unto me!

Summer and winter and springtime and harvest, sun, moon, and stars in their courses above join with all nature in manifold witness to thy great faithfulness, mercy, and love.

Pardon for sin and a peace that endureth, thine own dear presence to cheer and to guide, strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow, blessings all mine, with ten thousand beside!

And can it be that I should gain An int’rest 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?

SECOND LESSON ...........................

’Tis myst’ry all: th’ 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!

Long my imprisoned spirit lay, Fast bound in sin and nature’s night; Thine eye diffused a quick’ning ray— I woke, the dungeon flamed with light; 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 th’ eternal throne, And claim the crown, through Christ my own.

1 CORINTHIANS 15:51-58 KJV

51 Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed,

SAUNDERS (SISTER)

52 In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.

53 For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality.

54 So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory

55 O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?

56 The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law.

57 But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

58 Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.

OBITUARY READING ALOUD WITH REFLECTIONS AMOS SAUNDERS JR. (COUSIN)

EXPRESSION OF DIGNITY AND RESPECT

HUBERT N. SAUNDERS (BROTHER AND BEST FRIEND)

EXPRESSION OF BROTHERHOOD ..ILLUSTRIOUS RICO GLINTON 33RD GRAND DEPUTY INSPECTOR GENERAL FATHER ABRAHAM GRAND COUNCIL

EXPRESSION OF FRIENDSHIP

ZEBULAN HANNA (CHILDHOOD FRIEND)

CONGREGATIONAL HYMN .................................................................................................................. THE UNCLOUDED DAY

O they tell me of a home far beyond the skies,

O they tell me of a home far away;

O they tell me of a home where no storm clouds rise;

O they tell me of an uncloudy day.

O the land of cloudless day,

O the land of an uncloudy day.

O they tell me of a home where no storm-clouds rise,

O they tell me of an uncloudy day.

O they tell me of a home where my friends have gone, O they tell me of that land far away, Where the tree of life in eternal bloom Sheds its fragrance thro' the uncloudy day.

O they tell me of a King in His beauty there, And they tell me that mine eyes shall behold Where He sits on the throne that is whiter than snow, In the city that is made of gold.

O they tell me that He smiles on His children there, And His smile drives their sorrows all away; And they tell me that no tears ever come again, In that lovely land of uncloudy day.

THIRD LESSON REVELATION 7:11-17 KJV

D’MARI & DURAI ADDERLEY (NEPHEWS)

11 And all the angels stood round about the throne, and about the elders and the four beasts, and fell before the throne on their faces, and worshipped God,

12 Saying, Amen: Blessing, and glory, and wisdom, and thanksgiving, and honour, and power, and might, be unto our God for ever and ever. Amen.

13 And one of the elders answered, saying unto me, What are these which are arrayed in white robes? and whence came they?

14 And I said unto him, Sir, thou knowest. And he said to me, These are they which came out of great tribulation, and have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.

15 Therefore are they before the throne of God, and serve him day and night in his temple: and he that sitteth on the throne shall dwell among them.

16 They shall hunger no more, neither thirst any more; neither shall the sun light on them, nor any heat.

17 For the Lamb which is in the midst of the throne shall feed them, and shall lead them unto living fountains of waters: and God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes.

MUSICAL SELECTIONS

THE FAMILY OF COUSINS

EULOGY REVEREND TYRONE A. LAING J.P.

PRAYER FOR THE FAMILY ............................................................................................................DEACON TIMOTHY BAILEY

RECESSIONAL HYMN

Oh Lord, my God

When I, in awesome wonder

Consider all the worlds Thy hands have made I see the stars, I hear the rolling thunder Thy power throughout the universe displayed

Then sings my soul, my Savior God to Thee

How great Thou art, how great Thou art

Then sings my soul, my Savior God to Thee

How great Thou art, how great Thou art

And when I think that God, His Son not sparing Sent Him to die, I scarce can take it in That on the cross, my burden gladly bearing He bled and died to take away my sin

When Christ shall come, with shout of acclamation And take me home, what joy shall fill my heart

Then I shall bow, in humble adoration

And then proclaim, my God, how great Thou art

HOW GREAT THOU ART

My sonJunior

You told me when you were a little boy, “I am going to run away and break your heart!” You didn’t get to run away, but instead you fell asleep and break my heart.

For someone as wonderful and loved as one could be loved you were everything in life. You were a man of peace, happiness, joy and humility. You brought a smile to the faces you saw.

Sometimes life can be unkind when hearts are torn in two but nothing can compare to the pain of losing you.But for all the love you left behind you will live on forever in my heart.

MY

BIG Brother,

you were known to some persons as Herbert Nat or Bear, but to me, you were Jr, my big brother. I can always remember you as my protector, my own personal bodyguard that was forced on you by Mommy. In her words, “You better not let anything happen to Norman!”; and you did that all your life until you went to sleep, blood. No matter where we went, once you were around, nobody could play around me. I could hear you saying, “Norman will talk you out of it but I, [Jr] would knock you out if you played around my baby brother.”

I have something to admit; I was jealous of you. You had the gift many persons wish they had—the gift of laughter and forgiveness. Boy, I think when God sent me to this planet, it was too late to give it to me because he gave it all to you, Jr. I can remember when I started the security company. I was saying security force”; and you came right there, joking, saying, “why not call it security beyond, bro, because

we are beyond these folks”. And off we went, even ended up in the central police station. Thank God you knew the sergeant; imagine how you were going to explain that to Mommy – me and you locked up.

I must say, Mommy made me you and Dian grow up as friends first and then sister and brothers. And when you got sick, you were never our burden; it was an honor to care for you. Even when I made you mad in the food store, arguing with you about those junk food and Kool-Aid choices.

I want the world to know that Dian is our hero. No matter what, she took care of you like a baby, even making me jealous to the point where I was just causing trouble. Bro, you were loved by many, but you got what you wanted in the last three and a half years of your life. You got your mother, you got your family, and you got all the attention.

Bro, do me a favor. If you see Uncle Joe, tell him I say thank you for the extra three years. If you see Troy, tell him you both must go fishing. If you see our old man, tell him thank you for making the best bodyguard and big brother.

SLEEP ON MY SON SLEEP ON.

A TRIBUTE FROM Dian

You always wanted to know where I was and why I was coming home after sunset. I always wanted to know who was picking you up and who was bringing you back home to me. Now all I know is that my big brother went away and won’t be coming back anymore.

A TRIBUTE TO My Daddy FROM FAYNELL

Daddy,

This is one of the most difficult body of words I have ever written. As I type sentences with my fingers, I end them with tear drops instead of full stops. I just know if you just read that sentence you’d laugh at me and say “ faygy, why are you so mushy? Just like your grammy”; then kiss me on my forehead. Truly

I know although tall and intimidating in stature, I always was your soft spot. As the days pass, I can only think of your last words to me, “ you know Daddy loves you right”. Those words bring me comfort along with an endless arsenal of comedic content and memories. My fondest memory of you, was the day I prank called you. I asked if this was Herbert N Saunders in my most professional voice; and you responded “ The big one not the little one” in yours”. I remember us laughing so hard when you found out it was me. From that day forward I’ve affectionately called you “ big herb”. So to everyone you were big bear but to me Daddy you were big herb not the little one. Someone who always found a funny moment in even the most serious times. I love you Daddy.

FROM FAYGY WITH LOVE

A TRIBUTE FROMAnisea

To love you is to know you and to call you my father was a blessing. Daddy writing this literally bring tears to my eyes but I will cherish every moment we spend together you get to meet your grand girls and boy you didn’t wanted to let them go but I’m glad I give you your flowers before you left I love you forever Papa Bear … A little poem to you,

We little that morning, God was going to call your name. In life we loved you dearly. In death we do the same. It broke our hearts to lose you. You did not go alone,

For the part of us went with you, The day God called you home. You left peaceful and joyous memories. Your love is still our guide. And though we cannot see you, You are always at our side. Our family chain is broken, And nothing seems the same, But as God calls us one by one, The chain will link again.

FROM YOUR DAUGHTER  ANISEA

A TRIBUTE FROM Melessa

When the words can’t come to your lips that are felt in your heart it gives you the greatest pain you can ever experience. Some never really understood our story but it was not for them to understand. We had a bond that was a little damaged but never broken. We would always find a way to repair those damages.

That awful morning when I got the call, it shattered our world. It was not a call to tell me you’re in the hospital again but a call that explains that we will no longer see you, that you’re gone. There will be no more texting, messaging, no more love songs, no more arguments and misunderstanding, no more breakups and makeups.

You have left an impact on our lives. You have set a standard so high. You loved me so much. I appreciate everything that you have done. You have embraced my children and you have taken them as your own.

It was never, “The Children.” It was always, “Our Children, My Children.” They appreciate you just as I do. Saying a final goodbye is one of the hardest thing that I can ever do. You gave us great memories that will forever live in our hearts

REST IN PEACE - MY KNIGHT, MY BIG BEAR.

A Tribute

FROM HERBERT SAUNDERS III

I can never put into words how much you mean to me, but even though you’re gone, I know that your love for me will continue to live on in my heart forever. Most of Your impact and presence in my life was a gift, and I will cherish the memories of you. LLHS

A Tribute

FROM KAYKAY

I Honestly couldnt find the words to say. The only thing I can think of is how much i miss you.

Thank you for stepping up to plate during my up bringing. You always told me that I can be what ever I want to be and never allow anyone to make me feel any different . Even though you aren’t here physically, you will always be in my heart. You were a giant of a man! You wont be here to walk me down the isle on my wedding day but on that day I know you will be there in spirit.

I’ve watched the way you expressed the love you had for mummy and I would always say, “my husband better love me like that.” Your love for your family was so amazing. Nothing was ever too good for your children. Daddy, you know that you always said I was the strong one , but this one .....this one is too hard! I’ve cried, laughed, and even expressed anger at times but I’ve found comfort in knowing that you are resting now. I’ve end with this poem that I found that brought comfort to my heart. I love you daddy!

If tears could build a stairway, and memories a lane. I would walk right up to heaven and bring you back again. No farewell words were spoken , No time to say goodbye. You were gone before I knew it, and only God knows why. My heart still aches with sadness, and secret tears still flow. What it meant to love you No one can ever know.

But now I know you want me to mourn for you no more; To remember all the happy times life still has much in store. Since you’ll never be forgotten, I pledge to you today a hollowed place within my heart is where you’ll always stay!

A TRIBUTE TO MyFriend

The last time I saw Bear was on the Friday 17th November. I went to his house to pick him up because this was the routine.

Now we exchanged some choice words on my arrival. I was in my feelings. Bear wasn’t answering my calls, I drove all the way there to his house to take him for popeyes a few days ago, in vain. I gone to Popeyes, still ordered his 3 pieces and family fries and came back; He never answered. He also had a few choice words for me. You gone but ya business to Jamaica bragging but how you is thousandaire… and since you get Skyler on ya line everyday so, you don’t have time for me no more, I ain’t ga run on with you, keep ya selfish talks ma men; but I glad I see you, come take me to the shop.

So I say Bro the gas light on and i mashup, I only came here to pick that bone with you - you pickin that bone ya damn self - go to the gas station bro, I ain’t ga say it because I get one cabletoe who is say I get you and that is grind

FROM SHANNON BETHEL

my gears. but that straight just get me to the shop I want get some bread and sausage, a small sugar and I ga mix cool aid. So we gone to Esso Fox Hill; bear top off the tank… In classic Bear style I start linking my finger, and I say bear corn in Egypt hey? He say I done tell you my brothers you, Rayshad, jungle, Barry, Gordon certain set of my brothers, know when this plane lands yall straight! You ain’t gat to wonder bout that, that happening, I calling yall, “Bro, meet me at the cricket club, we ga love our self - like Perry is say you drinking or you thinking? we ga leave one 3 grand there - easy.

So the tank top off; I pulling off from Esso; so we going to Popeyes? He shake his big bear hands with them long finger nails at me- shock almost cause me get in accident, so had to maneuver out of that lane on prince Charles to take him to get what we gone for - I ain’t on Popeyes run. I need to get somethings to keep me at work. Needless to say, my disappointment was immense.

I’m thinking now you suppose to be making up for all that vain trip and expense I make them couple days before but hindsight is always 2020. He was letting me know by the signs and as I reflect I was still in the darkness.

One thing about Brother Bear, he always let me know how he felt about me. I was his big time Maritime Judge. He couldn’t wait for me to come back from Malta; he said I tell everyone, y’all think I worrying bout yall- piss on y’all and ya ride when my judge come back with he masters yall ga watch the switch.

Farewell Bro Bear, your wings have taken you beyond where our “tony” could ever take you. You are in the care of the master, creator and Judge in the grand lodge above, where He prepares the table Himself. Although I will never enjoy Popeyes Al le cart the same, Jesus loves you best, dear brother.

REST IN PEACE.

IN LOVING MEMORY OF OUR DEAR BROTHER BEAR, ILLUSTRIOUS HERBERT SAUNDERS 32°

We the Officers and Members of Father Abraham Grand Council, gather with heavy hearts to bid farewell to a truly remarkable soul. Affectionately known as Bro. Bear, Herbert was a shining example of Masonic virtue and dedication, giving generously of his time, talent, and treasure to our organization. His unwavering commitment as our grill master and his uplifting presence as Chaplain of Father Abraham Grand Council touched the lives of all who had the privilege of knowing him.

Herbert's infectious laughter and unwavering spirit brought light to every meeting, and his patronage of our sister chapters exemplified his dedication to fostering

unity within our order. We will deeply miss his vivacious presence and larger-than-life energy.

As we say our goodbyes, we take comfort in knowing that Herbert›s legacy of kindness and generosity will live on in our hearts and guide us in the days ahead. Until we meet again, dear Brother Bear, may you find eternal rest, knowing that you are cherished and remembered with love and gratitude.

With deep sadness and profound respect, ILL. RICO GLINTON 33° GRAND DEPUTY INSPECTOR GENERAL FATHER ABRAHAM GRAND COUNCIL

FROM WORSHIPFUL MASTER PEDRO SWEETING AND THE MEMBERS OF THOMAS GRANT LODGE #2

We would like to offer our deepest condolences to the Sanders Family for the loss of our beloved ILL Bro. Herbert Sanders, fondly known as Brother Bear.

Bro. Bear was a truly remarkable, esteemed member of our organization. His presence will be sorely missed, from his inspiring ideas, encouraging words, and lighthearted jokes to his invaluable contributions at the grill for countless events, which he generously shared with his Brothers and Sisters.

Bro. Bear’s name will forever be held dear within our circle,

serving as a shining example of what it means to embody the values of a Mason, a brother, and a friend.

His selflessness, compassion, generosity, strength, and wisdom were the hallmarks of ILL Bro. Bear, and he tirelessly sought to impart these qualities to his fellow Brothers and Sisters.

Bro. Bear epitomized the true essence of a Mason, living out the principles he held dear. His memory will continue to inspire hope and guidance for all of us until the day we are reunited. Farewell on your eternal journey, dear brother.”

PALLBEARERS

I.L.L BROTHER ANTONIO TAYLO

I.L.L BROTHER K. MARVIN DEAN

KNIGHT PERRY PEARCE

JAVON CLARKE PERFECT ELU RAYSHAD ROLLE MASTER MASON FORMETUS WISMAGNE PERFECT ELU

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

We, the family of the late Herbert Saunders, 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 and love will never be forgotten. We rejoice in the knowledge that he has gone from labor to reward. We pray that God will bless you as you blessed us.

TheFamily