J Miller

JoevonteJaleel MILLER M A R I N E

S E A M A N

S U N R I S E : J U LY 2 8 T H , 1996 • S U N S E T: J U N E 23 R D , 2022

F U L L M I L I TA RY S E RV I C E

for the life and times of

M A R I N E

S E A M A N

Joevonte Jaleel

MILLER “Vonte”

S U N R I S E : J U LY 2 8 T H , 1996 • S U N S E T: J U N E 23 R D , 2022 AGE: 25

Service held at:

B I B L E T RU T H M I N I S T R I E S I N T E R N AT I O N A L Martin Close, Off Cowpen Road

F R I D AY J U LY 15 T H , 2022 AT 10:00 A M Officiating:

R E V. T E R R A N C E G . M O R R I S O N

3rd Elected Bahamian Pastor Zion Baptist Church / East And Shirley Streets Assisted By:

R E V. U L R I C V. S M I T H I I

Full-Time Associate Minister Zion Baptist Church / East And Shirley Streets & A P O S T L E D R . R AY M O N D W E L L S

Chaplain Of The Royal Bahamas Defence Force Organist: Interment:

LAKEVIEW MEMORIAL GARDENS

John F. Kenney Drive

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Vonte Joevonte Jaleel

MILLER

S U N R I S E : J U LY 28 T H , 1996 • S U N S E T: J U N E 23 R D , 2022

HIS ENTRANCE: On July 28TH, 1996 a handsome bouncing baby boy was born to Janet and Joseph Miller who they named Joevonte Jaleel Miller, and affectionately called “Vonte”.

H I S E D U C AT I O N :

Joevonte grew up on the quiet island of Black Point Exuma. While in Black Point he attended kindergarten where did exceptionally well and received many awards during his tenure kindergarten. After graduating from kindergarten he then went on to attend Black Point All Age School. He graduated from there in 2001 with numerous awards. Upon graduating in 2001, Joevonte relocated to Nassau with his mom and sisters. He enrolled in Doris Johnson Senior High School and successfully completed high school in 2014.

HIS LIFE:

During his young years Joevonte had the privilege of experiencing a full island life. Every summer he would find himself on Highbourne Cay. Here, he would be seen working along with his father. Joevonte would always engage with the tourists whether it was over fishing or just sharing information about the island.

He enjoyed chilling with his siblings whether it was going for lunch, a boat ride, or just watching television at home. Fast forwarding to May 2015, Joevonte became a proud father when he welcomed his beautiful daughter Jaliyah into the world. This was the biggest transformation for him thus far. He never neglected the opportunity of spending quality family time with Jaliyah and Brittney. It was either a movie, dinner date or just traveling together. They were his motivation to be the best man that he could be.

HIS ACCOMPLISHMENTS:

From a young age Joevonte knew that he would one day become a boat captain.

This prompted him to get his captain B license at the age of eighteen from Cadets Maritime and Navigational Institute. He later went on to attend the Professional Yachtmaster Training Institute in Fort Lauderdale where he obtained his captain A license. With all of this experience obtained he then enrolled to the Royal Bahamas Defense Force as a Marine Recruit and a member of New Entry 55 Woman Entry 24. After completing his training successfully Joevonte was drafted to the seagoing area of the force known as the Squadron Department where he became a member of HMBS P-45. Because of Joevonte’s versatility he was tasked with duties during the global COVID-19 pandemic as curfew operator working with the Royal Bahamas Police Force. Joevonte was highly respected by his superiors and peers for his outstanding performance while serving. So much so that he was a recipient of the Minister of National Security and Commander Defense Force Commendation Awards.

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Precious Memories Linger In The Hearts Of: His Daughter: Jaliyah Miller; Mother: Janet Miller; Father: Joseph Miller; Sisters: Jamilah & Janiqua Miller; Brother: Joel Miller; Grandmother: Myrtle Black; Fiance: Brittney Moxey; Niece: Jael Miller; Nephews: J’quan Stuart, And Jaylen Miller; Aunts: Patsy Mcdonald, Susan Gordon, Nancy, Irene And Maryann Mckenzie, Alecia Rolle, Avis Eneas, Helen Knowles (Samuel), Janet Storr (Terrance), Gersal Miller And Aurelia Butler (Peter); Uncles: Leslie Smith, Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, Charles Smith (Cheryl), Nathan Ferguson, Horace Smith, Alfred Mckenzie (Aurlena) Arthur Mckenzie (Rachel), Orthnell Miller (Christine), Carlton Clarke (Nancy), And Arthur Brown; Grandaunts: Susimae Rolle, Elizabeth Black, And Katherine, Mckenzie; Numerous Cousins: Tanya, Carvin, Brandon, Bratavia, Nathan Jr, Precious, Sophia Sheriff, Raynard, Reneisha, Alexandra, Harrice, Horace Jr, Tavion, Angelo, Andrea, Shabrika, Christa, Helen, Sue, Paulette, Tonia, Tatonya, Melinda, Lillia, Chandra, Anton, Vaughn, Tanishka, Terrea, Cassia, Tamara, Krystal, Ashley, Orthnell Jr, Renaldo, Cierra, Sariah, Sadika, Tara, Clarice, Sharon, Tiffany, Kaynell, Shavardo, Shannon, Shantera, Ramon, Margaretha, Elva, Shawn, Jermaine, Jason, Arlington, Quinton, Cleminto, Florene, Yolanda, Bernadette, Porsha, Angie, Tony, Ingrid, Rose, Gerald, Benji, Marvin, Melissa, Loetha, Carol, Christine, Melony, Christopher, Sophia Rolle, Prince, Garvin; Other Relatives And Friends: Anita and Lynden Moxey, Rt. Honorable Philip Brave Davis, Rev. T. G. Morrison and family, Betsy, Kathrina, Clara (Bernard), Lynerdo, Lorenz, Bresha, Joneka, Teven and Joan Mullings, Ruth, Monique, Joyann, Eleanor, Terrance and Ida Patton, Chester Henritta, Katimae, Eloise, Dan, Clayton, Preston, and Mike. Chris Tisi and family, Sudlin Black and family. The Royal Bahamas Defense Force New Entry 55 and Woman Entry 24, Sandals, Staff of Highbourne Cay, Bishop Arnold Josey and The Commonwealth Baptist Church Family, Newbirth Deliverance Kingdom Ministries, Community of Stuart Manor, Black Point and Staniel Cay Exuma, and East Sunrise Mortuary and family.

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O R D E R of S E R V I C E MODERATOR.....................................................................................................................................................Rev. Ulric V. Smith II PRAISE & WORSHIP ..........................................................................................................................................................................

E N T R A N C E O F T H E FA M I LY POSTING OF COLOURS AND RECEPTION OF THE BODY (Royal Bahamas Defence Force) SCRIPTURAL SENTENCES.................................................................................................................................Rev. T. G. Morrison SONG OF AFFIRMATION................................................................................................................ “I’m Glad I Counted The Cost” 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

’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.

PRAYER OF INVOCATION .................................................................................................................. Apostle Dr. Raymond Wells Chaplain Of The Royal Bahamas Defence Force PRAYER RESPONSE ............................................................................................................................................... “He Touched Me” Shackled by a heavy burden ‘Neath a load of guilt and shame Then the hand of Jesus touched me And now I am no longer the same He touched me, oh, He touched me And oh, the joy that floods my soul Something happened, and now I know He touched me, and made me whole T R I B U T E S TO A M A R I N E REMARKS ..................................................................................................................................... The Honorable Wayne Munroe QC Minister of National Security SOLO......................................................................................................................................................................Cheryl Smith (Aunt) LITURGICAL DANCE ...........................................................................................................Kingdom Mime Ministry International

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SONG OF CONFIDENCE ............................................................................................................................... “He’ll Take Me Thru” I’m a glad pilgrim on my way, going to glory land Jesus my only hope and stay, holdeth me by the hand It is such a joy to understand things that I never knew Keeping my promise to the Lord, I’m going thru.

Walking with Jesus all the way, singing a happy song Matters not if it’s night or day, nothing can lead me wrong Feeling His presence ever near why should I weep or sigh Knowing I have a home in glory by and by.

I’m His, what a wonderful feeling in my soul (happy soul) He’s mine, He’s protecting me from the heat and cold I’ll do whatsoever He bids me, I will always do I know my Redeemer will lead me safely thru.

Fully believing, trusting God, giving Him all the praise Leading me from the paths I trod, ever my voice I’ll raise He will be with me to the end, comforting with His pow’r And He will be my closest friend in death’s dark hour.

REMARKS ........................................................................................................................... The Rt. Honourable Phillip “Brave” Davis Prime Minister, Commonwealth Of The Bahamas MUSICAL TRIBUTE......................................................................................................................................... Bursel Gibson (Friend) TRIBUTE TO LIFE & TIMES..................................................................................... Marine Seaman Shekino Capron (Squad Mate) SOLO.........................................................................................................................................................................Alicia Rolle (Aunt) CONDOLENCES ................................................................................................................................................. Bishop Arnold Josey Commonwealth Mission Baptist Church CHORUS ................................................................................................................................................. “Let The Church Say Amen” Let the church say amen, Let the church say amen, God has spoken, So let the church say amen T I M E O F M I N I S T RY F RO M T H E WO R D JEWISH CANON ...................................Sapiential Writing ..........................John 14:1-14........................... Ashley Robinson (Friend) CHRISTIAN CANON..........................Pauline Admonition ..................... Ephesians 6:1-13...........................J’quan Stuart (Nephew) PREPARATORY SOLO .................................................................................................................................. Psalmist Tenier McPhee WORD OF HOPE EXPOUNDED .......................................................................................................................Rev. T. G. Morrison Pastor, Zion Baptist Church, East & Shirley Streets PRAYER FOR THE FAMILY .............................................................................................................................. Pastor Practon Patton Newbirth Deliverance Kingdom Ministries SONG OF ANTICIPATION .......................................................................................................................................“Farther Along” Tempted and tried we’re oft made to wonder, Why it should be thus all the day long; While there are others living about us, Never molested though in the wrong.

Faithful till death said our loving Master, A few more days to labor and wait; Toils of the road will then seem as nothing, As we sweep through the beautiful gate.

Farther along we’ll know all about it, Farther along we’ll understand why; Cheer up, don’t worry, live in the sunshine, We’ll understand it all by and by.

When we see Jesus coming in glory, When He comes from His home in the sky; Then we shall meet Him in that bright mansion, We’ll understand it all by and by.

When death has come and taken our loved ones, It leaves our home so lonely and drear; Then do we wonder why others prosper, Living so wicked year after year.

EXIT OF COLOURS AND BODY........................................................................................................ Royal Bahamas Defense Force J O EVO N T E

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C O M M I T T A L Ceremony

PRESIDING .............................................................................................................................................. Apostle Dr. Raymond Wells Chaplain, The Royal Bahamas Defence Force HYMN.................................................................................................................................................................. “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 Gathered on that blessed hilltop with hearts all aglow That will be a glad reunion day.

Glad day, a wonderful day, A glad day, a glorious day There with all the holy angels and loved ones to stay 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.

FAMILY FLORAL TRIBUTES................................................................................................................................. “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 different For Jesus took my load It’s alright now I’m His I know

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

It’s alright now For I am in my Savior’s care It’s alright now My Savior hears and answers prayer He’ll walk beside me ‘Til I climb the heav’nly stair And ev’rything is alright now

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

HYMN OF ASSURANCE & COMFORT .................................................................................................................. . “It Is Finished” 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 To gain a man’s soul or it’s 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, all the devils of hell On the other, the angels of glory And they meet on Golgotha’s hill

Yet in my heart, the battle was still raging Not all prisoners of war had come home These were battlefields of my own making I didn’t know that the war had been won

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

Oh, but then I heard the king of the ages Had fought all the battles for me And that victory was mine for the claiming And now praise His name, I am free

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT..................................................................................................................................East Sunrise Mortiuary

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onte

TO MY LITTLE BROTHER

TO MY BABY

This all still feels like a horrible nightmare. Sitting here writing a tribute to my little brother while the tears fall down my face, I’m still in disbelief. You were MY PERSON. My person to call and share jokes with. My person to ask for advice even though you were younger than me you were wise beyond your years. I miss you so much that when I think about you my heart aches.

I am so grateful for all of the memories I have with you after living together for so many years. The family group chat will not be the same without you. No more “Niqua what you think I should do” or “how this look what you think”. You and I were the comedians in the family but you left me to hold it down on my own. I feel lost without you vonte, I’m broken and I will never be the same again. I’m sad that you left me so soon but I know that you are in a better place. I love you and you will always be in my heart.

I wish I could wake up and see you standing here, then I would know that this is just a nightmare. Knowing that there will be no more memories, or even to hear you say “mommy you ok”, it just makes me sad. I am now left with unanswered questions to what really happened, or what went wrong. My tears come frequently every day, since they took you away from me. I’m still not accepting that this is real. But I’m trusting in God for the answer for what went wrong. My heart and my mind will never be the same, I will always cry when I hear your name and look at your pictures. I can’t erase the day you left, a life cut short.

A wound that will never heal, but now I know you are in the arms of the father. I’m sure you are watching over me.

Love Always and Forever,

Your Mom

Your Sister,

TO MY BROTHER

2 Corinthians 5: 8-9 “We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord.

Wherefore we labor, that, whether present or absent, we may be accepted of him.

My prayer is that you’re a part of The Lord’s army now Vonte, and will always stand guard to watch over and protect our family. Vonte you left me without any warning, now all I have is precious memories to cherish. You called me, even if it was just to say “hey what’s up”. No longer will I see that beautiful smile or hear that contagious laugh. I would give anything just to hear you say “Milah J.J weird” or “Gee” after I’m done telling u something that happened at work.

This pain, hurt and torture from losing you, no one will ever understand. This

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was an unseen nightmare and I haven’t come to grips with your death as yet, but I believe God will see me through this storm. You were the baby in the family but everyone respected you, even though you didn’t demand it. Every day since you left I’ve been thinking about you and all of the moments that we shared together.

Thank you for being the brother I could always call on or depend on at any given time, a great uncle to my son but most importantly a father figure and role model for him. I appreciate you for taking on that responsibility. Your time here on earth was 25 short years, but you’ve made an impression that will last a lifetime on us all. I loved you in life and will continue to love you in death.

Love, your big sis

Jamilah

Vonte

TO MY BROTHER

I never thought in my wildest dream I would be writing an RIP next to your name, you were one of those siblings that no matter how hard the road is ahead of you, you’ll always find a way to get the job done, a hard working striving young man who loves his family dearly and would go above and beyond when call upon, writing this right now with tears rolling down my face. I don’t know how we are going to go on without you in our lives, seeing that little corny smile you making all the jokes putting a smile on our faces, and you just being a genuine authentic young man, but we as a family will try and stay strong just for you. Vonte you were truly an inspiration for me even though you were my little brother you were an amazing and generous man. This pain this hurt will never go away I will love you now, I will love you forever, I will love you always bro until we meet again, continue to sail the high seas. It will never be RIP because you will always and forever live in my heart bro.

TO MY UNCLE

Father figure, role model, mentor and a “big brother”. You were all of these things to me on top of being my uncle. Words can’t explain the love and respect that I had and will continue to have for you. You showed me what it was like to be hard working and ambitious. You were loving, kind and always someone that I could talk and vent to. You were the coolest uncle ever, from taking me on boat rides with you, to spending weekends at the hotel, or even going on the beach and for ice cream on Sunday’s. You were reliable and dependable. I would brag to anyone about my Uncle Vonte.

You looked out for me and always made sure that I was okay. I don’t know how I’ll be able to fill the gap that you left and there is absolutely no one that would ever be able to take your place. You leaving was very unexpected, I never thought I would see “RIP” along with one of your pictures. Getting through this is going to be tough but I’m grateful that all I have is good memories to reminisce about when I start to miss you. I’m happy that God allowed me to meet and experience such a gem of a person.

I LOVE YOU UNCLE VONTE AND YOU WILL FOREVER BE MY FAVORITE UNCLE.

J’Quan

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D E A R D A D D Y,

I love you and I miss you so much. You were such an amazing daddy to me, we laughed, we played, we traveled and did everything together. I will miss getting kisses from you but also all the hugs. Since your passing I look at your pictures every night, sometimes I cry but most times I smile, especially at the ones with you smiling. Daddy it all feels so weird without you here, Thank you for everything.

Love you always dad.

Your favorite girl

Jaliyah

TO MY UNCLE

ont

I have so many memories with my uncle Vonte that I will always remember. You were loving, kind, and very handsome. You were a great father and an awesome uncle to me. You always took me to fun places like the beach, movies, Water Park and for my favorite ice cream. You always cared for me and showed me love and affection. You would always call and check on me and say “If you need anything call me”. I will miss you calling me and asking me “Jae you want go with me and Laya today” I appreciate everything you did for me, I love you uncle Vonte and you were the best uncle in the world take your rest until we meet again.

Love always Your One & Only Niece

Jael Miller

TO MY NEPHEW

I was so proud of you, you were smart and handsome. From the womb now to your tomb Vonte. You are and will always be aunty boy. I wish I could see you one more time to hear that familiar voice I now realize that I won’t see or hear your voice again. I am still in shock, not knowing on June 23rd that was going to be the last time I hear you say “aunty don’t worry I gat you”. Sleep on Vonte, until we meet again.

MY DEAR VONTE, It’s hard to believe you’re no longer here. Words cannot describe how this makes me feel… Each word I write, each tear I drop and I know you don’t like to see your baby cry. You were such a remarkable man, sweet, loving and caring. Never a dull moment with you. Babe, I am going to miss all the kisses, hugs and that smile, we had such a great time together. You telling me how beautiful I am and importantly… your words “I can’t wait to make you my wife”. You were one in a million to me. You were a wonderful man and dad from beginning to end. Vonte you will forever live on in my heart and mind. I will remember you always, my heart is full with memories.

I love you and miss you

Your Bee

Love Aunty Nancy

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Funeral Party BEARERS I/C PO RENALDO BAIN (PAY NO.2685) M/S BRADLEY BRAYNEN (PAY NO.3710) M/S SHEKINO CAPRON (PAY NO.3716) M/S KWANZAA CLARKE (PAY NO.3719) M/S RHONDI DAVIS (PAY NO.3726) M/M LEONARDO DELEVEAUX (PAY NO.3729) M/M BRYAN KEMP (PAY NO.3745) M/M JEROME MCDONALD (PAY NO.3751) M/M DERICK NEELY (PAY NO.3764)

CAP BEARERS W/M LYNEESE GARLAND (PAY NO. 3686) W/M MYIESHA GIBSON (PAY NO. 3687) W/M LESCIA GREENE (PAY NO. 3689) W/M KARISSA FARQUHARSON (PAY NO. 3690) W/M SHAUNDELL MAJOR (PAY NO. 3691) W/M SHUKENDRA MEADOWS (PAY NO. 3692) W/M CHRISTINA MUSGROVE (PAY NO. 3693) W/M LAVENDAR WOODSIDE (PAY NO. 3700)

COLOUR CHIEF CPO MYRAM CAMPBELL (PAY NO. 2315)

HONORARY CAP BEARER W/M DINAH MCDONALD (PAY NO. 3694)

FLAG DRAPERS CPO WALTER SAWYER (PAY NO. 2091) PO MARK HALL (PAY NO. 2636) COLOUR PART Y PO SHAVARDO GREENE (PAY NO. 2691) PO LASHANDO GREENE (PAY NO. 2743) M/S VERNNEN BARTLETT (PAY NO. 3705)

FIRING PART Y I/C PO WAYNE CUNNINGHAM (PAY NO. 2463) A/M SHARAWN SMITH (PAY NO. 3496)

RIFLE ESCORT M/S ERIC BROWN (PAY NO. 3712) L/M CLEMENT MCKENZIE (PAY NO. 3145) M/SAMARO HIGGS (PAY NO. 3739) L/M STEPHEN ROLLE (PAYNO. 3154) M/S ASHTINE KERR (PAY NO. 3746) M/S PHILLIP LOCKHART (PAY NO. 3749) SENTRY M/S CHARLES MOSS (PAY NO. 3758) PO ALTON MCDONALD (PAY NO. 2694) M/S WILLIAM MURPHY (PAY NO. 3760) L/S DAMIEN THOMPSON (PAY NO. 2988) M/S ODRICK ROBERTS (PAY NO. 3768 M/S JOACHIM JOHNSON (PAY NO. 3797) M/S LEELAND ROBINSON (PAY NO. 3769) M/M JOHNATHAN WILLIAMS (PAY NO. 3792) M/S LARRY ROLLE (PAY NO. 3771) M/S ALVIN SEYMOUR (PAY NO. 3779) M/S DENERO WILSON (PAY NO.3794) M/S ORAL RAHMING (PAY NO. 3767 M/M BRYAN KEMP (PAY NO. 3745) MARSHALLS P/O IAN HALL (PAY NO. 2692) P/O MALISHA RICHARDSON (PAY NO. 2729 P/O RODNEY ADDERLY (PAY NO. 2783)