L Higgs

A

S E RV I C E O F T H A N KS G I V I N G F O R T H E L I F E O F

CASSELL

LASHAWN AUGUST 22ND 1987 – JANUARY 13TH 2024 AGE: 36 YEARS

Saturday, February 10th, 2024 10:00 a.m.

BIBLE TRUTH MINISTRIES MARTIN’S CLOSE (OFF COWPEN ROAD) NASSAU, NEW PROVIDENCE, THE BAHAMAS

OFFICIATING

PASTOR ELLISON GREENSLADE

INTERMENT

WOODLAWN GARDENS SOLDIER ROAD NORTH NASSAU, NP, THE BAHAMAS

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CASSELL

LASHAWN

AUG UST

2 2N D

1987

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“BEFORE I FORMED YOU IN THE WOMB, I KNEW YOU. BEFORE YOU WERE BORN, I SET YOU A PART…” JEREMIAH 1:5

On Sunday August 22nd, at 6:10a.m. you were born.

No crying and with the tiniest body of 4lbs 4 oz., you looked up at all who were present. Immediately, you became my first love! You were our tiny bundle of love and joy. I named you LaShawn Cassell Higgs and we affectionately called you “Shawn” or “Frank.”

Your grandparents Sislyn and Henry took care of you as if you were their own while I pursued my degree in education. They loved you dearly as though you were their last biological son. You never referred to them as grandparents but as Mummy and Daddy. I always reminded you that they were my parents, and you would confidently say “mine too.”

“LET THE LITTLE CHILDREN COME UNTO ME.” MARK 10:1

Shawn, you were brought up in a Christian home and the Baptist faith. You were presented to the Lord in the Church of God of Prophecy by your grandfather, Pastor Franklyn Higgs. Throughout your childhood years you were a staple part of the Zion Baptist Church Inagua Sunday School and Bible Training Union. Mummy ensured that you got the same training or more than she gave all the rest of us. In your adulthood you still went to church occasionally but always made it known of your love and regard for God. One of the fondest memories of you I will never forget is of you kneeling many mornings in prayer before you began your day.

(The last time we attended church together you had your arm around my chair and held my purse.) You always protected me.

“STUDY TO SHOW THYSELF APPROVED.” 2 TIMOTHY 2:15

“Our” parents both held a high regard for education and preparing for life, so you had no choice. Your school years began at Inagua All Age School and continued at Abaco Central Primary. You transitioned to Abaco Central High where you did well and were excited about school and playing softball. Upon relocating to New Providence, you became a student of C.H. Reeves Junior High. Your allegiance was always

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a strong part of your personality” so very quickly you became a proud ‘Raptor.’ Your secondary education was completed at C. V. Bethel Senior High where you became a vibrant and proud ‘Stingray.’ In 2004, you enrolled in B.T.V.I and pursued a certification in electrical house wiring. I loved your passion and joy when you were able to complete a job and excitedly tell me about your accomplishment.

“MAN GOETH FORTH UNTO HIS WORK AND TO HIS LABOUR UNTIL EVENING.” PSALMS 104:23

You loved making your own money, and I was amazed at how you were able to secure so many jobs. Your first real job began at Taylors Industry through your internship from B.T.V.I 2006 – 2008. You later moved into the construction field where you were employed by Cavalier Construction and Mosko Construction, respectively. Your quest for employment was vibrant and led you to Service Electric, L.P. Construction. Island Site Development, Lotus Cabinets, Universal Security, J&R Maintenance/Cleaning and Esso Gas Station. As with all jobs, heads “buck”, but your work ethic was impeccable. I was always proud because employers would speak of you being an excellent worker.

So much so that within four weeks you earned employee of the month at Esso Blue Bill Road. You were proud and I was happy for you.

However, your true love was the sea. In 2010, you were employed with Mizner Marine.

They loved your ability to perform your duties as a strong swimmer. I remember many evenings you

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would call and tell me about your day and bragged of touching 40 feet without a compressor. At the end of their tenure, they wanted to take you with them as a member of their team. Even though it did not work out, you were ecstatic for the consideration.

In 2021, you were afforded the opportunity to join a fishing crew at Cartwright’s Fishing. You loved it!

Returning from your trips you would call me as soon as you got a signal on your phone to excitedly tell me about the catch and the crawfish and barri you had staked up for me. Your ultimate dream was to have a boat and open your own fishing company. Peter now has a new recruit.

“LET ALL BITTERNESS, AND WRATH, AND ANGER, AND CLAMOUR, AND EVIL SPEAKING, BE PUT AWAY FROM YOU, WITH ALL MALICE: AND BE YE KIND ONE TO ANOTHER, TENDERHEARTED, FORGIVING ONE ANOTHER, EVEN AS GOD FOR CHRIST’S SAKE HATH FORGIVEN YOU.” EPHESIANS 4:31-32

Shawn is predeceased by his grandfather Henry McIntosh, his uncle Halden McIntosh and his aunt Serica Bailey.

Left to treasure Shawn’s memory

“HE WILL WIPE EVERY TEAR FROM THEIR EYES, AND THERE WILL BE NO MORE DEATH OR SORROWS OR CRYING.” REVELATION 21:4

We do not know why your life was snatched away the way it was, but in God’s time He will bring us consolation and reveal the greater glory. In good times and bad, we were there, especially when you needed us. “Papa” (Henry McIntosh) was your earthly god, your friend, your dad, and grandfather, who always supported you. He did his best for you.

You came from a family who, though not rich by society’s standards, was still well able to ensure you were afforded what was needed to propel your life further. There may be many who question your choices, but we can all rest assured that you grew up in a house and family filled with love and prayer.

To you who read this reflection, I admonish you to be the parents that God called you to be to your children.

You cannot say or know what your children are doing when they are away from you, but what we all can do is pray for them and ask God to keep them safe. God’s way is not ours, so my son is safe with Him now.

My dear son, as I reflect on your sudden passing I heavyheartedly leave the one responsible to God. I release the spirit of anger and revenge. God almighty has vindicated this on your behalf and to you unto Himself. God’s word is all powerful and fitting as it states:

Mother: Kendra McIntosh Daughter: Deshawnte Higgs (Davinya Lightbourne) Brother: Latrell Cox Grandmother: Sislyn McIntosh Uncles: Basil Lightbourne, Stavros (Carol) McIntosh Sr., Darren McIntosh Aunts: Tecora (Mark) Munnings, Chrishelle (Adrian) Pyfrom, Beryl Gibbs Cousins: Oviado, Oviado Jr., Ovari, Venterra and Noah Lightbourne, Bria and Bryan Munnings, Halysha McIntosh, Braxton Thompson, Chrishauna (Rodney) Adderley, Stavros Jr., Leandro, Celeste and Shantavia McIntosh, Devaughn, Kadeem and Ashley Gibbs Father: Cassell Higgs Stepmother: Jill Higgs Uncles: Franklyn, Robert, Stafford Aunts: Beatrice, Isula, Liz, Darlene.

Grand-aunt: Olive Beneby.

Cousins: Manfred Brown, Georgina Higgs, Hillith Higgs, Evelyn (Shavaughn, Glenis, Richie), Marionette (Anton, Andromeda), Ruth (Rico, Dario, Rashontae, Shatyra), Malteed (Dominic, Dewitt, Duedanae, Deandrea), Marshall, Naomi (Indera, Renaud, Malik), Daniel (Darnel, Donnita, Dion), Fleather Smith, Porsha Finley, Maceo Baneby, Judy Major, Nadine Ingraham, Newell Ingraham, Jermaine Daily, Jamal Murray, Derek, Dwight, Janet, Patrice Allen and Mandel Miller Godparents: Ardis Seymour, Crystal Fawkes, Leroy Palacious, Leroy Arnette Numerous other relatives and friends, especially Lathario McKinney, Adnan Oliver, Kaye Clarke, Ashton Smith, Milo Cox, Joseph Mullings, Roy Richards, Brendan Major, Perry Fawkes Jr., John Williams, Richard Darville, Jr., Markus Cash, Allison Gilbert, Pina Davis, Benson Johnson, Dr. Farquharson, Jodell Cox, Dwayne Josey, Nicolette Cartwright, Vera McKinney, the community of Sunset Subdivision, Da Drip Carwash, Cartwright’s Fishing, Esso Baillou Road, and all those who paved the way in creating a career pathway.

Special thanks to Bible Truth Ministries

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ORDER OF SERVICE Musical Prelude ........................................................................................................................................................................................... Organist Family Processional................................................................................................................................................................ At The Midnight Cry Opening Sentences .....................................................................................................................................................................................................

Opening Hymn....................................................................................................................................................................................And Can It Be 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?

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.

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

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.

Invocation ...................................................................................................................................................................... Pastor Ellison Greenslade Congregational Hymn............................................................................................................................................................ How Great Thou Art O 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!

When through the woods and forest glades I wander And hear the birds sing sweetly in the trees, When I look down from lofty mountain grandeur, And hear the brook and feel the gentle breeze:

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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 there proclaim, My God, how great thou art!

First Scripture Reading.......................................................Psalm 46........................................................................... Bria Munnings (Cousin) Musical Tribute................................................................................................................................................Natasha Johnson (Family Friend) Second Scripture Reading.................................. First Corinthians 15:50-58................................................Chrishauna Adderley (Cousin) As I Knew Him ................................................................................................................................Adnan Oliver And Ashton Smith (Friends) Read By Andrese Edgecombe And Chandalee Taylor (Family friends) Obituary................................................................................................................................................................................. To Be Read In Silence Sermonic Hymn ............................................................................................................................................................................ I Shall Know Him When my lifework is ended and I cross the swelling tide, When the bright and glorious morning I shall see; I shall know my Redeemer when I reach the other side, And His smile will be the first to welcome me.

I shall know Him, (I shall know Him,) I shall know Him, And redeemed by His side I shall stand; I shall know Him, (I shall know Him,) I shall know Him By the print of the nails in His hand.

Oh, the soul thrilling rapture when I view His blessed face, And the luster of His kindly beaming eye; How my full heart will praise Him for the mercy, love and grace That prepared for me a mansion in the sky.

Oh, the dear ones in glory, how they beckon me to come, And our parting at the river I recall; To the sweet vales of Eden they will sing my welcome home, But I long to meet my Savior first of all.

Thro’ the gates to the city in a robe of spotless white, He will lead me where no tears will ever fall; In the glad song of ages I shall mingle with delight, But I long to meet my Savior first of all.

Spoken Word ............................................................................................................................................................... Pastor Ellison Greenslade Prayer For The Family ................................................................................................................................................ Pastor Ellison Greenslade Recessional Hymn ......................................................................................................................................................................... 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.

(Chorus) It’s alright now, for I am in my Saviour’s care.

It’s alright now; my Saviour hears and answers prayer.

He’ll walk 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

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GRAVESIDE HYMNS 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.

(Chorus) 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 trav’ling days are over, Not a shadow, not a sigh.

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 behold; Soon the pearly gates will open; We shall tread the streets of gold.

When we all see Jesus, We’ll sing and shout the victory!

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.

(Chorus) Glad day, a wonderful day, Glad day, a glorious day, There with all the holy angels and loved ones to stay, That will be a glad reunion day.

There within the holy city we’ll sing and rejoice, Praising Christ the blessed Saviour with heart and with voice, Tell him how we came to love Him and make Him our choice, That will be a glad reunion day.

When we live a million years in that wonderful place, Basking in the love of Jesus, beholding His face, It will seem but just a moment of praising His grace, That will be a glad reunion day.

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MY SON As I reflect on your life there are so many wonderful moments that outweigh the not so good ones. You were a loving and dependable person. It breaks my heart to know that I will never see or speak with you again. My peace now is that I never turned my back on you, and you knew I was your rock and would support you when I needed to. You taught me how to say, “I love you” and never failed to ensure I knew how much you loved me. You were excited about 2024 and set out from day one to make sure things turned in your favour.

Your laugh was contagious and came from deep within. I will never forget the booming sound echoing through the house. My errands will never be the same! You taught me new shortcuts and we would have heartfelt conversations about life. You were my personal assistant and made all the chores look so easy. When I complained, you would say “don’t worry about it, I get it.” I will make the 3-rack planter in your honor and promise to grow the spinach, sweet peppers, and carrots.

Thank you for giving me my baby girl Dashawnte. She became a beautiful expression of love in our lives. I promise to help her honor all the precious memories of you. I will protect and guide her down here as you are now our guardian angel above.

I’m so grateful I got to see you in your final hours and was able to assist you with one last act of love.

I remember looking at every part of your face, an image that is now imprinted on my brain forever.

You never believed in goodbyes, so see you later baby boy. I miss you so much, but you will forever be in my heart. In your words, “Rest Out” Shawn.

Love you to Heaven,

Mom L A S H AW N C A S S E L L H I G G S

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Daddy

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TO MY

Big Brother

Shawn, sitting writing this in such disbelief…I never would have thought this day would come.

I’m never one to stop at police tape but that night something made me pull to the side because I know that’s where your hang out spot was, not knowing you were laying behind the building and needing me. The way we found out about your death left me numb and devastated. Our link has been severed but our bond will never break. You always encouraged me and celebrated my accomplishments, even when I didn’t celebrate them myself.

Your love for family, the sea and your daughter were on you demonstrated in the tattoos on your body – and in your words “339 to the world”. You would always speak of God and were confident that he was on your side. You stood on what you believed was right, sometimes

GRAMMY

Boy

You have taken your sudden flight from us leaving us only with the love we shared and previous memories that will never be forgotten. Memories of you in the kitchen as a child always wanting to cook and help out; you and your Aunt Serica always together loving on each other.

God knows the reason why, but my thoughts will always be on you, missing the calls and messages from you saying, “Grammy I only want to know if you are alright.” The large red heart you sent me before you died, I will always cherish.

Sleep on my boy. You left our lives but will never leave our hearts.

Grammy loves you.

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outrageous and outspoken, but your warrior and protective spirit was always a trait I admired.

Despite all that, you were humble, loving, and considerate. I warned you about company and assured you that family is what you need.

We had plans for the 339 but our plans weren’t God’s plans. He needed a warrior.

You were so proud to have me as a brother. You would always tell everyone how much you love your little brother. Despite all the miscommunications and disruptions that every family has, I always wanted the best for you. I always had hope in you and never gave up on you.

Trellie ( Fat Boy)

TRIBUTES

MY NEPHEW Warrior, protector, high spirited, laughterful. These are some of the adjectives I think of when I think of you Shawn.

You were my first baby. I fondly remember when you were born: 4 pounds plus, very tiny, full eyed baby.

Your aunt Tekie and I cradled you and even crawled into your crib. You grew into a loving child and young man. You always showed love and fondness of your family. Of course, you would openly voice your disagreement with passion as well.

I will miss your many loving messages (which I scroll through often), your boisterous laugh, the way you always said, “I love you.”

You will forever be in my heart! Sleep in peace my sweet nephew!

All of my love always,

Aunty Nica OUR COUSIN When I think of Lashawn’s life, I remember our times at Grammy’s house. I remember the fleeting memories of singing happy birthday to Grammy, sitting in the living room, laughing.

the cousin you could call for anything. Shawn was the one that loved his family. And no matter how old we got he never forgot about home and he never forgot about family.

Shawn was a protector; the “big brother” of all of the cousins. Sislyn’s grandchildren grew up close.

We’re more like siblings than cousins. And Shawn exemplified that.

Shawn took a piece of us when he left. We all miss your boisterous laugh. We miss your voice. We miss seeing you at the family functions. We miss having you at Grammy’s house. We cherish all the memories and everything of you that we have left: the pictures, the videos, and your beloved Dashawnte.

He was the cousin that could make you laugh when you were having a bad day. He was the cousin that had your back when it was against the wall. He was the cousin to call you and tell you he loved you on a random day. He was the affectionate cousin.

He was the supportive cousin, the cousin that always showed up. He was the helpful cousin. He was

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You’re watching over us forever Shawn, our angel forever.

We promise that the cousins will do all that we can to make you proud.“

I KNEW HIM AS A

Friend and a Brother FOR 17 YEARS.

We never once argued or fought. We didn’t agree on everything but never allowed it to come between our friendship. I knew him as a kindhearted and loyal friend; as long as he have it you can get it from him. Sometimes I would get vex at him at times and say if you give everything what would you have for yourself. He would always say “don’t watch nothing brother, that’s small things or “a lil bit of dirt.” That’s how he was with everyone he knew. You could be in distress on one end of the island and he on the other end and he would come to your assistance in the middle of the night out of his bed if you call on him.

When he out fishing, before the boat is back to shore he already calling and telling me what he have, just say what I want and he will put it aside.

He was an outgoing, outspoken person that would state his opinion even though he might be disliked for it. He was a friend that would never allow friends he knew to get into a fight or altercation. When we were younger, me and some friends in the community had a disagreement that was about to get violent.

He came to me with tears in his eyes and said, “we all is one brother, we all be together, we don’t need to go through this.” From that day forward I always took him as a true friend. Sad that you kept so many friends from violence, yet there was no friend when it came to you.

I will always have you in my heart brother, so rest in peace till we meet again.

ADNAN OLIVER

my Friend SHAWN He was just like my lil brother. He was always the fun type to be around. I always respected him because he looked up to me as his big brother.

It all started from home in Inagua. I could remember from Shawn was in primary school, he always was short and chubby. It was a joy. I’d laugh every time I saw him…it just was something special about him.

When we were younger, sometimes I would go by my Aunty Maria and that’s when I saw him most, in the North (what we would call the area). Shawn Grammy’s house was just a few homes down… I ain’t know how he use to get out that house but he would, and would end up in the road where everyone else was playing. He was the shortest, but ALWAYS had a big personality!! Shawn always had a unique laugh; he would make you laugh just by hearing his. He loved his Inagua and would always “big up” the 339.

After he got older in his teens, he moved to Nassau to his mom. He got taller and wasn’t that short and chubby Shawn any more. When I got a chance to come over to Nassau somehow we would link up.

I was new to the city and I knew I’d trust Shawn from where he would carry me just to hang out… time I’m paranoid. But nevertheless, I was with my home boy, what could happen to me? Around that time, we liked rappin. It just was a fun thing to do and he was good at it, I learned from him. I always told him he have a gift to rap.

Shawn was always outspoken. He never let anyone take advantage of him or anyone around him, especially his “339” people. I have never known him to do the things I would do growing up, and that’s badness. Shawn just wasn’t the bad type. He never liked getting in trouble. He was on that defense side always ready to defend his self and anyone around him. He had a big heart. He would give you the shoes off of his feet…I know this because I experienced it.

I would always remember my boy; the memories could never be forgotten and from I got the news I knew it couldn’t be true. If I knew the last time we sat down and talk would be our last, I would have stayed around much longer…

I will always miss you.

ASHTON SMITH

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CASSELL

LASHAWN L A S H AW N C A S S E L L H I G G S

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CASSELL

LASHAWN PALLBEARERS STAVROS MCINTOSH SR. ADNAN OLIVER ASHTON SMITH JOSEPH MULLINGS MILO COX PERRY FAWKES JR.

HONORARY PALLBEARERS LATHARIO MCKINNEY BASIL LIGHTBOURNE MARK MUNNINGS ADRIAN PYFROM

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT We the family of the late LaShawn Cassell Higgs express our sincere gratitude to each of you who have displayed your love and concern for us during our time of bereavement.

We truly appreciate your prayers, visits, words of comfort, telephone calls and other acts of kindness.

MAY GOD BLESS EACH OF YOU.