M Bethel

CELEBRATING THE LIFE OF

Maria Lisa MCCOLLUM-BETHEL

Born: June 19,1961

Died: March 25, 2022

Aged: 60 Years

Funeral Service Held At EPWORTH METHODIST CHAPEL

Cherokee Sound, Abaco, The Bahamas

SATURDAY, APRIL 23, 2022 AT 11:00 A.M.

Officiating

Rev. L. Carla R. Culmer

President, Bahamas Conference of The Methodist Church

Assisted By

Rev. James Neilly

Minister, Global Village Methodist Church

Mr. Hartis Pinder

Lay Preacher, Ebenezer Methodist Church

Organist

Mrs. Margaret Schuitemaker

Pianist

Mrs. Rebecca Bethel

Interment

The Public Cemetery

Cherokee Sound, Abaco, The Bahamas

Maria Lisa

MCCOLLUM-BETHEL

June 19th, 1961 was a very special day in the lives of Samuel and Ruth McCollum as they welcomed their beautiful daughter into the world. Maria was the seventh (7th) of 12 kids. Maria was born in Miami and lived in Seabring, Florida until age ten (10), then moved to West Palm Beach until 1986.

Maria received her early education at St. Francis Catholic Elementary School. She attended Cardinal Newman High School in West Palm Beach, never missing one day of school from kindergarten through twelfth (12th) grade. Maria went on to graduate from Palm Beach Junior College with a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting and Business Administration.

Maria worked for many years at Heavy Lift Services and always spoke fondly of her bosses, Al Dias and Roland Collier. In 1984, she was employed by Teeters Brothers Steamship Agency at the Port of Palm Beach.

Maria and Michael met in 1985 and it was the beginning of a beautiful relationship for thirty-six (36) years. She moved to Cherokee Sound in 1986, ‘living in paradise’, where she was accepted and loved by all as she would often say. Maria knew that paradise is always where love dwells. She immediately began working at Cherokee Food Fair with Carroll & Lorraine Sawyer. Bonnie Albury joined the team in November 1995 and is still employed with the business. Maria and Bonnie developed a mother/daughter relationship and she accompanied Maria & Michael on many shopping trips to Florida and managed the business when Maria was not able. The family will forever be grateful for her love of Maria and her unending dedication to us.

Maria married the love of her life on March 15th, 1987. This marriage was blessed with three (3) beautiful children whom she loved and treasured and her granddaughter, Melia, the sparkle of her eye, who joined the family in September 2018. In addition to her duties as a devoted wife and mother, Maria found time for her community and church. She immersed herself in all activities. Elected as a member of Epworth Chapel’s Congregational Board and Treasurer, President of the P.T.A. at Cherokee All-Age School, served as a member of the Restoration Committee for the W. W. Sands Community Centre and led the fundraising efforts for renovations at Epworth Methodist Chapel in 2015. Maria, along with Vashti and Peggy Albury, were an integral part, and the driving forces, in planning and ensuring that our ‘Cherokee Day’

homecoming celebrations and fundraisers were a major success.

In 1997, Maria was elected President of the Free National Movement’s Women’s Association in South Abaco and, in November 1998, was selected by the then party leader, The Rt. Honourable Hubert A. Ingraham, to speak at the FNM’s National General Convention.

Maria was a fierce defender and a valiant fighter of all that is right and good – always smiling and sharing her kind and generous spirit. Her faith in God and, the love of her family and many friends, strengthened and supported her to the very end, leaving this world for her eternal rest with a smile on her face.

In spite of her physical challenges in the end, Maria was always radiant. The glow of her soul told us that she was prepared to return to her eternal abode of heaven. And even now, we can hear her loudly as she enters the angelic realm, the choir of angels, archangels and all the heavenly host, as they loudly sing: “Maria, Maria, Maria, welcome back home.” And with that celestial reverberation, her light brought in from the earthly realm, gives even greater illumination in the heavens and even here on our mother earth. We know it, we feel it, we love it, and we thank you beloved Maria.

Not enjoyment, and not sorrow, Is our destined end or way; But to act, that each tomorrow Find us farther than today.

Let us, then, be up and doing, With a heart for any fate; Still achieving, still pursuing, Learn to labour and to wait.

Maria will be greatly missed by all who loved her dearly. Our family wish is that, as we continue to celebrate Maria’s life, all of us will remember the beautiful and wonderful memories and transform them into the living.

Maria was predeceased by her Father, Samuel McCollum; Sister, Jeannine McCollum; Brothers, Eric and Robbie McCollum.

MARIA IS SURVIVED BY:

HUSBAND: Michael Bethel;

CHILDREN: Michael Jr. (Mikey), Erica (Lydell Ferguson) and Cody Bethel;

GRANDDAUGHTER: Melia Ferguson;

MOTHER: Ruth McCollum;

SISTERS: Marcia (Gerald) Mandello, Anita (Deniz) Pekerol, Michele (Michael) Williams, Yvette (Elliott) Perlman, Kristina (Nick) Ryan;

BROTHERS: Brian (Anne), Nicholas (Suzanne), Anthony McCollum;

MOTHER-IN-LAW: Sharon Bethel;

SISTERS-IN-LAW: Jennifer (Trevor) Sawyer, Joanna Bethel;

ADOPTED SON & DAUGHTER: Tevon & Dina Strachan;

GODCHILDREN: Dakota Albury, Lamanda & Paulette Burrows;

NUMEROUS NEPHEWS AND NIECES and a host of other relatives and friends too numerous to mention.

ORDER of SERVICE

MUSICAL PRELUDE (Slideshow Presentation)

OPENING SENTENCES Rev. James Neilly

OPENING HYMN ....................................................................................... ‘Through All The Changing Scenes Of Life’

Through all the changing scenes of life, The hosts of God encamp around In trouble and in joy, The dwellings of the just; The praises of my God shall still Deliverance He affords to all My heart and tongue employ. Who on His succour trust.

Of His deliverance I will boast, O make but trial of His love; Till all that are distressed Experience will decide From my example comfort take, How blest they are, and only they, And charm their griefs to rest. Who in His truth confide.

O magnify the Lord with me, Fear Him, ye saints, and you will then With me exalt His name; Have nothing else to fear; When in distress to Him I called, Make you His service your delight, He to my rescue came. He’ll make your wants His care.

INVOCATION

Pastor Terrance Strachan

Lifegate Christian Ministries / (Family Friend)

HYMN ........................................................................................................................ ‘Blessed Assurance, Jesus Is Mine’

Blessèd assurance, Jesus is mine: Perfect submission, perfect delight, O what a foretaste of glory divine! Visions of rapture burst on my sight; Heir of salvation, purchase of God; Angels descending, bring from above Born of His Spirit, washed in His blood. Echoes of mercy, whispers of love.

This is my story, this is my song, Perfect submission, all is at rest, Praising my Saviour all the day long. I in my Saviour am happy and blest; This is my story, this is my song, Watching and waiting, looking above, Praising my Saviour all the day long. Filled with His goodness, lost in His love.

AS I KNEW HER

Mr. Jerry Mandello (Brother-in-law)

Mr. James (Jim) Bethel (Cousin)

MUSICAL SELECTION ............................................ ‘Even If’ .......................................................... Rev. James Neilly

AS I KNEW HER

POEM .....................................................................................................................

REMARKS ........................................................................................................

Mr. Hartis Pinder (Family Friend)

Mr. Tevon Strachan (Adopted Son)

The Hon. Philip E. Davis, Q.C., M.P.

Prime Minister and Minister of Finance

The Commonwealth of The Bahamas

HYMN ‘I Am So Glad That Our Father In Heaven’

I am so glad that our Father in heaven

Though I forget Him, and wander away, Tells of His love in the Book He has given: Still He doth love me wherever I stray; Wonderful things in the Bible I see; Back to His dear loving arms do I flee, This is the dearest, that Jesus loves me. When I remember that Jesus loves me.

I am so glad that Jesus loves me, O if there’s only one song I can sing, Jesus loves me, Jesus loves me. When in His beauty I see the great King, I am so glad that Jesus loves me, This shall my song in eternity be, Jesus loves even me. O what a wonder that Jesus loves me.

If one should ask of me: How can I tell? Glory to Jesus, I know very well; God’s Holy Spirt with mine doth agree, Constantly witnessing: Jesus loves me.

OLD TESTAMENT READING ...................... Psalm 46: 1-11 (KJV) .......................................... Mr. Darrell Pinder Pastor, Assemblies of God, Cherokee Sound

Reader: The Word of the Lord.

People: Thanks be to God.

NEW TESTAMENT READING ................... 2nd Timothy 4: 5-8 (KJV) ....................... Mr. Tony McCollum (Brother)

Reader: The Word of the Lord. People: Thanks be to God.

NEW TESTAMENT READING 1st Corinthians 13: 1-13 (KJV) ............... Mr. James Fuqua (Family Friend)

Reader: The Word of the Lord. People: Thanks be to God.

GOSPEL READING (Please stand) John 14: 1-6, 27 (KJV) Rev. L. Carla R. Culmer

Reader: The Gospel of Jesus Christ. People: Praise be to Christ our Lord.

MUSICAL SELECTION ‘My God, How Great Thou Art’ Tevon & Dina Strachan (Adopted Son & Daughter)

EULOGY............................................................................................................................... Rev. L. Carla R. Culmer

PRAYERS FOR THE FAMILY ............................................................................................... Rev. L. Carla R. Culmer

PRAYERS OF THANKSGIVING & COMMENDATION

THE LORD’S PRAYER

THE BENEDICTION

CLOSING HYMN

‘Jesus, Keep Me Near The Cross’

Jesus, keep me near the Cross; Near the Cross, a trembling soul, There a precious fountain, Love and mercy found me; Free to all, a healing stream, There the bright and morning star Flows from Calvary’s mountain. Shed its beams around me.

In the Cross, in the Cross, Near the Cross: O Lamb of God, Be my glory ever; Bring its scenes before me; Till my raptured soul shall find Help me walk from day to day, Rest beyond the river. With its shadow o’er me.

Near the Cross I’ll watch and wait, Hoping, trusting ever, Till I reach the golden strand, Just beyond the river.

(A private Graveside Service will be held for the immediate family only.)

GRAVESIDE Service

OPENING SENTENCES ................................................................................................... Rev. James Neilly

HYMN ............................................................................................................... ‘I’ve Got Peace Like A River’

I’ve got peace like a river, I’ve got love like an ocean, I’ve got peace like a river, I’ve got love like an ocean, I’ve got peace like a river in my soul, I’ve got love like an ocean in my soul, I’ve got peace like a river, I’ve got love like an ocean, I’ve got peace like a river, I’ve got love like an ocean, I’ve got peace like a river in my soul. I’ve got love like an ocean in my soul.

I’ve got joy like a fountain, I’ve got joy like a fountain, I’ve got joy like a fountain in my soul, I’ve got joy like a fountain, I’ve got joy like a fountain, I’ve got joy like a fountain in my soul.

PRAYERS

Mr. Hartis Pinder

COMMITTAL ........................................................................................................ Rev. L. Carla R. Culmer

THE BENEDICTION ............................................................................................ Rev. L. Carla R. Culmer

MY TRIBUTE to

To the one who holds my heart…your love is the greatest gift in my life. Because of you, there is JOY and LAUGHTER and LOVE all around me. Thank you for making our home, our family, and our life together so wonderful. I loved the woman you were. Your sense of HUMOR, your PASSION your STRENGTH. How EVERYTHING you did was done with so much HEART. I loved knowing that the good life is THIS LIFE… the life I got to spend with YOU.

But the best gift you’ve ever given me can’t be wrapped in ribbons or topped with a bow. Nothing can compare with the feeling of holding you close, seeing you smile, feeling your hand in mine and knowing that our hearts are forever joined together.

You are my best friend and my soul mate –and nothing could ever make me happier than spending all the days of my life with you.

We knew that love has nothing to do with what you are expecting to get – only with what you are expecting to give – which is everything. And it is love, not reason, that is stronger than death.

Goodbyes are only for those who love with their eyes. Because for those who love with their heart and soul, there is no such thing as separation.

Love you Mammie!

MICHAEL (Husband)

A TRIBUTE TO THE TRUE WIFE

Often times, I have seen a tall ship glide by against the tide as if drawn by some invisible bow-line, with a hundred strong arms pulling. Her sails unfilled, her streamers were drooping; she had neither side wheel nor stern wheel, still she moved on stately, in serene triumph, as with her own life. But I knew, that on the other side of the ship, hidden beneath the great bulk that swam so majestically, there was a little toilsome steam tug with a heart of fire and arms of iron, that was tugging it bravely on, and I knew that if the little steam tug untwined her arms and left the ship it would wallow and roll about and drift hither and thither, and go off with the refluent tide, no man knows whither. And so I have known more than one genius, high-decked, full-freighted, idle-sailed, gay-pennoned, but that for the bare toiling arms and brave, warm-beating heart of the faithful little wife that nestles close to him, so that no wind or wave could part them, would have gone down with the stream and have been heard of no more.

Oliver Wendell Holmes

MICHAEL (Husband)

MY Angel

I really don’t know where to begin Hopefully I can find the words within That love’s not gone, it’s kept inside But when you left, a part of me died.

You’ve always meant the world to me

Like you, I always wanted to be

And as the years began to fly

You were always there right by my side.

The hardest words for me to say With tears in my eyes, “Mommy, it’s okay.”

“You don’t have to fight anymore, we will be okay.”

You looked in my eyes and gazed

And then you said, “It’s okay.”

I walked away with so much pain

But then I knew God would gain I miss you so much and more every day And I love you so much more than words could say.

Sleep on my Angel and take your rest.

Love, ERICA (Daughter)

TO MY Mother

There are not enough words to describe the type of woman Mommy was. But there is one that comes to mind when I think of her. Amazing! She was an amazing woman and an amazing mother. She would go out of her way to help anyone that needed it – her family, her community, even someone she did not know. She was an inspiration to us all.

Every day, I think about you and miss you so much. The thought of not being able to see you anymore doesn’t seem real. But I’m glad you are now at peace and in a better place. Thank you for bringing me into this world and being the best mother a son could have asked for.

All that we love deeply becomes a part of us and you will always be a part of me. Our memories together, I will cherish forever. There is a quote by Isabel Allende that reads, “There is no death. People only die when we forget them. If you remember them, they will be with you always.” So today, we remember you Mommy. I love you and will always remember you.

Love, MIKEY (Son)

IN MEMORY OF My Mammie

A little tribute, true and tender, Just to show that we remember. Time may pass and fade away But memories of you will always stay.

Love, MELIA (Granddaughter)

A ROSE SO RARE!

A rose so rareOne of its kind Love and beauty - a mother Yes! Mine. A rose without thornsNot a petal was torn. A perfect rose stood straight and tall, Our mother was the most precious of all. A rose that survived the worst kind of weather And yet, the most delicate ever. A rose with a fragrance Where could be no other You see, this rose is our mother. A rose is picked and put to dry, The beauty is still there, It never dies.

We will always love and remember you.

Love, CODY (Son)

A TRIBUTE TO My Mother-In-Law

I am so proud and so honored to have called you Mammie, my darling Mother-in-law. One of the strongest women I’ve had the privilege of knowing. You fought tirelessly even till the end. Thank you for raising the woman that I love and for instilling in her that quiet strength that is one of her amazing qualities. I will forever cherish your unconditional love for me, and thank you for never being a meddling mother-in-law. I will forever appreciate you and Papa welcoming me into the family and not one day did you ever make me feel like a stranger. I remember your kindness and strength and how jovial you always were. Your stories and jokes (sometimes stale jokes) made us laugh so hard, and when you thought we were laughing at the jokes, we were laughing at you. But nevertheless, you always lit up the room and were the life of the party. Even in your latter days, you always made sure everyone was straight, even to the point of asking Papa if he got me a drink. Your daughter, granddaughter and I miss you and you are a shining light that we will hold forever in our hearts.

Sleep well Mammie. We will always love you! #cancersucks

Love, LYDELL (Son-in-law)

So Strong

S Strong

T Thankful

R Remarkable

O Optimistic

N Never negative

G Good

STRONG. The word that describes you best!! Although the last three years you faced many challenges, you faced them head on with unending strength, a smile on your face and always thankful for even the littlest things. STRONG!!

I’ll never forget the last word I heard you say that Thursday morning when Michael said, “Mammie, how are you feeling?” Your answer was one word, “Good.” No questions, no complaints, just “Good!!” STRONG!!

So whatever challenges I may be faced with, and need a little bit of encouragement, I’ll think of you and know that you’re holding my hand, giving me a little of your strength to make me STRONG!!

You’ll be my Angel. xoxoxoxo

JENNIFER (Sister-in-law)

IN LOVING MEMORY OF A Special Daughter

The day you left and gained your wings

My heart just broke in two I wish you could have stayed with me But Heaven needed you.

You left me with the memories

And I love you dearly still No matter how much time goes by You know I always will.

You were a very special person With kindness in your heart And the love we had together Grows stronger now we’re apart.

I know I cannot bring you back Although I wish it everyday

But a piece of me went with you The day you went away.

Love, MAMA SHARON (Mother-in-law)

COURAGE, COMMITMENT and A Smile

I remember in middle school, Maria entered a balance beam contest. This was a 4-inch wide beam upon which she had to perform a gymnastics routine. Just getting on a balance beam requires a bit of confidence, but performing tricks on one, in front of an audience, requires real courage and commitment. Maria had both. She stepped on that beam, smiled, and performed her routine. And she won. I think Maria approached every challenge in her life just like the beam, with courage, commitment, and a smile. In leaving the U.S. to join Michael in The Bahamas, in raising their children in a different culture, in running a thriving business at the same time, in leading a national women’s group, and in facing a long treatment for cancer ... Maria gave her all. And no matter how difficult a situation might be, Maria could always find a reason to smile. Her beautiful smile will remain in my memory as long as I live. To quote our brother Nick, “May her beautiful soul rest in peace.”

An Angel

An angel lived among us, A gift from God above. She showered us with kindness And shared with us her love. She cherished every moment With the man who was her life; Walking hand in hand together, Facing life with all its strife. She loved her children dearly, Each one a different way, Nestled close within her heart. Though, now, she’s far away. She’s gone to live with Jesus. But, she’s here with us, today, Smiling down on every one of us, And telling us she’s O.K.

Love, JEFF & MELISSA (Cousins)

LIFE IS NOT THE SAME Without You

The sun still rises in the east And darkness falls at night But nothing now seems quite the same Each day is not as bright.

The birds still sing, the flowers grow The breeze still whispers, too But it will never, ever be The same world without you.

It’s so sad that you had to go Your leaving caused such pain But you were so very special And earth’s loss is heaven’s gain.

Love, KAY & RICKY (Aunt & Cousin)

I THOUGHT OFYou Today

I thought of you with love today but that is nothing new I thought about you yesterday and days before that too.

I think of you in silence

I often speak your name All I have are memories and your picture in a frame.

Your memory is my keepsake with which I’ll never part God has you in His keeping I have you in my heart.

Love, AMANDA (Niece)

MICHELE M C COLLUM-WILLIAMS (Sister)

Happy Times

We mourn the passing of our fun-loving friend Maria. How could you forget a person with such a beautiful smile, so freely given, even in the darkest of times? Someone so kind and good, always thinking about and caring for others and with such a sunny, optimistic outlook on life that she could raise everyone’s spirits by walking into the room.

We give thanks for our wonderful memories of such happy times together in Cherokee, and on trips to Europe and a South African wedding.

We remember, with a smile, the fun we all had at Maria’s parties with games and entertainment! How did she manage to pick up a cereal packet and then a matchbox from the floor with just her teeth?!

And so, now that her struggle is over, on behalf of all our family, and her many British friends, we just want to say how truly blessed we feel that we have loved and known Miss Naiomi, Maria Bethel. We will cherish her memory fondly, forever.

Love, YOUR BRITISH FRIENDS

My Friend

A LIGHT

Dearest Maria, You were a light that lit up every space you occupied. Your presence emitted waves of optimism and grace!! AND with a smile you illuminated the world a little brighter.

We will never forget you, ‘Speedy’!!!

May you forever be in the peace and love of Almighty God.

With love and peace, DARRYL, DONNA AND GABRIEL DARVILLE

(Family Friends)

I can’t define Maria. She was so many things to me in life. She was my boss who taught me the ethics of hard work that I have today, and to always cover my own butt. She was a friend I could always count on who would listen and give me some friendly advice and who taught me to stand up for myself. She was my exercise buddy. We went on many long evening walks, discussing and solving all the world’s problems. She was my vacation partner. Maria and I would often end up paddle boarding, on long walks or some sort of activity on family vacations that I was so blessed to have been a part of. She was an amazing cook. We sat at her dinner table many times exchanging recipes. She helped me overcome my shyness, work to be a better person in myself and for other people and so much more. She was beautiful inside and out. Her smile lit up whichever room she was in. She always treated me as if I was her own child. The last day I saw Maria, she smiled at me and said, “I love you.” That moment and so many more memories will always be forever in my heart. Until we meet again.

Love always, HEATHER ALBURY (Family Friend)

HE ONLY TAKES The Best

God saw that she was getting tired, A cure was not to be. So He put His arms around her And whispered, “Come with Me.” With tearful eyes, we watched her suffer, And saw her fade away. Although we loved her dearly, We could not make her stay. A golden heart stopped beating, Hard working hands to rest. God broke our hearts to prove to us He only takes ‘the best’.

Love,

BONNIE, BECKY, HEATHER & KRYSTAL

(Staff of Cherokee Food Fair)

MariaLisa

MariaLisa

Urn Bearers

MICHAEL BETHEL

MICHAEL (MIKEY) BETHEL JR.

ERICA BETHEL

CODY BETHEL

Ushers

WYNSOME FERGUSON

NORMA JEAN NEILLY

ELLEN CURRY

Acknowledgements

We, the family of the late Maria McCollum-Bethel, would like to thank everyone for your thoughts and prayers during this time.

A special thank you is extended to Jennifer (Maria’s angel) & Trevor Sawyer, Gerald & Marcia Mandello, Kent & Patricia Bethel, James (Jim) & Gaylene Bethel, Rev. Carla Culmer, Sharon Bethel, Kathyann & Richard (Ricky) Sawyer, Jeffrey & Melissa Williams, Christopher Pinder, Brianna Sweeting, Heather Albury, Rich & Ellen Curry, Tevon & Dina Strachan, Bob Lafferty, Darryl, Donna & Gabriel Darville, Melvina Daddio, Randy Key, Howianna Wilmore, Hartman & Bonnie Albury, Daron & Chantell Albury, Dwayne & Shanna Sawyer, Rod & Kathy Gibson, Ruth Callin, John & Maria Sawyer, Junior & Winnie Albury, Leroy & Susan Lowe, Florence Christie, Margaret Schuitemaker, Bill & Beth Helfferich, Marsha Cates, Faron Sawyer & Staff of Cherokee Air, Dr. Sujal Shah, Dr. James Hull, Dr. Frank Boyce and Kemp’s Funeral Home.

IN LIEU OF FLOWERS

Donations may be made to ‘Epworth Methodist Chapel’. Deposit to Commonwealth Bank, Marsh Harbour, Abaco – Account No. 4451309 Cheques can be made payable to Epworth Methodist Chapel Contact: Mr. Jim Bethel – (242) 359-6698

Arrangements by KEMP’S FUNERAL HOME LIMITED

19 Palmdale Avenue

Nassau, N.P., The Bahamas