M Bartlette

SERVICE Of CELEBRATION FOR THE LIFE

Sunrise: May 23, 1938

Sunset: January 3, 2022

Age: 83 Years

Service held at BAHAMAS FAITH MINISTRIES INTERNATIONAL DIPLOMAT CENTER

Carmichael Road, Nassau Bahamas

FRIDAY 28TH JANUARY AT 10:00 AM

Officiating: DR. DAVID BURROWS

Cremation to follow

MAY 23 1938 - JANUARY 3, 2022

Mizpah A. J. Bartlett was the sixth of eleven children born to Leonard and Joanna Bethel on May 23rd, 1938 in West End, Grand Bahama. Two of her siblings, Margaret and Blake died very young.

In pursuit of the best education possible for their children, Leonard and Joanna moved their family to Nassau, New Providence to attend St John’s School.

School Days

Mizpah excelled academically and athletically at St. John’s. She was particularly proud of her basketball skills. When she graduated school at age 16, well accomplished in her external exams, she immediately pursued her interests in writing and took several international correspondence courses. Her insatiable quest for learning resulted in numerous certifications to improve her administrative, writing and business skills. She was a renaissance woman; well educated and sophisticated with talent and knowledge in many different fields of study. There was seldom a time during her career when she was not pursuing continuing education. She was constantly sharpening her iron and insisting that those around her do the same.

Employment

Her appetite for knowledge persisted into her transition to the workplace where she continued to excel. Mizpah entered the workforce as a young black woman in 1955, when more than 50% of her counterparts were housewives. She described her 17 year employment history at Batelco as merry filled and wonderful years. She was the consumate professional and enjoyed waking everyday to provided quality service with an excellent spirit.

After leaving Batelco, Mizpah moved on to NatWest for several years, continuing her track record of excellence in administration. Mizpah was not only n the cutting edge but she among the first to learn the Wang Computer system in The Bahamas. She remained a formidable force in the field of administration until her decision to make a bold step where few women had gone before; a new chapter that placed entreprenueursip on her list of priorities.

Marriage

Frank Bartlett (deceased) married Mizpah Bethel in Nassau, in November 1957 and the couple had three children, Deborah , Greg and Wayne.

The couple sacrificed to ensure that their children attended the best educational institutions. They also believed that exposure to other cultures and nations was critical to their growth and development. Hence, prior to graduating from high school, the three children traveled to Europe, Canada and the United States.

Frank shared her passion for education. He was an aviation specialist and licensed private pilot. His upward mobility eventually led him from the ground floor to the boardroom as Permanent Secretary.

Mizpah The Entrepreneur

During the 1970’s, Mizpah was a trailblazer. She ventured into the male dominated real estate industry as a realtor and developer. She bought and sold properties and built homes in several areas across New Providence including Stapledon Gardens, Nassau East and Carmichael Road. When others saw barren undeveloped land, she visualized opportunities for families to own their piece of the rock and move into their first home.

Mizpah and her husband used their resources to ensure that Debbie, Greg and Wayne not only attended the college or university of their choice but they did so without any student loans. Each of her children completed their tertiary education debt free. She made major sacrifices to ensure that her children were exposed to multicultures yet remain grounded in all things Bahamian with a desire themselves to serve their country.

Mizpah was a songwriter. She wrote lots of songs, and sent them to international record labels for consideration hoping one of them would be the

next big hit. Later on she became a Technological Evangelist spreading hope, inspiration and words of encouragement on social media.

Mizpah The Influencer and Nation-builder

Mizpah helped to frame the professionals her children would become and the contribution they would make to the world. Choosing the right career paths was important to her. In fact, she told her daughter Deborah that she is named after her favourite actress Deborah Carr because she wanted to be an actress. She told her to pursue journalism. Greg wanted to be a musician, his mother told him be the best musician that you can but you will be a doctor. Today Greg (Frank) is an Internist and Pediatrician practising in Freeport, Grand Bahama. Wayne was the only child who got to choose his profession, Lol! He wanted to be a pilot and serve in aviation. She thought his choice was fantastic.

Mizpah’s kindness and compassion went way beyond the norm. Although her humanitarian and nation building initatives are not widely known; they will be from this day forward!

There was seldom a time in the Bartlett family life when Mizpah was not helping a victim fighting to overcome the pressures of depression, drug addiction, child neglect, poverty or abuse. She adopted several sons and daughters.

Many of them once lived in the Elizabeth Estates home where she spearheaded the outreach initiative for Bahamas Faith Ministries International for twenty-five years. Twenty-five years without missing one day of her commitment to tutor the children every Friday. She oftentimes enlisted her adopted children to help her at Debbie’s Delight, where she served as the Co-founder and General Manager. Sometimes they assisted with events hosted by the CEO Network where she was the Co-founder and functioned as Chief Operating Officer.

Referred by her international associates as the ‘Grand Dame’ of business, sheinvested in Gems 105.9 FM. She also invested in a business founded by Dr Myles Munroe. She would say to her daughter, “looks like you have the dream, and I have the money”.

Spiritual Walk

This virtuous woman became born again in 1985 at Bahamas Faith Ministries. She never turned back.

She generously gave of her time and resources to the church. Mizpah multitasked extremely well. Her signature was undergirded with ethics and excellence. She served in several ministries including correspondence, counselling and conferences and for a season, spearheaded the Seniors’ Ministry called the ‘Keenagers’. Mizpah was ordained as a Pastor by the late Dr. Myles Munroe.

This Kingdom warrior was fiercely loyal and faithful. Her family never recalls her missing a day from church from 1985 to 2019. As her health deteriorated due to a mild stroke that incapacitated her, she could not attend church.

Final Days

Mizpah A. J Bartlett was surrounded by the love of her children, family, medical professionals and caregivers. When she breathed her final breath on earth January 3rd, 2022 at 9:04pm, she left in a blaze of glory. In the still of the night, when her body touched the hearst the winds blew, only tossing the mango tree with intensity.

The following day, January 4th , one of the caregivers, Dina was in the kitchen, there was a community power outage. Dina says a light brightened the kitchen. Startled, she ran out of the kitchen only to find the other caregiver, Tamika who was in her room also startled by the light that also lit up Mizpah’s room.

Mizpah A.J Bethel-Bartlett was indeed a shining light that brought illumination to many in a dark world. We are persuaded that she has fulfilled her purpose. Her memory will never die.

Her final instruction to build a first class facility to house and provide healthcare and recreation for the elderly will serve to strengthen her legacy.

We know emphatically that her life will continue to impact generations.

She is survived by:

Children: Dr. Deborah Bartlett, Dr. Frank G. Bartlett and Wayne Bartlett

Grand Children: Janal Bartlett, Nathan, Nyesha and N’Diera Viechweg, Isiah, Sariah, Tahira, Saniah and Selene Bartlett, Dominique Rojas, Ryan and Azaria Bartlett.

Great Grand Children: Aaliyah and Tyler Thompson, Victoria and Aryana Bartlett.

Sister: Lois East

Sister in law : Mildred Bethel.

Adopted Children: Lance Deveaux, Charmaine Mott and Kendal Johnson Reckley.

Nieces and Nephews: Dr. Francis, Rosalie, Douglas and David Fawkes, Suzanne Jan Clarke, Marie Parham, Karen Armbrister, Shelly Moxey, Sydney Alexis Wallace, Gina Sealy, Kenneth and Ray Rodgers, Tellis and Bryant Bethel, Barbara Delaney, Lisa Brooks, Todd and Lynn Bethel, Dr. Michelle Picket, Dr Lois Albury, Raymond East Jr., Gian East, Yvette, Rayvonne and Leander Bethel, Kim Beneby and

Numerous other relatives and friends including Jacqueline Bethel, Val MacInnes, Carolyn Bartlett; the entire Bartlett, Cansino and Hollman families; Patricia Graham, Sue Damianos, Constance Rolle , Gigi Butler, Sharon Campbell, and The BFM Kingdom Care Ministry, Mickel Bethel, Daphne Simmons, Cleomie Sutherland, Dr. Susan Williams-Lockhart, Dr. Chandra and Walter Smith, Judy Blair, Jean and Danny Ferguson, Winnie and Ralph Brennen, Dr. David and Angela Burrows, Angela Achara, Apostle Benjamin and Schevon Smith, Judith Gray, Roslyn Bastian and the Fox family, the Winton Meadows community and The Target Drugs, CEO Network and Debbie’s Delight crew.

Care Takers: Tamika Cornish and Dina Rock.

Landscaper: Alexandre Frisnel.

THE ORDER OF SERVICE FOR Mizpah

A.J. Bartlett

Moderators Pastor David Knowles

FAMILY PROCESSION

Welcome And Introduction ............................................................ Allan Munroe

Opening Prayer ............................................................................... Allan Munroe

Praise And Worship Songs Lead By: BFM Praise Team

Old Testament Reading ................... Psalms 23 ...........Barbara Delaney (Niece)

VIDEO PRESENTATION

Words Of Comfort And Exhortation Cyprianna Bethel

VIDEO PRESENTATION

New Testament Reading ................ John14: 1-4 ....................Jan Clarke (Niece)

Tribute Gian East (Nephew)

Tribute ......................................... HRH Princess Moradeun Adedoyin – Solarin

Special Song............................................................................... Mericha Walker

Eulogy Dr. David Burrows

Prayer For The Family .................................................. Apostle Benjamin Smith

Closing Prayer .....................................................................Pastor Patrick Rolle

TRIBUTE TO Mizpah A.J Bartlett

By daughter Dr Deborah Bartlett

s 31 virtuous woman whose

Her inner beauty was expressed through her boundless love and compassion. As far back as I can remember as a child, mummy always shared whatever she earned with other families in need.

There was a particular family who had a fruit and vegetable stall on Mummy and help them meet their

not to choose our friends Mummy admonished us to choose our friends

This visionary, clearly influenced by her parents Leonard and Joanna Greg wanted but “you will generally known as Dr. Frank Bartlett is Wayne wanted to be a pilot and in the It made

I was named Deborah after her favorite actress Deborah Carr. Mummy explained that she wanted to be an actress. She wanted me to be an actress or serve in media.

Like grammy she declared that one day her children will help serve the world.

In proverbs 31:11 it says that the heart of her husband safely trusts her; so that he would have no lack of gain. She does him good and not evil all the days of her life.”

Her husband, Frank G Bartlett worked his way up to Permanent Secretary of Ministry of Tourism as well as Transportation and Aviation.

Meanwhile, daddy supported her in her career and entrepreneurial pursuits. The virtuous proverbs 31 woman considered fields and bought them . She invested in real estate, a convenient store, Target drugs while working at the telecommunications company, Batelco and eventually Coutts and Co. As a couple they sent the three of us to private college debt free.

While in college our parents separated. Daddy told me he would not marry again. Once mummy became born again she led daddy to the Lord. She always told us that we had the best daddy in the world and ensured that we spent quality time with him.

When he was preparing to die he called mummy and asked if she would make “space” for him. Daddy died in our home. Just before Daddy moved in our grandmother lived with us for four years after the passing of our grandfather.

Mummy was the primary care taker.

There are few people in my life time that I have seen more committed, compassionate, dedicated and disciplined than mummy. She exercised five days per week every morning at 6 for years. She led the BFM outreach to the Elizabeth Estates Home for 25 years while also serving as leader of Keenagers ministry.

As a public figure mummy’s support for me was more obvious. We were business partners, best friends and my mummy who never hesitated to scold me. On the business end she would say, looks like you have the dream and I have the money.

We were Partners in Debbie’s delight, the CEO Network, she invested in Zoe Shell Gas station, founded by the late Dr Myles Munroe and she invested in Gems 105.9fm.

Her commitment to Greg and Wayne and their children were equally as fierce. Every decision she made she considered what would be best for us.

She epitomized Prov 31:25. Strength and honor was her clothing.

Mummy you opened your mouth with wisdom and on your tongue was the law of kindness. You did not eat the bread of idleness.

As your children we rise up and call you blessed!

I love you and miss you so much. We will execute your dream to build a first class home for the elderly. Standby mummy, coming soon, “The Mizpah A.J.Home for the elderly. ~

MyMom

can best be described as a person who was always giving and expecting nothing in return. Sometimes she gave so much until she would give away what didn’t belong to her. When you asked about a partituclar item and she exclaimed, “Oh my” you knew it was already gone. She gave it away.

Oftentimes, she gave what we knew to be her last. Always putting others before herself. She always had such a positive outlook on life. You would never know when she was not feeling well, except during her final year with us. She refused to accept any kind of sickness in her body. For years she never knew how the inside of a doctor’s office looked. She would often say, “I ain going ta no doctor fa none ta kill me. I deal with Dr. Jesus!”

She was an independent woman who afforded all three of her children the opportunity to attend college and university abroad. I always remember those days when I would call and say I needed money. Never once did she say I don’t have it. She always found something to send.

At an early age, she gave us the opportunity to attend a French Speaking Camp in Quebec, Canada for eight weeks. She wanted us to experience the best.

Mom had a sweet tooth and so did I. She would bake a cake every Sunday and I would be right there waiting to lick the beaters and the bowl. That’s where my interest in baking developed. At the age of nine, I began baking and that’s when she stopped.

Her independent spirit did not allow her to accept the fact that she was getting up in age. Mom continued to drive herself around despite our warnings and nervous apprehension. She was not hearing us. Her famous words were, “Whom the Lord keep is well kept.” She picked up 3 or 4 persons every Sunday to take to church. One Sunday one of her passengers fell asleep in the backseat of the car on the way home. She dropped off everyone and forget about the one asleep in the backseat.

She arrived home safely, parked came inside, changed her clothes, and had lunch. About a half-hour later she heard someone on the front step calling her name, “Mizpah”. She answered, “Who dat?” The voice replied, “this Beulah, come drop me home.” Her response was, “well gal, where you come from? She said, “You had me locked up in the car. You forget, me ay?” All Mom could say was, “Well call da police.”. All I could say was, “You see what I mean?”

Of course, that did not stop her. She drove until she could not drive anymore. All we could do was to leave her in the hands of the good Lord.

She was a jovial person and a natural clown. There was never a dull moment around her. There are so many wonderful memories that we can dwell on to bring a smile and even a loud chuckle to our faces.

Mom lived a good life. Her time came and she left as she lived, gracefully.

To Mom

I have wrestled for days trying to express what your life and passing means to me. You have always been nurturing and, steadfast through the good and the bad. You were knowledgeable beyond what our educational system provided for you, progressive in your thoughts, wise in your counsel, and dependable. Your kindness could blanket the world several times over.

The void you have left can never be filled, but the joy, laughter, and happy memories will forever remain in my heart. Your positive impact on so many lives will continue to encourage and motivate me to become a better man and to strive to make this world a better place. You are loved. Your Son Greg

Eclipse Of A Most Beautiful Soul...

A TRIBUTE TO MAMA MIZPAH *

Oh Mama Mizpah!!!...

I was so heartbroken when your Beloved Daughter; My Dear Adopted Royal Sistah, Friend & Business Associate HRH Dr Debbie Bartlett informed me of your passing Arghhhh!... Yes, You were much loved by all who knew you, yet you meant something different and special to each one...

To me Personally, You were Mum, Friend, Encourager, Cheerleader, Mentor, Teacher, Counsellor, Prayer Partner et al!...

You were an integral part of the CEO Network...

You were one of our Greatest Supporters at the Economic Emancipation Movement...

You were also by extension our Nigerian & African Royalty in the Bahamas...

You were so Wise & way ahead of your time, Highly Cerebral, Hardworking, Full of Professional & Social Etiquette, Witty, Innovative, Kind Hearted, Humorous, Well Spoken, Beautiful, Classy and Truly Regal!...

You welcomed me into your family & treated me like one of your own...You were not just a Mother, but also my friend on Social Media, who from time to time you read, replied or commented on my numerous Facebook posts...

And whenever we had the opportunity to speak on phone, we would talk about anything from Politics, Faith, Family, Spirituality, History, Pan-Africanism and any other Global issues...

I was really looking forward to seeing you again after the Pandemic had eased up as we discussed, but alas it wasnt meant to be!...

I join my Dear Sistah Dr Debbie Bartlett, the Bartlett Family & the Beautiful People of my Adopted Country Bahamas, as we all mourn your Sad Passing, Beloved Wife, Mother, Grandmother, Sistah, Aunt, Cousin, Friend, Colleague and Elder States-Woman Hon Mrs Mizpah Bartlett...

May your Kind Loving Soul Journey on to be with God our Creator in Eternity...May Your Beautiful Spirit also Sit Comfortably with our Great Ancestors gone before, Amen!...

Mama Mizpah, your legacies will be written in Indelible Ink You will indeed be sorely missed by all!...

Rest Well M’am a

*-HRH Princess Moradeun Adedoyin-Solarin*

Royal House of HRM Oba Adedoyin Anoko II, The Akarigbo and Paramount Ruler of Remo Kingdom, Ogun State, Southwest Nigeria

Without you, the house feels so empty. Why did you go so early? I wasted an opportunity to tell you how much I love you.

I want to hear your voice and see your smile, again. I want to hold you tight and never let you go. Mom, you have left a legacy I shall never forget, R.I.P DARLING Dina~

Honorary Pall Bearers

DR. FRANK G. BARTLETT RYAN BARTLETT

WAYNE BARTLETT ROBERT BARTLETT

JANAL BARTLETT DAVID BARTLETT

Acknowledgements

The support and response to our mother’s health challenges was a model of compassion and love served on a platter of excellence. We are grateful to all.

Special Thanks To:

Care Takers Tamika Cornish and Dina Rock, Mrs. Mary Walker, Dr. Brunett, Doctors and Nurses of the PMH Emergency Room, Nurses of the PMH Private Ward along with her personal medical team, Dr. Chandra Smith, Dr. Susan Williams-Lockhart, Dr. Tyrone Butch Bartlett, Dr. Alvadale Collie, Commissioner of Police Paul Rolle, Chief Supt. Linda Moxey, Officers of the Eastern Division Police Station, Staff of Bethel Brothers Morticians, Swaby’s Printers and Mrs. Lorina Pennerman.

May God Bless you All.

There will be no repast.