M Knowles

HOMEGOING CELEBRATION

Age: 58years

August 28, 1965 - April 2, 2024

Service held on: SATURDAY APRIL 20TH , 2024 AT 10:00AM

Service hekd at:

LIGHTHOUSE FELLOWSHIP CHURCH OF GOD Thatch Palm Avenue, Pinewood Gardens

Officiating: PASTOR REV. EILEEN JOHNSON

Assisted by; OTHER MINISTERS OF THE GOSPEL

Interment:

LAKEVIEW MEMORIAL GARDENS JFK Drive, Nassau Bahamas

AUGUST 28, 1965 - APRIL 2, 2024

Mona Natasha Knowles (Nee Burrows) was born August 28th, 1965, the second child and eldest daughter of Luriel and Brenda Burrows (nee Adderley). Her education began at Ridgeland Primary but left shortly after to attend Queen’s College in the third grade. At an early age Mona was encouraged to pursue her interests including playing the recorder flute, piano, dance, and crochet. The latter she enjoyed most and continued doing throughout her life. Many people were the recipients of these crochet items which were sold under the name ‘Bahama Gal’ Crochet.

Mona graduated from Queen’s College in 1981 and began work at BITCO. She then went on to continue her studies at Ft. Lauderdale College and earned a Bachelors of Science degree in Accounting in 1987. Her professional work life included years in hotel accounting at West End Grand Bahama, St. Kitts & Nevis, and Abaco.

It was in Abaco that she met and married an Abaconian, George Knowles. in 2002. In 2003 the couple was blessed with the pride and joy of their life, a daughter, Taylor Georgette Michelle Knowles. Eventually, Mona began coping with pain and gradual medical challenges after the birth of her daughter. Her Father passed in 2009 and was diagnosed with renal distress/ failure and began dialysis in early 2012. Mona continued to work, build her family life with George, and became more prolific with her crochet, which she enjoyed immensely. She supported her husband George and his sidekick Taylor as he coached the Abaco Women’s softball team and eventually won numerous championships.

In February 2019 Mona lost her husband suddenly. Later that same year hurricane Dorian struck the Bahamas, and particularly Abaco. Mona was fortunate to be in Nassau for the purpose of collecting Taylor who had spent the summer with grammy Burrows. They were scheduled to

return to Abaco the very weekend Hurricane Dorian hit. Mona’s home was destroyed, and she began rebuilding her life with Taylor in Domingo Heights, Nassau in her childhood home with her Mum and younger sister.

With family support and despite her challenges she continued dialysis with the Renal Center and looked forward to bettering her life and ensuring that Taylor was not disadvantaged as best she could. It was obvious that Taylor was equally if not more devoted to her mother and the two were inseparable. They enjoyed attending Lighthouse Fellowship Church of God Church and became devoted and active members; Mona participating as the chronicle of the Church.

On Christmas Day, 2022, Mona again endured a loss as she suffered the passing of her mother, an unimposing but prominent figure in the home at Domingo Heights.

More recently, in 2023, Mona volunteered as the Assistant Secretary of the Heastie Hanna Tynes Family Reunion Association having a strong interest in her family history.

In January 2024 Mona began experiencing difficulties with dialysis treatment, having overcome similar problems previously. Her stay at PMH became extended and difficult but she recovered sufficiently to be discharged in late March 2024. Days later Mona returned to the hospital, but her health rapidly declined, losing consciousness on Good Friday and passing to her final rest on April 2nd, 2024.

Mona was predeceased by her husband George Knowles and her parents Luriel and Brenda Burrows.

Cherished memories are held by

Her daughter Taylor, her Brothers Brandon (Carrol), Corrington (Nakeisha) and Craig Burrows, and one Sister Krista Burrows. Nieces Devon Burrows, Nevaeh Burrows. XX(Craig daughters) XX. Uncles James Adderley (Ruth) and Denis Marshall, Aunts: Zeldreda (Lorenzo) Lockhart, Vernie James. Numerous relatives and Friends including: The Adderley Family, The Forbes family, The Armbrister Family, The James Family, The Lockhart Family, The Family of the late Wilma Davis Marshall, Dion Dean and Family, The Hunt Family, The Family of the late George Knowles: Evelyn Cooper (deceased), Anthony Cooper Sr., Anthony Cooper Jr., Sanfa Knowles, Antoinette Cooper, Anthronique Stachan (Tevon), Samuel Cooper. Numerous nieces, nephews and other relatives., Charles and Clara Knowles and Family, The Johnson Family, The Marshall Family, The Hanna Heastie Tynes Family Association; The Lighthouse Fellowship Church of God Church Family, The Rolle Family, The Smith Family, The Major Family, Kevin Munroe, Lisa Roberts, Laverne Gray, Adrian Wood, Rochelle Albury, The Queens College Class of 1981, The staff of the Renal Center, Dr. Ramphal and Dr. James and team, The staff of the Female Medical and ICU of the Princess Margret Hospital.

Order of Service

OPENING HYMN ................................................................................................ Tis So Sweet To Trust In Jesus

’Tis so sweet to trust in Jesus, Just to take Him at His word; Just to rest upon His promise; Just to know, Thus saith the Lord.

Jesus, Jesus, how I trust Him, How I’ve proved Him o’er and o’er, Jesus, Jesus, Precious Jesus! O for grace to trust Him more.

O how sweet to trust in Jesus, Just to trust His cleansing blood; Just in simple faith to plunge me, ’Neath the healing, cleansing flood.

Yes, ’tis sweet to trust in Jesus, Just from sin and self to cease; Just from Jesus simply taking Life, and rest, and joy, and peace.

I’m so glad I learned to trust Thee, Precious Jesus, Savior, Friend; And I know that Thou art with me, Wilt be with me to the end.

PRAISE AND WORSHIP ....................................................................................................................................

CALL TO WORSHIP ...........................................................................................................................................

OPENING PRAYER .......................................................................................................................... Rev. Perpall

SCRIPTURE .................................................................................................................................... Rev Rodgers

CONDOLENCES ..............................................................................................................................Dr. Johnson

CONGREGATIONAL SONG ........................................................................................ Over in The Glory Land

I’ve a home prepared where the saints abide, Just over in the gloryland; And I long to be by my Savior’s side, Just over in the gloryland.

Just over in the gloryland, I’ll join the happy angel band, Just over in the gloryland; Just over in the gloryland, There with the mighty host I’ll stand, Just over in the gloryland.

I am on my way to those mansions fair, Just over in the gloryland; There to sing God’s praise, and His glory share, Just over in the gloryland.

What a joyful thought that my Lord I’ll see, Just over in the gloryland; And with kindred saved, there forever be, Just over in the gloryland.

With the bloodwashed throng I will shout and sing, Just over in the gloryland; Glad hosannas to Christ, the Lord and King, Just over in the gloryland.

CONDOLENCES .................................................................................................................................................

MUSICAL SELECTION.......................................................................................................... All Saints Chorale

SERMON ..............................................................................................................................................................

PRAYER FOR THE FAMILY ................................................................................................ Rev. Anwar Johnson

CLOSING PRAYER .................................................................................................................. Rev Shirley Smith

RECESSIONAL 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

Gather on the blessed hilltops

With hearts all aglow

That will be a glad reunion day

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

GRAVESIDE HYMNS

There within the holy city

We’ll sing and rejoice

Praising Christ the blessed Savior

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

Graveside Service

Some glad morning when this life is o’er, I’ll fly away;

To a home on God’s celestial shore, I’ll fly away (I’ll fly away).

I’ll fly away, Oh Glory

I’ll fly away; (in the morning)

When I die, Hallelujah, by and by, I’ll fly away (I’ll fly away).

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

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

SCRIPTURE

When the shadows of this life have gone, I’ll fly away;

Like a bird from prison bars has flown, I’ll fly away (I’ll fly away)

Just a few more weary days and then, I’ll fly away;

To a land where joy shall never end, I’ll fly away (I’ll fly away)

It’s Alright Now

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

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

I’ll Fly Away

To My Mother

‘Mother’ was a title you wore like a badge of honor, and I too will always be honored to be your daughter.

I will forever be grateful for every sacrifice, every conversation, every piece of advice and every embrace. You were the best mother to me every day, you taught me, nurtured me, comforted me and loved me. You are the reason I am the young woman that I am today, and I only wish that as time passes, I can be half the woman that you were.

There was and will never be a woman quite like you. A woman whose bravery could match that of a hundred soldiers, whose kind words could instantly melt a heart, and whose heart was bigger than anyone could ever imagine.

You are the definition of a pillar of strength, you were my pillar, and you will always be. I’ve watched you stare doubt and uncertainty in the eye and press on and triumph through it all. There was never a battle I

believed you couldn’t win; you were a superhero to me. I admired your strength that radiated around you even in difficult times and your faith that held strong even in the midst of trials.

Through everything we have lost and gained together, every storm and every celebration you have been my rock and even now that I have lost your presence, I find peace in knowing that my memories of you will never fade.

A bond like ours cannot be separated even by death. You loved me before I was born, we loved each other in life, and I will love you until time is no more.

And though I may not be able to see your smile, or hold your hand this is all temporary, until we meet again.

WITH

LOVE, YOUR DAUGHTER TAYLOR

In theAbaco sun,

happiness flowed free, You, grammy and I laughed by the sea, Our crochet bond, our love of shows, I’ll cherish each moment, and wish time slowed. Our last goodbye was so bittersweet, Ill save a big hug until again we meet, Though now you’re gone, your memory’s so strong, In every stitch, your love lives on.

LOVE YOUR NIECE DEV ❤️

It broke our hearts to lose you, but you did not go alone. A part of us went with you, the day God took you home, If tears could build a stairway and heartaches make a lane, we’d walk our way to heaven and bring you back again. In life, we loved you dearly In death, we love you still. In our hearts you hold a place no one could ever fill.

-

Unknown

For Mo

It is funny what is triggered by shock. After learning that Mona had passed, I suddenly found myself wishing that I had heard her laugh more.

Years before, she had eloped to marry the lovely George Knowles- becoming my personal hero. She told me that she was drawn to him because he made her laugh. And we soon came to know George as a tub of love, fun, and kindness. He just fit right into the family. They would later have and raise a beautiful daughter, Taylor, the love of their lives.

Mona lost George quite suddenly, escaped Dorian just in time, but lost most of her material possessions in the storm. Dorian closed a chapter of life on Abaco for her, an island she truly loved.

Though Mona battled kidney disease for most of her adult life, I want to remember her talents. While most of us learned things like knitting, macrame and crocheting in school, quitting the moment we could, Mona discovered that she loved crocheting and developed an extraordinary talent for it that she sustained throughout her life. Though its a dying art she had to be one of the best crochet artists in the Bahamas.

While the trials she faced would have broken most people, Mona put forth a brave face and leaned into life.

In looking for Easter pictures a few weeks ago I came across an old photograph of our cousin Mika, my sister Evadnie, Mona, and cousin Kevin from the 70s. Mika looks about 2/3 so the big 3 couldn’t have been more than 6/7 then. Caught in the middle of play and armed with their toy guns, their cherubic faces are free from stresses and the labors of life that would come. Mona’s thick black hair is plaited and bowed, free from gray hairs that would one day mark the passing time. Who would have thought then that the days of goodbye would come so soon.

ERICA MOIAH JAMES (cousin)

Pall Bearers

JAMAAL KNOWLES

MIKHILO FORBES

KEVIN LOCKHART

BRANDON BURROWS

TERRENCE FORBES

SAMUEL ROLLE

CORRINGRON BURROWS

STEPHEN FORBES