“A CELEBRATION OF A LIFE AND LEGACY OF STRENGTH AND COURAGE”
1950 - 2023
ELEANOR HUYLER DEVEAUXMILLER
ELEANOR HUYLER DEVEAUX-MILLER
ST.
Sunrise: 7th October, 1950
Sunset: 24th December, 20
Age: 73 Years
Interment at 10:00 A.M.
JOSEPH’S CATHOLIC CEMETARY
Tyler Street | Nassau, N.P. The Bahamas
Pastor Wilfred Adderley
Assisted by: Manasseh Simms & Elder Carlton Reddock
Celebration Service Held at: LIVING FAITH SEVENTH DAY
ADVENTIST CHURCH
Old Trail Road | Nassau, The Bahamas
FRIDAY, 12TH JANUARY, 2024 AT 11:00 A.M.
Officiating: Pastor Manasseh Simms
Assisted by: Elder Carlton Roddock
Moderator: Elder Earl Thomas
Pianist: Ephraim Forbes
ELEANOR HUYLER DEVEAUX-MILLERLeona
Born in STRENGTH AND COURAGE…
On October 7, 1950, a roar from heaven announced Leona Eleanor’s birth. Her parents, Olga Murphy and Joseph Huyler were ordained to give her the name that means “Lioness” and “Shining light.” Her names symbolize strength, courage, royalty, bravery, and light. Her parents knew that she was both beautiful and special. As she grew up, her name brought great significance to her life. She exuded much regality, strength, and courage throughout her life’s journey. Although she was the youngest child, she became a true light that her siblings, children, family, and friends could look to and find their way. She loved knowledge and was grateful to receive an early education at Our Lady’s Primary School, Southern Junior, and R.M. Bailey High School. Her formative years taught her to be strong and brave and to help others in need.
Worked in STRENGTH AND COURAGE…
Leona’s first work experience led her to become a teacher at Our Lady’s Pre-School. Without prior training, she saw her job as God’s hand directing her path. It took great courage to influence the minds of young children positively. She was grateful for the opportunity to touch young lives. Leona saw this job as a stepping stone for future job opportunities. As she became older, she realized her love for banking and commerce, which led her to work at the People’s Penny Savings Bank and then the Bank of Nova Scotia. Doors continued to open for Leona, and she demonstrated great strength and confidence as she explored new career avenues. She worked at Sonesta Beach Hotel, Nassau, Bahamas, the Holiday Inn in Freeport Grand Bahama, and the Sheraton Grand Hotel, Nassau, Bahamas. After working in the hotel industry for many years, Leona decided it was time for a transition. She accepted the job offer to Lil General’s Convenience Store and received much training. Finally, after much discussion with her brother and sister, she decided to move into the family business, where she became the manager of the Jubilee Gardens Convenience Store. She worked at the store until her retirement. She worked with diligence and had an exceptional work ethic. Her faithfulness on the job had a lasting impact on her colleagues. Despite her quiet disposition, her infectious smile provided a source of strength and encouragement to those around her.
Committed to STRENGTH AND COURAGE…
Leona made the bravest decision she could possibly make. She had an encounter with God while abiding in Freeport, Grand Bahama, that changed the course of her life forever. She met Vincent and Etta Simms which led her to surrender her heart and submit to the author of Strength and Courage, the Lord Jesus Christ. After she decided to give her life to the Lord, she joined the Seventh Day Adventist Church, where she continued to learn the scriptures better and grow in the things of God. She enjoyed sharing her faith and discussing the scriptures with others.
Served with STRENGTH AND COURAGE…
Leona was passionate about her beliefs and served in any way she could. Despite not enjoying being in the forefront, she always asked how she could help. She was the Dorcus Leader (Acts 9:36) for three years in which she was in charge of the Outreach Ministry, which included the Church’s Soup Kitchen. She was the first serving treasurer where she served for many years. She was one of the original members for the Ephesus Seventh Day Adventist Church. She would encourage others to move to the front as she held them up or made a path for them to walk on. She wanted to be that shining light to her children, siblings, and loved ones.
While serving in the Seventh Day Adventist church, she met Prince Miller and fell in love. They married in the Summer of 2009. She found her prince, and he found his princess. With strength, she passionately demonstrated her service of love to the marriage until her death.
Departed in STRENGTH AND COURAGE…
Leona had great faith and did not waiver in God’s ability to bring healing. After receiving the news of a failing heart and other diagnoses, she continued to trust God to bring her through. After a very short period of ailing health, on Sunday 24th of December, 2023, shortly before 3:00 am, in her home surrounded by family, she heard and answered an extremely loud roar that called her to her heavenly home.
Left to cherish her memories are
HER HUSBAND: Prince Miller,
CHILDREN: Kenva M. Thomas (Dr. Mark Thomas M.D.), Kellie Martin (Al Brice), Tanya Thompson (Fritz Thompson, deceased), Jordan Deveaux (Tamika Deveaux); Grandchildren: Keven Thomas, Nathan Thomas, Al Martin, Alexa Martin, Jordana Deveaux Rudolph Thompson, Brooklyn Sky Thompson
GREAT GRANDCHILD: Arreion Martin
SISTERS: Lilles Strachan, Prescola Hanna, Judith (Pastor Stephen) Knowles, Letitia Therez (David) Thompson, Charlene (Merrit) Storr, Dorothy Huyler, Doralee Burrows, Gwendolyn Evans
BROTHER: Fletcher Ferguson
AUNT: Nellie Moss;
SISTERS-IN-LAW: Collett Forbes, Joyleen Stubbs, Roseleen Clarke, Vernitta Miller, Janet Weech, Beverley Popole, Iva Bain, Marina Deveaux
BROTHERS-IN-LAW: Bruce Miller, Maxwell Miller, Jack Miller, David Miller, Samuel Deveaux, Michael Deveaux
NEICES & NEPHEWS: Drs. Sterling & Marcia McPhee, Stephanie Green, David & Candace Roker of Canada, Dayton & Dr. Gia Jones , Shalom, Chairo, Charis McPhee, Damian & Garret Roker, Da’el Dean, Zaine McPhee, Daelyn & Davyn Jones, Ethan & Alvin Moss, Elder Joycelyn Taylor, Claudia Rolle, Cheresse Moss, Khamile Moss, Marcus Huyler, George Pratt, Sonia & Donna Pratt, Antonio & Raveenia Hanna, Elrisa & Philip Dean, Jarenda, Janeene & Jadeena Rahming, Devard & Bria Thompson, Megan, Michelle & Malik Storr
COUSINS: Kenneth Moss, Althea Neily, Margaret & Ricky Castleberry, Alfred & Faye Deleveaux, Frederick Deleveaux, Michael Strachan, Theresa & Walky Jacques, April & Zhavargo McPhee, Randy Neily, Indira Ingraham, Alfreda, Alphanique & Altrice Deleveaux, Dreel Spence, Andrew & Lisa Moss, Andrika Moss, Eugene Moss, Derek & Jan Moss, Neal & Judy Graham, Jonathan & Jordan Graham & Don & Cayla Mickalishen, Hilary Huyler, Godfrey & Judy Huyler
A HOST OF OTHER FAMILY AND FRIENDS: Betty & Alvin Fulton of Palm Bay, Florida, Winifred Roberts, Shirley Evans, Rose Johnson, From Freeport, Grand Bahama: Ivy Hall Agatha Wallace Yvonne Sands, Carmeta Miller, Virginia & Betty Mott, and Rudolph Wildgoose, Fanette Albury, Lynden & Vanria Gardiner, William Deveaux, Elder Vincent Simms, Vivian Bullard, Eleanor Vincent & family, Gertrude Wilson & Maria Strachan, Arthur Chase, Stafford Bain, Kenvard & Daniel Major, Verona Woodside, Denise and Mavis Clarke, Pastor John Carey & family, Julie Hooper, Maxine Bethel, Patricia Moxey, Stafford Bain, Gayle Sawyer, Cheryl Perpall, Cynthia Roker, Cherise Smith, Phylis Woodside, Eleanor Pennerman, Mary Huyler, Arthur and Herbert and Jenny Huyler, Andrew & Donna Huyler, Cheryl and Vernal Huyler, Deanne Huyler, Beverley Nairn, Antoinette Rutherford, Vanria Culmer, Leroy & Rose Huyler, Mary Thompson, Luella Pratt, Henry and Virginia Ferguson & Sandy Johnson
SPECIAL THANKS: Nurse Mareka Adderley, Dr. Sanita Belgrave, Dr. Nicolas Burrows, Nurse Shantel Minnis, Flamingo Gardens Clinic, South Beach Clinic, All the Staff at Oak Tree Medical Clinic, Deborah Wallace (Caretaker), Janet Johnson (Caretaker), Living Faith, Seventh Day Adventist Church, Pastor Jamaal Franklin, Ephesus Seventh Day Adventist, Pastor Mannaseh Simms
COMMITTAL SERVICE
10:00 A.M.
PROCESSION OF BODY TO GRAVESITE
OPENING PRAYER .................................................................................................................... Pastor Manasseh Simms
SCRIPTURE READING .............................1st Thessalonians 4:13-18.........................................Elder Carlton Roddock
HYMN ................................................................. “It Is Finished” .......................................................................... Family
There’s a line that’s been drawn through the ages
On that stands the old rugged cross On that cross a battle is raging
For the gain of man’s soul or his 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 and devils of Hell
On the other the angels of glory And they meet on Golgotha’s hill
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
Yet in my heart the battle was raging
Not all prisoners of war have come home They were battlefields of my own making Didn’t know that the war had been won.
Then I heard that the King of the Ages Had fought all the battle for me And victory was mine for the claiming And now praise His name I am free.
COMMITTAL ............................................................................................................................. Pastor Wilfred Adderley
FAMILY TRIBUTE ...........................................................................................................................................................
HYMN .................................................... “When We All Get To Heaven” ............................................................. Family
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.
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.
(Refrain)
Let us then be true and faithful, Trusting serving ev’ry day; Just one glimpse of Him in glory Will the tolls of life repay. (Refrain)
Onward to the prize before us! Soon His beauty we’ll behold; Soon the pearly gates will openWe shall tread the streets of gold. (Refrain)
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS East Sunrise Mortuary
BENEDICTION .......................................................................................................................... Pastor Wilfred Adderley
HYMN OF DEPARTURE ............................................................................................... “When We All Get To Heaven”
SERVICE OF CELEBRATION
MODERATOR .................................................................................................................................... Elder Earl Thomas
MUSICAL PRELUDE ............................................................................................................................. Ephraim Forbes
ENTRANCE & SEATING OF THE FAMILY
OPENING REMARKS .................................................................................................................................... Moderator
OPENING PRAYER .................................................................................................................... Pastor Manasseh Simms
OLD TESTAMENT SCRIPTURE ..........................Ecclesiastes 3:1-11 ................................... Keven Thomas (Grandson)
TRIBUTES IN SONG ............................................................................... Allison Rolle (Friend) / Daniel Major (Friend)
CONDOLENCES ................................... Antonio Hanna (Nephew) / Godfrey Huyler (cousin) / Vincent Simms (Friend)
TRIBUTES IN SONG ...................................................................... Carmeta Miller (friend) / Lynden Gardiner (Friend)
NEW TESTAMENT SCRIPTURE 2 Corinthians 5:1-4 Alexa Martin (Granddaughter)
AS I KNEW HER ............................................................................................................................ Althea Neily (Cousin)
TRIBUTE IN SONG ................................................. Cheryl Perpall & Annemae Fowler (friends) / Julie Hooper (Friend)
EULOGY....................................................................... Pastor Manasseh Simms, (Ephesus Seventh Day Adventist Church)
PRAYER FOR THE BEREAVED FAMILY ...................... Deacon Michael Rolle, (Ephesus Seventh Day Adventist Church)
RECESSIONAL HYMN ....................................................................................................................... “Victory In Jesus”
I heard an old, old story, how a Savior came from glory How He gave His life on Calvary to save a wretch like me I heard about His groaning, of His precious blood’s atoning Then I repented of my sins, and won the victory, yeah
Oh victory in Jesus, my Savior forever He sought me and bought me with His redeeming blood He loved me ‘ere I knew Him and all my love is due Him He plunged me to victory beneath the cleansing flood.
I heard about His healing, of His cleansing power revealing How He made the lame to walk again and ‘caused the blind to see And then I cried, “Dear Jesus, come and heal my broken spirit” And somehow Jesus came and brought to me the victory.
Victory in Jesus, my Savior forever. He sought me and He bought me with His redeeming blood He loved me ‘ere I knew Him and all my love is due Him He plunged me to victory beneath the cleansing flood.
A TRIBUTE TO My Beautiful Wife
“We are just pilgrims passing through this world” is your favorite quote. My darling wife, I now understand it clearly – I think you just went ahead of me, and you will be waiting. I will miss you. I thank our God for the 14 years we shared in marriage. Through you, I’ve learned to unselfishly love and share and believe in myself – you were a joyous woman of God, and your light shone so, so, so bright. All through your sickness, I watched you combat pain and suffering –you stood strong and endured to the very end. It pained me that I could only pray for your healing. It came in a Christlike manner. Rest and Await for the Savior’s appearance. When you hear, “Well done, thou good and faithful servant.”
Your Husband, PRINCE
Leona Eleanor:
“AS I KNEW HER”
A beautiful face that everyone admired. A wonderful character that everyone loved. That’s my, Mom, Leona.
Quiet and gentle like a dove, a quality she was given from the Lord up above. Gone to soon, I miss her so and will always treasure, the laughter, the hugs and late-night chats.
Wonderful Leona, mother dearest I will never forget the wisdom you impart, the breakfast in bed, and the delicious meals I was fed. I will remember the kindness you have shown to the young, poor, rich, and the old. I appreciate how you made everyone feel so special with your hospitable cheer.
I will remember you never forgot to point everyone to God, He was your wisdom, truth, strength, and lifegiver. Your life had many challenges,
Leona,She was a wonderful mother-in-law and a great cook who kept me well-fed on my visits. She will be deeply missed.
MARK Son-in-law
especially at the end, but you stood firm in faith and said, in Christ, “I am wonderfully made.”
It is time for you to rest in Christ a while, but I look forward to resurrection day when by faith, we see each other again face to face. You will be gloriously more beautiful than before and your character perfect like Jesus, your Lord.
Mom, I will stand firm as you wisely said. Now, thank you for imparting love and truth to others, as a wife, mother, grandma and sibling. The lessons we have learnt from you we will share them with others. Rest in peace my wonderful and beautiful Mother, Jesus is truly coming soon!
I love and miss you. KENVA
My Dear Mother,
Never in a million years did I think we would lose you before this new year. I’ve always thought Margaret Forbes girls would live to see and enjoy their great-grandchildren as she did. Last year, I was so consumed by my husband’s illness that I did not pick up on the rapid decline in your health. Somehow, I believed you would overcome this. You were always so resourceful and resilient. My biggest regret is not letting you know how much I appreciate you for being there for me when I needed you the most. I was not able to return that favor in your last hours. This will forever haunt me. Thank you for helping me take care of my children. Whenever I traveled for work, or the kids were on long school breaks, you would drop everything and fly to Freeport to be with them for as long as I needed you. I needed you. I never once worried; I knew you would not only take care of them but would also train them to be strong and resourceful like you had taught me. I cherish the times we spent together during those trips, the long talks, and the motherly advice. It strengthened our mother-daughter bond and my marriage. Thank you for being my husband’s confidant. Fritz loved and cherished you as much as he loved me. He always looked forward to your visits and enjoyed cooking for you. Fritz also enjoyed your long talks about everything under the sun. I lost you both within the same week, the only comfort I have is that you both are in a better place and are a comfort to each other. A place where there will be no more pain or suffering. We will miss you both. I love you and will never forget you.
Your baby girl, TANYA.
AS I KNEW HER: Leona Eleanor
My Mom was a strong mother who raised her kids with love and discipline. For me growing up, I had many opportunities, and I chose my path, my own “MO.” Mom would encourage me and tell me when I was doing wrong; she was straight forward, and she was my mother and father. As I sit on the bus leaving from Georgia to South Carolina, USA, I reminisce on the times that I spent with my mom, especially the last three years during the pandemic. We talked, and she gave me advice for my future. I will always cherish her and know it will be hard to let go of her. It will be
difficult to find someone to confide in the way I did with Mom. Mom will always be in my heart and I will remember her love for me. My last joyful memory of is a photo I took with Mom and my wife, I will never forgot that because Mom was so happy for me. To me Mom’s happiness mattered more than any goal. Mom, your baby is fulfilling his dream and becoming the man you want him to be.
I love you always
Your Son, JAY
To My Mother,
Mom, you have been a pillar of strength for me and my family. You are irreplaceable. I am saddened by your passing, yet I hope to see you again someday. You will always hold a special place in my heart.
I Love You,
Your daughter, KELLIE.
OUR Grandma IS NOT GONE
Grandma is not gone, though we cannot see. Her presence lingers in the rustling tree. Her laughter echoes in the summer air, Her memory dances beyond our despair. She is not gone, for love never dies. It weaves through the earth and paints the skies. In every sunrise, in every gentle breeze. Her spirit whispers through the swaying trees Grandma is not gone, though we may weep. Her essence lives on in the memories we keep. For in the quiet moments and the starry night, Her love surrounds us like a guiding light. Grandma is not gone; she is still with us. In the songs we sing, in the dreams we fulfill. Though she may have left this earthly shore, Her love endures forevermore.
Remember, Grandma is not gone, though she may not be here. Her love remains, and will always be near.
Love KEVEN, NATHAN, AL JR., ALEXA, JORDANA, RUDOLPH AND BROOKLYN
TO MY DARLING SISTER, Leona
No words can adequately capture the profound sorrow and pain that weighs on my heart. The ache I feel has left a void by your departure. Yet, with unwavering faith, I surrender this pain unto God. The perplexity lingers as I question why you, my cherished bestie, have departed from this earth. Who will I call in the middle of the night when I want to vent my anger, discuss a problem, or ask you, “Ms. Know It All,” about the scriptures? The times we spent together throughout the years are priceless, and even though you are physically gone, the memories of our times together will live on within me forever. You were not merely a sister. You were the confidante with whom I could share my fears and joys. Our bond is woven in love, trust, and understanding. Your words of wisdom were a guiding light that brought balance to situations. As my little sister, I watched you mature into a beautiful woman. I am proud to have been your big sister.
God graciously lent you to us for seventy-three (73) remarkable years, and we embraced those times with love and joy. It is now time to embark on another journey to your eternal reward. I choose to mourn with hope for you, my precious sister. I miss you dearly and love you always.
Your sister, LILLES
Leona,
TO OUR SISTER
You have walked in the pathway of duty. You have worked until the close of your Life’s Day and have bravely faced your challenges. Now you get to see our Great King in all of His Beauty and to experience the eternal Joy of His Presence. 2 Timothy 4:7-8 says “when you have finished your course, and have kept the faith: henceforth there is laid up for you a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the Righteous Judge, shall give you at that day…”
Rest in Peace
JUDITH, CHARLENE, THERESE
It is hard saying good-bye to another sister so soon. I trust my God because he knows best. Leona was one who never had much to say, always had a beautiful smile, an encouraging and loving word. I will miss you.
Sleep on and take your rest,
love you. Your sister PRESCOLA
“During life’s ups and downs, hurts and happiness, a confidante is always there.”
As a little girl, I always admired your confidence and determination when you strongly believe in something. You were dark, beautiful, and attractive. You also made me feel the same way. You took the time to make sure my hair was always on point. Thank you.
Your unassuming smile will forever be etched in my heart and will never be forgotten. Continue to rest in heavenly peace.
Your sister, GWEN.
ELEANOR HUYLER DEVEAUX - MILLER - PAGE
TO MY BEAUTIFUL PRINCESS,
My Sister,Baby
I am going to miss you. You brought a special light into our lives, illuminating our world with your infectious laughter and gentle spirit. It’s a painful truth to grasp that you, the last to arrive in our lives, have now departed ahead of us. Yet this reality reflects the essence of who you were, destined to be a trailblazer and a winner in every sense. Rest in peace and rise in glory. Earth has no sorrow, that heaven cannot heal.
Love, Your brother, FLETCHER
To Aunt Leona,
Your journey has left an indelible mark on my heart, an inspiration that will forever guide me. You possessed a quiet strength yet were remarkably direct in expressing your thoughts and feelings. The memories of our Summer and Christmas times together, particularly during your stay in Freeport, Grand Bahama, hold a special place in my heart. Little did I know that those moments would become even more precious when you moved back to Nassau and lived with Mommy and me.
These last few years spent with you are a gift I will forever cherish. Even when life got busy, your subtle reminders to visit were always met with forgiveness, a smile, and my deep appreciation for your persistence. You had a way of making sure I left with something, whether it was a piece of advice, food, a cherished trinket, or simply a warm memory to carry with me.
As I bid farewell, Aunt Leona, I want you to know that your legacy lives on in the wisdom and the love you shared. Thank you for being an aunt who significantly impacted my life. May you rest in peace.
I love You, Your Niece MARCIA
Leona,
The news of your passing hit me like a ton of bricks. My heart ached with the pain of losing you. You always brought joy and laughter to every family gathering, but I know you are in the hands of the Lord. Sleep on and take your rest. We love you, but Jesus loves you best.
Love your Niece, STEPHANIE
“REST IN PEACE” The light from our family is gone. A voice we love is stilled. A place is vacant in the home which can never be filled. We have to mourn the loss of one we would like to keep but God who surely love her best, has finally made her sleep…After a lifetime of her love and joy and music to fill our ears, God leaves these wondrous memories to help us through our tears.
FROM BETTY AND ALVIN FULTON
ELEANOR HUYLER DEVEAUX-MILLER
PALLBEARERS
MR. NATHAN THOMAS
DR. STERLING MCPHEE
MR. KEVEN THOMAS
MR. HUBERT KNOWLES
MR. CHAIRO MCPHEE
MR. SHALOM MCPHEE
MR. KENVARD MAJOR
MR. ALFRED DELEVEAUX
HONORARY PALL BEARERS
DR. MARK THOMAS M.D.
MR. DAYTON JONES
MR. JORDAN DEVEAUX
MR. AL BRICE
MR. ALVIN MOSS
MR. DAVID ROKER
MR. FLETCHER FERGUSON
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
We, the family of Leona Eleanor Huyler Deveaux-Miller, would like to express our heartfelt love, gratitude, and appreciation for the outpouring of love, prayers, and support during this period of our bereavement. Your prayers, telephone calls, condolences, and other sympathetic gestures gave us the strength and courage to carry on. Special thanks to those who traveled to be with us during our sorrows. Your thoughtfulness and love will never be forgotten.