O Miller

HOMEGOING SERVICE FOR

OzelMILLER

SUNRISE: 9TH MA RCH, 1940

SUNSET: 1ST AUGUST, 2022

AGE:82 YEARS

Service held at BIBLE TRUTH MINISTRIES

Martin’s Close, off Cowpen Road Nassau, Bahamas

SATURDAY, 13TH AUGUST, 2022 AT 2:00 PM

Officiating: Pastor Ellison Greenslade

Assisted by other Ministers of the Gospel

Interment

LAKEVIEW MEMORIAL GARDENS AND MAUSOLEUM

John F. Kennedy Drive & Gladstone Road

Ozel MILLER

A TIME TO BE BORN:

It was certainly a blessed Saturday on March 9th, 1940 in the settlement of Pinefield, Acklins where Elisha and Joanna Miller (both deceased) welcomed their first-born son, naming him Hozel, derived from the name Hazel, meaning protection and authority. His name was later changed to Ozel but he was affectionately called “Pee Wee”.

A TIME TO LIVE:

Ozel grew up on the island of Acklins with 7 younger siblings and from there, developed a passion for fishing and marine life. He received his formal education at the Hard Hill All Aged School. At a young tender age, he left for work in Mayaguana to help care for his family. He later moved to the United States to work on the contract. In 1960, he moved to Nassau and became employed at the Merv Griffin Resort (now Atlantis Resort). He witnessed the transformation of Hog Island (now Paradise Island) into a major tourism mecca. He served there for 43 years; first as a switchboard operator but being a water sports enthusiast, he soon transferred to working as a yachtsman, responsible for transporting the resort’s (then) owner from the western part of Paradise Island to other parts of the island and to Nassau as there was no bridge connecting the two islands at that time. He later worked as a Recreational Life Guard before his retirement in 2003. At that time, Ozel served as the longest serving employee of the resort, receiving honorable mention for his long-term dedication and hard work through out the years.

Ozel then became the proud owner and operator of a banana boat and snorkeling adventure tour service through which he was able to continue his passion for the watersports industry. He later relocated to Acklins and embraced his love for recreational fishing.

“All you have to do is stay focused on what your aim and objective is… You cannot be hot headed, you have to sometimes be able to give and take and be humble in certain things.”

Ozel Miller

A TIME TO LOVE:

Ozel wrote a letter to Daniel and Lola Williamson (both deceased) also of Pinefield, Acklins to ask for the hand of their beautiful daughter, Viola Geneva, in marriage. It was agreed and they were wedded at the St. Luke Baptist Church during August of 1960. They later relocated to Nassau and started their family home on St. Charles Vincent Street. Their union was blessed with 6 children and they later moved to Ridgeland Park West and made this the homestead for the Miller family for over 40 years.

A TIME TO SERVE:

Ozel and his family, attended the Ebenezer Missionary Baptist Church where he started his Christian journey. He accepted the Lord as his personal savior and was ordained as a Deacon, and later became a Minister of the gospel. He served in many capacities, including the Usher Board, Choir and the Men’s Ministry. He believed in service to God. He felt a move of God and transitioned to Bible Truth Ministries where he continued to serve the Lord while in Nassau. During his time in Acklins, he worshipped at the New Hope Baptist Church of Pinefield, Acklins.

A TIME TO DIE:

Ozel was diagnosed with cancer but fought long and hard against the disease. As his condition worsened, he moved to Nassau to seek medical attention and to be closer with his family. He was admitted to the Princess Margaret Hospital on Thursday, 28th July, 2022 after experiencing some discomfort at home. On Monday, 1st August, 2022, Emancipation Day at 6:46 pm, Ozel was freed from the pain and troubles of this world, quietly slipping away from time into eternity.

9TH MARCH, 1940 - 1ST AUGUST, 2022

Left to cherish precious memories are his:-

Wife: Viola Miller; Children: Monique (Philip) White, Jasmar Higgs NO II (Dr. Robert Higgs BA, MA, MABC, PH.D), Hosea Miller, Sandee Ferguson (Sgt. Matican Ferguson - HMP), Lanza (Hope) Miller, Dejenaba (Dario) Brice; 1 adopted son: Elkeito Miller Grandchildren: Desiradè Clarke, Zaria Higgs, Janay and Travis Miller, Dashan Rodgers, Jayden and M’kali Ferguson, Calvin, Lynee and Horatio Miller and Darius Brice; Greatgrand child: Alex Darrell Jr.; Brother: Lawrence Miller; Sisters: Venus Cox, Ethlyn (Elon) Ferguson, Pandora (Twynam) Neeily, Eunice Miller, Dianne Lubin, Virgilee (Albert Sr.) Smith; Brother-in-laws: Rev. Newton (Shirley) Williamson, Lindsey (Eulene) Williamson, Leslie (Richlene) Williamson; Sister-in-law: Carmaretha Musgrove; Nephews and nieces: Janice, Brent, Brian, Barrette and Brendenique Miller, Keva Meadows, Dehren (Rose) Cox, Alneca (Eddie) Russell, Deanza II, Dowdswell (Anishka) and Dotlee (Lucius Sr.) Fox, Valerie (ASP 2539 Sonny) Miller, Glenda Miller, Anthony (Samantha) Black Sr., Elwood (Donna) Tynes Sr., Roshell (Deon) Ferguson, Kevin (Jocelyn) Johnson, First Lady Lelia (Pastor Ellison) Greenslade, Stephanie Smith, Dencil (Danielle) Rolle, Raquel (Darral) Dorsette, Tamara Porter, Eleanor Miller, Leonardo (Natasha) Deleveaux, Ricardo (Karen) Miller, Synovia (Joseph) Harding, Chaznique Ambrose, Dennis (Michaela) Thompson, Keith (Annabell) Cornell, Terelle Cornell, Vincent Beneby Jr., Athena Smith, Anastacia Smith, Albert Smith Jr., Former Commissioner of Police Reginald (Dulcita) Ferguson, Leatha Burrows; Natalie (Earl) Chuno, Audley Bain, Rev. Dr. Phillip (Prescola) Williamson, Bessley (V. Alfred) Gray, Rev. Howard (Thelma) Williamson, Vivian Williamson, Harrison and Neville Williamson, Captain Clifford Nottage, Paula Whitfield, Pamela (Anthony) Ferguson, Ingrid Musgrove, Kim Saunders, Shemique Knowles, Dr. Daneal and Melita Williamson; numerous Grand-nephews and Grand-nieces, Great-grand nephews and Great-grand nieces; other relatives and friends including: Wendall Deleveaux and family, Elton Williamson and family, Shervin Hanna and family, Berkely Williamson and family, Dr. Carolyn Rolle and family, Ronnique Ferguson and family, Marietta Moss and family, Fenton Moss and family, John Thompson, Officer Pat King, Elvis Deleveaux and family, Vangy Williamson and family, Patsy Miller and family, Militon Williamson and family, Maria Williamson and family, Pinefield Improvement Connection family, Pirates Well Mayaguana Community, Igalee Miller and family, the entire Acklins Community, Wellington “Charlie” Charlton, Nurse Idenna Flowers, Alex Darrell Sr. and family, Syblean McPhee and family, Bible Truth Ministries family, New Hope Baptist Church of Pinefield, Acklins, First Holiness Church of God of Bamboo Town and of Freeport, Grand Bahama family, Fellowship Missionary Baptist Church family, Highbury Park Church of Christ, Ebenezer Missionary Baptist Church family, New Horizon Worship Center of Freeport, Grand Bahama, management and staff at the National Insurance Board, management and staff at Bank of The Bahamas, management and staff at Bahamas Waste Limited, management and staff at The Rand Memorial Hospital, management and staff at the Ministry of Finance, management and staff at First Step Academy, Eleanor Collie, nursing staff and doctors of PMH - Orthopedic Ward and Oncology Clinic, Dr. Joseph I. Evans, M.D. and the team at Bahamas Urology Center and others too numerous to mention. If we have failed to mention your name, please forgive us and know that we truly appreciate your love and support during this time.

PRELUDE ENTRANCE OF THE FAMILY

CALL TO WORSHIP ......................................................................................................... Pastor Ellison Greenslade

PRESIDING OFFICER

Rev. Dr. Philip Williamson (Nephew) New Hope Baptist Church - Pinefield, Acklins

PRAISE AND WORSHIP......................................................................................................................... Praise Team

CONGREGATIONAL HYMN “And Can It Be”

And can it be that I should gain

An int’rest 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?

’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.

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.

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 ....................................................................... Elder Kevin Beneby, Highbury Park Church of Christ

OLD TESTAMENT READING .................... Ecclesiastes, Chapter 3 vs 1- 11 ...... Ms. Zaria Higgs (Granddaughter)

SELECTION: ....................................................................... Pine Field Improvement Connection/ DanLola Heritage

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

Minister V. Alfred Gray

Bishop Gregory Collie, First Holiness Baptist Church

Mr. Berkley Williamson

Bishop Trevor Williamson, Trinity Global Cathedral

SELECTION

NEW TESTAMENT READING 1st Corinthians, Chapter 15 vs. 50 – 58

Mr. Felton Williamson (Godchild)

Ms. Athena Smith (Niece)

I KNEW HIM

Some glad morning we shall see, Jesus in the air Coming after you and me, joy is ours to share What rejoicing there will be, when the saints shall rise Headed for that jubilee, yonder in the skies

Chorus: Oh what singing, oh what shouting On that happy morning when we all shall rise Oh what glory, Hallelujah

When we meet our blessed Savior in the skies

Seems that now I almost see, all the sainted dead Rising for that jubilee, that is just ahead In the twinkling of an eye, changed with them to be All the living saints to fly, to that jubilee.

When with all that heavenly host, we begin to sing Singing in the Holy Ghost, how the heavens will ring Millions there will join the song, with them we shall be Praising Christ through ages long, heaven’s jubilee.

Trials dark on ev’ry hand, and we cannot understand All the ways that God would lead us to that blessed Promised Land; But He’ll guide us with His eye, and we’ll follow till we die; We will understand it better by and by.

Chorus: By and by, when the morning comes, When the saints of God are gathered home, We will tell the story how we’ve overcome; We will understand it better by and by.

Oft our cherished plans have failed, disappointments have prevailed, And we’ve wandered in the darkness, heavyhearted and alone; But we’re trusting in the Lord, and according to His Word, We will understand it better by and by.

Temptations, hidden snares often take us unawares, And our hearts are made to bleed for some thoughtless word or deed, And we wonder why the test when we try to do our best, But we’ll understand it better by and by.

COMMITTAL SERVICE

GRAVESIDE HYMNS

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 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.

CITY OF GOLD

There’s a city of light where there cometh no night, ‘Tis a city of beauty untold; All my treasures are there and its beauty I’ll share, When I get to that city of gold.

Chorus:

When I leave this old world with its troubles and care, I will say with rejoicing, good morning up there; I will have great gladness untold, When I get to that city of gold.

There’s no sorrow up there in that city so fair, And no sickness can enter I’m told; Shadows all will have flown, I will meet friends I’ve known, When I get to that city of gold.

Won’t you go there with me, to the home of the free, Would you see heaven’s beauty unfold.?

If you will come along, we will sing heaven’s song

When we get to that city of gold.

ITS ALRIGHT NOW

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

Chorus:

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

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

Pastor Ellison Greenslade (Assisted by Ministers of the Gospel)

TO OUR Dad

Dad, you will be missed, your smile was one in a million. You were not a man of many words but you expressed yourself through your love for others by giving of yourself and your resources. You showed us the value of always going above and beyond. You are loved, and respected and a God-fearing man who loved the Lord. We prayed earnestly that God would heal you, but he took you to a better place, where there is no sickness or death. We give God thanks and praise for your life and the years he loaned you to us. You will be missed daddy. We grieve with hope, as we know that you are now resting in the arms of your Savior. We will meet again dad, until then you take your deserving rest, with our Heavenly Father.

To My LovingHusband

Pee Wee, you’ve gone and left me but I thank God for 62 years together. My heart aches when I think of the memories but I understand that God had other plans. Your children and I will continue to serve the Lord, as you did. We will always remember you. Take your rest now, until we meet again.

TO OUR

Grandad

A friend to many, a brother to most, An uncle so friendly, a father to boast, With a heart of gold and a spirit free, We wish you a peaceful eternal sleep.

We didn’t get a chance to properly say good bye but we will hold on to the memories you’ve left behind. Never erasing you from our minds, but keeping the promise of love in our hearts. Thank you for instilling Christian values in your children, which have fostered the love and guidance that our family will continue to share. Your sacrifices, your accomplishments, your God-fearing and gentle spirit will continue to live on through each of us. We will cherish the love and support that you have shown to us over the years. We love you and we miss you, granddaddy.

A LOVING TRIBUTE TO OUR

Loving Brother LAWRENCE

Big brother, you went ahead and left me behind, I will hold on to God’s unchanging hand, we had a brotherly bond and it hurts so much now that it’s broken, I will miss you my brother, take your rest from this world of struggles and strife.

I love you always....

VENUS

Bulla K

My Brother, it’s still hard to say goodbye to yesterday, gone to soon. Who would have thought that this day would come so soon? On Monday, Emancipation Day, your FREEDOM DAY, you took your flight. As I reflect on our last conversation you were telling me you were ready to leave this world. I give God thanks for our precious time spent together... I did all that I could have done for you, sleep on and take your rest, we love you but Jesus loves you the best... We bid you Goodbye, till we meet again, we will meet again in the morning.

Love Sister

ETHLYN

No time to say goodbye, you were gone before I knew it, and only God knows why, my heart still aches in sadness, my secret tears still flow, what it meant to lose you no one will never know. So, sleep on my brother and take your deserved rest, I will always love you and I miss you.

MALRETHA

Goodbye my big brother and my friend, it’s a new beginning not the end, the chain has broken, no more questions, no more doubts. I’ll cherish the loving moments we shared, sometimes I still don’t understand, but as you always tell me, “leave it to God”. I know you would want me to keep my head high. May the work you’ve done, may the service you gave, may the life you lived speak for you, you fought a good fight... P.S You did not wait for the grouper head you asked me for!

Love Mal EUNICE

I know I can’t be with you now, and you can’t be with me, but safe inside my heart you’ll stay. That’s where you will always be. Sleep on my brother.

DIANA

My brother you led the way into this world and out of this world. Thank you for the love and knowledge you shared with me. I miss you and I love you always.

Thank you! Di

VIRGILEE

To my loving brother, well done good and faithful servant, now enter into the joy of your Lord. Your life has been a blessing to me I will always treasure the memories we shared. I can imagine you saying “Don’t cry for me for now I am free, I’m following the path God has chosen for me. Sleep on.

Your baby sister Lee

A TRIBUTE TO ONE OF THE WORLD’S GREATEST UNCLES, Ozel Miller

Years ago, when we were children we called you ‘Bredda’ because we heard our parents calling you by that name. But as we grew older we realize that, that was simply an Acklins slang used for ‘Brother’. So, most of us quit referring to you as ‘Bredda’ and began calling you ‘Brother’. However, as we matured we then understood that your siblings called you Bredda/Brother because you were their oldest brother and back in those days it was disrespectful for them to call you by your first name. So, they, like most of the other siblings, in other families on the Island, had to call their oldest brother this, out of respect. After realizing this, some of us decided because this was a sibling’s tradition, we resorted to calling you Uncle or Uncle Ozel because that’s who you really were to us. You were truly one of the world’s greatest Uncles. Uncle Ozel, since the passing of your parents Elisha and Joanna Miller, our grandparents, you have stood tall and played the role of Patriarch of The Miller Family with distinction. You have demonstrated to us how to ‘….live in peace with all men.” (Romans 12:18). You have been our counselor and mediator, sometimes without even saying a word. You were dependable. You never showed favoritism. You were approachable. We were comfortable walking up to you anywhere and at anytime and you would always greet each of us with a genuine smile, a hug and a, “How are you doing?” Our time together would always end with encouragements from you, to continue to do well. Your hospitality was second to none. When we visited you in Acklins, you catered to us like we were Kings and Queens. It was your pleasure to be our chauffeur and tour guide. You displayed tremendous joy as you talked about, showed us around and drove us through your ‘Beloved Acklins’. You demonstrated to us how to be committed to our family and to God. You had strong faith in God through it all. We will always remember those sweet and sincere prayers that you offered to the Lord on our behalf, in our worship services. Watching you worship God with all of your might, even when you were not feeling well was an inspiration to us to serve God in the same manner. We are appreciative to God for blessings us with such a fine and loving Uncle. And even-though we would have wanted you stay with us longer, we understand and accept that God knows best… We are confident that your soul has found rest. So take your well deserved sleep and by God’s grace, we will meet you in the morning. Until then, we will continue to treasure the numerous, precious memories of the times God allowed you to be with us.

WE LOVE YOU! THANK YOU…

Your Nieces and Nephews

Honorary Pallbearers

LAWRENCE MILLER WENDALL DELEVEAUX

ELON FERGUSON TYMAN NEILLY

ELTON WILLIAMSON ALBERT SMITH SR.

CAPTAIN CLIFFORD NOTTAGE

FRMR. COM. OF POLICE REGINALD FERGUSON

Pallbearers

ROBERT HIGGS

PHILIP WHITE

MATICAN FERGUSON DARIO BRICE

WINSTON BENEBY ELWOOD TYNES

LEONARDO DELEVAUX ALEX DARRELL SR

Acknowledgements

We, the family of the late Minister Ozel Miller, deeply appreciate and acknowledge your sympathy, prayers and phone calls during our time of bereavement.