PASTOR
SERVICE OF THANKSGIVING AND PRAISE TO GOD FOR THE LIFE OF
Sunrise: March 3, 1954
Sunset: December 27, 2024
Age: 70 YEARS
Service Held At: NEW BETHLEHEM BAPTIST CHURCH Independence Drive Nassau, Bahamas
SATURDAY, JANUARY 25, 2025
AT 11:00 A.M.
Officiating: Rev. Tyrone A. Laing
Assisted By:
Rev. Bernal Bullard
Rev. Christine Johnson
Minister Sharon Cleare
Musicians: Rev. Cecil Higgs
Mr. Leonardo Darville
Mr. Rashad Farquharson
Interment: Lakeview Memorial Gardens
John F. Kennedy Drive & Gladstone Road Nassau, Bahamas
HIS BEGINNING
MARCH 3, 1954 - DECEMBER 27, 2024
I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.
(2 Timothy 4:7-8)
Stanford’s sunrise came on March 3, 1954, being the second child born to the parentage of the late David Felix and Lillian Adelaide Delores Knowles (nee Grant) here in Nassau. His early life was spent in the Kemp Road area before the family moved to their homestead in the Big Pond Subdivision, more than 60 years ago. He always spoke of the family atmosphere of everyone who resided in the Kemp Road area and of course this continued in the Big Pond Subdivision. His early education began at St. Margaret’s Day School where his mother worked as a teacher. His later education was at the Western Junior and Senior Schools.
He was nicknamed “Rags” when he was young as he would wear his older brother, Ricardo’s, clothes which, of course were too big for him. He said the nickname was actually “Baggs” but we know children hear the pronunciation of words differently.
A TIME TO WORK
After leaving school, Stanford was employed at John S. George Ltd. along with his childhood friend, Bercil Coakley. He spent a few years there then went to work at Atlas Industries Ltd. where he began his career as an air-conditioner ductwork mechanic, which he enjoyed. This career led him to work at other construction companies, including Cavalier Construction and United Plumbing Co. Ltd.
In the year 1999 Stanford decided to become an entrepreneur and went into the trucking business. His first truck was a 20feet International flatbed and later a Hyundai HD45 flatbed to use for his business. He provided trucking services for the Betty K Agency, Kentucky Stores, and personal homes, with the government being the last service before he retired in December 2021.
His trucking business was his way of giving back to others; he loved helping people in whichever way he could. You would see the young men of Black Village and Big Pond accompany him on the jobs as he would say to them “come make couple dollars for yourself”. There was Clifford, Ryan, Jamison, Jay, Pedro, Twin, Dedrick, Adolphus, just to name a few. There were many arguments between he and his “team” but they knew who had the upper hand!
A TIME FOR LOVE
On June 9, 1990, Stanford married the love of his life, Melanie Florinda Stubbs, whom he said only she could be his wife.
She was his everything! The officiant at the ceremony was the late Rev. Dr. John E. Cleare, the then Pastor of the New Bethlehem Baptist Church. Their marital vows “for better or worse, for richer or poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherise, ‘til death do us part” resided with them for the entire marriage because when God is in it, there is no failure!
The marriage was blessed with two Men of Valor, Stannarj Aaron and Stanico Ashad, who joined their older siblings Shonel Veronique, Shakira Lillian, and John Artis. Stanford was a proud and boastful Father!
He was christened and baptized in the Anglican faith but after marriage joined his wife at New Bethlehem Baptist Church where they were members of the Marriage in Action Ministry (MIA)
A TIME FOR FAMILY
Stanford had a welcoming spirit and everyone he came in contact with became attached to him. He was a family man who loved to travel and made many trips abroad with his wife and children, his siblings and his in-laws. You just had to make the plans and he was ready to go. Stanford would visit family and friends almost every day. Melanie would ask him “where you going again?”; his answer “coming right back”. He would drive to Big Pond about ten times a day or walk to his parents-in-law house just to make sure everything was alright.
He enjoyed being with his children whom he spoilt. Whatever they wanted, they got and would all smile when Melanie looked at them in disbelief. He and Shonel called each other “Big Timer”; they knew what it meant! He had a genuine love for his siblings.
Rayne was the only grandchild in Nassau so she got the full attention of her granddad as he would pick her up from school or dance class and then, of course, take her to Wendy’s or McDonald’s.
His nieces and nephews knew they could get anything from him or wherever they wanted to go he would take them. Greycen and Armani are the last grandnephews to experience Uncle Stanny’s love! The best Uncle ever!
TIME TO DEPART
After a life richly lived, marked by love, generosity, and countless treasured moments, Stanford bid farewell to this world on Friday, December 27, 2024.
HIS
legacy
AND memories WILL ALWAYS BE REMEMBERED BY:
WIFE OF 34 YEARS: Melanie Florinda Knowles (nee Stubbs)
CHILDREN: Shonel Rolle, Shakira Clarke (Freeport), John Clarke (Japan), Stannarj Knowles (Texas) and Stanico Knowles
BROTHER: Joel Knowles; Sisters: Charlayne Rolle, Shavonne Davis, Marjorie Pinder and Lillian Knowles
SISTERS-IN-LOVE (the Best): Janetta Strachan and Carousel Johnson
GRANDCHILDREN: Iieisha Taylor (Canada), Gabrielle Smith (Florida), Rayne Rolle, Nelson Brown and Jabari Lightbourne (Freeport), Ruan and Cali Clarke (Japan)
GREAT-GRANDCHILDREN: Skylar and Francio Jr. Smith (Florida) and Armani Garnett (Canada)
SONS-IN-LAW: Richard Rolle and Jabar Lightbourne (Freeport); Daughters-in-Law: Juri Clarke (Japan) and Dr. D’Enda Moxey
BROTHERS-IN-LAW: Inspector Julius Rolle, Fredrick Davis, Winston Duncombe Sr., Joseph Gordon, and Clifford Cartwright
SISTERS-IN-LAW: Muriel Knowles, Barbara Duncombe, Sherla Rolle and Susan Cartwright
GRANDSONS-IN-LAW: Francio Smith Sr. (Florida) and Monty Barnett (Canada)
ADOPTED BROTHER: Adolphus Cash; Adopted Sisters: Andrea Bethell, Brenda and Francis Hepburn
NIECES & NEPHEWS: Cara and Christopher Brooks, Jacoby and Melika Knowles, Shantik and Stephen Smith, Paige Knowles, Ovando and Deidre Strachan, Tanzinia and Clevaughn Carey, Labranya and Dexter Robinson, Alicia Strachan, Clifford Sr. and Tamarah Strachan, Ryan Strachan Sr., Gerard Williams, Phylicia and Jahred Francis RN, Cleia Carey, Brent, Cenita and Winston Duncombe Jr., Ronnie Daxon, Katoynia Taylor, Stephen and Dr. Pleshette McPhee, Kathier Duncombe, Antonya and Mario Bain, Calvin and Shenera Spence.
GRAND NIECES AND NEPHEWS: Jacque, Shacody and Jacquell Knowles, Salem and Samir Smith, Amir Thompson, Aisja Strachan, Jerreo Coakley Jr., Alexis Lewis Jr., Ryan Strachan Jr., Veronique Strachan, Clifford Strachan Jr., Tonrae’ya Strachan, Greycen Robinson, Armani Strachan, Lauren Herious, Kenyon and Kenya Williams, Shacoy Duncombe, Alijiah Duncombe, Shana Taylor, Keano
Duncombe, K. Reva Rolle, Breon, Pleshae, and Quade McPhee, Joeysa Abraham
GOD-CHILDREN: Stacey and Charles Forbes, Sundae Ferguson, Zenobia Benson and Crestwell Munroe
COUSINS AND THEIR FAMILIES: Geoffrey, Alonzo, Keith and Derek Rolle, Jerome and Jonathan Butler, Sophia Archer, Dr. Faith Butler-Cleare, Levinna Campbell, Francina Forbes, Irene and Joshua Rolle, Izetta Moss, Shirlene and Glenwood Rolle, Selma and Clayton Stuart, Marion Wright, Elizabeth Wilson, Rosemary Williams, Eric and Rev. Shirley Stubbs, Philip, Anthony and Trevor Stubbs, Annabelle and Japheth Burrows, Linda Barr, Margaret Pennerman, Desrina Forbes, Willamae Rolle, Rev. Althea, Cynthia and Irene Poitier, Ethelmae Poitier, Trevor and Gereno Poitier, Min. Ivy Poitier, Berthamae and Dwayne Woodside, Slone Benson, Hazel Gordon, Sharon Gordon, John King Sr., Rodney Clarke, Larry and Anastacia Gordon, Margaret, Calvin and Raymond Gordon and Tara Gordon
CAREGIVER: E. Sultane Petit-Homme
OTHER RELATIVES AND FRIENDS AND THEIR FAMILIES TOO NUMEROUS TO MENTION BUT INCLUDING: Thaddeus and Gloria Thompson, Robert Jennings, Bercil and Janice Coakley, Brian Wilson, Oscar Prioleau, Clarence and Paul Clare, Peter Mitchell, Anthony Richardson, Neil Stubbs, Tony Gardiner, Edmund Estelhomme, Ruth Cash, Dec. Timothy Bailey, Eugene Rolle, Douglas Smith, Charles Johnson, Pedro Burrows, Jamison Rolle, Christopher Strachan, Alfred and Sharon Stubbs, Marion Capron, Ritamae Darling, Joeanna Curry, Gina Lesbott, Jennifer Anderson, Debbie Williams, Cathy Cox, Andrew and Natasha Sinclair, Robert and Brevis Moss, Family of the late Eric and Firstina Hepburn, Family of the late Shirley Brown, Patricia Evans, Robert Frazier Jr., Ona Paul, Tracey Taylor, numerous friends of Stannarj and Stanico, The Black Village and Big Pond Subdivision Families (past and present residents), The Family of St. Barnabas Anglican Church.
HEARTFELT THANKS AND APPRECIATION TO: Rev. Tyrone and Mother Cheryl Laing and the Family of New Bethlehem Baptist Church, Dec. Huden and Rev. Christine Johnson (MIA), the NBBC Tabernacle Choir, Rev. Dr. Stephen Ferguson and the Family of Judea Baptist Church, former and present staff of Receivables/CCM (CIBC Caribbean), SAC Class of 1981, Dr. Agreta Eneas-Carey and staff, Doctors and Nurses of the Male Orthopedic Ward Princess Margaret Hospital.
WE APOLOGIZE IF YOUR NAME WAS INADVERTENTLY OMITTED AS IT WAS NOT OUR INTENTION.
May his soul rest in peace and rise in Glory!
ENTRANCE OF FAMILY
ORDER OF Service
Musical Selection Miss Deandrell Davis
OPENING SENTIMENTS .............................................................................................................................Rev. Cecil Higgs
MODERATOR ............................................................................................................................. Minister Christine Johnson
OPENING HYMN "His Coming Draweth Nigh"
1 Weary hands will cease from labor, Folded, they at rest will lie, For we have a burden bearer, And his coming draweth nigh.
Yes, the weary night is passing, Dawn is breaking in the sky; We shall hail the glad tomorrow, For his coming draweth nigh.
2 Sorrow will not last forever, Tears not always dim the eye; Jesus is our consolation, And his coming draweth nigh. [Chorus]
3 Pain is not our lasting portion, Balm descendeth from on high, For we have a great Physician, And his coming draweth nigh. [Chorus]
4 Death is not to be eternal, Tho' we all are doomed to die; Jesus is the resurrection, And his coming draweth nigh. [Chorus]
INVOCATION …Rev. Bernal Bullard
PRAYER RESPONSE "My Jesus, I Love Thee"
Lord Jesus, I love Thee, I know Thou art mine; For Thee all the pleasures of sin I resign; My gracious Redeemer, my Savior art Thou, If ever I loved Thee, Lord Jesus, ’tis now.
I love Thee, because Thou hast first loved me, And purchased my pardon on Calvary’s tree; I love Thee for wearing the thorns on Thy brow; If ever I loved Thee, Lord Jesus, ’tis now.
I’ll love Thee in life, I will love Thee in death, And praise Thee as long as Thou lendest me breath; And say when the death-dew lies cold on my brow, If ever I loved Thee, Lord Jesus, ’tis now.
In ages eternal of endless delight I’ll ever adore Thee in glory so bright; I’ll sing with the glittering crown on my brow, If ever I loved Thee, Lord Jesus, ’tis now.
OLD TESTAMENT READING – Psalms 27 .................................................................... …Mrs. Phylicia Francis (Niece)
MUSICAL SELECTION ................................................................................................................ Mr. Aldion Rolle (Friend)
REFLECTIONS Miss Rayne Rolle (Granddaughter)
MUSICAL SELECTION ..............................................................Mrs. Tanzinia Carey and Miss Alicia Strachan (Nieces)
NEW TESTAMENT READING - 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 .......................................................Mr. Keith Rolle (Cousin)
MUSICAL SELECTION ....................................................................... Misters Stannarj and Stanico Knowles & Friends
CONDOLENCES ........................................................................................................................Mr. Bercil Coakley (Friend)
Mr. Rodney Moncur (Friend)
HYMN ........................................................................................................................................................................ "It is Well"
When peace like a river attendeth my way, When sorrows like sea billows roll; Whatever my lot Thou hast taught me to say, “It is well, it is well with my soul!”
It is well with my soul! It is well, it is well with my soul!
Though Satan should buffet, though trials should come, Let this blest assurance control, That Christ hath regarded my helpless estate, And hath shed His own blood for my soul.
My sin—oh, the bliss of this glorious thought— My sin, not in part, but the whole, Is nailed to His Cross, and I bear it no more; Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, O my soul!
For me, be it Christ, be it Christ hence to live; If dark hours about me shall roll, No pang shall be mine, for in death as in life Thou wilt whisper Thy peace to my soul.
CONDOLENCES ....................................................................... Bishop Darrin Woods, Pastor, The New Goodwill COG (President, Bahamas Hotel Catering and Allied Workers Union) Deacon Huden Johnson, Sr., New Bethlehem Baptist Church
REFLECTIONS Mr. Joel Knowles (Brother)
SELECTION.......................................................................................... New Bethlehem Baptist Church Tabernacle Choir
THE SPOKEN WORD. ................................................... Rev. Tyrone A. Laing, Pastor, New Bethlehem Baptist Church
PRAYER FOR FAMILY Minister Sharon Cleare
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
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
OPENING REMARKS ..........................................................................................................................
Tyrone A. Laing
SONG OF PRAISE "Goodness of God"
I love You, Lord For Your mercy never fails me
All my days, I’ve been held in Your hands From the moment that I wake up Until I lay my head
Oh, I will sing of the goodness of God
‘Cause all my life You have been faithful
And all my life You have been so, so good
With every breath that I am able
Oh, I will sing of the goodness of God
I love Your voice
You have led me through the fire
In darkest night You are close like no other I’ve known You as a Father I’ve known You as a Friend
And I have lived in the goodness of God,
‘Cause all my life You have been faithful, oh yes You have And all my life You have been so, so good
With every breath that I am able Oh, I will sing of the goodness of God
Your goodness is running after, it’s running after me Your goodness is running after, it’s running after me
With my life laid down, I surrendered now I give You everything, oh Lord Your goodness is running after, it’s running after me Your goodness is running after, it’s running after me Your goodness is running after, it’s running after me
With my life laid down, I surrendered now I give You everything
Your goodness is running after, it keeps running after me
COMMITTAL Rev. Tyrone A. Laing
EXPRESSIONS
BENEDICTION
Staff of East Sunrise Mortuary and Lakeview Memorial Gardens
Rev.
CLOSING SONGS
Tempted and tried we’re oft made to wonder, Why it should be thus all the day long; While there are others living about us, Never molested though in the wrong.
Farther along we’ll know all about it, Farther along we’ll understand why; Cheer up, don’t worry, live in the sunshine, We’ll understand it all by and by.
When death has come and taken our loved ones, It leaves our home so lonely and drear; Then do we wonder why others prosper, Living so wicked year after year.
Faithful till death said our loving Master, A few more days to labor and wait; Toils of the road will then seem as nothing, As we sweep through the beautiful gate.
When we see Jesus coming in glory, When He comes from His home in the sky; Then we shall meet Him in that bright mansion, We’ll understand it all by and by.
"FARTHER
ALONG"
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
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.
"Heaven’s Jubilee"
We, the Family of STANFORD FELIX KNOWLES, take this opportunity to express our heartfelt gratitude and thanks to you, our relatives, friends, and neighbors for your kind expressions of love during this time of bereavement. Your prayers, visits, telephone calls and words of comfort will assist us in moving forward.
May the Lord Continually Bless and keep you.
PALLBEARERS
STANNARJ KNOWLES
STANICO KNOWLES
OVANDO STRACHAN
CLIFFORD STRACHAN, SR.
RYAN STRACHAN, SR.
JACOBY KNOWLES
JAHRED FRANCIS
ANDREW SINCLAIR
HONORARY PALLBEARERS
JOEL KNOWLES
JOHN CLARKE
RICHARD ROLLE
FREDRICK DAVIS
JULIUS ROLLE
TONY GARDINER
DOUGLAS SMITH
OSCAR PRIOLEAU
BURCIL COAKLEY
DEXTER ROBINSON
CLEAVAUGHN CAREY
ANTHONY RICHARDSON
PETER MITCHELL
EDMUND ESTELHOMME
