S Armbrister

1ST JUNE, 1938 -10TH JANUARY, 2023

SERVICE OF PRAISE AND THANKSGIVING FOR THE LIFE OF

Shirley LAGLORIA ARMBRISTER

Sunrise: 1st June, 1938 • Sunset: 10th January, 2023 • Age: 84 years

Held at THE CHURCH OF GOD OF PROPHECY East Street Tabernacle

SATURDAY, 28TH JANUARY, 2023 @ 2:00PM

Officiants

BISHOP DR. FRANKLIN M. FERGUSON National Bishop, Church of God of Prophecy Bahamas

BISHOP BRANSON D. GIBSON

District Supervisor Zone 2, New Providence

BISHOP KENDAL C. SIMMONS, SENIOR PASTOR

Church of God of Prophecy

Seven Hills, Nassau

Behold I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.

(1 Corinthians 15:51-52)

It was on June 1st, 1938 in the settlement of Majors Cay, Crooked Island, that a beautiful baby girl was born to the parentage of Pembrooke Eugene and Olive Edith Ferguson. They affectionately and lovingly named her Shirley LaGloria.

Shirley was destined to serve with a heart of gold and many were the recipients of her generosity.

Her father was an educator who served as Head Teacher (Principal) in several of the Family Islands; Crooked Island being the first, hence Shirley and six of her siblings were born on this island. From Crooked Island the family relocated to San Salvador. After spending four years there, he finally returned to his island of birth with his family and set up permanent residence there.

As a young teenager, Shirley accepted the Lord as a personal Lord and Saviour in a Church Revival Service at Farmers Hill Exuma and became a member of the Church. She was an ardent Sunday School student, Victory Leaders Band participant and active in other Church work with her siblings and others of the church community.

She held on to her faith in God until her last breath. Whenever you visited and prayed with her, there was

always a strong presence of the power of God in her life.

Teacher and Entrepreneur, Shirley taught at the Roker’s Point School before marriage and being the industrious young lady she was, she would bake sweets such as bennie cakes, coconut cake, coconut patties and sometimes meat balls and sell them at school during the lunch break. She did not have ground beef or ground turkey, so corned beef was used instead. Being the smart cook that she was, many of the children and other teachers purchased her meatballs not knowing what they were made of.

In the early 60’s Shirl fell in love with Clarence Armbrister (deceased) and on 20th May, 1963, they exchanged their marriage vows. This union was blessed with six children, five daughters and one son. She affectionately gave each of her children nick names as they grew older. There church home was the Baillou Hill Road Church where she was an active member, working along with her husband, who later became a minister.

Early in their marriage, she and her husband were involved in the clothing business and sold clothing from a large mobile van in New Providence and the Family Islands. Later they were involved in the fastfood industry; selling chicken, sandwiches and other

dishes. Later, Shirley gained employment at businesses such as the Perfume Bar, ACL Building and others. Shirl was not a lazy woman.

Like all of her other siblings, Shirley was very friendly and accommodating. She loved her nieces and nephews, who were always happy to visit her home because they never left empty handed. If Shirl or Auntie Shirl as she was affectionately called did not have any food to offer, she would make you a sandwich or serve you some soft drink on ice. She just had to find something to give you to take home. If she was unable to find anything to offer, (which was very rare), she would give you some monies rolled up in her hand in such a way that no one would know that a transaction took place. She was willing to give you her last, without a thought.

Shirl loved traveling and was ready to ‘jump on’ a plane at any moment, especially to the United States because it gave her the opportunity to go shopping and spend time with her aunt who lived in Hallandale Florida.

When her parents came to Nassau, it was at Shirl’s house they lived. It was not that the others could not take care of their parents, but Shirl just thought that it was her assignment. Everyone would lend a helping hand; the nurse in the family will make sure the wound was dressed and changed often. If there was medication to be gotten from the pharmacy, it would be delivered by another one of the siblings. It was simply an awesome team work.

For many years Shirl endured much from aching limbs which after a while hindered her movement and she was then confined at home. As time went by, she got worse, but she was a fighter and did not allow the hurting limbs to hinder her from doing her basic house chores;

May

her house was always impeccable. When her husband or the children arrived home in the afternoon, they knew that dinner was ready.

She managed those legs for a very long time, but everything took on new changes when one of her daughters died (Shevolyn aka Anna Pana), but she still persevered as she moved right into caring for her ailing husband for nine years. Sadly, in 2021, another one of her daughters died (Yvonne aka Pretty) during the pandemic. This was a further depressant to her quest for life and added much emotional pain. She resorted to the bed and discontinued her household chores. If that was not enough for Shirl, she suffered the loss of a brother in late April, 2022 and then the only sister alive passed away in late August of the same year; from this point forward, her health continued to decline.

When visited by her sibling/baby brother on New Year’s Day, she had a long conversation with him. On Sunday 8th January, her brother made arrangement with her daughters to visit on Tuesday 10th January (Majority Rule Holiday), but he changed his plans from Tuesday to Sunday afternoon and again he and Shirl had a lengthy conversation. Her baby brother left, not knowing that that would have been the last conversation he would have with her. She passed away peacefully on Tuesday afternoon 10th January (the very same day she was admitted) at the Princess Margaret Hospital.

Shirley loved and served her God, her family and people everywhere to the best of her knowledge and ability. service to all and was not lived in vain. has now laid down her war tools to study war no more.

SHIRLEY L A GLORIA ARMBRISTER - PAGE 4

her soul rest in peace and rise in glory.

She Is Survived By

CHILDREN: Bridgette aka Short, Trevor aka White Boy, Clelia aka Eye-z, Cleopatra aka Tita

GRANDCHILDREN: Dominique aka Di/Lele, Patreco aka Lars/Rot, Corey aka Bingsy, Trenton aka Teej

GREAT GRANDCHILD: Kevin Aaron aka Kinny

DAUGHTER IN LAW: Koretta

SIBLINGS: National Bishop Dr. Franklin M. Ferguson

AUNT: Halcie Hanna

GOD DAUGHTER: Menarvia Nixon-Gaddis

ADOPTED DAUGHTER: Elva Hanna-Pinder

STEPCHILDREN: Gerolene, Dwight, Drexel, Charlene, Destiny

SISTERS-IN-LAW: Veronica, Queen, Rovena, Marion, Althea, Priscilla, Iona, Peggy, Claudia, Winnifred Armbrister

BROTHER-IN-LAW: Solomon

NIECES: Kaylinda, Daphne, Patrinella, Jennifer, Bernadette, Shaureen, Thalia, Ingrid, Debra, Sheena, Gillian, Janis, Shereeza, Erica, Daydawn, Westralyn, Lavonda, Jacqueline, Alexandria, Romeika, Rodeina, Degra, Sabrina, Paulette, Brenda, Charlene, Anita, Visna, Claudine, Tanya, Shavonne, Shamel, Coralee, Stephanie, Yuzanne, Juliette, Barbara, Bebe, Cindy

NEPHEWS: Everette, Jeffrey, Hartman Jr. Dwayne, Steve, Garren, Vanru, Dion, Perry, Carlo, Tavaren, McDonald, Jason, Benton, Perry, Andy, Wallace, Carlton, Dave, Javon, Kendrick, Franson, Farreno, Leslie, Franklyn, Paul, Dereck, Lyn, Solomon, Bruce, Sammy, Lynden, Anthony, Derek, Don, Ray, Wenceworth, Romeo, Ricardo, Stefan, Sherman, Sebastian, Selvin, Alvin Jr. Sterling

OTHER RELATIVES AND FRIENDS: Families of Emmanuel & Miriam Curtis: Irene Ferguson, Gladstone Ferguson, Herbert Ferguson, including Vernice Bodie, Luther and Lenoris Ferguson, including Apostle Phalmon Ferguson and family, Descendants of Phalmon and Marilyn Collie, Bishop Sterling and Barbara Moss and family, Avery Ferguson, Emmazell Ferguson Merill, Homer, Linville, Hermis, Ruby, Eurice, Beulah Rolle, Merline Smith, Christopher Flowers including Janet Brown, Eulamae Johnson, Louise and David, Shirley Papageorge, Roger Mortimer, Gary Duncanson, Pedro Darling, Granville Ferguson, Ashley Smith and family (Papa), Kloi White, Quentin Sturrup, Latasha Allen, Audley Maycock, Monique Catalano, Sis. Vivian Young, R. Demeritte, Joyce Hanna and family, Kevin Adam McKinney and family, Duncanson family, Bullard family, Descendants of the Wring family, Jennie Street family, Englerston & Marathon Communities, The entire Exuma Community, Family Medicine Clinic, IC 18 group, Skin Wellness & Laser Centre (Dr. R.K. Ingraham), PMH Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Staff of Bahamas Hotel & Tourism Association and Hotel Center, Department of Immigration, Cable Bahamas, Tabernacle Concert Choir, The Love Center Worship Team, Pursuit of Praise Ensemble, COGOP National Praise Team, Bishop Branson Gibson and family, Pastor John Clarke and family, Bishop Jeffrey Knowles and family, Bishop Hulan Hanna and family, Bishop Rudolph Bowe and family, Bishop Woodley Thompson and family, Pastor Timothy Johnson and family (My Baillou Hill Road), Bishop Kendal Simmons and family, Love Centre Community, COGOP community at large, Jennie Street Community; and a host of other relative friends too numerous to mention.

DOCTORS: Dr. Eugene Gray, Dr. Sally Taylor

FAMILY PET: Smodius Franklyn Armbrister

We sincerely apologize for any names of Family or Friends that may have been inadvertently omitted or misspelt

LEFT TO Cherish

SHIRLEY L GLORIA ARMBRISTER - PAGE 6

ORDER of SERVICE

Moderator: BISHOP JULIAN A. JOHNSON, District Supervisor - Zone 3 – NP

Procession of Family ....................................................................................................... National Praise Team

Opening Sentences ......................................................................................................................... Moderator

Opening Hymn “Heaven’s Jubilee”

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.

Invocation Pastor Timothy F. Johnson, Baillou Hill Road

Prayer Response............................................................................................ “Tis So Sweet To Trust In Jesus”

Tis So Sweet To Trust In Jesus, I’m so glad I’ve learned to trust Him

Just to take Him at his word Precious Jesus, Saviour friend Just to Rest upon his promise And I know that thou art with me Just to know just said the Lord Wilt be with me to the end

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

Old Testament Reading (Psalm 90:1-17 )

Dr. Sally Taylor

SHIRLEY L A GLORIA ARMBRISTER - PAGE 7

Congregational Song “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.

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

New Testament Reading ......................... (1Cor. 15:50-58) ................................. Minister Kaye Rolle, Cousin

Tribute from Nieces and Nephews................................................................................. Patrinella Rolle, Niece

Condolences Apostle Phalmon Ferguson

Praise and Worship ......................................................................................................... National Praise Team

Sermon................................................................ Bishop Branson D. Gibson, District Supervisor Zone 2 – NP

Prayer for the Family ......................................................... Bishop Sterling Moss, Senior Pastor, Meadow Street

Recessional Hymn “ When We All Get To Heaven”

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.

Let us then be true and faithful, Trusting, serving every day; Just one glimpse of Him in glory Will the toils of life repay.

Onward to the prize before us! Soon His beauty we’ll behold; Soon the pearly gates will open; We shall tread the streets of gold.

SHIRLEY L A GLORIA ARMBRISTER - PAGE 8

Opening Sentences

GRAVESIDE SERVICE

Moderator

Hymn .................................................................................................................... “It Is Well With My Soul”

When Peace Like A River

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

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

It is well with my soul

It is well, it is well with my soul

My sin, oh, the bliss of this glorious thought My sin, not in part but the whole Is nailed to the cross, and I bear it no more Praise the Lord, it is well with my soul

It is well with my soul

It is well, it is well with my soul

And Lord, haste the day when my faith shall be sight The clouds be rolled back as a scroll The trump shall resound, and the Lord shall descend Even so, it is well with my soul

It is well with my soul

It is well, it is well with my soul

Prayer ......................................................................................................................... Pastor Paulette Johnson

Committal ..................................................................................... Bishop Dr Franklin M. Ferguson, Brother

Family Floral Tribute “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

A 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

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There with all the holy angels and loved ones to stay 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 God’s grace That will be a glad reunion day

Word of Comfort Grace Funeral Home

Closing Remarks and Benediction ...................................................Bishop Dr Franklin M. Ferguson, Brother Hymn ................................................................................................................................. “It’s 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

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