V Greene

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HOMEGOING SERVICE for T H E L A T E

Born: 19th July 1947 Died: 13th February 2022 Age: 74 years Service Held At:

ST. JOHN’S NATIVE BAPTIST C ATHEDRAL

Meeting Street, Nassau, Bahamas

FRIDAY, 25TH FEBRUARY, 2022 AT 10:00 AM Service Being Conducted By:

REV. DR. C ARRINGTON PINDER,

Bishop/General Superintendent Assisted by:

REV. DR. MICHAEL C. SYMONETTE,

Bishop/General Superintendent Emeritus AND OTHER MINISTERS

Interment:

CHURCH’S CEMETERY

To God Be theGlory!

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19TH JULY 1947 - 13TH FEBRUARY 2022

Early Childhood

On 19th July 1947, much happiness illuminated in the home of the late Dorrington & Josephine (nee Tucker) Ferguson. This young couple experienced joy from the birth of a beautiful baby girl on Strachan’s Corner, off East Street, Nassau, Bahamas.

They named her “Valaria Patricia”. She was affectionately called “Vally”, “Val” or “Lady Greene”. Vally was a special child to her parents and Stepmother, Cleolah Ferguson (nee Archer) deceased. Val was a very athletic and energetic child. She feared the Lord and was anointed with the gift of Prayer. In her biography, Lady Greene described herself as “I am not perfect, but a renaissance woman living each day with a purpose”. She was a Phenomenal Woman who believed in service to mankind.

Career

Her education began at Southern Prep and Southern Junior Schools.

She then matriculated to Claridge Road Primary and Pyfrom’s Edition School. She was always very smart and witty. At Pyfrom’s Edition School, her form teacher, Mrs. Juliette Barnwell (deceased) identified her potential and played a pivotal role in her development, welcoming her into her own family.

After High School, Valaria’s parents sent her to Althea Mortimer’s Commercial School and The Nassau Technical Institute, where she learnt and developed her secretarial skills. Valaria was multifaceted, having worked in the Port Authority, Banking, and Insurance industries and as a Legal Secretary. Later, Val was an Administrative Professional in The Bahamas Hotel and Allied Industries Pension Fund (BHAIPF) where she retired after some twenty-five years of meritorious service. In 2018, Val embarked on a new career, managing an eye doctor’s office called GreenEye Glaucoma Institute (GGI). She found her new role easy, with her experience in serving people, working with seniors and her further studies in gerontology. With her brilliant mind, she easily adapted to the medical field, learning new medical terminology and attending several ophthalmic conferences abroad.

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Family Life

In 1968, this lovely young lady fell in love with the handsome Rev. Dr. Garth Vivian Greene (deceased).

Soon they were married, and their love affair was inspiring. For years, they would be seen sharing their daily lunches, as they enjoyed quality time with each other. Together they nurtured their two daughters: Racquel (Civil/Building Services Engineer) and Rana (Ophthalmologist/ Glaucoma Specialist). They were her heart and the center of her world. She enjoyed cooking, travelling, gardening, reading, and writing, but most of all engineering her home. Val’s greatest joy was her love for her family, and she certainly made her impact on her numerous adopted daughters.

Educational Accomplishments

Valaria completed many online courses and achieved diplomas from the International Association of Administrative Professionals (IAAP) and the International Foundation of the Employees Benefit (IFEB). Valaria further empowered herself by completing a threeyear diploma in Leadership Development at Virginia Union University with the International Association of Ministers’ Wives and Ministers’ Widows. In addition, Val obtained a diploma in Homiletics from the New Covenant School of Theology, under the tutelage of Bishop Simeon Hall. She received numerous awards including Mother of the Year, Minister’s Wife of the Year, and the Distinguished Citizens’ Awards.

Ministry

An active and faithful member of the St. John’s Native Baptist Cathedral, she was ordained a Deacon in 2008 by Rev. Dr. Michael Symonette. Deacon Greene attended weekly bible studies and mid-week services and was especially known for her succinct and inspiring Mother’s Day sermons.

Left to carry on her legacy are her

Daughters: Racquel and Dr. Rana Greene Brother: Dorrington Ferguson Jr. (New Jersey) Sisters: Nurse Sheila Ferguson (Freeport), Angela Phillips, Paulette Bing (North Carolina)

Sisters-in-Law: Gladys Ferguson, Angela Sawyer, Shirley and Agnes Greene

Brother-in-Law: Alfred Phillips Aunts: Emily Ferguson (Miami) & Emily Ferguson (South Miami)

Godchildren: Bernadine Brennen, Heather West, Adrian Williamson (New Jersey), Raisa & Rashad Hamilton

Numerous Nieces/Nephews: Oraline (Fritz) Stuart,

Vanrick (Dr. Deborah) Williamson, Monique (Trevor) Strachan, Andrew Williamson, Pearline Bethel, Adrian (Dr. Christine) Williamson, Kentrick Ferguson, Bridgette Goodridge, Halson (Estelle) Ferguson, Sean (Rochelle) Ferguson (New York), Dr. Ron & Peter Ferguson (Minnesota), Delvon Johnson (New Jersey), Alfia Phillips, Elcott and Merinique Ferguson, Shaunette

Ferguson, Jonelle Williams (North Carolina), Kaynell Gould, Thomas Bastian, Joanna & John Greene Jr., Lisa McCartney, Niki Jupp, Ilsa Evans, Patrick, Andrew and Debbie Greene.

A Host of Grand Nieces & Nephews: Ricardo, Trevor Jr., Marissa & Trent, Cajiah & Trendon, Haliah & Hero, Marcus, Kennedy, Kenya, Kentrick Jr., & Kendall, April, Oral & Fritz.

Cousins: Wendymae Rolle & Family, Althamese,

Haliston, Willadale, Nadine, Charles Jr, Virginia, Hubert, Barbara, Donald, Candace, Thelma, Leon, Rosetta, JeannieMae & Vernita Ferguson (USA), Clarabell, Peggy, Nicky, Pamela Newbold, Willamae Cunningham, Jacqueline Wilson & Family, Roland Kinlock & Family, Angela, Martha, Margaret, Beatrice & Freddie Tucker Jr., Brenda & Shirley (New York), Dr. Rupert, Michael (Willie), Charles, Greta, Adli, Edwin, Monique, Jazmin, Ambri & Trevor Moss, Peggy Hamilton (Florida), Reid & Jane Anne Kemp, David & Barbara Fox and Shirley Clarke.

Numerous other relatives and friends including:

Christine Greene (Switzerland), Cordelia Fernander & Family, Christine Merius & Family, Terah Cox & Family, The Greene Family, The Ferguson Family, The Tucker Family, Albertha Mckenzie & Family, Iva & Rodger Simmons, Stephanie Higgs & Family, Patricia Robinson & Family, Marion Taylor & Family, Craydora Musgrove & Family, Mrs. Christine Darville & Family, Mr. Garfield McPhee & Family, Mr. Nathaniel Dean & Family, Mr. Calvin Brown & Family, Mr. Edward Miller & Family, Bishop Brice H. Thompson & Family, Bishop Franklyn Ferguson & Family, Bishop Hulan Hanna & Family, Bishop Dr. Woodley Thompson & Family and The Church of God of Prophecy East Street Family, The St. John’s Native Baptist Society of Churches Family, Bishop Carrington Pinder & Family, Bishop Michael Symonette & Family, Rev. Reginald Ferguson & Family, Bishop Ross Davis & Family, Family of the late Rupert Morris, Family of the late Rosalie & James Morris, Family of the late Eleanor Brennen, Bahamas Association of Ministers’ Wives & Ministers’ Widows Family, Sandra Ferguson & Family, Lorraine Moss & Family, John & Charlene Neely, Arlington Miller & Family, Charles McKinney & Family, Whitney Kenny & Family, Elkin Roker & Family, Management & Staff of The Bahamas Hotel & Allied Industries Pension Fund, Mr. Louis Dames, Mrs. Joyce Quant, Elder Velma Smith, Ms. Tonya Wilkinson, Ms. Althea Hanna, Dr. Kevin Moss, Dr. Kiko Bridgewater, Dr. Geoffrey & Vicky Sweeting, Anita Roberts & Family, Sanfra Foster & Family, Miranda Greene, Belinda Bell (Washington D.C.), Anita Rolle, Sophia Ferguson, Susanna Moss, Management & Staff of the Ministry of Public Works & Utilities, Princess Margaret Hospital Ophthalmology Department, The Eye Doctor’s Office Family and GreenEye Glaucoma Institute (GGI) Family.

We apologize for anyone who may have been inadvertently missed. Please know no harm was intended.

May Her Soul Rest In Peace

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ORDER

of S E R V I C E

Moderator........................................................................ Rev. Ellerston Smith, St. John’s Native Baptist Cathedral S E AT I N G O F T H E F A M I LY

Opening Selection............................................................................................................................. Choir Selection Opening Remarks.............................................................................................................Rev. Dr. Carrington Pinder

Bishop & General Superintendent, St. John’s Native Baptist Cathedral Invocation............................................................ Reverend Dr. Reuben Cooper, II, Pastor, Mission Baptist Church Hymn Selection....................................................................................................“T’is 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, And to know, “Thus saith the Lord!”

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.

Jesus, Jesus, how I trust Him! How I’ve proved Him o’er and o’er; Jesus, Jesus, precious Jesus!

Oh, for grace to trust Him more!

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

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.

Old Testament Reading.....................................Psalms 23...................................... Mr. Halson Ferguson (Nephew) Selection............................................................................................... Mrs. Kimberley Mcphee-Ferguson (Friend) Remarks................................................................................................................ Bishop Dr. Michael C. Symonette

Bishop/General Superintendent Emeritus, St. John’s Native Baptist Society Of Churches Hymn Selection......................................................................................“How Sweet The Name Of Jesus Sounds” How sweet the Name of Jesus sounds In a believer’s ear!

It soothes his sorrow, heals his wounds, And drives away his fear.

Jesus, our Savior, Shepherd, Friend, Our Prophet, Priest, and King; Our Lord, our Life, our Way, our End, Accept the praise we bring.

It makes the wounded spirit whole, And calms the troubled breast; ‘Tis manna to the hungry soul, And to the weary rest.

Weak is the effort of our heart, And cold our warmest thought; But when we see Thee as Thou art, We’ll praise Thee as we ought.

Dear Name! the Rock on which we build; Our shield and hiding-place; Our never-failing treasury, filled With boundless stores of grace.

Till then we would Thy love proclaim With every fleeting breath; And triumph in that blessed Name Which quells the pow’r of death.

Scripture Lessons........................................ 1st Cor. 15:50-58............................... Ms. Racquel Greene (Daughter) Scripture Lessons ..................................1st Chronicles 29:11-13................................Dr. Rana Greene (Daughter)

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Tribute.............................................................................................................................Mrs. Marion Taylor (Friend) Tribute............................................................................ Mrs. Ruth Neilly, President Of St. John’s Women’s Ministry Hymn Selection................................................................................... “Through All The Changing Scenes Of Life” Through all the changing scenes of life, In trouble and in joy, The praises of my God shall still My heart and tongue employ.

Oh, make but trial of His love, Experience will decide How blest they are, and only they, Who in His truth confide.

Oh, magnify the Lord with me, With me exalt His name; When in distress to Him I called, He to my rescue came.

Fear Him, ye saints, and you will then Have nothing else to fear; Make you His service your delight, our wants shall be His care.

The hosts of God encamp around The dwellings of the just; Deliverance He affords to all Who on His succor trust.

Obituary.............................................................................................................................................. Read In Silence Sermon............................................................................................................................. Rev. Dr. Carrington Pinder

Bishop/General Superintendent, St. John’s Native Baptist Society Of Churches

Prayer For The Family............................................................................................. Bishop Dr. Woodley Thompson

Associate Pastor, Church Of God Of Prophecy, East Street

Recessional Hymn.......................................................................................................................... “It’s Alright Now” There was a time I travelled a lonely sinful road Beneath the 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 prayers He walks beside me till I climb the heavenly stair And everything is alright now A down a lonely pathway without a friend to guide I walk in sin and sorrow all alone Till 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 had 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.

Committal To Grave.........................................................................................................Rev. Dr. Carrington Pinder,

Bishop/General Superintendent, St. John’s Native Baptist Society Of Churches

Benediction......................................................................................................................Rev. Dr. Carrington Pinder,

Bishop/General Superintendent, St. John’s Native Baptist Society Of Churches

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To Mom with Love

We will remember Mom in a special way, Our conversations and things she’d say, We couldn’t imagine not having you here, But God knew best and wanted you there Knowing you are with God, Our hearts are content, We are grateful for our time You were heaven sent!

Mom, we are at peace, there are no regrets, The lessons you have taught us, we won’t forget But our hearts is so heavy, and we can’t help but cry, For you’re not here with us, and we must say goodbye.

LE POET

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My Sister Vally A TRIBUTE TO

As she was called by her family and friends who loved her.

We are the daughters of the late Dorrington Ferguson. A close-knit family, church was our social event. During our youth, we enjoyed playing, climbing the dilly tree and dressing dolls, naming them after each other. She always preferred my doll and I let her have them. Vally treasured my opinion. She wanted to know how I would reason in situations.

Vally was family-oriented and would do whatever was best for them. Lady Greene as we now refer to her was donned with grace and poise. She had the gift of anointed prayer. When she prayed, your hair follicles would become erect. She was our Chaplin at family events.

In her stead, I would meditate on Isaiah 61:1-3, and it reads “The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me; because the Lord hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; he hath sent me to bind up the broken-hearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound; To proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all that mourn; To appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that he might be glorified”.

We have all experienced regret in our lives. The Lord invites us to find healing and hope and a new life in Him. Sleep on my sister Lady Greene. I love and miss you. The Saviour loves you best.

WITH LOVE, YOUR SISTER SHEILA FERGUSON

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Darling Sister Val: TO MY DEAREST

We shared so many wonderful memories, all of which will be cherished for a lifetime. Val, thank you for always being there for me when I needed you.

Thank you for critiquing all my writing and speeches, but most importantly, thank you for introducing me to the love of my life, my life-long partner, Alfred. The rest is history. Val, I will miss those endless conversations. We both bonded over our love for gardening and the weekly specials. I enjoyed those times we sat on the phone reminiscing about our childhood days.

Val, you were very fashionable. You were always well-dressed, and your fragrance illuminated the air. You made a statement whenever you entered the room.

Val, I always expressed how proud I was of you after hearing you deliver the Annual Mother’s Day Message. Girl, I gleamed with pride knowing that you single-handedly set-up and administered the Greeneye Glaucoma Institute (GGI) for Dr. Greene. What a legacy you have left! These memories are embedded forever. Val, take your long-deserved rest.

LO V E A LWAY S , A NG I E .

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DEAR

Aunt Val,

Words cannot express how heartbroken I am to learn of your transition. You were truly a ray of sunshine, one that exuded positively. You were a dedicated wife, a devoted mother, a loving sister, and a caring friend. Aunt Val, I have so many great memories of you; As a child, you were my doctor and my dentist. You were the only person that I trusted to take a splinter or prickle out of my foot for me. You were there to remove my “shaky” tooth and reminded me to put it under my pillow. I looked forward to spending Easter and Thanksgiving breaks at your house because you were so hospitable, you always had my favorite snacks (Cheese Wiz and crackers) available while we watched Annie. We also had many fun times at your shop in Foxhill. You were so kind and down to earth, that many from that community loved and respected you. It was there that I learned some of my most memorable life lessons; however, the most memorable lesson you taught me was to have faith. I vividly remember you teaching me the 23rd Psalm and in less than two days, I had it down pack and was able to recite it back to you.

Lady Greene, it is clear that you had a special calling on your life. You were not afraid to share Gods’ word. As a matter of fact, I remember my parents and I coming to hear you deliver your annual Mother’s Day Sermon at St John’s Native Baptist Cathedral. Thank you for all these endearing memories. I will surely miss those inspirational posts in the mornings. Also, I will miss you passing by the shop to check up on me and to say hello, especially when you just had your hair styled and red nails done. I often teased and asked if you had a hot date, because you were that young sexy lady in Red. You always smelt so good and left your sweet fragrance lingering everywhere you went.

Aunt Val, rest in peace. I love and miss you. You will forever hold a special place in my heart.

YOUR NIECE, ALFIA

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G R AV E S I D E

Hymns

I WILL MEET YOU BY THE RIVER

Over on the bright e-ly-sian shore, Where the howling tempest comes no more, Far beyond the partings and the tomb, Where the charming Roses ever bloom

After all the sorrow and the strife, After all the shadows disappear, When we gather far beyond the sea, What a happy meeting that will be

Chorus I’ll meet you by the River, Meet you by the River, Some Sweet Day, Some Happy Day I’ll meet you by the River, Meet you by the River, Some Sweet Day, Some Happy Day By the Bright and Shining River So far Away, After We have flown these Prison bars to a city far beyond the Stars I’ll meet you by the River, Meet you by the River Some Sweet Day. After all the disappointments here, After all the shadows disappear, When the evening sun at last goes down When we go to wear a robe and down

T H E E A S T E R N G AT E

I will meet you in the morning, Just inside the Eastern Gate; Then be ready, faithful pilgrim, Lest with you it be too late.

Keep your lamps all trimmed and burning; For the Bridegroom watch and wait; He’ll be with us at the meeting Just inside the Eastern Gate

Refrain: I will meet you, I will meet you Just inside the Eastern Gate over there; I will meet you, I will meet you, I will meet you in the morning over there.

If you hasten off to glory, Linger near the Eastern Gate, For I’m coming in the morning; So you’ll not have long to wait.

Oh, the joys of that glad meeting With the saints who for us wait!

What a blessed, happy meeting Just inside the Eastern Gate!

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SAFE IN THE ARMS OF JESUS

Safe in the arms of Jesus, Safe on His gentle breast; There by His love o’ershaded, Sweetly my soul shall rest.

Hark! ’tis the voice of angels Borne in a song to me, Over the fields of glory, Over the jasper sea.

Jesus, my heart’s dear Refuge, Jesus has died for me; Firm on the Rock of Ages Ever my trust shall be.

Here let me wait with patience, Wait till the night is o’er; Wait till I see the morning Break on the golden shore.

Refrain: Safe in the arms of Jesus, Safe on His gentle breast; There by His love o’ershaded, Sweetly my soul shall rest.

Safe in the arms of Jesus, Safe from corroding care, Safe from the world’s temptations; Sin cannot harm me there.

Free from the blight of sorrow, Free from my doubts and fears; Only a few more trials, Only a few more tears!

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Pall Bearers HALSON FERGUSON SEAN FERGUSON DARREN GILBERT JOHNNY GREENE JR. RASHAD HAMILTON JEREMY ROLLE

ANDREW WILLIAMSON ADRIAN WILLIAMSON VANRICK WILLIAMSON TREVOR STRACHAN WESLEY STRAPP ELKIN ROKER

Honorary Paul Bearers CHARLIE MCKINNEY ARLINGTON MILLER JOHN NEELY, SR ALFRED PHILLIPS DORRINGTON FERGUSON JR

Acknowledgement

The Family extends its thanks and appreciation to all concerned for the kind remarks, support and encouragement offered during “Deacon Valaria Greene’s” period of illness and our bereavement.

These acts of kindness and goodwill have certainly been timely, and we pray God’s richest blessings on each of you.

The Family

BETHEL BROTHERS MORTICIANS 24 Hours Service, Nassau Street P. O. Box N-1026, Nassau, Bahamas Telephone: 322-4433

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