V Greene

HOMEGOING SERVICE THE LATE

Born: 19th July 1947

Died: 13th February 2022

Age: 74 years

Service Held At: ST. JOHN’S NATIVE BAPTIST CATHEDRAL Meeting Street, Nassau, Bahamas

FRIDAY, 25TH FEBRUARY, 2022 AT 10:00 AM

Service Being Conducted By: REV. DR. CARRINGTON 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!

19TH JULY 1947 - 13TH FEBRUARY 2022

“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.

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

ORDER of SERVICE

Moderator ....................................................................... Rev. Ellerston Smith, St. John’s Native Baptist Cathedral

SEATING OF THE FAMILY

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,

Yes, ’tis sweet to trust in Jesus, Just to take Him at His Word; Just from sin and self to cease; Just to rest upon His promise, Just from Jesus simply taking And to know, “Thus saith the Lord!” 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, I’m so glad I learned to trust Thee, Just to trust His cleansing blood; Precious Jesus, Savior, Friend; And in simple faith to plunge me And I know that Thou art with me, ’Neath the healing, cleansing flood! 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 Jesus, our Savior, Shepherd, Friend, In a believer’s ear! Our Prophet, Priest, and King; It soothes his sorrow, heals his wounds, Our Lord, our Life, our Way, our End, And drives away his fear. Accept the praise we bring.

It makes the wounded spirit whole, Weak is the effort of our heart, And calms the troubled breast; And cold our warmest thought; ‘Tis manna to the hungry soul, But when we see Thee as Thou art, And to the weary rest. We’ll praise Thee as we ought.

Dear Name! the Rock on which we build; Till then we would Thy love proclaim Our shield and hiding-place; With every fleeting breath; Our never-failing treasury, filled And triumph in that blessed Name With boundless stores of grace. 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, Oh, make but trial of His love, In trouble and in joy, Experience will decide The praises of my God shall still How blest they are, and only they, My heart and tongue employ. Who in His truth confide.

Oh, magnify the Lord with me, Fear Him, ye saints, and you will then With me exalt His name; Have nothing else to fear; When in distress to Him I called, Make you His service your delight, He to my rescue came. 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

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

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

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

In her stead, I would meditate on Isaiah 61:1-3, and it reads “The Spirit of the Lord God is 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

Darling Sister Val:

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. both bonded over our love for gardening and the weekly specials. 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.

LOVE ALWAYS, ANGIE.

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

GRAVESIDE Hymns

I WILL MEET YOU BY THE RIVER

After all the sorrow and the strife, Where the howling tempest comes no more, After all the shadows disappear, Far beyond the partings and the tomb, When we gather far beyond the sea, Where the charming Roses ever bloom What a happy meeting that will be

Over on the bright e-ly-sian shore,

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

THE EASTERN GATE

I will meet you in the morning,

Keep your lamps all trimmed and burning; Just inside the Eastern Gate; For the Bridegroom watch and wait; Then be ready, faithful pilgrim, He’ll be with us at the meeting Lest with you it be too late. 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.

Oh, the joys of that glad meeting Linger near the Eastern Gate, With the saints who for us wait! For I’m coming in the morning; What a blessed, happy meeting So you’ll not have long to wait. Just inside the Eastern Gate!

If you hasten off to glory,

SAFE IN THE ARMS OF JESUS

Safe in the arms of Jesus, Jesus, my heart’s dear Refuge, Safe on His gentle breast; Jesus has died for me; There by His love o’ershaded, Firm on the Rock of Ages

Sweetly my soul shall rest. Ever my trust shall be.

Hark! ’tis the voice of angels Here let me wait with patience, Borne in a song to me, Wait till the night is o’er; Over the fields of glory, Wait till I see the morning Over the jasper sea. Break on the golden shore.

Pall Bearers

HALSON FERGUSON ANDREW WILLIAMSON

SEAN FERGUSON ADRIAN WILLIAMSON

DARREN GILBERT VANRICK WILLIAMSON

JOHNNY GREENE JR. TREVOR STRACHAN

RASHAD HAMILTON WESLEY STRAPP

JEREMY ROLLE 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