V Culmer by Paper Memories

HOMEGOING CELEBRATION SERVICE

For the Life Of

March 4th, 1967 - August 2nd, 2024

Age: 57 years

CHURCH OF GOD OF PROPHECY

Duke Street

Harbour Island, The Bahamas

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 7TH, 2024 AT 11:00 AM

Officiating

BISHOP PHILIP D. FERGUSON

District Supervisor/Senior Pastor Church of God of Prophecy, Duke Street

PASTOR TAVAR MAJOR, Associate Pastor

DANIEL MAJOR

Lay Minister

REV. RICARDO DEAN

REV. ERIC JOHNSON

Pastor, St Stephens Baptist Church – Hatchet Bay

ASSISTED BY OTHER MINISTERS

Interment:

ST. CATHERINE CEMETERY

Harbour Island, The Bahamas

THE LEGACY OF A BEAUTIFUL LIFE

Vernique AMANDA CULMER

The home of Kirkwood Leonard and Sarah Culmer in Hatchet Bay was jubilant once again as they welcomed what incidentally was the last girl and the sixth child, on the 4th of March 1967, whom they named affectionately, Vernique Amanda.

Vernique was a jovial child with a magnetic personality and unique. Everyone affectionately called her Nique. At a very young age, she was diagnosed with an asthmatic condition and had to be hospitalized. Following the hospitalization process, she was released to her caring and loving parents who sought a natural cure for her. At the tender age of two (2) years, her mother predeceased her leaving her and six other siblings to the loving care of her father, Kirkwood aka Brother Kirk.

Vernique attended the P. A. Gibson Primary School and was an excellent student under the tutelage of the Late Rev. Dr. P. A. Gibson. Later, following her mother’s death, she was transferred to the Harbour Island All-Age School where her father had remarried the lovely Dolly I. C. Culmer nee Major. Sometime later, her father and stepmother relocated to Spanish Wells to lead the Church of God of Prophecy ministry there and subsequently was transferred to the Spanish Wells All-Age School there. Upon reaching Secondary School age, she transferred to Governor’s Harbour High School where she excelled in all her classes. Vernique made many friends and acquaintances on her journey of life and she proved the adage, ‘a friend in need is a friend indeed.’ She had a genuine love for people who she befriended.

Her life was full of adventure - from the Red Dirt Bottom of Hatchet Bay to the fishing village of Spanish Wells, to the Pink Sand Beaches of Harbour Island, which she called her home until the time of her passing. She lived a peaceful, fun-loving, and adventurous life. Her radiant, infectious smile melted the hearts of all who knew her. She was instrumental in helping to raise her young niece,

Darcia Ramona, and her younger siblings, Berleana, Georgette, Kayla, Deborah, who tragically predeceased her, and Leonardo, who later became her ‘Doc.’

After she completed school and had no one else to ‘look after’, she obtained a job as a housemaid to Ms. Roberts’ down the Narrows. At first, she was only to take care of the house and Daddy took care of the grounds. One day she was asked to cook a meal for a small dinner party and with the help of a newly purchased cookbook, she realized the gift of cooking was locked up in her hands. Yes, that meal opened the doors that placed her in front of Kings and Queens, as the food she prepared was enjoyed by all.

After leaving Ms. Roberts’ home, she was hired at The Dunmore Beach Hotel as a Cook-Helper but took charge of the kitchen with her unique cooking style. Her cooking skills caught the attention of the hotels on Harbour Island, so whenever she made an application, she had no difficulty getting hired. When she started a family, she knew that she had to work harder to provide for them. Vernique made an

application and was hired at Coral Sands Hotel as a Sous Chef working alongside Loudivic who saw her talents and capitalized on them at the Beach Kitchen where Vernique’s scrumptious cooking was boasted about all over the island so it was no surprise that it was easy for her to obtain jobs at any hotel or restaurant on the island. Following her stint at the Coral Sands Hotel, she was again re-hired at Romora Bay Club but this time at the Beach Kitchen alongside Chef Philip. When her second season at Romora Bay ended, she again applied to and was hired as a Chef at the Dunmore Deli. There she ensured that all of her customers were satisfied and they in turn left excellent reviews of her cooking skills. After gaining all that experience and giving her talents for an undeserving salary, she decided to be ‘her boss’, hence she opened “Hillview Takeaway” in her own space. She called her sister and asked her to come over and pray for the business that it would serve as a means for her finances and that God would be glorified in it. Her daily menus were always something to look forward to. Her usual Tuesday dish of her ‘everything’ soup that contained every meat (ham chicken ribs conch whelk dumplings served with pumpkin Fritters) became her signature dish that was always sold out before it was finished cooking.

In her civic life, she was Ms. PLP! Oh yes, she loved the Progressive Liberal Party. She organized all the food for the headquarters on Harbour Island. She was the life of the party. Everyone called on her because they knew that they could depend on her to help make things happen in the headquarters. “Niques” was there.

Anyone who knew “Nique” knew that she shared her maternal instincts with anyone who came to her home and showed her love and respect. She had a heart of gold! And that’s not just a cliché. Matthew 25: 35 - 40 declares, “For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came and visited me.’ Then the righteous shall answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and we clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’ “The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’ That was Vernique! She had little yet She gave so much! She opened her doors and her heart to ANYONE who needed someplace to stay. And asked NOTHING in return. She was a Steward! There’s a place up there for people like you!

Vernique partied hard. She knew what it was like to live outside of the will of God. She knew she was lost and without God and His Son. When she surrendered her life to the will of God, He reached down His hand for her. She always quoted the song, “You have tried the path of worldly pleasure, sought for peace the world can never

give; O be careful where you place your treasure; You need One to teach you how to live. Try Jesus, He never fails, O’er evil His love prevails; In sunshine or stormy gales, Try Jesus, He never fails”. She had a zeal, a hunger, and a thirst for God that was unbeatable. Vernique went hard in the things of God.

Vernique had a deep, genuine love for her family. She knew what they loved so whenever possible, she would prepare and serve them their dish. She made sure she contacted her siblings, nieces, and nephews on a daily. Hearing from them was a joy for her; whether via telephone or Facebook, she made sure we connected. Only Vernique Culmer had aunts and uncles. When she spoke about them one would feel the love that she had for them.

On Wednesday, July 31st after complaining of discomfort in her lower extremities. Vernique sought medical attention, and after consultation with her family, she was airlifted to the capital for further medical attention.

It was on August 2nd with a heart full of gratitude, thanksgiving, and praise unto her father Almighty God. On her hospital bed shortly after 3:00 PM, she heard the trumpets blowing and the voice of our Heavenly Father and peacefully closed her eyes to meet her maker, to be once again reunited with her loving parents the Late Kirkwood and Sarah Stubbs Culmer.

Left to mourn and cherish her memories:

HONORARY MOTHERS: Lorna Culmer and Melvina Davis,

CHILDREN: Alexander, Chief Counsilor Terrance (May), Terranique and Kirkwood Davis, Keano Culmer, Dominique Sanders, Mona Lisa, Alexander Higgs, Alicia, Kahari McKenzie and Brian Precentie

GRANDCHILDREN: Khloe Davis, Terran Gibson, Rico Hall, Ava’ Marie Rolle, Ny’lah Saunders, Quintahj Davis , Rico Hall, Bella Johnson, Janeice Cleare, Destiny and Damien Higgs, Khylie McKenzie , Brian Precentie Jr, and Daniella Lightbourne

BROTHERS: Whittington Kirkwood, (Laverne) Ashley (Thirza Ziette) Dr. Leonardo Caleb (Remonia) Culmer, Denard Anderson Lamar, and Cliffton Barry and Grenneiro Aranha

SISTERS: Gertrude Coverley, Jacqueline Culmer Lewis (Floyd), Laurel Bullard, Camille (Clinton) Saunders and Melissa (Ben) Bethel.

AUNTS: Becca Mae and Princess Stubbs,

UNCLES: Edward (Delvris), Naaman (Burtlyn), Maynard

and Ronald (Helen), Cyril and Pembroke Stubbs and Bishop Rudolph McKinney.

NIECES: Darcia Ramona Culmer, Jerokeytra Bethel, Jewel Lewis, Ashleigh Paige (Brentwood Jr) Munroe, Laurnae Culmer, Karizon (Wayde) Munroe, Kaylinda Culmer, Sarah (Lebronze) Williams, Messiah and Freeydom Culmer, Wendez Bullard, Londyn and Trinity Barry, Oriel Young.

NEPHEWS: Joshua Lewis, Lavaldo (Keisha), Kirkwood Culmer Jr., Shirlen, Lamar (Colleen) Coverly. Reiygn Culmer, Wendell Larnell (Keva) and Mark Bullard, Lamar Denham Barry, Clinton Jr, and Carmelo Saunders, Ben Bethel Jr.

GRAND AUNT: Hazel Adderley

GRAND NIECES: Sai Miller, Kaila and Kylie Munroe, Sanaa Williams, Sariah Coverley, Lacea Bullard

GRAND NEPHEWS: Henry Hanna, Shirlen Coverley Jr., Lebronze Williams Jr, Lavaldo Coverley Jr, Liam Coverley, Lamar Coverley Jr.

GODCHILDREN: Acia Bullard, Trevor Higgs, Kazorie and Jayden Kemp, Khyrie Gibson, Alyisha Johnson, Bella Stubbs, Kristen, Krista and Wilshawn, Colton Thompson

Adopted sisters: Dianne Sacrates, Marilyn Butcher, Paula (Norris) Bryon, Lamone Bowles, Bianca (Julien) Johnson, Luanne Saunders, Paisley Roberts, Sabrina Johnson, and Thomassa Roberts.

ADOPTED CHILDREN: Brittany Barry, Faydette Higgs, Seasons (Colton) Grant, Shaniqua (Clint) Braynen, Rashan (Chris) Miller, Swanin (Delone) Kelly, Jonathan Kelly, Sherene (Mike) Wood, Roger (Vivian) Miller, Judith Smith, Jamisha Cartwright, McKell (Oraysio) Young, Alexander McPhee, Cogney Johnson, Leon Clarke, Julisa Johnson, Carmen Francis, Nadia Bullard, Nn’Kimmo Lightbourne, F Tanya Storr

NUMEROUS RELATIVES AND FRIENDS, INCLUDING Terrence Guston Davis, Honorable Sylvanus Petty and family, Honorable Clay Sweeting and family, Pastor Tavar Major, and family, Maurice Saunders, Patrice Taylor and family Sonya, Gia, Joy, Stubbs and Family, Inga Jermaine, Keith, Stubbs and family., Garrett, Gail, Graham McKinney, and Family, Garth, Sandra Walker and family, Gaylene Stubbs and family, The Yvonne Pinder Children and their families, Janette Rahming and family Tamika Sanders and family, Juanamae (Cooney) Thompson and family, Justina and Karen Precentie and family Novie and family, Gusty Lewis and family, Byron (Jettlin) Bullard and family, Gina Grant and family, Lashay Arianna Carey and family, Superintendent Stephen Carey and Family, Byron, Jetlin Bullard and Family, Lisa and Vhaul Thompson and family. Sedale and Stan Pennerman and family, Ena, Lestina Sawyer, and family, Nicola Rahming and Quintonya Rahming and family Dean and Renae Lewis and family, Eddie Roberts and family, Samuel (Iris) Lewis and family,

Paulette Higgs and family, Carletta Higgs and family, Shanatra, Charlie and Family, Tario and family, Antonio Higgs and family, Percival (Summer) Johnson and family, Darrell Johnson and family, Seth Mather and family, Valerie Mather, and family, Allison Mather and family, Angela Stewart and family, Anneston Barry and family, Bishop Timothy Johnson and family Dedric, Vanna, Sherven Major and family, Casper Johnson and family, Kendra and family, Bridget Johnson and family Jacob Higgs and Family. Tremmie Morris and family, Melvin Higgins and family, Duke and Denise Davis and family, Ricky and Cindy Mackey and family, Tiffany and Anthony Dean and family, Tiffany Wilson, and family, Sandra Johnson and family Emily Saunders and family, Joe Saunders and family, Betsy Colby and family, Lorrie Francis and family, Nina (Michael) Ingraham and family, Georgina (Harvey) Roberts and family, Patrice (Max) Homer and family, Judy (Lawrence) Thompson and Family, Marcy Major and family, Caleb Major and family, Juanita Martin and family. Juanita Precentie and the entire Tingum Village family, Takenia Taylor and family, Jackie and Zoeann Precentie and family, Bernice Johnson and family, Preshus Miller and family, John Precentie and family, Princess Precentie and family, Cassie Precentie and family, Bertrum Carey and family Ethel Mae and family, Bridget McQueen and family, The Pinder Family, The Woods Family, Hugo Page, Jason Williams, Wallace Bain and family, Ashley Precentie and family, Tamara Kangel and family, Donna Cleare and family, Sonia Wood Hepburn and family, Jennifer Horton and family, Meredith Cambridge and family, Georgina Barry and family, Maureen McPhee and family, Brent Deon and family, Marionette Cartwright and family, Tanya Hutchinson and family, June Dean and family, April Miller and family, Kourtney and Kylie and Lydia Durham and family, Alexis& Monique and family, Anniemae and family, Delorice Hutchinson and family, La’Paige Percentie and family, Jamal Brown and family, Shammie Grant and family, The Gibson Family, Nora Albury and family, Elma Roberts and family, Thelma Davis and family, Bridgette Saunders and family, Mildred Roberts and family, Neeka Higgs and family, Denise Riley and family, Liz Higgs and family, Laurianna and Cecily Aubrey and family, Romel Barry and family, Pleasant and Alicia Smith and family, Vashti Goodman and family, Terah Black and family, JJ Precentie and family, Martin Grant and family, Lucy Neely and family Kayla Dean and family, Wanda Higgs and family, Consuelo Saunders and family, and family, Desiree Kemp and family, Tammy Higgs and family, Linda Brennan and family, Eleanor Cleare and family, Mee Lee Johnson and family, Paulamae Johnson and family, Nicoya Lightbourne Jarrey, Delray Mather, Eden Latoya Hayes and family, Stuarvette Claire and family, Stuart (Ivy) Cleare and family, Larry Winder and family. Joe Oliver and family, Eleanor Roberts and family, Church of God of prophecy, Wesley Methodist Church, Harbour Island clinic, Harbor Island District Council, PLP Women’s Branch, Harbor Island community choir. Hilltop Warriors, Thompson Plumbing, Chacara Lumber, The entire communities of Habour Island and Hatchet Bay.

ORDER ofSERVICE

10:30 AM Processional of Family

Presentation Of Earthly Remains Of Vernique Amanda Culmer

Opening Remarks .......................................................................................... Bishop Philip D. Ferguson

Opening Hymn ......................................................... “The Strife Is O’ver, The Battles Won - Hallelujah”

1. The strife is o’er, the battle done; now is the Victor’s triumph won; O let the song of praise be sung: Hallelujah!

2. Death’s mightiest powers have done their worst, and Jesus had his foes dispersed; let shouts of praise and joy outburst: Hallelujah!

3. On the third morn he rose again glorious in majesty to reign; O let us swell the joyful strain: Hallelujah!

4. Lord, by the stripes which wounded thee from death’s dread sting thy servant free, that we may live, and sing to thee: Hallelujah!

Opening Prayer .............................................................................................. Lay Minister Daniel Major

Prayer Introit .............................................................. “My Jesus, I Love Thee, I Know Thou Art Mine”

1. My Jesus, I love thee, I know thou art mine; for thee all the follies of sin I resign; my gracious Redeemer, my Savior art thou; if ever I loved thee, my Jesus, ‘tis now.

2. 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, my Jesus, ‘tis now.

3. 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 deathdew lies cold on my brow: If ever I loved thee, my Jesus, ‘tis now.

4. In mansions of glory and endless delight, I’ll ever adore thee in heaven so bright; I’ll sing with the glittering crown on my brow: If ever I loved thee, my Jesus, ‘tis now.

Scripture – Psalms 90:1-12 .......................................................................................... Jewel Lewis, Neice

Tribute In Song .................................................................................................... Karizon Munroe, Neice

Scripture 1st Corinthians 15: 25-26 & 50-58 ....................................................... Wendez Bullard, Neice

Congregational Song ................................................................................................... “Heavens Jubilee”

1. 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

2. 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.

3. 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.

As I Knew Her ......................................................................................... Merylin Butcher, Adopted Sister

Musical Selection .................................................................................................................. Duke Street

Choir .......................................................................................................................................................

Remarks ................................................................................. Hon. Sylvester Petty M.P North Eleuthera Deputy Speaker Of The House Of Assembly

Tribute In Song .......................................................................................................... Pastor Tavar Major

As I Knew Her ......................................................................................................... Laurel Bullard, Sister

Musical Selection ...................................................................... Harbour Island Community Mass Choir

As I Knew Her ........................................................................................... Dr. Leonardo Culmer, Brother

Musical Tribute ................................................................................................ Sarahann Williams, Niece

Scripture 2nd Corinthians 5:1-10 ............................................................................ Paige Munroe, Niece

Musical Tribute ............................................................ Terrance Davis Jr Son & Raynard Bethe,l Friend

Ministerial Remarks..........................................................................................Bishop Timothy Johnson Lay Minister Daniel Major

Praise & Worship .....................................................................................................................................

Eulogy............................................................................................................

Bishop Philip D. Ferguson

Prayers For The Family .................................................................................................. Georgiana Barry Expression Of Gratitude ........................................................................ Prophetess Jacqueline Lewis, JP

Recessional Hymn............................................................................................................ “It Is Finished”

There’s a line that is drawn through the ages

On that line stands that old rugged cross

On that cross a battle is raging

For the gain of a man’s soul or it’s loss

It is finished, the battle is over It is finished, there’ll be no more war

It is finished, the end of the conflict

It is finished, and Jesus is Lord

The earth shakes with the force of the conflict

And the sun refuses to shine

There hangs God’s son in the balance

And then through the darkness he cries

Then I heard that the king of the ages Had fought all my battles for me

And victory, victory was mine for the claiming And now praise his name, I am free

GRAVESIDE SERVICE

Moderator ......................................................................................................

Lay Minister Daniel Major

Hymn........................................................................................................................... “It’s Alright Now”

1.There was a time I traveled a lonely sinful road, 2. A-down a lonely pathway without a friend to guide, Beneath a heavy burden bending low; I walked in sin and sorrow all alone; But now all things are different, for Jesus took my load, ‘Till Jesus came and found me, and drew me to His side, It’s alright now, I’m His I know. It’s alright, for I’m His own.

It’s alright now, for I am in my Saviour’s care, 3. No more in sin I wander, no more in darkness roam, It’s alright now, my Saviour hears and answers prayer; The Lord has placed my feet on higher ground; He’ll walk beside me ’till I climb the heav’nly stair, Each day new heights I’m gaining, my soul is nearing home, And ev’rything is alright now. It’s alright now, I’m heaven bound.

Prayer Committal ..........................................................................................

Bishop Philip D. Ferguson

Hymns ........................................................................................................................Glad Reunion Day

1. 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

2. 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.

3. 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

1. There’s a city of light where there cometh no night, 2. There’s no sorrow up there in that city so fair ‘Tis a city of beauty of untold; and no sickness can enter I’m told; All my treasures are there and its beauty I’ll share Shadows all will have flown, I will meet friends I’ve known when I get to that city of gold. when we get to that city of gold.

When I leave all trouble and care,

3. Won’t you go there with me to the home of the free, I will say good morning up there; would you see heaven’s beauty unfold? I will have great gladness untold, If you will come along we sing heaven’s song, when I get to that city of gold. when we get to that city of gold.

Farther Along

1. 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.

2. 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.

1. As I travel thru this pilgrim land

3. 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.

4. 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.

Blessed Jesus Hold My Hand

There is a Friend who walks with me, Leads me safely thru the sinking sand, It is the Christ of Calvary; This would be my pray’r, dear Lord, each day To help me do the best I can, For I need Thy light to guide me day and night Blessed Jesus, hold my hand.

Blessed Jesus, hold my hand, Yes, I need Thee ev’ry hour, Thru this land, this pilgrim land (Protect me) by Thy saving pow’r; Hear my plea, my feeble plea, Lord, dear Lord, look down on me, When I kneel in prayer, Blessed Jesus, hold my hand.

2. Let me travel in the light divine That I may see the blessed way; Keep me that I may be wholly Thine And sing redemption’s song some day; I would be a soldier brave and true And ever firmly take a stand, As I onward go and daily meet the foe, Blessed Jesus, hold my hand.

3.When I wander thru the valley dim Toward the setting of the sun, Lead me safely to a land of rest If I a crown of life have won; I have put my faith in Thee, dear Lord, That I may reach the golden strand, There’s no other friend on whom I can depend, Blessed Jesus, hold my hand.

Acknowledgements ...................................................................................................... Funeral Directors

Closing Remarks & Benediction .................................................................... Bishop Philip D. Ferguson