Service Held at: Believers Gospel Chapel
Prince Charles Drive Nassau, N.P., The Bahamas
Friday, May 10th, 2024 at 11:00 a.m.
OFFICIATING: Pastor Roderick Rolle
ORGANIST: Deacon Durriel Shearer
INTERMENT: Woodlawn Gardens Cemetery Soldier Road
It was a joyous day in the late George and Estella (nee Penn) Gibbs’ household when their last child Richard Solomon Gibbs, was born on 3rd December 1935. He was adored by all, especially his mother which resulted in him being affectionately called Rich, by his family and friends. He made his presence felt in Lorimers, Middle Caicos, in the Turks and Caicos Islands.
Rich enjoyed a wonderful childhood with his other siblings Alpha, Henrietta, George, and Hilton, all of whom pre-deceased him. As a child he had a precocious nature which caused him to get into trouble with his siblings because he constantly used their belongings. He excelled in all the tasks that came with growing up on the island, such as cutting bush, preparing firewood, filling the barrels with water, fishing and assisting his mother who was a seamstress. However, it was at school that Rich, was truly in his element and proved to be an outstanding student.
Rich’s mother was determined that he would be exposed to further opportunities even if it meant being separated from ‘her last pain.’ Thus in 1951, she agreed for him to travel to the Bahamas, in the care of the late Captain Shaw and Mrs. Miriam Outten.
Rich immediately, became employed at the Morton Salt Company. His job was to keep the shop floor pristine. In short order, he became an A1 joiner. The Ericksons, the former owners of Morton Salt Company, recognized Rich’s innate abilities and assisted him to attend college in the United States of America. In 1957 he graduated from Virginia Technical College with an Associate Degree in Engineering.
Upon his return to the Bahamas he secured employment with Consolidated Construction Company. At that time, the Nassau Beach Hotel was being constructed and Rich held the distinction of being the youngest foreman on the job. He worked with the company on many large projects including the construction of the Chest Wing, of the Princess Margaret Hospital. It was during the execution of that project that the former Director of Public Works, Mr. Rae, recruited Rich to join the Public Service.
Thus in 1973, Rich joined the Ministry of Works as a Clerk of Works. He was later selected by the late Honourable Livingstone Coakley, former Minister of Education, to serve in the post of Estates Officer at the Ministry of Education.
These were exciting times in the Bahamas. Fresh after gaining Independence in 1973, the government was tasked with building schools to accommodate the burgeoning school population. From Grand Bahama in the north to Inagua in the south Rich traveled our archipelago scouting for suitable sites, overseeing the construction of new and the maintenance of existing schools. Budget preparation, acquisition of furniture, parts and materials, supervision of staff were all in a day’s work. Rich devoted himself fully to the task and served under several Ministers of Education including the late Honourable Darrell Rolle and the late Honourable Paul Adderley.
He loved the work he did and brought joy to many. After serving with distinction for more than two decades, he retired from the Public Service in 1995.
Rich, although serving in a demanding career, was first of all a man devoted to serving his God. His passion to know God and serve Him took him on a spiritual journey through several denominations. The Abundant Life Church was started in the basement of his home and always held a special place in his heart. Many new converts were baptized in the pool at his home.
He recalled transporting chairs when the congregation worshipped in the Teacher’s Union Hall, Bethel Avenue. Many family night fund raisers for the new church ministry were held at his home. He recalled that he and Bro Hubert Rolle were actively involved in the property search and construction of the initial Abundant Life Chapel.
Rich worshipped faithfully at Abundant Life, until the late Bishop Samuel Greene, the former President of the Zion United Church, asked him to assist him during his tenure. Rich gave the best of his service whether in Zion Yamacraw or Zion East and Shirley Street. His faithfulness led Bishop Greene to appoint him as itinerant Pastor of Gethsemane Baptist Church, Black Point, Exuma. Much was accomplished under his leadership. In 2012, he requested Bishop Greene to let a younger man take responsibility for pastoring the church.
Shortly, afterwards he was led to return to his Brethren roots. He continued his service to the Lord at Believers Gospel Chapel until he was not physically able to do so. Wherever Rich worshipped he fully supported the work of the church by his attendance and treasure in Sunday School, Divine Worship, Bible Study, Evangelistic Outreach and any other areas where help was needed..
Rich was blessed with in love, marriage and children. Earlier in life he was married to late Elmenia Gibbs (nee Hall). His union with the late Delcine Hutchinson and Helena Rolle allowed him to experience the joys of fatherhood.
His marriage to Cynthia Gibbs (nee Ferguson) saw him enjoying a union that lasted thirty-seven years and eighteen days. As in all marriages there were the challenges inherent in all human relationships. Their deep love, devotion and mutual respect for each other enabled them to share a beautiful life together.
As a husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, he exhibited the qualities of the consummate priest, provider and protector of his immediate and extended family. He brought up his children in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. Bible study and prayers were an integral part of their
upbringing. He had the privilege of leading them all to the Lord.
During their formative years they were encouraged to excel at their studies and to pursue activities that they enjoyed. He accompanied his children on their initial trips to college and supported them until their graduation. Respect for others especially their elders, honesty, responsibility and the importance of serving God were instilled in his children which undergirded them in becoming productive citizens.
Rich enjoyed a full life. He taught his children, grandchildren and many others how to swim, ride bicycles, play board games, drive vehicles along with a variety of fun stuff. He had as much fun as the children as they learnt and bonded with him. Vacations were also great times of bonding which family members looked forward to with great anticipation.
One of the great qualities that we admired about Rich was the way he kept in touch with his elders: Miriam Outten, Hilda Lighthouse, Mary Simmons, Geta Rigby, Kenneth Lightbourne, Mary Knowles, Euda Penn and others became household names as he would visit with them regularly.
Apart from church, work and home Rich was engaged in national life. Through lodge he helped to shape younger lodge brothers into becoming better men. He achieved the rank of Past Worshipful Grand Master of Past Grand Master Council# 40 Bahamas Grand United Order of Odd Fellows. He also served as a Police Reservist with the Royal Bahamas Police Force for several years.
He participated in politics and the political process. Rich was an ardent campaigner and worker especially in the former Montagu constituency with the late William Allen and the Honourable Brent Symonette. He along with Ms. Sandra Knowles and Ms. Hilda Antonio and many others knocked on countless doors soliciting party support. Rich was awarded the status of Meritorious Councilor by the Free National Movement for his unselfish contributions. Notwithstanding this, he had good friends on the other side such as former Governors General Sir Clifford Darling and Arthur Hanna.
Rich was a great lover of the sea. As a young boy he could be counted on to go down to the creek whist his mother prepared the pot for the fish he would catch. Fishing remained a hobby. He, Russell and Teddy were master fishermen. He also loved the land and always admonished us to plant items that were edible. We can envision him patrolling the yard and picking the fruits of his labour. Avocado, mango, sugar apple were amongst his favorites. Rich loved and enjoyed life. No matter what he did, whether it was at work, worship, dancing and romancing or just chilling he had a great time.
As with each of us, the passage of time took its toll on Rich’s health. His latter years saw him unable to fully embrace life. With the help of his loving wife and children he solidered on. He remained joyful and in his own way, still praising his God until the very end. On Monday 29th April 2024 at 2.20 am he slipped peacefully from time into eternity.
We extend heart-felt thanks to Reverend Roderick and Sister Veronica Rolle and the Believers Gospel family for their unceasing prayers and support. We also extend our appreciation to numerous family members and friends for your abundant acts of kindness over the years. We appreciate each and everyone of you.
We his wife, children and family will miss this debonair, handsome, loving, caring and above all servant of God for the rest of our lives. Rich fought a great fight, he finished his course and we are confident that a great reward awaits him. We now leave him in the hands of his gracious God.
Rich was predeceased by his son, Richard Gibbs Jr.
His survivors include his:
WIFE: Cynthia Gibbs
CHILDREN: Renee Barnett, Tina (Solomon) Gibson, Kalesa (Dr. Kevin) Simmons, Kevin and Keva Gibbs.
GODCHILDREN & ADOPTED CHILDREN: Jeffrey Beckles, Olivea Holley, Esuara Cumberbatch, Chardelpha Hanna, Vicavia Gomez, Bryan Pearce, Antoine Kerr, Ricardo Prosper, GRANDCHILDREN: Janae Head, Jamal Barnett, Garade (Amaris) Allen and Tegera Allen, and Katelynn Simmons. GREAT GRANDCHILDREN: Juliette Rose Barnett, Aaliyah and A’Livia Head.
NIECES: Louise (Lew) Glinton, Annamae Fox, Maria, Sandra & Villann Johnson, Betty Gibbs Ethlyn Williams , Estelle Miller, Schurley Kay Arthur, Virginia Sawyer, Brenda (Tom) Hackett, Pandora Ingraham, Sandra Beneby, Evis Missick and Avis Frith
NEPHEWS: Clifford (Marjorie) Johnson, Herbert (Sheba) Gibbs, Alpha (Autumn) Gibbs, George, Edison, Richard (Lillian) and Audley (Sonia) Gibbs, Leon (Juanita) Arthur, Lloyd, Kenny, Wilie and Charlie Ingraham
SISTERS-IN-LAW: Floreta Gibbs, Thelma Murphy, La Donna Williams, Brenda (Basil) Dean, and Remona Ferguson
BROTHER IN-LAW: Leonard Ferguson
GRAND NEICES & NEPHEWS: Taharji Smith, Nadia, Lamont, William and Darren, Calvin (Betsy) Williams, Natalia & Liam Gibbs, Melissa Bassa, Sherry, Simone & Denis Sawyer, Darryl and Gayle, Jolenta, Alecia, Amber, Alyxendro and Aluardo Williams, Sharene Gibbs, Richard Kendall (Dr. Anya) Gibbs, Annia, Andreas and Alyssa Gibbs, Margo Solomon, Danitra Johnson
COUSINS: Ivy Williams & Family, Descendants of the late Stephen Penn, Joan Saunders & Family, Russell Strachan & Family, Teddy Symonette & Family, Shirley Smith & Family, Descendants of the late Albear & Rose Simmons, Darryl Francis, the children of the late Preston Hall, the children of the late Kenneth Lightbourne, Victor (Ruth) Lightbourne, the children of the late Grace Cartwright, the children of the late Jappie Bain, the descendants of the late Dorothy Hamilton Special Mention Muriel Dean and Cecelia Ewing, Victor and Brenda Bain & Family, Sherry Bullard, Melvin Seymour, Michelle Taylor, Veronica Dean, Meryl Deveaux, Hopeful Hanna, Antionette Bonimy
OTHER RELATIVES & FRIENDS: Children of the late Edmund Rigby, Descendants of the late Prince & Carol Bonimy, Vylma Curling and Family, Ted Thompson and Family, Barton Duncanson and Family, Pastor Roderick & Veronica Rolle and Believer’s Gospel Chapel family, friends of Abundant Life Bible Chapel, Agatha Beckles, Anthony & Bernie Beckles and family, Elhomme Octoma (Lum), Dieuseul Sanon (Jason), Nestor Posper Paulette Connolly, Children of the late Muriel Hall, Hatlynn, Eustace Hall, Gary & Ruth Smith, Beryl Rolle, Hessely & Olga Stubbs, Mrs. Valsine, Bricemae Gibson, Zelia (Marvin) Bethel, Justice Deborah (Garth) Fraser, Terry ( Patty) Fountain, Elma Garraway, Willamae Salkey, Blossom and Bonnie Nyguen, Barbara Barnes, Kelsie Dorsett, Pamela Armaly, Mingo Family, Mishka Jameson & Family, Cyrena Wallace & Family, Chivon Newbold & Family, Dr. Eneia Theophilus & Family, Jodie Burrows & Family, Antionette Drummond & Family, Tonya Dames & Family, Eddie Wright, Naomi Deveaux, Pastor Durk & Laurie, Charles Smith & 30th Company Boys Brigade, Master Tech Ltd, The Honourable Michael Pintard and Members of the Free National Movement Party, Odd Fellows Lodge Members, The Deleveaux Family, Reverend Terrance Morrison and Members of Zion E & S, Reverend Glendon Rolle and Members of Zion Yamacraw, Reverend Permon Rolle and Gethsemane Baptist Church, Black Point, Exuma, Elmira College Family. We request that you pardon us if we omitted any names, please charge the oversight to our heads and not to our hearts.
OFFICIATING ......................................................................................................................................
Pastor Roderick RolleProcession Of Family
MODERATOR
Elder Arnold McCartney
OPENING SENTENCES
OPENING PRAYER
PRAYER RESPONSE
“Sweet Hour of Prayer”
Sweet hour of prayer! sweet hour of prayer! Sweet hour of prayer! sweet hour of prayer! That calls me from a world of care, The joys I feel, the bliss I share, And bids me at my Father’s throne Of those whose anxious spirits burn Make all my wants and wishes known. With strong desires for thy return! In seasons of distress and grief, With such I hasten to the place My soul has often found relief, Where God my Savior shows His face, And oft escaped the tempter’s snare, And gladly take my station there, By thy return, sweet hour of prayer! And wait for thee, sweet hour of prayer!
CONGREGATIONAL HYMN
“Love Divine, All Love Excelling”
Love divine, all loves excelling, Come, Almighty to deliver, Joy of Heav’n to earth come down; Let us all Thy life receive; Fix in us thy humble dwelling; Suddenly return, and never, All thy faithful mercies crown! Nevermore Thy temples leave. Jesus, Thou art all compassion, Thee we would be always blessing, Pure unbounded love Thou art; Serve Thee as Thy hosts above, Visit us with Thy salvation, Pray and praise Thee without ceasing, Enter every trembling heart. Glory in Thy perfect love.
Breathe, O breathe Thy loving Spirit
Finish, then, Thy new creation; Into every troubled breast! Pure and spotless let us be; Let us all in Thee inherit; Let us see Thy great salvation Let us find that second rest. Perfectly restored in Thee; Take away our bent to sinning; Changed from glory into glory, Alpha and Omega be; Till in Heav’n we take our place, End of faith, as its beginning, Till we cast our crowns before Thee, Set our hearts at liberty. Lost in wonder, love, and praise.
OLD TESTAMENT READING | Psalm 96 .............................................................................. Mr Alpha Gibbs (Nephew)
SOLO Mr. Leonard Ferguson (Brother-in-law)
NEW TESTAMENT READING | Revelation 21:1-7 ............................................................................ Kevin Gibbs (Son)
CONGREGATION HYMN .................................................................................................... “Is My Name Written There”
Lord I care not for riches, neither silver nor gold; I would make sure of heaven, I would enter the fold. In the book of Thy kingdom, with its pages so fair, Tell me, Jesus, my Saviour, is my name written there?
Is my name written there, On the page white and fair? In the book of thy kingdom, Is my name written there?
Lord, my sins they are many, like the sands of the sea, But Thy blood, O my saviour, is sufficient for me; For Thy promise is written, in bright letters that glow, Though your sins be as scarlet, I will make them like snow.
Oh! That beautiful city, with its mansions of light, With its glorified beings, in pure garments of white; Where no evil thing cometh to despoil what is fair; Where the angels are watching, yes, my name’s written there.
TRIBUTES
The Hon.Michael Pintard (Leader of His Majesty Loyal Opposition) Mr. Clifford Johnson (Nephew) Mr. Jeffery Beckles (Godchild)
MUSICAL TRIBUTE............................................................................................................................ Deacon Hubert Rolle
TRIBUTES Mrs. Brenda Dean (Sister-in-law) Mrs. Sheena Butler (Niece)
MUSICAL TRIBUTE Believers Gospel Chapel Choir
TRIBUTE ........................................................................................................................... Calvin Williams (Grand Nephew)
SOLO ......................................................................................................................................................... Mrs. Veronica Rolle
EULOGY Pastor Roderick Rolle
PRAYER FOR THE FAMILY .................................................................................................... Elder Theodore Thompson
RECESSIONAL HYMN ..............................................................................................................
Come, we that love the Lord,
“We’re Marching to Zion”
Let those refuse to sing, And let our joys be known; Who never knew our God; Join in a song with sweet accord, But children of the heav’nly King And thus surround the throne. May speak their joys abroad.
We’re marching to Zion,
The men of grace have found Beautiful, beautiful Zion; Glory begun below; We’re marching upward to Zion, Celestial fruits on earthly ground The beautiful city of God. From faith and hope may grow.
The sorrows of the mind
The hill of Zion yields Be banished from the place; A thousand sacred sweets Religion never was designed Before we reach the heav’nly fields, To make our pleasures less. Or walk the golden streets.
Then let our songs abound, And every tear be dry; We’re marching through Immanuel’s ground To fairer worlds on high.
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.
NEVER GROW OLD
I have heard of a land
On the faraway strand
This a beautiful home of the soul
Built by Jesus on high
There we never shall die
This the land where we’ll never grow old.
Never grow old, never grow old
In the land where we’ll never grow old
Never grow old, never grow old
In the land where we’ll never grow old.
When our work here is done
And the life’s crown is won
And our troubles and trials are o’er
All our sorrow will end
And our voices will blend
With the loved ones who’ve gone on before.
Never grow old, never grow old
In the land where we’ll never grow old
Never grow old, never grow old
In the land where we’ll never grow old.
THE COMFORTER HAS COME
Oh, spread the tidings ’round, wherever man is found, Wherever human hearts and human woes abound; Let every Christian tongue proclaim the joyful sound: The Comforter has come!
The Comforter has come, the Comforter has come!
The Holy Ghost from Heav’n, the Father’s promise giv’n; Oh, spread the tidings ’round, wherever man is found—
The Comforter has come!
The long, long night is past, the morning breaks at last, And hushed the dreadful wail and fury of the blast,
As o’er the golden hills the day advances fast!
The Comforter has come!
Lo, the great King of kings, with healing in His wings, To every captive soul a full deliv’rance brings; And through the vacant cells the song of triumph rings; The Comforter has come!
O boundless love divine! How shall this tongue of mine
To wond’ring mortals tell the matchless grace divine— That I, a child of hell, should in His image shine!
The Comforter has come!
Sing till the echoes fly above the vaulted sky, And all the saints above to all below reply, In strains of endless love, the song that ne’er will die:
The Comforter has come!
On this day I lost my best friend. The one with whom I shared much laughter, the one I love even more today.
The pain is excruciating and the sorrow deep. Yet I know I must accept God’s will. He has called you to your eternal rest. I give thanks for the beautiful life we shared. Your deep love for me and the steadfast faith bought us through our journey of life.
Thank you for the love and support you gave to every aspect of my life for more than three decades. You were interested in my health and well- being, career, hobbies and other daily activities.
Whether waiting patiently whilst I attended to matters of state, building whatever props we needed or helping to transport plants to a Flower show you were there.
You loved my family and friends. They were always welcome to our home whether sharing a meal or just hanging out and verbally trying to fix all the societal problems.
You always made me feel valued. You listened to and respected my opinions even if you didn’t agree. Confident, assertive, strong, yet humble. You were easy to love. You were the perfect, imperfect, husband.
I was not ready for you to go but your time had come. Goodbye my dearest husband.
Thank you Rich, for the friendship, the laughter and the great love. I will cherish it for the rest of my life.
Your loving wife, Cynthia
OUR TRIBUTE
Today we send a tribute to you, remembering all the love from you. Yes, the love that carried us through.
Thank You now and forever because your love was ever true. You taught us to give and showed us how to be loving and kind. We are broken now, but the love you gave us will forever shine.
Dad, rest in peace. We Love you! Donna, Tina, Kalesa, Keva & Kevin
TO OUR HUMMING BIRD
Strength and resilience, that’s what you are to us. You carried us on your back and never let us fall. You instilled in us to always pursue what we love, to never give up and to always put God first and the blessings will flow into our lives.
Love and compassion, that’s what you gave to us. We could always come to you for a listening ear or words of wisdom. We always found comfort knowing that Grandpa would always be there.
Our family gatherings will no longer be the same without your strong and powerful presence. We will no longer hear your humming tunes that brought so much joy to us silently on many days.
Grandpa, although we can no longer hear your mighty voice nor see that charming smile - we know deep down in our hearts that you will continue to always be right by our sides and walking along with us as we journey through life. So this isn’t a goodbye, because goodbyes are forever. It’s simply “We’ll see you later!”
We love you Grandpa. Continue to soar in the skies, we’ll handle it down here.
Love, Your Grandkids
A TRIBUTE TO MY LOVING BROTHER RICH
Through all the changing scenes of life
In trouble and in joy
You were always there for me Helping me through it all.
And now that you have gone on home, leaving me behind I only have the beautiful memories of our very special times. Your love, support, generosity and kindness over the years Have kept me through and through. I know there is a God above because he sent me you.
I say to you my loving brother that I will forever be grateful for it all. I truly appreciate what you did for me and my children may the blessings of your legacy continue to fall.
Now take your rest my dear brother and be at peace I say. For one day too we all shall pass this very same way. I will miss you dearly. Thank You for always being there….I love you!
Your Dear Sister/Cousin
Joan “Chin” Williams Rigby Saunders
Today, we gather to bid farewell to a remarkable soul, a pillar of strength, and my beloved godfather. You were my rock, and my guiding light through life’s many twists and turns.
Godfather Rich your unwavering presence in my life was nothing short of extraordinary. From attending fatherdaughter dances to celebrating far too many graduations (thanks to my insatiable thirst for knowledge), you were there, even when miles separated us.
Your support knew no bounds – from helping me find my first home to being the shoulder I could always lean on, from encouraging my curious mind to teaching me how to swim after a frightening incident. You nurtured my passions for travel, flying, and the sea, instilling in me a love for adventure and exploration.
But among the myriad of things you did for me, two stand out as particularly profound expressions of his love and care. Firstly, thank you, for being my mother’s most trusted confidant and guiding force. Your wisdom and support shaped not just my life, but hers too. And secondly, thank you for my partner in crime, my trusted bestie, your youngest daughter Keva. I cherish the bond we share, and I know how much joy it brought you to see us united in friendship, just as you were with Mummy, Uncle Russell, Teddy and Nelson.
As you embark on your journey to eternal rest, know that you will forever hold a special place in our hearts. Give my love to Mummy, Mama, and Nelson. Your presence will be deeply missed, but your legacy of love, kindness, and unwavering support will live on in our hearts forever.
Until we meet again, farewell. May your soul find peace and tranquility in the arms of angels.
Olivea Holley
We the family of Richard Solomon Gibbs Sr. wish to express our sincere gratitude to all of you, for your prayers, presence, love, telephone calls and all other expressions of concern that you have shown during our time of bereavement.
Never more than now was your kindness needed and more appreciated.
The
Family v
PALLBEARERS
JAMAL BARNETT
GARADE ALLEN
CALVIN WILLIAMS
DARRYL WILLIAMS
DR. KEVIN SIMMONS
JEFFREY BECKLES
HONOURARY PALL BEARERS
NATHANIEL GIBBS
CLIFFORD JOHNSON
KEVIN GIBBS
ALPHA GIBBS
VICTOR BAIN
