MASS OF THANKSGIVING FOR THE LIFE AND WITNESS OF
Nursing Officer
WILLAMAE SMITH
BORN: December 12, 1947
DIED: July 12, 2025
AGED: 77 Years
SERVICE HELD AT CHRIST THE KING ANGLICAN CHURCH
Ridgeland Park West, New Providence, The Bahamas on Saturday July 26, 202 At 11:00 a.m.
OFFICIATING
Archdeacon Dwight H. L. Rolle
ASSISTED BY Reverend Anatol Ferguson
Canon Stephen Davies
Fr. Cameron Saunders
ORGANIST
Jeffery Sturrup
INTERMENT MADE IN Woodlawn Gardens
R . I . P.
Father, In Thy Gracious Keeping Leave We Now Thy Servant Sleeping
Obituary
As my eyes were unfolding and flickering through prisms of light, my mother was the first picture of love and beauty. She has always been a vision of stately elegance, beautiful, intelligent, a joy to be around, always comforting and speaking wise words. She had an authentic confidence, yet warm presence that was loving and kind. She was a Proud woman.
This is a pure reflection of the way she lived her life. She cherished her faith in God, her family, her Phonsa, her children, grandchildren, friends and had a passion for helping others and all creatures.
EARLY YEARS
Willamae Virginia Gray was born on December 7, 1947 at her childhood home off Wulff Road to Winnington and Irene Gray. She shared stories of being the oldest child and how Mama was always tough on her but they had a beautiful bond. She was the rock of the Gray family and later on would be the “big sister” to seven siblings, the family doctor, wise sage, the peacekeeper and the strength or should I say the glue of the family. She was an intelligent child and her mother’s best friend keeping her secrets and nurturing and caring for her siblings. She excelled in Southern Senior School with exceptional grades, and later, on attended The Government High School, which was for the brightest and best students in the Bahamas. Proud as a peacock, she always touted and bragged about the great scholars that flanked the halls of the school and shared in that legacy. She was so proud of her class and how they were the best in the nation and her wit and intelligence was undeniable.
MAE AND PHONSA – FAMILY
In 1968 on Good Friday, Willamae met the handsome, young Alphonso Smith and of course he was smitten with that beautiful smile, pretty, mango skin, those legs and captivating personality. There was no one like her, according to my Dad. They were together for 58 years and this year, they would have celebrated their 50th anniversary. He is Nic and she was Pic because they were inseparable. Their relationship cultivated Christian values, respect, and love. Things were not always perfect but the love they shared was real. They fostered unity and unconditional love within their home. Together they had two beautiful children. I (Shuree) was the firstborn and five years later, Sharmila my sister came into the picture. We did everything together and had the best times travelling and just spending time with each other. My Mom was also very big on teaching us to love and respect all human beings and creatures no matter their color or creed or differences. She didn’t care if you were the Prime Minister or the dirty beggar, she respected you and spoke life.
She saw the best in every person she came into contact with and she had a love for animals especially her feline and furry friends that surrounded her everywhere she went. In her car, she kept a bag of treats and a can of dog food for strays on the street. If I had a dollar for every smile, kind word or word of advice my mom offered to others, I would be a billionaire. No matter what she was going through she found the time to listen, share, contribute and advise others.
NURSING CAREER
Caring, loving, kind, compassionate and humble are all attributes of a good nurse, and Willamae embodied all of these fine traits and more. At 17 she went into nursing, and her career blossomed into becoming a well-known certified midwife. Her stories and recollections of birthing were so beautifully depicted on how “the sweep” occurred at birth. “A wonder that only God could have created” she would say. She loved telling those stories, and she was there for my “sweep” with Alena, her first grandchild. She held my hand and watched the doctors every move, and was just as wise as any doctor, but assumed the humble role as my nurse.
She would recount many stories of her time in England and how much she learned and the challenges of being a nurse from the Caribbean in a such a cold dreary land. She
was not one for the cold air. While in England, she learned a lot about people in general. She said, no matter who you are, what you have or where you are from, at some point in your life you will need God. Her training in England also taught her how important compassion and kindness is when dealing with those who are sick and can’t help themselves.
Her nursing career was fruitful in many ways because it fed her passion for helping others and she met some of her best friends like Zelia Bethel and Carolyn Seymour.
Nursing was a huge part of her life and the Princess Margaret Hospital was where she labored in love for 42 years. Most of her career was spent as the nurse in charge of Operating Theatre. She was a dedicated nurse that experienced it all from wiping bottoms to lifting patients and more. She did it all with love, care and compassion allowing her patients to keep their dignity and pride when they were at their lowest.
She spent 32 years in charge of the Operating Theatre and was well respected by all the nurses and doctors she worked with. On a daily basis, she provided everything the Doctors needed in the O.R and ensured they had the necessary equipment. Nurse Smith worked with most of the doctors at PMH and she was well respected by them all. She worked in the operating room with the likes of Dr. Hubert Minnis, Dr. Duane Sands, Dr. Pennerman, Dr. Roberts, Dr. Conville Brown, Dr. Magnus and many others who praised her for her professionalism and work ethic in the theatre.
As time elapsed, her attention to detail and exceptional work ethic propelled her to become
Nursing Officer at Princess Margaret Hospital. She was an integral part of the team that planned PMH’s new operating room and offered advice on what was needed for certain sections of the hospital. The position was very different from the O.R but my mother was a life-long learner and was deeply invested in expanding her knowledge. She enjoyed working with the younger nurses and imparting her wisdom about the fundamentals of nursing and ensuring that compassion, care and humility for their patients be their number one priority. Nursing according to her is not for the weak.
Willamae was also fair, honest and wise in all matters of life. She was honest to a fault. I don’t believe my mother ever told a lie because the truth was very important to her. There was no one above her or below her, and for those who thought they were better she quickly remedied that gracefully by using her wisdom and wit. She was genuine with her words and never minced them. This is why she loved the talk shows.
RADIO PERSONALITY
Nursie, Nurse Gray or Nurse Smith as she was affectionately called on the various talk shows such as Z Live with Zhivargo Laing, Spence Finlayson, Shenique Miller’s the Conversation and Talking heads with Naughty. She loved voicing her opinions and concerns over the airwaves. Her wise words and thought-provoking comments were her way of letting the powers that be know about the issues of the day that needed to be addressed. It made my day hearing her on the radio and I was more than proud.
ACHIEVEMENTS
She was a member and served as the President of the Anglican Church Women of Christ the King Anglican Church, Ridgeland Park. She is also a Freedom Fighter for the Free National Movement. She also is a member of the Nurses Guild.
HEALTH/ LIFE CHALLENGES
Nursing was also a double-edged sword to her because it was cruel to her body. The long standing in the cold operating room for hours holding trays during operations, lifting heavy patients it was all very harsh to the body.
She faced many challenges with her health and in 1987 she had issues with her swallowing and a minimal procedure went wrong and she ended up being air lifted to Florida’s Baptist Hospital. She was not supposed to survive this, but God, her positive spirit, and her love for her Phonsa and daughters brought her through with Mama by her side. She lived from then on with swallowing and gastric issues but she still continued on as a nurse in the operating room in spite of the challenges. She had an awe-inspiring faith, a joy filled spirit, a positive mindset, and she loved life and living.
In 2006, she suffered more pain and heartache when her youngest daughter Sharmila died unexpectedly. This of course broke her heart making matters worse but even through her physical and emotional challenges she kept on going and fighting to stay strong and be there for us
all. By that time, she had a grand-daughter Alena (2004) which brought her much joy. Family came first, and she chose and did for everyone over herself. That was her nature, as a child I watched my mother help hundreds of people by giving monetarily, her time, advice or just showing up to support. She was the most unselfish person I ever knew. Even at her lowest moments, wincing in pain, she would find ways to assist others and send aid to them or talk them through their issues. I realized a long time ago that it was a part of her DNA to share and give of herself.
CHALLENGES
Life posed many challenges throughout her life but she met them with a strong faith, Phonsa and love for her daughters. She taught us that nothing was impossible with God. Her gastric issues of not being able to swallow or keep down her food, never stopped her from trying to eat delicious meals. It also gave her a good excuse to tote. Enough for us all to eat. Her dedication in the nursing field which sometimes led to lifting heavy patients and long standing caused deterioration in her back. This led to another physical ordeal which required back surgery in the states. She also had two knee surgeries throughout her life and the latter one about 8 years ago was not done properly leaving her with another set of challenges and pain. But she never complained and just kept on battling through and pushing forward. She was a warrior like no other, strong, tried, and true praying and hoping and still found the time to support especially her grandchildren in all they did. During Covid she was placed in hospital, an awful, lonely time for her once again but God was victorious and she overcame Covid when the doctors gave up on her. She was a miracle and awe inspiring, instilling a faith in us that could move mountains just by the way she lived her life full of hope despite all she faced.
But this time, with all her faith, our faith, positivity and hope my Momma, Mae didn’t see this end. She endured severe pains in her side a few weeks ago which turned out to be an enlarged liver which was found to have Cancer. She was taken to the hospital and as the days passed she seemed to get better and my Dad and I were able to talk with her. But on day four, July 12th her blood pressure dropped and she worsened through the night. That morning she passed away peacefully and went to be with the Lord. Her suffering and pain was done and I know my sister Sharmila met her and held her hand. Willamae Gray Smith, my mother was a beautiful soul that
reflected Gods goodness and grace. She will be sorely missed because she was everything to me, my Dad, and my children. She was so much, to so many people and her impact is immeasurable. We all relied upon her for wisdom, knowledge, encouragement, kindness, generosity and support but know that her pain and suffering is now over and if we are in Christ we will see her again.
Remember her and celebrate the life that she lived because throughout all of her challenges she was full of joy and she lived, loved and enjoyed every moment she was given to the fullest.
SHE IS SURVIVED BY HER:
HUSBAND: Alphonso Smith;
DAUGHTER: Shuree Munnings, Sharmila Smith (predeceased);
STEP-DAUGHTER: Joy Mullings;
SON-IN-LAW: Leslie Munnings;
GRANDCHILDREN: Aléna Munnings, Amila Munnings, Leslie Munnings Jr.;
SISTERS: Beverly Chriswell, Terrol Gray Ansah, Barbara Campbell of Kent England;
BROTHERS: Wellington Gray, Quintin Alexander Gray;
SISTERS-IN-LAW: Virginia Brown-Fox, Elva Turner, Andrea Thompson, Shirley (Muggy) Gray, Rowena Rolle, Sidonie Thompson;
BROTHERS-IN-LAW: Francis Ansah, Dr. Winston Campbell, Bertram Smith, Charles Turner, Samuel Thompson;
ADOPTED SISTER: Scharline Bucci;
NIECES: Lil Willamae Ansah, Wellington Gray (Depatra), Jeanna Mae Lee Gray, Shelley (Dave) Bartley of Pembroke Pines, Blair Gray, Samantha Gray, Loniece Knowles, Anna Dean, Syann (Matthew) Wells, Franclyn Johnson, Sharanna Matulka, Madrona Smith, Marcia Telfort, Yvonne Jones;
NEPHEWS: Dr. Quintin Alexander Gray (Las Vegas), Adrian Chriswell, Fenton and Clarke Chriswell, Wellington Gray (Depatra), Wellington Tekkie Gray III of Atlanta, Georgia, Winston and Thane Campbell, Dr. Conville Brown, Lawrence Brown, Davawn and Darren Turner, Mark and Mario Smith, Kevin Brown, Shenaniah and Shonari Thompson, Sterling Smith;
NEPHEWS-IN-LAW: David Knowles, Michael Matulka; NIECE-IN-LAW: Dr Corinne Sinquee-Brown, Carol Brown, Tenille Turner, Paula Forbes, Samara Turner; GRANDNIECES, GRANDNEPHEWS: Miah Bartley and
Angelica Chriswell, Justin Bartley, Carlyle Chriswell and Thane Campbell Il, Wellington Keon Gray IV of Atlanta, Wellington Gray Jr, Tevin Gray, Dr. Dawn Gray and Blue Gray, Stephan (Atiya) Brown, Corey Brown, Dr. Chelsea Brown, Evanna Dean, Annisa Dean, Devanney Dean, Erynn Dean, Austin Smith, Deron Turner, Taylor Adderley, Davawn Turner Jr, Jayden and Torrian Turner, Spencer Brown, David Knowles II, Keva Brown, Anneice Brown, Dahsanique Brown, Edie Johnson, Dr. Shanae Butler-Lewis, Dr. Davina Knowles- Robinson, Dyaria Knowles, Nathan, David and Caleb Matulka, Shakari, Shiloh, Shaniah Thompson; GREATGRANDNIECE, GREATGRANDNEPHEWS: Caiden and Caleb Brown, Elaina Mackey, Annalise Dean; COUSINS: Alfred (Shamika) McDowell of New York, Karen McDowell of Florida, Carl Bryant and Nathaniel Bryant of Texas, Hon. Thomas Desmond Bannister and siblings, Sheena, Dillon Johnson, Wellington Woodside, Ricky (Judy) Musgrove, Derrick Newton, Howard and John Bowe, Henry and Dewitt Johnson, Ettiene Farqharson, Ida Farqharson, Leonie Moultrie, Andrea Archer, Esther Derek, Cherisee Higgs Walker, Melony, Debbie Kemp, Meta Kemp, Yvonne Bevans, Derek Newton, Bernice Johnson, Anastacia Kemp-Bridgewater, and all the children of David and Johnathan Kemp. All the children of her Aunt Rosella Bostwick, Magdalene Miller, Albertha Newton and Virginia Bowe, All the children of her aunt Victoria Higgs, and Aramintha Ambrister, Terrol Boodle, Carl Bryant of Atlanta, Eddie Kemp, Ettiene of Freeport;
OTHER RELATIVES: Uncle Edward (Lenora) Gibson, Shonell Gibson, Adrian Gibson, Shavado Gibson, Ruth (Delbert) Smith, Vernal Adderley, Lulamae Adderley, Alexis, Alexio, Alex Adderly, Zakia Adderley, Lamond, Indira, Lillian Adderley, Birchnell Bethel, Taneisha Bethel, Birchnell Bethel Jr, Cecil Bethel, Albertha Pratt, Joycelyn Knowles, Karen Slemon, Patreka Malcolm, Cranston Knowles, Locksley Knowles;
SPECIAL FRIENDS:
Earl and Carolyn Seymour and Family, Cara Collie (godchild) Marvin and Zelia Bethel and family, Pandora Sawyer, Phyllis Garraway, Florence of the United States, Rt. Honourable Hubert Ingraham, Marilyn Knowles and family, Deaconess Rose Tynes, Vernita Munroe, Eulamae Larrimore, Curlene Burrows, Jeslyn Wallace, Dr. Harry Munnings and Family, - Ashley, Esther Clarke, Immalasha Johnson, Spence Finlayson, Tim Munnings and Family, Carol Munnings and family, Dr. Minnis and family, Dr. Duane Sands, Ernesta Rodriques, Philippa Ferguson and family, Juliet DouglassSands, Danah Weech, Carolyn Rolle, Kenny Miller and family, Terrance McSweeney, Marlene Pennant, Dwight Wright, Bishop
Hulan and Val Hanna, Colleen Huffman, Sandra Norris, Emily Ferguson and family, Rose family, Ms. Moultrie and family, The Roker family, The Bullard Family, The Rahming family, Shakeria Jackson, Mr. Mitchell, Edmond and Paulette Clarke, Rev. Dwayne Wright, Achara, Allison Treco, Colleen Jones, Christopher Adderley, Tamala Russell, Jasonette Davis and family, Lydia and Jarrell Cartwright, Nadine Rolle and Stacey Rolle, Spurgeon Neely, The Government High School Class of 65, Retired Nurses Guild, Families of Somerset Way, Kingsway Academy High School, Harvest Eden Women’s Small Group, FNM Carmichael Association, FNM Killarney Association,Florence Greenslade, Ashley, Esther Clarke, Immalasha Johnson, Spence Finlayson, Nordia Seymour, Drexel Dorsette
Feline Friends: Grumble, Flash, Bob, and Mama
A HOST OF OTHER RELATIVES AND FRIENDS TOO NUMEROUS TO MENTION.
Willamae was predeceased by her grandparents: James Alexander and Cassandra Gray, George McDowell and Emily Johnson McDowell Fox, PARENTS – Winnington Tennyson and Irene Gray, SISTERS – Jeanna Marie Cassandra Gray (Sandy) Gray and Stephanie Gray; BROTHER – Wellington Gray; DAUGHTER – Sharmila Smith
Special Thanks to the Doctors and Nursing Staff of Princess Margaret Hospital, Dr. Harold Munnings, Dr. Corinne Sinquee-Brown, Dr. Chin, Dr. Gemma Rolle, The Munnings Family, Alison Treco and Carolyn Seymour and Family
Order of Service
RECEPTION OF THE BODY.
Celebrant: With faith in Jesus Christ, we receive the body of our sister WILLAMAE for burial. Our sister was washed in Holy Baptism and anointed with the Holy Spirit. Let us, therefore, with confidence, pray to God our Heavenly Father, the Giver of life, that He will raise her to perfection in the company of the saints.
Celebrant: The Lord be with you.
All: And also with you.
Celebrant: Let us pray.
O God of grace and glory, we remember before you this day our sister WILLAMAE. We thank you for giving her to us, her family, and friends, to know and love as a companion on our earthly pilgrimage. In your boundless compassion, console us who mourn. Give us faith to see in death the gate of eternal life, so that in quiet confidence we may continue our course on earth, until by your call, we are reunited with those who have gone before; through Jesus Christ our Lord.
All: Amen.
OPENING SENTENCES
Jesus said, I am the Resurrection, and I am the life; he who believes in Me, though he die, yet shall he live, and whoever lives and believes in me shall never die. John 11:25-26
The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases, His compassion never fails: every morning they are renewed. Lamentations 3:22-23 Jesus said, Let not your hearts be troubled; believe in God, believe also in Me. John 14:1
I am sure that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers nor things present, nor things to come, nor height, nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8:38-39
If we live, we live to the Lord, and if we die, we die to the Lord; so then, whether we live or whether we die, we are the Lord’s. For to this end Christ died and lived again, that he might be the Lord both of the dead and of the living. Romans 14:8-9 We brought nothing into the world, and we take nothing out. The Lord gives and the Lord takes away: Blessed be the Name of the Lord. Job 1:21
The eternal God is our refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms. Deuteronomy 33:27
AS I KNEW HER | Carolyn Seymour (best friend)
TRIBUTE | Rt. Hon. Hubert Ingraham
SOLO | Alena Munnings (grand-daughter)
TRIBUTE | Shuree Munnings (daughter)
INTROIT HYMN | How bright these glorious spirits shine!
1 How bright these glorious spirits shine! Whence all their white array? How came they to the blissful seats of everlasting day?
2 Lo! these are they from sufferings great who came to realms of light, and in the blood of Christ have washed those robes that shine so bright.
3 Now with triumphal palms they stand before the throne on high, and serve the God they love amidst the glories of the sky.
4 Hunger and thirst are felt no more, nor sun with scorching ray: God is their sun, whose cheering beams diffuse eternal day.
5 The Lamb, who dwells amid the throne, shall o’er them still preside, feed them with nourishment divine, and all their footsteps guide.
6 In pastures green he’ll lead his flock where living streams appear; and God the Lord from every eye shall wipe off every tear
7 To Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, the God whom we adore, be glory, as it was, is now, and shall be evermore!
THE COLLECT FOR THE DEPARTED
Celebrant: The Lord be with you. All: And also with you.
Celebrant: Let us pray: Almighty God, we remember before You today Your servant WILLAMAE and we pray that, having opened to her the gates of larger life, You will receive her more and more into Your joyful service, that, with all who have served you in the past, she may share in the eternal victory of Jesus Christ our Lord; who lives and reigns with You, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God for ever and ever. All: Amen.
THE OLD TESTEMENT | Wisdom 3:1-5, 9 | Leslie Munnings (son-in-law)
Reader: A Reading from the Book of Wisdom Chapter 3 verses 1 – 5, 9
1 But the souls of the righteous are in the hand of God, and no torment will ever touch them. 2 In the eyes of the foolish they seemed to have died, and their departure was thought to be a disaster, 3 and their going from us to be their destruction; [Date] 15 but they are at peace. 4 For though in the sight of others they were punished, their hope is full of immortality. 5 Having been disciplined a little, they will receive great good, because God tested them and found them worthy of himself; 9 Those who trust in him will understand truth, and the faithful will abide with him in love, because grace and mercy are upon his holy ones, and he watches over his elect.
Reader: The Word of the Lord All: Thanks be to God.
THE
PSALM 23 | Christ the King’s Choir
1 The LORD is my shepherd*; I shall not be in want.
2 He makes me lie down in green pastures* he leads me beside still waters.
3 He revives my soul* and guides me along right pathways for his name’s sake.
4 Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I shall fear no evil;* for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.
5 You spread a table before me in the presence of those who trouble me;* you have anointed my head with oil, and my cup is running over.
6 Surely your goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life,* and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.
Reader: Rest eternal grant unto him O Lord People: And let light perpetual shine upon him
THE NEW TESTAMENT | I Corinthians 15: 51-58 | Loneice Brown (niece)
.
Reader: A Reading from the Word of God written in I Corinthians Chapter 15 verses 51 to 58
51 Look, I will tell you a mystery! We will not all die, but we will all be changed, 52 in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed. 53 For this perishable body must put on imperishability, and this mortal body must put on immortality. 54 When this perishable body puts on imperishability and this mortal body puts on immortality, then the saying that is written will be fulfilled: “Death has been swallowed up in victory.” 55 “Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting?” 56 The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. 57 But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. 58 Therefore, my beloved brothers and sisters, be steadfast, immovable, always excelling in the work of the Lord because you know that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.
Reader: The Word of the Lord.
People: Thanks be to God.
GRADUAL HYMN | 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.
O magnify the Lord with me, with me exalt his name; when in distress, to him I called he to my rescue came.
The hosts of God encamp around the dwellings of the just; deliverance he affords to all who in his succor trust.
THE HOLY GOSPEL | John 14:1-6
O make but trial of his love: experience will decide how blessed they are, and only they, who in his truth confide.
Fear him, ye saints, and you will then have nothing else to fear; make you his service your delight, your wants shall be his care.
To Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, the God whom we adore, be glory, as it was, is now, and shall be evermore!
All, including members of the bereaved, stand for the reading of The Gospel
‘Do not let your hearts be troubled. Believe in God, believe also in me. 2 In my Father’s house there are many dwelling-places. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you?[b] 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, so that where I am, there you may be also. 4 And you know the [Date] 24 way to the place where I am going.’ 5 Thomas said to him, ‘Lord, we do not know where you are going. How can we know the way?’ 6 Jesus said to him, ‘I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.
At the end of the Gospel, the following is said:
Celebrant: This the Gospel of Christ
All: Praise To Christ Our Lord
SELECTION | Christ the King Choir
THE SERMON | Archdeacon Dwight H. L. Rolle
THE CREED
Celebrant: Let us with confidence and hope confess the faith into which we were baptized, as we say.
All: I Believe in God, the Father Almighty, creator of heaven and earth. I believe in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord. He was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary. He suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried. He descended to the dead. On the third day, He rose again. He ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy Catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.
THE INTERCESSIONS
| Stephan Brown (nephew)
Leader: We have gathered to celebrate the entry of WILLAMAE into life eternal.
All: To affirm with praise and thanksgiving the goodness of the Lord.
Leader: Let us rejoice in God’s presence with us, in death as in life, among those who now see God face to face.
All: Our lips will shout for joy, for God’s love is over all that God has made. Blessed be God’s glorious name forever!
Leader: We feel the pain of separation, we are conscious of our loss, but we have hope in Jesus Christ.
All: We give thanks to God from whom comes all life and death and who surrounds us in both. We have affirmed our faith and rejoice in Christ’s victory over death, which is God’s promise to us.
Leader: Lord, You raised the dead to life:
All: Give our sister WILLAMAE eternal life.
Leader: Our sister WILLAMAE was washed in Baptism and anointed with the Holy Spirit: Give her fellowship with all Your saints.
All: Hear us, Lord.
Leader: She was nourished with your Body and Blood: Grant her a place at the table in your heavenly kingdom.
All: Hear us, Lord.
Leader: Comfort us in our sorrows at the death of our sister WILLAMAE. Let our faith be our consolation, and eternal life our hope.
All: Amen.
Celebrant: Lord Jesus Christ, we commend to you our sister WILLAMAE, who was reborn by water and the Spirit in Holy Baptism. Grant that her death may recall to us your victory over death, and be an occasion for us to renew our trust in your Father’s love. Give us, we pray, the faith to follow where you have led the way; and where you live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, to the ages of ages. Amen.
ACT OF PENITENCE
Celebrant: If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, God is faithful and just and will forgive our sins, and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
A period of silence shall be kept.
Celebrant: Let us, therefore, confess our sins.
All: Almighty God, our Heavenly Father, we have sinned against You and one another, in thought, word, and deed, and in what we have left undone. We are sorry and repent of all our sins. For Your Son, our Lord Jesus Christ’s sake, forgive us all that is past and grant that we may serve You in the newness of life to the glory of Your name. Amen.
THE ABSOLUTION
Celebrant: Almighty God, have mercy upon you, pardon and deliver You from all your sins, confirm and strengthen you in all goodness, and keep you in life eternal; through Jesus Christ our Lord.
All: Amen
THE GREETING OF PEACE
Celebrant: The Kingdom of God is justice, peace, and joy, inspired by the Holy Spirit. All: They who thus serves Christ are acceptable to God and approved by others.
Celebrant: The peace of the Lord be always with you.
All: And also with you.
OFFERTORY HYMN | Ye choirs of New Jerusalem
Ye choirs of new Jerusalem, Your sweetest notes employ, The Paschal victory to hymn In strains of holy joy. For Judah’s Lion bursts his chains, Crushing the serpent’s head; And cries aloud through death’s domains To wake the imprisoned dead. Devouring depths of hell their prey At his command restore; His ransomed hosts pursue their way Where Jesus goes before.
ELEMENT BEARERS
| Willamae Ansah (niece) Devawn Turner (nephew)
THE PRAYER OVER THE GIFTS
Triumphant in his glory now
To him all power is given; To him in one communion bow All saints in earth and Heaven. While we, His soldiers, praise our King, His mercy we implore, Within his palace bright to bring And keep us evermore.
All glory to the Father be, All glory to the Son, All glory, Holy Ghost, to Thee, While endless ages run. Alleluia! Amen.
President: Through Your goodness Lord, we have this bread and wine to offer, the fruit of the earth and the work of human hands. They will become our spiritual food.
All: All things come from You, O Lord, and of Your own do we give You. Blessed by God forever. Amen.
THE PRAYER OVER THE GIFTS
President: Through Your goodness Lord, we have this bread and wine to offer, the fruit of the earth and the work of human hands. They will become our spiritual food.
All: All things come from You, O Lord, and of Your own do we give You. Blessed by God forever. Amen.
THE EUCHARISTIC PRAYER
Celebrant: The Lord be with you
All: And also with you.
Celebrant: Lift up your hearts.
All: We lift them up to the Lord.
Celebrant: Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.
All: It is right to give God thanks and praise.
Celebrant: It is right, and a good and joyful thing, always and everywhere to give you thanks, Father almighty, everlasting God: Through Jesus Christ our Lord; who rose victorious from the dead, and comforts us with the blessed hope of eternal life. For to your faithful people, O Lord, life is changed, not ended; and when our mortal body lies in death, there is prepared for us a dwelling place eternal in the heavens.
Therefore we praise you, joining our voices with angels and archangels and with all the company of heaven, who forever sing this hymn to proclaim the glory of Your Name:
All: Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of power and might; heaven and earth are full of Your glory, Hosanna in the highest. Blessed is He who comes in the Name of the Lord. Hosanna in the highest.
Celebrant: Sovereign Lord and Father, to You be glory and praise for ever. In Your boundless wisdom You brought creation into being; In Your great love You fashioned us in Your image; In Your tender compassion You sent Your Son, Jesus Christ, our Saviour, to share our human nature; In the power of the Holy Spirit, He overcame the power of sin and death and brought Your people to new birth as first fruits of Your new creation.
On the night that He was betrayed He took bread, and when He had given thanks to You, He broke it and gave it to His disciples and said: “Take this, and eat it: This is my Body which is given for You, Do this for the remembrance of me.”
And after supper He took the cup of wine: and when He had given thanks, He gave it to them and said: “Drink this, all of you: This is my Blood of the New Covenant, which is shed for you and for many for the forgiveness of sins. Whenever you drink it, do this for the remembrance of me.”
Celebrant: Therefore, Father, according to the command of Your dearly beloved Son:
All: We remember His death. We proclaim His resurrection. We await His coming in glory.
Celebrant: And we offer You, Father, our sacrifice of thanks and praise. Send Your Holy Spirit on these gifts of bread and wine that they may become the Body and Blood of Your Son, Jesus, our Lord and Redeemer. As we partake of this holy food of new and unending life, may Your Holy Spirit establish us as a royal priesthood with the Blessed Virgin Mary, Blessed Joseph, Blessed John the Baptist, and all Your sons and daughters who share in Your eternal inheritance; Through Jesus Christ our Lord. With Him and in Him and through Him by the power of the Holy Spirit, we worship You, Father Almighty, with all who stand before You in earth and heaven, in songs of everlasting praise:
All: Blessing and honour and glory and power be Yours forever and ever. Amen.
THE LORD’S PRAYER:
Celebrant: As our Saviour has taught us, so we pray:
All: Our Father in heaven, hallowed be Your Name; Your kingdom come; Your will be done on earth as in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. Forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us. Save us from the time of trial and deliver us from evil. For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are Yours now and forever. Amen.
THE BREAKING OF THE BREAD
THE INVITATION
Celebrant: God of promise, You have prepared a Banquet for us. All: Happy are those who are called to the supper of the Lamb.
THE AGNUS DEI:
All: Lamb of God, You take away the sin of the world: grant her rest. Lamb of God, You take away the sin of the world: grant her rest. Lamb of God, You take away the sin of the world: grant her rest eternal.
Celebrant: The Gifts of God for the people of God.
All: Our souls will feast and be satisfied, and we will sing glad songs of praise to him.
COMMUNION HYMNS
1. O love that will not let me go, I rest my weary soul in thee; I give thee back the life I owe, That in thine ocean depths its flow May richer, fuller be.
2. O Light that follows all my way, I yield my flick’ring torch to thee; My heart restores its borrowed ray, That in thy sunshine’s blaze its day May brighter, fairer be.
GREAT IS THY FAITHFULNESS
Great is Thy faithfulness, O God my Father; there is no shadow of turning with Thee; Thou changest not, Thy compassions, they fail not; as Thou hast been, Thou forever wilt be.
Great is Thy faithfulness!
Great is Thy faithfulness! Morning by morning new mercies I see; all I have needed Thy hand hath provided: great is Thy faithfulness, Lord, unto me!
THE POST COMMUNION PRAYER
3. O Joy that seekest me thru’ pain, I cannot close my heart to thee; I trace the rainbow thru’ the rain And feel the promise is not vain That morn shall tearless be.
4. O cross that liftest up my head, I dare not ask to fly from thee; I lay in dust life’s glory dead, And from the ground there blossoms red Life that shall endless be.
Summer and winter, and springtime and harvest; sun, moon, and stars in their courses above join with all nature in manifold witness to Thy great faithfulness, mercy, and love.
Pardon for sin and a peace that endureth, Thine own dear presence to cheer and to guide; strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow: blessings all mine, with ten thousand beside!
All: Almighty God, we thank you that in your great love you have fed us with the spiritual food and drink of the Body and Blood of your son Jesus Christ and have given us a foretaste of your heavenly banquet. Grant that this Sacrament may be to us a comfort in affliction, and a pledge of our inheritance in that kingdom where there is no death, neither sorrow not crying, but the fullness of joy with all your saints, through Jesus Christ our Saviour. Amen.
HYMN | The strife is o’er
Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia!
1 The strife is o’er, the battle done; Now is the Victor’s triumph won; O let the song of praise be sung. Alleluia!
2 Death’s mightiest powers have done their worst, And Jesus hath his foes dispersed; Let shouts of praise and joy outburst. Alleluia!
THE COMMENDATION
3 On the third morn he rose again Glorious in majesty to reign; O let us swell the joyful strain. Alleluia!
4 Lord, by the stripes which wounded thee From death’s dread sting thy servants free, That we may live, and sing to thee. Alleluia!
Celebrant: Give rest, O Christ to your servant WILLAMAE with your saints.
All: Where sorrow and pain are no more neither sighing, but life everlasting.
Celebrant: You only are immortal, the creator and maker of mankind; and we are mortal, formed of the earth, and to earth shall we return. For so did you ordain when you created me saying. “You are dust and to dust shall you return.” All of us go down to the dust, yet even at the grave, we make our song. Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!
All: Give rest, O Christ to your servant with your saints. Were sorrow and pain are no more neither sighing, but life everlasting
Celebrant: Lord have mercy
All: Christ have mercy
Celebrant: Lord have mercy
Celebrant: Our Father…
All: … who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name; thy kingdom come; thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Amen.
Celebrant: Let us commend our sister WILLAMAE to the mercy of God our Maker and Redeemer. Deliver Your servant WILLAMAE O Sovereign Lord Christ, from all evil, and set her free from every bond, that she may rest with all Your Saints in the eternal habitations; where with the Father and the Holy Spirit live and reign, one God for ever and ever.
All: Amen.
Celebrant: Let us pray: Into Your hands, O merciful Saviour we commend Your servant WILLAMAE. Acknowledge we humbly ask you, a sheep of Your own fold, a lamb of Your own flock, a sinner of Your own redeeming. Receive her into the arms of Your mercy, into the blessed rest of eternal peace, and into the glorious company of the saints in light. All: Amen.
Celebrant: Rest eternal grant to her O Lord. All: And let light perpetual shine upon her.
Celebrant: May she rest in peace.
All: Amen.
THE RECESSIONAL HYMN | For all the saints
1 For all the saints who from their labors rest, who Thee by faith before the world confessed; Thy name, O Jesus, be forever blest. Alleluia, Alleluia!
2 Thou wast their Rock, their Fortress and their Might; Thou, Lord, their Captain in the well fought fight; Thou, in the darkness drear, their one true Light. Alleluia, Alleluia!
3 O blest communion, fellowship divine! We feebly struggle, they in glory shine; yet all are one in Thee, for all are Thine. Alleluia, Alleluia!
4 And when the strife is fierce, the warfare long, steals on the ear the distant triumph song, and hearts are brave again, and arms are strong. Alleluia, Alleluia!
5 But then there breaks a still more glorious day: the saints triumphant rise in bright array; the King of glory passes on His way. Alleluia, Alleluia!
6 From earth’s wide bounds, from ocean’s farthest coast, through gates of pearl streams in the countless host, in praise of Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Alleluia, Alleluia!
Graveside Hymns:
ABIDE WITH ME
1 Abide with me, fast falls the eventide
The darkness deepens Lord, with me abide When other helpers fail and comforts flee Help of the helpless, oh, abide with me
2 Swift to its close ebbs out life’s little day
Earth’s joys grow dim, its glories pass away
Change and decay in all around I see O Thou who changest not, abide with me
3 I fear no foe, with Thee at hand to bless Ills have no weight, and tears no bitterness Where is death’s sting?
Where, grave, thy victory?
I triumph still, if Thou abide with me
4 Hold Thou Thy cross before my closing eyes
Shine through the gloom and point me to the skies Heaven’s morning breaks, and earth’s vain shadows flee
In life, in death, o Lord, abide with me
Abide with me, abide with me
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 Gathered on the blessed hilltops with hearts all aglow.
CHORUS:
Glad day, a wonderful day
Glad day, what 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 Saviour with heart and with voice, Telling 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.
Phonsa and Mae
“Mae, 58 years and it was not always easy, but we never left each others side.”
You were A role model couple. Yes there were arguments, but oh there was so much love. You were daddy’s everything. His best friend, his secretary, his advisor, his banker, his voice… according to him, she did every ‘cotton-pickin’ thing.
Daddy cooked you every meal with delight, and when you were in pain, he rubbed your legs just about every night.
The road may have been rough for you, in terms of your health, but you gave us such joy in spite of the struggles you were dealt.
In the early years, we enjoyed traveling, taking trips and cruises with the children. We always had a good time.
Whether we were going out to a party, going to church, going out to pay bills or just going for a drive. They were always together. Like Mommy would say, there was no place she would go if Phonsa could not be there with her.
You two built a life together, you were partners and you brought out the best in each other.
In the good and the bad, you two were steady and you took life’s challenges and stood the test of time.
This year would make 50 and that you will not see together but you will be in each others hearts and that bond no one can sever.
Daddy says, sleep on my My Darling take your rest, God loves you best.
Love always your Phonsa
A Peacock
Mommy, you remind me of a peacock. Beautiful, proud, and a lotta vain.
Just like it, you were beautifully and wonderfully made with a colorful spirit, and a huge heart, that overflowed with love, joy, and kindness. There is no one like you.
You were Poised, elegant, full of joy and you loved life. The way you spoke to others, so kind, it enveloped them with a warmth that they never forget.
You touched the hearts of many, inspired the minds of the lowly beggars on the street to the prime ministers of the land. Your wisdom and intelligent ideas and advice has been sown into my heart.
What will I do without you?
My best friend, without judgement you would listen to my heart, Our long talks, my venting sessions and you never kept time.
Our jokes, prank calls, the Indian and British pranks were your faves. You were my mommy but my biggest fan and supported me in everything and that can never be repaid.
Mommy you were involved and helped me navigate through every area of my life and I thank you!
You know this will be hard for your big baby but I as you would say, Have faith baby!
Finally, I will do what I promised, I will finish the tasks and stay the course.
I will continue to make you proud and be all that you saw in me. Missing you is an understatement and is miniscule to what I feel, but you are pain free and for the first time in this life, you chose you over me.
By Shuree Munnings (My Ree)
MY BELOVED SISTER,
A warm and compassionate heart you possessed, a love that held no boundaries, you extended kindness to all around you without a flicker of hesitance, even the animals on the streets saw your compassion, you fed them and some you took in, what a benevolent woman you were, always considering others. There was no measure to your love and kindness. I shall never forget the moments we shared, the joy of seeing your captivating smile and then a burst of laughter and then a word of wisdom. My only consolation for you leaving is that you have gone home to be with the Lord for the Word of God says “To be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord “ I know that is where you are, therefore We shall see each other again for all eternity. How exciting is that!!! until that time my be loved sister, the moments with you will never ever be forgot, because they will forever be engraved in my memory bank and your love for me embossed upon my heart.
Loving you forever.
Your Terrol.
A TRIBUTE TO MY SISTER WILLAMAE
By Barbara Campbell
I consider it a privilege to write not so much in grief, but in gratitude to Almighty God! Gratitude for the life Willamae lived, the love she gave, and the legacy she leaves behind. She was a quiet strength in the noise of life, and her heart held room for everyone!
Though life was not always easy, she carried herself with grace, meeting each mo ment with tremendous courage. She listened deeply, gave generously, advised wisely and asked for very little. Her absence is a silence I will have to learn to live with and her memory is a light I will never let go. I am blessed to have had her in my life. Willamae, more than a sister to me, you were a friend, a confidant, and a constant through the storms of life – when I had to be flown to Jackson’s Memorial Hospital in Florida, because of life-threatening complications in pregnancy, you were by my side in the air-ambulance; Just one of the many times you were there… You always remembered birthdays and at Christmas, a little something wrapped up beautifully would be coming from you! Your laughter had a way of lifting the heaviest moments, and your presence brought me comfort. You loved with your whole heart! Whether it was a kind word, a gentle hug, or simply being there when it mattered most, you gave without holding back. Your strength was quiet, your courage steady, and your heart endlessly kind. You had the appropriate First-Aid in your handbag for every ailment and where neces sary, would willingly recommend the doctor to be consulted. There are no words that can fill the space you have left behind, I carry memories too many to mention. Your legacy lives on in the people you inspired, and in the kindness you spread.
Rest well my beautiful dear sister, your light will continue to shine, forever missed, and never forgotten.
Barbara
A TRIBUTE TO MY FAMILY MATRIARCH AND BELOVED COUSIN WILLAMAE GRAY SMITH
My beloved first cousin Willamae was the eldest of her mother, Irene McDowell Gray, who is one of nine sisters to my father, George McDowell. Willamae was dearly loved and adored by my mother Aunt Vera, her Uncle George, my brother Alfred, myself, and my beloved brother Anthony who she is now together with the Lord in heaven. Our beloved Willamae will never be forgotten and will always be remembered as a woman who loved her Savior the Lord Jesus Christ. Willamae loved her family and was loved, adored, and respected by friends and colleagues. She was a pioneer in the family, who as a youth courageously went off to college to study nursing in the United States. Knowing about my trailblazing cousin and hearing her story of success in college and in the nursing profession inspired me to go to college and pursue higher education. Throughout her life Willamae was admired and sought after as the listener, the counselor, and the caregiver. The Lord gave her much joy, and she was keenly aware that even through trials and tribulations the joy of the Lord was her strength! The bible says that the sufferings of this world cannot compare to the glories that await us (2 Corthinians 4:17-18), and Revelation 21:5 states, “And He who sits on the Throne said Behold I am making all things new. And He said, ‘Write for these words are faithful and True.’ I will miss my beloved cousin Willamae yet based on the promises of God I will see her again and we will worship the Lord together with our loved ones that have gone on before us. In the meantime, she told me to never give up and look after the loved ones that are here now. She always gave me good advice. For we walk by faith not by sight-2 Corinthians 5:7 Love, your cousin, Karen C. McDowell
To my name sake. My auntie oh I love you so much. Auntie Mae I will miss our talks every day. I will miss you forever. I can’t believe you’re not here. I will miss going to the food store with you. Even though we had to go through every aisle. The best auntie ever. I will miss our jokes and you telling me you love me. You will forever be in my memories. Love you my auntie Mae. The sweetest person ever.
Love Lil Willamae Ansah
Cake is more than a dessert; it’s a symbol of joy and celebration. It holds a special place in our hearts and minds evoking memories of shared laughter and sweet memories.
To my dearest sweet aunt Willamae, this description of cake encapsulates the feelings that a brimming over in my heart.
The time last 3 times we got together definitely included cake (icing and all) laughter and some sweet memories! Once dessert and tea was done, you’d remind me to pack up yours to go!
We had so much in common: cake, cats, Costco and our love for laughter. One of the few things we differed on was your love of Walmart. “Wally” was your jam! You’d always say that the Walmart by my home was so nice so I’d acquiesce and go on treasure hunts with you. You claimed to shopping for yourself but true to form it would turn into you needing to get something for a friend, neighbor or some other family member.
Rest assured, moving forward, my trips to Walmart (albeit seldom) will be more enjoyable as I know you’ll be right there with me.
SheKnew:
Rest in peace my sweet aunt. Dave, Justin and Maya and I
Never wasted a moment to express her gratitude.
Valued every second with her grandkids
Always had a minute to talk.
Counted each hour in the presence of her family.
Appreciated every photo
Cherished weekly lunch dates
Celebrated in song all special occasions
Savoured Christmas’ gift exchanges
Loved family trips that included Walmart, and
Always made her entrance, a grand event.
She knew life was a gift and family was her greatest joy.
She knew this truth, she lived, and she loved us all like that. Thanks Mum.
By her favorite Son Leslie
MESSAGE OF GRATITUDE
We, the family extend our sincere thanks and appreciation to the many friends and family for each and every act of kindness shown to us during this most difficult time. Your prayers, visits, calls, messages and well wishes will always be remembered.
We Sincerely Thank Everyone of You
The Family
PALLBEARERS
Stephan Brown
Lawrence Brown
Shavado Gibson
Corey Brown
Darren Turner
Funeral Service Entrusted To:
HONORARY
PALLBEARERS
Mario Smith
Derek Newton
Quintin Gray
Alfred McDowell
Adrian Chriswell
P.O. Box N-1026
Nassau Street
Nassau, Bahamas
242.322.4433 (T)
242.328.2314 (F)
242.422.1033 (M)
Tel: 394-BOOK (2665)
Mobile: (242) 818-3478
SCAN HERE
