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THE RITE OF CHRISTIAN BURIAL FOR:

BURSEl

EDWARD WOODS

BORN: July 18, 1948

DIED: October 9, 2025

AGED: 77 years

St. Anselm’s Roman Catholic Church Bernard Road, Fox Hill Nassau, N.P., Commonwealth Of The Bahamas

Saturday, October 18, 2025 1:30pm

OFFICIATING: Fr. Noel Clarke

ASSISTED BY: Reverend Ricardo Demeritte Deacon

ORGANIST: Mr. Tyrone Miller

INTERMENT: Woodlawn Gardens

Obituary

In Loving Memory of Bursel Edward Woods

July 18, 1948 – October 9, 2025

Born on July 18th, 1948, Bursel was the eldest of ten children, a role he embraced with quiet strength and deep devotion. From his earliest days, he was known for his steady presence, his humble spirit, and a sense of responsibility that would guide him throughout his life.

In his youth, he met the love of his life, Dedrie Ellis. After a short courtship, they were joined in Holy Matrimony at Holy Family Roman Catholic Church on Saturday, the 11th day of March 1972. Their marriage was a living testament to faithfulness, partnership, and enduring love. Together, they raised three beautiful daughters and were blessed with seven grandchildren, each of whom brought immense joy to his heart.

A devoted husband and father, Bursel was ever-present, supporting his home, nurturing his children, and offering a quiet but powerful example of integrity and love. To his grandchildren, he was not just “Grampy or Papa” but a guiding light, especially to Daryle, who, being the youngest grandchild, became his constant companion and shadow, learning from him in ways that words could never fully express. He took delight in chauffeuring his grandchildren to and from school, soccer practice, Youth Group, GGYA, Theater Productions, Technical Cadets, baseball practice and games, and martial arts classes and tournaments. It was time he truly treasured.

Bursel and Dedrie were globetrotters in their youth, who travelled to almost every continent and immersed themselves in the cultures and experiences on each island, country and city they called on. They had very adventurous spirits and intensely explored new foods, beverages, artifacts, and events with their children and the Archdiocesan travel groups.

As a young man, Bursel began his career in the Bahamian civil service, where he served faithfully for many years. His work took him across the islands of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas, a role he carried out with diligence and pride. In his later years, he transitioned to the brokerage industry, successfully applying his skills and experience to new challenges and continuing to serve with distinction.

A man of quiet faith, Bursel found his spiritual home at Saint Anselm’s Roman Catholic Church, where he was a dedicated member of the Lectors and Church Security

James Wallace, Terry Miller, Valerie Pickstock; The Knights of Columbus, Nassau Council 10415 including John Davis, Michael Neely and Edwin Thompson; Dr. Roland T. Hamilton, Dr. Eugene Smith, Dr. Sharon Thompson & Family, Dr. Bernadette Braham & Family, Jenniemae Stuart & Family, Dr. Eunice and Charles Johnson, Rev. Dr. Mary Nairn, Shana Jacques, Dr. Nea Delancey, Dr. Kayla Musgrove, Carolyn Curtis, Edith Anderson, Melissa and Derrol Collie, Kendrick Sweeting, Rising Stars Beauty Salon, Tiffany McCartney, Vivian and Roy Dean, Marilyn and Wayde Thompson, Eileen and Lenny White, Jarradette Dean, Stephanie Ferguson, Jestina Ferguson, Anja and Pedro Rolle, Natalie Morley, Rose Burton, Virginia Dean & Family, Lillian and Ronald Johnson, Katrinka and Dave Seymour, Ivan and Francita Deveaux, Wendy’s Breakfast Crew especially Autrey Newbold, Bradley Colebrooke, and Peter Darville; William Taylor, Ivy Dean, Wyne and Lisa Taylor, Nathania Taylor, Alexys Sears, Bradley Rolle, Tiffany Collie, Trudiann Duncan, Maxine TrowersReid, Andrelle Gibson, Riona Rolle, Cidney Thompson, Suhmer Albury, Crystal Murray, Kim and Dexter Bodie, Shellyn and Kendal Ingraham, Roberta and Prince Albury, Gail Byer-Branon, Kathy Walkin (Turks & Caicos), Harolene Walker, Kaye Arahna, Teddie Woods, Wynton Jr, Deron and Dale Isaacs, Patrice LaFleur, Dorothy Fox, Sonovia Hilton, Marva Saunders, Staff of the Department of Internal Medicine and Dermatology (PMH), Staff and Clients of Lumpy’s Bar & Grill, Chargrega McPhee and Comprehensive Pharmacy Team, Management & Staff of AllCare Imaging & Diagnostics and The Ladies Medical Centre, Staff of Specialty Clinic PMH, Karen Smith, Carol Roberts, Faye Delancy, Sally Thompson,

Grace McIntosh, Rosemarie Gaitor, Gaylene Pinder, Marlene Hall, Mary Thompson, Eugene Poitier, Shandia and Geanno Beneby, Andrea Adderley, Diana, James, David and Joanna Farrington, Shirley McKinney, Sheila Demeritte, Corene and Joseph Moxey, Ingrid Chin, Almeta and Vincent Brooks, Clarita and Rosanna Mackey, Lillian Newbold, Melinda Deveaux, Sabrina Beneby, Raina Tinker, Liceth Jorge Romani, Quentin and Elmira Percentie; the descendants of Zephaniah and Sapphire Hepburn of the Cove, Cat Island; the descendants of Olive Butler, the descendants of Clothilda Dorsette, Elaine Cartwright, Cynthia Bastian, Sharon Capron, Sharon Hanna, Judy Reckley, Louise and Ferdinand Sherman, Faye Kerr, Deborah Bridgewater, Makeba St. Jean and former neighbours and friends of Lucky Heart Corner; St. Anselm’s Lectors Group especially Floridell and Daria Adderley, Lananita Edgecombe, Sinnah Skinner, Lulamae Greaves, Eastwood Property Owners Association (EPO) including Allan Adderley, Sylvia Graham and Adrian Cargill; Darnell Osborne, Most Reverend Patrick C. Pinder, S.T.D, C.M.G., Archbishop of Nassau; Reverend Father Noel Clarke, Priests and Deacons of The Archdiocese of Nassau, The Hon. Fredrick Mitchell (MP, Fox Hill Constituency), Members of St. Anselm’s Parish, Marici Thompson & Family, SAC Classes of 1990, 1992, 2017, 2021 and 2026.

We are deeply grateful for your love, support, and shared memories and have done our best to include all those who were dear to him. If any names were omitted, know that it was unintentional, so please accept our sincerest apologies. Each of you held a special place in his life, and in our hearts.

Order of Service

ENTRANCE CEREMONY

Antiphon (all): I place all my trust in you my God: All my hope is in your saving Word.

Priest: Out of the depths I cry to you, O Lord, Lord, hear my voice.

People: O let your ears be attentive to the voice of my pleading.

Priest: If you, O Lord, should mark our guilt, Lord, who would survive?

People: But with you is found forgiveness: for this we revere you.

Priest: My soul is waiting for the Lord, I count on His Word.

People: My soul is longing for the Lord more than watchman for daybreak.

Priest: Because with the Lord there is mercy and fullness of redemption

People: Israel indeed he will redeem from all its iniquity.

Priest: To the Father Almighty give glory, give glory to his Son.

People: To the Spirit most holy give praise, whose reign is forever.

Antiphon (all): I place all my trust in you my God: All my hope is in your saving Word.

Priest: The grace and peace of God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ be with you.

People: And with your spirit.

Priest: I bless + the body of Bursel with the holy water that recalls his baptism of which St. Paul writes: All of us who were baptised into Christ Jesus were baptised into his death. By baptism into his death we were buried together with him, so that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might live a new life. For if we have been united with him by likeness to his death, so shall we be united with him by likeness to his resurrection.

ENTRANCE HYMN | “Through all the changing scenes of life” (verses 1 to 3)

Through all the changing scenes of life, Of his deliverance I will boast, Oh, magnify the Lord with me, In trouble and in joy, Till all that are distressed, With me exalt His name; The praises of my God shall still When learning this, will comfort take When in distress to Him I called, My heart and tongue employ. And calm their griefs to rest. He to my rescue came.

(In remembrance of our baptismal garments a white pall shall be placed over the mortal remains of Bursel)

Priest: On the day of his baptism, Bursel put on Christ. In the day of Christ’s coming may he be clothed with glory.

People: Amen.

ENTRANCE HYMN | “Through all the changing scenes of life” (remaining verses)

The hosts of God encamp around

Oh, make but trial of His love, Fear Him, ye saints, and you will then The dwellings of the just; Experience will decide Having nothing else to fear; Deliverance He affords to all How blest they are, and only they, Make you His service your delight, Who on His succor trust. Who in His truth confide. Your wants shall be His care

CEREMONY OF THE PASCHAL CANDLE

Priest: Behold the light of Christ.

People: Thanks be to God.

Priest: I am the resurrection and the life; he who believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, and whosoever lives and believes in me shall never die. Do you believe this?

People: Yes! We believe that Jesus is the anointed One, the Son of God, he who is to come into the world.

Priest: We must work the works of him who sent me while it is day; night comes when no one can work. As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness but will have the light of life. (John 8:12)

Priest: The Lord be with you.

People: And with your spirit.

Priest: Let us pray:

O God, whose nature is always to forgive and to show mercy, we humbly implore you for your servant Bursel whom you have called to journey to you, and, since he hoped and believed in you, grant that he may be led to our true homeland to delight in its everlasting joys, through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, One God, forever and ever.

People: Amen.

THE LITURGY OF THE WORD

FIRST READING | Job 19:1, 23-27 | Mrs. Delora Moncur (Sister-in-law)

RESPONSORIAL PSALM | “The Lord is my Light & My Salvation”

The Lord is my Light and my Salvation

Wait on the Lord and be of good courage, The Lord is my Light and my Salvation

O, wait on the Lord and be of good courage, The Lord is my Light and my Salvation

Waite on the Lord and be of good courage, Whom shall I fear?

He shall strengthen thine heart Whom shall I fear?

Whom shall I fear?

Whom shall I fear? Whom shall I fear?

The Lord is the strength of my Life, Whom shall I fear? Whom shall I fear?

In the time of trouble, He shall hide me, O, in the time of trouble, He shall hide me, In the time of trouble, He shall hide me, Whom shall I fear?

The Lord is the strength of my life; whom shall I fear?

SECOND READING | 1 Thessalonians:4:13-18 | Ms. Ke-Sha Sands (Niece)

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION:

Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia.

“I am the resurrection and the life, says the Lord, whoever believes in me will not die forever. (John 11:25:26)

Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia

(All stand out of respect to the gospel. After the gospel be seated.)

GOSPEL | Deacon Ricardo Demeritte

HOMILY | (Please be seated) Fr. Noel Clarke

INTERCESSIONS | Deacon Ricardo Demeritte

GIFT BEARERS | Knights of Columbus: John Davis, Michael Neilly, and Edwin Thompson

PREPARATION OF THE ALTAR:

OFFERTORY HYMN | “The King of Love my Shepherd Is”

The King of Love my Shepherd is

Lost and foolish off I strayed Whose goodness faileth never

But yet in love He sought me I nothing lack if I am His And on His shoulder gently laid And He is mine forever And home rejoicing brought me And He is mine forever

Where streams of living water flow

In death’s dark veil I fear no ill My ransomed soul He leadeth With Thee, dear Lord, beside me And where the verdant pastures grow Thy rod and staff my comfort still With food celestial feedeth Thy cross before to guide me

Priest: Pray, brethren, that our sacrifice and yours may be acceptable to God the Almighty Father.

People: May the Lord accept the sacrifice at your hands for the praise and glory of his name, for our good, and the good of all his holy Church.

(Please Stand)

THE GREAT THANKSGIVING – THE HOLY EUCHARIST

THE PREFACE

FIRST ACCLAMATION OF THE PEOPLE:

People: Holy, Holy, Holy Lord, God of hosts. 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.

SECOND ACCLAMATION OF THE PEOPLE:

Priest: The mystery of faith.

People: We proclaim your Death, O Lord, and profess your resurrection until you come again.

THIRD ACCLAMATION OF THE PEOPLE:

Priest: Through him, with him, in him, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, all glory and honour is yours Almighty Father, forever and ever.

People: Amen.

THE COMMUNION RITE

(Please stand)

Priest: Let us pray with confidence to the Father in the words our Saviour gave us:

People: Our Father 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.

Priest: Deliver us, Lord, we pray, from every evil, graciously grant peace in our days, that, by the help of your mercy we may be always free from sin and safe from all distress, as we await the coming of our Saviour, Jesus Christ.

People: For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours, now and forever. Amen.

Priest: The Lord be with you.

People: And with your spirit.

LAMB OF GOD

(After ‘Lamb of God’ please kneel)

COMMUNION HYMN | “I am the bread of Life”

I am the bread of life

He who comes to me shall not hunger

He who believes in me shall not thirst

Unless you eat

Of the flesh of the Son of Man

And drink of his blood, No one can come to me

And drink of his blood, Unless the father draw him

You shall not have life within you.

And I will raise him up (3)

For my flesh is food indeed, On the last day

The bread that I will give

Is my flesh for the life of the world

And he who eats of this bread

He shall live forever (2)

PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION (Please stand)

And my blood is drink indeed.

He who eats of my flesh

And drinks of my blood

Abides in me.

Yes, Lord I believe

That you are the Christ

The son of God

Who has come into the world.

BLESSING OF MORTAL REMAINS

Priest: Let us pray:

Priest: Saints of God, come to his aid! Come to meet him, angels of the Lord!

People: Receive his soul and present him to God the Most High.

Priest: May Christ, who called you, take you to himself; may angels lead you to Abraham’s side.

People: Receive his soul and present him to God the Most High.

Priest: Give him eternal rest, O Lord, and may your perpetual light shine on him forever.

People: Receive his soul and present him to God the Most High.

RECESSIONAL HYMN | “For all the Saints”

For all the saints who from their labors rest, And when the fight is fierce, the warfare long, Who Thee by faith before the world confess, Steals on the ear the distant triumph song, Thy name, O Jesus, be forever blest, And hearts are brave again, and arms are strong. Alleluia! Alleluia!

Alleluia! Alleluia!

Thou wast their Rock, their Fortress, and their Might; But, lo, there breaks a yet more glorious day; Thou, Lord, their Captain in the well-fought fight; The saints triumphant rise in bright array; Thou, in the darkness drear, their one true Light. The King of Glory passes on His way. Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!

Oh, may Thy soldiers, faithful, true and bold,

From earth’s wide bounds, from ocean’s farthest coast, Fight as the saints who nobly fought of old

Through gates of pearl streams in the countless host, And win with them the victor’s crown of gold.

Singing to Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!

O blest communion, fellowship divine,

The golden evening brightens in the west; We feebly struggle, they in glory shine; Soon, soon, to faithful warriors cometh rest. Yet all are one in Thee, for all are Thine.

Sweet is the calm of Paradise the blest. Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!

AT THE CEMETERY

Priest: Let us pray:

Priest:

By your coming as man

People:

Lord, save your people. By your birth Lord, save your people. By your baptism and fasting Lord, save your people. By your suffering and cross Lord, save your people. By your death and burial

Lord, save your people. By your rising to new life

Lord, save your people. By your return in glory to the Father

Lord, save your people. By your gift of the Holy Spirit

Lord, save your people. By your coming again in Glory Lord, save your people.

Priest: Final prayer

GRAVESITE HYMNS

FARTHER ALONG

Farther along we’ll know more about it

Farther along we’ll understand why Cheer up my brother live in the sunshine

We’ll understand it all by and by

When death has come and taken our loved ones Leaving our homes so lonely and drear Then do we wonder how others prosper Living so wicked year after year

Farther along we’ll know more about it

Farther along we’ll understand why Cheer up my brother live in the sunshine

We’ll understand it all by and by

Often I wonder why I must journey

Over a road so rugged and steep

While there are others living in comfort While with the lost I labor and weep

Farther along we’ll know more about it

Farther along we’ll understand why Cheer up my brother live in the sunshine

We’ll understand it all by and by

Farther along we’ll know more about it

Farther along we’ll understand why Cheer up my brother live in the sunshine

We’ll understand it all by and by

IT IS WELL

When peace, like a river, attendeth my way, When sorrows like sea billows roll; Whatever my lot, thou hast taught me to say, It is well, it is well with my soul.

It is well with my soul; It is well, it is well with my soul.

Though Satan should buffet, though trials should come, Let this blest assurance control, That Christ has regarded my helpless estate, And has shed his own blood for my soul.

My sin—O the bliss of this glorious thought!— My sin, not in part, but the whole, Is nailed to the cross and I bear it no more; Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, O my soul!

O Lord, haste the day when the faith shall be sight, The clouds be rolled back as a scroll, The trump shall resound and the Lord shall descend; “Even so”—it is well with my soul.

A TRIBUTE TO OUR BROTHER BURSEL WOODS

And then there were five.

The morning of Thursday, October 9, 2025, was one of the worst mornings of our lives, when we received the devastating news that the chain had lost another link.

Your journey on earth has ended, but we are eternally grateful for every moment shared. We will miss the times together on Sundays, when you walked into the old homestead, returning those James Patterson novels. When discussing them with Jerome, you would often ask “Why is the TV fuzzy?” and say that “It would look better on the wall.”

Then there were the trips down memory lane, and the question often asked was, “Who was paternal grandmother Mable Ash’s favorite?” Your answer was always “I was the first grand.” We would all laugh.

You were a quiet, gentle giant whose brain was so sharp it could slice glass. What an impeccable memory. You became the patriarch of our family after our parents died, and our sibling bond became stronger.

We must accept that you are no longer with us and must let you go.

It has been a long, memorable journey with you, our big brother, and we hope to see you again. Your love and the memories that we shared are forever etched in our hearts and minds. It is so hard to say goodbye, but we will try.

Love forever, your siblings: Mabel, Lauretta (Linda), Barbara, Jerome and Susan.

Rest in Peace and Rise in Glory

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

The family would like to express sincere thanks and appreciation for all of the love, thoughtful gestures, prayers, and calls that have been bestowed upon them during this time of bereavement. These acts of kindness have helped to ease our pain and prove that you cared. We are eternally grateful.

May God bestow His richest blessings on each of you. The Family