SERVICE CELEBRATING THE LIFE OF
DONALD LEANDER SAUNDERS
SUNRISE: 22nd May 1939
SUNSET: 28th August 2025
AGED: 86
SERVICE HELD AT: WESLEY METHODIST CHURCH
HARBOUR ISLAND, ELEUTHERA THE BAHAMAS
Sunday, 14th September, 2025 at 12:00pm
OFFICIATING:
REV. DR. JACINTA MARIE NEILLY
Ministerial Moderator of the North Eleuthera Methodist Region
Host Pastor: Wesley Methodist Church
Assisted By: Mrs. ZoeAnn Percentie
Congregational Board Chairperson
Organist: Mr. Benjamin Whyte
Resting place: Saint Catherine’s Cemetery
Obituary
On the 22nd May, 1939 on the quiet and picturesque shores of Harbour Island, John “Rustee” and Nina Saunders welcomed their sixth child into the world. They named him Donald Leander Saunders. His gentle demeanor captivated their hearts at first sight. As he grew, his caring personality was adored by his siblings and other family members.
In 1947, he was enrolled in the Harbour Island All Age School where he obtained his education. Although this gave him academic skills, he soon learned as did most young men during that time, the usefulness and value of his hands. He was observant, hardworking, disciplined, and consistent. These were all ideal qualities for membership in the 10th company Boys Brigade, of which he was a part. Like his older siblings, he quickly mastered different areas of work on his father’s farm. In doing so, he was accustomed to awaking early in the mornings to reap and trade their prized produce.
As his older brothers did, he soon entered the field of carpentry under the direction of Mr. Thomas Woods. He was a quick learner and travelled along with Mr. Woods into Nassau to assist him with building the Preston Higgs home. He also assisted with building the historic Clarence A. Bain building, under the mentorship of Mr. Eugene Vanderpool. His accomplishments in this area were further expanded when he worked with Mr. Earl Johnson, under whom he learned about architectural plans and eventually became the most skilled of their crew in finished carpentry.
His pass time included playing and listening to sports. He was a force to reckon with, especially when it was time to bat. Although not big or muscular in stature, when he stepped to the plate everyone moved further back because they knew that he was a hard hitter. No wonder the
Dodgers eventually became his favourite baseball team. Through his best friend, the late Bernice Thompson, he met who became the love of his life, Miss. Mildred Consuela Cleare (“Suela”). On the 15th June, 1963 they were joined in holy matrimony. Their beautiful union was blessed with seven children: Margaret Rose, Martin, Marcian, Amanda, Megan, Mark (deceased), and Maurice.
“Pa” as he was affectionately called by his children, never ventured to far from home. He was always on time for work at Aranha Contracting, neatly pressed, and always came home to his “Suela” whom he loved so dearly. She religiously and diligently prepared his meals over the sixty two years they were married. He eventually retired at the ripe age of 80.
During his later years he spent much time playing dominos on Sundays with his family and friends which he looked forward to. He was considered a strategic and aggressive player, gaining a championship trophy and among other valued prizes.
However, over the last few months his health started to decline. Boldly and courageously he fought a good fight, but God had other plans. On the 28th August, 2025 his creator called him home. Left to cherish his memories are his:
Beloved Wife: Mildred Consuela Saunders; Sons: Martin, Marcian, Mark(deceased), and Maurice Saunders; Daughters: Margaret Rose Saunders, Amanda Grant, and Megan Saunders-Dean; Brother: Joseph Saunders; Sisters and Brothers-in-law: Emily Saunders, Maxine (William) Miller, Elaine (Glenroy) Aranha, Lemmie Malcolm, Richard (Jennifer) Cleare, and Cedric Pennerman; Son-in-laws: Michael Grant and Lamon Dean; Grandchildren: Shawanda, Wayne, and Dejuano Major, Monishka and Nichia Saunders, Julian Clarke, Milo Scheve, Dominique, Emma and Liam Dean, Nylah Saunders and Justice Johnson; Great-Grandchild: Owen James; Adopted son: Kevin Johnson; Nieces: Marionette Cartwright, Jessie Romero, Lona Culmer, Yvette and Tanya Hutchinson, Mackell Dean, Ionie Kelly, Eloise Knowles, Ena Sawyer, Lisa Saunders, Florence Hart, Colleen, and Charmaine Saunders, Rochelle Bethel , Jan Rahming, Rosena Brown, Patrice Barry, Gaynell Murray, Levaughn Saunders, Shanta Stuart, Hope Selena, Jill Cleare,
Tanya, Amy Cleare, Latarsha Cleare, Andrea, Christa, and Lindsey Aranha, Richlene Ellis, Terez Alleyne, Snova Pennerman, Lesli Miller, Delvita and Deaundra Sawyer, Samantha Malcolm, April Miller, June Dean, Yolanda, Henricka, Ledaunne Davis, Jasmine Bethell, Season, Lestina, Sammeka, Tiffany Dean, Melissa Bethell, Carmille Saunders, Patrice, Maxine Barry, Agnes, Paris Knowles, Margo Pennerman, Rosie Roberts, Tonia Percentie, Lapaige and Ginger Percentie, Lori Francis; Nephews: Alex Barry, Brent, Shawn, Doyle, Derek, Randolph, Harrison, Bobby, Phil lip, Ryan and O’Neil Saunders, Jimmy, Leslie Saunders, Maurice Saunders, Vhaul, and Phil Thompson, Wayne Cleare, Sean, Stanford, Stephen, and Sedale Pennerman, Harrison Cleare, William Miller Jr., Donovan Cleare, Juan, and Devon Sawyer, Elvis Percentie, Demetrie Cleare, Lamar Barry, Pascal Saunders, Yohance and Omarv Saun ders, Dario Armbrister, Andrew Percentie, Anthony, Mario Francis; God Children: Ricky Mackey, Georgette Roberts, Willard and Wilfred Johnson; Other Relatives and Friends Including: The descendants of Herman Saunders, Rita Barry, Lillian Hudson, Mary Cleare, John Jr., Hartman, Gladstone and Edna Saunders and their families, Cousin Shirley Cunningham and family, The Cleare family, Fran cine McQueen, Jeslyn Mackey and family, Ismae Moss and family, Terenique Davis and family, Laura Johnson and family, Ethelmae Moss and Family, Karen Scheve, the families of the LightHouse Church of God, the Church of God of Prophecy, St. John’s Anglican Church, Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church and Wesley Methodist Churches of Harbour Island. Rev. Marie Neilly, Casper Johnson, the family of the late Neville Major, the Albury, Barry, Davis, Grant, Higgs, Johnson, Knowles, Lewis, Mackey, Mather, Neely, Percentie, Roberts, Saunders, Sawyers, and Thompson Fam ilies of Harbour Island, management and staff of Aranha Contracting, the families of Leander Johnson, Henderson Kelly, Ashley Percentie, Samuel Lewis, Andrew Sawyer, Rodger Johnson, Kelvin Sawyer, and the entire Community of Harbour Island, man agement and staff of the Bahamas Wellness Clinics of Spanish Wells and Palmetto Point, and a host of other relatives and friends.
May His Soul Rest in Peace
Order of Service
MUSICAL PRELUDE
PROCESSION OF FAMILY FINAL VIEWING OF BODY
OPENING SENTENCES // Rev. Dr. Jacinta Marie Neilly
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.
Oh, 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 on His succor trust.
Oh, make but trial of His love, Experience will decide How blest 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.
OPENING PRAYER // Deacon Jennifer Cleare
OLD TESTAMENT LESSON // Psalm 23 Paris Knowles (Grand- Niece)
AS
I KNEW HIM // Glenroy Aranha
HYMN // “There Is A Fountain Filled With Blood…”
There is a fountain filled with blood Drawn from Immanuel’s veins; And sinners, plunged beneath that flood, Lose all their guilty stains: Lose all their guilty stains, Lose all their guilty stains; And sinners, plunged beneath that flood, Lose all their guilty stains.
The dying thief rejoiced to see That fountain in his day; And there may I, though vile as he, Wash all my sins away: Wash all my sins away, Wash all my sins away; And there may I, though vile as he, Wash all my sins away.
Dear dying Lamb, Thy precious blood Shall never lose its pow’r, Till all the ransomed Church of God Be saved, to sin no more: Be saved, to sin no more, Be saved, to sin no more; Till all the ransomed Church of God Be saved to sin no more.
E’er since by faith I saw the stream Thy flowing wounds supply, Redeeming love has been my theme, And shall be till I die: And shall be till I die, And shall be till I die; Redeeming love has been my theme, And shall be till I die.
When this poor lisping, stammering tongue Lies silent in the grave, Then in a nobler, sweeter song I’ll sing Thy pow’r to save: I’ll sing Thy pow’r to save, I’ll sing Thy pow’r to save; Then in a nobler, sweeter song I’ll sing Thy pow’r to save.
CONDOLENCE // Emeritus Samuel Higgs
MUSICAL SELECTION // Alex Barry (Nephew)
TRIBUTES // Combine family selection and Nieces and Nephews of the Cleare’s
OBITUARY // To be Read in Silence
THE GOSPEL // St John 3: 16-18 // Kamera Cartwright & Amarachai Dean (Grand-nieces)
SELECTION // Wesley Methodist Church Men’s Fellowship
EULOGY // Rev. Dr. Jacinta Neilly
PRAYER FOR THE FAMILY // Rev. Dr. Jacinta Neilly
COMMENDATION // Rev. Dr. Jacinta Neilly
BENEDICTION // Rev. Dr. Jacinta Neilly
RECESSIONAL HYMN // “And Can It Be That I Should Gain”
And can it be that I should gain An interest in the Savior’s blood? Died He for me, who caused His pain— For me, who Him to death pursued? Amazing love! How can it be, That Thou, my God, shouldst die for me?
’Tis mystery all: thee Immortal dies: Who can explore His strange design? In vain the firstborn seraph tries To sound the depths of love divine. ’Tis mercy all! Let earth adore, Let angel minds inquire no more.
He left His Father’s throne above So free, so infinite His grace— Emptied Himself of all but love, And bled for Adam’s helpless race: ’Tis mercy all, immense and free, For O my God, it found out me!
Long my imprisoned spirit lay Fast bound in sin and nature’s night; Thine eye diffused a quickening ray I woke, the dungeon flamed with light; My chains feel off, my heart was free, I rose, went forth, and followed Thee.
No condemnation now I dread; Jesus, and all in Him, is mine; Alive in Him, my living Head, And clothed in righteousness divine, Bold I approach thee eternal throne, And claim the crown, through Christ my own.
Graveside Service
OPENING SENTENCES
// Rev. Dr. Jacinta Neilly
PRAYER // Minister
HYMN // “It’s Alright Now for I am in my Savior’s Care”
There was a time I traveled
A lonely sinful road
Beneath a heavy burden bending low
But now all things are different
For Jesus took my load
It’s alright now I’m His I know
(Chorus)
It’s alright now
For I am in my Savior’s care
It’s alright now
My Savior hears and answers prayer
He’ll walk beside me
‘Til I climb the heavenly stair
And everything is alright now
A-down a lonely pathway
Without a friend to guide
I walked in sin and sorrow all alone
‘Til Jesus came and found me
And drew me to His side
It’s alright now for I’m His own
No more in sin I wander
No more in darkness roam
The Lord has placed
My feet on higher ground
Each day new heights I’m gaining
My soul is nearing home
It’s alright now I’m heaven bound
COMMITTAL // Rev. Dr. Jacinta Neilly
Graveside Singing
There’s a line
That’s been drawn through the ages
On that line stands the old rugged cross
On that cross a battle is raging
For the gain of man’s soul or his loss
It is finished
The battle is over
It is finished
There’ll be no more war
It is finished
The end of the conflict
It is finished
And Jesus is Lord
On one side march the forces of evil
All the demons and devils of hell
On the other the angels of glory
And they meet on Golgotha’s hill
It is Finished
The earth shakes with the force of the conflict
And the sun refuses to shine
For there hangs God’s Son in the balance
And then through the darkness He cries
Yet in my heart the battle was raging
Not all pris’ners of war have come home
They were battlefields of my own making
Didn’t know that the war had been won
Then I heard that the King of the Ages
Had fought all the battles for me
And vict’ry was mine for the claiming
And now praise His name I am free
BENEDICTION // Rev. Dr. Jacinta Neilly
Graveside Hymns
Glad Reunion Day
There will be a happy meeting in Heaven, I know When we see the many loved ones we’ve known here below Gathered on that blessed hilltop with hearts all aglow That will be a glad reunion day.
A glad day, a wonderful day, A glad day, a glorious day There with all the holy angels and loved ones to stay That will be a glad reunion day.
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.
A glad day, a wonderful day, A glad day, a glorious day There with all the holy angels and loved ones to stay That will be a glad reunion day.
I will meet you in the morning, Just inside the Eastern Gate; Then be ready, faithful pilgrim, Lest with you it be too late.
I will meet you, I will meet you Just inside the Eastern Gate over there; I will meet you, I will meet you, I will meet you in the morning over there.
If you hasten off to glory, Linger near the Eastern Gate, For I’m coming in the morning; So you’ll not have long to wait.
Eastern Gate
Keep your lamps all trimmed and burning; For the Bridegroom watch and wait; He’ll be with us at the meeting Just inside the Eastern Gate.
Oh, the joys of that glad meeting
With the saints who for us wait! What a blessed, happy meeting Just inside the Eastern Gate!
City of Gold
There’s a city of light, Where there cometh no night
‘Tis a city of beauty untold; All my treasures are there, and it’s a beauty I’ll share When I get to that City of Gold.
When I leave all trouble and care I will say good morning up there; I will have great gladness untold, When I get to that City of Gold.
There’s no sorrow up there
In that city so fair
And no sickness can enter I’m told; Shadows all will have flown, I will meet friends I’ve known When I get to that City of Gold.
Won’t you go there with me, To the home of the free, Would you see heaven’s beauty unfold? If you will come along, we will sing heaven’s song, When I get to that City of Gold.
It Is Well With My Soul
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 oh, 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 my 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.
Hark my Soul
Hark, my soul, it is the Lord; ‘tis thy Saviour, hear his word; Jesus speaks, and speaks to thee, ‘Say, poor sinner, lov’st thou me?
‘I delivered thee when bound, and, when wounded, healed thy wound; sought thee wandering, set thee right, turned thy darkness into light.
‘Can a woman’s tender care cease towards the child she bare? Yes, she may forgetful be, yet will I remember thee.
‘Mine is an unchanging love, higher than the heights above, deeper than the depths beneath, free and faithful, strong as death.
‘Thou shalt see my glory soon, when the work of grace is done; partner of my throne shalt be: say, poor sinner, lov’st thou me?’
Lord, it is my chief complaint that my love is weak and faint; yet I love thee, and adore; O for grace to love thee more!
My Darling Love
I don’t hear you, I don’t see you. Where is the sound of your slippers scraping and tapping across the floor?
As memory fades my heart and soul still holds you very close to me.
You have been my everything for more than 60 years. We took great care of each other. We have loved in sickness and in health and now in death we do part. I love you my dear Don. I have held your hand for what seems like a lifetime. Now you are resting in the trusted hands of our savior.
The tea I made for you every night I will now drink alone but I will hold you in my memory as long as life allows.
Our love is certain and etched on my heart. Our love has been strong even in the quiet times, in the moments where my memory fades and my legs are weak, you would lift the bread pans for me, when you would check the dough for me to let me know it’s ready for the oven, when you would check to see when it’s done. You have been my strength and constant companion. I miss you and feel your presence even though you are gone. The memory of you is everywhere.
I am left now to be cared for solely by the children God has graciously blessed us with.
Until we meet again love of my life, my wonderful husband
Yours forever, Consuela
MY DADDY NEVER LOOKED FOR PRAISE NOR ONCE HE BOASTED.
He always went on working quietly for the ones he loves the most. His wants were very few and most of the time his worries went unspoken too.
He’s my firm foundation through my storms of life, a steady hand to hold onto in stressful times of life, a true friend to turn to when times are good or bad.
One of the greatest blessings in my life is the one that I call dad. You never said I’m leaving, not even a goodbye. You were gone before I knew it but only God knows. A million times I cried.
If love alone could have saved you, you never would have died. In life I loved you dearly. In my heart you held a place no one can ever fill. It broke my heart to lose you but you didn’t go alone; for part of me went with you when God called you home. I love you Pa!
Love Ro
Tribute to Dad
There are no words that can fully express the love and gratitude I have for you. I am forever thankful to God for blessing me with you. There’s nothing in this world I wouldn’t have done for you.
If love alone could have kept you here you would still be here with us. I know how deeply you loved each and everyone one of us and I will honor that love in all that I do.
Love Martin
Today we gather to celebrate the life of an extraordinary man, my dad.
His passing left a void in my life but his legacy will live on through the countless memories, lessons and love he shared with us.
Pa you were more than just a father to me you were a mentor a friend and a guiding light. Your wisdom, kindness and generosity inspired me to be the person I am today. I’ll cherish the laughter, the adventures and the quiet moments we shared. Your strength and resilience in the face of challenges were a testament to your character. You taught me the importance of family hard work and integrity. Your love and support gave me the courage to pursue my dreams.
As we say goodbye I take comfort in the memories we created together. I will carry your spirit with me always and strive to make you proud.
Rest in peace,Pa
Love Marcian
A Tribute To My Pa
The Best Father A Girl Can Have
My heart hurts because you slipped away from us; not knowing when I was here in June would be the last time I would see you and say I love you. Although your body was failing you, you still showed up for me and showed me love. That will always be in my heart. God saw you hurting and he called your name to come home and rest. He added one more in his garden, he chose you. I have a lifetime of memories with you in my heart for the rest of my life.
Love always Amanda
Pa, I thought of You today
But that’s not new I thought of you yesterday
And all the other days too.
My heart ached when they said you were gone. And now that you are gone, Who will hug me?
Now that you are gone, Who will make me smile?
Now that you are gone, Who do I turn to for help?
Was I too late when you called? One who didn’t ask for much
You were a gift to us all, a special soul, with a kind and caring heart and a warm embrace I will miss you and I will love you always.
Pops,
I want you to know at this moment that I didn’t see this coming so fast. Just so you know this hurts badly, knowing at your age it was only so much you could bare.
I honor you for putting up your last fight for us. As you did know, God was preparing you for his coming. I know that you’re in the best hands possible. This is your new beginning.
Love you daddy you’ll always be my closest friend.
Maurice
rounds and marbles too. We did everything together, even going on daddy’s farm. Oh how I remember childhood joys. We shared a home with Mom and Dad. These memories now make me glad and warms my heart. I looked to you when times were bad. You saw my face when it was sad. We saw each other less these days, but you’ll be close to me always. I’ve loved you brother from the start. The ties that bind are in the heart!
Sleep in Peace and Rise in Glory!
Joe
To my grandfather
Your hands may have grown with time, but they hold the stories that shaped my world. Your wisdom is the compass I carry, guiding me through every step of life. No matter where life takes me, your strength and kindness will forever be a part of who I am. You’ve shown me that true greatness lies not in power but in love, humility and perseverance. Whenever I face challenges I’ll remember your unwavering spirit and find the courage to keep going because I am and always will be proud to be your granddaughter.
I love you more than words can ever express beyond time and distance.
Forever in my heart Pa love always Shawanda
Pa was a man of quiet strength, steady wisdom and unconditional love. He led by example, teaching the values of integrity and humility.
His presence was a blessing, his love a gift and his memory a treasure. I know you are healed and in a better place. I’m glad you don’t have to deal with the pain, but it hurts. I do wish you were still here but it’s for the best right?
Though you are no longer with us, your legacy lives in all you taught and loved. I know I have to keep going, but that’s going to be hard with you no longer with us. I’ll forever miss you Pa. I hope you rest in power and have a wonderful new life up in heaven, where you belong. I miss you and love you dearly.
Mia
Condolences to the family.
I was afforded the opportunity of working with Mr. Saunders for a number of years at Aranha Contracting. We affectionately called him uncle D, Mr. D or Pa.
For 20 plus years learning the craft, by far he was in a league all by himself; the best carpenter on the island. Imagine working with a gifted individual from the beginning to the end of the job. Many conversations we had would forever be cherished! Under his tutelage I learnt the art of cutting roofs to building cabinets, from Scratch! The island truly lost a gem, but through his teachings he will live on. Although he was a man of few words, if you weren’t paying attention, he often said he can’t talk and work at the same time. But in a friendly Aggressive way. If you know what I mean. He was a snapper at times, but it was for our good. Guys such as Kevin, Samuel, Andrew, Cornel, Morris and I felt the brunt often. From all of the guys back then we want to say, MAY HIS SOUL REST IN PEACE.
Ashley Percentie
Love
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
Harrison Cleare
Yohance Saunders
Donovan Cleare
Phil Thompson
William Miller Jr.
Omarv Saunders
Elvis Percentie
Stanford Pennerman
Ashley Percentie
Shawn Pennerman
Sedale Pennerman
Stephan Pennerman
Juan Sawyer
HONORARY PALLBEARERS
Joseph Saunders
Wayne Cleare
Lamar Barry
Vhaul Thompson
Martin Saunders
O’Neil Saunders
Wayne Major Jr.
Marcian Saunders
Ryan Saunders
Dejuano Major
Maurice Saunders
Randolph Saunders
Philip Saunders
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
D.Elliot Percentie
FLORAL ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
Deaniqua Sands
Tel: 394-BOOK (2665) Mobile: (242) 818-3478 SCAN HERE
