The Form & Order for the Celebration of the Solemn Eucharist in Thanksgiving to God for the Life and Witness of
Thelma KNOWLES
Born: March 10, 1943
Died: March 1, 2026
Aged 82
Held at: Holy Cross Anglican Church Soldier Road at Highbury Park New Providence, The Bahamas On Saturday, March 21, 2026 at 10am
Officiating:
The Rev’d Dr. Ethan P. J. Ferguson
Assisted by:
The Rev’d Fr. Berkley J. Smith
Mr. Calvin Parker, Organist
INTERMENT: Lakeview Cemetery
Obituary
Some flowers do not simply grow in gardens. They grow quietly in the hearts of those who know them, leaving beauty, warmth, and grace wherever they bloom. Yet even the most beautiful flowers are only entrusted to us for a season.
For those who knew and loved this remarkable flower, Thelma Knowles, née Pratt, every encounter was something to treasure. There was a gentleness about her that made people feel at ease, balanced by a quiet strength that earned deep respect. Whether you knew her for a lifetime or only briefly, her presence was always felt.
Across the 82-year journey of her life, she touched many lives, often quietly, but always meaningfully.
Thelma was born in Nassau on March 10, 1943 to her parents, Ilean Thompson Smith and Benjamin Pratt. She was the second of eight children. Even as a young child, life set before her a difficult path. Her mother passed away early, leaving Thelma to be cared for first by her aunt and later by her father.
Those formidable early years helped shape the resilient and purposeful woman she would become. She grew up in The Valley and, like many Bahamian children of that era, completed her formal education at Eastern Senior School.
Her professional life began soon after graduation when she joined Batelco. At the same time, her family life was beginning to blossom. In 1962 she married, and not long after welcomed the birth of her daughter Dena. By the time Derek arrived, Thelma was managing the lively household of what would become her beloved “dynamic duo.”
During those years the family lived in Highbury Park, one of the emerging suburban communities of the time. There she balanced the demands of raising two young children while building her career, which by then had taken her to Deltec Bank & Trust.
Yet one of Thelma’s greatest tests was still ahead.
Unfortunately, the union did not last. Despite this, she moved forward with an unwavering resolve and she created a stable and loving home for Dena and Derek, ensuring they received a strong education and a firm foundation for life. Despite the
challenges she faced, she never hesitated to deliver a memorable moment of discipline when the situation required it.
Thelma’s steadfast commitment to family and her unwavering faith in God were strengthened by the deep family bonds she maintained in Nassau and Eleuthera.
In time she settled in Coral Harbour, where she created the home she had always dreamed of. From tile to tub, countertop to cupboard, garden to gate, she poured her personality and unmistakable sense of style into every corner of that house.
But the true fruits of her labour were Dena and Derek, who flourished under the guidance and care of their devoted mother.
She watched with immense pride when Derek, a world-class athlete, represented The Bahamas at the 1988 Olympic Games in Seoul, Korea. It was the culmination of many years of sacrifice and support through his studies and competitions.
Meanwhile, she and Dena continued building what they affectionately called their “castle” in Coral Harbour, turning it into one of the most beautiful and elegant homes in the neighbourhood, inside and out.
Throughout these years Thelma also excelled professionally. At Deltec Bank she became a valued and trusted presence, a dedication that was recognized when she was named Employee of the Year in 1995.
Soon another role arrived, one that would bring her tremendous joy: grandmother.
With Dena and Derek now married, the grandchildren soon followed. First came the eldest Derek Jr., affectionately known as DJ, then Devin, followed by the only girl Bria and finally Bronson Jr., lovingly called “B.” This lively quartet gave fresh meaning and delight to her life.
“Grammy” embraced every opportunity to care for them, travel with them, and chauffeur them wherever they needed to go. Whether in Nassau or North Carolina, she poured herself into their
lives, offering guidance, love, and a steady moral and spiritual influence. Her warm affection was always balanced with the gentle firmness that only a grandmother like her could deliver.
Around this time she also stepped into retirement, doing so happily and confidently. Retirement meant more time for two of the things she loved most: tending her garden and baking her famously delicious treats.
If ever there was a woman who embodied strength in the face of adversity, it was Thelma Knowles. She was steadfast in faith, graceful in spirit, and carried herself with natural elegance throughout her life. Her impeccable sense of style and quiet beauty were simply reflections of who she was.
Those who knew and loved her describe her as fiercely independent, wise in counsel, a loyal confidant, a protector, and above all, a deeply loving person. And beneath that warmth was someone who always spoke plainly and honestly when it mattered most.
Within her extended family in Nassau and Eleuthera she was dearly loved, particularly among her siblings. She also formed special maternal bonds with her nieces and nephews, and later with their children. To them, “Aunt Thelma” held a very special place.
And to witness her among her beloved sisters was to see a beautiful expression of enduring sisterly love.
As the season of her life began to draw toward its close, her final years brought difficult challenges. A terminal illness gradually diminished the independence and vitality she had always known. Her care was lovingly undertaken by her children and eventually by a devoted caregiver. Yet even in the quieter moments of those days, Thelma’s grateful spirit remained evident as she acknowledged the love surrounding her.
On a quiet Sunday afternoon, March 1, 2026 with her family by her side, Thelma Knowles chose to take her final rest. Just as she had lived her life with quiet dignity and independence, she departed this world on her own terms, peacefully and serenely.
And so this beautiful flower, which brought so much warmth, strength, and grace into our lives, gently closed its petals for the final time. Though her season with us has ended, the fragrance of her love will remain in the hearts of all who were blessed to know her.
Matthew 6: 25-34
Therefore, I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life? And why are you anxious about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin, yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. ...
LEFT TO CHERISH HER MEMORY :
Son: George Derek Knowles and Raquel Carey Daughter: Dena Knowles-Hanna (Bronson) Step Children; Dion, Cassandra Knowles and Inga (Benidict) Dorsett Grandsons: Derek (DJ), Devin Knowles and Bronson(B) Hanna Step Grandson: Camari Smith Grand-daughter: Bria Hanna Step Granddaughters: Rabin and Tavana Dorsett Great Granddaughter: Milani Bastian Brothers: Cecil Smith Jr. and Andrew Smith stepbrothers: Livingston (Letitia), Dino (Cheryl), Hubert (Ben-Jade) and Carlton Smith Sisters: Ilean Smith, Stephanie Claris Lahne and Gloria Seymour Sisters-In-Law: Janett, Miriam Smith and Barbara Pratt Brother-In-Law: Wesley Ingraham and Fredrick Mingo Nephews: Ricardo Knowles, Jerome Sawyer, Kevin (Tanya),Terrance Ingraham, Alex Smith, Wilfred (Dr. Inga), Jason, Elmore (Bernetta), Chet (Ayla) and Jason Pratt, Noel B. Seymour (Tamara), Alan (Jill ) Wallace, Andrew jr. and Rodrick Smith, Adam Deveaux Nieces: Heather Thompson, Diana Mingo, Deidre (Nolan) Flowers, Monique Minnis, Elaine Smith, Shericka Edilall, Hope Shelly Ann Ratliffe, Cecily Jones, Sheena Smith, Pearl Pratt, Nicole Seymour, June Dawkins, Eartha Granderson, Kaylus (Devin) Adams.
Grand And Great-Grand Nephews And Nieces: Duran (Tenielle) Thompson, Nolan and Nino Flowers, Alex Miller, Amir Wells, Nicolas Capron, Alan Wallace Jr. Drew and Ryan Seymour, Thalia Ferguson, Branae Minnis, Danisha Fowler, Kristina Edlall, Terez and Tasha Ingraham, Alecia Wallace, Junise, Joelle, Jamelle and Jazmyn, Sasha and Philicia Dawkins, Alena and Layla Thompson.
Special Family And Friends: Governor General H. E. Dame Cynthia Pratt, Bishop Laish Boyd, Teresa Knowles, Mizpah Albury, Elenor Butler, Fernesta Burrows, Deidre Rolle, Paula Styles, Iona Carey, Makail Bastian, The Families of the Late Eric Thompson, Allan Thompson and Richard Sands, Rochelle Creary, Linda Jones, Joycelyn Finley, Tina, Karla and Andrea Knowles, Jackie Wallace, Hillerina(Billy) Thompson, Sonia (William) Saunders, Donyale Smith, Christie and Molle Sawyer, Chantell Knowles, Shavonne Darville, Rochelle Minnis, Veronica Deal, Altomese Thompson, Tanya Hamilton, Sandra Key, Pauline Evans, Kirklyn, Kenya, Keisha and Bernardo, Sharon Martin, Fr. Patrick (Astrid) Adderley, Monique Gomez, Tiffiany Moxey, Lottie McNeil, Ruth and Dottie Knowles, Derek (DJ) Johnson, Sharon Bethel-Gill, Torway Construction Family, Caro Contractors Family, Pernell Kelly, SAC Classes of 81 & 83, Dr. Indira Grimes, Families of Michelle McDonald, Jackie Hanna, Doug Gardiner, Iva Smith, Families of Geoff Deveaux, Beverly and Shelly Archer, Florrie Dorvil, Marcel Hodge, Garfield Duval, David Mardenbrough, Livingston Bascombe, Marcellen Hodge And Terrance (Sam Nelson).
Caretaker: Antonia Laing
Godchildren: Marsha Rolle, Noel B. Seymour, Simone Bowe and Katina Martin
Many more too many to mention.
ORDER OF SERVICE
THE RECEPTION OF THE BODY
Celebrant: With faith in Jesus Christ, we receive the body of our sister Thelma 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 Thelma. 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.
Celebrant: Praise be God, the Father of Our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all consolations! He comforts us in all afflictions and thus enables us to comfort those who are in trouble, with the same consolation we have received from Him.
People: Blessed be God, the Father of Our Lord Jesus Christ.
Celebrant: I bless the body of sister Thelma with the Holy Water that recalls her baptism into Christ of which St. Paul writes: “All of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized 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 have 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.
All: Amen.
OPENING SENTENCES
Jesus said, I am the Resurrection, and I am the life: he who believes in Me, though he dies, 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
SOLO | Ricardo Knowles (Nephew)
TRIBUTE | Hope Shelly Ann Ratliff (Niece)
The congregation stands for the opening hymn:
INTROIT HYMN | It Is Finished
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
{Refrain}
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
{Refrain}
THE COLLECTS
COLLECT OF PURITY
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 {Refrain}
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 {Refrain}
All: Almighty God, to you all hearts are open, all desires known, and from you no secrets are hid: Clean the thoughts of our hearts by the inspiration of your Holy Spirit, that we may perfectly love you, and worthily magnify your Holy Name, through Christ our Lord. Amen
Celebrant: Let us pray:
Almighty God, we remember before You today Your servant NAME 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, her 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. Amen
THE SCRIPTURE READINGS
THE FIRST LESSON | Job 19: 21-27 | Read by Diana Mingo (Neice)
Reader: A Reading from the word of God written in the book of Job 21 Have pity on me, have pity on me, O you my friends, for the hand of God has touched me! 22 Why do you, like God, pursue me, never satisfied with my flesh? 23 ‘O that my words were written down! O that they were inscribed in a book! 24 O that with an iron pen and with lead they were engraved on a rock forever! 25 For I know that my Redeemer lives, and that at the last he will stand upon the earth; 26 and after my skin has been thus destroyed, then in my flesh I shall see God, 27 whom I shall see on my side, and my eyes shall behold, and not another.
Reader: The Word of The Lord. All: Thanks be to God.
The congregation remains seated as the choir leads the singing of Psalm 23 (The Lord Is My Shepherd)
The Lord’s my Shepherd, I’ll not want. he makes me down to lie in pastures green; he leadeth me the quiet waters by.
My soul he doth restore again; and me to walk doth make within the paths of righteousness, even for his own Name’s sake.
Yea, though I walk in death’s dark vale, yet will I fear no ill; for thou art with me; and thy rod and staff my comfort still.
My table thou hast furnished in presence of my foes; my head thou dost with oil anoint, and my cup overflows.
Goodness and mercy all my life shall surely follow me; and in God’s house forevermore my dwelling place shall be.
THE SECOND LESSON | Ephesians 3: 14-19 | Read by Bria Hanna (Granddaughter)
Reader: A Reading from the word of God written in Paul’s letter to the Ephesians 14 For this reason I bow my knees before the Father, 15 from whom every family in heaven and
on earth takes its name. 16 I pray that, according to the riches of his glory, he may grant that you may be strengthened in your inner being with power through his Spirit, 17 and that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith, as you are being rooted and grounded in love. 18 I pray that you may have the power to comprehend, with all the saints, what is the breadth and length and height and depth, 19 and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, so that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.
Reader: The Word of the Lord.
All: Thanks be to God.
The congregation stands for the singing of the gradual hymn and remains standing for the gospel proclamation
GRADUAL HYMN | How Sweet The Name Of Jesus Sounds
How sweet the name of Jesus sounds in a believer’s ear!
It soothes his sorrows, heals his wounds, and drives away his fear.
It makes the wounded spirit whole, and calms the troubled breast; ‘tis manna to the hungry soul, and to the weary rest.
Dear name! The rock on which I build, my shield and hiding-place, my never-failing treasury filled with boundless stores of grace.
Jesus! My Shepherd, Brother, Friend, my Prophet, Priest, and King, my Lord, my Life, my Way, my End, accept the praise I bring.
Weak is the effort of my heart, and cold my warmest thought; but when I see thee as thou art, I’ll praise thee as I ought.
Till then I would thy love proclaim with every fleeting breath; and may the music of thy name refresh my soul in death.
All, including members of the bereaved, to stand for the proclamation of the Gospel
THE GOSPEL | John 14: 1-6
Gospeller: The Lord be with you
People: And also with you
Gospeller: A Reading from the Holy Gospel of Our Lord Jesus Christ according to John
People: Glory to Christ Our Saviour 14 ‘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? 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 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.
Gospeller: This is the Gospel of Christ
All: Praise to Christ Our Lord
DEVOTIONAL | In Moments Like These
In moments like these, I sing out a song, I sing out a love song to Jesus. In moments like these, I lift up my hands, I lift up my hands to the Lord.
Singing, I love You, Lord.
Singing, I love You, Lord. Singing, I love You, Lord. I love You.”
THE SERMON | The Rev. Dr. Ethan P. J. Ferguson
SELECTION | The Choir
THE APOSTLE’S CREED
(All Stand)
Minister: Let us with confidence and hope confess the faith into which we were baptised, as we say, 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 | Led by Cathy Deveaux and Monique Minnis
Leader: Comfort us in our sorrows at the death of our sister. Let our faith be our consolation, and eternal life our hope. Silence may be kept.
Leader: Let us pray. Almighty God, you have knit your chosen people together in one communion, in the mystical body of your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord: Give to your whole Church in heaven and on earth your light and your peace.
People: Hear us, Lord.
Leader: May all who have been baptized into Christ’s death and resurrection die to sin and rise to newness of life, and may we with Him pass through the grave and gate of death to our joyful resurrection.
People: Hear us Lord.
Leader: Grant to us who are still in our pilgrimage, and who walk as yet by faith, that our Holy Spirit may lead us in holiness and righteousness all our days.
People: Hear us, Lord.
Leader: Grant to your faithful people pardon and peace, that we may be cleansed from all our sins and serve you with a quiet mind.
People: Hear us, Lord
Leader: Grant to all who mourn a sure confidence in your loving care that, casting all their sorrow on you, they may know the consolation of your love.
People: Hear us, Lord.
Leader: Give courage and faith to those who are bereaved, that they may have strength to meet the days ahead in the comfort of a holy and certain hope, and in the joyful expectation of eternal life with those they love.
People: Hear us, Lord.
Silence may be kept.
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
ELEMENT BEARERS | Marsha Rolle (God-daughter) & Wilfred Pratt (Nephew)
OFFERTORY & CENSING HYMN | How Bright These Glorious Spirits Shine
How bright these glorious spirits shine! Whence all their white array? How came they to the blissful seats Of everlasting day?
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.
Now with triumphal palms they stand Before the Throne on high, And serve the God they love amidst The glories of the sky.
Hunger and thirst are felt no more, Nor suns with scorching ray; God is their Sun, Whose cheering beams Diffuse eternal day.
THE PRAYER OVER THE GIFTS
The Lamb, Who dwells amid the Throne, Shall o’er them still preside, Feed them with nourishment Divine, And all their footsteps guide.
In pastures green He’ll lead His flock, Where living streams appear; And God the Lord from every eye Shall wipe off every tear.
To Father Son and Holy Ghost
The God whom we adore Be glory as it was is now and shall be evermore
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 sign this hymn to proclaim the glory of Your Name:
All: 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.
(All kneel)
Celebrant: Sovereign Lord and Father, to You be glory and praise forever. 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: Blessings and honour and glory and power be Yours forever and ever. Amen.
THE BREAKING OF THE BREAD
Celebrant: We break this bread to share in the body of Christ.
All: Though we are many, we are one body, because we all share in one 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
COMMUNION
HYMNS | Great Is Thy Faithfulness and My Faith Has Found A Resting Place
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 for ever 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!
My Faith Has Found A Resting Place
My faith has found a resting place, Not in device nor creed.
I trust the ever-living One; His wounds for me shall plead.
Refrain:
I need no other argument, I need no other plea, It is enough that Jesus died, And that he died for me.
Enough for me that Jesus saves, This ends my fear and doubt; A sinful soul I come to Him, He’ll never cast me out. [Refrain]
THE POST COMMUNION PRAYER
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, thy own dear presence to cheer and to guide; strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow, blessings all mine, with ten thousand beside!
My heart is leaning on the Word, The written Word of God, Salvation by my Savior’s name, Salvation thro’ his blood. [Refrain]
My Great Physician heals the sick, The lost He came to save; For me his precious blood he shed, For me his life he gave. [Refrain]
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.
THANKSGIVING HYMN | I’ll Fly Away
Some glad morning when this life is o’er, I’ll fly away;
To a home on God’s celestial shore, I’ll fly away (I’ll fly away).
Refrain:
I’ll fly away, Oh Glory
I’ll fly away; (in the morning)
When I die, Hallelujah, by and by, I’ll fly away (I’ll fly away).
THE COMMENDATION:
When the shadows of this life have gone, I’ll fly away;
Like a bird from prison bars has flown, I’ll fly away (I’ll fly away) [Refrain]
Chorus
Just a few more weary days and then, I’ll fly away;
To a land where joy shall never end, I’ll fly away (I’ll fly away) [Refrain]
Minister: Give rest, O Christ to your servant with your saints.
All: Where sorrow and pain are no more neither sighing, but life everlasting.
Minister: 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. Where sorrow and pain are no more neither sighing, but life everlasting.
Minister: Lord have mercy
All: Christ have mercy
Minister: Lord have mercy
Minister: Our Father…
All: Who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name; they 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.
Minister: And lead us not into temptation.
People: But deliver us from evil. Amen.
Minister: May she rest in peace.
People: Amen.
Celebrant: Let us commend our sister Thelma to the mercy of God our Maker and Redeemer. Deliver Your servant 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. Amen.
All: Amen
Celebrant: Let us pray:
Into Your hands, O merciful Saviour, we commend Your servant Thelma. 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.
Celebrant: May her soul and the souls of all the faithful departed through the mercy of God rest in peace.
All: Amen.
THE RECESSIONAL HYMN | 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
Refrain:
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 hath shed His own blood for my soul [Refrain]
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 [Refrain]
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. [Refrain]
GRAVESIDE HYMNS
Its Alright Now
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
Refrain:
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 heav’nly stair
And ev’rything 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
City Of Gold
There’s a city that looks o’er the valley of death
And its glory has never, never been told
Where the Lamb is the light in the midst of the night
In that beautiful city of gold
Refrain:
Where the sun never sets
And the leaves never fade
And the righteous forever will shine like the stars
In that beautiful city of gold
There will be no more sorrow, sickness or death
And the saints, they will never, never grow old
Oh, how I long for that city where cometh no night
In that beautiful city of gold [Refrain]
Mummy,
you being my mother was one of the greatest blessings in my life. You loved unconditionally, in the good times and bad. For that, I will be forever grateful. Not to mention, the sacrifices you made, even when it meant, as you would say “cutting off your nose to spite your face.”
No words can truly express how deeply I am missing you. You were my confidant, my biggest cheerleader, and my queen. My is broken now that you you’ve left me.
But I know you are in a much better place. No more pain and suffering. So, until we meet again.
Rest In Peace Mummy, You loving daughter, Dena
Mommy
Today I say goodbye to you….loosing you is the deepest sorrow my heart has ever felt. You were not just my mother, you were my first teacher, my protector, my source of comfort and joy and my rock of solid support no matter what the circumstance.
I thank you for the countless ways you cared for our family, often putting everyone else before yourself. So much of who I am today is credited to you. Your guidance, your unwavering faith and your relentless support and strength helped plant and fertilize the values I harvest daily as a man.
Watching your illness slowly take a toll on you was incredibly painful to experience, there were moments it felt like we were losing you little by little as each day passed but it was at those moments that we remembered and felt the unconditional love you instilled in our lives and it never faded. The memories of the Mother you were, the love you gave, the life you lived and the family you built remained stronger than any illness could ever take away.
You left us just nine days before your 83rd birthday but the years you gave us were filled with meaningful memories, lifelong lessons and love that will last far beyond a lifetime. Your voice, your laughter and the way you cared for us will live on in the stories we tell and the way we honor you by loving one another.
Mommy I will miss you more than words could ever express, but I find great comfort in knowing that you are at peace and no longer burden by the confusion and suffering that the dementia brought on. You can finally rest in the arms of the Lord.
I thank you with all my heart for being a Great Mother. I will always and forever carry your love and memory in my heart and soul with every breath I take…I love you endlessly Telly, your Son Derek.
TOhelma Knowles s my beautiful mother in law she has treated me as if I was her very own flesh and blood.
I was always at her house offering to help with whatever she needed done at the end of the day I knew there was a good plate of home cooked food, waiting for me.
What a good cook she was and I loved working in the yard with her planting trees and the upkeep.
We talked a lot about future plans of our family and other topics, but she listened to me and I also listened to her. We also enjoyed our car rides together on school runs.
The last mother in my life has gone now . I will always love her and miss her daily may God continue to bless her on her journey to the city of gold may her soul rest in peace.
Bronson Hanna, Son-in-law
ne of my favorite things about my Grammy was her passion and joy for interior design and always being active. Grammy wasn’t your usual stay at home grandmother, she always loved going on adventures to the mall, clothing stores or just walks around the neighborhood in general.
When she would come and visit she always was the first one awake, making breakfast and tea. I know she would’ve been so proud to see how far I’ve come as a young man. She was the most beautiful, well kept classy woman I got the honor of growing up with. She will forever be in my heart. Rest in peace
Grammy.
Your oldest grandson - DJ
Mumsy,
It is hard to find the right words to say goodbye to you, because you meant so much more to me than words can fully express. You were family, a friend, and someone whose strength and faith I admired deeply.
I will always cherish the times we spent together in the kitchen, especially when we soaked the fruits to prepare your famous fruit cakes. I felt honored when you shared your secret ingredients for your tuna salad and your baked macaroni with me. Those moments meant so much, and they are memories I will always hold close to my heart. I also treasure the times we went to church together. Your strong faith and the way you lived your life with such devotion were truly inspiring. Some of my favorite memories were the times we spent in the yard. I loved it when you would take me on your little tours, pointing out the different fruit trees as we picked fruit right from the trees and talked. I enjoyed watching you garden and seeing your excitement whenever you planted a new tree or attached a bromeliad to see how it would grow. Your love for flowers, especially orchids, was something I always admired.
And I will never forget your cooking. Your quiche, banana pancakes, and cheesecakes were simply the best. The meals you prepared were more than just food; they were expressions of the love you poured into everything you did.
Somewhere along the way, I earned the nickname “your lawyer” because I was always on your side whenever you and Derek had one of your friendly debates about the yard and what trees to trim or remove. Derek even jokingly called you “the Foreman” because you would stand there watching and directing him while he worked in the yard. Those moments were full of laughter and are memories I will always treasure. It broke my heart to see you go through such a difficult time when you became ill. You were such a strong and faithful woman, and you deserved peace. While I miss you deeply, I take comfort in knowing that you are now at rest. Thank you for welcoming me into your life and for sharing so many beautiful moments with me. I will always be grateful for the love and memories we shared.
I miss you dearly, Mumsy, but I hold on to the hope and comfort that one day we will see each other again. Until then, you will always live in my heart.
Love Always and Forever, Raquel
Dearest Mummy:
I recall vividly our first meeting in NC and my first visit to Nassau when I was only 19 years old. You took me for a drive around and treated me to ice cream as you shared some childhood memories. Throughout the years, you became like a second mother and we laughed, cried, worshipped, shopped, traveled, etc. together. I am so very grateful for the deposits you made into my life and how you have always loved on me as if you had given birth to me. I think of you as “We met by chance but loved by choice.” Until we meet again, I will honor your memory and remind your grandsons daily to remember what Grammy taught them during her many visits as they grew up.
Your Daughter in Love Forever – Teresa Knowles
Today we mourn the loss of someone so dear to me, not just my aunt, but also my confidante, my role model and my biggest cheerleader. Aunt Tellie, affectionately called, your warmth, kindness and love you shared will forever remain in my heart ..Sleep in peace Aunt Tellie, I Love you..
from your niece Diedre
My Grandmother was like a second mother to me, beautiful,smart,and very particular. She was everything you would want in a grandmother and more we even had the same shoe size which was a plus on top of all her qualities because you know Thelma ate down when it was time for an outing. As the ONLY granddaughter I definitely felt like it, the love was always shown whether it was through gifts,motivational words or through her cooking and baking. As a fellow Pisces woman myself our love is always pure, forgiving and uplifting always wanting the best for others. You truly took a piece of me when you left and it’s definitely a hole nothing can fill. Thelma Alfreda Knowles you will be missed dearly. Sending My Hugs and Kisses up to the sky for you, Until we meet again.
Signed - The ONLY Granddaughter – Bria
Dear Grammy you fought a long battle but it is still so sad to see you go. It was hard for us to take care of you but we did it because we love you so much. You did the best you could but God decided it was your time. We are all going to miss you so much but now you are in a better place we love you grammy so much
Signed – Bronson Jr, “B”
Remembering Thelma,
The beauty of a memory…is that it’s always there. Like a good luck charm in your pocket, you can take it anywhere. And when our hearts are heavy, our eyes filled with tears, we can all focus on our treasured memories of you and travel through the years…the years of our many travels to Europe, Hawaii, Long Island and of our many Deltec years. Our hearts can visit happy times… even smell your fabulous cooking, see your permanent smile & joy transforming all, feel the laughter filling the air. The memories of your kind and gentle counsel through our nearly forty years will hopefully lessen my and all of our despair.
Love, Mizpah and the girls
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 tome. Your prayers, visits, calls, messages and well wishes will always be remembered.
We Sincerely Thank Everyone of You!
The Family
PALLBEARERS: HONORARY PALLBEARS:
George BJ Ratliffe
Carmari Smith
Derek (DJ) Knowles
Devin Knowles
Bronson(B) Hanna
Kurt G. Stubbs
Cecil Smith Jr.
Andrew Smith
Wesley Ingraham
Fredrick Mingo
G. Derek Knowles
Ricardo Knowles
Jerome Sawyer
Dion Knowles
Wildred Pratt
Javaughn Deveaux
Tel: 394-BOOK (2665)
Mobile: (242) 818-3478
SCAN HERE
