Original Memory Book For Thelma Pinder by Print Works at The Huyler Group

Home-Going Celebration & Thanksgiving Service For The Life Of

Thelma

Loretta Pinder Nee Gibson

“Mom”

Sunrise: February 24, 1931

Sunset: August 19, 2018

Age: 87 years

Service Held At:

Bethel Baptist Church Meeting Street, Nassau, Bahamas

Saturday, September 1st, 2018 at 11 a.m.

Officiating:

Rev. Dr. Timothy Stewart

Assisted by:

Other Ministers of the Gospel

Interment:

Bethell Baptist Church Cemetery Meeting Street

Directing:

East Sunrise Mortuary

“Father in Thy Gracious Keeping Leave We Now Thy Servant Sleeping”

Obituary

Proverbs 31:10

“Who can find a virtuous woman?….for her price is far above rubies.”

Thelma Loretta Pinder was born February 24th, 1931 in the settlement of Hatchet Bay on the island of Eleuthera. She was the daughter of proud parents, Reverend Percy Alexander (P.A.) (deceased) and the late Clara Loretta Ingraham-Gibson. The eldest of six children, whose names include Wilton Gibson (deceased), Mochrie Bethel (deceased), Blanton Gibson (deceased), Freida Johnson and Lester Gibson. Thelma attended the All-Age P. A. Gibson School, (named after her distinguished father), and was later sent to Nassau to attend the Government High School. This was only for a short while, because she was soon summoned back to Eleuthera, to tend to her ailing mother, who passed away shortly, thereafter. Being the eldest child, she attended to the care of her younger siblings and assisted her father in teaching, prior to his marriage to Victoria Gibson. Thelma therefore gained five more new siblings, Charles (deceased) Dewitt, Cecil (deceased), Eunice (deceased) and Lanita Butler.

On October 24th, 1949, after having fallen in love with #146 Police Sergeant Vernon Pinder, they were married in the Methodist Church in Hatchet Bay. This wonderful couple boasted of having been married 70 long years. From their union came seven children. In 1950, the Pinder’s moved to Nassau and took up residence on Hospital Lane, where Thelma and her sister Mochrie pursued the profession of hairdressing, operating out of the Elks building on Blue Hill Road. She was also a member of the Elks Lodge for many years and served as their Chaplain.

In her early years, Thelma attended Wesley Methodist Church, but in 1953 she joined Bethel Baptist Church under the leadership of the late Rev. H.W. Brown. She later joined Bethel’s Choir (having served for 40 years), Prayer Band, Mission Circle, taught Sunday School in the evenings at 3:00 pm, and also attended BTU at 6:00 p.m. She was a member of the Excelsior Club for years and was one of the founding members of the Bethel Willing Workers Club for which she was honored as their first chaplain. She was the church’s Secretary for over 30 years and also held the position of Church Clerk and Counselor. In 1995 and 2014, she was selected as Mother of the Year at Bethel Baptist Church. Thelma continued to faithfully serve in her local church, under the leadership of her wonderful Pastor – Rev. Dr. Timothy Stewart. On September 29th, 1958 Thelma Pinder was instrumental in organizing the Sunshine Band at St. Stephen’s Baptist Church in Hatchet Bay, Eleuthera; an organization that still vibrantly

exists today. She was a member of the United Baptist Choir for over 40 years and served in the capacity as 1st Treasurer and the choir’s Chaplain. Additionally, she served as the Secretary of the Baptist Women’s Convention Choir and also participated in the Benny Hinn Crusade Choir.

Thelma Pinder was a woman not ashamed of the gospel of Jesus Christ, who anxiously waited to lead souls to Christ, even through her telephone ministry. “Galatians 5:22 speaks of the fruit of the Spirit, that was clearly seen by Thelma’s many displays of love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness and faithfulness in words and deeds.” She stretched her hand to the poor, yes, she reached out her hands to the needy.” (Proverbs 31:20) Not having much, but always giving, even if it is her last.

She was a woman with a heart of compassion! Her motto is “If I can help somebody as I travel along. If I can cheer somebody with a prayer, a word, a song. If I can tell somebody what God has done for me, then my living shall not be in vain!” Indeed the life of Thelma Pinder was not in vain. She can be described as humble, caring, a prayer warrior, a woman who loves to sing and minister, an exhorter, a virtuous woman and just a blessing to one and all! “Strength and honor are her clothing. Her children rise up and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her. Many daughters have done well, but she excels them all.”…. Thelma Loretta Pinder Nee Gibson!

Left to cherish her memories are: Her Husband: Vernon Pinder, Children & (Spouses): Jeffery & Minister Genia Pinder, Delores Fisher, Keith & Sophia Pinder, Claudine Bethell, Carol & Densel Bullard, Desmond Pinder, Pastor James & Minister Cherrise Pinder, Headley & Sharon Gibson & Daisey Russell; Grandchildren & (Spouses): Jeffrey Jr., Gerard (Angela), Anton, Antonio (Edneka), Keithra, Samieh Pinder, Ramesh, Sasha, Tyler Fisher, Jazmin, Justin Bethell, Taurean, Tevaun Davis, Deron, Ramon, Densel Jr. Bullard, Rashard, Jevon, Desnee, Deja, Desmond Jr., Rashawn, Raivon, Jayme, Jamea, Chernya, Chernay, James Jr. Pinder, Keisha Russell, Vernetta, Vernon Pinder III & Rowena Pinder-Ramsey; 18 Great Grandchildren; Sisters: Freida Johnson & Lanita Butler; Brother: Lester Gibson; Sisters-In-Law: Cora, Sandra Gibson, Vernamae Duncan, Marina Carey, Barbara Farrington, Nancy Fernander, Gloria Johnson, Nathalie Hutchinson & Judy Johnson; Brother-In-Law: Dewit Fernander; Numerous Nieces, Nephews and Cousins; And a host of other Relatives and Friends including: Rev. Dr. Timothy & Mrs. Sharon Stewart & The Bethel Baptist Church Family, Bethel Baptist Senior Saints, Bethel Baptist Sanctuary Choir, The United Baptist Choir, The Sunshine Band, The Bahamas Mothers Club, The Bahamas Branch of the British Legion, Fort Charlotte Urban Renewal, The Eleuthera, Freeport and Chippingham Family, and many other Dear relatives and friends too numerous to mention.

ORDER OF SERVICE

Music Selection | Bethel Baptist Sanctuary Choir

Processional of Family | The Lord’s Prayer | Mr. Howard Miller President of Bethel Senior Saints

Opening Words of Comfort | Rev. Arnold Hutcheson

Invocation | Pastor Javon Neely

Pastor of Christian Education

Chairperson of the Ministerial Alliance, Mt. Tabor Church

Opening Hymn | ”I Know That My Redeemer Liveth”

Who taught the sun

Where to stand in the morning

And who told the ocean

You can only come this far And who showed the moon

Where to hide till evening

Whose words alone can

Catch a falling star

Well I know my Redeemer lives

I know my Redeemer lives

All of creation testifies

This life within me cries I know my Redeemer lives Yeah

The very same God That spins things in orbit Runs to the weary

The worn and the weak And the same gentle hands

That hold me when I’m broken They conquer death to bring me victory

Now I know my Redeemer lives

I know my Redeemer lives

Let all creation testify

Let this life within me cry I know my Redeemer

He lives to take away my shame And He lives forever I’ll proclaim That the payment for my sin Was the precious life He gave But now He’s alive and there’s an empty grave

And I know my Redeemer, He lives I know my Redeemer lives

Let all creation testify Let this life within me cry

I know my Redeemer I know my Redeemer lives I know my Redeemer lives

I know that, I know that, I know that, I know that, I know I know my Redeemer lives (Because He lives I can face tomorrow)

He lives, I know, I know, I know. He lives (I spoke with Him this morning.) He lives. (The tomb is empty) He lives. (I’ve got to tell everybody)

First Scripture Reading | Psalm 91:1-14 | Ruthie Knowles (Goddaughter)

Tribute from the family | Jayme Pinder (Granddaughter)

Musical Selection | United Baptist Choir

Tributes | Rev. Sabrina Pinder

President of the Women’s National Baptist Convention Pastor Percy Kemp (Nephew)

Second Scripture Reading | Deuteronomy 28:1-14 | Dereck Hanna (Godson)

Hymn | “His Coming Draweth Nigh”

Lift up your heads, ye saints, we’re told redemption draweth nigh

Ere long His glory we’ll behold as lightning from on high

We’ve toiled and prayed and waited, but soon His face we’ll see

And when He comes He’ll dry each tear, and we the bride shall see.

Chorus

His coming draweth nigh

We’ll meet Him in the sky

And go with Him to the marriage feast somewhere on high

Oh what a time t’will be

Our loved ones we will see

Far up above the tribulation by and by

Farewell gay world, our song shall be, we’ll sing thru the air

Above the rugged hills and trees his wondrous glory share

Lift up, look up, still watch and pray, tho’ fading be your eye

Nor think His coming be delayed, it surely draweth nigh.

Around the festive board that day we’ll raise a mighty shout

Like many waters of the sea, we’ll sing and dance about

The angels cannot sing the song, they stand with folded wings

And wonder at the praise prolong, we’ll crown him king of kings

Obituary | Read in Silence

Tribute Bethel Baptist Church | Mr. Ishamel Lightbourne

Musical Selection | Bethel Baptist Sanctuary Choir

Eulogy | Rev. Dr. Timothy Stewart

Prayer for Family | Pastor Kaiwon Gibson (Nephew)

Recessional Hymn | “Am Glad I Counted the Cost”

When first I started to seek the Lord, I’m glad I counted the cost; I fully measured my Jesus’ Word; I’m glad I counted the cost.

(Chorus)

I’ve paid the price and obtained the prize, He saved my soul that was lost; And now my treasures are in the skies, I’m glad I counted the cost.

SERVICE OF COMMITTAL

Hymn | “Blessed Jesus Hold my Hand”

As I travel through this pilgrim land

There is a Friend who walks with me

Leads me safely through the sinking sand

It is the Christ of Calvary

This would be my prayer, dear Lord, each day

To help me do the best I can

For I need Thy light to guide me day and night

Blessed Jesus, hold my hand

(Chorus)

Jesus, hold my hand, I need Thee every hour

Through this pilgrim land

Protect me by The power

Hear my feeble plea, plea

O Lord, look down on me,

While I kneel in prayer I hope to meet you there

Blessed Jesus hold my hand

I laid my sorrows at Jesus’ feet, I’m glad I counted the cost; And now I’ve pleasures so pure and sweet, I’m glad I counted the cost. I’ve bid farewell to this world of sin, I’m glad I counted the cost; And now my Jesus abides within, I’m glad I counted the cost.

I cast on Jesus my every care, I’m glad I counted the cost; And all my burdens He helps to bear, I’m glad I counted the cost. ’Twill not be long till the Lord shall come, I’m glad I counted the cost; And bear my soul to that heav’nly home, I’m glad I counted the cost.

Let me travel in the light divine

That I may see the blessed way Keep me that I may be wholly Thine And sing redemption’s song some day I will be a soldier brave and true And ever firmly take a stand

As I onward go and daily meet the foe

Blessed Jesus, hold my hand

When I wander through the valley dim Toward the setting of the sun

If I a crown of life have won I have put my faith in Thee, dear Lord,

That I may reach the golden strand

There’s no other friend on whom I can depend

Blessed Jesus, hold my hand.

Committal | Pastor Timothy Stuart

Benediction and Prayer for the Family

Committal Hymns | “It is Finished”

There’s a line that is drawn through the ages

On that line stands an old rugged cross

On that cross, a battle is raging

To gain a man’s soul or it’s loss

(Chorus)

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, all the devils of hell

On the other, the angels of glory And they meet on Golgotha’s hill

“That 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. Gather on the blessed hilltops with hearts all aglow. That will be a glad reunion day.

(Chorus)

Glad day, a wonderful day, Glad day, a glorious day; There with all the holy angels and loved ones to stay, That will be a glad reunion day.

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 still raging

Not all prisoners of war had come home

These were battlefields of my own making I didn’t know that the war had been won

Oh, but then I heard the king of the ages Had fought all the battles for me And that victory was mine for the claiming And now praise his name, I am free.

There within the holy city we’ll sing and rejoice, Praising Christ the blessed Saviour with heart and with voice. Tell him how we came to love Him and make Him our choice. 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 glad reunion day.

A Tribute to Our

Matriarch

FROM THE FAMILy

They say absence makes the heart grow fonder, but your absence has left many of us feeling empty.

Though Heaven has gained an angel, our family has lost a wife, mother, grandmother and friend. A Proverbs 31 woman who could never be replaced.

Today, we mourn your passing here on Earth but celebrate the start of your well-deserved eternity.

Our hearts ache for our loss but our minds are at ease knowing that you are resting peacefully in the arms of the Lord you loved the most.

If ever a time we needed your soothing, graceful yet powerful prayers, it would be now.

If ever a time we needed a warm embrace and to be told that we would be okay, it would be now.

But now is when we put all that you have instilled in us to the test.

You were strong from the beginning to the very end and we owe it to you to do the very same.

You were our earthly god and an angel in plain sight who has finally earned her wings.

Your words touched the lives of many and your love can still be felt today.

Thank you for teaching us how to love, how to be kind, how to forgive, how to serve, how to obey and how to pray.

You can finally take your “nap of sleep”. Attention. Soldiers draw swords. Matthew 25:21

“Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness.”

Your Redeemer lives, Thelma. Now, you can too.

To a beautiful life comes a happy end. She died as she lived. Everyone’s love. Everyone’s friend.

Acknowledgements

The Family of the late Thelma Loretta Pinder nee Gibson, would like to express our sincerest gratitude and appreciation to our many family and friends for their acts of kindness, visitations, telephone calls, and sympathy extended during this time of bereavement. Please continue to keep us in your prayers.