Thelma Pinder Original Memory Book FINAL

THELMA LORETTA PINDER Nee Gibson 1931-2018

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): Jeffrey & 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, Mt Tabor Church - His Grace Bishop Neil C. & Lady Patrice Ellis, Living Waters Kingdom Ministries - Apostle Raymond & Lady Olivia Wells, Purpose Church - Pastor Lincoln & Lady Yolanda Bain, Dr. Leonardo Culmer, Dr. DuVaughn Curling 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. A. DeWitt Hutcheson Invocation | Pastor Jevon Neely

Pastor of Christian Education Chairperson of the Ministerial Alliance, Mt. Tabor Church Opening Hymn | ”I know my redeemer liveth” I know that my Redeemer liveth, And on the earth again shall stand; I know eternal life He giveth, That grace and power are in His hand.

(Chorus) I know, I know, that Jesus liveth, And on the earth again shall stand; I know, I know, that life He giveth, That grace and power are in His hand.

I know His promise never faileth, The Word He speaks, it cannot die; Though cruel death my flesh assaileth, Yet I shall see Him by and by.

I know my mansion He prepareth, That where He is there I may be; O wondrous thought, for me He careth, And He at last will come for me.

First Scripture Reading | Psalm 91:1-14 | Keisha Russall (Granddaughter) Musical Selection | Philip & Anya Bowe (grand nephew & grand niece)

Tribute from the family | Jayme Pinder (Granddaughter) 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 Kaiwan 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.

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.

(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.

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.

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

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

(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

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

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

(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

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

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.

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.

PALLBEARERS Jeffery Pinder Jr. Gerard Pinder Taurean Davis Tevaun Davis Justin Bethell Renesto Riley HONORARY PALLBEARERS Jeffery Pinder Keith Pinder Desmond Pinder James Pinder Headley Gibson Densil Bullard

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