MAY 22, 1975 - JULY 26, 2021
THE BURIAL RITE IN CELEBRATION OF THE LIFE OF
QUEEN MOTHER Eureka Ratus
MCKINNEY BORN: April 13, 1936 DIED: August 10, 2021
MEMORIAL SERVICE
Friday, August 27, 2021 At 10:00 AM Held at St. John's Native Baptist Church Meeting Street Nassau, Bahamas Officiating Pastor Carrington Pinder Senior Pastor
GOING HOME SERVICE Saturday, August 28, 2021 At 10:00AM Held at Friendship Baptist Church The Bluff South Andros, Bahamas Officiating Pastor Fairdale Smith Senior Pastor
Order of Service
QUEEN MOTHER EUREKA RATUS MCKINNEY 1936-2021
Memorial Service (Nassau) Procession of the Family ....................................................Musical Prelude Opening Prayer ................................................... Rithmond McKinney Son Prayer Response ................................."My Faith Has Found a Resting Place" Opening Hymn ......................................... "Face to Face Should I Behold Him" Old Testament Reading...Isaiah 41: 10 &13..Sharrell McKinney Granddaughter Tribute .......................................................................The Grandchildren Solo .......................................................... Cyprianna Moss Family Friend New Testament Reading ......John 14:1-4 ........... Okomfu McKinney Grandson As I Knew Her ............................................................................ Children Solo ...................................................................Paula Bain Family Friend The Spoken Word ............................................... Bishop Carrington Pinder Prayer for the Family................................. Elder Donny Rolle Family Friend Recessional Hymn ........................................................ "Glad Reunion Day"
Memorial Service (South Andros) Procession of the Family .................................................. "Abide With Me" Invocation ..............................................................Pastor Elijah Ferguson Prayer Response .............................................."God Will Take Care of You" Opening Hymn .......................................... "All the Way My Savior Leads Me" First Scripture Reading..Psalms 46:1-11..Benjamin-Hardy McKinney Grandson Solo ............................................................... Alfred Stuart Family Friend Tribute .......................................................................The Grandchildren Solo ...................................................................... Audrey Russell Cousin New Scripture Reading...1 Thess.4:13-18.... Tarajah McKinney Granddaughter Congregational Hymn ............................... "Am Glad I Have Counted the Cost" As I Knew Her and Music Rendition .............................................. Children Obituary Reading ...................................................... To be read in silence Solo ....................................................................... Sophie Smith Cousin The Spoken Word ..................................................... Pastor Fairdale Smith Prayer for the Family.................................................. Pastor Ashley Brown Recessional Hymn ........................................................ "Glad Reunion Day"
Committal Service Opening Song Prayer Committal Final Burial Rites Congregational Songs
QUEEN MOTHER EUREKA “REKA” RATUS MCKINNEY 1936-2021
Obituary
“My spirit is broken my days are extinguished the grave is ready for me” Job 17: 1 On a lovely sunny morning in High Rock, South Andros, a beautiful roundface baby girl was born to the proud parents of Rupert and Olive Walker (now deceased). They named her Eureka Ratus Walker. From birth, Eureka showed the world her resilience and tenacious sprite, and her fight to live fully. At only ten months old, baby Eureka contracted Typhoid Fever, and later again at fifteen months old, which was almost fatal. She often told a story of how her parents planned her funeral twice, and how she survived through the grace of God. As a result of the illness, she was left with hearing and speech impediments.
Despite her early health struggles, Eureka had a willingness to live. At age four, she attended the local catholic school, then later joined the Long Bay Cays All-Age school at age seven. She was an excellent student and an avid reader, which earned her the reward of skipping to a higher grade. Although she completed her schooling at only age 14, she continued her pursuit of learning through her love of reading and her desire to learn new things. Eureka would always joke with her children telling them that she is a “Human Computer” because of her superior mental math and calculation skills.
QUEEN MOTHER EUREKA “REKA” RATUS MCKINNEY 1936-2021
Obituary Eureka was blessed with many talents. As a young girl, she was industrious and early on become a financial support to her family through her aptitude for entrepreneurship. She started plaiting straw at age five, and would recall with pride her many contributions to her family as the eldest daughter. In June 1954, Eureka met the love of her life, Samuel “Sam” McKinney. This attraction blossomed into a fairytale courtship where many letters and gifts were sent back and forth during Sam’s time on the ‘contract’. She described her lover as tall, handsome and with a strong physique. On September 15, 1957, wedding bells rang as they were joined in holy matrimony. Eureka was truly a Proverbs 31 women - an industrious woman in every sense of the word. She was the backbone for her husband as he built his empire. She worked as his accountant and secretary, all while managing her household, and pursuing ventures of her own. This union was blessed with undying love, laughter and ten children who matured to adulthood. Eureka and her love enjoyed 24 years of marital bliss until his demise in March 1981. Eureka was an astute businesswoman. Notably, she opened the first straw market in South Andros, and she received numerous accolades and awards for her work and contributions to the community. Eureka was a fantastic cook! A skill she passed on to her children. She was often called on to assist with cooking for community events, which she did with grace. She is renowned for making the BEST baked crabs in The Bahamas- by her children and anyone who had the pleasure of tasting her baked crabs. Eureka was a community person who was loved by many people from Driggs’s Hill to Mars Bay. “Mama”, as she was affectionately called, would draw people out of the street to feed them- always with a kind word and a smile.
QUEEN MOTHER EUREKA “REKA” RATUS MCKINNEY 1936-2021
Obituary
Eureka was a devoted mother and an excellent storyteller. She enjoyed sharing stories with her children and grandchildren about her younger life, but her favourite stories to share were love stories about her and her late husband, Sam. She could bring any story to life, taking you on a journey, and would often light up and blush as she recounted the tales of her one true love. Laughter came easy to her; she was always sharing jokes with her children, and she created a home where love and laughter was plenty. In the early morning hours, Eureka could be found in the solitude of her personal worship every day. She loved the Lord! Every morning at 5 am, Eureka would assemble her family for morning worship. As an active member in her church, she worked as the secretary and treasurer, among other tasks that she sometimes single-handedly carried out. One of her favourite words of encouragement for her children and grandchildren was to “Give God a Chance”. Precious and loving memories will always linger in the hearts of her family and friends. On Tuesday, 10th August 2021 at the Princess Margaret Hospital, Eureka transitioned to be with the Lord in glory. She is predeceased by her husband: Samuel David McKinney; mother: Olive Rolle-Walker; father: Rupert Walker; sons: Raymond & McNeil (Joanne) McKinney.
QUEEN MOTHER EUREKA “REKA” RATUS MCKINNEY 1936-2021
A rewarding life cherished by her:
Obituary
Sons: Rithmond (Joann) and Hardy (Sonia) Mckinney
Daughters: Maureen Edwards (Perry), Barbara McKinney, Sharon Andrews (Anthony), Dellarese McKinney, Eureka McKinney,Sametria McKinney Granddaughters: Sharrell, Santina, Ithiopia, Chanille, Sarah, Tarajah & Dawnell McKinney, Sanovia Tucker (Marcian), Samone Blackwood, Tashia Edwards, Delthia McKinney-Snyder (Toby), Nikita Dawkins Grandsons: Rithmond (Merlande), Idiamin, Rimar, Okomfu, Rasamin, Benjamin-Hardy & Toby McKinney (Cynthia), Thurl Edwards, Dillon Ramsey, Tafari Thompson, Ayden & Seth Andrews Great Grandsons: Najae Harris, Tylan & Taurian Tucker, Noah McKinney Great Granddaughters: Ameena Moss, Starmarie Blackwood, Blaze & Genesis McKinney Sister: Cecelia Walker-Harris Nieces: Ann-Marie Kelly, Cheryl Young, Christine McKenzie, Kim Stuart, Brenda Pinder, Tracy Harris, Angenique Ellis, Lisa Walker, Tamika, Shamika & Cola Kemp, Mona-Lisa Adderley Nephews: George & Dave Harris, Michael, Keith & Antonio Coakley, Wilfred & Daniel Walker, Troy & Necroy Kemp Brother-in-law: George McKinney Sisters- in-law: Sylvia Phillips, Eulamae West, Prudence Rolle, Lialabelle Walker, Doris Kemp, Pearlneva, Barbara and Dorothy McKinney Aunt: Magnola Rolle God Children: Sueann Charlton, Clyde Rolle, Jacklyn McKinney, Gwyneth Ferguson Adopted Children: Terrence Duvalier, Rezzy Major, Kevin Davis, Natalie Rahming, Glenroy Miller, Lisa Cartwright, Norma Brown- McPhee, Bentley Tosey Johnson. A host of other Relatives and Friends including: Charles and Edwin Johnson; Erma Maria Minnis, Olgamae and Dellrina Johnson, Norman, Roy and Benjamin McKinney, Christine, Jacquelyn and Hazel McKinney, Linda Thompson , Maislen Demeritte and Carol Rahming, Frank Andrews, George Pintard, Keith Poitier and Carl Sands, Alice Edwards, Betty Hanna, Gladys Saunders, Lucille and Myrtle Andrews, Clyde, Alton, Alexander, Magnola Rolle Eloise Watkins, Ezerene, Beryl, Mable, Arabella and Maxcine Rolle, Lucine Darcy, Joanna McKinney, Catherline Darville, Oris and Phillip McKinney, Stephanie and Brenda McKinney, Cheryl Bain, Princess, Maxcine Betty, Eulease Spencer, Doretha Laing, Desalee Bandy, Clarence and Ezekiel Bain, Whitfield, John-Hardy, Cleveland, Daniel, Bruce, Mark, Delores Smith, Margie McKinney, Branelle, Diane, Carolyn Phillips, Girthlyn Coleby, Janice Brown, Latoya Curry, Christopher Phillips, Leslie Phillips, Elisha Phillips and Jermaine Smith, Shantell Ferguson, Raquel, Adrian, Tino, Rita, Meggie, Benji and Jerry. Maguerite Lewis, Orthneil and Joyce Lewis, Ellamae Bain, Clarence Young, Blooming Neeley, Ines Symonette, Felton Green, Prenell Taylor, Edney, Maxine, Wilfred Rolle, Vanessa Williams, Helena Rolle, Hilda, Wilfred, Richard, Gladstone, Phillip, Kenneth and Miriam Adderley, Thelma Shakespeare, Burnell Rolle, Theophilus Rolle, Roberta Knowles, Elwear Strachan. The Extended McKinney Family, The Rolle, Kemp and Johnson Family, Bethell Family, Bain Family, Lewis Family, Young Family, Neely Family, Ferguson Family, Smith Family, Gibson Family, Rahming Family, Green Family, Burrows Family, Davis Family, Adderley Family, Andrews Family, Edwards Family, Miller Family, Forbes Family, Stuart Family, Knowles Family, Duncombe Family and Harris Family, Walker Family, McKenzie Family, The entire community of South Andros and many others too numerous to mention.
QUEEN MOTHER EUREKA “REKA” RATUS MCKINNEY 1936-2021
Hymns
MY FAITH HAS FOUND A RESTING PLACE My faith has found a resting place, Not in a manmade creed; I trust the ever living One, That He for me shall plead. Refrain I need no other evidence, I need no other plea; It is enough that Jesus died, And rose again for me. Enough for me that Jesus saves, This ends my fear and doubt; A sinful soul, I come to Him, He will not cast me out. My soul is resting on the Word, The living Word of God, Salvation in my Savior’s name, Salvation through His blood. 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.
FACE TO FACE WITH CHRIST, MY SAVIOR Face to face- what will it be When with rapture I behold him, Jesus Christ who died for me? Refrain: Face to face I shall behold him, Far beyond the starry sky; Face to face in all his glory, I shall see him by and by. 2 Only faintly now I see him With the darkened veil between, But a blessed day is coming When his glory shall be seen. [Refrain] 3 What rejoicing in his presence, When are banished grief and pain; When the crooked ways are straightened And the dark things shall be plain. [Refrain] 4 Face to face- oh, blissful moment! Face to face- to see and know; Face to face with my Redeemer, Jesus Christ who loves me so. [Refrain]
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.
QUEEN MOTHER EUREKA “REKA” RATUS MCKINNEY 1936-2021
Hymns
ALL THE WAY MY SAVIOR LEADS ME All the way my Savior leads me– What have I to ask beside? Can I doubt His tender mercy, Who through life has been my guide? Heav’nly peace, divinest comfort, Here by faith in Him to dwell! For I know, whate’er befall me, Jesus doeth all things well; For I know, whate’er befall me, Jesus doeth all things well. All the way my Savior leads me– Cheers each winding path I tread, Gives me grace for ev'ry trial, Feeds me with the living bread. Though my weary steps may falter And my soul athirst may be, Gushing from the rock before me, Lo! a spring of joy I see; Gushing from the rock before me, Lo! A spring of joy I see. All the way my Savior leads me– Oh, the fullness of His love! Perfect rest to me is promised In my Father’s house above. When my spirit, clothed immortal, Wings its flight to realms of day, This my song through endless ages: Jesus led me all the way; This my song through endless ages: Jesus led me all the way.
I’LL FLY AWAY
Some glad morning when this life is over I'll fly away To a home on God's celestial shore I'll fly away I'll fly away, oh, Glory I'll fly away When I die, Hallelujah, by and by I'll fly away 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, oh, Glory I'll fly away When I die, Hallelujah, by and by I'll fly away Yeah, when I die, Hallelujah, by and by I'll fly away
I’M GLAD I COUNTED THE COST When first I started to seek the Lord, I’m glad I counted the cost; I fully measured to Jesus’ Word; I’m glad I counted the cost.
Refrain: 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 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.
QUEEN MOTHER EUREKA “REKA” RATUS MCKINNEY 1936-2021
Tributes
THE THINGS YOU GAVE ME
You gave me your smile, and I wear it proudly You gave me your grace, and I walk with it boldly You gave me your prayers, and I hold them dearly You gave me your laughter, and I use it plenty You gave me your work ethic, and I hustle daily You gave me your sharp wit; this comes so swiftly You gave me your creativity, and you gave it abundantly You gave me your words, and I say them loudly You gave me your friendliness, and I spread it widely You give me your recipes, and I use them masterfully You gave me your humbleness and all of your diplomacy You gave me your stories, and I carry them safely You gave me your love You gave me your love You gave me your love, and I miss it already You gave me your love, and I thank you eternally You gave me your love, and I give it back everlastingly I am yours, and you are mine, Your Baby Sametria McKinney (Daughter)
MY TRIBUTE TO MY DEAR MOTHER:
When I was growing up, I would often ask you why you named me after you. At the time, I did not want to be named after you, and I felt slighted that the other five daughters had their unique names. Over the years, I have realized what an honor it is to be a junior to a woman of such strength and wisdom. Mama, you are the most friendly, kindhearted, helpful, courageous, enterprising, and a faithful woman to your spiritual beliefs. I will forever represent your name with pride and grace! Take your rest, you deserve it. I will miss your stories, laughter, personality, and your wisdom but I will be comforted knowing that you have left me full of great memories and lessons. Thank you for my gift! I love you!! Eureka McKinney (Daughter)
QUEEN MOTHER EUREKA “REKA” RATUS MCKINNEY 1936-2021
MAMA
Tributes
TRIBUTE
Travelling from boat or plane, I thank God for the precious The long ride to the bluff will never be the memories Mum and I shared same, Butterfly in our stomach, together. The morning devotions, Waiting to see your face, cooking together, shopping and Running up the pink stairs you showing me the various “Bush Just for your warm embrace, tea” and bush medicines. You Screaming with excitement…. tenderly teaching me the different Mama straw plaits. The numerous ‘ole’ We reach, But now you are not here stories, and of course my favorite Mama being your accounts of your We reach courtship and love story with my Oh lord, No….Mama is not here…. father. The precious hours we laid Mama is this a dream in bed talking from one thing to Are you playing a joke on us… Oh Mama the next. These are times and We love you…and in God we trust memories that money cannot buy. Soooo “When you ask God for a gift be When we host a picnic on McKinney hill thankful if he sends not diamonds, We will think of you.. pearls or riches, but the love of a When we drink our coconut water We will think of you... good mother!” When we eat sea grapes We will think of you... Maureen Edwards (Daughter) When we drink our bush medicine We will think of you… When we have our family dancing MY BEAUTIFUL MOTHER competition Since the day you were taken away We will think of you… It created a new way that I would When we plait straw or wear straw hats We will think of you have to live. For you will live in our hearts forever Knowing I will never touch your Your words of wisdom in our minds face again, see forever your smiles and hear your words. Your warm hugs on our skin forever, It is heart breaking to Your laugh ringing in our ears forever, Mama Realize you are not within my Mama reach. Mama Mama you are gone from my sight, We will carry your spirit with us forever but you will always Mama take your rest remain in my heart. We love you, but God loves you best By: Santina McKinney (Granddaughter) Barbara McKinney (Daughter)
QUEEN MOTHER EUREKA “REKA” RATUS MCKINNEY 1936-2021
TRIBUTE
Tributes
A song called "Mama" by Grammy Award winning recording Artists Boys 2 Men says, “Mama, Mama you know I love you, Mama you're the queen of my heart. Your love is like tears from the stars, Mama I just want you to know lovin' you is like food to my soul". Mama we will miss your warm glowing smile. We will miss your early morning breakfast with bush tea. We will miss all the life lessons you taught us and stories of your childhood you shared with us. We cherish all your creative craft and shell work, your sense of dignity and grace that you carried yourself with. Rest in Peace and Rise in Glory My Queen! Thurl Edwards (Grandson)
THANK YOU MAMA! For showing me the strength of a woman, thank you Mama! For teaching me that laughter is the best medicine, thank you Mama! For helping me to understand the importance of resourcefulness and hard work, thank you Mama! For being an example of gracefulness and kindness, thank you Mama! For always putting your family first, thank you Mama! Rest in Peace my sweet Mama! Tashia Edwards (Granddaughter)
TRIBUTE
Mama, I often reflect on the story you tell, regarding the dream you had of me amazes me every time. So as I sit here reminiscing of the times we spent together, the lessons learnt, and the memories shared, I smile, but with a heavy heart. Realizing that I won’t see your smile or hear you call me bulla one last time. So many things I wanted to say, so many things I wanted to do. You were truly a gem. I admired your character, your strength, your integrity, and your dedication to your family. I’m so proud to say that I’m your grandson. You will be missed and loved always. Rithmond (Grandson)
QUEEN MOTHER EUREKA “REKA” RATUS MCKINNEY 1936-2021
QUEEN MOTHER EUREKA “REKA” RATUS MCKINNEY 1936-2021
PALLBEARERS Hardy McKinney Rithmond McKinney Jr Thurl Edwards Dillion Ramsey Okomfu McKinney Ayden Andrews Tafari Thompson Rasamin McKinney
HONOURARY PALLBEARERS Rithmond McKinney Sr Rayneil McKinney Rimar McKinney Seth Andrews Toby McKinney Benjamin- Hardy McKinney
Psalm 46
God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging. Selah. There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, the holy place where the Most High dwells. God is within her, she will not fall; God will help her at break of day. Nations are in uproar, kingdoms fall; he lifts his voice, the earth melts. The LORD Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress. Selah. Come and see the works of the LORD, the desolations he has brought on the earth. He makes wars cease to the ends of the earth; he breaks the bow and shatters the spear, he burns the shields with fire. "Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth." The LORD Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress. Selah The family of Queen Mother Eureka McKinney would like to extend sincerest appreciation for your words of support, kindness, prayers, expressions of sympathy, friendship, and presence during our time of bereavement.
Program designed by Service Culture Firm www.serviceculturefirm.com
MAY 22, 1975 - JULY 26, 2021