Sandra Coleby
CELESTIA
March 16th, 1954 - September 25th, 2021
THANKSGIVING & HOME GOING CELEBRATION FOR THE LIFE OF THE LATE
Sandra Coleby
CELESTIA
March 16th, 1954 - September 25th, 2021
Friday, October 15, 2021 at 11:00 am Kemp Road Ministries Kemp Rd New Providence, Bahamas
OFFICIATING
Bishop Delton D. Fernander, J.P., Ph.D Sr. Pastor President Bahamas Christian Council
ASSISTED BY:
Other Ministers of Religion
ORGANIST:
Elder Dexter D. Fernander
INTERMENT:
Woodlawn Gardens Cemetery
Sandra Coleby
CELESTIA
Obituary
A Time o be Born
On March 16th, 1954, in the quiet settlement of Long Bay Cay, South Andros, Rupert and Ruthnell Adderley celebrated the birth of their fifth (5th) child; a beautiful baby girl named Sandra Celestia Adderley. Affectionately called ‘Sand-dove’ by her father due to her small stature, Sandra was a studious child that could always be found in her books. This ambitious young lady began her education at Long Bay Cay All-Age School and was an outstanding student. At age eleven (11), she was awarded a scholarship to continue her studies at St. John’s College in New Providence from 1966 to 1971, graduating with a diploma. She decided to follow her heart and help people by choosing a career in Nursing.
A Time to Build
Sandra commenced training in the Registered Nurse Diploma Programme at The Bahamas School of Nursing, Ministry of Health, in October of 1971 and completed the programme in October 1974. After completing her nursing training, Sandra was appointed to the Public Service as Staff Nurse in December 1974 and was assigned to the Ambulatory Care Department at Princess Margaret Hospital. The vigorous demands and scheduling in the Ambulatory Care Department did not stop Sandra from pursuing additional training. She became a Registered Midwife in July 1976, and a Community Health Nurse in November 1979. Ever the student, Sandra completed advanced studies which included: Nursing Administration Certificate, University of the West Indies, 1990; Advanced Management Studies Certificate, University of Miami, 1993; and Master’s Degree in Business Administration/Specialization in International Business, University of Miami, 1995. As fate would have it, in November 1979 Sandra was deployed from Princess Margaret Hospital to Community Health Nursing Service and remained there until her retirement in March 2019. Continuous hard work and dedication allowed Sandra to persevere and advance from Staff Nurse to Principal Nursing Officer during her career. She considered those in nursing her family and supported them even in death by paying respects to their family.
A Time to Love
While building a thriving career, Sandra also built a rewarding family life. She was blessed with the birth of her first son, Timothy Omario Providence in 1977. In 1979 while working in Exuma, she met her former husband, Charles Coleby, and was married the following year. The union produced three sons; Travis Lamont, Chad Andre, and Carlos Anthon Coleby. Sandra’s sons will tell you that their mother was a firm believer in tough love, though somehow very caring. She was a disciplinarian that took an active interest in her sons’ studies. She was a resource of knowledge and could be called upon to recount anything from Bahamian to family history. Sandra was a generous soul that would row first but would give with all her heart afterwards. This discretion swiftly changed after becoming a grandmother. Sandra’s grandchildren will tell you that their ‘Grandma Sandra’ was loving, kind, and generous. She spoiled them with ice cream, gifts, and trips to the salon. Sandra was very close with her siblings, immediate, and extended family. She was known as one of the outspoken sisters that was always on the move, very giving, supportive, and kind. Sandra celebrated her family and shared their successes. She could be found at almost every function and marked the occasion by taking lots of pictures. Sandra had a way with words and was an accomplished poet, winning awards for her works. Anytime a member of the family needed assistance with a speech or a report, Sandra was there as the editor. She was also called upon to bring remarks on behalf of the family at events or to open the function with a word of prayer. Her love and support for people extended past her family to the wider community as Sandra was an active member of many boards and committees including; AIDS Research and Education Committee, Control of Diarrheal Diseases in The Bahamas Committee; Examination Board, Bahamas School of Nursing, National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) Disaster Committee, the Bahamas Red Cross Society and Saint John’s College Alumni Association.
A Time to Die
Sandra was diagnosed with Diabetes for thirty-five (35) years and later developed subsequent health challenges. She fought arduously while still finding the strength to help others. On September 25th, 2021 Sandra slipped from time to eternity to be reunited with her Savior. Sandra was predeceased by her beloved parents, Rupert and Ruthnell Adderley; sister Ethlyn; and brothers; Gregory and Curtis. Left to Cherish her Memories are: Sons: Dr. Timothy (Dr. Deina-Raye) Providence, Travis (Prista) Coleby, BDOC Cpl. Chad Coleby, and Carlos Coleby.
Grandchildren: Tayja and Tashae Providence, Savannah, Tristan, and Tyler Coleby. Former Husband: RBPF Ret. Sgt. Charles Coleby. Sisters: Barbara (Esmond) Joseph – Miami, Fl., Martha (Richard) Henry, Lydia (BDOC Ret. ACC. Neville) Adderley, and Brenda (RBDF Ret. PO James) Freckleton. Brothers: Rupert Edison (Suzette), Anthony, Michael, and Perry (Akeelah) Adderley. Aunts: Nathalie (Garnett) Bailey, Barbaramae Deleveaux, Delores Andrews, Shirley Andrews. Uncles: Elkanah (Marjorie), Hayman (Ann), Jack (Karen), and Vincent Andrews, Orthneil (Yvonne) Andrews. Nieces and Nephews: Jerome (Cinyone) McArthur, Adrienne McArthur, Charmayne Joseph, Ingrid Forbes Marshall, Indira Adderley, Nadia (Rodney Jr.) Bain, Edisa Adderley, Rupert Edison Adderley Jr., Christina Adderley, Jemeica Freckleton R/N Bsc., Najee Freckleton, Perron Adderley. Grand Nieces and Nephews: Hayes and Carringtion McArthur, Angel and Angelique McArthur, Adonis, Ashanti Marshall, Rayna and Rawson Bain, Clydesa Adderley and Montese Miller. A Host of Other Relatives and Friends Including: Garnell Frith and family, Ret. Dir. of Nursing Marcel (Charles) Johnson and family, Judy Miller and family, Ret. Justice K. Neville Adderley and family, Faye Delisa Bain and family, Katherine Roker and family, Jestina Russell and family, Daniel Kemp and family, Jan Bowleg and family, Patsy Evans and family, Arnette Davis and family, Maria Deleveaux and family, Anthony (Sharon) Andrews, Avis Baker, Valerie (Edward) Rolle, Claudette Andrews, RBPF Sgt. 963 Neil (Gail) Andrews, Deputy Permanent Secretary Nicola Andrews, Burntell Elridge Jr. (Debbie) Andrews, Richard Coleby and family, Raymond Heastie and family, Carlotta Klass and family, Rosemae Bain, Gina Ross, Eloise Jones, Dr. Timothy Providence Sr. and family, Phillip Cooper and family, the family of the late James Andrews, Coleman Andrews and family, the family of the late Lilian Duncombe, the family of the late Kenneth Andrews, the Coleby and Hanna families, Wilhelmina Cuffy and family, John (Jane) Watson & family, Cheryl Freckleton, Pat Freckleton and family, Margaret Bostwick and family, Althea Jolly and family, Pauline Smith and family, Louise Mackey and family, Delores Walkes and family, Virginia Bullard and family, Antoinette Outten and family, Valderine Rahming and family, Dorothy King and family, Racquel Hall, Cleora Pratt and family, Philabertha Carter, Ampusan Symonette, Loretta Smith, Roslyn Davis, Barron Johnson, Helena Rolle, Jan Thompson, Angelique Coakley, Margo Virgill, Wylma Bain, Clarice Ferguson, Margaret Beneby, Bernadette Godet, Peggy Cooper, Sherry Armbrister, Deborah Fox, Gena Dean, Arneta Clarke, Brenda Armbrister, Antoinette Cumberbatch, Betty Fox, Dorothy Hepburn and family, Charlene Bain, Hanna Brice and family, Adam Munroe and family, Celeste Lockhart and family, Apostle Delton Fernander and family, Bishop Carrington (Pastor Sabrina) Pinder and family, Annabelle Knowles and family, Khris Wring and family, Charles Johnson and family, Chief Medical Officer Dr. Pearl McMillan, Dr. Arthur Clarke, Dr. Freeman Lockhart, Dr. Don Deveaux, the Hon. Picewell Forbes, the Hon. Keith Bell, the Hon. Dr. Perry Gomez, officers and members of New Destiny Baptist Cathedral, the 1971 graduating class of Saint John’s College, Saint John’s College Alumni Association, the entire IC6 Nursing Class, the entire Nursing and Administrative staff of the Department of Public Health, the staff of the Bahamas Department of Corrections, the staff of Island Luck, the Doctors and Nurses of Princess Margaret Hospital, the community of Turtle Drive, the community of Steventon Exuma, the entire community of South Andros. Apologies for the absence of the many other names too numerous to mention.
Order of Service MODERATOR: MINISTER LENNOX GREEN Musical Prelude and Parting View Entrance and Seating of Family
Liturgy of Praise
Scriptural Sentences ............................................Apostle Delton Fernander Opening Hymn.....................................................................He Set Me Free Once like a bird in prison I dwelt, Now I am climbing higher each day, No freedom from my sorrow I felt. Darkness of night has drifted away. But Jesus came and listened to me, My feet are planted on higher ground, And, glory to God, He set me free. And glory to God, I'm homeward bound.
CHORUS:
He set me free, He set me free. Goodbye to sin and things that confound, He broke the bonds of prison for me; Naught of this world shall turn me around. I'm glorybound my Jesus to see, Daily I'm working, I'm praying, too, For glory to God, He set me free. And glory to God, I'm going through. Prayer of Invocation....................................................Pastor Sabrina Pinder Prayer Response................................................................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.
CHORUS: 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.
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 a glad reunion day.
Liturgy of the Written and Spoken Word Hebrew Scripture.........................Ecclesiastes 3:1-8..............Tashae Providence (Granddaughter) Selection..........................................................................................Nurses Choir Greek Scripture....................1 Corinthians 15: 51-58..............Jemeica Freckleton (Niece) Selection.....................How Great Thou Art............................Candace Bostwick (Family Friend) Spoken Word ..............................................................Apostle Delton Fernander Prayer for the Family..................................................Apostle Delton Fernander
Liturgy of Fellowship
Selection....................................................................................Neville Adderley (Brother-in-Law) Obituary.............................................................................To Be Read in Silence Poem...........................................................................................Indira Adderley (Niece) Condolences *Two (2) Minutes*...........................Organization Representatives As I Knew Her............................................................................Maria Deleveaux (Cousin) As I Knew Her.................................................................................Travis Coleby (Son) Recessional Hymn..............................................................................City of Gold There's a city of light There's no sorrow up there Where there cometh no night, In that city so fair 'Tis a city of beauty untold; And no sickness can enter I'm told; All my treasures are there Shadows all will have flown, And its beauty I'll share I will meet friends I've known, When I get to that city of gold When we get to that city of gold.
Chorus: Won't you go there with me When I leave all trouble and care, To the home of the free, I will say good morning up there; Would you see heaven's beauty unfold? I will have great gladness untold, If you will come along When I get to that city of gold. We will sing heaven's song, When we get to that city of gold.
Hymns What A Happy Time
It is Finished
We will labor, watch and pray, There's a line As we go along, That's been drawn through the ages Letting Jesus lead the way, On that line stands the old rugged cross Keeping courage strong, On that cross a battle is raging Knowing that we shall reach For the gain of man's soul or his loss home
By His grace sublime, Chorus When we are all gathered there, It is finished, The battle is over What a happy time. It is finished, There'll be no more war
It is finished, The end of the conflict Come and join us on our march It is finished, And Jesus is Lord To that happy place,
Where we shall extol our Lord, On one side march the forces of evil Looking on His face, All the demons and devils of hell Sharing all the joys up there On the other the angels of glory In that sunny clime, And they meet on Golgotha's hill Praising Jesus evermore, What a happy time. The earth shakes with the force of the conflict
And the sun refuses to shine For there hangs God's Son in the balance And then through the darkness He cries
Yet in my heart the battle was raging Not all pris'ners of war have come home When peace, like a river, attendeth my way, They were battlefields of my own making When sorrows like sea billows roll; Didn't know that the war had been won Whatever my lot, Thou has taught me to say,
It is well, it is well, with my soul. Then I heard that the King of the Ages Had fought all the battles for me Chorus: And vict'ry was mine for the claiming It is well, with my soul, And now praise His name I am free It is well, it is well, with my soul.
Sorrows often meet us here, Burdens press us so, And the way is hard to see That we have to go, But we press along in faith To our home above, Letting Jesus lead us on, Resting in His love.
Chorus What a happy time 'twill be When we all get home, Over by the crystal sea, Nevermore to roam; In that homeland of the soul, Where the joy-bells chime, Singing while the ages roll, What a happy time.
It is Well
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. [Choris] 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! [Chorus] And Lord, haste the day when the 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. [Chorus]
Sandra Coleby
CELESTIA
Tributes
Mummy, I miss you. Your sudden loss was like a chair that was kicked out beneath me. You were always my source of strength and guidance – particularly during my greatest times of tribulation. I recognize and thank you for all of the tremendous, unconditional sacrifices you made for me. I would not be the man I am today without you. I am blessed to have you as my mother. Sleep well; your pain is over now. Hopefully time will close the hole in my heart. I love you. -Timmy
A Tribute to Mom
Mom, that word seems to have lost all of its meaning now, since you are no longer with us. You are gone, but you have left so many memories, that you will never be forgotten. Growing up, it’s hard for a child to see the problems and sacrifices a parent makes for their children. You always tried to instill in us, to be responsible, and take pride in anything that we did. I still hear the many colorful phrases you had, “Charity begins at home and ends abroad”, “spare the rod and spoil the child”. All these sayings that sounded like nonsense, have molded me without me knowing all my life. Now, with a wife and kids of my own, I sit in wonderment as to how you did it. Everything wasn’t perfect, but you did all you could for us, and that’s the greatest love any parent can give for their child. Thank you Mom, for always being there for me, I love you, we will keep your legacy strong, so the future generations of our family will know what a great woman you were.
-Travis
A Tribute to Mommy
Mother, it is only fitting that your middle name was “Celestia” for you were truly “heavenly”. Just like people use the stars to navigate the Earth and the seas, I could have always counted on you to guide and direct my path through this troubling life. Whenever times were dark, you were the light. Whenever I was afraid you reassured me that everything would be ok. In times of emotional and financial stress, you steered me through it. You were always there to correct me with a tone that was sure to stick. “Boy, what you is do with your money” was one of your favorite quotes. You taught me how to walk, talk and be mannerly. You shared your life experiences with me so that if I ever encountered a similar situation I could be prepared to do it better. Your selfless love, care, and affection are instilled in me because you taught me that these are the qualities of a good person. You worked hard to provide for me and my brothers. I could remember the times when you worked day and night just so you could make ends meet; you were always going the extra mile. My mother was always ready to lend a helping hand whether it was for her immediate family, her extended family, her godchildren, her friends, and even sometimes strangers. I now see that you were sending up your treasures to heaven because you knew that on earth we are all just passing through. I now realize that your spirit was bigger than your body, so God decided to bring you home. Rest in peace my beautiful, wonderful mother, until we meet again,
-Your loving son Chad
A Tribute to my Helpful and Kind-Hearted Mother Sandra C. Coleby
Mom your loving guidance, helpful hand, and vast knowledge always assures me and continues to guide me and help to grow me as a person and as a man within my life. Your kind heart has immeasurably influenced all that I have done, all that I do, and all that I will ever do. Your sweet spirit is indelibly imprinted on all that I have been, all that I am, and all that I will ever be. Because everything I do reflects values learned from you, any wrong that I right, any heart I may brighten, any gift that I share, or burden I may lighten, is in its own small way a tribute to you. Because you gave me life, and more importantly, lessons in how to live. You are the wellspring from which flows all good I may achieve in my time on earth. For all that you are and for all that I am, Thank you, Mom. - Carlos
Grandma, I love you and I will always miss you. I wish you didn’t have to leave us. I will keep you in my heart and I will hope to see you again someday.
-Tayja
To my sister Sandra I would miss her very much because she was always there for me. May she rest in peace. She went the last mile of the way.
-Michael
Poem: The Broken Chair
We little knew that morning that God was going to call your name. In life we loved you dearly, in death we do the same. It broke our hearts to lose you, you did not go alone, for part of us went with you, the day God called you home. You left us peaceful memories. Your love is still our guide and though we cannot see you, you are always at our side. Our family chain is broken, and nothing seems the same, but as God calls us one by one, the chair will link again.
-Ron Tranmer In loving memory of a lovely sister, aunt, and grand aunt forever and always. - Barbara
SANDRA! In my mind I know that you are in a much better place than this. Free from all pain and suffering. You are at peace. I wish I could explain this to my heart that is missing you so very much But God has given us a love that death has no power to take away. Love will live on for all eternity. So take your rest, dear sister For we will meet each other on that reunion day
-Martha
'For what is a woman, what has she got? If not herself then she has naught. To say the things she truly feels and not the words of one who kneels. The record shows you took the blows and did it your way.' Sandra these words by the late. Frank Sinatra truly describes you and the life you lived. Through it all, you still celebrated, you still gave, and still loved. Your loss will forever be felt, but heaven couldn’t wait for you. Sweet rest my sister. - Edison (Big 6)
My dearest Sandra, when you left you took part of my world along with you. Words will never be able to express the love we shared. We celebrated the good times and managed the bad times together. I will miss the laughter and hugs. Every time we met there was always a hug, a kiss on the cheeks and a pat on the back. Thank God for lending us such a beautiful, humble, sharing, and caring person. The great and pleasant memories will forever linger in our hearts. Your sisters will continue to be mothers for the boys. Sleep on. Take your much needed rest.
We will meet you in the morning where we will never part again.
-Love, Lydia.
A Tribute to “Big Sis”
”I hope that you are happy wherever you are, I have you in my heart no matter how far the heavens are above. I wish I could fly, only to give you a warm ‘Good Bye.” -Robert Paulinsky. Hey Big Sis, never knew that Friday night would have been the last time we spoke. It was a long conversation on the phone. Of course, I wanted to know how your first session of dialysis went. I was relieved when you said well. In response I told you, all will surely be well, and that I’m going to continue to pray that the Lord gives you strength in general but particularly, for your second session that would take place that following morning. You replied, ‘Yes, sis I am going to need all the prayers’, I ended by saying to you, get some rest, that I loved you, and that the crabs our brother Michael sent will be cooked on Sunday, Gods willing. The last thing you said before we said goodnight was, “That sounds good, Thank you”. Sunday came but you slipped away before I even had the chance to cook you your last meal. Thankfully A few weeks ago I was able to make you a pan of potato bread and crab n dough, as you insisted. I remember spending the entire day with you and the way your face lit up and your smile when you bit into your piece. You said, “This is perfect, this is how I like it.”
My warmest and latest memory was celebrating your retirement. We went on a cruise. That time we spent together was grand and I will always cherish it. You were always a hard worker and a busy body. So use to working that when it was time to sit still it took a while to get used to. I came by your home often during this time and you would sit in that chair, in your living room. Sometimes in so much pain. It hurt me that there was little that I could do to comfort you. But regardless you would try to remain cheerful and always say thanks “Bren’ for the company. That’s how I will always remember you my sister humble regardless of your circumstances. You were such a good person with such a big heart. Anyone that knew you would agree, It was such a privilege to have known you. God heard your cry Sis, He knew your pain and so He took you so you can finally rest. Till we meet again on God we must rely, I love you, I miss you and for now goodbye “Big sis.” Missing you, “Lil Sis” – Brenda A beautiful creature has left this earth, and this time it’s my sister, Sandra. The fifth sister in our flock, we were many but we all had a part to play in each other’s lives. You, along with Lydia, played the part of being the family’s physicians. Whenever we needed medical advice, you were on the clock. It was so admirable that your son followed in your footsteps. Everyone was comfortable in your presence because you were as gentle as a lamb. You were dependable and loved me like a son. You were instrumental in my upbringing and I will forever be grateful for all that you have done for me and my family. Even though I didn’t get to say a personal goodbye, you know your baby brother loved you to the moon and back. Tell mommy, Kirk, and Ethlyn hello for me. I am sure they are waiting with open arms. Although we would have preferred you to be here with us, you had other plans. Love you always and forever. - Perry
My dearest Aunt Sandra what a blessing and privilege it was to have you as a part of our family. How I idolized you as a child, you were so beautiful, warm, sweet, and loving. I will never forget those Saturday mornings when you would watch over Chrissy and I when dad and mom went to work. Carlos and Chad always kept us entertained with the latest video games whilst you always ensured we had a delicious meal, those childhood memories will forever be priceless! Aunt Sandra, you have left a remarkable legacy here on earth in both your professional life and most importantly with us, your family. Know that you will never be forgotten and always loved by all of us in the family. We all look forward to the day we see you again and get to spend eternity with you. Take your rest Aunty and I will always Love You! -EJ
One Last Conversation
Aunt Sandra, It broke my heart for you to leave the way you did. And it’s hard to process that you’re gone. Especially when I didn’t even get to say goodbye. If I had another opportunity to sit on your sofa and speak honestly to you one last time. I’d want you to know that these are such big shoes to fill. I’ve had people tell me; when they found out that we were related “You are nothing like your aunt” Well, they’re right. You were so wise and always held your composure. Stern but so humble. You spoke slowly and carefully and only when needed. I remember countless conversations we had, as I expressed my frustration about nursing. You always allowed me to finish my thought, vent freely before giving your point of view. The conversation always ended with you reminding me to remain patient and kind in my approach. Since we are talking for the last time, Travis told me “mommy was so proud of you Meica” I cried, I never knew that. I didn’t realize until now how much you believed in my capabilities. But then again you were always coaching from afar. You were there when I was first interviewed for the nursing school. You talked me through my first care plan and when I wanted to quit nursing the first year. And you were at my pinning and graduation service. You always knew that despite my rough exterior my heart and head were always in the right places. There are many things I want to say to you but how can I now? I wish I had more time with you, I wish I said I loved you more. I don’t even remember if I said thank you enough. Did I ever mention that you inspired me and that I admired you? These are such big shoes to fill and I’ll do my best to wear them well, I just hope I can continue to make you proud. Dr. Myles Munroe taught us that we should live a purposeful life and die empty. For he believed the greatest tragedy in life was not death, but a life without a purpose. Therefore today I decided not to cry because you died but rather smile because I remembered how you lived! Thank you for leaving this earth having deposited everything into its advancement. Love Always, your Niece. Jemeica Freckleton R/N B.Sc.
Tribute to my Mother-in-Law
Twenty years ago we met when Travis thought it was a brilliant idea to take me to meet you and the entire family! Christmas breaks at your house were then a ritual for the remainder of my college years. We made beautiful memories. Once Travis and I got married we bickered about everything from where to buy furniture to how to clean the babies’ faces (only with cotton swabs and water! Wiping away from the face!) But family meant more to you than anything else! For years I got an early morning calls from you on New Year’s Day wishing me a blessed year and hopes that this year would be the year I brought you a grandchild! And when we became pregnant you were there every step of the way! If I was in trouble you would be the first one with me. You were my personal midwife. And when the boys were in NICU, you nursed me and kept me company until I became well. You were present at doctor’s visits, birthdays, and regular days to hang out with us. You taught me how to cook Bahamian food. I will miss your Good Friday stew fish and your rendition of "for she's a jolly good fellow" at birthdays. I will miss you on Grandparents Day as you visit each of the children's classes to read them a book or just to play. I will miss you terribly... I should have told you more how much I loved you and how much I am thankful for you. You gave me a wonderful husband and father to my children, you brought me an entire family to love and share life with! Your departure has left a void that only you could fill. But we will never forget you and your grandchildren will always know how much "grandma Sandra" loved and cared for them! We love you dearly and we miss you so much. Take your rest now, you have worked long and hard, you deserve a rest. Sleep on till we meet again. Share stories of your grandchildren with Grandma Ruthnell, Kirk and Calvin.
-Prista
Tribute to Sandra Coleby
Although we were first cousins, we bonded like sisters. Not only did we share a genuine love for each other, but your love and affection transcended to all my children especially Damon, who communicated constantly with you even when we did not talk regularly. Sandra, I will truly miss those long conversations late into the night when you visited me in Freeport. Family matters were always the topic of our meetings; sharing love, and support for each other. Even though I will miss your soft-spoken voice and kind words of encouragement, you were not too far away. My heart is full of memories and I treasure them every day. Surely this world would be a better place if we had many more like you. Heaven has truly gained a gem. Sleep on my wonderful cousin, we love you, but Jesus loves you best! -Garnell & Family
We Will Look For You
At every celebration To lead us all in prayer Cooking, planning, laughing You were always there.
For all of our accomplishments And sometimes downfalls We counted on your guidance You were present for it all.
We look for you in pictures And cherish every smile You are present now in Heaven Free of earthly trials
Love you, Auntie Sandra - Nadia Sandra Coleby was a feisty lady with heart of gold. One couldn’t remain angry with Sandra for any extended period. She endeared herself to people whom she came into contact with. She was a person who gave her last to help others. I will miss her dearly.
I look forward to that time when Jesus Christ will say “Sandra, get up!” Until that time, sleep on my dear cousin! Marcel Johnson
Pallbearers
Dr. Timothy Providence Jr. Travis Coleby Chad Coleby
Carlos Coleby Rupert Edison Adderley Jr. Rodney D. Bain Jr.
Honourary Pallbearers
Rupert Edison Adderley Sr. Michael Adderley Perry Adderley
Richard Henry James Freckleton Najee Freckleton Perron Adderley
Ode to a Coconut Tree
A poem by Sandra Coleby, inspired by childhood days in South Andros where byproducts of the coconut tree was a way of life.
Tall and majestic it stands, a thing of beauty in every land. Designed by the master himself, all other trees are it’s elf. A multiplicity of uses you will find, the magnitude of which hoofs the mind. Humanity is forever grateful, for the service of this old faithful. Like manna from heaven above, the tasty fruit everyone loves. Widely used as a reading balm, economic benefits come from the palm. Delightful dishes feed the hungry, the use of this tree is without boundary. The family of the late Sandra Celestia Coleby 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
Sandra Celestia Coleby
1954-2021