RITE OF CHRISTIAN BURIAL FOR:
24th October, 1960 - 7th November, 2020
AGED: 60 years
GRAVESIDE SERVICE: Woodlawn Gardens Cemetery Soldier Road Nassau, Bahamas
30th November, 2020 at 1:00 p.m.
OFFICIATING: Fr. Simeon Roberts
ASSISTED BY: Deacon Danny Price
“I’d like the memory of me to be a happy one. I’d like to leave an afterglow of smiles when life is done.” - Helen Lowrie Marshall
The life of Patrick Henderson Clarke, son of the late Mary Louise Clarke and Leroy Frederick Clarke, began on October 24, 1960. He attended S.C. McPherson and A.F. Adderley Senior High. Patrick was self-driven, task-oriented, well-organized, and very numerate. From the tender age of fourteen, Patrick, being the independent person he was, began working at the Nassau International Airport selling peanuts. Later, he worked at the former Maura Lumber Yard and Nassau Bicycle Company. He later mastered the trade of tiling and started his own business, P. C. Tile Layers and Construction. Patrick perfected everything he did and his work spoke for itself.
In April of 1986, Patrick met the love of his life Maryann Higgs and they united in Holy matrimony on June 27, 1987. This union was blessed with two exceptional daughters. Patrick was always focused on working hard and providing for his family because his motto was “I want what’s best for my girls”. Patrick was a kind and devoted friend/ uncle who loved people and exhibited a unique sense of humor with a vibrant personality that would light up a room. Once he stepped in, his personality was so welcoming and accommodating to everyone that he came into contact with regardless of their relation to him.
Patrick was the “chef” in the family. Everything he made was tasty, not because he knew how to cook but because he made everything with love. Patrick travelled to many places and met so many persons that started as friends
and later turned into family. Patrick wasn’t shy when it came to the kitchen. Wherever he went, he made himself comfortable and went immediately to the kitchen and made a meal for everyone. Patrick had a giving heart. He was the one anyone could call on if they needed assistance with anything. He lived by “doing good without expecting something in return” because he loved helping others. Patrick’s love for his family was immeasurable. His love was pure, his love was genuine, his love was unmatched and he loved Bella and Toby (the family cat and the family dog) just as much.
Patrick lived a life of selflessness. He didn’t seek reward financially, nor reward in material things or in his professional accomplishments, but rather the reward of a man who leaves this earth knowing that he did his best, consistently and persistently, to make this world a better place for those around him. He provided great solace to those who loved him. The greatest reward Patrick gave to his daughters was his example and his words backed up by his actions. He was truly an example of how to live your life with integrity and dignity.
May his soul rest in eternal peace.
Left to cherish his memories are:
His wife Maryann Higgs-Clarke; Two Precious Gems: Lanece Petra and Shante’ Amarah Clarke; Three Sisters: Veronica Walkes, Naomi Johnson and Valeria Clarke; Two Aunts: Ethlyn Cartwright (Hard Bargain, Long Island) & Nancy Alleyne (Christ Church, Barbados); One Uncle: Frederick Eustace Alleyne (Christ Church, Barbados); Three Brothers-
in-Law: Kenneth Laing & Family, Leland Levarity & Family, Edward Robins & Family; Three Sisters-in-Law: Barbara Levarity, Janet Higgs & Family, Bridgette Johnson & Family; Nieces: Sherelle Wilson (Peter); Moniqueca, Keyla, Nicolette Wilson & Family; Johniquequa Hanna (Sergio; Stephanie and Lisa Swaby & Family; Therisma and Dezra Major & Family; Erica Rahming & Family; Natasha Bain & Family; Monique Johnson & Family; Christina & Family; Nephews: Darvin & Ghyrmi Johnson; Numerous grandnieces & Grandnephews Other Relatives and Friends: Olga Toler & Family; Majorie Ubani & Family; Arthur Parrish & Family; Marion Homa & Family (Portland); Veronica & Leo Sears & Family (Boynton Beach, Florida); Reginald & Dulcita Ferguson & Family; The Late Nedley Martinborough & Family; Theresa Pearce, Dwight Moncur, Bennett Minnis, Joseph Cumberbatch & Family; Delores Pinder & Family; Lorraine Henderson & Family; Kenneth Strachan; Hon. Desmond Bannister (Carmichael Constituency, Minister of Public Works); Hon. Frankie Campbell (Minister of Social Services); Ministry of Social Service & Urban Development Department; Sharon & Jerry Hutcheson; William “Bill” Hanna; Cheryl Clarke & Family; Maurice Clarke; George Ramsaran & Family; Francita Rahming & Family; Magdalene Martin & Family; Ruthmae Rolle & Family; Joanne Rolle; Monique Fowler; Demetherea Brown; Elizabeth Burrows; Melvena Pratt; Gayle Forbes; Carla & Val Kemp; Dion & Donna Wright; Neffy Albury; Rocco Fernander; Talarisha Morley & Family; Dashelle Major; Edward “Yammy” Smith; Kenji Curry; Esther; Chea; Leo; Tristan; Cat; Shalanda; and Alfred; Special Friends: Sherwin & Althea Stuart & Family; Jamal Taylor; Elluise Williams & Lorraine Gauthier (New York); “Uncle” Ben & Dr. Darla “Grammy” Shaw (Connecticut); Robert & Judy Reed-Wells (Texas); Charvin Burns Sr. (Texas); John & Rose Davis & Family (Missouri); Sandra Davis & Shalita McFarland (North Carolina); Lyndell Warren & Family (Jamaica) Pets: “Princess” Bella Clarke (Family Cat), Toby Clarke (Family Dog)
Pre-Service
As I Knew Him | Kenneth Strachan (Best Friend)
Tribute | Shervin Stuart (Family Friend)
ENTRANCE CEREMONY
Celebrant: I place all my trust in you my God: All my hope is in your saving word. Out of the depths I cry to you, O Lord, Lord, hear my voice.
People: O let your ears be attentive to the voice of my pleading.
Celebrant: If you, O Lord, should mark our guilt, Lord Who would survive?
People: But with you is found forgiveness: for this we revere you.
Celebrant: My soul is waiting for the Lord, I count on His Word:
People: My soul is longing for the Lord more than watchman for daybreak.
Celebrant: Because with the Lord there is mercy and fullness of redemption.
People: Israel indeed he will redeem from all its iniquity.
Celebrant: To the Father almighty give glory, give glory to his Son.
People: To the Spirit most holy give praise, whose reign is forever.
Celebrant: I place all my trust in you my God: All my hope is in your saving word. The grace and peace of God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ be with you.
People: And with your spirit.
Celebrant: I bless + the body of Patrick Henderson + with the holy water that recalls his Baptism 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 live 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.
ENTRANCE HYMN | “Amazing Grace” (First two verses)
Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound, That saved a wretch like me. I once was lost but now am found, Was blind, but now I see.
T’was Grace that taught my heart to fear. And Grace, my fears relieved. How precious did that Grace appear The hour I first believed.
Celebrant: On the day of his baptism, Patrick Henderson put on Christ. In the day of Christ’s coming, may he be clothed with glory.
People: Amen
ENTRANCE HYMN | “Amazing Grace” (Last two verses)
Yea, when this flesh and heart shall fail, And mortal life shall cease, I shall possess within the veil, A life of joy and peace.
When we’ve been here ten thousand years Bright shining as the sun. We’ve no less days to sing God’s praise Than when we’ve first begun
Placing the white pall on the remains:
CEREMONY OF THE PASCHAL CANDLE
Celebrant: Behold the light of Christ. People: Thanks be to God.
Celebrant: I am the resurrection and the life: he, who believes in me, Though he die, yet shall he live, and whoever lives and believes in me shall never die. Do you believe this?
People: Yes! We believe that Jesus is the Anointed One, the Son of God, He who is to come into the world.
Celebrant: We must work the works of him who sent me, while it is the day; Night comes when no one can work. As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world.
Celebrant: The Lord be with you.
People: And with your spirit.
Celebrant: Let us pray:
(Please be seated)
THE LITURGY OF THE WORD
FIRST READING | Isaiah 25: 6-9 | By: Kiaja Hanna (Grand-Niece)
RESPONSORIAL PSALM | “The Lord’s My Shepherd”
SECOND READING | Romans 14: 7-12 | By: Nasia Colebrooke (Family Friend)
(PLEASE STAND)
GOSPEL ACCLAMATION: Happy are those who have died in the Lord. Let them rest from their labors for their good deeds go with them.
GOSPEL | Luke 12: 35-40 (Please be seated after the Reading)
HOMILY
INTERCESSIONS:
(Please Stand)
Celebrant: Let us pray with confidence to the Father in words our Savior gave us:
People: Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name, thy 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. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.
Celebrant: Deliver us, Lord, we pray, from every evil, graciously grant peace in our days, that, by the help of your mercy, we may be always free from sin and safe from all distress, as we await the blessed hope and the coming of our Savior, Jesus Christ.
People: For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours, now and forever. Amen
HYMN | “Farther Along”
Tempted and tried, we’re oft made to wonder Why it should be thus all the day long, While there are others living about us, Never molested, though in the wrong.
(Chorus)
Farther along we’ll know all about it, Farther along we’ll understand why; Cheer up my brother, live in the sunshine, We’ll understand it all by and by.
When death has come and taken our loved ones, It leaves our home so lonely and drear, Then do we wonder why others prosper Living so wicked year after year.
FINAL COMMENDATION
Celebrant: Let us pray:
RECESSIONAL HYM | “Eastern Gate”
I will meet you in the morning, Just inside the Eastern Gate. Then be ready, faithful pilgrim, Lest with you it be too late.
(Chorus)
I will meet you in the morning; I will meet you in the morning Just inside the Eastern Gate over there. I will meet you in the morning, I will meet you in the morning, I will meet you in the morning over there.
If you hasten off to glory, Linger near the Eastern Gate, For I’m coming in the morning; So you’ll not have long to wait.
Faithful til death, said our loving Master A few more days to labor and wait, Toils of the road will then seem as nothing As we sweep through the beautiful gate.
When we see Jesus, coming in glory, When He comes from His home in the sky, Then we shall meet Him in that bright mansion, We’ll understand it all by and by.
Keep your lamps all trimmed and burning; For the Bridegroom watch and wait. He’ll be with us at the meeting Just inside the Eastern Gate.
O the joys of that glad meeting With the saints who for us wait! What a blessed, happy meeting Just inside the Eastern Gate!
+ AT THE CEMETERY +
Priest
People
By Your coming as man. Lord, save your people.
By your birth. Lord, save your people.
By Your baptism and fasting. Lord, save your people.
By Your suffering and Cross. Lord, save your people.
By Your death and burial. Lord, save your people.
By Your rising to new life. Lord, save your people.
By Your return in glory to the Father. Lord, save your people.
By your gift of the Holy Spirit. Lord, save your people.
By Your coming again in Glory. Lord, save your people.
