Skip to main content

The Original Memory Book for the late Colyn Thompson

Page 1


CELEBRATION SERVICE OF PRAISE & THANKSGIVING FOR THE LIFE OF

SUNRISE: June 2nd 1959

SUNSET: March 11th 2026

AGED: 66 Years

SERVICE HELD AT TRANSFIGURATION BAPTIST CHURCH MARKET & VESEY STREETS Nassau, Bahamas

Saturday, April 4th 2026 10:00 AM

OFFICIATING

Rev Dr. Stephen E. Thompson

ASSISTED BY:

Rev. Sherma Bowe

Rev. Brazil McDonald

Dec. Antoinette Sands

Dec. Aniska Hart

INTERMENT: Western Cemetery Nassau, Bahamas

Matthew 6:33 NKJV

“But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.”

On June 2nd, 1959, a baby boy was born to proud parents, the late Cyril Gladstone and Luella Maud Thompson (née Johnson) of Ft. Fincastle, New Providence. They named him Colyn Gregory Thompson. He was the last of nine children and the grandson of Rev. Charles Henry Thompson, the founding Pastor of Transfiguration Baptist Church, Market & Vesey Streets.

As the youngest of nine, Colyn was often seen by his siblings as a “freespirited” child who managed to escape the strict rules our parents applied to the older children. We described him as a fun-loving attention seeker, protected by his older siblings and, at times, getting away with things we could not. Being the youngest, he benefited from both the mistakes and successes of his older siblings, which helped to guide and shape his life.

He received his early education at Western Junior High School and later attended Prince William High School from 1972 to 1977. While there, he was an avid sportsman, actively involved in Track and Field, competing in the Long Jump, Triple Jump, and High Jump. In 1976, he won the Gold Medal in the Triple Jump at the CARIFTA Games held in New Providence, with a leap of 44 feet 9 inches. A few months later, he secured two more gold medals in the Triple Jump, with a leap of 45 feet 2 inches, and in the High Jump at the Junior Central American and Caribbean (C.A.C.) Games in Mexico.

He was also a member of his high school basketball

team, where he averaged an impressive 45 points per game with a record that still stands today. Among his most notable performances were scoring 52 points against Government High School, 78 and 62 points against St. John’s College, and 49 points against R.M. Bailey at the C.I. Gibson High School Gym.

In 1976, he received the Bahamas Confederation of Amateur Sports (B.C.A.S.) Junior Sportsman of the Year Award. In 1982, he placed third in the Bahamas Pool Federation Independence Championship Tournament.

In January 1978, he joined the Bahamas Electricity Corporation (B.E.C.), where he served his country faithfully for thirty-nine (39) years and nine (9) months, retiring in October 2013.

In 1980, he met his wife, Christine Thompson (nee Cox). From this marriage came three beautiful children: his firstborn, Colyn Jr. in 1988, followed by Chelsea in 1992, and Courtney in 1994. He was a loving and dedicated father who took great pride in his children, always ensuring they were cared for, supported, and guided. As a husband and father, he remained a constant source of love and strength, never hesitating to be there whenever his family needed him.

He was a devoted member of Transfiguration Baptist Church, where he was ordained as a Deacon on November 14th, 2000, under the leadership of Rev. Dr. Garnett King. Additionally, he served as Chairman of the Deacon Board until 2015. Shortly thereafter, he was appointed as the church Treasurer. On November 10th, 2015, he was ordained as a Minister of the Gospel under the leadership of Rev. Dr. Stephen Thompson. He firmly believed that the Gospel of Jesus Christ is the only answer to the challenges facing the world today.

Colyn was a rare gem, remarkably kind-hearted, intelligent, and loving. He filled our lives with enough happiness to last a

lifetime. He loved deeply, and that love continues to guide us. He made us proud every single day, and his spirit lives through the many lives he has touched.

On March 11, 2026, he went on to meet his Lord.

Left to cherish his memories are his: Loving Wife: Christine Thompson; Children: Colyn Thompson Jr., Chelsea and Courtney Thompson; Grandson: Colyn Isaiah Gregory Thompson; Daughter-in-law: Antja Thompson; Brothers: Vaughn, Charles, Sydney and Brian Thompson; Sisters: Glenice Thompson and Colene Parker; Brothers-In-Laws: Pastor Calvin Parker, John Cox and Tyrone Hill Sr.;

Sisters-in-Laws: Angie and Ellen Thompson, Eulamae Smith, Deaconess CherylLeta, Deborah, Evangelist Paula Cox and Rochelle Cox-Hill; Nieces: Nikeysha, Nicole, Elaine, Dr. Cyrilee and Valencia Thompson, Colette Parker, Shanique Munroe (Richard Munroe Jr.) Tiffany Rolle-Kwapong, Darnell Rolle, Jade Cox, and Jazz James (Tyrone James); Nephews: Sydney and Garron Thompson, Inspector Jemel Brown (Elricha Brown), Cyril Thompson, James Miller Jr. (Kendera Miller), Chaz (Rashae Parker) and Chavez Parker (Garrett Parker), Sharone Conliffe (Abiana Conliffe), Adrian Cox, Aaron Cox (Veronika Cox), Dudley Tiacko Rolle (Stacy Rolle), Owen Cox and Tyrone Hill Jr.; Forty-one (41) Grandnieces, Grandnephews & Great Grandnieces & Grandnephews; God Sister: Judy Charlow; God Child: Kadesh Hepburn; Numerous cousins including: Rev. Dr. Stephen E. Thompson, Esther Clarke, William

Thompson, David Thompson, Catherine Sands, Cherrien Williams, Julio Thompson, Philip Stubbs (Charlemae Stubbs), Neil Stubbs, Sharon Rahming, Dainette Clear, Marsha Thompson (Rev. Wesley Thompson), Jay Johnson, Sandra Dean (Vernon Dean), Dereck Johnson, Carla Johnson-Toote, Debbie Johnson, Joan Johnson-Thompson, Lorraine Daley, Yvonne Johnson, Cyril Johnson Jr. (Pamela Johnson), Delores Omorebohkae, Annetta Johnson, Granville Butler (Sandra Butler), Gregory Butler (Kathy Butler), Claudia & Monte Ferguson and Family, Rev. Carla Culmer and Family, Renae Russell and Family, Michelle Culmer and Family, Harlene Pinder and Family, Lydia & Altamese Issacs and Family;

Members of the Clergy: Rev. Brazil & Christine McDonald and Family, Rev. Alphonso & Deaconess Patricia Newry and Family, Rev. Sherma Bowe and Family, Rev. Basil Johnson and Family, Deacon Rawson & Evang. Rhonda McDonald and Family, Richard & Deaconess Antoinette Sands and Family, Rev. Donnie & Corene Newbold and Family, Evang. Leticia King and Family, Rev. Arthur Charlton and Family; Church Friends: Marquetta Collie and Family, Joan Stubbs and Family, Janet Newbold and Family, Larry Stubbs, Anthony Hepburn and Family, Sister Beulah Johnson and Family, Transfiguration Men’s Fellowship, Transfiguration Baptist Church Family and Mt. Zion Baptist Port Howe Cat Island Family;

Faithful Friends: Lester & Lettieann Brown and Family, Rudolph Gibson and Family, Kenneth Beneby and Family, Paul Maynard and Family, Ian Pratt and Family, Clifford Cartwright and Family, Howard Cunningham Tailoring and Staff, Monique Strachan and Family, Christopher & Erica Brown and Family, Robert Smith and Family, William Seymour and Family, Colin McFarlane and Family, Kenneth Walcott and Family, Cliff Davis and Family, and Charlie Knowles and Family;

Neighbors: Tony McKenzie and Family, Effie Higgs and Family, Anthony Seymour and Family, Elvin Taylor and Family;

Friends: Shirley Allen and Family, Vanria & Deandra Rolle, Ronette Stubbs and Family, Craig Bowe and Family, BEC & Retirees Association Family, Jean Baptiste Joseph, Mason Addition Family, Prince William High School Class of 1977, and Bahamas Baptist Association.

Our hearts are saddened, as we were completely unprepared for this sudden loss. He was a bright light who could enter any room and immediately uplift it with his smile and presence. We will never stop loving him, and we will never stop sharing his story. Though we can no longer see him, we feel him in our hearts every moment.

Musical Preludes | Combined Choir

Worship Leader | Dec. Antoinette Sands

Seating of the Family

Opening Sentences | Rev. Dr. Stephen E. Thompson

Opening Prayer | Rev. Sherma Bowe

Hymn | When Peace Like a River

When peace like a river attendeth my way, when sorrows like sea billows roll; whatever my lot, thou hast taught me to say, “It is well, it is well with my soul.”

Refrain:

It is well with my soul; it is well, it is well with my soul.

Though Satan should buffet, though trials should come, let this blest assurance control: that Christ has regarded my helpless estate, and has shed his own blood for my soul. Refrain

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! Refrain

O Lord, haste the day when my 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. Refrain

Old Testament Reading | Job 14:14-17 | Colene Parker (Sister)

Tribute | Marquetta Collie (Finance Team)

Tribute | Rev. Donnie Newbold (Pastor of Mt. Zion Baptist Port Howe Cat Island)

Paul Maynard (B.E.C.)

Mr. Robert Smith (President of BEC Retiree Association)

Min. Wendy Russel PWH Class of 1977

Hymn | And Can It Be

And can it be that I should gain

An int’rest in the Savior’s blood? Died He for me, who caused His pain? For me, who Him to death pursued?

Amazing love! how can it be That Thou, my God, should die for me?

Refrain:

Amazing love! how can it be That Thou, my God, should die for me!

‘Tis mystery all! Th’Immortal dies! Who can explore His strange design? In vain the firstborn seraph tries To sound the depths of love divine!

‘Tis mercy all! let earth adore, Let angel minds inquire no more. [Refrain]

He left His Father’s throne above, So free, so infinite His grace; Emptied Himself of all but love, And bled for Adam’s helpless race; ‘Tis mercy all, immense and free; For, O my God, it found out me.

Long my imprisoned spirit lay Fast bound in sin and nature’s night; Thine eye diffused a quick’ning ray, I woke, the dungeon flamed with light; My chains fell off, my heart was free; I rose, went forth and followed Thee.

No condemnation now I dread; Jesus, and all in Him is mine! Alive in Him, my living Head, And clothed in righteousness divine, Bold I approach th’eternal throne, And claim the crown, through Christ my own.

Special Selection | Calvin Parker Sr. (Brother-in-law) & Calvin Parker (Nephew)

New Testament Reading | 1 Thessalonian 4:13-18 | Bro. Devardo Bain

Combined Choir | Psalm 23rd

Eulogy | Rev. Dr. Stephen E. Thompson

Prayer for the Family | Dec. Anishka Hart

Recessional Hymn | When The Home Gates Swing Open

I am on the upward road

Leading to that bright abode

Where forever my soul shall be free be free

Won’t that be a happy time

Heaven’s bells will sweetly chime

When the home gates swing open for me for me

Chorus

That will be a happy day

When the clouds have passed away

From my cares I shall be free

Tho’ sometimes the path may lead

Thru the vale of sin and greed

Jesus ever my refuge will be will be

Soon at home my trials o’er I shall praise Him evermore

When the home gates swing open for me for me

I’ll keep walking in His light

Till my faith shall end in sight

He will lead me till safe o’er the sea the sea I shall find a welcome there

And a crown of glory wear

When the home gates swing open for me for me

Graveside Service

Opening Prayer

Hymn | Joy Unspeakable

I have found His grace is all complete, He supplieth ev’ry need; While I sit and learn at Jesus’ feet, I am free, yes, free indeed.

(Chorus)

It is joy unspeakable and full of glory, Full of glory, full of glory; It is joy unspeakable and full of glory, Oh, the half has never yet been told.

I have found the pleasure I once craved, It is joy and peace within; What a wondrous blessing! I am saved From the awful gulf of sin.

Committal

Hymn | I Must Tell Jesus

I must tell Jesus all of my trials, I cannot bear these burdens alone; In my distress He kindly will help me, He ever loves and cares for His own.

(Chorus)

I must tell Jesus! I must tell Jesus! I cannot bear my burdens alone; I must tell Jesus! I must tell Jesus! Jesus can help me, Jesus alone.

I must tell Jesus all of my troubles, He is a kind, compassionate Friend; If I but ask Him, He will deliver, Make of my troubles quickly an end.

I have found that hope so bright and clear, Living in the realm of grace; Oh, the Saviour’s presence is so near, I can see His smiling face.

I have found the joy no tongue can tell, How its waves of glory roll! It is like a great o’er-flowing well, Springing up within my soul.

Tempted and tried I need a great Saviour, One Who can help my burdens to bear; I must tell Jesus, I must tell Jesus, He all my cares and sorrows will share.

O how the world to evil allures me!

O how my heart is tempted to sin! I must tell Jesus, and He will help me

Over the world the vict’ry to win.

Remarks | Demeritte’s Funeral Home

Benediction | Rev. Dr. Stephen E. Thompson

Closing Hymn | Lord Lean Me On

When the way seems dark and long, as I pass amid the throng, Hold to my hand, dear Lord, I pray; Give me grace to shout and shine, ever in the light diving, Lord, lead me on from day to day.

Lord, lead me on, from day to day, I want to walk, the holy way; Thought friends forsake, me all alone, I ask Thee Lord, to lead me on.

In this world of doubt and gloom, when hope flowers fail to bloom, Hold to my hand, dear Lord, I pray; I have put my faith in Thee, till the homeland I shall see, Lord, lead me on from day to day.

When old age is stealing on, and my strength is almost gone, Hold to my hand, dear Lord, I pray; Surely Thou wilt ne’er forsake, till in heaven I awake, Lord, lead me on from day to day.

A TRIBUTE TO MY HUSBAND

When God joined Colyn and I together, we came with different strengths and weaknesses. God used our uniqueness and allowed us to love each other in ways that could only have been predetermined by Him. Where he was strong, I leaned on him, and where I was strong, he leaned on me. Over time, I came to understand what love really looks like; patient, kind, and enduring. Not perfect, but real. A love that requires grace, forgiveness, and choosing each other every day.

Colyn led our family in a way that honored God, in both good times and difficult moments. His faith shaped our home and gave us strength. We held onto the truth that love covers a multitude of sins. In marriage, that mattered because no one is perfect, and the need for forgiveness never runs out. But love carried us. With God at the center, we found a strength beyond ourselves one that helped us stand through every season. It is only by God’s grace that we were able to walk this life together, and that is what I will always hold onto. But here’s what I can personally say about Colyn Gregory Thompson Sr., my husband, my best friend, and the best father to my children; despite his earthly accomplishments, his greatest achievement occurred when he accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Saviour. With that assurance, he was finally able to represent a place far more important than his country or any company. Instead, he represented a place described in Revelation chapter 21-23 as the eternal, joyous dwelling place of God, angels, and the redeemed believers. A place where there will be no more pain, sorrow, nor death. Rev. Colyn Thompson Sr. really loved the Lord. He knew what

God had done for him. God had brought him out of what Psalm 40:2 calls the miry clay; described as a state of deep, inescapable trouble, spiritual despair, or sinful entanglement from which only divine intervention could rescue a person from and set him on a firm rock which is Jesus Christ his Lord and Saviour. Jesus placed his feet on a rock to establish his coming and going. Only God could love him in that way giving him the victory and all because of His great love. His life as a disciple of Jesus and a friend to many: Colyn was a giving person. He would look for ways to help his family, my family, his friends, and the neighbors. People on the street whom he came in contact with as he took his daily walk, knew him and readily befriended him. This included the dogs in our neighborhood and the dogs at our Church’s Youth Center parking lot; they too, knew him as a friend. He would often bring food with him or purchased food for them to eat on a regular basis. He was very loyal to all of his friends and anyone he befriended became his friend for life. He emulated what is written in Mark 12:30-31, which is to “love God with all your heart, soul, mind and strength and love your neighbor as yourself. “His neighbor was anyone in need or anyone he comes in contact with, regardless of race, religion, or social status or in his case even dogs. His main focus was demonstrating compassion to whomever, whenever and wherever he traveled. His life as a Father: Colyn was a father who loved his children. There wasn’t much that he would not do for his children, grandson, and daughter-in-law Antja. Most mornings as his daughters leave for work, he would look out the window and say to them, “Bye baby, drive

carefully.” Over the years, I always told my husband that I wanted to die before he did. Recently I mentioned it to him again. He asked me why? My response was; “… because I’m not sure that I can do all that you do for us as a family by myself” His response to me was, “You’re a smart woman Christine, you’ll figure it out.” His response reminded me of Philippians 4:13, when The Apostle Paul told the believers that; “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” If we are alive on this earth, everywhere we go there will be trials and temptations. There will always be someone or something desiring to disturb or bring confusion to the mission that God has for us as His children. But Ephesians 3:20 tells us that, “God is able to do exceedingly, abundantly, and far beyond all we can ask, think, or imagine.” God’s power is not limited by human expectations, His power works within believers to accomplish His will. What

God did for Colyn Thompson, He can and will certainly do for anyone. No matter what was said of him or to him, my husband, Colyn Thompson, in all circumstances, learned to be content in the promises of Jesus Christ his Lord and Saviour who was his strength while on the earth. His sole desire was to finish the course and go on to his heavenly reward. Colyn’s journey on this earth is over but it’s not the end of his story. He lived with hope and according to God’s word, absence from this perishable body is to be present with the Lord. To Colyn my husband, my best friend, and confidant, the man I loved and who demonstrated by his actions that he loved me. The man who took care of our children, his siblings, my siblings, their children, the neighbors, and even the dogs in the neighborhood. The person whom I could share private matters and secrets with, trusting that it was just between the two of us. Daddy to our children, “Papa” to our grandson, Father-in-law to our daughter-in-law. We will forever miss you and always love you. We will continue with no regrets. You are not here with us in body, but we know that you are here with us in spirit and if we continue to live the life that you lived, we know that we will see you again.

Love you always; your wife Christine, son Colyn Jr., daughters, Chelsea and Courtney, grandson Colyn Isaiah, daughter-in-law Antja, brothers, sisters and extended family members.

My father was a good man a man of great character, morals, and integrity. He was patient, kind, wise, and reliable. His purpose in life was to protect his family and serve his God, and he pursued both with unwavering dedication. He was proud of the life he built for himself and for his family and of the stability and privilege he provided. He carried very few regrets, because he lived honorably. I am deeply saddened when I think about the loss our family has experienced, but I am also grateful. Grateful that in a world where many never truly know their father, I had mine for the time that I did. Fathers are a critical pillar of both society and personal development, and their importance cannot be denied. My father was a good man. He gave me life and, in many ways, saved it at the same time. Without him, I would not be who I am, and I would not be here.

I will never be able to replace my father, but I will also never forget him. Nor will I ever separate my success from his impact. For that, I will always be blessed and grateful.

Love Chelsea

TRIBUTE FROM SIBLINGS

What can we say about a brother who was the last of the siblings? One would think that the youngest sibling will look up to the older siblings, but no, we all look up to you for advice and guidance. You were special, different, and unique like no other sibling. Growing up, you were the pillar of our family, embodying integrity and kindness. You were fearless, adventurous, and loving. We remember and cherish the different milestones of your life with us as siblings together; the many days we walked to Ms. Clarke school, Western Junior School, and then Prince Williams High School. And we cannot forget walking to Transfiguration Baptist Church on Sunday mornings and making sure we are there seated before Daddy reaches and is at the organ; because after all, the car could not hold the nine of us. Then you went on to start your career life at BEC. We were all so happy and proud of you. We celebrated another milestone with you when you married the lovely Christine Thompson (nee Cox), and the happy and successful life you both have built for almost forty years, along with your three children, daughter-in-law, and grandson. Your family has been a blessing and an example to all of us.

You were an excellent spiritual and physical role model to us, leaving a lasting legacy of love and light. All family events were so important to you, as the majority were graciously hosted at your home. You were not just ‘a sibling’, but our rock, our protector, and our best friend. Even though you are no longer here, we carry you in our hearts every day. We are proud to be your siblings. We will always keep talking about you as you truly deserve to be remembered. Yes, you have gone on to receive your heavenly reward, and we know that God has a special place in His Kingdom prepared for you. Until we meet again, take your rest. We love you, but Jesus loves you best.

Love Your Siblings

TO MY UNCLE,

The original “big timer.” I am very grateful that I have spent time with you learning so many important lessons about life. How important time with your family is, and most importantly, the Bible. When I first moved to Nassau in 2013, I never had to worry about anything because you truly stepped up to where I felt like I had a second father, not just an uncle. I have many uncles, but you truly embodied what it means to be one, and I can only wish to be half of that one day. You displayed a high level of selflessness to those you were committed to, even when we didn’t deserve it, spending lots of time on and off the road helping those who needed it. It’s not like you took your retirement to be selfish; you continued to ‘give of’ yourself just the right amount. I remember hearing the news that you were a Rev. and saying to myself, this guy is the original “big time.” We had this inside joke that you wanted to be like me when you grow up, but I can confidently say, for those that truly knew you, that we want to be like YOU. I had no desire for being a landlord/in real estate until you broke it down to me. And even though you touched on profit, the biggest idea was being able to leave something for your children and set them up. Every day I work to be in a position to leave something behind for my two girls. Your legacy will never be things though; you are much more than that. The knowledge shared and the personal attributes you displayed are what we should all take as we remember you in this time. You are a great example of who we should all strive to be, and no matter how young or old we are, we can devote the time to change and be like you, the original “big timer.” Thank you for all the eggs ’n’ pancakes made from scratch growing up. Thank you for all the great conversations over breakfast or lunch. Thanks for making sure I was straight always. I’ll never forget that and will truly pay it forward.

Until we meet again, ‘bro’ - Chavez Parker

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

The family would like to express sincere thanks and appreciation for all of the love, thoughtful gestures, prayers, and calls that have been bestowed upon them during this time of bereavement. These acts of kindness have helped to ease our pain and prove that you care.

We are eternally grateful. May God bestow His richest blessing on each of you.

HONORARY PALLBEARERS

Colyn Thompson Jr.

Sydney Thompson

Brian Thompson

Vaughn Thompson

Charles Thompson

Calvin Parker

Chavez Parker

Tel: 242.323.5782

162 Market Street, Nassau, New Providence

P.O. Box-GT2097

PALLBEARERS

James Miller Jr.

Garron Thompson

Inspector Jemel Brown

Richard Munroe Jr.

Lester Brown Jr.

Calvin Chaz Parker

Tel: 394-BOOK (2665)

Mobile: (242) 818-3478

SCAN HERE

Turn static files into dynamic content formats.

Create a flipbook
The Original Memory Book for the late Colyn Thompson by Print Works at The Huyler Group - Issuu