The Form and Order for the Celebration of the Solemn Eucharist in Thanksgiving for the life of
Sunrise: August 12th 1957
Sunset: November 30th 2025
Age: 68 years
Service Held At:
Holy Cross Anglican Church
Highbury Park off Soldier Road
Nassau, N.P., the Bahamas
Saturday January 10th 2026 at 10:00 am
Officiating:
The Rev’d Dr. Ethan P. J. Ferguson
Assisted by:
The Rev’d Fr. Berkley J. Smith
The Rev’d Canon Norman D. Lightbourne
The Rev’d Canon Peter A. G. Scott
Organists:
Calvin Parker, Justin Hudson
Interment:
Woodlawn Gardens Cemetery
Soldier Road/Nassau NP, The Bahamas
“You have fought the good and worthy and noble fight, you have finished the race, you have kept the faith”
2 Timothy 4:7
Obituary
Erica Pauline Fox (nee Miller)
A Time to Be Born
On the gentle morning of August 12, 1957, heaven smiled upon Alfreda Darrell (deceased) and Daniel Miller as they welcomed into the world a beautiful baby girl. She was named Erica Pauline Miller, a name that would come to represent love, strength, and grace.
From the very beginning, Erica’s life was filled with warmth and joy. She carried within her a vibrant spirit—one that loved laughter, togetherness, and celebration. Her home was a place of welcome, where family and friends gathered freely, hearts lightened by her presence and laughter echoing through every room.
Though raised in a small but tightly woven family, Erica understood deeply the power and beauty of family bonds. Her love knew no limits, especially when it came to her children and grandchildren. Long after her children reached adulthood, she remained their anchor—steadfast in her support, generous in her giving, and unwavering in her devotion.
Erica was gentle, kind-hearted, and generous, loving deeply and living fully. She stayed informed of the world around her, engaging thoughtfully in conversations about current events, always eager to share knowledge and perspective. Above all, she loved her God and her church, faithfully giving of her time, resources, and heart in service to Him.
To know Erica was to experience love in its purest form. She loved without conditions and without measure. Her love was seen in nurturing hands, encouraging words, thoughtful gestures, and the way she made others feel valued and at home. Her heart was a safe place, her presence a source of comfort and peace.
A Time to Learn
Erica received her early education at Nassau Street Junior School, now known as Albury Sayle, in New Providence. These early years helped mold a woman of wisdom, curiosity, and quiet strength—traits that would follow her throughout her life’s journey. She completed Junior School at TG Glover and then went on to Aquinas College where she graduated high-school in 1975.
A Time to Love
Erica’s entire life was a living example of a “time to love” She loved people and her hands were rarely still, always focusing on caring for those around her. Whether through cooking her legendary peas soup or macaroni and baked chicken, or her famous cakes loved by all, Sunday dinners or tending to her beautiful garden, or simply offering a listening ear, Erica showed us all that the world could always use one more kind-hearted person.
She met her husband Mark Anthony Fox back in the 1970’s. They shared a beautiful yet not perfect marriage facing life’s adventures and challenges handin-hand. The union’s greatest gift was the creation of their two beautiful children Lisa and Menechen.
A Time to Work
From an early age, Erica displayed diligence and determination. After high school, she began her professional journey at Loews Hotel, Paradise Island, working in the Purchasing Department. Even then, she found joy in sharing her gifts—especially through baking. Her fruitcakes became legendary, eagerly awaited each Christmas, while her birthday cakes and cupcakes brought smiles to many celebrations. She delighted in sharing her creations, welcoming loved ones to taste the fruits of her labor.
On August 29, 1988, Erica began her long and distinguished career with John Bull, starting in the Warehouse on Robinson Road, later known as the Business Center. It was there she discovered her natural gift for sales and customer relations. In a small office of only four people, she established herself as a faithful and dedicated worker. She learned how to do purchasing, inventory and sales. She later transferred to the Palmdale Store in the year 1999, where she flourished, becoming one of the company’s top sales professionals. There she was able to spread her wings and through hard work and determination she built up her sales clientele and managed every section of the Palmdale Store. Her integrity, professionalism, and genuine care for customers earned her a promotion to Assistant Manager.
In her later tenure during the year 2017 Erica returned to Robinson Road (former Warehouse) now the Business Center, completing a full circle in her career. Even as her strength waned, her dedication never faltered. She remained determined to return to work, even if only briefly right up to a few weeks before her earthly departure. Erica served with excellence until the very end—a consummate professional whose commitment and work ethic were beyond reproach.
A Time to Die
Sometime during the year 2025 Erica’s health began to decline, leading to medical consultations and testing. The diagnosis was heartbreaking—advanced, incurable terminal illness. Yet, she faced this reality with extraordinary courage, dignity, and grace, fighting valiantly like the queen she was.
During the final weeks of her life, Erica was hospitalized, where her strength slowly faded but her spirit remained resolute. In His infinite mercy, the Lord knowing she did not deserve suffering gently called her home. On Sunday, November 30, 2025, surrounded by love, Erica Pauline Fox peacefully transitioned from time into eternity, with her devoted daughter Lisa and beloved son Menechen at her bedside.
Erica was a devoted Daughter, Mother, Grandmother, Sister and friend whose wisdom and guidance will never be forgotten. She found immense joy in the simple pleasures of life, a quiet evening with loved ones after cooking and baking their favorite dishes and cakes, trips or just the laughter of her grandchildren. Erica’s pleasant personality and radiant smile was contagious to everyone she met.
Survivors
Erica Pauline Fox leaves to cherish her precious memories her loving children, Lisa and Menechen; her adored grandchildren, who were the joy of her heart; Church family; extended family members; cherished friends; coworkers; and all those whose lives were touched by her kindness, generosity, and unwavering love.
Her legacy lives on in every life she nurtured, every heart she encouraged, and every smile she inspired.
Closing Scripture
“Well done, good and faithful servant… Enter thou into the joy of thy Lord.”
— Matthew 25:21
Rest peacefully, Erica Pauline Fox
Your work is complete, your love remains, and your light will never fade.
A Time to Mourn
Pre deceased by her Mother: Alfreda Rose Darrell
Those Surviving & Longing to See Her Again Are: Father: Daniel Miller (Judy); Daughter: Lisa M. Fox; Son: Menechen Fox Sr. (Brittany); Grandsons: Menelik Fox, Menechen Jr Fox and Raphael Cole; Son in Love: Todd Cole; Sisters in love: Barbara Turnquest, Deborah Beneby, Patrice Glinton; Brothers: Wayde Beckford and Daniel Valentino Miller; Nephews: Wayde Beckford Jr., Miguel Miller and Mateo Miller; Nieces: Mehgan Miller and Maya Miller; Godchildren: Shaynna Turnquest, Eric and Rickiera Gibson;
Aunts: Rosemary Miller (Tyrone), Donna Price of Bradenton Fl., Maria (Michael Sr.) Symonette; Uncle: Kendall Babbs (Rosetta); Cousins: Monique Babbs of Florida, Min. Deshan Cash, Keva Babbs-Armbrister, Kayla Babbs, Indera WhymsLaing, Raquel Whyms, Phillippa Whyms, Kadesha Pinder-Rene, Malesha Pinder, Valerine Whyms-Pierre, Latheria Whyms-Johnson, Delano Cash, Kendall Babbs Jr. Troy & Kevin Babbs, & Tyrone Miller Jr., Henderick Pinder, Joval, Christopher, Refo, Lathario, Paul Jr. & Preston Whyms. Shamara, Ashley, Tyronya, Trivaunique, Kendria, Kenya, Kania, Kayvia & Ronnie Babbs, Melenese & Kellisa Armbrister, Leondra Strachan, Justine Rolle, Rochelle Cash, Terry Strapp, T’Shae Collie, Tyronique Miller, Duranique Laing, Shania Duncombe, Shakinah Rolle, Shamiyah Pierre, Shannon Whyms, Jade Dean, Jakaj Rene, Moe’Nae Marshall, Jamaal, Jamaine, Marvin Jr., Troy Jr., Trivaugh & Kaden Babbs, Joshua Strapp, Ashtin Pinder, Peter Outten, Kennali Whyms, Mokelle, Kalen & Moses Jr. Marshall, Sky Pinder, Anthony Moncur III, C.J. Cash, Ryan & Peter Outten III, Mario, Janell Kenneth, Shane, Shawn, Janell & Alex Darrell, Louise, Leonora, Lershayne Symonette, Michael Jr. (Debbie) Symonette, Latonya (Dwight) Tinker, Joan (Alfred) Johnson, Delphlee Pryce, Ardenecia (Rodney) Forbes, Sydney (Kapy) Simmons, Dwayne (Aneska) Simmons, Franklyn and Darren Simmons, Jayshree and Arjohwa Johnson, Latoya Simmons and Latisha Munroe, Pastor Derrick (Sheryl) Colebrooke, Randy (Patrice) Colebrooke, Seldon Miller, Sandra Munnings;
Other Relatives & Special Friends: Mark Fox and entire Fox Family, Patrice Glinton, Deborah Beneby and family, Barbara Turnquest and family, Kenneth Whyms, Katrina Whyms, Christine Gibson and Family, Douglas and Angeline Turnquest & Family, William and Patrice Carroll & Family, Brian McHardy and Family, Todd Cole, James Cole, Anthony (Janice) Cole, Shirley Cooper & Family, Pearl Henfield & Family, Audrey Lunn-Munnings & Family, Dorothy Roberts & Family, Rev. Glendale Miller & Family, Garland and Althea Miller and Family, Brenda McAlpine, Dorland Curtis, Christine Nash and Family, Vincola Johnson, Shirley Babbs and Family, Monique Babbs and Family, Henry Pinder, Maud Demeritte & Family, Mongomery and Patrelle Miller and Family, Ravi Noronha & Family, Tressy Lynch & Family, Ivoine Ingraham and family, Rodger Sands and family, Aquinas Class of 1975, Parker Street & The Bain Town Community Family, Imperial Park Community, The Anglican Church Women of Holy Cross Church & the entire Holy Cross Church Family, Bishop Laish Boyd, Fr. Ethan Ferguson, Fr. Berkley Smith, Canon Peter Scott, Canon Norman Lightbourne, Dr. Denotrah Cartwright, Dr. Nicholas Fox, Dr. Jing-Yi Chern, Tampa Florida, Dr. Claude Bassil, Tampa Florida, John Bull Business Centre Staff, John Bull Palmdale Staff, John Bull Bay Street, Moffit Cancer Centre, Tampa Florida, along with a host of additional relatives and friends, too many to mention.
May Her Soul Rest In Peace And Rise In Glory!
Order of Service
Musical Interlude | Heavenly Melodies
Arrival of the Family
RECEPTION OF THE BODY
Celebrant: With faith in Jesus Christ, we receive the body of our sister, Erica, for burial. Our sister was washed in Holy Baptism and anointed with the Holy Spirit. Let us therefore, with confidence, pray to God our Heavenly Father, the Giver of life, that He will raise her to perfection in the company of the Saints.
Celebrant: The Lord be with you.
All: And also with you.
Celebrant: Let us pray.
O God of grace and glory, we remember before you this day our sister, Erica. We thank you for giving him/her to us, his/her family and friends, to know and love as a companion on our earthly pilgrimage. In your boundless compassion, console us who mourn. Give us faith to see in death the gate of eternal life; so that in quiet confidence we may continue our course on earth, until, by your call, we are reunited with those who have gone before; through Jesus Christ our Lord.
ALL: Amen.
OPENING SENTENCES
Jesus said, I am the resurrection, and I am the life; he who believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, and who ever lives and believes in me shall never die. John 11:25-26
The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases, His compassion never fails: every morning they are renewed. Lamentations 3:22-23
Jesus said, Let not your hearts be troubled; believe in God, believe also in me. John 14:1
I am sure that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor height, nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8:38-39
If we live, we live to the Lord, and if we die, we die to the Lord; so then, whether we live or whether we die, we are the Lord’s. For to this end Christ died and lived again, that he might be Lord both of the dead and of the living. Romans 14:8-9
We brought nothing into the world, and we take nothing out. The Lord gives, and the Lord takes away: Blessed be the name of the Lord. Job 1:21
The eternal God is our refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms. Deuteronomy 33:27
Selection | Rev’d Glendale Miller
Selection | Dorland Curtis
Tribute | Ivoine Ingraham
Selection | The Wallace Family
Video Tribute
As I Knew Her | Deborah Beneby (Best Friend)
INTROIT HYMN | “Praise my Soul the King of Heaven”
Praise, my soul, the King of heaven; to his feet thy tribute bring; ransomed, healed, restored, forgiven, who like me his praise should sing?
Alleluia, alleluia! Praise the everlasting King.
Praise him for his grace and favour to our fathers in distress; praise him still the same as ever, slow to chide and swift to bless: Alleluia, alleluia! Glorious in his faithfulness.
Celebrant: Let us pray.
Father-like, he tends and spares us; well our feeble frame he knows; in his hands he gently bears us, rescues us from all our foes.
Alleluia, alleluia! Widely as his mercy flows.
Angels, help us to adore him; ye behold him face to face; sun and moon, bow down before him, dwellers all in time and space.
Alleluia, alleluia! Praise with us the God of grace.
COLLECT FOR THE DEPARTED
Almighty God, we remember before you today your servant, Erica, and we pray that, having opened to her the gates of larger life, you will receive her more and more into your joyful service, that, with all who have served you in the past, she may share in the eternal victory of Jesus Christ our Lord; who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.
All: Amen.
Old Testament Reading | Lamentations 3: 22-26, 31-33 | Menelik Fox (Grandson)
Reader: A Reading from the Word of God written in the book of Lamentations
The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases, his mercies never come to an end; 23 they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. 24 ‘The LORD is my portion,’ says my soul, ‘therefore I will hope in him.’ 25 The LORD is good to those who wait for him, to the soul that seeks him. 26 It is good that one should wait quietly for the salvation of the LORD. 31 For the Lord will not reject forever. 32 Although he causes grief, he will have compassion according to the abundance of his steadfast love; 33 for he does not willingly afflict or grieve anyone.
Reader: The Word of the Lord
All: Thanks be to God
RESPONSORIAL HYMN | Led by the Choir | The King of Love My Shepherd Is
The King of love my Shepherd is, whose goodness faileth never; I nothing lack if I am his, and he is mine forever.
Where streams of living water flow my ransomed soul he leadeth, and where the verdant pastures grow, with food celestial feedeth.
Perverse and foolish oft I strayed, but yet in love he sought me, and on his shoulder gently laid, and home rejoicing brought me.
In death’s dark vale I fear no ill with thee, dear Lord, beside me; thy rod and staff my comfort still, thy cross before to guide me.
Thou spread’st a table in my sight; thy unction grace bestoweth; and O what transport of delight from thy pure chalice floweth!
And so through all the length of days thy goodness faileth never: Good Shepherd, may I sing thy praise within thy house for ever.
New Testament Reading | 1 John 3:1-2 | Menechen Fox Jr, (Grandson)
Reader: A Reading from the Word of God written in the Epistle of first John
3 1 See what love the Father has given us, that we should be called children of God; and that is what we are. The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him. 2 Beloved, we are God’s children now; what we will be has not yet been revealed. What we do know is this: when he is revealed, we will be like him, for we will see him as he is.
Reader: This is the Word of the Lord All: Thanks be to God
GRADUAL
HYMN | “How Sweet The Name Of Jesus Sounds”
How sweet the name of Jesus sounds in a believer’s ear!
It soothes his sorrows, heals his wounds, and drives away his fear.
It makes the wounded spirit whole, and calms the troubled breast; ‘tis manna to the hungry soul, and to the weary rest.
Dear name! The rock on which I build, my shield and hiding-place, my never-failing treasury filled with boundless stores of grace.
THE
HOLY
Jesus! My Shepherd, Brother, Friend, my Prophet, Priest, and King, my Lord, my Life, my Way, my End, accept the praise I bring.
Weak is the effort of my heart, and cold my warmest thought; but when I see thee as thou art, I’ll praise thee as I ought.
Till then I would thy love proclaim with every fleeting breath; and may the music of thy name refresh my soul in death.
GOSPEL
| John 14:1-6
Gospeller: The Lord be with you People: And also with you
Gospeller: A Reading from the Holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to John People: Glory to Christ our Savior
14 ‘Do not let your hearts be troubled. Believe in God, believe also in me. 2 In my Father’s house there are many dwelling-places. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, so that where I am, there you may be also. 4 And you know the way to the place where I am going.’ 5 Thomas said to him, ‘Lord, we do not know where you are going. How can we know the way?’ 6 Jesus said to him, ‘I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.
Gospeller: The Gospel of Christ
People: Praise to Christ our Lord
DEVOTIONAL |
“There’s A
Sweet Sweet Spirit”
There’s a sweet, sweet Spirit in this place, and I know that it’s the Spirit of the Lord. There are sweet expressions on each face, and I know they feel the presence of the Lord.
Refrain:
Sweet Holy Spirit, Sweet Heavenly Dove, Stay right here with us, filling us with your love, And for these blessings, we lift our hearts in praise, without a doubt we’ll know that we have been revived when we shall leave this place.
There are blessings you cannot receive till you know him in his fullness, and believe. You’re the one to profit when you say, ‘I am going to walk with Jesus all the way,’
THE SERMON | The Reverend Canon Norman Lightbourne
THE APOSTLES’ CREED
Celebrant: Let us with confidence and hope confess the faith into which we were baptized, as we say,
All: I believe in God the Father Almighty, creator of heaven and earth. I believe in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord. He was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary. He suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried. He descended to the dead. On the third day he rose again. He ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again to judge the living and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy Catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.
INTERSESSIONS | Wayde Beckford Jr. (Nephew)
Leader: For oursister, Erica, let us pray to the Lord Jesus Christ who said, “I am the Resurrection and I am life”. Lord, you consoled Martha and Mary in their distress: Draw near to us who mourn for Erica and dry the tears of those who weep.
All: Hear us, Lord.
Leader: You wept at the grave of Lazarus, your friend: Comfort us in our sorrow. All: Hear us, Lord.
Leader: You raised the dead to life: Raise our sister, Erica, to eternal life. All: Hear us, Lord.
Leader: You promised paradise to the thief who repented: Bring our sister, Erica, to the joys of heaven. All: Hear us, Lord.
Leader: Our sister was washed in Baptism and anointed with the Holy Spirit: Give her fellowship with all your saints.
All: Hear us, Lord.
Leader: They were nourished with your Body and Blood: Grant her a place at the table in your heavenly kingdom.
All: Hear us, Lord.
Leader: Comfort us in our sorrows at the deaths of our sister, Erica. Let our faith be our consolation, and eternal life our hope.
All: Hear us, Lord.
Silence may be kept.
Celebrant: Lord Jesus Christ, we commend to you our sister, Erica, who was reborn by water and the Spirit in Holy Baptism. Grant that their death may recall to us your victory over death, and be an occasion for us to renew our trust in your Father’s love. Give us, we pray, the faith to follow where you have led the way; and where you live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, to the ages of ages.
All: Amen.
ACT OF PENITENCE
Celebrant: If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, God is faithful and just, and will forgive our sins, and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
A period of silence shall be kept.
Celebrant: Let us therefore confess our sins.
All: Almighty God, our Heavenly Father, we have sinned against you and one another, in thought, word and deed, and in what we have left undone. We are sorry and repent of all our sins. For your Son, our Lord Jesus Christ’s sake, forgive us all that is past, and grant that we may serve you in newness of life to the glory of your Name. Amen.
THE ABSOLUTION
Celebrant: Almighty God, have mercy upon you, pardon and deliver you from all your sins, confirm and strengthen you in all goodness, and keep you in life eternal; through Jesus Christ our Lord. All: Amen.
ANTHEM BY THE CHOIR
PRESENTATION OF THE OFFERINGS | Menelik Fox, Menechen Fox Jr. Raphael Cole (Grandsons)
LIGHT’S abode, celestial Salem, Vision whence true peace doth spring, Brighter than the heart can fancy, Mansion of the Highest King; Oh, how glorious are the praises Which of thee the prophets sing!
There for ever and for ever Alleluia is out-poured; For unending, for unbroken Is the feast-day of the Lord; All is pure and all is holy That within thy walls is stored.
There no cloud nor passing vapour Dims the brightness of the air; Endless noon-day, glorious noon-day, From the Sun of suns is there; There no night brings rest from labour, For unknown are toil and care.
Oh, how glorious and resplendent, Fragile body, shalt thou be, When endued with so much beauty, Full of health, and strong, and free, Full of vigour, full of pleasure That shall last eternally!
Now with gladness, now with courage, Bear the burden on thee laid, That hereafter these thy labours May with endless gifts be paid; And in everlasting glory Thou with brightness be arrayed.
Laud and honour to the Father, Laud and honour to the Son, Laud and honour to the Spirit, Ever Three and ever One, Consubstantial, Co-eternal, While unending ages run.
Celebrant: Through your goodness, Lord, we have this bread and wine to offer, the fruit of the earth and the work of human hands. They will become our spiritual food.
All: All things come from You, O Lord, and of your own do we give you. Blessed be God forever. Amen.
THE EUCHARISTIC PRAYER
Celebrant: The Lord be with you
All: And also with you
Celebrant: Lift up your hearts
All: We lift them up to the Lord
Celebrant: Let us give thanks to the Lord our God
All: It is right to give God thanks and praise
Celebrant: It is right, and a good and joyful thing, always and everywhere to give you thanks, Father Almighty, everlasting God: Through Jesus Christ Our Lord; who rose victorious from the dead and comforts us with the blessed hope of eternal life. For to your faithful people, O Lord, life is changed, not ended; and when our mortal body lies in death, there is prepared for us a dwelling place eternal in the heaven. Therefore, we praise you joining our voices with angels and archangels and with all the company of heaven, who forever sing this hymn to proclaim the glory of Your Name.
All: Holy, holy, holy, Lord, God of power and might; Heaven and earth are full of Your glory. Hosanna in the highest. Blessed is He who comes in the Name of the Lord. Hosanna in the highest.
Celebrant: Sovereign Lord and Father, to You be glory and praise for ever. In Your boundless wisdom You brought creation into being; in Your great love You fashioned us in Your image; in Your tender compassion You sent Your Son, Jesus Christ, our Saviour, to share our human nature; in the power of the Holy Spirit He overcame the power of sin and death and brought Your people to new birth as first fruits of Your new creation.
On the night He was betrayed, He took bread and when he had given thanks to You, He broke it and gave it to His disciples and said: “Take this and eat it: This is my Body which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of Me”.
And after supper, He took the cup of wine: and when He had given thanks, He gave it to them and said: “Drink this all of you: This is My Blood of the New Covenant, which is shed for you and for many for the forgiveness of sins. Whenever you drink it, do this for the remembrance of Me.”
Celebrant: Therefore, Father, according to the command of your dearly beloved Son.
All: We remember His death. We proclaim His resurrection. We await His coming in glory.
Celebrant: And we offer you, Father, our sacrifice of thanks and praise. Send your Holy Spirit on these gifts of bread and wine that they become the Body and Blood of Your Son, Jesus, our Lord and Redeemer. As we partake of the holy food of new and unending life, may Your Holy Spirit establish us as a royal priesthood with the Blessed Virgin Mary, and all Your sons and daughters who share in Your eternal inheritance; Through Jesus Christ our Lord. With Him and in Him and through him, by the power of the Holy Spirit, we worship You, Father Almighty, with all who stand before you in earth and heaven, in songs of everlasting praise.
All: Blessing and honour and glory and power be yours forever and ever. Amen
THE LORD’S PRAYER
Celebrant: As our Saviour has taught us, so we pray:
All: Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your Name; Your kingdom come; Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. Forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us. Save us from the time of trial and deliver us from evil. For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are Yours, now and forever. Amen.
THE BREAKING OF THE BREAD
Celebrant: We break this bread to share in the body of Christ.
All: Though we are many, we are one body, because we all share in one bread.
Celebrant: The gifts of God for the people of God
All: Our souls will feast and be satisfied and we will sing glad songs of praise to him
AGNUS DEI
All: Lamb of God, You take away the sin of the world, grant her rest. Lamb of God, You take away the sin of the world, grant her rest. Lamb of God, You take away the sin of the world, grant her rest eternal.
INVITATION TO COMMUNION
Celebrant: My brothers and sisters in Christ, draw near and receive His body, which He gave for you, and His blood, which He shed for you. Remember that He died for you, and feed on Him in your hearts by faith and thanksgiving.
All: Grant, gracious Lord, that we may so eat the flesh of your dear Son, Jesus Christ, and drink His blood that we may evermore dwell in Him and He in us. Amen
COMMUNION HYMNS | “Morning Has Broken”
Morning has broken like the first morning, blackbird has spoken like the first bird. Praise for the singing! Praise for the morning! Praise for them, springing fresh from the Word!
Sweet the rain’s new fall sunlit from heaven, like the first dewfall on the first grass. Praise for the sweetness of the wet garden, sprung in completeness where his feet pass.
Mine is the sunlight! Mine is the morning born of the one light Eden saw play! Praise with elation, praise every morning, God’s re-creation of the new day!
“I
Am The Bread of Life”
I am the bread of life; they who come to me shall not hunger; they who believe in me shall not thirst. No one come to me unless the Father draw them.
Refrain:
And I will raise them up, and I will raise them up, and I will raise them up on the last day.
The bread that I will give is my flesh for the life of the world, and they who eat of this bread, they shall live for ever.
Unless you eat of the flesh of the Son of Man and drink of his blood, you shall not have life within you, you shall not have life within you.
Refrain
I am the resurrection, I am the life; they who believe in me, even if they die, they shall live forever.
Refrain
Yes, Lord we believe that you are the Christ, The Son of God who has come into the world.
Refrain
“How Great Thou Art”
O Lord my God, when I in awesome wonder Consider all the worlds Thy hands have made; I see the stars, I hear the rolling thunder, Thy power throughout the universe displayed:
(Chorus)
Then sings my soul, my saviour God, to Thee, How great thou art! How great thou art! Then sings my soul, my Saviour God, to Thee, How great Thou art! How great Thou art!
When through the woods and forest glades I wander, And hear the birds sing sweetly in the trees; When I look down from lofty mountain grandeur, And hear the brook, and feel the gentle breeze:
And when I think that God, his son not sparing, Sent him to die – I scarce can take it in: That on the cross, my burden gladly bearing, He bled and died to take away my sin:
When Christ shall come with shout of acclamation And take me home – what joy shall fill my heart! Then shall I bow in humble adoration, And there proclaim, my God, how great Thou art!
POST COMMUNION PRAYER
All: Almighty God, we thank you that in Your great love You have fed us with the spiritual food and drink of the Body and Blood of your Son Jesus Christ, and have given us a foretaste of Your heavenly banquet. Grant that this Sacrament may be to us a comfort in affliction, and a pledge of our inheritance in that kingdom, where there is no death, neither sorrow nor crying, but the fullness of joy with your saints; through Jesus Christ our Saviour. Amen.
THANKSGIVING HYMN | “Guide Me O Thou Great Redeemer”
GUIDE me, O Thou great Redeemer, Pilgrim through this barren land; I am weak, but Thou art mighty, Hold me with Thy powerful hand; Bread of Heaven, Feed me now and evermore.
Open now the crystal fountain, Whence the healing streams doth flow: Let the fiery cloudy pillar Lead me all my journey through; Strong Deliverer, Be Thou still my Strength and Shield.
When I tread the verge of Jordan, Bid my anxious fears subside: Death of death, and hell’s Destruction, Land me safe on Canaan’s side Songs and praises I will ever give to Thee.
THE COMMENDATION
Celebrant: Give rest, O Christ to Your servant with Your saints
All: Where sorrow and pain are no more, neither sighing, but life everlasting.
Celebrant: You only are immortal, the Creator and Maker of mankind; and we are mortal, formed of the earth, and to the earth shall we return. For so did You ordain when You created me, saying, “You are dust, and to dust shall you return”. All of us go down to the dust; yet even at the grave we make our song: Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!
All: Give rest, O Christ, to Your servant with Your saints, where sorrow and pain are no more, neither sighing, but life everlasting.
Celebrant: Lord have mercy. Our Father
All: who art in heaven, hallowed by 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. For thine is the kingdom, the power and the glory, forever and ever. Amen
Celebrant: Let us commend our sister, Erica, to the mercy of God our Maker and Redeemer. Deliver your servant, Erica, O Sovereign Lord Christ, from all evil, and set her free from every bond, that she may rest with all your saints in the eternal habitations, where with the Father and the Holy Spirit you live and reign, one God for ever and ever.
All: Amen
Celebrant: Let us pray: Into your hands, O merciful Saviour we commend your servant, Erica. Acknowledge we humbly ask You, a sheep of Your own fold, a lamb of Your own flock, a sinner of Your own redeeming. Receive them into the arms of Your mercy, into the blessed rest of everlasting peace, and into the glorious company of the saints in light, where you live and reign with the Father and Holy Spirit, in glory everlasting.
All: Amen
Celebrant: Rest eternal grant unto her, O Lord
People: And let light perpetual shine upon them
Celebrant: May she rest in peace
All: Amen
RECESSIONAL HYMN | “For All the Saints”
For all the saints, who from their labors rest, who thee by faith before the world confessed, thy name, O Jesus, be forever blest. Alleluia, Alleluia!
Thou wast their rock, their fortress, and their might; thou Lord, their captain in the well-fought fight; thou in the darkness drear, their one true light. Alleluia, Alleluia!
O may thy soldiers, faithful, true, and bold, fight as the saints who nobly fought of old, and win with them the victor’s crown of gold. Alleluia, Alleluia!
GRAVESIDE
O blest communion, fellowship divine! We feebly struggle, they in glory shine; yet all are one in thee, for all are thine. Alleluia, Alleluia!
And when the strife is fierce, the warfare long, steals on the ear the distant triumph song, and hearts are brave again, and arms are strong. Alleluia, Alleluia!
From earth’s wide bounds, from ocean’s farthest coast, through gates of pearl streams in the countless host, singing to Father, Son, and Holy Ghost: Alleluia, Alleluia!
HYMNS
| “Abide With Me” “The Day Thou Gavest”
Prayer of St. Francis of Assisi
“Prayer of Anglican Church Women” Lord, make me an instrument of your peace, Where there is hatred, let me sow love; Where there is injury, pardon; Where there is doubt, faith; Where there is despair, hope; Where there is darkness, light; Where there is sadness, joy; O Divine Master, Grant that I may not so much seek To be consoled as to console; To be understood as to understand; To be loved as to love. For it is in giving that we receive; It is in pardoning that we are pardoned; And it is in dying that we are born to eternal life.
Amen
Love A LEGACY OF
My best friend, confidant, cheerleader and sister. “You gave life and love to me, turned a baby into a lady. All you had to offer was the promise of a lifetime of love.”
Words cannot describe the joy and pain, the laughter and the challenges, which all together molded the beauty of our lives together. Despite this reality today, I rest in your strength and in the knowledge that you are truly flying high with an army of angels hovering over with a mighty hand of protection for all you loved.
Your life was not a bed of roses, but you lived it abundantly and turned ashes into beauty, bypassing with a swan’s grace every thorn amidst each rose bush. No matter what, you blossomed with grace, dignity and unsurpassable strength.
Your life has taught me so much. The richness of your character, the fortitude in your ability to be elegant despite any situation or circumstance. The gentle smile and mighty hand of authority when you had enough of something that offended honor or what was right in the eyes of God.
Your love for the kitchen was only one part of the kindness you so selflessly gave, your elegant way of bringing people and communities together in your own special ministry and to ensure that your beautiful legacy never dies.
Your private circle was small, yet your community reached far and wide. From the humble beginnings of Parker Street, to wherever life and God saw fit to take you, you embraced
it all; the joy, the pain, the laughter and the tears. A silent giant who hid her strength deep within.
A woman of very few words, but whose actions were what reached the highest mountains and flowed to the lowest valleys with prayer as your shield! You were always confident that the Lord was right there carrying you. He surely was!
Mommy, you showed kindness even when it was met with ingratitude. You displayed love even when it was returned with spite and disrespect. “Leave them to God” was all you would say if someone ever returned evil for good.
And just as Christ Himself in His gentle and lowly ways experienced the viles of this world, yet His name lives on today until eternity – so shall your name and beautiful legacy live on, forever. This is what truly comforts me.
I want to say again - even as you have passed on and I could have never said it enough, THANK YOU! Thank you for being my constant source of strength and support. Thank you for the unwavering belief in me that gave me the confidence to pursue my dreams, no matter how big or small.
Your many sacrifices have never gone unnoticed. From a little girl at Dandy Lion School, to primary school through high school and then onto The College of The Bahamas and working life at the age of 17. You encouraged me to
always work hard despite my age, even as a pre-teen gift wrapper at John Bull. Then it was my journey to Law School. You never stopped until all my dreams became a reality.
Your greatest blessing and biggest accomplishment was to see me become and grow as a mother myself. I’m truly grateful to know that you lived to see that day, a journey that strengthened our bond and one which I am blessed to have shared with you, if only for a while.
Your selflessness has always been a guiding light for me and a lesson of the true meaning of love and dedication. With you I didn’t need friends; you were truly the best friend I could ever ask for, loving me selflessly and unconditionally.
I will miss our talks, Sunday’s at church, our walks, traveling together, Christmas movies each year from as far back as I can remember and the list goes on and on. It’s these little things, the simple things to name a few that made our lives so rich and full of love.
I never imagined this would be our last journey together, yet I would do it all over again, then thousand times over - through every doctor’s visit, medical procedure - every meeting, difficult conversation and medical decision. It was an honor and esteemed privilege to be your caregiver and advocate with everything else on the backburner.
To witness God perform each miracle despite what medical professionals had to say, was surreal and a blessing. To have the opportunity to minister and be a witness to God’s tender mercies by the demonstration of your faith. If I could ever give an example or write a book on how to live and how to die with dignity, grace and unflinching faith – YOUR LIFE would be that example.
As difficult as it was to watch you pass away, you gave me every instruction with God at the helm. I am confident in knowing that you are truly at peace having done all you needed to do and said all you needed to say and LOVED all you needed to love. You are now resting in the arms of the One who loves you best.
Today I stand with immense gratitude, for the opportunity and privilege to have called you my mother. To have shared so many beautiful memories from childhood to adulthood and for being there with you right to the very last day of your life, sleeping in your hospital room, praying with you and reading God’s word, my brother and I taking turns at your bed side. Thank you Lord for your grace and mercies that never ever fail.
In Life I loved you dearly. In death I love you sorely. In my heart you hold a place no one else will EVER fill. You loved me FIERCLY in life, and I know that fierce love is even stronger in death. Your physical presence is painfully gone but your spirit, love and angelic presence remain FOREVER.
Therefore, despite the loss of your physical presence; just as you said to me with your words spoken to me – and as I repeat verbatim…
“ Move on with your life. Wherever you go, there I will be!”
It was and is a bitter pill to swallow, but with the Lord’s help alone I must obey your command, as I navigate this life without your physical presence and your guiding hand.
You were truly the QUEEN of our hearts and lives and now I am confident that you have transitioned to the highest Order in Heaven.
Your one and only DAUGTHER
Lisa
TRIBUTE TO My Mother
Today is one I knew would come but I honestly didn’t think it would come this quick. These pass weeks since you have been gone have been hard to get through without you being just a message away. I miss being able to message asking you if you cooking tonight and if so “what is it?” If u knew my mother you knew she could cook and bake. Since living with her that was definitely something I looked forward to. On Sundays she often tested her skills on how much people she could feed out of her one pot. She was kind and generous with her cooking and baking. To make sure she never forgot anyone she would write on “Post Its” each persons name so they got there share. She was a sweet person but she was no pushover. She was short in stature but when she spoke you listened. She always did her best in encouraging me to make good choices and was always there when I truly needed her. Living with her these pass few years we really got to know and understand each other better. I am so grateful of the time that we had together. I will miss watching basketball games with you. I will miss messaging you while I in the kitchen putting something together. I honestly thought we had more time; we had plans, but God did what was best for you. I will cherish the memories we made together all the lessons you’ve taught me.
I love you
Meneche
I am thankful for my grandmother. She would always keep me and my brother organized, anytime we won anything or did something good she was there supporting. She would also make it a mission to get us to church with her and my aunt. I am grateful for all that she did while she was alive.
Meneliik
She was a nice, loving, caring person who taught me a lot in past two years I’ve lived with her. She would always bake cakes and cupcakes almost bi-weekly. I will miss you until the day I meet you in heaven.
Junior Hello Grammy
I want to see you at our church
Have fun with the angels
Raphael
My Aunty
My Aunty Erica was a truly special person. One of Class and Elegance with a smile so radiant and a laugh so infectious, to be loved by her was a gift. She carried warmth in her heart, kindness in her actions and she gave so much of herself to the people around her without ever asking for anything in return. Her love was comforting and sincere. She had a way of making others feel seen and valued. Whether through her words, her laughter, or simply her presence, she brought light into my life and the lives of those around her.
Aunty Erica expressed her love in so many beautiful ways, especially through her cooking and baking. The meals and treats she made were more than just food—they were acts of love that brought people together and created lasting memories. And as for the memories we shared—both the big moments and the quiet, ordinary ones—will always be treasured.
Though her passing has left a space that cannot be filled, her love remains with us. It lives on in the lessons she taught, the care she showed, and the bond she created within our family. We will carry her spirit forward by loving others the way she loved us.
She will always be remembered, deeply missed, and forever held in our hearts.
Wayde Jr.
A Beautiful Rose Gone Too Soon
A TRIBUTE TO A GEM OF A
WOMAN
A beautiful person with a beautiful soul, A little-giant of a woman with a heart of gold.
She carried herself with dignity and grace, She wore a smile, no matter what she had to face.
“My Lord! Why me?” I never once heard her said, She focused on climbing the hills ahead.
She had a zest for life and many wonderful memories shared, She will be sorely missed for the foundations she’s laid.
She loved her family and her grandchildren held her heart, Lisa and Menechen were her first loves right from the start.
She kept her circle small, but was fiercely protective of her own A beautiful rose …gone too soon.
She loved the kitchen and she loved to bake, Betty Crocker herself, could not match her cakes.
She loved her church and was faithful and true She knew that God had her back no matter what she had to go through.
Her work ethic was unimpeachable and she committed herself to every task, But she has gone home to live with our Saviour at last.
Where all the working is done and there are just rewards to reap My beautiful cousin has taken her final sleep.
She is with our Saviour in Glory and her ancestors who awaited her there She no longer has to study this old world with its burdens and cares.
If we are faithful, one day we will meet her there. And we can then sit with her and our own memories share.
She was a humble soul and a peacemaker to the end. Erica we will sadly miss you … mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, cousin and friend.
Take Your Final Much Deserved Rest Erica. From Raquel “Kelly”
Best FRIENDS
Erica and I came from two different worlds, but to her, that never mattered. Back in school, she decided she wanted to be my friend with a simple tap on the shoulder and a simple question “Do you want to be my friend?” and from that moment on, she never wavered and never turned her back on me. She was my best friend then, and she remained my best friend always.
Erica may have been small in stature, but she commanded every room she stepped into. Her presence was powerful, her confidence unmistakable, and her spirit impossible to ignore. As we grew and our lives changed, she blessed me with two amazing godchildren, and later became the very best godmother my child could ever have. She gave love freely, fiercely, and without limits.
Even when an ocean stood between us, it never felt that way. When we spoke, time disappeared we could talk for hours about any and everything, laughing, reflecting, and simply being ourselves. Distance never weakened our bond.
If I had to describe Erica in just a few words, they would be driven, confident, and resilient.
She fought with everything she had, with strength and grace. You put up a good fight, my dear friend. Now it’s time for you to rest easy, knowing the legacy you left behind will continue to do amazing things.
I love you, my BEST friend, my ONLY friend, my dear SISTER. Your love, your strength, and your spirit will live on forever.
Barbara
Erica Pauline Fox
Erica Pauline Fox
Erica Pauline Fox
Honorary Pallbearers
Mark Fox
Menechen Fox Sr.
Pallbearers
Wayde Beckford Sr.
Daniel Valentino Miller
Todd Cole
Wayde Beckford Jr.
Mateo Miller
James Cole
In Appreciation
“In the Words of Helen Steiner Rice” People everywhere in life, from every walk of life have given us so many things intangible and dear, I couldn’t begin to count them all, or even make them clear, I only know I owe so much to people everywhere. You have brought sunshine into our home, you have visited, prayed, brought gifts all kinds, called asked about us and simply cared. For this we are thankful. Our sorrow is easier to bear with help from God and friends like you. We appreciate all you have done for us during our hour of bereavement.
