The Tribune

By JEFFARAH GIBSON

Tribune Features Writer

jgibson@tribunemedia.net

IT HAS been a year since Clarabell Hanna-Williams passed away, but the sting of her death is still felt by her eight children, other relatives and friends.

The precious memories of the 78-year-old “Miss Clara” as she was affectionately called by those who knew her, brings comfort and gives strength.

Before her passing on February 6, 2012, due to health complications, Miss Clara made a huge impact on the lives of those she came into contact with, especially her children.

The simplest moments shared are the most cherished. Carolyn, Sharon and Steven miss spending time, whether it was near a fire under the almond tree, or lying in bed with Miss Clara to run through events of the day.

Diane, Casinlee, Leslie, Kelita Elma and Anishka miss preparing food and taking Miss Clara around for personal engagements. But most of all they remember the pillar of strength she was, giving words of encouragement whenever necessary.

“I miss going to my mother’s home and getting in bed with her and sharing what was going on in my world. It was amazing after I told her all the things that were troubling me she would simply say, ‘What happen girl, where is your faith.’ She would then raise the song ‘Pass me not O Gentle Saviour, hear my humble cry’. After prayers, she always repeated the 23rd Psalm. She never said thy rod and thy staff. She would say, thy rod and thy stars they comfort me,” said Dr Carolyn Rolle, daughter.

“I loved the way she treated indigent people, especially pregnant women and girls. She never looked down on disadvantaged people. She always believed and practiced ‘to whom much is given, much is required. If you give to the poor, you lend to the lord.”

Dr Rolle said her mother enjoyed a very active life. Shortly after completing Snug Corner All Age School in Acklins, her birthplace, she was employed on the Claridege Farm.

There she was a sales woman, with the task of selling “ripe tomatoes”.

Work for Clarabell did not end on the Claridge Farm. She was also a housekeeper and nursemaid. Eventually she started her own business selling groceries and drinks from a stall on Miami Street. As time progressed, she built a petty shop out of tin and named it Clarabell’s Treat Shop.

“She became a very successful business woman and the community could always go to Miss Clara to ‘trust’ whatever until payday. The shop also became a central meeting place for the neighbourhood activities especially on weekends. She was also a trusted asue keeper, Dr Rolle said.

Clarabell joined the fellowship at Ebenezer Mission Baptist Church during its early formation and served on the Diaconate Board. As a member of the Diaconate Board she engaged in evangelism and went on missions to every island in the Bahamas proclaiming the gospel of Jesus Christ. She had a special love for young people and encouraged them in their Christian formation, her daughter said. Miss Clara also organised the soup kitchen at Ebenezer Mission Baptist Church.

“Her mantra was to feed the hungry, clothe the naked, visit the sick, visit those in prison and be kind to strangers. She served without respect to nationality, social and educational status. She enlisted the help of friends and family to sponsor her annual back to school jamboree and Christmas parties and gift giving. The soup kitchen became her ‘baby’ and she worked diligently along with her team of volunteers to provide food and clothing to those deserving,” Dr Rolle said of her mother.

Clarabell was married to Edward Charles Williams. Family life was very important to her, so she frequently organised the Hanna Family Reunion and hosted family meetings every Saturday.

She encouraged those who had a heart for strong family values to continue the work and not become discouraged by those who did not have the wisdom to celebrate family.