The Tribune

By ALESHA CADET

Tribune Features Reporter

acadet@tribunemedia.net

HUNDREDS of Eleuthera residents gathered on the weekend to mourn the passing of two iconic role models of the community: Coral Patrice Fernander-Burton and her mother Eulie Fernander.

The mother and daughter were laid to rest in the Governor’s Harbour Cemetery after a Eucharistic celebration presided over by Diocesan Bishop Laish Z Boyd and fellow clergy men from the Anglican Diocese on Saturday, February 8 2014.

Coral was a well known primary school teacher. “Ms Fernander”, as she was affectionately called by many of her students, was loved by many, including her husband, Anglican Priest and Rector of Anglican Churches in Long Island, Father Chester Burton,.

Her last teaching assignment was at Glinton’s Primary School in Long Island where she resided with Father Burton. She also served as Senior Assistant to the Principal Ruth Smith. Just days before her passing, Coral was airlifted from Doctors Hospital in New Providence to Broward Medical General Hospital in Florida after a short illness. She battled with this condition through the latter part of her life.

A memorial service was held for Coral last Thursday at the St Patrick’s Anglican Parish Hall, Governor’s Harbour at 11:00 am. The memorial service showcased students and schools from throughout the Central Eleuthera Educational District where she once taught. The parish hall was packed with well wishers, local education officials, teachers, former students, as well as a number of parents who attended to reminisce about the legacy and impact garnered from Coral’s life span.

Upon her graduation from Florida Memorial College in Summer 1993 with a Bachelor’s in Primary School Education, she hit the ground running: moulding, mentoring and motivating young minds. She followed in the footsteps of her primary school teacher Winnie Thompson.

From 1993 to 2000, Coral was posted at the Governor Harbour All Age School. She spent a year at the James Cistern Primary School before being transferred to Emma E Cooper Primary School from 2001 to 2008. After 2008 she relocated to be with her husband in Cat Island, who was priest in charge of the Anglican Churches in Cat Island, and finally in 2010 she took up residence in Long Island where she was posted at Glinton’s Primary School until the time of her demise.

During the memorial, Belinda Wilson, President of Bahamas Union of Teachers brought condolences and spoke of Coral’s quiet and reserved demeanour, recognising that she gained much strength from her as an individual. Students in special tribute to her memory and legacy spoke of how they were touched by her warm presence and beautiful smile, of how memories of Coral have left an indelible imprint on the tapestry of their individual lives. The gathering heard from her long time colleague James Ingraham, Primary School Physical Educational Teacher; former Principal Herman Johnson; Helen Simmons Johnson, District Educational Officer and Father Scott Brennen, Rector of St Patrick’s Parish.

On the day of her funeral service, the grounds of St Patrick Anglican Church yard was a beehive of activity as well wishers from across the island waited outside the church’s foyer to pay last respects to “Mrs U and Tricey,” as they were affectionately called.
Archdeacons, Canons and priests from throughout the Diocesan family made the trek to the island. Over 50 Anglican priests attended, symbolic of how many lives were touched by the family, and the love and respect they have for Father Burton.

Long time friend and former rector of St Patrick Parish, Father Jonathan Archer eulogised the mother and daughter duo. Father Archer reminisced and shared that when he arrived in 2005, Mrs U operated from her wheelchair and eventually her health began to deteriorate and she became bedridden. However, her daughter was always there by her side cooking up delicious meals, ensuring that her mother was well taken care of.

His relationship with Father Burton has spanned some 25 years. It was under his term that Father Burton married Coral Patrice and took her to live in Cat Island with him. He spoke about her tall stature and no nonsense demeanour. He told the congregation that the mother and daughter bond was inseparable and that is seen by how close their deaths occurred.

Father Archer continued that they were tall in stature and impacted the island of Eleuthera in a very positive way. He commented that Coral Patrice is survived by 48 god children, an outstanding number stating that she must have had some genuine godly virtues. He was humbled that he was chosen to preach at the funeral and said scores of well wishers came from Cat Island and Long Island to show their love and support for the family.

After the service, Central Eleuthera High School Marching School Band took the caskets down the main Eleuthera causeway. The crowds that came out to this home coming celebration were reminiscent of a settlement homecoming on Eleuthera. It would linger in the hearts and minds of many individuals who came and attended to pay their last respects.

Eulie Fernander is survived by her husband and three sons. Coral Patrice Burton is survived by Father Burton and one lovely daughter, Chelsey Eulie Queenie Burton.