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New Horizon Worship Ministries was filled with songs of praise, memories and silent grief on Saturday as family and friends gathered to lay Nica Juilen to rest.

For Nica’s mother, the moment seemed almost too heavy to absorb.

As the praise team sang, “Goodness of God,” she sat nearly motionless, her head resting on the shoulder of another as she sought comfort in the middle of an unbearable goodbye.

But around her were mourners carrying their own memories of Nica, who they said had a remarkable ability to make others feel loved.

Nica, 26, died after leaving a function and crashing into a utility pole. She later succumbed to her injuries in hospital, leaving behind family, friends and a young son trying to understand a loss no one expected.

For Chloe Miller, Nica became like a sister in just one year.

Their friendship deepened through moments of joy and pain, including when Miller lost her father.

Nica was there to wipe her tears.

“You always encouraged me to do what’s best for me and celebrate my achievements,” Miller remembered. “You have no idea how much you healed me.

“So many priceless memories in so little time.”

Shasheena Clarke remembered Nica as a loving person whose presence could fill a room.

“Her smile lit up a room a mile away,” she said.

Nica may have been small in stature, Clarke said, but she carried herself with a confidence that made her seem much larger.

“She might have been short in stature, but in her mind she was at least seven feet tall.”

Her heart, Clarke said, belonged to three things above all: God, her mother and her son.

She had met Nica through her aunt, but said their connection quickly felt much longer than it actually was.

Pastor Karol Roach urged the grieving family to trust God even when the answers remain beyond their understanding.

“Let not your heart be troubled,” he reminded them.

He spoke about the fragility of life and the limited number of days given to each person.

“Life is short. Life is fragile,” Roach said, reminding the congregation that life is not a rehearsal.

“We measure life in years, but God measures in days.”

Nica’s final day, he said, was June 28, 2026.

The pastor urged those gathered to consider their own numbered days and to make each one count.

“Teach us to number our days,” he said.

As her casket was slowly rolled out of the church, the congregation continued to sing, “It’s Alright Now.”

The song carried her away from the sanctuary, but the memories remained.

Video credit: JS Event Management

Anthony Thompson fought back tears as he stood in Highway Church of God Temple on Saturday, saying goodbye to the little girl who had given his life a new purpose.

To the congregation, she was Bertrica “Trica” Brown, one of the five young lives lost in last month’s devastating Shirley Street crash.

To Anthony, she was the little sister he became a father to.

Long before Trica dreamed of college and athletics, Anthony made a decision that would change both of their lives. At just 27 years old, he stepped into a role he had never expected to carry.

He would raise her and would become the parent she needed after the loss of their biological parents.

“I didn’t know how to raise a teenage girl,” he admitted. “There were times I thought I would give up. But Trica made it easier than he ever imagined.

“I thank God she wasn’t someone who gave me attitude or really stressed me out. She wasn’t rebellious.”

Still, love required sacrifice. Anthony remembers days when there simply wasn’t enough money for both of them.

“There were times when I did not eat,” he said. “I’d think, ‘Man, I’m only 27. I’m trying to feed a whole child, and I need to eat too.’ I felt like I grew up so quickly.”

He quietly carried the burden, trusting God to provide.

His own dreams took a back seat so hers could grow.

Knowing how much she loved sports, Anthony threw himself into helping her succeed. Already involved in basketball, volleyball and flag football, he even started a track club because Trica wanted to become a thrower.

Her dreams became his mission.

As she grew older, Anthony found himself balancing two identities that often collided.

“There were times being her brother and being her father was clashing,” he said.

“Trica was very clingy. I wasn’t that kind of person. Because of her, I had to sacrifice the way I am. I had to break down.”

On his 30th birthday, Anthony prayed a prayer he says changed his heart.

“Lord, I give her back to You. You gave me her as a responsibility, and I trust You. Show me everything You have for her.”

Even when Anthony could not afford private school tuition for months at a time, doors kept opening.

“There were times I put her in private school and couldn’t pay the fees,” he recalled. “But I thank God for the favor He placed on her life.”

Eventually, Trica earned a partial scholarship to attend college.

Anthony had spent years worrying about how he would provide for her future. It seemed God was doing what he no longer could.

He was ready to make one more sacrifice. “I was willing to sacrifice a few more years all over again,” he said.

He never got the chance. Instead, he found himself standing before her casket.

As he reflected on raising Trica, Anthony acknowledged that one of their greatest challenges had been helping her understand why God had chosen him and his wife to become her parents.

“It was difficult for her to understand that God placed a mother and father in her life after her biological parents died,” he said. “But God gave me the patience. At first, I didn’t have it.”

The dreams they had planned together remain unfinished. But Anthony says he has found peace in one truth.

“Trica was safe. I watched her grow up. And I thank God that I can rest knowing she knew the Lord.”

Yet even faith has not silenced the ache.

“I am okay with what God is doing,” he said softly. “But my emotions… my feelings… they just won’t leave me alone.”

The final journey of Stania Webb and Diamond Stubbs began with music as a marching band, of which both girls had once proudly been a part, led mourners through Cat Island on Saturday in a farewell that was heartbreaking and beautiful.

Ahead of the band were two coffins, one white, one light blue, carrying two best friends whose bond had become inseparable in life and would remain so in death.

As the procession moved toward the cemetery, the familiar hymn “All My Life You Have Been Faithful” filled the air, its words echoing through a community still struggling to comprehend the loss of two daughters with so much life ahead of them.

At the cemetery, the girls were laid to rest side by side in green and light blue mausoleums built by Stania’s father, Stanley Webb, his sons and members of the Cat Island community.

The mausoleums had become a symbol of love long before the funeral began as neighbours mixed cement, friends brought food and drinks and volunteers gave their time.

Together, they built a lasting tribute to two young women who had grown up like sisters.

As mourners placed roses on the coffins and softly sang “Glad Day, Oh Wonderful Day,” the sorrow gave way to uncontrollable grief.

The cries grew louder as both coffins were lifted into the mausoleums at the same moment.

Then came the moment no parent, sibling or friend ever wants to witness. As workers prepared to seal the mausoleums, Mr Webb—the father who had spent days helping build them with his own hands—secured the final concrete slabs into place.

From the crowd came a heartbreaking cry: “Don’t close my baby sister up.”

It was a moment that left few dry eyes.

Stania, 19, and Diamond, 17, were among five young people killed in last month’s devastating Shirley Street crash in Nassau after the vehicle in which they were travelling struck a tree.

Speaking during the funeral service at Highway Church of God, Prime Minister Philip Davis reflected on lives cut tragically short.

“They were doing everything young people were supposed to be doing,” he said. “They were dreaming, they were preparing, they were planning.”

Diamond had only recently completed a summer job at her godfather’s laundromat, determined to save money before leaving for college in the fall.

Those who knew her remembered a remarkable young woman with a bright mind, a love for dancing and singing, and a presence that made others feel at ease.

“Her presence brought comfort to those around her,” her godfather, Bradley Dorsett, said.

Stania was remembered for her contagious laughter, her radiant smile and the simple joys she cherished—days at the beach, trips for ice cream and the love she shared so freely with those closest to her.

Perhaps the most moving words of the day came from Mr Webb as he turned toward Diamond’s parents.

“Be strong,” he told them. “These girls are gone. They grew up like sisters, they died like sisters, and we are going to bury them like sisters. They will never be forgotten by me, and I’m sure they will not be forgotten by you.”

Credit: Yontalay Bowe Kirkendall provided video coverage of the funeral

Keno Gordon came to New Providence with a plan. Like many young Bahamians leaving the Family Islands, he was looking for opportunity.

His family said he worked, saved, and dreamed.

College was next and basketball was the dream.

But six days after a devastating crash on Shirley Street that had already claimed four young lives, Keno lost his own battle on Saturday morning.

He was only 19.

“He wanted to go off to school to pursue a basketball career,” his aunt, Ronique Clarke, recalled to the Nassau Guardian.

To make that happen, Keno had already begun building his future. After graduating from Old Bight High School in Cat Island in 2024, he moved to New Providence for work, determined to earn enough money to continue his education.

He worked at the Royal Beach Club and had recently secured another job at CocoCay.

“He said he was saving to go off to school,” Clarke said. “That was one of his dreams.”

Those who knew Keno described him as kind, gentle and hard-working.

“He was so quiet, but he was just loved by all,” Clarke said. “He was just a good boy. He was loving and hard working.”

Back home in Cat Island, Old Bight High School was struggling to comprehend yet another heartbreaking loss.

“This summer has really started off with news we never dreamed of sharing,” the school wrote.

“Keno Gordon has also now lost his fight and is resting in eternal peace.”

Principal Bennique Brown-Pratt, who had watched Keno grow from student to graduate just a year earlier, found herself writing words no educator ever wants to write.

“How am I saying ‘Rest in Peace’ again to another one of my students that just passed this morning from that fatal crash on Sunday?” she wrote.

“Teach your children that life is uncertain. Only God is sure.”

For those who celebrated Junkanoo alongside him, Keno was known simply as “KJay.”

As a member of Roots Junkanoo, he was part of a family bound together by music, culture and community.

“It is with heavy hearts that we mourn the passing of our beloved brother,” the group said. “KJay was more than a member of Roots—he was family.”

His fellow Junkanoo members remembered the passion he brought to every practice, parade and moment they shared together.

“His spirit will continue to live on in every beat of the drum and every step we take together.”

“Thank you for the memories, the laughter and the legacy you leave behind.”

Keno’s death raises the number of lives lost from the June 28 Shirley Street crash to five.

For those who knew Brandon Williams, it was his kindness, warmth and the way he welcomed people that made him unforgettable.

He was described as a loving son, devoted brother and cherished friend — someone who brought light into the lives of those around him.

But on Monday, a sudden traffic accident in Abaco took away a life many believed still had so much more to give.

Brandon, 30, died after a vehicle accident in which his vehicle overturned following a collision, ejecting him from the vehicle. He died at the scene.

And now, his family and friends are left remembering him after the horrific tragedy.

His older brother, Lester Smith, described Brandon as someone whose presence brought joy to others.

“He was the light in the lives of all who knew him,” Lester shared.

He remembered his brother’s kindness, strength and uplifting spirit — qualities that made him loved by many.

But the reality of losing him is still difficult to accept. “I never thought this would actually happen,” Lester wrote.

“But here I am, making an announcement for my younger brother’s demise.”

Cora Kemp remembered Brandon’s kindness in the simplest moments, meeting him at Maxwell Food Store in Abaco.

At the time, she was still becoming familiar with people in Abaco. Brandon struck up a conversation, and what stood out was his willingness to make her feel welcome.

She remembered that he invited her and a friend to his home for dinner, even though he did not have much himself.

“He didn’t have much, but he offered two strangers,” she recalled in a post.

Friend Wilbert Thurston is holding onto the memory of their final conversation. Just days before Brandon’s passing, the two talked about the overwhelming summer heat. It was an ordinary conversation, but neither of them knew it would become their last.

“I never known that would have been our last conversation,” Thurston shared.

For Keon Williams, the loss feels impossible to process. He remembered the friendship built through nights spent playing games, laughing and joking with each other.“

Every other night we played games,” he wrote. “I love you my ‘G’… never was suppose to be you. This hurt me so much.”

For those who knew Bertrica Brown, one thing is remembered again and again— her smile.

A smile that reflected the joy, kindness and warmth she carried wherever she went.

Bertrica was a young woman with dreams ahead of her — a recent graduate, a talented athlete and a person of faith whose life touched many in her community.

But those dreams were suddenly cut short.

Bertrica, a 2026 graduate of Agape Christian School, in Marsh Harbour, Abaco, was among the four young women whose lives were tragically lost in a car crash early Sunday morning in Nassau.

At Kingdom Builders Ministries in Marsh Harbour, Bertrica was known as someone who used her gifts to serve God.

Her pastors, Bishop Terrance and Shoine Strachan, remembered her faithful service on the church’s dance team as a mime dancer.

They said she used her talents “to glorify God and minister to others.”

Her beautiful smile and worshipful spirit, they said, will always be remembered.

For those who taught her, Bertrica was a joy to be around. Her teacher Ayanna Bernard described her as “such a sweet soul.”

She remembered Bertrica as a student who was “never rude,” but always brought laughter and positivity wherever she went.

Bertrica’s future seemed full of promise. At her recent graduation, she was described as a bright young woman with incredible potential.

Member of Parliament Mario Bowleg, who spoke at her graduation, remembered her as someone with a future ahead of her.

And that future included continuing her education after receiving a full scholarship to play volleyball.

Volleyball was her passion.

Madeline Albury, who knew her, remembered the joy she brought to the game.

“She had a wonderful spirit wherever she went. It was filled with laughter, such a sweet girl,” Albury shared.

Those closest to her are now left with memories and a pain that words cannot fully explain.

Florence Fullerton shared an emotional goodbye: “Oh Trica, no more ‘mumz.’”

Others remembered the energy and life she brought into every space.

Retta Thomas described the loss as devastating, remembering Bertrica as a young woman who had only recently graduated alongside her grandson and others.

She said Bertrica had “an amazing vibrancy of life” and was an example to those around her during her time at Agape Christian School.

Stania Webb was full of promise and her presence brought joy to the people around her.

A 2024 graduate of Old Bight High School, she was remembered by her alumni as “cherished” — a rising star whose future held so much possibility.

But in the early hours of Sunday morning, that future was suddenly cut short. Stania was one of four young women who lost their lives in a tragic car crash after the vehicle they were travelling in struck a tree.

Old Bight High School remembered Stania as someone who left a lasting impact on the school community.

The school, led by Principal Bennique Brown-Pratt, said her time at the institution was marked by moments that will not be forgotten.

“We also remember with love and gratitude Stania Webb, whose life touched many within our school community,” the school shared.

“Though her time with us has passed, her memory will continue to live on in the hearts of classmates, teachers, and all who had the privilege of knowing her.”

Her school community said she left an indelible mark, hoping the memories of her life continue to inspire future generations.

Beyond the classroom, Stania shared her talents through music.

She was a member of the Cat Island Community Band, where she played the saxophone — using her gift to contribute to the cultural life on the island.

Band Director Jerrard Storr expressed the deep pain felt by those who knew her.

“My heart is heavy with sadness and words cannot truly express the pain we are feeling at this moment,” he said.

Perhaps one of the most heartbreaking reminders of Stania’s impact came from her sister, Diamond Nabbie, who struggled to process the sudden loss.

In an emotional tribute shared online, she wrote: “Nia I keep walking in the room looking for you.”

Stania was also part of the Highway Church of God in Cat Island, where she worshipped alongside another victim of the crash, Diamond Stubbs.

The church community said her passing has deeply affected those who knew her. Mericha Walker, General Youth Director, shared that the church is standing with the grieving families during this painful time.

“Words cannot fully express the sorrow we feel,” she said.

Tears, prayers, and moments of reflection filled Full Gospel Assembly in Abaco on Saturday as loved ones gathered to mourn the lives of Monique Williams and her 13-year-old nephew, Terrence Williams, who were taken in a tragic car accident last month.

Family members, quietly with friends and community members, were united by the memories of Monique and Terrence.

As hymns echoed through the church, tears flowed freely and quietly and the service became a farewell and a reminder of how Monique and Terrence were loved.

Watch as family and friends view Monique and Terrence Williams.

Williams, 53, was remembered as a woman whose kindness was felt long before it was spoken. A preschool teacher, a friend said, she had a way of making everyone around her feel seen and cared for.

“She never sought the spotlight. She was always present, always faithful.”

They described Monique as family-oriented, thoughtful, and loyal.

Her devotion, they said, extended into her classroom, where she poured love and guidance into the children she taught.

Terrence Williams was remembered as a shy but joyful 13-year-old whose smile, loved ones said, could light up any room. A student at S.C. Bootle High School, Terrence, mourners said, had a gentle spirit and a growing love for basketball.

“He was sweet,” one family friend said in a social media post. “A good boy with a bright spirit.”

The pair died tragically in Marsh Harbour, shortly after 8 a.m., as the aunt and nephew traveled north along the roadway. Police say their vehicle was struck head-on by another car traveling in the opposite direction.

The driver of the other vehicle, a tourist visiting Abaco for the first time, has since been charged in connection with the fatal crash. He drove on the wrong side of the road.

Grief filled Bible Truth Ministries on Saturday as family, friends, and fellow marines gathered to say goodbye to Royal Bahamas Defence Force Marine Demeris Armbrister, remembered for his discipline, quiet strength, and commitment to service.

Fellow Marines who served alongside Armbrister described him as soft-spoken and gentle, yet vibrant and full of life once he was among friends. He was known for pushing himself, physically and mentally, always striving to be better.

Friends said that as the RBDF gym manager, fitness was his passion.

Armbrister, in his early twenties, died in a tragic car crash on December 1. Police said he lost control of his vehicle around 5 a.m. along Tonique Williams-Darling Highway, striking a tree before the car overturned. He remained trapped inside the wreckage until first responders were able to pull him free.

At his funeral, his casket was carried by members of the Royal Bahamas Defence Force, draped in the Bahamian flag, a final salute to the young marine who had only recently begun his journey since joining the RBDF in 2023.

Commodore Floyd Moxey remembered Armbrister as a Marine who embodied the values of the force.

“He brought genuine intensity and pride to his work,” Moxey said. “He had exceptional zeal and energy, someone who consistently lifted the standard and morale of his team. He showed up each day ready to serve, ready to learn, and ready to inspire those around him.”

Moxey described him as fit, disciplined, motivated, and fully committed — “exactly what a modern Defence Force should be.”

“This is a profound loss,” he added. “The RBDF is shaken by this tragedy.”

Among those paying final respects was Demetrius Clarke, a close friend and colleague who served as part of the firing squad.

“It was an honour and a duty I did not take lightly,” Clarke said, “To stand strong for you in your final moments, to celebrate your life, your service, and your legacy.”

Featured Images: Through the Eyes of Ezra