As A Child:
In the spring of April 29th, 1952, when the air was fresh, fruit trees blooming and the birds were sweetly singing, a beautiful vivacious baby girl was born in the settlement of Landrail Point, Crooked Island to the late Clayton and Merline Gibson. The couple was filled with joy as this was their third born, a blessing to them that they affectionately named Arementa Louise.
Arementa attended Colonel Hill All Age School graduating at the tender age of fifteen. Being a diligent and studious individual, Arementa became a teacher. She then migrated to Nassau where she attended the Teacher’s College and enjoyed a teaching career for fifty two years.
As A Wife:
Sitting by the dock of the bay, there Arementa met the love of her life. It was love at first sight when a young seaman Roy Hanna, placed his eyes on this Landrail Point beauty. The moment the mail boat docked Roy jumped off and introduced himself to Arementa. He was captivated by her solid as a rock figure, beautiful smile and strong no nonsense demeanor. Later on they united in marriage and this union lasted 55 years. This unbreakable marriage was blessed with five children; Valinda, Edsel, Xanthe, Nerissa and Roy Jr.
As An Employee:
In 1970, Arementa began her career as a teacher. As a dedicated, passionate educator she loved what she did and devoted 52 years of service. Throughout her teaching years, Arementa made lifelong friendships with friends she referred to as her sisters. A journey through multiple schools; Arementa received her first teaching post at Sandilands Primary. Being the hardworking, skillful women she was born to be, she pursued a Teacher’s Certificate at the Teachers Training College and in 1983 received her Bachelor of Science at the University of Miami. She then spent nineteen years at Columbus Primary where she made her greatest impact shaping and molding the lives of the students that passed through her hands. Some of these students, who would often see her would greet her and reminded her that she was their primary school teacher. Without missing a beat, she would remember each of them. Her final posting in the Government System was at Palmdale Primary where she spent eight years before retiring. Arementa teaching career did not end there. She found herself drawn back to the rhythm of the school bells, chalk dust and joined the private school system at Charles W. Saunders Primary School. She retired for the second time. However, her unwavering commitment to teaching would not allow her to hang up her hat so she became the principal of Calvary Deliverance School and officially retired as a teacher at Holy Trinity. Even in retirement, Arementa volunteered her service by teaching adult reading classes at First Baptist Church. Arementa values for education inspired her daughters Valinda, Xanthe and Nerissa to follow in her footsteps. Arementa finally decided to enjoy her well-deserved rest, planning on spending her days attending church, travelling and tending to her garden where she nurtured over one hundred species of bromeliads. Her legacy as a compassionate educator and contributor to her students’ is evident in the success of many of her students.
As A Traveler:
During her life Arementa travelled every chance she got. Arementa really enjoyed travelling, visiting places such as Jamaica, Haiti, Puerto Rico, Mexico, Cayman Island, Virgin Islands, Cuba, New York, Oklahoma, Atlanta, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Colorado and an adventurous Alaskan Cruise. Her last travelling experience was in early February to South Carolina where she attended her grandson Ian’s graduation from the US Marine Corps. On this trip she also had the opportunity to visit the rich historical sites of Savannah, Georgia. She also visited many family Islands, but her favorite place to be was her hometown Landrail Point, Crooked Island. Though her earthly travels may have come to an end, the memories and photos will also remind us of her happy adventurous life.
As A Church Member:
Arementa and Roy became a Member of Annex Baptist Church in 1970. They both gave their lives to Christ and were baptized at St. John’s Native Baptist Church. Arementa loved to attend her church and was a devoted member. She had a giving spirit and did not hesitate to help out anyone in need.
A Time to Fade:
Arementa commenced her eternal Journey on Monday April 22nd, 2024 and is now united with the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. We are heartbroken that she has left us, but we understand that some invitations cannot be declined. We know she is in a better place and we will see her again one day.
SHE WAS PREDECEASED BY:
Her parents: Clayton and Merline Gibson; Brothers: Patrick and Leon Gibson; Sisters: Ethlyn Gibson and Myrtle Levarity
Left with loving memories are: Her devoted husband of 55 years Roy Hanna. Children: Valinda Hanna-Lazarus, Edsel (Patricka) Hanna, Xanthe Minnis, Nerissa (Dwight) Williamson, and Roy Jr. Brother: Norl (Deka) Gibson of Fort Lauderdale Florida. Grandchildren: Tracelle (Asante) McKenzie, Travis Minnis, Nadia (Danny) Hamilton, Tashae and Edsel Jr. (Alissa) Hanna, Courtney Kristen and Ian Lazarus, Alex and Aria Williamson. Great Grandchildren: Gabriel and Uriel Hamilton, Aviah Wilson and Asaya Fernander, Gensis Mckenzie, Imani and Tobias Lazarus Nieces: Chief Petty Officer Deandra (Elliott) McKinney, Atisha (Jason) Marsala, Phenencia (Michael Devitt) Bethel, Chrislyn Spence, Min. Tamasiane Morris, Leanae (Humphrey Franklin Ferguson), Candace Gibson, Shonelle (Ira L) Kelly, and Andrea (Carl) Samuel. Nephews: Lamar (Precious) Levarity and Laquint (Tavia) Levarity Grandnieces: Kaliyah Gibson, Lameka, Shekkinah, Shammah, Quintavia Levarity, Alaina Flowers, Brianna Spence, Jada Hunt and Antonea Gibson. Grand Nephews: Fyodor Mullings Jr., Liam Carey, Laquint Levarity Jr., Bryant Flowers, Johnathan Spence, Ricardo Poitier, Marvin and Samuel Ferguson. Brother-in-law: Patrick Levarity, Sisters in Laws: Christine Ferguson of Miami Florida and Barbara Hanna-Cox. Aunts: Mary and Gwendolyn Gibson. Aunt-in-law: Althea Rolle Nieces-in-law: Judy, Val, Daphne, Sofia and Bernadette Heastie, Sophia Hanna, Kevin and Shawn Adderley, Myrtle, Eldena, Karen and Donna Rolle, Nephews-in-law: Elijah, Ural (Diana) and Gregory Ferguson, Kim and Perry Heastie and Tony Rolle. Godchildren: Lakia Brown, Kayla Capron, Heather Lewis. Close Friends: Veronica Micklewhite, Mrs. Moxey, Clover Pratt, Marietta Ferguson, Alice Rolle, Meryl Deveaux, Villidale Rolle, Cleomi Burrows, Mrs. Miller, Mrs. Mckenzie, Vivian Burrows, Hannah-Dames and Patricia (Patsy) Jones. Other Relatives and Friends include: Corrine Higgins & family, Angela and Donna Moss & family, Sheila & Christopher Ferguson, Dr. Shyann Williams, Cornelia Johnson, Agnes Moss, Maud Ferguson, Rev. Harriet Cooper, Douglas Tynes & their families. Wayne, Sheldon, Solomon, Terrance & Lowell Gibson, Lana Hanna (Rudy) Levarity & Family, Edrya Wells, Autherine Deal, Valencia Goodings and Vanria Trotman, Jasmine and Denice Higgins, Portia Barnett & Family, Elisha, Bruce, Joe Regan Moss, Allington Higgins, Steven and Avardio Ferguson, Minister Elisha Taylor Jr., of Fort Lauderdale Fl. Lester, Cora, Whilemina, Elwood, Andy & Marsha, Linda, Barbara, & Grace Gibson, Ingrid & Quentin Bethel & family, The family of the late Garnett & Estelyn Hanna, Vernita (Anthony) Delaney & Family, Dr. Colleen, Lisa & Simone Fitzcharles, BUT President Belinda & Arnold Wilson, The Smith’s Family, The Pickering Family, Malcolm & Adderley Family, Mr. Williams, Brenda Evans & Family, Miriam (Leslie)Williamson, Eleanor Moss & Family, Lela Mari Wood, Johnny Curry, Andy Adderley & family, Arebella Johnson & Family, The Stuart Family, Mavis Johnson & Family, The late Viola Farquharson & Family, Patrick Evans, Johnniemae & Pamela Brooks, Leola Ingraham & Family, Pamela Hanson, Christine Gibson, Nurse Beulah Carroll & Family, Antoinette Mckinney, Eleze & Lucille Scavella & Family, Naomi Mckinney & Family, Clinton & Sharon Scavella, Hylene & Ellis Moss, Pam & Derrick Ingraham, J Anthony McKinney & Family, Gene & Reginald Moss and The Entire Landrail Point Crooked Island Community, Honorable Pia Glover-Rolle, Doctor Charmaine Bodie, Teacher’s College 1973 Reunion Group, City Garden Club, C. W Saunders Primary School Family, Holy Trinity School, Calvary Deliverance Preschool, Apostle Mitchel Jones and The Annex Baptist Church Family. We apologize if we inadvertently forgot any of our family and friends.
