The remarkable journey ofBadia Balfour, a shining star in her community, began on February 5, 1950, inthe picturesque settlement of Adelaide Village. On that day, the world welcomednot one but two beautiful (twin) girls into the loving arms of their parents,Monica Hanna and Samuel Balfour. Badia, affectionately known as "Big Bird& MB" due to her stature, was one half of this dynamic duo. Her legacywould go on to leave an indelible mark on her community and in the hearts ofall who had the privilege of knowing her.
Badia was a woman ofextraordinary warmth and kindness. Those who knew her well fondly recall herinfectious laughter and the countless stories she had to share. She had aunique ability to connect with people on a personal level, leaving a lastingimpression wherever she went.
Her educational journeycommenced at the All-age school in Adelaide Village, and she continued herquest for knowledge at Southern Senior School, now known as Jordan PrinceWilliam High School. After completing her schooling, Badia embarked on a newchapter, working as a cook at Lil Whale Cay for five years. Her culinary skillswere legendary, and her cooking was a true labor of love. She believed thatfood had the power to nourish both the body and the soul, and her delicious creationswere a testament to this belief. Each dish was a masterpiece, bringing joy toall who had the privilege of savoring her culinary artistry.
Returning to Nassau, Badiaonce again made Adelaide her beloved home. Here, she ventured intoentrepreneurship, founding the very first grocery store in the heart ofAdelaide, situated on Mitchell Street. As a heartfelt tribute to her cherishedgrandfather, Mitchell Balfour, she named the store after him. This actreflected not only her deep family ties but also her unwavering commitment toher community.
Badia's dedication andentrepreneurial spirit earned her the Western Division Honorees Award. Thisrecognition was a testament to the positive impact she had on her communitythrough her grocery store and other contributions, further highlighting theprofound influence she had on those around her.
While she managed hergrocery store, Badia simultaneously assumed another significant role in thecommunity. For an extraordinary 19 years, she served as a Janitress at AdelaidePrimary School. Her role extended far beyond mere custodial duties, as shebecame a mentor and a source of unwavering support for countless students whopassed through the school's doors. Her dedication to education and the welfareof children was truly commendable.
Her contributions at theschool were admirable, but Badia was a devoted member of the St. James AnglicanChurch, where she served in the Girls Brigade for a number of years and theAnglican Church Women (ACW) imparting her values of service, leadership, andcamaraderie to the young girls she mentored.
Badia's love for hercommunity extended into the realm of politics, where she wholeheartedlycampaigned for the Free National Movement party. Her passion and dedicationplayed a significant role in the success of candidates like Frank Watson in theAdelaide Village area. Her political involvement and unwavering commitment haveleft an enduring legacy that continues to influence the region, where sheserved as one of the campaign generals.
During the summer months,Badia collaborated with the local police, contributing to their efforts byparticipating in summer school programs at Cable Beach. Her commitment to thewell-being and education of the youth was unwavering, and she continued toinspire and uplift those in her community.
As a mother, Badia was asource of love and inspiration to her five beautiful children, two of whompredeceased her. Her nurturing spirit and unwavering dedication to her familywere the cornerstones of her life. In addition to her children, she adoptedthree other boys: her nephew Ernest Stubbs, her grandson’s Charles"Nowie" Brown, and Dexter Kerr. She loved them just like her own, andher home was filled with an abundance of love and support.
Throughout her life, Badiawas known for her infectious smile, hearty laughter, and the endless storiesshe had to share. She was outspoken, and if she felt that the neighborhood boyswere acting inappropriately and not listening to her, she was quick to contactthe airport police station as she had them on speed dial. They knew her byvoice and name and always showed up once she called. When the police arrived,no one was surprised that it was Badia who called them.
The strength that was herhallmark began to wane when tragedy struck her family. A year ago, she lost herson in a tragic accident while he was at work. Although grief weighed heavilyon her heart, Badia remained hopeful and vibrant, refusing to acknowledge thepain. She would simply say, "I'm alright," even as the twinkle in hereye slowly dimmed.
In late October, Badiaunderwent a colonoscopy and subsequent surgery. Her determination andresilience were unwavering, and the surgery appeared to be a success. She wasreleased from the intensive care unit (ICU) after showing significant signs ofimprovement and transferred to Female Medical II at Princess Margaret Hospital.There, she continued to display promising signs of recovery, and everyoneexpected her to be home soon, continuing to share her infectious laughter and countlessstories, brightening the lives of those around her. Her strength andperseverance through this ordeal were a source of inspiration for all who knewher, and her presence, even though she was ill, brought hope and joy to herloved ones as she fought to recover.
Despite facing thisadversity, Badia's determination and resilience continued to be a source ofinspiration. Her recovery journey was a testament to her indomitable spiritthat she never gave up and continued to fight despite being in pain, serving asa reminder that she fought as long as she could.
Regrettably, on Friday,November 4, 2023, Badia's curtain fell, the final chapter of an enchantingjourney closed. God decided that her work was finished, reclaiming her luminoussoul and beckoning her to a place where her laughter could continue to echo inthe wind. Although she left this world, we consider too soon, her legacy oflove, laughter, and unwavering determination will serve as a perpetual sourceof inspiration and joy for us all. While she may no longer be with us in body,her radiant spirit will forever resonate in our hearts, as a glowing testamentto a life beautifully lived and a soul deeply loved.
Her story is one of intensechuckles, passion, willpower, and an impregnable spirit that will continue tokeep us smiling through the years.
She is survived by:
Predeceased by her Parents: SamuelBalfour and Monica Hanna-Balfour; Daughter: Terah Brown; Son:Wellington Higgs; Granddaughter: Trajhina Major; She is survived by her Children:Thelma Green, Marva Dean, Sharlie Brown, Ernest Stubbs Jr., Charles “Nowie”Brown Jr. and Drexel Kerr; Brothers: LeCarl and Dewitt Sands; Sister: Cynthia Cartwright; Nephews:Eugene Balfour, Gregory Stubbs, Rashad Balfour, Valentino Sands and LeCarlSands Jr; Nieces: Estell Stubbs-Major, Monique Balfour, Bernadette Rolleand Carlissa, Beatrice, Estherlee, Shawna, Carla and Charisma Sands; Grandchildren:Moses Dean, Rico Major Jr., Vance Farrington, Nacarson & Denzel Nixon,Kipplin Brown, Wellington Jr., Whitney, Ethan, Elijah and Lashandy Brown,Trevone Brown, Laterah Dean, Allyson Minnis, Taj and Tanaj, Wellisha; NumerousGreat Grandchildren and Great Great Grand too numerous to mention; Goddaughter:Barbara, Oralee, Maria, Margaret, Angela; other relatives and friendsincluding, childhood friend: Annalee Pennerman, Gloria Smith and family,Charlie and Deloris Major and family, Kerr’s family of Delaporte, Johnny Dealand Dolly Rahming and family, The Rt.Hon. Frank Watson and family, Charra Rolle and family, Unice Culmer and family,Sandra and Ivan Higgs and family, Maude Ferguson and Nigel Minnis and family,Claudia Gibbs and Doug Pinder and family, William Romer and Lorraine Williamsand family, Samuel Kemp and family, Ms. Butler and Thelma Newman and family, MPBrian Brown and family, The Smith and Brown family, Tynes & Hanna family, The Jones andJohnson family, The Thompson family, Arlington Morrison and family, The Fernanderfamily, Joyce Faux and family, Belkis and family, ASP. Almonard and family, FatherToppin and family, Father Kabiga and The St. James Anglican Church family,Professional Touch with Class family, The Adelaide and Gambier Community,Adelaide Village Clinic, Marcus Cooper and Team, the entire Medical and Administrativeteam of ICU and Female Medical II of the Princess Margaret Hospital, RoyalBahamas Police Force Western Division family and The Hon. Vaughn Miller andfamily.
