ATIME TO BE BORN
It was a beautiful Sunday morning in the settlement ofKnowles’, Cat Island -Sunday, December 25th, 1938, when BeatriceHepburn Grant (Deceased) and Albert Smith (Deceased) welcomed their first childinto the world. He was given the name Charles Wellington Smith.
ATIME TO BE EDUCATED
Charles Wellington affectionately called Wellieattended the All-Age school in Knowles, Cat Island.
ATIME TO LIVE
At a young age, Wellie was full of energy, curious andplayed freely in the fields, swam in the pond and sailed his kamalame boat onthe bay. He was very smart and intelligent and unmoved by the fairy tales andghost stories of the island life. He enjoyed the outdoors and all its wonders.Wellie was a handful. Later, he left Cat island and moved to Nassau where hewas joined with his cousins, Athama, and Anthony. They became lifelong earlysubjects and brothers following him everywhere. The city of Nassau dazzledWellie and soon he was caught up on the city life of Nassau. Wellie truly lovedthe outdoors and the sea. He ventured on fishing boats every chance he got,taking on the task of first mate, cook and engineer and captain with Heastie’sFishing Boat. With his knowledge and ability to do anything with a boat, hispersonality and charm, the BIG FISHERMAN later settled in Grand Bahama and tookcharge. He later became an entrepreneur opening up the World Famous Senate, thebest place for native foods. Throughout the years, Wellie came and went oftenshowing up at the right time without notice but bearing gifts. As the yearspassed, he began to slow down. He suffered from diabetes and later lost hissight. Despite losing his sight Wellie, determined to be independent andrelevant still cooked and cared for himself.
ATIME TO DIE
He was admitted to the hospital on November 29,2021and was later discharged. However, the challenges of hospital visits becametoo much for him. His brother Kerrington would often minister to him urging himto let go and let God. On Monday, January 3rd, 2022, finally andquietly with his brothers Kerrington and Drex by his side he slipped from usall.
He is survived by his Seven Children: Michael (Cindy), Leslie, and Shawn Smith,Tracey (Sebren) Brooks, Vernisha, Louise ad Kamaal Smith; Brothers: Kerrington(Lavern) Wilkinson, Paul (Ursula) Smith, Alfred Jr (Tamara) Smith, AnthonySmith, Dwight Smith, Ethric (Linamae) Bowe, Kendal Nairn; Sisters: SharonSmith, Agatha (Selwyn) Roberts; Aunt: Shirley Gibson; Grandchildren: Torrianoand Celeste Smith, Sebren Brooks Jr. Javin and Leslie Bryant Smith, Tiera,Jazara and Leslia Smith, Ronaldo Butterfield and Ambrenique Smith/Hanna; Niecesand Nephews: Ken Antonio (Rosalyn), Kerrington, Devaude, Kerrington Leadon,Doralle (Richard) Little, Kirwan (Shantell), Kayshan, Kayshawn, Kayla,Shernique Cartwright, Kenrick Tynes, Terrine, Vangerine and Kendal Nairn Jr.,Darcel Smith, Selandria Morris, Kenvano Forbes, Selwyn Roberts, Keica, Ebony,Anthony, Jr., Antwan Smith, Tonia, Angelo, and Davah Cash. Akirl Sawyer, NyshanSmith, Chafree Conley, Macumbla, Jerino and Alfred Smith Jr., VenieshanMortimer; Cousins and other relatives including: Athama, AnthonyCabrena, Edith, Ingrid, Fay and Kenneth, Dr. Ferriston Lockhart, Bridgette Kemp,Julius, Leontyne, Gorron Bethel, Louise, Shari and Fritz Roy Marshall, NicolaFerguson, Georgette Thompson, special friend and relative, Roland Brown andfamily, Pastor Dr. Shameka Morley and Annoited to Reign Kingdom Ministrieschurch family and a host of other relatives and friends.
