HIS ENTRANCE
On January 16th 962, on the island of Nassau, New Providence, Sanford Elisha Williams Sr.(deceased) and Marguerita Daisy Armbrister- Williams welcomed their thirdchild, out of five children; he was given the name, Anthony Michael.
Anthony Michael wasalso affectionately known to many as “Tony”. Tony was a joyful boy and spent many of his tender years under thewatchful eye of his maternal grandmother (“Mama”), and also spent many dayswith his mother at the Straw Market where she was gainfully employed.
HIS EDUCATION
Tony’s father was apolice officer. His father was a disciplinarian who always ensured that“manners and respect” was at the forefront of his rearing. His father travelled to various FamilyIslands to work. During his early years he attended the Wilton Albury PrimarySchool, Governor’s Harbour Primary School, Hawksbill Primary School, FreeportHighschool and Saint John’s College. Tony was affectionally known by hisclassmates as “Bunger” and he was an exceptional track and field athlete. Bungeralso represented The Bahamas at the CARIFTA Games. Bunger was a quick learner,very friendly and he completed Saint John’s College at the age of (16) sixteenyears, in 1977.
Tony did variouscourses at the College of The Bahamas (as it then was), including Business Studiesbut quickly developed advanced proficiency in Haitian Creole, under thetutelage of the late Yvon Cherenfant who was then a lecturer in the HumanitiesDepartment.
HIS GAINFUL EMPLOYMENT
After graduating SaintJohn’s College, Tony quickly sought employment. He was trained to behardworking and disciplined, traits he exhibited until the time of his death.He knew what it meant to be on time and during his years of employment thistrait was noticed by many of his supervisors. During his early years, he worked at a Landscaping & NurseryCompany, The Bahamas Oil Refinery Company, Syntex, and the Grand Bahama PortAuthority in the Collections Department.
In the year 1990, Tonyleft Freeport, Grand Bahama, in the pursuit of new employment at The BahamasDepartment of Immigration. It was here where he would remain until the time ofhis demise. If anyone was to examine his employment history it would reflectthat he has served impeccably and has proven to be an exemplary ImmigrationOfficer who was committed to the Department for (32) thirty-two years. Duringhis tenure at the Department, he travelled to various Family Islands to workincluding: Bimini, Freeport, Abaco, Exuma and Eleuthera and had been secondedto the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. During the span of his involvement withinthe Department he has worked in numerous sections. As an Immigration Officer,he did various courses both locally and also regionally. Tony was a respectedmanager who took any-one under his instruction and guidance.
In the year 2003, Tonyaccepted greater responsibility. He was always concerned with the advancementof his career, so he accepted the call to the foreign mission. He had beenappointed the 2nd Secretary/ Vice Consul to The Bahamas Embassy,Port-Au-Prince Haiti. It was there where he served (2) two years as Deputy tothe Mission (2003-2005). He spent an additional (4) four years as Chargé D'affaires. During the period of(2005-2009), he was responsible for all administrative responsibilities forstaff on behalf of The Bahamas and other Consular Duties. He met with Bahamianand International diplomats alike, Government Ministers and Prime Ministers duringhis tenure and was determined to complete all official tasks. He was describedas a man who put “service above self” and was dedicated to The Bahamas and itscitizenry for (6) six years while in Haiti. He served with distinction.
Tony believed that itwas his role as husband and father to provide for his family and no matter whatit took, he worked. He was a man who always sought new opportunities, and hewas also the master-mind behind, “Willie’s Sky Juice”. He always spoke ofdreams of opening a food-truck business, and more recently was in the processof developing his Jerk-Pit; a venture he was determined to complete.
HIS SOUL MATE
In June 1990, duringhis training at The Bahamas Department of Immigration Tony met the love of hislife. One day while engaged in the training course, he spotted the beautiful,“straight nose”, 21-year-old who quickly caught his attention. If any-one knewTony, he was not shy with words. He was bold and out-spoken. One day while on abreak, Tony approached Michelle “Shelly” Ferguson. He said, “Good Morning Ms.Ferguson, can you make me some tea, I would love that?” Ms. Ferguson replied,“Yall Freeport men always think yall saying something.” Safe to say, Tony got his way.
The two began tosecretly spread love notes to each other and whenever they weren’t sittingtogether, he allowed one of his loyal squaddies to do the job for him. In theeyes of Squad-A, the two became inseparable. Whenthey started to get more serious, Tony expressed to Shelly that he came as a package deal because he had adaughter from his previous marriage. She embraced Antonia as though she was herown. Tony loved Shelly; wherever you saw Tony, youwould soon see Shelly. On June 20th 1992, he took Michelle Fergusonto be his wife at the age of 30 and 23 respectively at the New Way NativeBaptist Church. This was the first wedding ceremony performed in the edifice bythe late Rev. Dr. Levite Hanna.
HIS FAMILY LIFE &INTERESTS
Tony’s father died atthe age of 60. His mother is a “no-nonsense”, Cat Island woman who made sureher children grew up to serve the Lord. He loved and respected his mother andshe was the backbone to the Christian values and family bonding among herchildren. Tony loved his siblings. As a child, he enjoyed playing and hanging with hissister, Ingrid (deceased) because they we so close in age. He admired his oldersiblings; Sanford Jr.(deceased) and Elaine who both paved the way for him. Asthe big brother he protected his little brother Phillip. As an adult hisrelationship with Elaine was immeasurable. His love and respect for his motherlasted throughout every level of his life and he was alright with being calleda “mama’s boy” once his mom was taken care of and felt special.
Tony was a familyman. Wherever he went, he spoke of hischildren. He was proud of their accomplishments. He was a provider. He was ateacher. And yes, he was a disciplinarian. Tony ensured that his children’sneeds were met and made sacrifices too numerous to mention. He enjoyed cookingSunday dinner and was the original crab-salad maker. No one could make boiledfish and conch fritters like Tony. He was the original chef. He instilledhard-work and spiritual reverence in the lives of his children. He was a member of the New Way Native BaptistChurch where he served in the Men’s Ministry and the Combined Choir. In earlieryears, he served as Youth President under the leadership of the late Rev. Dr.Levite Hanna. Tony was a devout tithe-payer, and he ensured his children wereaware of their responsibility to tithe in the House of The Lord.
Tony was wise andalways gave his children advice about: life, finances, relationships andmarriage and often spoke of the importance of attaining tertiary -leveleducation. He enjoyed all sports and was a committed fan of the MiamiDolphins. He also loved singing,travelling, landscaping and socializing with his friends.
HIS HEALTH FAILURES& HIS DEPARTURE
In December 2017, Tonydeveloped a diabetic foot infection. During the course of the following year,he endured numerous treatments in order to preserve his foot. From that pointonward, we noticed rapid changes in his left foot which quickly began todeteriorate. After months of hyperbaric oxygen therapy, further instructionswere advised. Through- out a period of two years, Tony endured numerousoperations in order to replace arteries in his legs. Later on, in order toprevent the spread of the infection, both of his legs were amputated. Duringthis period, his wife remained by his side. She became a constant support system during this difficult period andthis remained until the moment of his death.
Tony did not allow hisillnesses to determine his livelihood, however. He remained upbeat and jovialeven up to the time of his death. He lived life on his terms and in the end, hedied on his own terms. On Tuesday, September 27 2022, at about 7:30 pm, Tony tookhis last breath and slipped away peacefully into eternity.
HIS LEGACY
The late Maya Angelouonce said, “If you are going to live, leave a legacy. Make a mark on theworld that cannot be erased.” This exemplifies the life that Tony lived.Tony was a natural communicator, a natural-born leader, the consummateprofessional, a devoted husband and father, a father at large to many, a mentorto his work family and the community at large. He left a legacy filled withkindness, bravery, and ultimate conviction. His children often joked that their father was probably a prophetbecause whenever he spoke on a situation, it would come to pass. He wasintegral and a people’s person, and was a dependable friend. He spent many daysin the neighborhood mentoring the younger children, always engaged inconversations some time for hours. He was the life of every party and wheneverhe spent time with his friends, they knew that “Loose-Me” would all makethem laugh. During his later years, the telephone became his ministry. He spoke with individuals from all over TheBahamas, The United States of America and Haiti, offering words ofencouragement even though he battled privately with his illnesses. Until theend of his life, he gave his all, and in the end he died empty.
~End of Watch for Chief Immigration Officer Anthony M. Williams~
May his Soul Rest inEternal Peace.
Chief Immigration Officer Anthony Michael Williams waspre-deceased by his: father: Sanford Elisha Williams Sr., brother:Sanford Elisha Williams Jr., sister: Ingrid Williams-Pinder.
Left to treasure his memories and celebrate his richlegacy are his: devoted wife of 30years: Sr. Immigration OfficerMichelle Patrice Williams; son: Marine Seaman Ashton Williams;daughters: Antonia, Ayesha & Alyssa Williams; mother: Marguerita DaisyArmbrister-Williams; sister: Elaine Williams; brother: Phillip Williams;granddaughter: Janelle Neely; loyal pets: Sarah Adimee& Granola- Lee Williams; aunt: MispahArmbrister; sisters-in-law: Dotlene (Frank) Rolle, Thelma(Alphonzo) Kerr, Sandra (Prince) Mcphee; brothers-in-law: Charles(Rev. Dr. Bettie) Ferguson of South Miami, Florida, David “Funky-D” (Andrea)Ferguson; nephews: Ben(Michelle) Williams, Olufemi, Uri and Seth Williams, Corey (Tonia) Rolle, Ryan(Gillian) Thompson, Roberto Kerr, Antuon (Densandria) Wright, Davard Ferguson,Davardo (Keklina) Johnson, Nelson Ferguson of Florida, Trevor (Danielle)Ferguson of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; nieces: Elvina Williams andSanchetta Williams-Pinder, Aniska (Solomon) Kerr- Morley, Sonia Neilly,Kimberlie (Carlos) Rodriquez of Cutler Bay, Florida, Tayla Storr, D’AndraFerguson; grandnephews andgrandnieces: Benjamin Williams, Aldaysia Thompson, Benecia Williams,Saniya Swain, Kashmir Missick, Kyan Missick , Levi Pinder, Korie Rolle, KobeThompson, Ryneishae Thompson, Ira & I’ronn Storr, Menelik Johnson, CarlosRodriquez Jr.,Clifford & Clifton Stubbs, Juanita Neilly, Anastacia &Shamyiah Kerr, Valderine Scott, Jadon, Jalila, Jasa-Jali Wright, Jasmine &Alexis Ferguson of Nebraska, Kaleya Johnson, Kendon & D’Andre Thompson,Ladainian & Malachi Johnson, Nicholas Ferguson; numerous cousins including: Stan , Claudette (Dee Dee), Stacie, Portia, Marcia, Randy and Bradley Ferguson, Robert Rolle, SherylRolle, Stacey Rolle and Doralyn Fox, Eloise Major, Olrick Armbrister Jr., LindaTynes, Keith Armbrister, Lachelle Armbrister- Miller, Kevin Armbrister, EarlieForbes, Valderine Forbes, Elisha Forbes, The children of the late EllaSweeting, The children of the late Lincoln and Annie Williams, The children of the late Berthum and NathalieFlowers, The children of the late Collin and Ethral Williams, The children ofthe late Meston and Lillian Williams; faithfulhousekeeper and adopted daughter of 18 years: Midraine“Fifie” Sanon-Jean; faithful caretaker: Wender Louis; dedicatedbest friends: Dorne Albury,Winston (Valencia “Val”) Rolle;god-children: Kayshanique Charlton, ErenaGarcon, Kobe Thompson, Ira and I’ronnStorr, Ethan Rolle, Nekhira Saunders, Dr. Patraneka Watson; otherRelatives and Friends including: Mildred(Joseph) Roberts, Elva Williams-Hanchell, Francis Wallace, David Wallace, Bernice Adderley, Lisa Pelecanos, Kirk Wildgoose, Audrey “Dory” Kiffin, Ashley Smith& Family, Jerry Knowles & Family, Rev. Peter Pinder & Family,Clifford Storr & Family, Andrew (Dr. Marsha) Saunders & Family, Anthony(Antonia) Rolle, Captain Glenn (Dr. Helene) Mcphee, Ralph (Sherry) Richardson& Family, Jahmien “Shiloh” Brock, Reginald Telecien, Sandra Pickstock,Kirkwood “Woody” Munnings, Nikita Campbell, Nikita Rolle & Dena Feaste,Edward Barrett, Marcus Bowe, Wilner Antoine & Family, Alfred Munnings,Lynden Swain, “The Crew”, Sophia (Julian) Johnson, Heather (Dante) Bain &Family, Ethan Bain, Kainell Brown,Carnie McKenzie, Novelette (Kenneth)Andrews & Family, Director of Immigration Keturah Ferguson, AssistantDirector Peter Joseph, Assistant Director Claudine Minus, Assistant Director Rudolph Ferguson, Harold(Kim) Thurston, Ella Lewis, Arneth Rolle- Hanna, Leroy Miller, Bishop Ephraim Rolle & Family, Norman Bastian,Shemah Darling-Saunders, Janet Scavella & Family, Venetta (Nehemiah)Saunders & Family, Perry Davis,Lorenzo Brown, Nadia Balfour, Samuel Poitier, Phillip Sands, Erlande Metayer, TrevorvanoMackey, Clement Rose, Nigel McBride, Cherise (George) Johnson, Rudolph Stubbs,Mizpah Smith, Anatol Bain, Marva Gibson, Shakara Henfield, Marvette Young, Cynthia Thompson,Sonia Russell, Sharon & Lera Archer & Family, Inez Nairn & Family,The Hon. Keith Bell, Minister of Labour & Immigration, The ExecutiveManagement & Entire Staff of The Bahamas Department of Immigration, TheBahamas Department of Immigration Class of 1990, The Bahamas Department ofImmigration Class of 2016, The Entire Staff of The Lynden PindlingInternational Airport, The Entire Fire Trail Road Family, Saint John CollegeClass of 1977, Freeport High School Class of 1978, Rev. Dr. Richard (Joy) Hanna& Family, The New Way Native Baptist Church Family, The Saint John’s NativeBaptist Society of Churches, The Familyof the late “T.C.” and Jerlean Symonette, The Family of the late Thevas andFrancena Symonette, The Family of the late Mable & Corenlius Ferguson, TheEntire Symonette & Ferguson Families, The Bahamas Embassy: Port-au-Prince,Haiti, The Word of Life Kingdom Ministries Church Family, The Royal BahamasDefence Force, Minister Elect Lilimae (Trevor) Longley & Family, Mr.Elsworth Johnson, Dr. William Pratt, Mr. Clarence Russell, Mr. Jack Thompson,Mr. Lambert Campbell, Mr. Allen Cunningham, Kevin Louis & Family, PharaJean & Family, Genel St. Fleur, Dieudonne Dolce, Josiane Hanna & Family, Lanardo Forbes, Krystal Bodie, VanessaBethel, Florence Charlton, Tracy Charlow, The family of Winston and Valencia“Val” Rolle, Nadia Ramsey, Frederick Mcphee Jr., Betty-ann Grant & Family,Tanaz Bevans, Tanya Bethell, Gloria “GG” Whyms, Sylvia Wilson & Family, TheStaff and Medical Personnel of Doctor’s Hospital, Dr. Charlyon C. Bonimy and manyothers too numerous to mention.
We, the familyapologize for any of Anthony Williams’ family and friends we may have missed.It was not intentional. Thank you for understanding and we appreciate yoursupport and prayers.
