It was October 9th, 1968, when God, in His unique way, summoned the arrival of a beautiful baby girl, to the proud parents of Youthal (deceased) and Louise Saunders whom they named, Lea Anna Genetta Saunders. She was born on the island of New Providence and was the fourth child of twelve siblings.
“Ann” as she was affectionately called, received both her primary education at Knowles Primary School and her secondary education at Old Bight High School. Growing up on Cat Island, Ann learned the art of cooking which earned her the title: ‘best chef in town’ at a very young age.
After completing the 11th grade, Ann relocated to the island of New Providence where she pursued technical and vocational training in clerical administration. This skillset afforded her job opportunities in various businesses throughout New Providence, Grand Bahama, and Cat Island including the Grand Bahama Children’s Home and Urban Renewal.
The majority of Ann’s adult life and career was centered around her relationship with God.
Being the daughter of a preacher man, it was always Ann’s desire to stay grounded in faith. Despite having only the necessities to survive day to day, Ann lived a life rich in faith, hope and love. The life she lived on earth was predicated on the rewards she would reap in heaven and for that reason Ann helped everyone! Most recently, in the community of Cat Island, Ann took on various leadership roles including praise team leader, event planner, caterer and much more. Ann’s singing voice earned her the title: Mahalia Jackson of The Bahamas, as her singing style was grounded in the ‘old time religion.’ She was often invited to perform gospel songs at church and community events throughout the island, and like her father, Ann had a natural ability for drawing large crowds of people up from their seats and out from the pews whenever she sang praises to the Lord.
But this wasn’t the only area in which Ann made use of her God given talents. Her love for cooking enabled her to venture into the restaurant business serving the tastiest cuisine to both locals and tourists around the island. Often Ann was solicited to cater local community events, including the annual regatta and other festivals. Additionally, her culinary skills were utilized in the Department of Education National School Lunch Program, as she was afforded the opportunity to prepare and cater lunch to students at the local primary and secondary schools in the southern district of Cat Island.
Locally, residents of the Smith’s Bay community depended on Ann to prepare the holiday meals which they all enjoyed in very generous proportions. Overall, these opportunities and community relationships enabled Ann to practice generosity while at the same time fulfilling her commitment to Christ.
This same passion for Christ was passed along to Ann’s only son, Quayton Ryhaime Saunders, who was truly inspired by his mom’s ability to stay grounded in faith. Ann was a wonderful mother, who loved Ryhaime with all her heart and often referred to him as the “love of her life.” Ryhaime was her pride and joy, and she raised him to be kind, loving, respectful, and God-fearing. She was often known to express her pride in all Ryhaime’s accomplishments and how well he cared for her during her bought of illness.
From an individual standpoint, the gift of love is all Ann had to give and most times it was enough to help, encourage, support, and uplift an individual. And, despite Ann’s contagious smile, beautiful soul and positive influence, it was God’s decision to call her home on the morning of March 11th, 2024. It was that day that Ann took her rest and her pain and worries all faded away. More importantly, this was the moment Ann prepared and waited for her entire life. Standing face to face with the Savior; we are confident that Ann heard the words: well done, well done, my good and faithful child.
May her loving soul rest in eternal peace!
Cherished memories will forever linger in the hearts of her son: Quayton Ryhaime Saunders; Mother:Louise Saunders; Brothers: Timothy (Clothilda), Troy, Paul, Mark (Rose), Matthew (Nicola), Luke and John (Vanessa) Saunders; Sisters: Phyllis (Sheldon) Curling and Dr. Shantell Saunders; Adopted Sisters:Clarissa Livingston and Pauline Williams; Uncle: Leonard Johnson; Aunts: Francis, Idamae and Deborah Johnson; Sylvia Campbell; Nieces and Nephews: Zamar, Omar, Lumar, Gabriel, Mark Jr., Youthal, Gideon and Yohanz Saunders, Jamal Miller, Devon Burnside, Marshanique, Troyann, McKell, Meghan, Alissa Saunders and Shelesha Curling; Grandnephew: Omar Jr., God children: Charleice Rolle, Hannah Ingraham, Alexis Smith, and Leonardo Gilbert and a host of other relatives and friends including: The Campbell Family of Hollywood Florida; the Saunders, Nairn, Collins, Ramsey, Brown, Seymour, King, Allen, Mckenzie, Hepburn, Deveaux, Merzius, Strachan, Cooper, Johnson, Livingston, Edwards, Josey, Simmons, Romer, Russell, Moss, Dorsette, Mckinney and Storr Families of Cat Island; The family of Merlene Stubbs of Orange Creek, Cat Island; Lucetta Johnson and family; Virginia King and family; Joyce Nairn, Chloe Thompson and family; Pastor Sterling Moss and family; Prince Livingston; Dr. Olga ClarkeKing; Pastor Burke Newbold and Helena Newbold along with the officers and members of Church of God Stevenson Cat Island; Pastor Kenneth Fowler and Sharon Fowler along with the members of Eagle’s Nest Disciple Center Freeport Grand Bahama; Ethel Colebrooke; Aretha Williams; Theresa Ingraham; Christopher Miller; Phillippa Ramsey; Iva Strachan; Melissa Dorsette; Kimberly Brown; Eurika Allen; Genie Thurston; Clinton and Michael Harris; Monica Lloyd; Gretchen Saunders; John Pinder; Elianise Sinea; Donna Meyers; doctors, nurses, and staff of the Gynae Ward Princess Margaret Hospital and the entire Cat Island community (too numerous to mention)
