Born in Strength and Courage…
On October 7, 1950, aroar from heaven announced Leona Eleanor's birth. Her parents, Olga Murphy andJoseph Huyler were ordained to give her the name that means “Lioness” and“Shining light.” Her names symbolize strength, courage, royalty, bravery, andlight. Her parents knew that she was both beautiful and special. As she grew up, her name brought greatsignificance to her life. She exuded much regality, strength, and couragethroughout her life’s journey. Although she was the youngest child, she becamea true light that her siblings, children, family, and friends could look to andfind their way. She loved knowledge and was grateful to receive an earlyeducation at Our Lady’s Primary School, Southern Junior, and R.M. Bailey HighSchool. Her formative years taught her to be strong and brave and to help othersin need.
Workedin Strength and Courage…
Leona’sfirst work experience led her to become a teacher at Our Lady’s Pre-School. Withoutprior training, she saw her job as God’s hand directing her path. It took greatcourage to influence the minds of young children positively. She was gratefulfor the opportunity to touch young lives. Leona saw this job as a steppingstone for future job opportunities. As she became older, she realized her lovefor banking and commerce, which led her to work at the People’s Penny SavingsBank and then the Bank of Nova Scotia. Doors continued to open for Leona, andshe demonstrated great strength and confidence as she explored new careeravenues. She worked at Sonesta Beach Hotel, Nassau, Bahamas, the Holiday Inn inFreeport Grand Bahama, and the Sheraton Grand Hotel, Nassau, Bahamas. After working in the hotel industry for manyyears, Leona decided it was time for a transition. She accepted the job offerto Lil General’s Convenience Store and received much training. Finally, aftermuch discussion with her brother and sister, she decided to move into thefamily business, where she became the manager of the Jubilee GardensConvenience Store. She worked at the store until her retirement. She workedwith diligence and had an exceptional work ethic. Her faithfulness on the jobhad a lasting impact on her colleagues. Despite her quiet disposition, herinfectious smile provided a source of strength and encouragement to thosearound her.
Committed to Strength andCourage…
Leona made the bravestdecision she could possibly make. She had an encounter with God while abidingin Freeport, Grand Bahama, that changed the course of her life forever. She metVincent and Etta Simms which led her to surrender her heart and submit to theauthor of Strength and Courage, the Lord Jesus Christ. After she decided togive her life to the Lord, she joined the Seventh Day Adventist Church, whereshe continued to learn the scriptures better and grow in the things of God. Sheenjoyed sharing her faith and discussing the scriptures with others.
Served with Strength andCourage…
Leona was passionateabout her beliefs and served in any way she could. Despite not enjoying beingin the forefront, she always asked how she could help. She was the DorcusLeader (Acts 9:36) for three years in which she was in charge of the OutreachMinistry, which included the Church’s Soup Kitchen. She was the first servingtreasurer where she served for many years. She was one of the original membersfor the Ephesus Seventh Day Adventist Church. She would encourage others to moveto the front as she held them up or made a path for them to walk on. She wantedto be that shining light to her children, siblings, and loved ones.
While serving in the Seventh Day Adventistchurch, she met Prince Miller and fell in love. They married in the Summer of 2009.She found her prince, and he found his princess. With strength, she passionatelydemonstrated her service of love to the marriage until her death.
Departed in Strength andCourage…
Leona had great faith anddid not waiver in God’s ability to bring healing. After receiving the news of afailing heart and other diagnoses, she continued to trust God to bring herthrough. After a very short period ofailing health, on Sunday 24th of December, 2023, shortly before 3:00am, in her home surrounded by family, she heard and answered an extremely loudroar that called her to her heavenly home.
Leftto cherish her memories are Her husband: Prince Miller,
Children:Kenva M. Thomas (Dr. Mark Thomas M.D.), Kellie Martin (Al Brice), Tanya Thompson(Fritz Thompson, deceased), Jordan Deveaux (Tamika Deveaux); Grandchildren:Keven Thomas, Nathan Thomas, Al Martin, Alexa Martin, Jordana Deveaux RudolphThompson, Brooklyn Sky Thompson
GreatGrandchild: Arreion Martin
Sisters:Lilles Strachan, Prescola Hanna, Judith (Pastor Stephen) Knowles, LetitiaTherez (David) Thompson, Charlene (Merrit) Storr, Dorothy Huyler, DoraleeBurrows, Gwendolyn Evans
Brother: Fletcher Ferguson
Aunt: Nellie Moss;
Sisters-in-law: Collett Forbes, JoyleenStubbs, Roseleen Clarke, Vernitta Miller, Janet Weech, Beverley Popole, IvaBain, Marina Deveaux
Brothers-in-law:Bruce Miller, Maxwell Miller, Jack Miller, David Miller, Samuel Deveaux,Michael Deveaux
Neices& Nephews: Drs. Sterling & Marcia McPhee,Stephanie Green, David & Candace Roker of Canada, Dayton & Dr. GiaJones , Shalom, Chairo, Charis McPhee, Damian & Garret Roker, Da’el Dean,Zaine McPhee, Daelyn & Davyn Jones, Ethan & Alvin Moss, Elder JoycelynTaylor, Claudia Rolle, Cheresse Moss, Khamile Moss, Marcus Huyler, George Pratt,Sonia & Donna Pratt, Antonio & Raveenia Hanna, Elrisa & PhilipDean, Jarenda, Janeene & Jadeena Rahming, Devard & Bria Thompson,Megan, Michelle & Malik Storr
Cousins:Kenneth Moss, Althea Neily, Margaret & Ricky Castleberry, Alfred & FayeDeleveaux, Frederick Deleveaux, Michael Strachan, Theresa & Walky Jacques, April& Zhavargo McPhee, Randy Neily, Indira Ingraham, Alfreda, Alphanique & AltriceDeleveaux, Dreel Spence, Andrew & Lisa Moss, Andrika Moss, Eugene Moss, Derek& Jan Moss, Neal & Judy Graham, Jonathan & Jordan Graham & Don& Cayla Mickalishen, Hilary Huyler, Godfrey & Judy Huyler
AHost of other Family and Friends: Betty & Alvin Fultonof Palm Bay, Florida, Winifred Roberts, Shirley Evans, Rose Johnson, FromFreeport, Grand Bahama: Ivy Hall AgathaWallace Yvonne Sands, Carmeta Miller, Virginia & Betty Mott, and Rudolph Wildgoose,Fanette Albury, Lynden & Vanria Gardiner, William Deveaux, Elder VincentSimms, Vivian Bullard, Eleanor Vincent & family, Gertrude Wilson &Maria Strachan, Arthur Chase, Stafford Bain, Kenvard & Daniel Major, VeronaWoodside, Denise and Mavis Clarke, Pastor John Carey & family, Julie Hooper,Maxine Bethel, Patricia Moxey, Stafford Bain, Gayle Sawyer, Cheryl Perpall,Cynthia Roker, Cherise Smith, Phylis Woodside, Eleanor Pennerman, Mary Huyler,Arthur and Herbert and Jenny Huyler, Andrew & Donna Huyler, Cheryl andVernal Huyler, Deanne Huyler, Beverley Nairn, Antoinette Rutherford, VanriaCulmer, Leroy & Rose Huyler, Mary Thompson, Luella Pratt, Henry and Virginia Ferguson & SandyJohnson
Special Thanks:Nurse Mareka Adderley, Dr. Sanita Belgrave, Dr. Nicolas Burrows, Nurse ShantelMinnis, Flamingo Gardens Clinic, South Beach Clinic, All the Staff at Oak TreeMedical Clinic, Deborah Wallace (Caretaker), Janet Johnson (Caretaker), LivingFaith, Seventh Day Adventist Church, Pastor Jamaal Franklin, Ephesus Seventh DayAdventist, Pastor Mannaseh Simms