On the island of New Providence,Bahamas, Saturday May 14 1955 a beautiful baby girl was born to the parents ofthe late Lawrence & Ellen Thurston (nee Thompson). She was the fourth ofeight children and was named Marianna Augusta Thurstonaffectionately called “Maranna” bythose from her childhood & “Ann”throughout her adult life.
She attained her early educationat Eastern Jr. & Sr. (now L.W. Young), then went on to Highbury High (nowR.M. Bailey). Upon graduation, under the tutelage of her aunt Ametha Thurston(deceased), she developed a love/passion for sewing as she was employed at hershop for many years. It was there, where she gained a wealth of knowledge tohelp perfect her trade. Additionally, she enrolled into BTVI where she achieveda certification in Clothing & Construction. While completing thiscertification throughout the day, she was employed as a Waitress at the King ofNights Club in the evenings. Eventually, she branched off, tapped into herentrepreneurial skills and started her own dressmaking business. This was done from the comfort of her homewhich allowed her to give full care and attention to her then young children.
During the year 1979 some 42years ago, she met the debonair Stephen F. Stuart with whom she bore fouramazing children and inherited two bonus kids. This resulted in her being ahomemaker for many years. Once their kids were grown, she returned to theworkforce and held a number of security jobs namely Federal Management (whereshe was stationed at the U.S. Embassy) & with ICS Security Concepts.
“Ann’s” passions were cooking andbaking where certain items became a staple at any family gathering. She was famously known for her Conchy Conch Fritters,tasty Crab n Rice, cheesy Macaroni, mouthwatering Souse (whether sheep tongue,chicken, pig feet or turkey), soft Johnnybread and a mean pound cake all from scratch. This is where herinfectious laugh could be heard as she was always complimented for herflavorful dishes. Though she could cook and baked almost anything, she was alsoan avid health fanatic. Staying fit was a priority and she used exercising as aform of therapy. She could be seen in the early mornings, brisk walking aroundR.M. Bailey Park or evenings walking over the Paradise Island Bridge. While being a home maker, she also enjoyedwatching her daily TV Shows, primarily Wendy Williams, Family Feud, Judge Judyand ZNS 7pm News. Also, she loved reading The Bible and The Nassau Guardian orTribune on Thursdays.
It was in 2009, due to her being epileptic she was forced toretire early. This decision created the opportunity for her to once again be afull-time home maker and the babysitter of her grandchildren whom she loveddearly. In 2016, she was given a medical report that she had kidney disease andshe fought this diagnosis through the years. In 2021, her health started todecline which caused her to be hospitalized on Aug.3.2021 but her spiritremained a fighting one and she was released on Aug.15.2021. It was during thisperiod, her children believed she started the journey of yearning to see herSavior and Soon Coming King. On Aug.22.2021, she fell ill and she calledfor her 2nd child Tamara to come to her aid. While conversing sheasked her mummy if she was ready to see Jesus, to which she gave a resounding “YES”. Though Tamara’s heart was full to receive such assurance and truth, she pressedthrough the wave of emotions, held her mummy’s hand and prayed for her with anending of “God Your Will Be Done”. The following day, theambulance was called and she was readmitted to the hospital. While in hospital,her children as always constantly checked in on her. It was duringthe early morning of Sept.03.2021 the physician on duty called her eldest childLatoya to provide an update on the status of Marianna’s current health. At this time, she was given the opportunity to talk with her mother andexpressed to her how her children were there the night before to take her home.Latoya, before ending the call with her mother, called all her children by nameexpressing to her the love they have for her and the prayers being lifted onher behalf. It was during this finalconversation with Latoya that her mother reassured her that "Allwould be well with her!"
However, just a few short hours later at 9:50am, Mariannatransitioned from time to eternity to bask in the presence of our Lord andKing. We are at peace, in her passing because we know she NEVER missed an opportunity to go. Her children can vividly pictureher saying to Jesus as He calls her into His arms, with the biggest smile andshouts “I Comin”.
She will be deeply missed but her many memories will live onin the hearts of her Children:Latoya (Darrell) Neely, Tamara (Richard) Desmangles, Rico & Terrell Stuart;Father of Her Four Children: Stephen F. Stuart; Granddaughters: D’Asia Neely, Taleyah & Takiyah Desmangles andRielle Stuart; Stepson: Stephen“Tomico” Stuart; Siblings: JoycelynCurry, Cecelia, Louise & Ruthmae Thurston, Lawrence (Margaret) Thurston and Janet Adderley, Shervin & AltheaStuart, Margaret Burrows, Edna Louise Darville, Dexter & Kim Bodie andGladstone Stuart; Uncles: Rev. Richardson Thurston & LewisThurston; Nieces & Nephews: Michelle,Kevin (Felony) and Shawn Shephard, Keno Coleby, Nadeen (Leon) Eugene, Nadia(Wayne) Cooper, Clarinda (Brendon) Higgs, Simone & Shavon Thurston, Peaches& Geno Farquaharson, Omar Scavella, Ramon Johnson, Leroy Adderley Jr,Giovanni, Nyles, Kristen & Bianca Stuart, Cameron (Lynette) Burrows,Lavar (Tina) Burrows, Georgette (Devaughn) Virgil, Lakita Burrows, Kenneth(Annette) Darville, Demico (Shantel) Darvillle, Kendra (Dr. Darius) Turnquest& Leonardo Darville, Devito, Christopher, Kimberley & Wendy Bodie, Theo& Vanessa Stuart; Cousins; Paul, Deborah, Velda, Abigail, Faith,Dorcas, Shamica, Mercia & Nastasha Thurston, Vernell Nottage, SandraMiller, Lynn & Melonie Thurston, Donald, Elvis, Christopher and MichaelThurston; A Host of Grand Nieces andNephews along with other Relatives and Special Friends including: TeneelCox & Family, Pastor Alfred & Sis. Jackie Stewart and family, Rev.Clinton (Martha) Minnis; The extended Neely Family, The extended DesmanglesFamily, Clifford Quant and Family, Dec. Alice Rolle & Family, Sis. MiriamBain & Family, Dec. Donald & Willamae Lotmore, Dec. Philip &Shirley Ferguson, Dr. Valencia Thompson & Family, Falcon & DemetriaEdgecombe, Dion & Tewana Kemp, Lynn Gibson; Lavander Strachan, TiffanyNewman & Family, The Hanna Family (Peach Street), The entire New Mt. ZionMiss. Bapt. Church, The Agape Medical Family in particular Dr. Andrea Culmer,The Department of Social Services, The Management and Staff of CG AtlanticMedical & Life Ins. Company, the Staff of C.W. Saunders Baptist HighSchool, Bahamas Experience and the entire Montell Heights, Culmersville &Silver Gates communities.
