A Time to Bud
Thehome of Bertram and Marie Ferguson was filled with jubilation at precisely 4amon April 2nd, 1963 when the happy couple welcomed their seventh child and fifthdaughter into the world. To compliment her beautiful appearance, she was giventhe name “Ruthlyn Roselyn”. With such a strong name, it was evident that Ruthwould make an imprint, not just on her home, but her community and all thosefortunate enough to encounter her.
A Time to Blossom
Afterreceiving homeschooling, Ruth was enrolled at the tender age of five to attendthe T. Gibson Primary School. She thenprogressed to the SC McPherson Jr. and R.M Baily Sr. High Schools in the years1974 and 1977, respectively. It wasduring her time in SC McPherson that Ruthlyn first developed her love forteaching. She marveled at the eloquence portrayed by her English teacher, andit was then that her calling to be a teacher became clear. She was an astutestudent and excelled in her studies. Upon completion of high school in 1980, Ruth decided to pursueadministrative studies, which resulted in her attending a local business schoolto obtain the necessary qualification to jumpstart her career. Upon completion,she was able to gain employment with Balfour Beaty/ Blount CavalierConstruction. At the time, the companyhad just won the bid to build the former Cable Beach Hotel and Casino. This was an exciting time for the country andRuth got the opportunity to do her part by working in their administrativeoffice. She was seen as a diligent, respectful, and dedicated worker. Uponcompletion of the cable beach project, Ruth quickly transitioned, and found gainfulemployment as a Data Processor at British American Insurance in 1978. In 1989, after being relieved of her dutiesdue to downsizing, Ruthlyn felt her calling to teach young minds return. This was not a surprise to those that knewher. Ruth was always there to supporther siblings. This included being a surrogate parent when needed. For her it was a labor of love being an aunt. She could often be seen cheering duringchristenings, graduations, weddings, and church programs. She made it her mission to ensure they wereinvolved in Vacation Bible School and any other church activity that assistedin their spiritual growth. Ruthunderstood that “it takes a village to raise a child”.
Withthis understanding in mind, she applied and was accepted to attend the Collegeof the Bahamas’ (now University of the Bahamas) Education Program to pursue an AssociateDegree in early childhood education. Ruthlyn held onto God for wisdom,knowledge, and understanding as she navigated through her classes with grace.She found the studies to be exciting and she could not wait to enter theclassroom where she would be able to engage her students. Ruthlyn graduated withHonors in 1992, receiving high commendations from her lecturers and AssessmentOfficials due to her perfectionist attitude and exemplary teaching skills.These commendations proved beneficial as she entered her first classroom inRidgeland Primary School with God’s favor on her. This grace shone through asshe taught class after class, year after year, guiding her students throughvarious curricula. However, Ruthlyn’s greatest accomplishment was her abilityin leading all her students in learning Bible scriptures, gospel songs, andleading them all in accepting the Lord into their hearts through reciting theSinner’s Prayer. Ruthie put her best foot forward in the administration of herduties, and graciously contributed to the Ministry of Education for 30 years(1992 – June 2023).
Living aGodly Life/ Ministering Through Song
Everyaspect of Ruth’s life was guided by God. This was evident when at the tenderage of 9 years old Ruth accepted Jesus Christ as her Lord and personal Saviorand was called to ministry. Her talentfor singing was quickly recognized and nurtured under the coaching of Dr. BeulahFarquharson. Ruth was encouraged to minister through song and embark inChristian ministry. Her first soloperformance was during a District Convention when she sang so beautifully andmost memorably, “I Come to the Garden Alone’. Her voice touched many and assisted with leading them to Christ. She wasnot one to take her Christian ministry lightly, as was evident during one ofthe church’s crusades when the Holy Spirit took control, and she began to speakin unknown tongues. She was truly chosenby God! Ruth was renowned as asongbird. Many may know of her singingwith various choirs such as the Blue Bells, The Twilights, and the TabernacleConcert Choir, as well as praise and worship teams in New Providence andBimini. However, many may not know thatshe was also a song writer. Ruthlyn wasnot a passive Christian. Wherever herlife’s journey took her, she made it a point to find a church home and immersedherself in the work of the Lord. She played key roles in various churchministries including but not limited to Asst. Youth Director, Radio Voice Choirlong standing member, Director and Asst. Women Ministry Leader, IntercessorsMinistry, Ushers Ministry and Evangelism Outreach Ministry. She wanted to beused by God in whatever capacity He felt her worthy. In addition, she encouraged all members ofher family to do likewise, and this influence can still be seen even now in thelives of her husband, children, siblings, nieces, and nephews.
A Time to Love: “He Sent Me You!”
Duringa night at BTI, Ruthlyn met a curly haired Long Island young man by the name ofBob Miller. God also ordained this meeting as many young men had tried andfailed in wooing the young damsel. This became a known joke amongst the youngpeople of her time, especially the young men who revealed that they were tooafraid to speak to Ruthlyn out of fear of her laying hands on them and seeingthem for who they were in the Spirit. This joke did not deter Bob; rather itpropelled him to seek after her even more. This pursuit lasted for four (4)years, and on Saturday, April 29th, 1989, Bob and Ruthlyn became onein holy matrimony. Even in this beautiful moment, Ruthlyn’s songbird talentshone through, as she released a one-time single called “He Sent Me You”. Thissingle proved Ruthlyn to be a trendsetter of her generation as many to this daystill recall the song and the beauty in the lyrics. Ruthlyn penned and sangthat song from her heart as a song of thanksgiving to the Lord for answeringevery aspect of her prayers for a God-fearing husband to come her way. God didnot disappoint, as this union lasted for 34 wonderful years, along with theaddition of two (2) beautiful daughters, Gabriel Marie, and Jasmine Richa’Miller. Bob and Ruthlyn loved each other dearly, and made many beautifulmemories together, such as fishing and crab catching excursions, simple jokesand conversations about their dreams and goals individually and as a couplewith God as their guide leading through them all. They were never apart forlong, and even served together in various ministries, their last assignmentbeing Evangelism Ministry Co-Directors. The love they shared was evident andcontinued to the very end.
A Time to Fade
After spendingquality time with her family and sending WhatsApp messages recapping jokes ofthe day to relatives and friends, Ruth was extended a special invitation thatwas reserved especially for her. Sheaccepted the invitation with glee and journeyed ahead. She commenced her trip during the early hoursof Sunday August 13, 2023, and is now united with her first love, her Lord andSavior Jesus Christ. We are heartbroken that she left, but we understand thatsome invitations can’t be declined.
She was predeceased by: Her Parents: Bertram S. & Marie C.Ferguson; and Sister: Idella Ferguson-Albries
Left with loving memories are: HerDevoted Husband of 34 years Bob Miller; Her two Precious Jewels: Gabriel and Jasmine Miller; Grand-Daughter: Gionna Miller; Sisters& Spouses: Zelma Moss, Orian(Phillip) Forbes, Joycelyn (Gregory) Musgrove; Brothers & Spouses: Harry (Joycelyn) Ferguson, Starrington (Claudette) Ferguson and Ted(Vernetta) Ferguson; Mother in-Law:Alice Miller; Brothers In-Law & Spouses: William (Elizabeth)Miller, Welford (Deborah) Miller, Stafford (Marguerette) Miller, Ralph Miller,Neil Miller; Sister In-Law: LouiseMiller; Nieces and Nephews: Keva,Perry, Barbara and Brenda Albries, Tesma (Selathiel) Lloyd, Craig Moss, Tanya(Jamaine) Thompson, Shelton (Joy), Javon (Khrystle), Taurian, Kyjia, &Kranz Ferguson, Clayton, W/Sgt. 3597 Desiree Ferguson, Monique Forbes, O’Cara(Daniel) Nixon, Olivia Forbes, Jason (Shamikka) Musgrove, Jermaine and JewelMusgrove, Ted Jr. and Toinette Ferguson, Tenille Colebrooke, Sharlene Johnson,Courtney, Alexis and Welford Jr. (Daphne) Miller, Camera and Jezreel Outten,Carson Miller, Joshua Miller, Alicia and Nia Miller; Numerous Grand-Nieces and Nephews; Aunt: Eloise (Selathiel) Swain; Cousins VerleneLaFleur & Family, Shane & Denise Sweeting, Wayde Sweeting & Family,Philip Sweeting & Family, and Terah Swain. Numerous Godchildren; Numerousrelatives and friends including: Shane Miller, Doreen Campbell &Family, Henry Ferguson & Family, Nora McClain & Family, Delvin, Joseph,Elvis, Sam, The Family of the Late Allan Ferguson, The Family of the LateLawson Ferguson; The Generation of Bishop Nathaniel and Victoria Beneby, TheGeneration of Henriette Hart, Descendants of Browns Crooked Island; Bishop Dr.Brice H. Thompson & Family, Bishop Dr. Elgarnet B. Rahming & Family,Bishop Dr. Franklyn M. Ferguson & Family, Bishop Hulan A. Hanna & COGOPEast Street Family, Bishop Dr. Woodley C. Thompson & Family, Bishop Dr. GhalySwan & COGOP Englerston Family, Pastor Timothy and Deanne Johnson &COGOP Baillou Hill Road Family, Apostles Edward and Merilee Watson &Trinity City of Praise Family, Bishop Kendal Simmons & Family, PastorRandolph and Laverne Curtis and Family, Raymond & Karen Pratt & Family,Felix Walkine, Alsworth Rahming & Family, Williamae Bridgewater, Harry& Louise Simmons, Lelah Cunningham and Family, Deshaun Roberts and Family,Michael and Joy Tucker and Family, Mrs. Yolanda Rolle and Family, Mrs. PatriceBodie and Family, Mrs. Dian Hanna and Family, Mrs. Judy Clarke and Family, Ms.Gina McClain and Family, Elder Denver and Merlene Dames and Family, Bis. Edmondand Lineta Ellis, Pastors Adam and KathyAnn Levarity and Family, MinistersGarrett and Olive Johnson and Family, Ministers Kenneth and Maytha Eneas andFamily, Pas. Teachlet Pierre and Family, United Church of God Family, TheChurch of God Bimini District Family, The Bimini All Age School Family, BaileyTown Primary Family, Director and staff of the Department of Immigration, Administratorsand Staff of the Cleveland Eneas Primary School, especially the beloved Grade 3Block, Management and Staff of Bahamas Power and Light, Management and Staff ofthe Central Bank of the Bahamas, Members of the Bahamas Union of Teachers,Staff of the Ministry of Education Head Office and South-Eastern District.
Special Thanksto: Dr. Eugene Gray, Pedro Ferguson and the staff of East Sunrise Mortuary, andstaff of Lakeview Memorial Gardens and Mausoleums. Please accept our apologiesif we omitted any names. Kindly note that it was unintentional, we appreciateand are grateful for all your support.
