Mildred Elizabeth Kemp –Ferguson was born on March 22nd, 1935 to the proudparents of Ollie Kerr Sr. of Bird Cay, The Berry Islands and Mable Kerr ofMastic Point, Andros. She was the sixth of seven children of this union. Aftermuch thought and consideration they named her Mildred, meaning “GentleStrength, and Elizabeth, meaning “My God is and Oath or the Fullness of God.’’
She received her earlyeducation through the Catholic system and was also a devoted member of theCatholic Church. At a very young age Mildred became a teacher at Our Lady’sSchool. This afforded her the opportunity to shape the lives of many prominentcitizens of this Country. Being a lover of people, she later enrolled in thenursing program and became a Registered Nurse. This profession allowed her theopportunity to work in many of the Family Islands, Cays and Clinics throughoutthe Bahamas.
On February 5th, 1971 in an old building in an old time revival, this lady ofGentle Strength, experienced the Fullness of God, as she was slain in thespirit and saved while of her love for the Lord and her eagerness to serve theLord, she grew very quickly in the things of God. Bishop Arthur C. “Jack” Mossand Brother Mervin S. Curry noticed her passion, so in 1971 she was appointed W.M.B.and CPMA Leader. In 1974, shebecame the first Pastor of the Church of God of Prophecy (COGOP) in Great Harbor Cay. During this time sheserved under the Leadership of Bishop Jack Moss and Nelson Ferguson. Afterrelocating to Nassau, she worshipped at the Farrington Road Church under theLeadership of Pastor Elias Ferguson. She continued to be steadfast in thethings of God, as she served as Band Leader, W.M.B. Leader and Prayer Warrior.It is noteworthy that through consistent poor, Deceased), many persons were saved, healed and delivered, andadded to the Church. She also served as a member of the National Harvest Team.She has completed BTI and many other coursesoffered by the Chuck. She has been serving as Senior Pastor of the COGOP BayStreet Dundas Town Abaco for the past 26 years. The membership at Bay Street ispredominantly made up of young persons, and this wise and gifted Pastor wasable to reach them, relate to them, and mentor them. As a result of herMinistry, many of the youth, especially the young men are serving the Lord andare making valuable contributions to the Island of Abaco.
This Proverb 31 mother,stretched out her hands to the poor; yea, she reached forth her hands to theneedy. ‘(Prov. 31:20). Her home was always opened to the hungry, the naked, thesick, the distress, the oppressed, and the discouraged and indeed to anyone whohas a need; she does her best to help so anyone who came, never left the waythey came. Pastor Mildred has housed persons from near and far, some for a weekend, a week, or two, some for months, and some who stayed for years. Whileliving in her home, you were treated like royalty. She cooked three meals a dayand provided snacks in between and you were not allowed to do anything; shecatered to your every need.
Pastor Mildred servedthe community of Abaco in many other capacities namely as a Clinical Nurse atthe Government Clinic for 14 years, assistant Secretary for the ChristianCouncil, Spiritual Advisor for Abaco Women’s Ministry, and she also workedalong with the Heal our Land Ministry. Through these Ministries, she wasable to make a positive impact on the lives of many for the kingdom of God.
Our mother was a motherof a lifetime, a mother who went to any and all extremes to ensure that we hadthe best that she could give. She made sacrifices that only a true mother wouldmake and today we are better individuals for that. Today we stand strongbecause of her love, her commitment and her prayers. She was a Prayer warrior,morning noon and night, not leaving anyone out calling each one by name. Mommywas a woman of class, who loved to dress and in the finest. Always smiling andmaking others smile all the same. She was an elegant old but young lady whoalways made grand appearances, and the life of all family gatherings. Mommycared about family, about people and everyone who came in contact with thisgem, she made an impact on them. I often say, if God can only give us a smallportion of what he gave our mother, we will be alright. Mommy was a remarkablemother and an exceptional human being made in the image and likeness of God.
Pastor Ferguson ispredeceased by her husbands, Melvin Kemp Sr. and Godfrey Ferguson.Her son Melvin Augusta Kemp. Sister, Joyce Pennerman. Brothers, Audley, Norris,Godfrey, Ollie Jr. Granddaughter, Nadia McHardy Rolle, Niece, Michelle Roker,Nephews, Barrington North and Kevin Brown.
Left to cherish her fondmemories are her loving Children: Sharon McHardy, Craig Kemp, MelanieRussell-Cadet, Dwight Lightbourne, Kendall Kemp, Shayne Archer, Princess Millsand Margil Smith; Step Son: Kimsley Ferguson; Step Daughters: VeronicaFarrington, Shardel Ferguson; Sons-in-law: Nigel McHardy, Thony Cadetand Stephen Mills; Daughters-in-law: Annie, Coreiser and Florence Kempand Karen Lightbourne; Step Daughter-in-law: Judy Ferguson; StepSon-in-law: Leland Farrington; Sister: Ena North; Sisters-in-law:Pam Kerr and Kay Kerr; Cousins: Sister Clair Rolle, Patrick and VernalRolle; Grand Children: Nyoka, Natasha, Nowella, Kushanna, Chavante,Tatyana, Ramon, Shaness, Shanae, Omri, Shandika, Davori, Latrell, Vaughn,Jermaine, Raymond, Deangelo, Mickey, Keelia, Katurah, Deniska, D’Andra,Diamond, Shashanna, Charese, Kendera, Shania, and John Williams; GreatGrands: Stephen Jr. Ashton, David, Ramon Jr. Jude, Carrington, Logan,Alyssa, Kayleigh, Arianna, Da’Niah, Kendera, Kailin and Ethan; StepGrandchildren: Kimberly, Kimsley Jr., Joshua, Andrea and Ajai; Nieces: Billie,Marsha, Terry, Joya, Sandra, Shayne, Donna, Alma, Shante, Lilly, Vanrea, Debbie,Ponkie, Ingrid, Arlene and Nickkie; Nephews: Freddie, Dwayne, Raynard,Winston, Keith, Wade, Ben, Freddie Kerr, kirk, Frederick, Christopher andBernard; Nephews-in-Law: Bishop Anthony Roker, Pastor Derek Benjamin andWillard Bain; Nieces-in-law: Brenda North, Margaret North and SaraPennerman; Numerous other Relatives and Friends including: Dr. BarbaraF. Brennen Williams & Family, Johnny and Hilda Tucker & Family, TellieFowler & Family, Angeline Russell, Kerlande Octavian, Janelle & TamelaMorrison, Ruth Russell & Family, Angeline Russell, Dorothy Anderson, CyrilJervis & Family, Grafton Ifill & Family, Teddy Sweeting & Family, SamuelRussell, Julie Smith, Darren & Roberta Knowles , Cathleen Knowles &Family, Collin Francis, Great Harbor Cay Family, Agnes Johnson Family,Christine, Sherry, Janette Taylor, Brother & Sister Bowe (G.B.), RahmingFamily, Kerr Family, Woods Family, Nurse Colebrook, Dr. Shanique McHardy,Bishop Anthony Campbell Sister Barbara Williams, Minister Paulet Johnson &family, Sister Elizabeth Williams & Family, Maycock Family, Pastor Timothy& Dianne Johnson & Family, Pastor Dianne Coverley & Family, BishopOswald Nixon & Family, Rev. Marie Neely, Bertram & Melisa Minns,Virginia Woodside, Adrianna Mitchell, Ben & Lynette Bain & Family,Churton & Desiree Tooth & Family, Smith Family, Sister Sonja Daley& Family, Church of God of Prophecy Bay Street and Dundas Town Family, PalmTree Avenue COGOP & Family, Abaco Woman of God Ministry, Pastor Associationof Abaco, Physical Rehabilitation Services, PMH.
