(Eleuthera, Bahamas) – Residents from across the island of Eleuthera who had been touched in some way by community Stalwart, Ms. Emily Petty, through the course of their lives, came out on Sunday afternoon, November 5th, to celebrate Ms. Petty’s formal retirement from her career in the field of education, where she had served and made a difference in the lives of countless young people for more than 42 years. The service, called “A Celebration of Praise and Thanksgiving” for Ms. Petty was held on the grounds of the Administrative building on the bayfront of Governor’s Harbour.
Her Methodist church family members came out in full force to help her celebrate, as well as colleagues in education, law enforcement, civic leaders, community members, and she was also surrounded by lifelong friends, her children and siblings. Students from her final posting at the Governor’s Harbour primary school, put on several skits in honour of her service, and highlighted her one-of-a-kind character and personality.
A number of church and community leaders who had the pleasure of being taught by her, of working with her, or being inspired by her, gave remarks lauding her numerous accomplishments and her seemingly endless energy, including: Superintendent of Police, Christopher Wright; South Eleuthera Administrator, Glenn Lightbourn; Deputy Governor General, Hon. Oswald Ingraham; C.B.C Wesley Methodist Church, Paul Simmons; Eleuthera Christian Council President, Pastor Carl Sands; Vice President of B.C.M.C., Deacon Roderick Pinder; Education Colleague, Clarissa Pinder; G.H.D.A. Treasurer, Arthur Turnquest; former student, Pastor Orlando Thompson; and others.
Tributes of appreciation were also given in melodious music and song with solo and group renditions by The Family Choir, Ms. Brendalee Petty, an Eleuthera Pastors group, the Governor’s Harbour Primary school choir, the Eleuthera Combined choir, as well as the Freedom marching band.
Ms. Petty, who during her career served as a teacher, principal, community leader, Sunday school teacher, youth group leader, girl’s brigade leader, lay preacher, church leader, police reservist, and more, continues to serve her community with the transition from education to law enforcement. Climbing steadily in the ranks of the Police Reserves since she joined the Force in 1999, Ms. Petty now holds the rank of Inspector, and now works from Police Headquarters in Governor’s Harbour, with responsibility for supervision of Police Reserve Officers in the Governor’s Harbour and Palmetto Point areas.
