Arabella Wilson-Tinker

Arabella Wilson-Tinker Age: 78 Years of #04 Rowena Drive, Claridgedale Gardens 
peacefully exchange time for eternity, at her residence on Wednesday, May 15, 2024.

Arabella was born at Burnt Ground Long Island, The Bahamas on Monday, October 01, 1945.

A Time for Education and Work:
Arabella began her educational trek at Dumphries All-Age School, Cat Island. 
She was sharp and quick-witted, intelligent, and brilliant. She loved school and 
was endowed with the capability of grasping new concepts and skills quickly. 
Filled with an insatiable appetite for more than what Old Bight had to offer, 
upon completing school, Bella migrated to New Providence to seek gainful 
employment, knowing her gifts would make room for her. Arabella worked 
at the following establishments on the island of New Providence. Her mantra was, 
"Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day; teach a man to fish and you feed him 
for a lifetime." [Maimonides] Bella was not one who was reserved or unassertive 
when it came to arduous work. Her maxim was rooted in Colossians 3:23 (NIV) 
"Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for 
human masters." Arabella's first work assignment was at the Shirley Street Theatre. 
From there she was employed at the Nassau Beach Hotel. Wanting more, and knowing 
her giftedness, Bella soon left the hotel business and landed the job of a lifetime at the 
Lyford Cay Golf Club and Resort. She had found her niche, thrill, and dream. 
Her work ethics was outstanding. She had rendered stellar performances on and off the jobs. 
After many years of faithful service to the work force, Arabella hung up her working gloves 
and retired from laboring for "other masters." In addition, Bella, and her siblings -Levi, Arlene 
and Eulamae were also very instrumental in the sales and distribution of portraits from the 
art gallery of their stepfather- Mr. Amos Ferguson [deceased]. They traveled throughout the 
length and breadth of the Bahamas selling those unique paintings and putting smiles on the 
faces of Bahamians and foreigners alike. It was her infectious smile and gift of gab that caused 
many to purchase a painting or two. A master of her craft, a few adjectives that befittingly 
describe her work ethics are faithful, reliable, dedicated, respectful, hardworking, trustworthy, 
and loyal. Throughout her lifetime, her work mantra has always been best summed up in 
Ecclesiastes 9:10 [BB] "Whatsoever thy hand attaineth to do by thy strength, that do; 
for there is no device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in the grave, whither thou goest." 
May the work she has done ever live on and speak for her.

A Time for Love and Family:
"He Who Finds a Wife Finds a Good Thing and Obtain Favor from the Lord." [Proverbs 18:22]
In 1967, Arabella's exquisite beauty intertwined with her shapely silhouette and 'mango' 
complexion captivated the vision of Mr. Charles Tinker, (deceased) causing him to pursue 
this gift which had fallen from heaven with his name on it. Charles was a smooth operator 
and had as his maxim, 'opportunity only knock once' and 'if a man loves a woman, let her know.' 
However, before he was able to make her acquaintance, Bella had left the country, and had taken 
up temporary residence in New York, U.S.A. Although disappointed in what he considered to be 
but a temporary setback, Charles did not allow it to cause him to abort his mission in getting to 
know this mysterious lady. He then booked a flight and purchased a ticket to New York in search 
of his beloved Bella. The report written in the annals of time stated that Charles walked the block 
where Bella was believed to have been residing, knocked on several doors and asked if she was 
living at the home or resident. At one point he knocked on the door of the home where she was 
residing, but because he did not recognize who she was, he did not realize that the lady who 
answered the door was in fact Bella. She on the other hand had instantly recognized him and 
had denied knowing the female character in question. As a matter of fact, she put on this real 
American accent and pointed Charles in the opposite direction to an apartment complex 
further down the street. Disappointed in his failed mission, Charles returned to Nassau 
and returned to working at his bar.

Not long afterwards, Arabella returned home to the capital. Charles got wind of her arrival 
as her sister 'Lean lived but a stone's throw from the bar. This time he would formally introduce 
himself to her, and the pair began their courtship. "He who finds a wife finds what is good and 
receives favor from the Lord." (Proverbs 18:22) Charles proposed, Bella accepted. In 1980, 
they pledged their love to each other, exchanged marital vows and were pronounced husband and wife. 
Bella and Charles loved each other and were determined to make their marriage last forever. 
Charles was her protector, provider, lover, friend and gourmet chef; she was bone of his bone 
and flesh of his flesh, a homemaker. He safely trusted her, knowing she would do him no harm 
and she never did! Charles and Bella's union was blessed with four children- three debonair sons 
Dwight, Robert, and Adrian and one amazingly beautiful, strong diva-Lady Charise. Tinker. 
They adored their four children- God's heritage and made sure that their physical, emotional, 
social, intellectual, and spiritual qualities were paramount. They ensured hattheir family had 
its roots grounded firmly in the principles of the word of God. As entrusted parents with God's 
precious masterpieces, they poured themselves into their children both individually and collectively. 
They made certain that their home was always filled with love, and that no matter what their 
children may have encountered in life, they knew they were always welcome to return to the old 
homestead- their safe haven. As parents, they were no-nonsense and did not condone behavior 
that was out of character. Bella can be heard expressing her displeasure with rude children and 
was not afraid to reprimand any child- be it hers or someone else's.

She believed in the adage; it takes a village to raise a child.' They were their children's greatest 
supporters and celebrated every milestone they achieved: graduations, marriage, promotion 
on the job, and especially the birth of their grandchildren. Bella was an amazing mother, 
but an even more astounding grandmother. Her children' children were the joys of her life, 
and she loved them tremendously. They were the very air she breathed, and she was the wind 
beneath their wings. "Parents, Grandparents 'Par Excellence.'

In March of 2007, Charles, Bella's partner in life predeceased her. "In life I loved you dearly, 
in death I love you still. In my heart you hold a place that no one could ever fill. It broke my 
heart to lose you, but you did not go alone, for part of me went with you, the day God took 
you home." (Unknown)

"Strength and honor are her clothing; she watches over the affairs of her household and
does not eat the bread of idleness. Her children arise and call her blessed. Her husband
also and he praises her." [Proverbs 31:25, 27, 28

Arabella wore many hats and meant the world to so many. She was a daughter, wife,
mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, cousin, goddie, and friend. She was a "woman for all
Season." She loved her family, and they loved her too.

A Time of Sickness and Death
"...But though our outward man perishes, yet the inward man is renewed day by day." 2
Corinthians 4:16

Arabella began to experience a decline in her health sometime back. One who was not a 
complainer, she thought not to make her condition a big deal, especially to her immediate 
and extended families. She put her confidence in Jehovah Ropheka, "The Lord who Heals.' 
Bella had an unshakeable faith in our God and believed in His time He would make her 
whole again. In addition, she laid hold on several hymns that held her stedfast and grounded 
in her God, especially when the pains were rocking her body. 'Tis so sweet to trust in Jesus; 
What a friend we have in Jesus; Blessed Jesus hold my hand and Glory hallelujah in my soul' 
were her favorites.

During this year, Bella's condition took a turn for the worse. Her attending physician, 
having done all he could humanly do, encouraged her children and siblings to take her 
home and continue to love, care, support and make her as comfortable as possible; 
a task they all carried out with joy. Jovial, content, and still holding on to her Redeemer's hand, 
Bella never lost her praise. "My great physician heals the sick, the lost he came to save; for me, 
his precious blood he shed, for me his life he gave. I need no other argument, 
I need no other plea, it is enough that Jesus died and that he died for me. 
On Wednesday May 15, 2024, with her family and loving sisters at her bedside, 
around 7:47a.m., weary in battle, and too tired to fight any longer, Bella took a 
final look at her frail crumbling earthly building, full of patches and holes and laid 
down her war tools. She exchanged time for eternity. She was officially pronounced 
absent from this body and present with the Lord at 8:30 a.m. by her attending physician, 
Doctor Munroe. Her robe of flesh she dropped and rose to seize the everlasting prize and 
shout while passing through the air farewell...

"Many daughters have done well, but you (Arabella Wilson Tinker), have outshined them
all." Proverbs 31:29

Arabella Tinker: A Virtuous Woman, A Lady of Elegance, Integrity, and Worth, Our Special Somebody, 
Sexy, Classy, Exquisite, A Fashionista [she knew how to rock an outfit and accessorized it with her big 
sky-scraper hats, purse, and shoes]. She was No -nonsense, Show Stopper, Kindhearted, Loving, 
Considerate, Vivacious, Patient, Self- Giving, A Phenomenal Woman, God's Leading Lady.
 
Her love, laughter and generosity will forever live on!

Arabella Tinker, The Woman, The Myth. The Legend!!! RIP

Arabella is preceded in death by her:
Husband: Charles Wilfred Tinker II;
Father: Melvin Wilson;
Mother: Bloneva Beatrice King-Ferguson;
Brothers: Levi Wilson and Prince Miller;
Sister: Marriel Smith;

The Radiance of this "Opal of A Gem" will always glow in the hearts of her: 
Three Sons: Dwight (Latonia), Robert (Anya) and Adrian Tinker; 
Two Stepsons: Kevin and Troy Tinker;
One Daughter: Charis Tinker (Anthony Rose); 
Two Stepdaughters: Doris Tinker and Pauline Thomas;
One Grandson: Tennyson Tinker; 
Two Granddaughters: Savannah and Sienna Tinker; 
Seven Step Grandchildren: Sir Donne Lloyd, Mario Tinker, Cameron, 
Stephanique and Sheniece Thomas, Tavaris Dames and Troya Rolle;
Two Sisters: Arlene Wilson and Eulamae Patton; 
Seven Nephews: Michael, Tracy (Michelle) and Pastor Scott Wilson (Minister Crystal), 
Robert Gardiner, Julian and Ken Swann (Andrea) and Percy Darville (Tamara); 
Eleven Nieces: Pastor Daphne Simmons (Pastor Philip), Minister Delpha Rhiney (Deacon Devon), 
Denise Wood (Toya), Keiysha Wilson, Annmarie Stubbs, Deaconess Elect Maxine Bethel (Bernard), 
Sharese Bowe (Carlton), Tia Smith (Kenny), Raquel Huyler (Kevin), Lakeisha Patton-Armbrister 
and Nicola Burrows;
One Aunt: Dorothy Burns;
Eighteen Grandnephews: Sean, Renado, Diego, Levi Jr., Giovaughn, Trevon and R'mari Wilson, 
Kevon Rhiney, Selvin Shaw, Arnold Gardiner Jr., Shannon Davis, Foster Russell, Dennis Jr., 
Dario and Carman Smith, Decarlo Swan, Carl and Carson Bowe;
Thirty Grandnieces: Courtney, Ashliegh, Bethnay and Logan Simmons, Diashanel, LA 'Delpha, 
Devonique and Nadreka Rhiney, R'yanna Wilson, Gabrielle Huyler, Philicia Armbrister, 
Chekera and Laverne Pinder, Jodi Lewis, Markel, Brentonyke and Christinah Hield, Arianna Shaw, 
Bobbett Gardiner, Keshaunda and Kedesha McKenzie, Khirsten Davis, Erica and Cassie Smith, Julisa, 
Carlia, Taniesha and Amelia Swan, Kendranique Scavella and Anishka Wallace;
Eighteen Great Grandnephews: Jabari, Diego Jr., Deshawn, Zakai and Azeik Wilson, Jamari, 
Chavez, Kai'EL, Malique, Ethan, Chase, Delano, Lucas and Liam Bowe, Kai and Kodah Scavella and Ashton;
Thirteen Great Grandnieces: Makell, Mia, Malaya, Malani, Tayla, Cara, Ta'naya, Chani'yah, Marvinique, 
Keisha Davis, Jaden, Jakell, Harmony Kelly;
Sister-in-law: Judy Strachan (Sterling);
Other Loving Families and Friends Including: All descendants of Julia and Alfred King, 
Japhet King (Maudline), Loretta Stubbs (John), Eliezer (Jessiemae) and George Everette King 
(all deceased), Pearline King, Harrison King, Wellington King (Naomi), Sabrina Miller, 
Henrietta King, Michelle Gibson, [Rev. Alfred] deceased and Pamela Stubbs, Abraham Stubbs (Precina), 
Francina Cleare, Idel Mcintosh [deceased], Estelle King, Renne Gibson, Celest Scott, Samantha Bastian, 
Leroy and Jay McIntosh, Rosemary Smith, Nathaniel, Daniel, Ezra, David and Altamese King, 
All the children of Elmada Stubbs (deceased) Yvonne Stubbs-Rolle, Zendel, Gino, Charles and Perry Stubbs, 
Jeffrey Deveaux, Denise Lewis, Minette Stubbs-Darling, Michael and Ricardo King, Mrs. Rosie Adderley-Wilson, 
Laurel Taylor (Peggy), George Henfield and Diana Culmer their families, The Carey's of Hatchet Bay Eleuthera 
and The entire Cat Island Association;
Special Friends: The Wright, Hanna, Gibson, Patton, Bain, Pinder, McPhee and Symonette families, 
Mrs. Frankessa Hanna, Ms. Robertha Sweeting, Mr. Shawn Bain, Mr. Jay Bowleg, Mr. Alexious Rolle, 
Mr. Wayne Johnson, Mr. Charles Saunders, Mr. Jason Butler, Mr. Keno Wong, Mr. Trevor Seifert, 
Ms. Sharnette Tracy, Ms. Mae Moss, Mrs. Delorise Rolle, Ms. Christine Bain, Mr. Peter Kemp, 
Deaconess Rosylee Gibson, Management and Staff of Lyford Cay Club, Mr. Bruce Bowe, 
Ms. Laverne Ritchie-Cash, Hugo Strachan, Mr. Kaivon Maybery, Ms. Michaela Munnings, 
Ms. Marissa Wilkinson, Ms. Kim Wilson, Ms. Theresa Gardiner, Pastor and Sister Gladstone Patton 
and The Community Holiness Church family and The Community of Claridgedale Gardens;
Special Thanks to: Doctor Margo Munroe; Nurse Diane Hanna, Royal Bank, Baha Mar Resort, 
The Staff at Emerald Memorial Mortuary, The Staff at Lakeview Memorial Gardens & Mausoleum, 
The Red Cross Association and others too numerous to be mentioned.

Roll Call: "Arabella Wilson Tinker" Absent from the body, Present with the Lord!!!