Joan Cynthia Culmer

Retired Educator Joan Cynthia Culmer Age 82 Years of #6 Blenheim Road, Stapleton Gardens 
taught her final class, at her residence on Wednesday, July 03, 2024.

She was born at Savannah Sound Eleuthera, The Bahamas on Sunday, September 21, 1941. 
As the eldest child in her family, Joan developed a nurturing spirit, always willing to care for others, 
especially her younger siblings who were soon welcomed into their growing family. 

Joan began her education at the Savannah Sound All-Age School, and lived with her Aunt in Eleuthera 
before moving to New Providence to continue her education, at Western Senior Secondary School. 

Her love of learning and caring nature led her to seek employment with the Ministry of Education, 
where she served tirelessly for forty-five years. It is said that "It takes a big heart to shape little minds", 
and this is true of Joan, as she dedicated her life to mentor future generations. Working predominantly 
at the primary school level, Joan offered instruction, compassion and care to the nation's little darlings. 
Her strong leadership skills paved the way for her to become a 'sought-after' team member whenever 
The Ministry opened a new school. Joan served at several primary schools in New Providence including 
C. W. Sawyer, Uriah McPhee, and Stephen Dillett Primary, Columbus Primary where her firm and 
conscientious work ethic opened the door for her to rise through the ranks to the position of Vice Principal.

Upon her retirement in 2007. Joan had more time to focus on her other interests including singing and 
traveling with The Diocesan Chorale, and with the Senior Choir at The Church of the Most Holy Trinity, 
Stapleton Gardens. Although her most important role at that time was being grandmother to her only 
grandchild, Allaya Hagigal.

Following the birth of TJoma's twins, Aidan and Jordan in 2011, Joan again rose to the occasion of 
loving caretaker, insisting on caring for the boys until they started school at three years old. 
She was an amazing "Gammie", as they affectionately called her.

Around 2018, Joan's health started to decline, and her family watched sadly as Alzheimer's Disease 
slowly took over her once sharp mind. In periods of lucidity, Joan's melodic soprano voice could be 
heard praying, singing, and praising God. We took comfort when The Saviour called her home around 
midday on Wednesday 3rd July 2024 knowing that she loved and worship God to the very end.

The influence of this great teacher can never be erased in the lives of all who knew her.

Joan is preceded in death by her:
Father: Hillard Culmer;
Mother: Rev. Martha E. Tynes-Culmer;

The Radiance of this "Sapphire of A Gem" will always glow in the hearts of her:
One Son: T'Joma Fitzgerald (Carla); 
One Adopted Son: Odel Neil;
One Daughter: Aneida Fitzgerald; 
Two Grandsons: Aidan and Jordan Fitzgerald; 
One Granddaughter: Allaya Hagigal; 
One Brother: Bernard Culmer; 
Two Sisters: Rosalind Wood and Edith Smith; 
Nephews: Numerous;
Nieces: Numerous;
Brothers-in-law: Bishop Sylvanus Petty;
Other Loving Family and Friends Including: Former Cabinet Minister Jerome and Dwight Fitzgerald, 
Rev. Dr. C. B., Minister Francisca and Carolyn Moss, Kea Callender, Stephanie Vaulrai, Caretakers Joanna Williams, 
Andrea Hart, Eloria Murray, Coramae Major, William and Clinton McCartney, Ann Cancino, Clifford, Chrystal and 
Lashonda Culmer, Charmaine Johnson, Lizetta Newman, Ruth Thompson, Henrietta Bethel, Garette Leonard Sands, 
Ora Maycock, Pauline Humes, Florance Moncur, Nicolette Strachan, Sheena Dawkins, Jennifer Jones, Vance Tynes, 
Rosemary Nicholls, Shantel Rodgers, Lois Kabiga, Lee and Sheba Armbrister, Edith McClain, Gia Moxey-Lockhart, 
Cheryll Diggiss, Fabio and Kendra Peters, Richard and Bernadette Robinson, Ikey and Meka Bannister, Shawn Scavella, 
Lester Mackey and their families, The Clarkes, Major, Mackey, Thompsons, Culmer, Tynes, Hanna and Heastie Families. 
The Children of the late Elaine McCartney, The Children of the late Wardell Culmer, Members of The Diocesan Chorale, 
Members of The Church of the Most Holy Trinity, The entire communities of Savannah Sound, Palmetto Point and 
Governor's Harbour Eleuthera.