Musical Prelude
Opening Sentences ..............................................................................................Pastor Dave Hazle
Prayer
Scripture Reading
Tributes from:
Overseas Friends and Colleagues .................................................................................Paul Robinson
Grandchildren ......................................................................................................Rolston Anglin, JP
Son..........................................................................................Hon. Alden McLaughlin, MBE, JP, MLA
Daughter.................................................................................................................Aubrey Ebanks
Special Song ..........................................................................................“The Rose” by Bette Midler
Obituary …………………………………………………………………………………………………….Hon. Mckeeva Bush, OBE, JP, MLA
Scripture Reading-Proverbs 31 ................................................................S. Thomas Bodden, MBE, JP
Hymn .....................................................................................................................Amazing Grace
Sermon ..............................................................................................................Pastor Dave Hazle
Prayer for the Family ................................................................................................Stephen Foster
Closing Hymn ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….How Great Thou Art
Benediction ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….Pastor Dave Hazle
Recessional
Peter Yates
Jeremy Yates
Harry Hurlston
Capt. Paul Hurlston
Richard Arch, MBE, JP
Aubrey Ebanks
Franklin Thompson Jr.
McCoy McLaughlin
S. Thomas Boodden, MBE, JP
William Bodden
Robert Harris
Steven Pennington
W. Norman Bodden, OBE
Paul Robinson
Stephen Foster
Gareth Forbes
Andrew McLaughlin
Karen Ebanks
Edith Yates
Dave Hew
Overseas family tribute to Aunt Sylvia
It is with deep sadness we are writing this and cannot be there with you all to honor her life, but are
grateful for this opportunity to share some of our many wonderful memories of this lovely woman.
She was many things to many people; wife, mother, sister, grandmother, aunt, and friend. Our Aunt Sylvia will never be forgotten, she will always be in our hearts, our minds, our thoughts, and memories.
We always loved spending time with her. She was kind and very generous to all who knew her. She was
totally devoted to her family and friends. The times we came to visit, it was her only priority to make sure
we had the best time ever, with fun, good food, and relaxation.
Candice remembers her as such a sweet lady and that she would come from a day at work and cook a
typical Caymanian dinner for us, a wonderful act of love. Michele and Laurie always loved to hear Aunt
Sylvia’s warm infectious laugh that would make them laugh too. They still recall the comical incident when
Aunt Sylvia was driving them somewhere and all of a sudden she cranked up the volume on the radio and
boogied down in the driver’s seat to “Gettin’ Jiggy With It” by Will Smith!
Aunt Sylvia was a gentle soul with a heart full of kindness and love. We have never known, nor will we
again know someone like her. She was a once in a lifetime kind of person. We and all who knew her were
so very blessed to know her. To love and be loved by her and share a very small piece of her life was an
unforgettable experience!
May God bless her and keep her and may she rest in peace.
Missing you all and our love and condolences.
Jerry, Leanne, Michele, Laurie, Candice, Jeffrey and families
Peter’s tribute to Grams
Not everyone can say they met an Angel, fortunately for me I grew up with one for a grandmother.
She was an honored pioneer in the aviation and tourism industry. A true hero and pillar of Cayman
society and the very idea of what it is to be a strong, hard working, independent Caymanian.
Being the first grandchild and quite older than the other grandchildren, I had spent more time with her
and often felt like a second son rather than a grandson. She always made our relationship feel unique
and special, but knowing her very well and anyone who knew her could tell you that she made their
relationship feel special. Even my close friends referred to her as Grams and she loved them all like
her own grandkids.
I know she was loved by many and having such a huge heart, loved all of her family and friends unconditionally. I will truly miss our chats in the living room about your life, accomplishments, and travels around the world, which you were always vague with exact details because with mystery brings
intrigue I guess.
I will miss you as a confidant, life advisor, friend, and grandmother. I will even miss when you would
announce the CNN news headlines word for word as if I hadn’t heard it myself sitting there with you. I
will also miss how you were always so blindly optimistic in asking me every time you saw me walk in
with any plastic bag in my hand “Are those mangoes?” despite the time of year or the obvious square
box of tools in an AL Thompson bag.
In closing I would like to say that we are all blessed to have had you in our lives. You were loved and
are still loved and our memories of you will live on forever.
To use a quote from a plaque that hangs on your bedroom door –
“Grandmothers hold our hands for a while but our hearts forever”
Love your grandson Peter.
Paul’s tribute to Alex
I traveled here today from Memphis, Tennessee, at the request of Alex Pennington, a wonderful friend and
colleague of many, many years. I also represent the many members of Alex’s extended Memphis family.
A couple of years ago, Billy and his wife Thalia invited me to their home for dinner. Billy, Alex and I were
outside by the pool, when Billy said, “Paul, mom has something to ask you.” I looked at Alex, who was
looking rather sheepish. “What did you want to ask?” She said, “I want you there, I want you to speak,
you know, when I pass.” I said “Of course I will be there. Are you telling me something? I mean, do I need
to book reservations?” Alex laughed, and said, “No, I just want to be sure you are there when the time
comes.” Promise made, promise kept...
Today I feel two distinct emotions. First, I feel a huge sense of loss. I have lost a dear, dear friend. Alex
was part of my life for decades. She first worked with us at Cayman Express, and then later at the Holiday
Inn. Alex was a great team player...When members of our Memphis companies came to the island; one of
the highlights of almost every trip would be Sunday brunch at Alex’s house. She would serve wonderful
Caymanian food, and regale them with stories. She would teach them about Cayman and Caymanian
ways. She taught them a lot about the history of the island. Above all else, we all got the sense that Alex
Pennington was a proud, honest, hard working Caymanian woman, very proud of her Caymanian heritage.
In the early days, when I first met Alex and her husband Bill, they would both tell stories of their lives together. What a life they had. Bill would tell me stories about his aviation days. Alex would tell me “the rest
of the story” about how things “really happened.” Bill told a great story, but Alex had the facts. They were
great together.
Alex and Bill were living and working in Freeport when the Bahamas declared independence. Mr. Pindling,
the head of government made a speech in which he declared that “everything in the Bahamas belonged to
the Bahamian people.” After the speech, people started going into grocery stores, loading up shopping
carts and refusing to pay. Chaos ensued. Alex worked at the airport. When she got home that night, she
found Bill busy packing their belongings. She asked what he was doing. He said, “Alex, we are getting out
of here before the grocery sackers start flying airplanes!”
Many times when chatting with Alex, she would tell me about “taking Billy fishing.” Bill was confined to a
wheel chair, so he could not help. Billy loved to go fishing. I asked Alex one day, “How do you get Billy’s
boat in the water?” She said “there is always a kind Caymanian fisherman willing to help.” Alex always
believed in the basic goodness of her fellow Caymanians.
Alex was devoted to her family. She and Bill raised Billy and Debbie. Later, Alex loved spending time with
her grand children. Alex was so proud of her family. When Bill passed, she carried on. She went to work
every day. She did everything she could to make her family comfortable.
In her later years, Alex started experiencing serious pain. She hated going to see doctors, but finally relented. For some reason, the doctors could not find the source of her pain, so they prescribed pain medication. She rarely took her medicine. She told me once, “Paul, I can deal with the pain most of the time, but
I hate taking medicine. It slows me down.”
When I started speaking, I said I felt two strong emotions. The first, as described, is a strong sense of
loss. All of us in Memphis loved Alex and share this sense of loss with Billy, Thalia, Debbie and all the extended family.
The second emotion is a sense of relief. Alex no longer has any pain. I am sure she is looking down on this
gathering today, smiling, feeling pain free for the first time in years. She is reunited with Bill. They are
probably both glowing with pride, looking down, so proud of the family they created.
Alex, on behalf of all your Memphis family, I say farewell to a wonderful friend. You may be gone in body,
but your spirit will remain. We will always remember your smile, your laugh and above all, your kindness
and compassion. We will always remember you as the epitome of a “proud, hard working, honest, Caymanian woman”. God Bless you Alex Pennington, and may you rest in eternal peace.
Debbie’s tribute to Mom
Mom, as I sit here putting pen to paper I am overwhelmed with grief but comforted by the precious memories that I will always cherish.
We traveled around the world together; one of my most vivid memories is walking up the steps of the Vatican in Rome and meeting other Caymanians there. You were overjoyed to say the least.
Picking macadamia nuts off the trees in the mountains of Hawaii and going to the International Market Place in Waikiki Beach for coconut ice
cream every evening.
Being stuck in an elevator in Paris for 15 minutes, which seemed like an eternity with a French man who babbled on in French. I remember you
distinctly saying to me “When I get back to that room we are packing and going back to Cayman.”
Your precious Cayman…nowhere else in your worldly travels could compare to your home in Cayman.
I was raised in South Sound and you were the happiest there until the end. It was there as a teenager that you showed me unconditional love,
understanding, and compassion even in bad times. Later on when I returned to South Sound to live with my children, Peter, Zara, and Jade you
became a second mother to them, giving selflessly of yourself both emotionally and financially.
You always preferred to give than to receive, molding and guiding them in the right direction. I will always be indebted to you for that and there
are no words to express my gratitude.
I nominated you for an award which was presented to you on Hero’s Day in recognition of your contribution to aviation. I was so proud that Billy
and I were able to stand by your side that day and I know daddy was smiling in his rocking chair in heaven.
After you retired from Lime Tree Bay last year your health began to deteriorate. You were so independent and career oriented for so many years
that it was a hard adjustment for you. I then took the role of caretaker and the hospital visits increased dramatically. I will miss bringing you that
watermelon every morning which you had to have along with your usual greeting “What’s happening now?”
I will miss driving you around in my car and hearing you say “You’re going to kill me in this car!” I will miss you asking me every day “Did Juga
cook today?”…not me mind you, Juga. I will miss your dry wit, sarcasm, and straight forwardness.
I always chuckle when on one of your last visits to the hospital by ambulance you announced “I don’t know what’s wrong with Billy, he called the
ambulance so fast that I didn’t even have time to put on any underwear.”
I was with you as you started to fade away and I know you were suffering. I could not bear to see you take your last breath but thankfully Juga,
Peter, Aquinnah, and I were able to be with you in your last few hours and hold your hand.
Billy and Thalia watched you slip away peacefully at 2:00 am on April 7th and there is an emptiness in my soul that will ache forever.
I hope heaven has watermelon patches and mango trees in abundance.
Rest in Peace Mummy
Your daughter, Debbie Sue.
Poem
As the sun rises in the early morning dawn a beautiful baby girl was born
Sent to earth by a loving God to care for those less fortunate
A heart of gold, a love so deep, even for the stranger on the street
She left her footprints all over the earth
Your time had come
Your work was done
You closed your eyes and with your final breath I looked into your eyes and saw you waving goodbye
Surrounded by Angels with chariots of gold
My mother my friend, I will love you until the end
Aquinnah’s tribute to Grams
When I think of heroes, I think of my beautiful Grams. Funny enough, she actually is my hero. To me, sitting down with Grams in her rocking chair
watching CNN will always be the most comforting memory. For 7 years straight, I spent every weekend with her. I cherish the moments sitting down
with her, hearing all the jokes and stories she had to tell. I specifically remember one Christmas morning I slept at Grams’ and I was so excited I
woke her up extra early. She made me Milo, turned on CNN and I ripped away at all my presents. That will always be my favorite Christmas.
She would tell me stories late at night and her nicknames she gave me were ‘pumpkin’, ‘sweet girl’ and ‘punkalo’. My middle name is India, and
whenever I’d ask her to say my full name – she would always say ‘Aquinnah Australia’ which always made me smile. She was and always will be
my best friend. I told her everything and more.
There are no amount of words I can say to express how much I will miss you. I am going to miss you calling me every day and asking me the
same question over and over “Well, when are you sleeping over again?”. She always told me my phone was a nuisance and to never take pictures
of her. But, me being defiant that’s all I did. I have so many videos and pictures of her that I am so glad that I have.
Grams, I promised I’d never leave your side and I kept my promise. From the day I was born, you were right there to your last day on Earth I was
there. You meant the world to me and I will always be devastated I lost you and you’ll always be in my thoughts and memories.
Everyone who knew me knew how much I loved you. Every one of my friends knew who Grams was. If you had ever gotten the chance or opportunity to meet Grams or get to know her, consider yourself one of the lucky ones because she was the most amazing person this world knew.
I am going to miss all the jokes, all the breakfasts you made me, all the warm and loving hugs you gave, the fact that you said you loved me at
least three times a day and when you constantly worried about me. Don’t worry Grams, I promise I’ll make you proud.
Rest in peace Gramsy, your pumpkin will forever love you.
Jade’s tribute to Grams
At a very young age I went to live with my grams. It’s all I ever remembered. I was so attached to her
that I slept in the same room with her until I was thirteen years old. When other kids that age were out
having sleepovers or spending time with their friends, I was in bed with my grams; talking about the
world, all the great expectations she had of me and harassing her to tell me stories until my restless
mind would fall asleep.
I did everything with my grams. I’d drive with her to work, help her clean, shop, and cook. I spent the
majority of my time with my grams. Even when I went out and began my own social life, my friends
came to know her personally as grams as well.
She was just such an incredible kind, giving and self-less person. We weren’t rich but my grams made
sure I never missed a meal or needed to ask a soul for anything. It was all because of her. I owe her
everything. Everything I was able to accomplish it’s because I had her support to do so. She helped
mold me into the young woman I am today. She’s responsible for the values and morals I hold to this
very day, in which I will ultimately pass to my own child as well.
When l learned I was going to become a mother and give my family their first grandchild and great
grandchild, I was so incredibly excited to start this new journey in my life. I looked forward to my baby
boy being able to meet the woman who raised his mommy. Unfortunately, grams fell ill shortly after I
found out. But as grams would always say to me, God works in mysterious ways.
My grams passed on the due date of my son. At first, I felt guilt and regretted my situation that I wasn’t
able to travel home to see her beautiful face one last time. But grams, I know this wasn’t a coincidence
this was a miracle. God knew I still needed you, so he sent me a baby boy so that you may live through
him forever. I will take comfort in the fact that even though you may not be here physically, you will be
here spiritually through my son, and live on as our guardian angel.
Hannah’s tribute to Grams
I remember one time my stomach started to hurt, you told me to lay down and you started to rub it. I
haven’t found a person yet that could make my stomach feel better in just one rub. You were the funniest person ever. I also remember the time Aquinnah and I laid in the hospital bed with you, the nurses
told us to get up, but when they left you told us to come back. Boy, you loved that Snack Pack strawberry jello more than you loved Anderson Cooper. You told me that one day you were going to marry
Anderson Cooper.
Mostly every Friday/Saturday night you used to care Aquinnah and I while our parents went out.
We used to sneak up on you and try and hide from you, but we always found ourselves getting in trouble with you. Writing this tribute is making me realize that no one can ever replace you. We had some
really good memories together grams.
Every day as I left the hospital you would say the same thing to me every time, “Come back tomorrow! I love my baby.” It was an honor to get to know someone as wonderful as you. It’s hard to know
that I will never see you again. This doesn’t feel real. It feels like just yesterday you were asking me to
rub lotion on you.
Whenever I took a picture with you, you would always get mad because I would take billions. Writing this tribute is the hardest thing I have ever had to do, because I don’t want to believe that this is
real. You always used to have so much gossip and Aquinnah and I always used to listen to you go on
and on about it. I painted your toe nails a pretty pink color, and it stayed on perfectly until the day you
passed away. I was going to paint them Easter color when you got out of the hospital, but I never got
to.
This tribute is getting pretty long, but that’s okay. We had some really good memories that are worth
telling. Your favorite color is pink, so I got them to pick out a beautiful pink casket for you with flowers
on them.
Rest in Paradise my beautiful angel, I love and miss you more than words can describe.
Thalia’s tribute to Ms. Alex
Ms. Alex and I shared a relationship that is not typical of a mother and daughter-in-law. Not only did we get along extremely well, but
we shared a very deep love and respect for each other.
In the almost 24 years that Billy and I have been together, not once did Ms. Alex and I ever have a harsh word between us. We
loved each other dearly. She was a very easy person to get along with and had such a sense of humor that kept everyone on their
toes. Not only that, but with the love and adoration that Billy had for her, I could not help but feel a special bond with her.
She enjoyed spending time with her family. At least once a week, I would cook dinner and invite Ms. Alex and my Mom and Dad, to
join us. How lucky are we as a family that everyone got along so well and actually enjoyed spending time together. We all looked
forward to these evenings. Family dinners will never be the same. I don’t know if I’ll ever be able to fry plantain again without thinking
about how much she would enjoy it. I would always have to be sure to do a lot because between her and Steven, there would be little left for others.
After we ate, we’d just hang around watching TV and chat about what was happening in Cayman and around the world. Ms. Alex
was always concerned about what was going on in the Middle East and various parts of the world. She’d often ask what I thought
about what was happening in such and such a place. Most of the time, I hadn’t even heard about it but she’d quickly update me. She
was so empathetic towards the people of the world. It was as if they were her friends.
We enjoyed her accompanying us on many family vacations. She would never complain about anything; always went with the flow.
She would never want to take time out for herself. I would tell her that a certain day was for her to get her shopping done. We would
go into Dress Barn and I’d have fun picking out outfits for her. After about 2 outfits, she’d say, ok that’s enough now. Of course I
wouldn’t listen to her and keep going. She would rather spend her money on her children and grandchildren than on herself.
Over the years, our friends came to know and love her and looked forward to seeing her at our gatherings. I know the feeling was
mutual. As a matter of fact, the last get together we had at the end of January, she didn’t want to miss, even though she was suffering from a nearly collapsed lung and no one knew.
The day after, which was Billy’s birthday on January 26th, was the first time she was hospitalized. She was very sick, but didn’t want
to miss that party, no matter how bad she felt.
Ms. Alex was one of the most selfless people that I’ve ever met. If one of us was sick, she’d call several times a day to see how we
were feeling. She hated knowing that any of her kids were sick.
Over the past year or so, we knew that she couldn’t have been feeling well but when you asked her she’d say she was fine. She
didn’t want anyone worrying about her or fussing over her. In the past few months, when anyone would ask her how she was feeling,
her standard answer was, “I’m feeling better”. I knew she wasn’t feeling better, or probably even good, but she just didn’t want anyone to worry about her. If you pressed further to try and find out how she really felt, she’d just smile.
I have been truly blessed to call her my Mother-in-law. I also feel so thankful to know that our children were blessed with such a wonderful, hard-working, selfless, loving, and caring woman as their grandmother.
I will miss her dearly. There is now a hole in our family that no one could possibly replace. I can only pray that our children will grow
up to be the kind of selfless human beings and citizens of this country that their Grams was.
Rest peacefully Ms. Alex.
ElEl’s tribute to Alex
Alex, my dear friend, what a wonderful and special person you were! How I will miss the times we spent
together.
At times when all is quiet, your presence lingers, and it is then that I remember the times spent together. Talks just you and I shared, family trips we took, lunches together, special family dinners enjoyed,
and Christmas morning breakfasts at my house.
These are the beautiful treasures that will be kept in a special place in my heart forever!
The golden threads we have woven together in this life time, like a beautiful tapestry, will always remain
securely tied. Those golden threads that you and I wove together over the years created a beautiful and
lasting friendship.
A friendship that was a beautiful tapestry to hold forever in my heart that not even death can unravel.
Alex, you were a true, loving, and loyal friend. We had a friendship that was special and rare. I loved
you and will miss you always!
Billy’s tribute to Mom
Mom, I always knew this day would come and have dreaded having to face the reality that someday you would leave to be with dad. There is a pain
in my heart today that will not subside.
From the time I was a small boy you were always there to take me on my many fishing adventures and our trips overseas to Hawaii and to see family
in California. You never hesitated to show me right from wrong and with one look you could always remind me as to who was really in charge. Your
dry wit and sense of humor always made me laugh and no matter how sad or disappointed I was you always managed to cheer me up and help me
see the practical side of a situation.
Growing up as a teenager and young adult I remember fondly that you were not only a good mother to me but to so many of my friends. Some of my
favorite memories are of waking up on a Saturday morning to the smell of a hot breakfast or fish and fritters that you had cooked. Your house soon
became a very popular spot for friends that I didn’t even know I had, waiting to get a taste of some of your delicious cooking but you always welcomed everyone that showed up unannounced.
When dad passed when I was 21 you took up the mantle as the family matriarch and have been my moral compass throughout most of my adult life.
With your simple, kind, and caring spirit you taught me the meaning of commitment and compassion and that above all else family and close friends
are what’s important in life.
As I grew into an adult and started my own family you were always there to lend a helping hand, offer advice if asked, and you loved and embraced
Thalia as a second daughter. My children have so many special fond memories of the times they spent with you and the lessons that you always
passed on to them on their continued journey into adult hood.
Mom, when I think of you the first word that comes to mind is “Selfless”. You always thought about everyone’s needs above yourself. When we
would go out for a meal we would always fight about who would pick up the check and I remember you always used to say “you better let me do it
while I can because some day I won’t be able to”.
You have made me into the person that I am today and I will always be eternally grateful for having the best mother that a son could ever ask for.
There are so many other things that I could say but I know that you were a simple non-pretentious person that valued your privacy. So simply put – I
Love You…I always have and I always will. You were always there for me and I was honored to have been there with you when you passed.
I hope you find eternal peace with dad until we meet again.
Aubrey’s tribute to Ms. Alex
The very first time I met you I looked into your eyes and I saw a woman of courage, dignity, wisdom, loyalty, love, and kindness beyond words.
You carried the world on your shoulders with a smile.If I could be like you for a day my life would take on a new meaning. You would rather give than
to be given. You would rather cry than to be cried for.
Such an amazing woman you are. Now a host of angels has taken you to rest, you were my friend, you’re the best.
I will miss you Mama Alex, but heaven was missing an Angel.
Steven’s tribute to Grams
To have had the privilege of knowing such a strong, independent woman was a blessing. She was there for us throughout our childhood, at every
birthday celebration, and many other occasions. She also accompanied us on many vacations, allowing us to grow close with her over the years,
forming a special bond.
Your remarks about things used to make me laugh, and you being so straightforward and quick-witted made it even funnier. You could have a response on the fly, and if you weren’t pleased, you didn’t hold back, and you would make it known. It was passed from you to dad, and from him to
me.
If I ever come across a woman of such independence and strength again, it would be a pleasant surprise. You made a positive impact on the lives
of many, and you’ll be greatly missed by both your family, and the community.
Obituary of Alex Sylvia Pennington
Alex Sylvia Hurlston was born on August 27, 1930 in South Sound, Grand Cayman. She was the second of four children born to Henry Harold
Hurlston and Violet Eugenie Hurlston nee Bush.
She spent her early childhood days in South Sound and then at the tender age of 6 went to live in East End with her Aunt Helen and attended
school there. At the age of 16 she returned to South Sound to live with her parents and siblings Sybil, Hazel, and Harry where she completed a
Sylvia Gills typing course. She then began working for Government in the Treasury dept. with Sir Vassell Johnson and Marcia Bodden for two
years before beginning her career in the airline industry.
Alex was one of the first Caymanian women to become directly employed in the aviation and tourism business. In the late 1940’s she was employed by Caribbean International Airways and worked for Wing Commander Owen Roberts as a Check-in Agent, trained in airline reservations,
ticketing and flight dispatch, and in this position was one of the first Caymanians to welcome visitors to our shores. (Caribbean International Airways operated air services between Tampa, Kingston, and Grand Cayman, landing in the North Sound before Owen Robert’s Airport which was
started in 1952). With the unfortunate demise of Caribbean International Airways in 1953 Alex then went to work for LACSA (the Costa Rican Airline) in 1954 when Owen Roberts Airport was completed and became operational for scheduled passenger flights. For many years she arranged
transportation for seamen traveling from Grand Cayman to the USA and other foreign destinations to their jobs on National Bulk Carriers tankers,
which was so vital to our economy in the 50’s and 60’s.
Alex later joined BWIA where she was employed in a similar position and her contribution in training young Caymanians in the airline business and
her dedication to the growth and development of our aviation and tourism industry has been outstanding. Alex worked for various airlines around
the world in the Bahamas and as far afield as Hong Kong where she assisted foreign dignitaries and famous stars such as Frank Sinatra. She will
be long remembered as one of our airline and tourism pioneers.
Mr. Norman Bodden who remained one of her close friends throughout the years commented that “Alex was a highly intelligent and loyal friend and
when I started working for the airlines in 1955 it was Alex who taught me how to hand write my first international airline passenger ticket along with
many other Caymanians who she helped to get started in the aviation industry”. Other prominent Caymanians that Alex worked with in the early
years of the airline boom included David Foster, Richard Arch, and Tommie & Olga Adam.
In the early 50’s she met her future husband Bill Pennington while on a trip to Jamaica as he was on one of his many trips around the Caribbean. It
was love at first sight and after a short courtship the two were married in 1958 in Hawaii in a small service on the beach.
Alex and Bill both loved to travel and lived in many places including Vietnam, Hong Kong, Hawaii, Germany, Spain, the Bahamas, and the US. She
traveled around the world twice and would often times recount her travel adventures to her family including her experience during the bombing of
Vietnam. They returned to Cayman in the early 60’s and built a house in South Sound where she lived up to her passing. Alex continued to work
for the airline industry while Bill managed several prominent hotels at the time including Pageant Beach and Galleon Beach.
Out of their union they had their first child on Dec. 10, 1963, a daughter who they named Debra Susan (Debbie Sue). Nine years later and to their
surprise a son was born on Jan. 26, 1973, who they named William Harold (Billy). From those two children six grandchildren were born: Peter,
Zara, Jade, Aquinnah, Steven, and Hannah.
Alex then decided to make a career change and worked in the financial services industry for several years with CIBC making many lasting friendships along the way. Bill passed away in 1994 and in her later years Alex remained active becoming involved in tourism/property management ventures including Cayman Express Tours, Victoria House, Holiday Inn, and Lime Tree Bay.
Alex still loved to travel with her family and especially enjoyed taking trips to Cayman Brac and Orlando with Billy & his family as well as trips to
Tampa with Debbie Sue and her family. The highlight of her trips with her family was always eating out at nice restaurants. She would always say
however that no matter where she went in the world she was always happiest when she was home in Cayman.
Alex also enjoyed spending time with her family at the many dinners and functions that were held and developed a special friendship with Billy’s
mother in-law Eleanor Bodden affectionately known to many as ElEl.
In January 2012 she was awarded the Certificate of Honor for her contributions to the aviation industry in the Cayman Islands and remained an
active member of the South Sound community. After a brief illness Alex passed away peacefully on April 7, 2015 at the age of 84 with her family by
her bedside.
She leaves to mourn:
Daughter Debbie Sue Ebanks, Son Billy Pennington, Daughter-in-law Thalia Pennington, Son-in-law Aubrey Ebanks
Grandchildren Peter Yates, Zara Yates, Jade Yates, Aquinnah Ebanks, Steven Pennington, and Hannah Pennington.
Brother Harry Hurlston,
Beloved Nieces Meredith Hew, Karen Forbes, Sharon Bodden, Joy Bodden, and Trecia Hew
Nephew McCoy Mclaughlin, Nephews-in-law Billy Bodden, Dave Hew, and Rayal Forbes.
Special care givers Pat & Lynn and a host of friends and overseas family.
May Her Soul Rest in Peace…
Sentences..............................................................................................................................................................Pastor Dave Hazle
Special Song ........................................................................................................................................ “Angel” by Sarah McLachlan
Committal................................................................................................................................................................Pastor Dave Hazle
Prayer ...................................................................................................................................................................Pastor Dave Hazle
Hymns ........................................................................................................................................................... The Old Rugged Cross
In The Sweet By And By
Benediction ........................................................................................................................................................... Pastor Dave Hazle
We wanted so much to keep you
We watched you day by day,
Until with breaking hearts
We watched you slip away
God watched you as you suffered
And knew you had your share,
He gently closed your weary eyes
And took you in his care
Your memory is our keepsake
With that we’ll never part
God has you in his keeping,
We have you in our hearts.
Author - unknown
The family would like to express their sincere gratitude to all their friends and relatives for
your prayers, calls, visits and acts of kindness during this difficult time. Special thanks to
Dr. Jackson, Dr. Nelson, Dr. Cummings and the Staff and Nurses of the
Health Services Authority, the South Sound Community, Trisha’s Roses,
Scott Ruby & Bodden Funeral Services for their compassionate assistance.
Funeral Service and Programmes entrusted to Bodden Funeral Home Tel: 345-949-7464