FREEPORT, The Bahamas – The auditorium of Bishop Michael Eldon School was filled with representatives of Hawksbill High School, Freeport Anglican High School, Bishop Michael Eldon School, Pilot Club, BAAAs, and other organizations paying tribute to Anita Louise Doherty in a Memorial Service on April 7 to honour of her life, and her many years as an outstanding educator.

Mrs. Doherty, the much-loved ‘Mrs. D,’ passed away on Sunday, March 27, 2022.

A native of West Grand Bahama, she was recognized as a wife, mother, sister, teacher, mentor, athlete, coach, and leader.

Paying tribute to Mrs. Doherty, Minister for Grand Bahama, the Hon. Ginger Moxey said, “we have lost a giant.” She added that the community will not be as bright because of what Mrs. D brought to the table as she encouraged her students to soar like eagles.

Sharing the impact Mrs. D had on her life, Minister Moxey said she initially met the legend in 1985, as a scholarship student from Martin Town Primary and thrived under her tutelage.   She added that she is certain there will be many naming ceremonies done in her honor.

Minister Moxey extended condolences on behalf of the government and especially Prime Minister of The Bahamas, the Hon. Philip Davis, Deputy Prime Minister the Hon. I. Chester Cooper, and the country.

Among those present at the service were Justice Petra Hanna-Adderley; Member of Parliament Kwasi Thompson, Member of Parliament Iram Lewis, executives of Bishop Michael Eldon School and Freeport Anglican High School, teachers, staff and many others.  Mr. Thompson and Mr. Lewis also gave tributes.

The Hon. Curt Hollingsworth, Consul General, gave a video presentation reflecting on the years of friendship.  He described Mrs. D as being committed to not only her students, but everyone she encountered.  He said she was the best and gave all she had: “She has impacted my life and caused me to break records when I could have been broken.”  And she richly deserved all of the tributes paid to her, he said.   

Rev. Marie Roach-Hepburn, Rector of St. Jude’s Anglican Church, delivered the sermon; it was followed with a performance by the iconic gospel group, the Cooling Waters.

PILOTS REPRESENTED – Mrs. Doherty was a member of Pilot Club International; many club members attended her memorial service at Bishop Michael Eldon School.  (BIS Photo/Lisa Davis)

OFFICIALS – People from all walks of life attended the memorial service for the late Anita Doherty on Thursday.  Shown from left: Drumeco Archer, President of BAAA’s; Mrs. Heather Lewis; Iram Lewis, MP for Central Grand Bahama; J. Kwasi Thompson, MP for East Grand Bahama; Rev. Marie Roach-Hepburn, Rector, St. Jude’s Anglican Church; Justice Petra Hanna-Adderley and Minister for Grand Bahama, the Hon. Ginger Moxey. (BIS Photo/Lisa Davis)

PAYING TRIBUTE – Several students, a representative from each graduating class, paid tribute to Anita Doherty during a memorial service held for her at Bishop Michael Eldon School on Thursday, April 7, where she has held the positions of teacher, vice-principal and principal over a 39-year span. (BIS Photo/Lisa Davis)

A FULL HOUSE – The Bishop Michael Eldon Auditorium was full on Thursday, April 7 as family, friends, students, civic organizations and many others united for a memorial service for Anita Doherty.  (BIS Photo/Lisa Davis)

SHARING A STORY – Among those paying tribute to Anita Doherty during a memorial service on Thursday, April 7 was Member of Parliament, Iram Lewis of Central Grand Bahama.  Mr. Lewis is seen sharing a story of his tenure at Freeport High School (now Bishop Michael Eldon School).  (BIS Photo/Lisa Davis)

COMBINED CHOIR – Under the direction of former music teacher Kevin Tomlinson, a combined choir from various years at Bishop Michael Eldon School performed at the memorial service for the late Anita Doherty, April 7 in the school’s auditorium. (BIS Photo/Lisa Davis)

EXPERIENCES – Member of Parliament for East Grand Bahama, Kwasi Thompson, was one of many paying tribute to the late Anita Doherty during a memorial service at Bishop Michael Eldon Auditorium, April 7.  Mr. Thompson was a member of the Class of 1992. (BIS Photo/Lisa Davis)

SERMON – Rev. Marie Roach Hepburn, Rector of St. Jude’s Anglican Church gave the sermon.  (BIS Photo/Lisa Davis)

MINISTER FOR GRAND BAHAMA the Hon. Ginger Moxey was one of many paying tribute.  (BIS Photo/Lisa Davis)