Lynn was synonymous with the image of pale yellow sand, turquoise waves, soft sun and a breath of fresh air mixed with laughter and singing.

She had a goofball sense of humor and was always singing or humming in a sweet clear voice. Lynn loved to travel to tropical beaches and enjoyed the people there who shared her sunny disposition. During the holidays she delighted in making and serving an abundance of great food and cheer amidst perfectly placed decorations. Lynn would spontaneously bring out her baton from high school and expertly give it a twirl or jump on a trampoline with her granddaughters . She was always ready for an adventure, always had a place for more at her table and always had her arms wide open to life.

Our beloved Ryan, having done all to stand during a long battle with cancer, has fallen asleep on Thursday, November 26, 2015, surrounded by his loving family and is now awaiting the return of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Ryan was born on December 12, 1979, the firstborn of Leroy Simi and Karen Patterson (Simi). He had three younger siblings and a nephew, who greatly loved and respected him: Alison Simi, Laura Cirksena, Scott Simi and Jude Cirksena. From his youth Ryan had a passion for truth and standing on God’s Word. Of his many attributes, Ryan was an amazing self-taught guitar player and loved Word-based music. Lyrics for one of his recent songs included: “I have the truth in my heart, the Word in my mind, I have the power I need, from my Lord Jesus Christ!” This truly exemplifies Ryan’s heart for God. Even when enduring life’s most difficult circumstances, he glorified God!

Ryan had a long suit in giving of his time and loved to teach and share God’s Word with anyone who would listen. He gave wise counsel to those with a heart to hear and learn. He loved to teach! Ryan’s life of service to God was cut short due to cancer, which he fought valiantly for many years. Before he became sick, Ryan had the joy to serve in the ministry he loved as a Way Disciple, a fellowship coordinator, and on staff at Headquarters. His passion was to do and stand on God’s Word.

Ryan was a very big part of the heart of his family. His love and heart, based on his knowledge and love of the Word, spread to all who knew him. We know we are not alone when we say how much we love him and how much we miss him. Thank God the Lord Jesus Christ is coming back, and we will all be together again. “Your life was such a blessing. Your memory a treasure. You are loved beyond words. And missed beyond measure.” We love you, Ryan!

Habibullah, our beloved grandfather, was born in a small village in Bangladesh. Growing up in Noakhali, he experienced life in poverty, with little money and food. However, with his dedication to schoolwork, motivation for a better life, and strong work ethics- he overcame those hardships and became an accomplished businessman.

Although he spent much of his life in Dhaka, he did not forget his humble root- devoting much of his efforts to philanthropy. He believed that a way out of poverty was through a good education- building schools in villages and assisting hundreds of village children, many of whom later became doctors, businessmen, and engineers.

One of the many legacies left behind by our beloved grandpa is the Dhaka City Hospital (https://www.cityhospitalbd.com/), which he helped establish. The hospital holds one of the largest burn units in the country, dedicated to helping women who were victims of acid-burn domestic abuse. It was also one of the first hospitals in Dhaka that worked with outside NGOs such as Operation Smile to provide free services to the poor.

Our grandpa was buried yesterday in the village- a place that was always his home- as his final wish. He was greeted by thousands of villagers paying homage to a man who used his successes to lift others out of poverty.

As our grandfather, he never missed a chance to express how proud he was of us. He always made us feel special and loved; our happiness was his biggest concern.

With his sudden passing, there is a void in our hearts. We hope to fill it with fond memories of him so please post any stories/photos/videos that you have of/with him. Thank you.

William Emmanuel Wheeler was born in 1938 on Christmas Day to Mary Wheeler and Rubin Billie, Sr. in Sumpter, South Carolina where he was raised and educated in the public school system.

In 1957 William enlisted in the United States Army and received his basic training with Company D, Third Battalion, First Training Regiment at Fort Jackson in South Carolina.

After his honorable discharge, William moved to New York in 1960. He later relocated to Connectcut in the 1990s where he worked at a Chrysler Auto Dealership as a mechanic. Later he went to work for Pitney Bowes for 20 years. In 2012 Deacon Wheeler relocated to Maryland where he lived for the remainder of his life.

William married Mary Alice Owens on January 27, 1963. He had nine children: Cynthia, Angela, Jenean, Sean, Kyle, Randy, Tony, William Jr. and Russell.

In his later years, William enjoyed watching old westerns and sitcoms like The Jefferson, taking long drives to relax, chauffeuring others and fixing cars.

Deacon William Wheeler was a member of the Church of the Living God in Port Chester , New York for over 30 years. He was an ordained Deacon and also served as the church van driver.

On November 13, 2015 William departed this life leaving behind many memories which will be cherished by his wife Mary Alice Wheeler; Children: Cynthia Acevedo (George), Angela Wheeler, Jenean Owens-Epps (Ricky), Sean Alford (Tasha), Kyle Wheeler, Randy Owens, Tony Alford (Tanya), William Wheeler, Jr. (Darlene), and Russell Alford; 32 Grandchildren, 18 Great Grandchildren and two great-great grandchildren. Brothers: Rubin Billie Jr. (Thelma), O'Neil Billie, Isaac Billie, Joseph Billie, Moise Billie (Dorothy), Hercules Billie and Esau Billie (Sarah); Sisters: Rosa Lee Wells, Joanne James (Derek), and Betty Billie-Coard (James), and a host of other relatives and friends

Hajiya Bilkisu is a political scientist by training and a journalist by profession. She studied Political Science at the Ahmadu Bello University in Zaria and the University of Wisconsin, Madison, USA. She studied for Advanced Diploma in Journalism and International Relations at the Moscow Institute of Journalism.

She was Editor of the Sunday Triumph Kano, Editor of New Nigerian Newspaper Kaduna and Editor of Citizen Magazine Kaduna. She belongs to several non-governmental organisations. She was a founding member and first Kano state Coordinator of Women in Nigeria, WIN. A founding member and immediate past President of Federation of Muslim Women’s Associations in Nigeria (FOMWAN). She is also a founding member and Chairperson, Board of Trustees of ABANTU for Development, an African gender focused organisation. She has eleven chapters in published books on women, Islam, media and health.