Muriel Agatha Duggan

We are gathered here today in the memory of our mother, Muriel Agatha Saddler Duggan, also known as Numi, so that together we may acknowledge and share both our joy in the gift that her life was to us, and the pain that her passing brings. In sharing the joy and the pain together today, may we lessen the pain and remember more clearly the joy of “Sunshine”...

“To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven” (Ecc. 3:1-8).

A TIME TO BE BORN… Muriel Duggan, the second child and first daughter of eleven children was born to Matthew Saddler, and Alfanzine Gibbons in Kingston Jamaica on June 14, 1942.

A TIME TO WEEP AND TO MOURN… At a young age Mom wept and mourned the loss of her father, and shortly after was sent to live with her godmother (Miss Sibble). The neighborhood in which her godmother lived was next to a church. Muriel began attending church regularly, and accepted Jesus Christ as her personal Lord and Savior. It was there that she was baptized and planted into the house of God from a very young age. Outside of Church, education has always been very important to Mom. She worked diligently while attending Windward Road All Age School in Jamaica, West Indies. Upon completing her education, she worked as a clerk at the Justice Clanbens’ Dry Goods store.

A TIME TO PLANT… Mom’s initial invitation to church came in the form of a melodious sound. The sound of a Hawaiian guitar being played by a noticeably tall and handsome young man (Frederick Anthony Duggan). She decided to approach him and ask for lessons. As a result, the two became friends and grew fond of each other.

A TIME TO GATHER STONES TOGETHER… Jesus answered Peter in

(Matt. 16:18); “And I say also unto thee, that thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.”

Muriel never foresaw, that her decision to gather stones together by developing a personal relationship with God through the studies of His words would have transpired her life to build the foundation of her home on “the Rock Jesus”; which would bind her family together. One of her favorite scriptures was Psalms 1. On August 27, 2011 Mom suffered the loss of her beloved mother, which was devastating for her and our family. It is amazing that with everything Mom went through, she managed to keep her priorities straight, by staying focused on God and living by His words. What can be more important than caring for and loving your family? How can some of us who are blessed with so much forget to be thankful to God…Somehow our Mom kept her faith through all of the trials and tribulations that stood in her way. She knew that by Faith God would Always see her through.

A TIME TO LOVE… Frederick Duggan fell in love with Muriel and the attraction grew stronger, but not before being counseled by their pastor; who advised him to go pray, and ask God for guidance after approaching him for her hand in marriage. Like Jacob, who worked fifteen years before marrying Racheal, Frederick returned two years later to his pastor, and told him with confidence, “There is no other woman in this church for me, but Muriel. God revealed that she will be my wife”. And off (Frederick) “Dad”, went in full pursuit of Muriel Saddler, from courtship, to engagement and finally to marriage

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On April 29 1964, Muriel and Frederick both entered holy matrimony, and became “twain”, (one). Several years after the two married, they began their family of seven; three sons, and four daughters. Fredericka, Douglas, Horace, Alethia, Bertram, Roberta, and Ophelia. (Muriel) “Mom” was dedicated to raising her children, and often other children within the community. No child could go hungry with our mom around. She was always cooking breakfast, lunch and dinner. “Mom” was very overprotective of all her children; so much so that they were forbidden to visit their friends, but their friends were always welcomed. Every time the church doors opened, Muriel and her kids were there. At church our family was known for “perfect attendance,” and best behavior. As a result, we were actually awarded prizes. Even though we were not allowed to leave home, “Mom” made our time spent at home fun. She always sang to us and enjoyed playing games; from Jax, Dandy Shandy to even Skipping.

In addition, “Mom” made sure that every night we said our prayers, as well as in the mornings. “Mom” made devotion as our daily bread. She never left our side. This became more evident when “Dad” migrated to Miami from his missing rib and family, for “His heart safely trusted in her” (Prov. 31:11). In 1986 we were all reunited with “Dad” and this was a joyous moment.

A TIME TO EMBRACE… “Mom” attended Miami-Dade Community College in the Early Childhood field. Upon receipt of her certification, she accepted and embraced the opportunity to work nurturing the minds of infants and toddlers at Parkway Baptist Wee Care in Miami, Florida. As a nurturer, she gracefully responded to her calling to labor in building up God’s kingdom, both in her home and in her church. In Jamaica, “Mom” diligently served God at several churches in various ministries; from Deaconess, to missionary, secretary, on the choir and every department. She was instrumental in being one of the founding members of House of Prayer Worldwide Church 7th Day, where she continued her role as a Deaconess. This was where she coined the nickname “Sunshine” by one of her Pastors, Brian Scully. She loved and respected the friendship and family bond that developed with both her Pastors, Brian and Dorn Scully.

A TIME TO BUILD UP… Solomon in (Proverbs 31) said; “Who can find a virtuous woman? For her price is far above rubies”.

Muriel’s love, diligence and faithfulness to the Lord and her family clearly demonstrated the character of a virtuous woman. “Mom” continued to build up the foundation of her home by purchasing books from one of her close friends Joseph Redley; a colporteur. These books were an investment for her children: “On becoming a Man”, “On becoming a Woman”, and bedtime story books with “Basket of Flowers” as a favorite.

A TIME TO SPEAK… “Every purpose is established by counsel; and with good advice make war” (Prov. 20:18).

“Mom” was a calm, gentle spirit, yet a confident and strong woman; when she spoke people listened… she took time to counsel her children, grandchildren, church children, neighborhood children, and adults as well. “Mom’s” presence was always felt and treasured at church. Her favorite color was yellow. She was known for making everything “Bright” even on a cloudy day. She had a “knack” for making even strangers laugh and feel better about themselves.

A TIME TO GATHER STONES TOGETHER… Some of the highlights of “Mom’s” legacy was gathering her own stones she built. She devoted quality time amongst the family, and used creative ways to teach her grandchildren lessons such as: the ABC’s and months of the year. Instilling the foundation and importance of God in children from a young age by praying every morning before they leave the house was a must. Displaying selfless acts of love to everyone, including her husband, in-laws, church, family, friends, and others, by entertaining, socializing, singing, and sharing in delicacies of various potluck, and engaging in other activities is all a part of who Mom naturally was.

A TIME OF PEACE… Muriel has fallen asleep and her soul is at peace with God. “I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith” (2 Tim. 4:7). “But, brethren, concerning them also, which sleep in Jesus will God bring with Him” (1 Thess. 4:14). “Mom” has shared with us, that God has affirmed her salvation in vision. “For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep” (1 Thess. 4:15). “Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day and not to me only, but unto all them also that love His appearing” (2 Tim. 4:8).

“To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose… Under heaven” (Ecc. 3:1), in this season, “Mom has fulfilled her purpose and leaves to survive and celebrate her legacy; Husband: Frederick, Children: Fredericka, Douglas, Horace, Alethia, Bertram, Roberta, and Ophelia Grandchildren: Rashad, Akeem, Douglas Jr, Deven, Sasha, Keenan, Cyprian, Stephan, Jade, Malaki, Kamal, D-anna, and Bertram II Siblings: Noel Cargill, Rudolph Saddler, Vincent Saddler, Cleston Green aka Clariston, Stanley Green, Mavis Saddler-Pinock, Vivienne Saddler-Spencer, Joan Saddler-Lewis, Millicent Beverly Green, Daughter in-laws: Jennifer Duggan, Carolyn Gouveia, Tricia Ramsay-Duggan, Son in-law: Ryan Smith, numerous relatives, close friends, church Pastors, church family and other acquaintances too numerous to mention.

MOM’S LIFE IS… An Unparalleled Legacy and Gleaming example to follow. Keep God first; He must always be your focus. (Proverbs 3:5-6), “Trust in the Lord with all thine hear and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge Him and He shall direct thy paths.” Mom held this so true, that even to her very last breath she was speaking to the Lord. Mom was communicating with the Almighty!

Mom “Sunshine” on this day of your celebration…we say farewell… We love you and will miss you, and most of all; we will cherish all of your memories and instill your legacy for an eternity. Farewell “Mom”, until we meet again. We know that you are safe in the arms of our Saviour. Rest in peace!!!

A visitation will be held on Saturday, January 28, 2017 from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm at Forest Lawn Funeral Home South in Davie, Florida. A Home going service will be held on Sunday, January 29, 2017 at 10:00 am at Mt Pisgah SDA Church, 3340-50 North West 215th Street, Miami Gardens, Florida 33056. Muriel will truly be missed.