Bebe Z. Beharry

Bebe Zabida Beharry, a resident of Lehigh Acres Florida, departed the earthly realm, and was received into the comforting arms of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. Just a couple of months shy from her 77th birthday, in her last hours on May 18th, 2019, she was surrounded by her family and friends who prayed and sang to her in the name of Jesus.

Her six children Ramona Beharry, Michael Beharry, Marc Beharry, Andrea Beharry, Romel Beharry, and Sean Beharry are thankful for the support and kindness that was exhibited to them, both during her illness, and after she passed away. She was a grandmother to Juleine Beharry, Nicholas Beharry, Azam Beharry, Sidney Beharry, Ethan Beharry, and Amelia Beharry, and a great grandmother to Andre Zelaya, and Alyssa Zelaya.

Bebe was one of 14 children (Randolph, Jamila, Farida, Majeed, Bibi, Amo, Asheek, Lloyd, Suzie, Anjanie, Joan, Annette, and Chris) born to her mother, Hasmat Shahib. Bebe’s father was Sharire Shahib.

Growing up as a child she was seen as a very beautiful doll, and as such was given the nickname “Dolly”. Her husband affectionately called her “Sab”. Whichever name or nickname she was known by, she was a Faithful Servant of the Lord Jesus Christ, a Point of Light in this dark world, a virtuous wife, a Teacher, a Role Model on how to live a life with purpose and meaning, a Prayer Warrior, and most of all, a Loving Mother to her six children, her six grandchildren, and two great grandchildren.

She was born in Guyana, South America, where she was married to Leonard Beharry, and soon thereafter bore 5 children, who were the joys of her life. After migrating to the United States (New York City) in the late 70’s, she and Leonard had their 6th child.

In New York City, Bebe and her husband Leonard invested in a retail store in Manhattan. One day, whilst working at the store, a gentleman walked in and provided her with a gospel tract that listed the name and address of a local church. After attending the church, she subsequently re-dedicated her life to the Lord. Her love for the Lord grew more and more each day and every deed that was done in her busy life was with the utmost grace and dignity.

She believed in continuous education. She attended several schools and completed several certificate programs. She was very involved with several missionaries and wanted to share the words of Jesus abroad. So, whenever she had the opportunity she traveled. This included Europe, Asia, the Middle East, and North and South America. Wherever she travelled, she would be ready to talk about and proclaim the Lord Jesus Christ. Romans 1:16 states “For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes…”. She was not ashamed to proclaim the good news, which tells us that a new life and eternity in heaven is attained through accepting the Lord Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross.

She viewed everything and everyone as an opportunity to minister or to serve the Lord. When meeting someone, it was as if she had a divine appointment to engage them; that God had put them in her path to brighten their day, to pray for them, give them a gospel tract, or encourage them in some way. She participated in many ministry opportunities, which included singing at various venues, visiting nursing homes and hospitals, teaching Sunday school, feeding of the homeless, and providing food and clothing to those in need.

Bebe moved to Florida in the 90s where she worked full time caring for the elderly. She was independent and took care of mostly everything around the home. She drove her own car frequently and always found a shortcut through the back roads to her destination. She enjoyed spending time in her yard, cleaning, tilling and tending to her plants. She was very passionate when she read the Word of God; it was food for her soul. She also journaled frequently, and at the age of 76, authored her first book. She spent many hours in her prayer closet, crying out to God, pleading to Him for her children, family, friends and country.

Bebe Zabida Beharry was like a beautiful plant that withered away, but who left many seeds on the ground; seeds that walk like her, talk like her, think like her, and fight like her. Heavenly Father, all glory is to you! Thank you for blessing us with your faithful servant on the Earth for almost 77 years.

Funeral services for Bebe Zabida Beharry were held at Hodges Funeral Home at Lee Memorial Park in Fort Myers, Florida on May 24th and 25th, 2019.