Mavis knitted for all of us - The Martindales

When my only child was born, Mavis presented us with a beautiful knitted baby blanket- a Joseph coat of many colors. It is beautiful and my words cannot describe it. You will have to close your eyes and ask the Lord to let you see this garment that was used to shelter and glorify our baby. It took much time to make a blanket of this size. I can see her knitting and speaking to the Lord. The Lord would say to her "Put this color there. It means this." As we are special blankets knitted by the Lord, each stitch was made with godly thought and with our baby in her heart. As as people were healed by the hem of Jesus garment, Mavis blanket did the same. Such patience does the Lord have when he knits our lives and why- so as Mavis did for us-knit a life into a beautiful blanket. Brethren, Mavis knitted for all of us. She gave us all-a very precious knitted nugget.She will always be sonshine on a bright or cloudy day.

Almer, Janet and Elizabeth Allie Martindale.

An extraordinary woman of courage, zest, compassion and rare sense of virtue - Brethren from Uyo, Nigeria

Brother duCille,

We received the news of sister Mavis' departure with a deep sense of loss, it was a couple of weeks ago that I was burdened with taking a refreshed and closer look at "Nuggets of the Needy" and I could picture once again a woman that was defined by faith. Quite suddenly I am now faced with the reality that such an extraordinary woman of courage, zest, compassion and rare sense of virtue will no longer be in the flesh with us at a time like this. However, knowing full well that she has departed to a better estate, I take this with a fresh sense of hope in view of the fact that she fought the fight of faith to the last point. Our thoughts and prayers remain with you and your family at this time and we ask that the good Lord will give you all the strength and fortitude to move on in these times. May the light of his countenance and his ever sufficient comfort remain with you in Jesus Christ name. Amen.

Nsikak Nsikak and brethren
Uyo,Nigeria

We praise God for the blessing she has been - Pat and John Imig

During the week after Sister Mavis passed, I kept hearing the verse, "Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ." (Galations 6:2). I asked God what He was letting me know with it, but had no answer. Then when I heard the testimonies at the memorial service in Mahomet of all that our sister did for our brethren through the years, the verse came to me again, and I knew it was describing perfectly what she did with the life here on earth she was given by God. We praise God for the blessing she has been to us all in her service and diligence to fulfilling the law of Christ.

Pat and John Imig

Those were the days - Barak and Stacy Asbill

Although my brothers and I grew up with wonderful grandparents, it is you, Brother and Sister duCille, who have been our spiritual granddad and grandma. Whether we were small children growing up on the farm, teenagers going through all the challenges that that time of life presents, or young adults striving to move in the direction of God’s plan and purpose for our lives, throughout the years you have always been there for us.

There are so many fond memories that I have of both of you…
I remember when I was a young girl and you and Sister duCille would come to visit us and minister to the Dubuque fellowship. I can remember how you would go to sleep with a cap on because it was so cold. I recall a time years later when you once again braved the winter’s cold to perform Barak’s and my wedding ceremony. Bless you, Brother duCille, for not letting anything deter you from ministering to the people of God - not even a Midwest blizzard!

Another time I remember is going to the grocery store with Sister duCille and getting the ingredients to make a Jamaican meal. She showed me how to open a coconut and together we made Toto, a Jamaican cake. Those were the days when I knew Sister duCille as a wonderful grandma; as I have grown up, married, and become a mother, I have come to know Sister duCille as the absolutely remarkable woman that she is.

When I think of Sister duCille, I think of Proverbs 31 and the description we are given of a virtuous woman. Some have asked if the Proverbs 31 woman is truly attainable or just a poetic figure; Sister duCille’s life answers that question of attainability with a resounding “Yes!” The entirety of Proverbs 31 is like reading the story of her life and she has inspired me and countless other women in pursuing being a virtuous woman, just like she has always been.

I want to express my heartfelt appreciation to you both, Brother and Sister duCille, for being spiritual grandparents to my husband and me, my brothers, and all those in the Body of Christ who are part of our generation. You have demonstrated godliness of character to us and inspired us in our marriages. You have been our biggest cheerleaders and have always been so encouraging in our walk with the Lord. We thank God upon every remembrance of you and love you both so very much!

With all our hearts,
Barak and Stacy

I can think of no one who has served her generation by the will of God more than our sister - Tom and Renee Sigwarth family

Cec,

In Acts 13 it says, "David, after he had served his own generation by the will of God, fell on sleep...". Our dear sister Mavis has done just that. I can think of no one who has served her generation by the will of God more than our sister, and we are better for it. The ministry that you and Mavis brought to our lives and the church as a whole is immeasurable. Your love boundless. Your impact indelible. I remember vividly the day the two of you sat down with the young single men in the Janesville/Beloit Fellowship and talked about marriage and the importance of being equally yoked. This prophetic message was fulfilled 6 months later. Your marriage has been an inspiration to us from day one. We aspire to lay down our lives for one another and to see a union form, of which, you two have been the model. We are honored to have known Mavis and will always cherish her as a friend and a mother of the church. Our prayers are with you in this time of temporal sorrow but eternal joy.

Tom and Renee Sigwarth family

1979 in the hills of Oklahoma to Preach the GOOD NEWS - The Mullaneys

Cec & Mavis in about 1979/80 while running the hills of Oklahoma to Preach the GOOD NEWS. We had such great times in the spirit and learned so much because of the atmosphere of LOVE that went with them wherever they were.
Love to all – The Mullaneys

You are in my thoughts and prayers - Seth D. Herrig

Dear Mr duCille,

I am sorry that I was unable to send this to you sooner. I wanted to send you my sincere sympathy and regrets in the passing of your wife. I know this must be a very sad time for you in your life and I wanted to let you know that I have been thinking about you during the past few days.

I have known you and Mavis for as far back as I can remember and it was always nice to have time to visit with you when you came around. I also wanted to let you know that I am grateful for the time we were able to have when we visited the both of you while in FLA this past September.

May God Bless you in your time of sorrow. You are in my thoughts and prayers.

With deepest regrets,

Seth D. Herrig

A wonderful mother, grandmother, teacher, adviser - The Ojode Family

Hi Br. Cecil,

We herein pour out our heart to you as we offer our tribute to Sis. Mavis.

We loved Si,s. Mavis, but God loves her more that is why he has taken His beloved home to rest. We, the Ojodes, thank God for giving Mavis a full physical life of over four decades and a full spiritual life of basking daily in His presence. Our interaction with Sister Mavis, both here in the USA and in the mission field, Kenya, was always a transforming experience. The aroma of being a wonderful mother, grandmother, teacher, adviser; but above all her unconditional love, patience, understanding, dedication to God and the body of Christ, never left us the same. Most of the Ministers of the gospel in Kenya who interacted with Sis. Mavis sensed an unusual presence of the Holy Spirit. We can confidently conclude that Mavis went home full of the Holy Spirit and has been granted an abundance entrance into God's presence.

BYE MAVIS, BYE GRANDMA!
You fought a good fight,
You have kept the faith,
You have finished the race,
May the name of the Lord be exalted.
(2 Tim 4:7)
AMEN

AS for you Br. Cecil, here is our prayer:
Father, heal Br. Cecil's heart of any grief caused by the passing on of his beloved wife, Sis. Mavis: a partner of over six decades, an unwavering supporter in ministry, and a true intercessor. Enable Br. Cecil's soul to march on in strength (judges 15:21). Bestow on Br. Cecil a crown of beauty instead of ashes and anoint him with the oil of gladness instead of mourning. Clothe Br. Cecil with a garment of praise. May Cecil continue, as he has always done, to be a pillar of righteousness, a planting of the Lord to display the splendor of the Messiah (Eph. 4:32; Is. 61:3).
AMEN!

Sam Ojode, Lucy Ojode, Teresa Ojode, Emmanuel Ojode, Catherine Ojode, Benjamin Ojode, and Kemryn Ojode Cain

We are grateful to God for having "lent" her to us - Bro. Omollo Nakuru, KENYA.

We in Kenya still remember the little book about "little nuggets" written by Sis Mavis. We are grateful to God for having "lent" her to us for a while, and all for His glory. May He give the peace that surpasses all understanding to Bro. duCille and the family left behind.

Bro. Omollo
Nakuru, KENYA.

May the joy from the son give you strength - Tomas Brchan, CZECH REPUBLIC

Dear Brother duCille,

I want to share one thing with you. I didn't know Sister Mavis much. However, when she was at our conference in the Czech Republic 3 years ago, she suffered much. I knew in the Spirit that she suffered because of the body of Christ. This is the reason why I wanted then that all the brethren would pray for her in unity. When she was in the hospital this year, I felt in the Spirit that she suffered again because of the body of Christ. So when she was healed I was very happy, because I knew that the body on all the earth was united in prayer for her. And suddenly I was disappointed. God took her! "Oh God, what does it mean?"was my question. I didn't understand it. But God is God; He can do what He wants.However, it didn't stop me from thinking about it. I wanted to get an answer. And several days later it came to me:

"Gen 35:16-20 And they journeyed from Bethel; and there was but a little way to come to Ephrath: and Rachel travailed, and she had hard labour. And it came to pass, when she was in hard labour, that the midwife said unto her, Fear not; thou shalt have this son also. And it came to pass, as her soul was in departing, (for she died) that she called his name Benoni: but his father called him Benjamin. And Rachel died, and was buried in the way to Ephrath, which is Bethlehem. And Jacob set a pillar upon her grave: that is the pillar of Rachel's grave unto this day."

I believe that Sister Mavis got an answer from God by healing, that the son was born and her hard labour was not in vain. She didn't have to fear. The beloved one was in God's plan to unite body of Christ in prayer and fasting and the son was born in the way to Bethlehem. In the Bible that was the moment that united other ten brothers to be ready to bow down before Josef. I believe that this thing is happening now. There is just a little way to Ephrath, which is Bethlehem, where our Lord was born.

May the joy from the son give you strength in these hard days.
God bless you Brother duCille.

Tomas Brchan
CZECH REPUBLIC

May God's love surround you - Arrochar Christian Fellowship, Scotland

Dear Cecil,

Thinking of you at this time and remembering you in our prayers. May God's love surround you and comfort you.

Jim Barr and the Arrochar Christian Fellowship, Scotland.

Be of good courage and rejoice - Marty Schnur

Dear brother duCille,

We are very saddened to hear about the loss of your precious wife. We have had you in our thoughts and we are praying that God would strengthen you with His strength, that He would encourage you with His courage and that He would guide you with His wisdom during this great time of suffering and loss for you and your family.

Although we did not know your wife personally and are fairly new to listen to the network, we did hear her share a few times and we could discern that she is a woman of great faith, courage and fortitude. What is your great loss is certainly heavens gain, as she was certainly a great strength and blessing to you and your family.

I have been waiting for a word from God and what I sense is to tell you to be of good courage and rejoice for you shall soon be together again in the glorious kingdom of our Lord and savior Jesus Christ, as the day of His appearing is drawing nigh. The great and terrible day of the Lord is close at hand and you will soon see your beloved again and then you will be together for all eternity in the presence of our sweet and wonderful savior Jesus Christ.

Until then, may you gird yourself up in the strength of the Lord and in the power of His might and finish the course that I AM has set before you and as Paul the great apostle of the faith, may you run the race to win the prize!

Romans 8:18 KJV
For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.
May the Lord's grace and His peace abound toward you during this time of great suffering.

In Christ's Love,

Brother Marty Schnur

A relationship made in Heaven - Linda Waldschmidt

Dear Brother Cecil,

I was so sorry to hear of Mavis' illness and as I followed the events leading to her passing, my heart went out to you and I grieved with you along the way. We are facing very difficult times and as I think of our dear sister Mavis, it seems it would have been a very great challenge for her. So, she has been spared possibly great suffering and now you must finish alone. I pray that you will be comforted by your precious memories of a very special sister and companion, a relationship made in Heaven. May you be comforted also by the brethren, friends, and family who love you.

With heartfelt sympathy and warmest regards,

Linda Waldschmidt
Catskill, New York

Thank you both for setting such a worthy example of love and marriage for the rest of us to follow - Nancy LaCrosse

I'd like to say a few words in tribute to Sister Mavis. I'm so grateful
for the partner and help meet she was for our dear Brother Ces. She
greatly supported him in his ministry to this body. She was steadfast.
Together they were a remarkable team. And in regard to Brother Ces, I
once heard Brother duCille say that every woman needs a strong man beside her.
Thank you for being that to Sister Mavis, Brother. Thank you both for
setting such a worthy example of love and marriage for the rest of us to follow.
I shall very much hope to emulate your example and relationship someday
when God sees fit to bless me with the partner and companion I've so long
awaited.
God bless you, Brother Ces. We love you.
Nancy LaCrosse

There can only be one Grandma and Grandad - Your Granddaughter Michele Elise du Cille

It has been so difficult to find the words. There is so very much to say... Well I will begin here and do my best to capture the words. Oh Lord, my heart is full. I have such an empty feeling inside knowing that I cannot simply pick up the phone and hear my Grandma's sweet consoling voice. That has always been all I needed as a reminder that all will be well. To hear gentle words from the wise woman and strong man I have known from birth as God's angels on earth. My sweat Grandma, she made us do book reports and math problems in the midst of the summer vacation :o). My Grandma who cooked rice and peas with every evening meal. The smell of poridge or homney most mornings and to-go-bags before every road trip. She blessed us all with the warmth of her love...God's love so incomparable to any her. There can only be one Grandma and Grandad. No feeling can ever compare to that which is felt from a hug or a hand held by either of them and of that I'm sure all agree. The unconditional love that could only be found in Grandma's arms, in her voice, in the little notes she often dropped in the mail just to say hello and God Bless You. My Grandma who never ended a conversation without reminding me that I must always be ready for the Lord. If anyone could get through to any of us that God is near, it has always been Grandma and Grandad. I'll miss the dress fittings, pins and all :0). I'll miss her clapping and waiving from the garage door to stop me from driving off, after we'd aready said our goodbyes, because she'd forgotten to tell me something or put something in my roadtrip bag. I'll miss waking up to the sound of dishes in the kitchen and watching news in the evenings. I'll miss that heart warming smile so pure, so loving, so nurturing. I'll miss you Grandma. God did so very well when He created you. And added unto it when he put you in the arms of my dear Grandfather. You are my superheros. If only we can be so blessed as to have what you and Grandad have had. Grandma and Grandad... you've done well. I Love You and you always have a special place in my heart. You will always be, constantly be... my gift from God. I am blessed to have had your love and know that I will forever feel you hear with me holding my hand through it all as you have done all these blessed years. I love You Always.

Your Granddaughter,
Michele Elise du Cille

Above all I remember Sister Mavis for the perfect ways in which she complimented you - Uko and Nene Etuk, Lagos, NIGERIA

Sir,

It has taken me quite a while to come out of the shock of the passing on of your dear wife, our sister, my model of how a believer in this age should comport himself.

You know how far our relationship has come and I need not remind you of the intimate moments we have shared .... and Sister Mavis had, albeit in her simple and unimposing standpoints, featured effectively.

I remember her for her down-to-earth counsel and manner in which she made her points without laboring herself to leave any impression. Once she opened her mouth to speak, in whatever circumstance, my ears were always attentive to pick up the 'nugget'. Her observations, no matter how unappealing at the time, were always striking and I learned never to miss the opportunity of catching her words whenever I was around where she spoke. Her conversation showed her to be a believer in charity, in faith and in purity.

Above all I remember Sister Mavis for the perfect ways in which she complimented you. Even when you picked off excitedly in a matter, it was ever so comforting to witness how she would get you to come back to the main focus in the matter. I cannot count the number of times when I admiringly wished I would have a wife like her. Truly, I could see the strength and support you drew from her for ministry and for your life. She was a great encouragement to the Body.

We can only try to encourage you, with what we have. It is only the Father that can provide you with the kind of comfort you so need right now. There will be times you will want to reach to her for that support you have come to be accustomed to over the years of your sweet fellowship with her; our hearts prayer is that God will be there for you.

As we pray for Him to take charge of the situation and help you, we also pray for the days to come. We pray for Him to remember His promises to you, and to uphold you. He has said He will neither leave you nor forsake you; may He bring you to truly appreciate that promise now. In this time of seeming famine, may He so prosper you, Oh, may He so prosper you.

We love you, Brother duCille and we are praying for you. In fact Nene and I have not been able to stop talking about you ever since. The Lord that seeth the end from the beginning, He will provide you with the answers.

Brother, please do not despair. Trust in the Lord with all of your heart and lean not upon your own understanding. He will surely come to you. Amen.

Best of Wishes and Love from

Uko and Nene Etuk
Lagos

We must thank God a great deal for the life of sister Mavis - The Ogaras', William Ogara and Esther Amma - Nairobi, KENYA

Dear Brother Cecil

Ten years ago in 1998 you and sister Mavis were our esteemed guests.
We enjoyed the fellowship tremendously and since then you remain part of the thoughts in this family, your presence and love continuously felt.

Looking back we must thank God a great deal for the life of sister Mavis. Already in 1998 she felt not so strong at times, but the almighty added her another 10 years of life and fellowship with other brethren.

While the loss and the gap is tremendous for you brother DuCille, you chose the path of strength and I know that this will be your ability to continue with life as we continue the great life of sister Mavis.

Amma, Edwin, Anyango, Dinah and Eric Ogaras
William O Ogara and esther Amma
Nairobi, KENYA

She is safe in the Masters bosom as she continues her ministry on the invisible side of the veil - Bro Akang, INDIA

BELOVED BROTHER DUCILLE.

The Lord uphold you in this trying times,you have certainly lost a beloved one. But be rest assured that she is safe in the masters bosom as she continues her ministry on the invisible side of the veil.

I remember you sharing your language experience in India many years ago, about 1990 at a meeting in Port Harcourt, as you ministered to a telegu speaking audience in India and God miraculously intervened in giving them utterance as they started speaking in English a language they were never familiar with through the Holy Spirit as you were trying to minister to them.

I believe the saints in India who may not even be aware of your loss or putting it the right way round gain rather, identify with you in the spirit being part of the body of Christ in this trying hour. We know you will greatly miss her. Receive encouragement from the brethren you and your late wife has touched in India.

Bro Ubong Akang,
Aravind eye Hospital
Madurai,India

November 30th 2008

We are grateful to the Lord for the legacy and example left behind - Tony and Timi Hyacinth, England

Dear Brother Ces,

We thank the Lord Most High today for this bereavement and loss of Mavis, which to us appears to be a loss but we know is a gain because whatever the Lord does is forever. we know and believe the Lord that He will both comfort and minister his eternal consolation to your soul and to all your family and the brethren because we are still in the flesh.

But because we will not sorrow like the world we join the host of Heaven to bless Him for His wisdom who knows all things, He knows it all and has called His beloved daughter home to rest in the bosom of her father and Lord who she has served faithfully, from henceforth she too can say Indeed ''I have finished the race and fought a good fight of faith henceforth a crown of glory awaits me''

We that are now left and remain are grateful to the Lord for the legacy and example left behind by this servant of God, Sister Mavis and are left with no excuse but to finish the race in faith and patience as she joins the cloud of witnesses to cheer us to victory.

Henceforth, her works follow her plus the blessedness that follow they that sleep in the Lord

God bless, comfort and keep you under his everlasting arms and multiply grace and courage to you in these days to accomplish what he started in you.

with sincere love,

From
Tony and Timi Hyacinth

Mavis is rejoicing in Jesus - George and Fern

What a painful thing to realize that the last time in our kitchen with Mae will indeed be the last of those treasured times. Her wisdom and laughter are cherished memories that will be with me always.

I pray that your memories Cec, and those of your family will bring you comfort knowing that Mavis is rejoicing in Jesus

In His love, George and Fern

I will always highly esteem her as a pattern of the love to God - Sister Ivona, Czech Republic

Dear brother duCille,

I would like to express my deep condolence.
I would like to thank you for our dear and precious sister Mavis.
I will always highly esteem her as a pattern of the love to God as well as to man.
I thank you that you loved her, you had respect for her and your cared for her as Christ for the church.
It is such great example and challenge for me.
I was not worthy to be so blessed in my life as I was by both of you.
My precious dear brother, you prayed for me and you fasted for me. You casted thy bread upon the waters.
And I pray and fast today for you that the bread would be returned to you by delight of the highest God.
And that the God would give you much more than I can ask or imagine.
And that we as the church could enter into the deepest sanctification.
The Lord is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart.
We love you so much,

Sincerely

Sister Ivona Stancikova
Czech Republic

She has been a real blessing to us - Bobara & Victoria Abule- Walsall, England

Hello Bro duCille,

We have never met sister Mavis and yet all the way here in England, she has been a real blessing to us. The Lord used her often to encourage us and give us guidance. We read her book (Nugget for the Needy) and so often it had touched our hearts and ministered to us in many ways it was almost like we knew her. In fact it was only when we were listening to the dedication message that we realized we had never met her! She has been a real blessing to us. Bro Ces, May God bless you and keep you strong in Him.

Bobara & Victoria Abule- Walsall, England

She has been one woman of God that I aspire to be like - MEDERANA and ALFREDO

DEAREST BR. duCille,

His timing is always perfect; maybe not pleasing to us, but God is God, and the blessing that He had loan us is now with him, were we will see her someday. Thank you! Br.Cecil for allowing yourself and your wife to be so spent for our souls, even mine(Mederana),by DEAREST BR. duCille, Hearing of my sister's passing, was one of a sigh rather than a cry meaning that she will be greatly missed but never ever forgotten, for she has been one woman of God that I aspire to be like. Yet my regret is that I did not get as much of her as I would like, but the little I received I thank God for. Knowing right there and then that for her being absent from us, is present with Christ. My deepest sympathy and condolences to you Br. duCille and your family for your great loss in this physical world,were such a one as Mrs. duCille was and has been needed. But to God be the glory and praise for his timing is always perfect; maybe not pleasing to us, but God is God, and the blessing that He had loan us is now with him, were we will see her someday. Thank you! Br.Cecil for allowing yourself and your wife to be so spent for our souls, even mine(Mederana),by letting the love of GOD be ever and always what I have seen and love about you both. You have made a land mark in my life and the life of my family. I love you and thank you for your faith in God that keeps you strong. May our God Jesus Christ continue to be more to you now,more than ever.

LOVE IN CHRIST,FROM MEDERANA and ALFREDO GOMEZ

The heavenly choir appeared

Dream - Sunday morning, Nov. 30,

Just before waking up, I had a dream. We were in the song service in a meeting at Mahomet, when a group of 10 or 15 from the heavenly choir appeared. Joining in the singing, they began to move quickly along the rows, going from the back to the front of the congregation. As they moved along, one particular female member of the choir would touch every child, woman and man as they passed by.. When they stopped in front of the musicians, I recognized the one that had been touching every person along the way was Mavis. She smiled at all of the musicians, and then the choir left just as quickly as they had appeared.

Betty Peckmann

May God Almighty comfort Bro. Cecil - Biola Adimula

May God Almighty comfort Bro. Cecil and cause him to have greater companion in Christ.

Biola Adimula

She outran all of us and got to the gate first - The Trotters

Dear brother Ces,

We were shocked and saddened to hear about sister Mavis. Having joined with others praying and believing a miracle had occurred it seemed impossible that God had taken her. She was a wonderful sister and friend to us and we will miss her alot. You once said that heaven is a school and that is such a comforting thought.

One of the first memories that came to my mind was a day I took you both to the airport in Omaha. We had to rush to board you on time. Suddenly sister Mavis began running. She was wearing high heels but she outran all of us and got to the gate first and just in time. It's a good spiritual picture, isn't it?

It is almost resurrection day so we will see her again soon.
I can hear her say "God is faithful to the end."

Love, Tom and Carol

An example of what it means to walk together as one - Patrick Hamilton, GERMANY

Dear brother Cecil,

Through the brethren I heard that your wife went to be with the Lord. Rejoicing with Mavis that she is now with the Lord I am aware, I am grieving with you, that you lost your wife. So I pray that the Lord is comforting you and leading you in this new situation you are in right now.

The both of you as a couple have always been an encouragement and an example of what it means to walk together as one.

May the Lord strengthen and bless you abundantly.

Patrick Hamilton
GERMANY

Her life was truly an expression of the wonderful work of the Master’s hand - Williams family

Our Beloved Brother duCille:

We have had the special and unique opportunity to partake of the precious chosen of God’s marvelous garden. There are so many times that my family and I have been blessed by your visits, your words of encouragement and prayers which have helped us to press on. We love our Sister Mavis and will miss her deeply.

We are so thankful to have the duCilles in our lives as God’s chosen vessels. I am reminded of the song that says how I love you with the love of the Lord and I see in you the glory of my King. We may not fully understand the mystery of our dearly beloved Sister Mavis departure, but this I know, that her life was truly an expression of the wonderful work of the Master’s hand that so many of us have been blessed by and will continue to be blessed by. I pray that we continue to use her example as God’s living epistle shining as a bright light before us as we press on toward the mark of the high calling in God.

Glenn & Linda and the entire Williams family

We thank the Lord for the testimony of her life - Emeka & Udeme Anosike, CANADA

Dear Bro. DuCille,

It is with mixed feelings that we received the news of Sis. Mavis' passing. We are glad that she has gone on to glory, but we realize that she will be missed sorely by you, her loved ones and the church of Jesus Christ.

We thank the Lord for the testimony of her life; we thank Him for blessing His church through her. We pray that He will sustain you, hold your heart, comfort you and strengthen you.

Remain blessed,

Emeka & Udeme Anosike

She was a pillar of strength and support to you and the ministry and an epitome of encouragement to the body - J. Eta Duncan Lagos, Nigeria

Dear Pa Cec,

Our hearts and prayers are with you and the entire Ducilles' family at this time. The departure of sister Mavis into glory is indeed saddening but we take consolation in the scriptures because we are not a people without hope. We are a people of the resurrection and our sister, though dead in the flesh yet lives.

Sister Mavis showcased the life of a believer in conversation, in charity, in faith, in spirit, and in purity. She was a pillar of strength and support to you and the ministry and an epitome of encouragement to the body. She testified of the truth and also walked in the truth with humility. Her memory on earth is blessed, to be often remembered by all those whose life she touched and who will miss her soft but powerful words that testify of truth.

Be strong in the Lord sir, and may the God of all comfort strengthen your heart and keep you through the pain of separation from our dear mother and sister and friend.

God Bless You,


J. Eta Duncan
Lagos, Nigeria

A profound testimony which you and Sister Mavis have established on earth and in heaven - Roman & Martina, CZECH REPUBLIC

Dear Brother duCille,

We just want you to know that we keep you in our thoughts and prayers in these days. God willing we will perhaps see you again sometime (soon).

We are so much aware of the profound testimony which you and Sister Mavis have established on earth and in heaven. We cannot but also think about our father according to faith Abraham and his wife Sarah.

In this present age death has always been bitter but the age is coming to a close and the hope of final victory over death and hell is at hand. We pray that God of peace would prevail in the present situation and all His enemies be smitten and scattered as the chaff in the wind.

It is very uplifting to know that you are there, walking in Him.

With love and gratitude

Roman & Martina

Nigeria in January 1989 - my first real memory of Mavis

Cecil and Brethren

Here (this photo represents) my first real memory of Mavis, a member if the team of 7 who went to Nigeria in January 1989. This was Burt's and my first trip to Nigeria and the beginning of our missionary life. We were challenged by this experience and I would say it changed our lives significantly and permanently.

Mark Jantzi

May the Lord comfort and encourage Pa Ducille - Dotun Adegoke, SOUTH AFRICA

We are so sorry to hear this. May the Lord comfort and encourage Pa Ducille and their family. We will be praying for them.

He reigns!

Dotun Adegoke
SOUTH AFRICA

We will miss this great warrior for Christ - Fred Adegoke, NIGERIA

This is indeed a very shocking news. Just a few days ago i was listening to one of those preliminary messages sister May usually gives before her husband comes forth with the main message, and as usual i felt the punch and power in the tone of her voice despite the frailness of her body. We will miss this great warrior for Christ who stood as the Armour Bearer for her husband in what you might call a long, lonely and difficult ministry but effective ministry.

Our heavy heart reaches out to Pa duCille at this time in great groaning and prayers that the Lord will grant him the fortitude to bear this departure of a faithful Armour Bearer. We also reach out to all the brothers and sisters in Florida who are nearest to Bro Cess at this time. We reach out in prayers to all their children and grand children at this time that the lord will console them all, and all who have benefited from the ministry of this great woman of God

Never in my life have I known a rugged woman, a strong woman of faith, a woman with a gentle and soothing spirit as Sister Mavis. She certainly has fought a good fight, she has kept the faith, she has finished her course. Her life will remain a great source of inspiration to me as a person.

Fred Adegoke

Grandma has been a constant in my life, my whole life - Mavis Ducille-Armstrong (Leasie)

Where do I even begin? You and Grandma have been involved in EVERY memory I have growing up....I was just talking about my first Thanksgiving as a married woman and brand new mom...Both of you flew out to Texas and absolutely bailed me out of that one! Grandma cooked my turkey (thank God! b/c only He knows how it would have turned out if I did it). I am so grateful and blessed to have the two most special people in my life for so long. It saddens me that my kids will not experience the WONDERFUL lessons, the FUN times in that house, the constant hugs and pats on the back from Grandma for as long as I did. I am thankful you got to spend the time you did with them though. Amaiya saw a picture of you and said right away "that's Gang-Gang, Mommy lets go to her house and play the piano." It made me smile inside because that is one of my memories in that house also. Grandma has been a constant in my life, my whole life. I knew no matter what was going on in my life, I could either pick up the phone and hear you tell me with that strength in your voice that "You will overcome." I knew no matter what I could drive up in that driveway, ring that door-bell and you were always there with a hug and a kiss....I'm going to miss that.....
I remember growing up, especially in school, wishing I could change my name. Looking back now, I'm very embarrassed to say that. Since getting older though, I can HONESTLY say I feel privileged to carry on your name Grandma. It's funny, Dustin and my In-Laws refuse to call me anything else but Mavis, while at the same time everyone else calls me Leasie.
Dustin sends his love Grandad...He'll be home on the 7Th!
We Love You My Wonderful Grandparents

Mavis Ducille-Armstrong
(Leasie)

Mavis continued as our example of a Godly mother and wife - The Peckmanns

When the phone call came announcing Sister Mavis entering into glory, we were stunned. We had not expected this response, but were also submitted to Father's will. The memories of her many times of overcoming what seemed to be insurmountable "mountains" in her health, and the many trials you, Bro Ces and dear Sister Mavis not only endured but conquered came flooding into my mind. Then the Lord brought the songs to me, "In every thing give thanks for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you." and also "Not my will but thine be done".... How often we sing that.... our will was for Mavis to be healed and continue as our example of a Godly mother and wife. She has done all that and so much more. We shall miss her greatly, but we are very comforted in knowing that she is in that great cloud of witnesses encouraging us to continue to press on that we may fulfill the purposes of God and be all that He wants us to be. May you, dear Bro Ces, feel the loving arms of our Saviour comforting you today and in the days to come. May He continue to give you the strength needed during this personally difficult time, and also in the coming days of your ministry. God bless you.

Jim and Betty Peckmann

We give thanks and glory to the Lord God for the gift - The Brethen in Lawrenceville, GA

Beloved Bro Cecil,

This occasion of the transition and passing on of our dearly beloved mother Mavis is a time of grief for us but is overshadowed by the joy and hope that we indeed ‘…believe that Jesus died and rose again, and even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with Him…I Thess. 4:14. And so, we give thanks and glory to the Lord God for the gift of a measure of His life through the offering of your wife to the CHURCH…for, as has been testified to by many, she poured out of the goodness of the Lord in her spirit, soul and body to the benefit of the family of God. The oft-repeated words that those who depart this terra firma continue to live in the hearts of loved ones take on a very real significance in this instance, albeit, to the glory of God. In a very real sense, the ‘corn of wheat’ that was sister Mavis did not abide alone but has brought forth much fruit to the glory of Jehovah by reason of subjugating her life to the Lord’s will. Her sojourn and testimony upon this side of eternity will continue to be an encouragement to us all, even as we strive daily for the mark of that high calling that is in Christ Jesus.
We pray that the God of Comfort will strengthen you, Bro Ces and your immediate family during this time and may He continue to work in you that which is well-pleasing in His sight to the glory of His Name through Jesus Christ and grant you peace, amen.

The Brethen in Lawrenceville, GA

Thank you for giving yourself and Sister Mavis to us - Chris & Imah - Port-Harcourt, Nigeria

Dear Bro Ces,

What more could we say? What more can be added? Our hearts are filled and words do fail to convey the adequacy of our thoughts on the news of our beloved Sister Mavis' translation. Suffice to say our prayers are with you and our bowels of love enlarged towards you and the family.

Thank you for giving yourself and Sister Mavis to us, thank you for heeding His Call through thick and thin, thank you for being our brother, our friend and our father. We love you always now more so,

Chris & Imah - Port-Harcourt, Nigeria

It is well with you Bro. Cecil - Emmanuel & Mary, NIGERIA

Beloved Bro Cecil,

We received news of sister Mavis passing with very mixed feelings. Shock at the suddeness, Sadness at her having to leave us and happiness knowing she's with the cloud of witnesses. We draw so much consolation knowing whe she is resting right now right in the arms of the Lord she loved and served with all her heart.
We recall with very much fondness each of your visits to Nigeria and the role she played in the church and to us individually. It was always such a joy and much encouragement to us all. We will miss her dearly and look forward to seeing her again when we met at the masters feet.
It is well with you Bro. Cecil for in all this the Lord Jesus is your strength and your peace.

Love Emmanuel & Mary

A great daughter of Zion - She will be greatly missed - KOLA ADEGOKE (Abuja, Nigeria)

Dear Bro Cec,

It is with much surprise that we received the news of the passing on to glory of our beloved mother and great woman of faith-Sister Marvis Ducille.

No doubt, this great daughter of Zion has fought a good fight, finished her course and kept the faith.

Sister Marvis has been a good example to the women folk, as to the extent a godly woman should stand by her husband in the fulfilment of divine mandate. She has been an encouragement also to us the menfolk and also to the great generation of God's Sons emerging at this hour.

She will be greatly missed.

I recall the last time i saw her at the last 2007/2008 Jamaican conference, her brief but powerful words of prophetic exhortation during the meeting and also the brief time of prayer we had in the Ducille's bedroom on the eve of our departure to Nigeria. It did not register that it was the last time to be with her physically and on this side of eternity. We remember her with mixed feelings-of sadness because she has departed from us in the flesh; but of great joy that she finished her course with joy and is passed on to the presence of her dear Saviour she loved & served!

Our condolences & prayers go for our dear father, Pa Ducille, who is obviously going to miss a great companion & fellow sufferer in the way of the cross, having borne & rejoiced together through thick & thin.

IT IS WELL!!!

Bro Ces, we all in Nigeria are with you at this crucial moment & our prayers are with you, for strength, grace & all that you require.

HIS GRACE IS VERY SUFFICIENT.

Our condolences also go to our beloved brethren in the Sonlight ministry. You have closely related with Sister Marvis & served God together; through the joys & afflictions of the gospel. MAY OUR GOD STRENGTHEN YOU AT THIS TIME.

By the grace of God, we shall endeavour to sent a representation to Florida for the Memorial Service & interment.

We in Nigeria are with you in all these & also praying along with you.

SHALOM,

KOLA ADEGOKE (Abuja, Nigeria)

Grandad, you and Grandma did good - Dwight & Natlie duCille

Lord bless and keep you Grandad

There are so many great memories I have of Grandad and Grandma I don't know where to begin. Well it all started in 1971... just kidding. I remember dad and mom going out and leaving me with grandma and granddad for the first time that I was conscious of it anyway. I remember crying as loud and as long as I could. I was around two maybe three years old at the time so that was o.k. then. I think they got a little tired of it around my 19th birthday though. :)... I thought about that a couple of months ago and remembered the look on grandmas face, the concern for me. The pain she felt for me even though I was just being a spoiled brat at the time. Even then she was teaching me how to love without saying one word to me. As I grow up I never heard grandma and granddad say anything unkind to one another. They never rose their voices at each other. Even when we the children, grandchildren, great grandchildren probably very well deserved to be yelled at, never once did they do so. The love and respect I have for them made me try to be the best I can for them. Never mind what they taught me verbally, just watching them brought me closer to the Lord. Grandad, you and Grandma did good. I would change nothing of the time we have had together. Please forgive me of not spending more with you both. I can begin to imagine what you are dealing with. I do know this, the two of you have done the Lord's work as he led you to. So few know the sacrifices you both had to make. The Lord gave you comfort in each other for so many years. I know he will comfort you now, we love you so much Grandad. Lord bless you and keep you.

Your children Dwight and Natlie.