On a cool autumn's day on November 4th, 1939 in the small settlement of Victoria Point, Mangrove Cay, Andros. A handsome, intelligent and vibracious baby boy was born to George and Eunice Bannister. This baby was the eighth child to this union. He was named Sherlin Jeffrey Bannister.
Growing up as a young boy, he was affectionately called " Shavin" by many of his peers. This name followed him up until this day. He attended the All Age School in the settlement of Swain , Which was a good distance from where he lived. Walking to school was a breeze. Shavin never complained because he was obedient and loved travelling the long road with his siblings, cousins and friends. It was known that he and his siblings would have to wake up at the break of dawn to go to the field and do chores before attending school.
As Shavin got older and his education came to an end, he continued working faithfully in the fields with his parents and sometimes with Leroy Bannister on the boats. This is where he learnt how to fish. Time went on and Shavin wanted to venture out and explore new things. So he moved to town (Nassau) seeking employment. He was very brave and loved challenges.
Shavin had several hobbies and skills that he was well known for. He loved to sing and was never ashamed to open his mouth to raise a song. If the mood was right, you will definitely hear him in the background as the male choir would sing. He would stomp his feet and shake his head shouting " Oh Yeah!", if he missed a word. He was very loud. The children sitting downstairs in the basement for childrens church would recognize his voice and would turn to one of his children and say, "that's your daddy." For those who truly knew him can attest to that and yes! That's when you caught a glimpse of his open gate-pearly whites.
He also loved construction. Shavin worked with Papa (his father), Keith and Dewitt( his brothers) doing vast amount of jobs around the island. When he moved to Nassau he worked with Mr. Micheal Bastian as a carpenter. Shavin was good at whatever he was asked to do and when he mastered construction, Shavin went on the contract to work in America. Years later, he came back to Nassau and started building for himself, where he built numerous apartments and businesses.
There's no doubt in saying Shavin was a real farmer and a kind hearted man. Regardless of his sickness or plague (as the island folks use to say) as a child, the seizures didn't keep him down. He would get water from the well, weed the grass around the house, gather wood to cook, dive for conch and go fishing on the bay. If that wasn't enough, Tita (his mother), taught him how to cook and he would cook, bake and share some of their harvest to neighbors and friends.
Shavin always wanted to look good. He groomed himself constantly because he believed beauty started with his head/hair. This was where his barbering skills came into effect. He learnt to cut hair from a man known as Ace. For many years he worked with him at his shop on Market St. even though he had a full time job as a police officer. His passion went into full gear, so he decided to
open his own barber shop. Everyone in the neighborhood came to him for his infamous work. Even though he only knew two styles: school boy cut and high top fade. A few boys would try to convince him to do other styles but he would reply and say "that look is for sissies!"
He was also a no-nonsense and intelligent man. Regardless of his limited education, he kept learning. Shavin read continuously. His favorite book was the Bible. He held morning devotions and a lot of prayer sessions. He was famous for reading over the phone. Shavin was a great teacher, preacher, provider, prayer warrior and a great inspiration. Oh how he loved his church. He was the president of the Sunday school ministry, bible studies and prayer meetings.
Most of all, Shavin was a loving soul. Loved the Lord greatly and shared his love for the Lord with anyone willing to listen. During his years as a policeman he met his first wife, Ceva, whom predeceased him. He fell in love instantly, courted her for a few months then married her. This union was blessed with several children and an abundance of memories. He blessed each descendant with his many attributes. When it comes to singing, his eldest daughter Shandy has that along with farming. Micheal is his real farm boy and Oh can he pray. Building, investing and hanging amongst leaders went to Lenny. The no-nonsense trait fell on Carlene and Douglas. Deborah is the most humble of them all, a true provider and bible studier. Grooming and beauty would be Bernie. Ishmae got a bit of all the traits and Jefferelle so far as been seen as loving and intelligent.
Togetherness and bonding was always special for Shavin. Even after the passing of his first true love, Ceva. George and Eunice,His parents; Gloria and Dorine, his two sisters; Keith "Scotland", George, William and Dewitt "Dave" his four brothers.
As life goes on, we are grateful for those that played an active role in Shavin's life. Ella,for feeding him; Chest for taking care of him; Decoyle , Jessie and Stacia for bed comfort; Elva for reading the bible to him and Latania for remarrying him.