03/08/2026
It is with profound sadness that I acknowledge the passing of our beloved Minister Mitzie Barnett, National Fine Arts Director of the Youth and Discipleship Department of the Church of God, Bahamas.
Today, I join with countless others in mourning the loss of an extraordinary woman of God whose life was defined by faithful service, unwavering commitment, and a genuine love for people. Minister Barnett was more than a gifted leader—she was a visionary, a mentor, and a spiritual mother to so many within our fellowship.
As the pioneer of the National Dance Team, she faithfully built and led the ministry from its inception until the Lord called her home. Through her leadership, she helped establish dance as a meaningful expression of worship within our National Youth Department, inspiring generations of young people to use their gifts to glorify God. Her influence reached even further through her dedicated service as Director of the National Children's Choir and as a passionate Teen Talent Dance Coach, where she invested countless hours nurturing, encouraging, and discipling children and youth across our nation.
Minister Barnett never viewed ministry as simply preparing performances. She understood that every rehearsal was an opportunity to build character, every presentation an act of worship, and every young person a soul worth investing in. Her ministry was marked by excellence, discipline, compassion, and an unwavering desire to see others fulfill God's purpose for their lives.
On a personal note, I will always cherish the warmth, humor, and joy that Minister Barnett brought into every interaction. She affectionately called me "Prime Minister" because, as she would often jokingly remind me, I never seemed to answer my phone. It became our lighthearted running joke, and every time she said it, it brought a smile to my face and even made me feel like attaining such a position was possible. Those moments of laughter and ministry together are memories that I will forever treasure. Minister Mitzi was REAL. She never minced her words. She had a heart for the young people of The Church of God and she never let anything stop her from making her presence felt.
On behalf of my wife, Dr. Chyna Perpall, and the entire National Youth Department of the Church of God, Bahamas, I extend our deepest and most heartfelt condolences to her devoted husband, Robert Barnett, her beloved children, her cherished grandchildren, and the entire Barnett family. We also mourn alongside every member of the National Dance Team, the National Children's Choir, Teen Talent participants, and the many young people whose lives were forever shaped by her faithful ministry.
While our hearts grieve, we are comforted by the promises of God's Word. We rejoice in knowing that Minister Barnett has finished her race, kept the faith, and now rests in the presence of the One she so faithfully served. We can only imagine the joy of hearing those precious words from her Savior:
"Well done, thou good and faithful servant... enter thou into the joy of thy Lord." (Matthew 25:23)
Although her voice has been silenced and her earthly ministry has come to an end, her legacy will continue to live on in every young person she inspired, every ministry she helped build, every dance offered in worship, every song lifted in praise, and every life she pointed toward Jesus Christ. The seeds she planted through decades of faithful service will continue to bear fruit for generations to come.
As we mourn her passing, may we also celebrate a life that was poured out in service to God and His Kingdom. We pray that the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will surround Robert, her children, her grandchildren, and the entire Barnett family during this difficult season. May they find comfort in knowing that her impact reached far beyond what words can adequately express and that her legacy will forever remain woven into the fabric of the National Youth Department and the Church of God, Bahamas.
Minister Barnett, thank you for your unwavering faith, your sacrificial service, your steadfast leadership, and the love you so freely gave to every generation entrusted to your care. Your work on earth is complete, but your influence will continue to inspire us to pursue excellence in ministry and to worship God with all that He has placed within us.
You will be deeply missed, fondly remembered, and forever honored.
With heartfelt sympathy and Christian love,
Dr. Tyronne Perpall
National Youth Director
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