Mitzie Turnquest, a well-known and well-loved entrepreneur, fashion lover, inspirational speaker, human resources leader, and promoter of women's and children's rights, died on Saturday afternoon after a brief illness.
She was 48.
Turnquest was proprietor of the popular women's boutique, Signature Styles, located on Marathon Road in New Providence. She celebrated 20 years in business earlier this year.
She was also senior director of the International School of Business, Entrepreneurship and Technology (ISBET), and used social media to spread positivity and living with passion and to promote women's empowerment.
She often celebrated the achievements of Bahamian women, including those of Cynthia Pratt, the new governor general, whom she worked closely with.
In May, Turnquest posted, "My intention is for other women to look at me and say, 'That woman went after everything she wanted and manifested it all. If she can, so can I.'"
She was also a director of the Bank of The Bahamas and had previously eyed a run in politics.
In a statement on Saturday, Prime Minister Philip Davis said Turnquest was "a shining light in our community and a staunch supporter of the Progressive Liberal Party".
"Mitzie was more than an exceptional human resources leader. She epitomized the spirit of resilience, empowerment, and transformation," Davis said.
"Her undying passion for leadership, good governance, and women's and children's advancement was evident in every endeavor she undertook.
"Beyond her illustrious career achievements, what stood out was her personal journey - one marked by challenges that would have broken many.
"From homelessness to personal tragedies, she faced them all and emerged even more resolute, becoming a testament to the strength and willpower of the Bahamian spirit."
The prime minister added, "Her contributions, especially in empowering women and girls to harness their individual influence, will be remembered for generations to come.
"From her role at Atlantis Paradise Island Bahamas to her position as senior director of the International School of Business, her legacy is one of excellence, determination, and a deep commitment to societal progress.
"As the nation grapples with this immense loss, I wish to extend, on behalf of my wife, Ann Marie and I, and the government and the people of The Bahamas, our heartfelt condolences to her family, friends, and everyone she touched with her inspiring presence.
"In times like these, we are reminded of the fragility of life but also of the immense impact one life can have on many.
"Mitzie Turnquest's legacy will live on, inspiring countless others to rise above challenges and make a positive difference in the world."
One week before her death, a characteristically jovial Turnquest socialized with relatives and friends at Hands for Hunger's charity event Paradise Plates at Atlantis resort — which she had widely promoted in the days leading to the fundraiser.
In her post following that event, she stated, "I'm falling in love with unknown tomorrows, with a future where I can't see what's coming."
News of her sudden illness led to prayer vigils, including one at PLP headquarters and one outside Doctors Hospital where she was being treated.
There were also online prayer requests and individuals encouraging Turnquest to "fight".
But her family reported that she died at 4:16 p.m. on Saturday surrounded by relatives.
"We are grateful for the outpouring of love during this time," Turnquest's family said in a brief statement on social media. "The family graciously requests your continued prayers and privacy as we grieve this significant loss.
"A life so beautifully lived deserves to be beautifully remembered and celebrated. At a later date, we will share funeral arrangements."
There was an outpouring of tributes to Turnquest on social media in the hours after her death with many people sharing personal stories and encounters with her.
Turnquest is survived by her two sons Piaget Monroe and Paidyn-Tyler Turnquest, her mother, Brenda Mott, sister, Monalisa Mott, numerous other relatives including the Turnquest family, her Signature family, ISBET family, BOB family, Star Apple family and friends whom she loved.
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