For those of my friends who were unable to attend Shirley's home going service, it was just as she would have wanted it. Deborah did an awesome job putting the whole thing together with the help of Mary Jo Thompson. We sang "Royal Telephone" and "Leaning on the Everlasting Arms" as congregational songs to open with. Bro. Garret opened with stories and I sang and signed, "Jesus Loves Me". Shirley had wanted Dannah to sing it but, poor thing just couldn't do it.Sis. Mary Jo Thompson told us stories that made us laugh so hard and then told of how Shirley had become her "spiritual mother", and we cried. Bill shared his "mom in law" memories and for the first time in my life, I saw my brother in law so choked up he couldn't talk. That spoke volumes to me of his love and affection toward Shirley. As requested, Bill and Deb sang "Address Change Notification",and touched hearts. Bro. Bob Thompson read letters and blogs(he read yours Caroline) from friends and former Sunday School students and we all laughed and cried. Then Bro. Nathan Morton told us some funny yet true of Shirley stories. We closed with " Everybody Will Be Happy Over There".
Shirley was a very memorable person for sure with her quirks and ways, but she loved, loved, loved people. She had a knack of making one feel as if they were so special,and loved. She loved her children and grandchildren in a way I could only hoped to be loved by someone. But most importantly, she loved God!
It was a special service. The church people really rallied with Bill and Deb and the kids to help them through this really difficult time. I was amazed at the attendance the church family made to support thefamily and a woman they hardly knew. That is what the family of God is about. Lifting up our brothers and sisters during the hard times as well as the good times. I'm so glad Nathan and I were apart of her home going service.
