I understand you are finishing up your Emmaus walk. I am so undeniably happy and thrilled for you. You are beginning a new chapter in your life and I can’t wait to see what God has in store for you! You are already an amazing woman of God. You have such a sensitive heart towards those you love and care for. I know you have truly been a blessing in my life. The way you go out of your way to give a much-needed hug or a little thinking of you gift says mountains to not only me but to others you care for. I will say I miss you more and more every day –you are truly a special person with a heart of gold. You are a beautiful wife and mother. As Xander’s Mom I’ve seen you struggle at times due to his needs and yet you take that struggle and use
My mother was a complex, multi-faceted person. Many of you here today knew my mother personally, and many of you knew my mother indirectly through one of her family members. You may have known her as a coworker, a friend, or a support person. Of course, all of my mother’s family here today each knew a part of her, a “facet” of her--as a mother, a sister, an aunt, a grandmother, a cousin.
I’m glad we have Maurice, my mother’s younger brother here today. Ella, her older sister, unfortunately couldn’t make it, but I know the news of my mothers death hit her hard. And I know that she prayed with all her will, for my mother.
It is hard to give a eulogy for one’s parent. More than the death of a classmate or sibling, the death of a parent is not only a loss, but also a reminder that we are all following an inevitable path. We are all “Outrunning Our Shadow” as her friend Fred Hill so provocatively titled his book.
There is an old Yiddish proverb, when the heart is full, the eyes overflow. And so it is the case when we try to sum up and honor my mother’s life.
I want to thank all of my Mother’s friends and family for being here today to celebrate her life and to mourn her death. I’m sure she would be thrilled to see all of you here and I know it would have meant the world to her.
On behalf of my entire family, I want to thank all of you for your compassion and for being present here today. For those of you who don't know me, my name is Mauri-Lynne, and I'm Lionel's daughter. Dad was devoted to every one of you. We all hope that you'll share your memories of him with us, if not today then in the weeks and months to come.
I was sitting at my small desk in my room when I saw my dad had come home from who knows what, wearing a sad face. He came up to my room with a big red rose. Right then I knew what was going on. I never spent a lot of time with family members who I was not close with. I acknowledged their presence, but I never talked a lot to or about them.
I stand before you today to pay my last respects, and to say my final goodbyes, to my father Harry.
Good afternoon, let me just start by saying that the kindness, support, friendship, and love extended to me and my family during this difficult time has really touched my heart- we are sincerely appreciative!
I'd like to talk today about my grandmother, Ruth Smith - about who she was, what she meant to us, and what this day means.
You came into my life and changed me forever. Over the years people have complimented me for being a good mother but I can't take credit for that. You were born good and you were the one who was often teaching me. I believe you are an angel God sent to teach me. You taught me love. You taught me honesty. You taught me how to forgive and how to be strong. You are the strongest person I have ever known and you gave me strength when I was weak. When times were sad and tough I looked to you for strength. You taught me how to be myself. Most of all you taught me about life and how to live.
Thank you for acknowledging my thoughts and feelings whether they are positive or negative, justified or unjustified, right or wrong. I feel safe being myself knowing I can not be perfect and you will still love me.
Last summer my Mother drove my sister and I to Minneapolis. We were staying with our Aunt and Uncle for the entire week. My sister was going to take dance classes at a local dance studio while I was going to do a “Wicked” themed musical theatre camp. I was so excited to learn new things and how to grow as a singer, actor, and dancer. We drove there on Thursday and arrived around six.
I have lived in South Carolina for about 2 years now. Before I moved down here my great grandpa was sick but when I moved down here he had gotten worse. He looked confused and lost at times. During the time I found out my great grandpa died I was just waking up from working so hard the day before. I knew something was wrong because the night before I had trouble sleeping and I just felt weird.
I believe that every person in, in their own unique way, creates a legacy in their lifetime by which others can live long after that person has left us. For those of us who remain, Mildred Johnson has truly created a legacy to uphold and fulfill in our daily lives. I firmly believe that this carrying out is a true honor and responsibility by means of the various facets that Mildred has made her own.