Great Changes

Memorial Service For Mrs. Louise Mills

(A 99 year old Christian Lady)

February 25, 2010

MESSAGE: Great Changes!

We have gathered here today to remember and to celebrate the life of Louise Mills. Louise was the oldest member of Berryhill Baptist Church and she touched many people in so many ways during her 99 years of life on this

earth.

Louise left specific instructions for this service. Here is the letter she wrote to her children:

To Fred & Louise Mills Children at my passing away.

It was mentioned to me if I wanted to be cremated when I passed away-NEVER. (never was circled).

I have tried to live right, so I could go to a better place. I have a plot beside my husband’s grave. That’s where I want to be put when I pass away.

I would like for Ida Carter to sing the song named—This is What Heaven Means to Me; if not that one some other one that she knows.

I would like Rev. Bud Spencer and Rev. Simpson, former Berryhill Pastors

to conduct the service if their health permits. (She outlived both of those pastors).

I would like these bible verses to be read:

Matthew 11:28-30

1 Peter 5:6-7

Revelation 21:4

Thanks for all you have done for your dad and myself. Always live for

The Lord, so we can all be together some day soon.

Love, Mother

Louise was born on August 21, 1910, in Mecklenburg County. She lived thru many changes in her life. (think about that a moment)

When Louise was born back in 1910:

-a postage stamp was 2 cents.

-the President was William Howard Taft.

-life expectancy for males was (48 years);

and for females (51 years).

-the average salary was just $750.00 a year.

-a gallon of milk cost 32 cents.

-the hot toys for children back then was Tinker Toys and

and Lincoln Logs.

Yes…. Louise experienced many great changes during her long and productive life.

This morning I want to mention just 3 of those Great changes:

I. The Marriage to her husband Fred Mills was a Great Change.

Wouldn’t you agree with me… that from a Single person to a married person, is a tremendous change in a person’s life. It’s no longer just about me, but

about us.

Louise and Fred were married July 26, 1930.

She was just 19 and Fred was 21.

They were married for 46 years….

Together they raised four children.

Louise loved her family and showed it in many different ways.

(elaborate)

II. The time when Louise gave Her heart to JESUS was another great change in her life.

I’m not sure when that event happened ….years and years ago before

I came to Pastor Berryhill.

I do know that ….Louise came to Berryhill in 1995 by letter from Glennwood Baptist Church.

When she gave her heart to Jesus….it was indeed a life changing event.

It was very evident in her life and in her testimony. (elaborate)

FOLKS: The greatest thing that can be said about Louise.. is that she was a Christian. In fact that’s the most important thing.

Someone has said that a Christian is one: (elaborate on these)

A) Who has made a Choice

B) Who has been Changed

C) Who has accepted a Challenge? I’ll tell the world I’m a Christian.

Ms. Mills was not ashamed of what Christ had done in her life. In her instructions for this service she tells her children to Live for Jesus. That’s good advice for all of us.

III. The Last Great Change Came Monday night…when Louise passed From this life into the next.

When I got to the nursing home and Lillie took me back into Louise’s room.

I sensed that Louise…. would soon leave this old world. I prayed that God would be with her thru the valley of the shadow of death and give the family strength during the coming days.

As I stood there… I thought about what the Apostle Paul said in

2 Timothy 4:6-7.

“For I am already being poured out like a drink offering, and the time has come for my departure. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.”

Paul said: I have FOUGHT A GOOD FIGHT: He had been a good soldier of the Lord Jesus Christ.

I HAVE FINISHED MY COURSE: He had completed all that God had planned for him.

I have KEPT THE FAITH: He was a defender of the Word of God.

Would to God…that could be said about each of us.