Welcome and Obituary
Psalm 46:1-3, 10-11
God is our refuge and strength,
a very present help in trouble.
2 Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way,
though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea,
3 though its waters roar and foam,
though the mountains tremble at its swelling. Selah
10 “Be still, and know that I am God.
I will be exalted among the nations,
I will be exalted in the earth!”
11 The LORD of hosts is with us;
the God of Jacob is our fortress. Selah
Obituary
Eulogy & Prayer –
What a privilege it was for me to meet with Sue’s family last week! In talking with them I saw deep love and devotion from each. I walked away from the meeting, more impressed with Sue than ever.
Sue was: “Full of joy, warm, sweet, and welcoming.”
• This description described her parents and family.
At one point she took Jeff into her own family. He said with Sue he felt, “Safe.”
“She made you feel seen and known when she talked with you.”
• It seems like this should be the basis of our actions as followers of Jesus.
1. Put into action the words of God – James 2:18 But someone will say, “You have faith and I have works.” Show me your faith apart from your works, and I will show you my faith by my works.
2. Deeper part – to put meaning into actions – “Love neighbor as self (who is like you).” Also Matthew 7:12
Sue Gave Counsel and Comfort
• She was a Counselor by Trade and in her day to day life
To her children
To Jack – “I had my own personal counselor to get me through 25 years of Federal employment.”
• She gave comfort to those around her. Her children remembered her special touch as she stroked their hair as children, even as adults.
• The Holy Spirit is referred to as “Counselor” and “Comforter.” Perhaps that special knack she had was a gift from the Spirit of God in her life.
Sues Sometimes Confronted as a Mom
• J’s Bacon Story
Someone told him raw bacon was good. One day when Sue left home he went to the fridge and got raw bacon; began eating it in his room. Sue returned and went directly to his room. As she came he panicked and threw the wad of bacon under his dresser. She came in, locked eyes with him and then with laser speed looked under the dresser to see the bacon. The inevitable lecture on the danger of raw pork ensued.
• Suzette’s Attempts at Hiding Cigarettes
In the grocery store a friend bought cigarettes for Suzette. She saw her mom and hid them in her clothes. Sue figured it out quickly and confronted her. When she got home Sue had set up an ash tray, matches, and several cigarettes and was going to make her smoke each one.
[Just a thought, maybe she was so quick on discovering such things because she had a few secrets from her parents when she was growing up.
• Jesus Confronted at Times – Out of Love
His coming to the world was a confrontation of the Adversary; our sins;
Sometimes he was strong and sometimes gentle in his confrontations – Cleaning out the temple; the woman caught in adultery (did not overlook the sin – “Neither do I accuse you, go and sin no more.”)
Memory
• Dementia attacked Sue’s memory. Yet, she remembered some important things.
Suzette singing hymns with her (she remembered the words)
She read Psalms to her (favorite book) and came across the word, “Father.” It struck a chord with Sue. She stood, raised her head, and repeated, “Father.”
After prayer, Sue sat in comfort.
• Sundown Syndrome – highest anxiety 2-3 AM – Jack read scripture and calmed her (he said that they had read the whole bible in about 6 months).
**[Jack, you are to be commended for the care you gave Sue. The level of selfless service is “above and beyond.” She may not have been able to express gratitude then but is very aware of all of your sacrifices now. That goes for the rest of the family as well. She knows your support and service.
• Sue will also live in our memory
Proverbs 10:7 The memory of the righteous is a blessing, but the name of the wicked will rot.
Mark 14:9 9 And truly, I say to you, wherever the gospel is proclaimed in the whole world, what she has done will be told in memory of her.
Her Most Notable and Unique Event – The Kidnapping
Intended to take the cook home from her parents’ restaurant; escaped convict from Vinita’s mental institution came up behind her car in a police car; she assumed it was a policeman and she’d done something wrong until the convict came to her car with a gun drawn. He forced her to let him into the car and drove off. When they stopped for gas the police caught up with them. Eventually they shot out the tires and arrested the convict. The Sallisaw paper had a big story about her but she would say, “It’s no big deal.”
The funny part of the story is that the convict had wanted to put her out of the car when they stopped for gas. Apparently she was a natural counselor and began talking to him and kept on talking. He reportedly had said that he wanted her out of the car because he didn’t want to hear any more.
• We may not have as notable experience as she did but we all have unique ones.
• We also each have a unique relationship with God – some things about God are universal; some are specific – hairs of head are numbered; our days are numbered; John 10:3b he calls his own sheep by name and leads them out.
Jack and Sue thought God had brought them together. Jack had 2 bad marriages but with Sue he found the family he had always searched for.
Sue helped him read and understand the bible and was instrumental in his baptism.
In addition to a personal family, Sue introduced Jack to a church family who is ready to assist in any way.
