Eulogy  − 6 June, 2002

Juanita was a person who truly “walked the talk” of what it means to be a Christian. She had an unswerving faith in Lord. Despite the daily parade of tragedies served by the news, she never doubted that He was truly in control and never failed to let other know of her convictions. She was always quick to point out to that it was by the simple act of faith, not works, that we gain entrance to the Kingdom of Heaven.

She saw it as her duty to take care of others, whether that was my father, Donnie, during his bouts with illness or in the declining health of her parents, Charlie and Sudie. After Donnie’s death, she made frequent trips to change the flowers on his grave and pull any weeds that had grown since her last visit. If asked, she would have told you that she had celebrated her 49^th wedding anniversary last April. Theirs was a very special and deep love that never ended.

She also took care of me, whether I wanted it or not. She never failed to let me know if the flowers needed watering, the lint trap needed to be cleaned or my jeans needed ironing. Neighbors were quite familiar with her almost daily visits to my house while I was at work. It was during one such errand of love that she lost her life. We frequently had, what would appear to those who didn’t know, friendly arguments about some aspect of her caretaking. During one such “conversation” she remarked in exasperation that , “…it’s like pulling teeth to get you to do anything…”, I probably said something about her being a “crazy old woman” in response. Strange as it sounds, that was part of our friendship. She could be stubborn and opinionated, but above all else, she was the best friend a son could ever ask for. I will miss that give and take more deeply than any can know.

One of last conversations I had with her was about a severe weather warning this past Sunday afternoon. I was out on a trail near the Yadkin River when the cell phone rang. On the other end was “Maw”, telling me to get off of the river and let her know when I was back in the car. I know that she would have strapped on hip-waders and hit the trail if I hadn’t called her back as soon as the keys were in the ignition. She would do anything, anything for those who had the fortune to know her.

Best of all, I know without question, that she is about the Lord’s business at this very moment and wants us to celebrate her new life. I just feel sorry for the groundskeepers in heaven.

Scripture

Ephesians: 2:4-10

Psalm: 121

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