Going Home

Today we laid to rest the body of my sweet great-grandmother.  The Lord called Grandmama home Saturday, November 19th.  She was 94 years old.  She still lived at home alone, cooked her meals, and attended church every Sunday.  She was truly a remarkable lady.  Grandmama loved the Lord, her friends and family, and her church.  She will be deeply missed, but we know she is at home with Jesus now.  She left us many memories and stories.  Here are a few of my favorites:

• One Mother's Day a few years back, Grandmama was recognized as the oldest mother in the church.  She stood and proceeded to announce, "I may be the oldest, but I'm not the ugliest!"
• When my brother and I were in elementary school she asked what grades we received on our report cards.  I replied with "all A's."  My brother's answer was "C's and D's."  She said, "Well here, let me give you a dollar anyway."  My mother says Grandmama swore it was always the teacher's fault that Jacob received such low grades.  Nothing like a grandmother.
• Grandmama's expletive of choice:  "Bull-turkey!"
• Until my family decided that it was no longer safe for her to drive, Grandmama made daily trips to "Big Bear," the local grocery store.  She knew the employees, and evidently considered herself a quality control specialist.  She was quick to let them know if there was something she disapproved of.  I thought the poor woman would never stop talking about the change from white to black styrofoam under packaged meat.  The store changed forever when Grandmama drove into the exterior wall and then repeatedly tried to convince us that her foot was on the brake instead of the gas. 
• She enjoyed eating cookies and pies as much as she liked to make them.  Her specialties were fruitcake cookies, spiced and chocolate-covered pecans, lemon pie, and Lee's favorite, pecan pie.  She believed a meal was not complete unless there was dessert, and I tend to agree.

Brother Larry said it best today when he said the word that describes her best is "faithful."  He also talked about how truly content she was with what very little she had.  She loved greatly and was greatly loved.  We are truly blessed to have had many wonderful years with such a Godly lady.