Roger & Sue White Funeral Service

SONG- Dancing In the Sky.

SONG- Let Her Fly

Welcome & Scripture

- It was a Saturday, 43 years, 6 months & 13 days ago.

The summer is drawing closer and temperatures have started to rise. In America, the song What A Fool Believes by Doobie Brothers is on top of the singles charts. Over in the UK, Bright Eyes by Art Garfunkel is the number one hit song.

Jimmy Carter is currently the President of the United States, and the movie The China Syndrome is at the top of the Box Office.

In fashion, clothes have become baggier and pants have become less flared. Sports clothing and the "disco look" are both popular at the moment. Women are wearing sundresses, strapless tops with t-shirts, shoulder pads, cardigans, knee-length skirts and daisy dukes. Meanwhile, men are wearing tracksuits, flare jeans, low-top sneakers and untucked collared shirts.

The music charts are being dominated by the likes of Blondie, Gloria Gaynor, M, Donna Summer, Patrick Hernandez, The Knack and Rod Stewart. If you were to travel back to this day, notable figures such as John Wayne, Alfred Hitchcock, Ian Curtis and Steve McQueen would all be still alive. On TV, people are watching popular shows such as "Happy Days", "The Rockford Files", "The Jeffersons" and "What's Happening!!".

Meanwhile, gamers are playing titles such as "Gun Fight", "Breakout" and "Space Invaders". Children and teenagers are currently watching television shows such as "The Bugs Bunny Show", "Mister Rogers' Neighborhood", "The Muppet Show" and "The All New Popeye Hour". If you're a kid or a teenager, then you're probably playing with toys such as Twister mat, Big Jim (action figure), Mattel Electronic Football (handheld game) and the Atari 2600.

But none of this mattered at the time for then for both Roger & Sue. You see this was April 14th, 1979; Roger & Sue were about to become Mr & Mrs. White.

These two were about to embark on the rest of their lives together in becoming one flesh. They were about to commit to loving the other in both sickness & health, till death would they part.

BUT EVEN these two didn’t let even death itself part them for very long.

You see… today we get to remember two amazing people who were a part in this romantic love story where (like my wife Adrian said), “these two wouldn’t even let heaven & earth separate them for more than a few hours”.

ON BEHALF OF THE FAMILY, I WOULD LIKE TO WELCOME EACH OF YOU WHO CAME THIS MORNING.

We are honored, grateful and praise God today to have a chance to remember the life of both Valerie Sue White & Dewey Roger White. Also known as Daddy & momma or Mimma & Papa.

It gives me great pleasure & joy to remind us all that although in heaven we may not be married like we are here on earth in the flesh, but as God’s Word tells us in multiple places that HEAVEN’S BEAUTY & JOY WILL BE INFINITELY GREATER THAN ANYTHING WE EVER EXPERIENCED HERE IN THE PRESENT LIFE.

It’s pretty awesome that right now as we speak, in the midst of us mourning their loss here on earth, talking about what they left behind, the foundations they built for their family, the rock solid faith examples of service, integrity, respect, love & compassion that they bestowed…

in the midst of all that right now, they are experiencing something SOOOO much greater than we have ever experienced here on earth. And they’re doing it probably side by side. Much like they did everything else while they were here. Getting to begin their eternal worship of our the Lord our God.

I guarantee Sue nudging Roger saying.... I beat ya.

THERE IS A REAL STRUGGLE here today, because the truth is that while we seek to remember and celebrate this morning, we also grieve and mourn this morning as well. None of us were ready for good bye’s or even in many cases got to say our good byes.

So today, I wanted to begin with scripture… to allow this scripture to fill our hearts this morning and to be reminded of the HOPE that we bear and also to remind us today of where Mimma & Papa are at this very moment...

Psalm 116:15 tells us...

Psalm 116:15 ESV

15 Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints.

Job 19:25–27 CSB

25 But I know that my Redeemer lives, and at the end he will stand on the dust. 26 Even after my skin has been destroyed, yet I will see God in my flesh. 27 I will see him myself; my eyes will look at him, and not as a stranger. My heart longs within me.

John 14:1–6 CSB

1 “Don’t let your heart be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me. 2 In my Father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you? 3 If I go away and prepare a place for you, I will come again and take you to myself, so that where I am you may be also. 4 You know the way to where I am going.” 5 “Lord,” Thomas said, “we don’t know where you’re going. How can we know the way?” 6 Jesus told him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.

1 Thessalonians 4:14–17 CSB

14 For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, in the same way, through Jesus, God will bring with him those who have fallen asleep. 15 For we say this to you by a word from the Lord: We who are still alive at the Lord’s coming will certainly not precede those who have fallen asleep. 16 For the Lord himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the archangel’s voice, and with the trumpet of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. 17 Then we who are still alive, who are left, will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we will always be with the Lord.

So, this afternoon, we are joined this day by our great God and King who Himself is in the same struggle as us of grieving a life lost but celebrating a FULL LIFE LIVED.

Both Roger & Sue have gotten to see the completion of one of Sue’s favorite passages in Deut 31:6 where it says...

Deuteronomy 31:6 ESV

6 Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the Lord your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you.”

PRAY

“Lord I pray for your Holy Spirit to be with us this morning. Lord allow us to mourn together and know that it’s ok to grief and mourn together as we will miss these two amazing people in our lives on earth, but Lord let us also keep a right perspective to praise your name this morning for knowing the reality of where Roger & Sue are at. Lord let us look to you for comfort and peace this morning. Let our tears of grief and hope be worship in your eyes today. In Jesus name, Amen.

SONG- Seven Spanish Angels.

Eulogy-Obituary

Valerie Sue Briggs was born February 14, 1946, in Coleman to William Elias “W. E.” Briggs and Fay Smith Briggs.  She grew up in Coleman and graduated from Coleman High School. Sue worked various jobs which included being a mid-wife, an E.M.T. for Stevens Funeral Home Ambulance Service and later in the insurance department at the funeral home.  She was also the Director at the City of Coleman Senior Center.  Sue became born again on Easter, 1957 at Bible Baptist Church.  Sue enjoyed working in her garden.

Dewey Roger White was born April 16, 1936, in Brown County to Clarence Dewey “C. D.” White and Mary Pearl Jones White.  He started school in Burkett, before the family moved into Coleman where he graduated from Coleman High School.  Roger worked at Martin Brick Plant, the City of Coleman Light Distribution Department and was an electrical trouble shooter and was a police officer for the City of Coleman.  He also worked as an electrician, owning Roger White Electric.  In his spare time, he enjoyed putting puzzles together, reading western books and fishing.

Sue and Roger married on April 14, 1979, at Emmanuel Baptist Church in Coleman.  Together, they enjoyed traveling the United States in their RV, being work campers at various campgrounds, helping friends and neighbors with their kind hearts and going to garage sales to find that elusive antique. But most of all, they loved their family and spending time with their grandchildren and great-grandchildren.  They will be missed by all who knew them.

Together, they are survived by their children, Charlie and Sharon White of Dripping Springs, Elizabeth “Sissy” and Jerry Campbell of Coleman, Christi Robbins of Coleman, Micah and Andrea Crosby of Spring Branch, Dawn and Tony Norway of Coleman; 10 grandchildren, Dustin White, Michelle and David Maple, Matthew Campbell, Stephanie and Carlos Gutierrez, Audra Johnson, Becca and L. J. Cuellar, Huntleigh Morast, Adrian and Dayton Ferguson, Weston and Brittany Norway and Lyn Norway and 11 great grandchildren.  They are also preceded in death by a great grandson, Owen Briggs Norway.

Sue is survived by one sister, Denise McCarson and husband Andy of LaVernia.  She is preceded in death by her parents.

Roger is preceded in death by his parents, one sister, Wanda Steffey; five brothers, J. R. White, J.C. White, Carl White, O. D. White, Jerry Don White and an infant son, Billy Don White.

SONG- Go Rest High

Message to Family & Fiends.

I’m not sure if anybody realizes this, but Roger & Sue seemed just perfect for another.

After talking to the family I began to understand that Sue was the comedic relief, the prankster, silly half and strong will to Rogers steadfastness, patient more calming side.

I also understand that the family gave me enough on both Roger & Sue to where I need to be careful today. I don’t want to show up at my time one day only to have those two waiting for me to have a conversation about their funeral!

For Sue, you never know what Sue was going to do next

whether is be making Sissy go to the lengths of going to the Shopping basket store to pick up a turkey you thought you won, only to find out you didn’t win anything. The employee just relayed a message to you form Sue saying that you’re the turkey.

or it may be trying to wash all your bra’s in the dishwasher…?

Or maybe there is company coming over for a weekend, and Sue decides that the toilet bowl seat is old and needs some sprucing up. So she decides to spray paint the toilet seat white. Makes since. Does she tell Roger? NO. So of course i’m sure you know what happens next… Roger then a short time later comes in to take care of some business, only to come out with some whiter butt cheeks then he went in with.

Or like the time when Sue had been telling Roger for a long time that she wanted the dining room floor leveled. Wive’s, you know how it is sometimes when you have to ask your husband several times to do something. Not that we’re out of malice refusing to do it. Sometimes life just gets hectic. Well, Sue decides to take matters into her own hands. One day Roger shows up, walks into the dining room to see a whole cut into the floor. Roger proceeds to go change out of his work clothes, and leave the premises.

Mimma also had other parts where she wasn’t just the comedic relief...

she had amazing friends like that of her great friend Carolyn. When you’re thinking of Sue & Carolyn, think of Lucie and Ethel.

She was evidently a match maker and also relationship advice giver to grandchildren.

She was a caring wife paying attention to the small details, caring for Roger in the smallest ways like always having Cornbread and milk (his favorite) ready for when he got home many evenings.

She was an amazing mother & grandmother, while even in an older age always being in communication with her children and grandchildren. Not even allowing technology to be an obstacle. She could Marca Polo with the best of them! Even allowing her grand children to dance in their bathing suits while she watered her plants outside.

Roger, like I said was the more steadfast, patient calming side of the half.

You can tell that Roger did a really amazing job both giving up his life for his wife in Sue but also being the leader of his household, in teaching their children what their household was about.

(God, Respect, Discipline, hard work, not expecting anything to ever be given to you, BUT also had a lot COMPASSION for his children.)

And not just telling them this is how you do it… but leaving them to figure it out on their own and allowing them to learn through life experience… even letting them fail.

One day Christy buys a car. So Roger tells her to bring it to the house. She arrives and Roger tells her that He wants her to change the tire. (Christy: it’s not flat) Roger say’s i don’t care. Jack the car up, take the tire off, put it into the trunk, take it out of the trunk and put it back onto the car.

Sometime after this, Christy is all dressed up for church, she finds a flat on her car after church. Roger comes by and says, well I’ll see ya at home.

Roger was a man of his word.

If he told you to be at home by a certain time, you better be or the police might come find you.

He was very organized… you better not mess with his tools!

He was patient. And he taught his children to respect others, and most importantly, respect momma.

He taught his children to love the outdoors whether it be camping, fishing or hunting.

He had amazing compassion for his children, after hearing of a few stories of him crying because of the fact that he knew his children were hurting.

HE LOVED PUTTING PUZZLES TOGETHER OR EVEN MODELS CARS.

He taught responsibility… even leveraging a time when Micah spent a little time in jail for a night. The next morning Roger comes to the jail and tells Micah… It’s gonna be like this… i’ll pay for your fine’s and getting out of jail. But if it comes Friday and I don’t have my money back… they’re going to come get you and put you back in jail. Micah says… YES SIR. As soon as Micah got paid after that, he went and paid daddy back.

You know if you knew Roger well… you knew how much he loved his sweets.

I can tell you of a time when I was running into Abilene for an errand, needed something for lunch and so I stop by Golden Chick. Well Roger & Sue already have their dinner and their eating. I say hi, get my food and eat at another table. After finishing, I don’t know if you ever go to Golden chick, but the THING you have to get there is ice cream on a cone. Even if it’s a cheap cone. I get mine while i’m talking to Roger & Sue and I just see Roger starring at my ice cream. And so I give him mine with him having a big grin on his face while Sue was shaking her head. I said i got you brother.

Roger would HIDE HIS SWEATS. So that nobody could find them because they were his! When the grandkids would come there would appear sweets out of nowhere, which might have come from Roger. Sue was always trying to get him to eat less sweets. She would get frustrated with him. So when they moved from Rosevelt to the house on 12th, they begin to get the bed out and all kinds of candy wrappers, snack wrappers, began to be revealed. He would even tell his grandchildren, alright after you eat that snack, you go put it where it goes. NOT MEANING THE TRASH, HE MEANT BEHIND THE HEADBOARD! IT WAS A WHOLE CONSPIRACY AGAINST MIMMA!

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I can go on and on and on and on about both of these individuals.

But If I was to do that, That would do a dis service to their relationship.

They were the other half that the other needed.

They were the other half that completed the other.

Even when sickness took hold...

Sue… she kept asking where Roger was when he wasn’t there.

When she was still in the hospital in Abilene, they told Sue that Roger was almost there. She goes off talking about something else, the door eventually opens and Sue turns to the nurse and says… (Something that grandchildren didn’t really want to hear) That’s my lover!

The only place Roger wanted to be was by His wife’s side. When Sue was at UT Southwest, Tony asked Roger if he wanted to go see her, to which he said yes. Tony shows up bright and early to their apartment that next morning to find Roger dressed and ready to go see his bride.

When Adrian and I went to see Roger last Thursday... Roger was in the hospital in Abilene… He said, “my place is by her side”.

They were always together. They hardly ever left each others side. Even when this this physical world would cause them to be a part in their last moments… they were together in mind and spirit. And they were not separated very long.

Not even heaven and earth could separate them for more than a few hours.

Roger & Sue exemplified what God’s Word says when it says in Ephesians...

Ephesians 5:31–33 ESV

31 “Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and hold fast to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh.” 32 This mystery is profound, and I am saying that it refers to Christ and the church. 33 However, let each one of you love his wife as himself, and let the wife see that she respects her husband.

Their marriage exemplified the Gospel.

Giving up of oneself for the sake of the other.

Serving one another,

giving grace upon grace and mercy upon mercy.

Living with the undercurrent of forgiveness at every turn.

Roger & Sue saw the example given to them by their Savior on how to treat one another and also their children. They took seriously following Jesus as their Lord & King and showing their children what that meant.

AND THAT… is why they are getting to experience what Jesus had form them right now. Because of the fact that they had made Jesus their Lord & King and their lives bared fruit of the transformation that Jesus had done in them.

2 Timothy 4:7–8 ESV

7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. 8 Henceforth there is laid up 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 loved his appearing.

I would be be doing the both of them a dis service if I did not mention the Gospel at their funeral.

Maybe your here today and you have no doubt that you will one day get to see Roger & Sue again because you also have made Jesus your Lord and King of your life. That’s awesome! Praise God.

Or you might be listening to me thinking to yourself “here we go again” about this Jesus thing. That’s ok.

Just know this… It was evident in both Roger & Sue’s lives that they were transformed.

Their lives had been transformed from the inside out.

Their lives are evidence of that reality.

Their lives are evidence of that power.

Those of you who are living your life with no hope, no transformation, no knowledge of what’s to come after death… listen to the testimony of both Roger & Sue and know that JESUS CHRIST IS THE WAY, THE TRUTH, & THE LIFE, & NOBODY SHALL COME TO THE FATHER EXCEPT THROUGH HIM.

We must choose what we think of Jesus.

C.S. Lewis said something to the effect of this...

“He cannot be moderately important. Either He is a liar, lunatic, or Saviour.”

We must choose who Jesus is?

I urge you here today, those who do not believe in Him to consider Jesus AS LORD

I would be overjoyed to spend time with you this afternoon after this service and begin the conversation of figuring out who this Jesus guy is in your life. The salvation that He provides. A conversation that is created from the lives and testimony of these two.

The bible says

Romans 3:23 ESV

23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,

Romans 6:23 ESV

23 For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Romans 10:9–13 ESV

9 because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. 10 For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved. 11 For the Scripture says, “Everyone who believes in him will not be put to shame.” 12 For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; for the same Lord is Lord of all, bestowing his riches on all who call on him. 13 For “everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”

SALVATION IS FOUND IN JESUS AND JESUS ALONE. Come to the feet of Jesus today so that one day, both Roger & Sue may greet you when you finally arrive at home.

READ: ‘To Those I Love’.

When I am gone, just release me,

let me go - so I can move into my

afterglow. You mustn’t tie me down

with your tears; let’s be happy

that we had so many years. I gave you

my love, you can only guess

how much you gave me in happiness.

I thank you for the love you each have

shown, but now it’s time I traveled on alone.

So grieve for me awhile, if grieve

you must, then let your grief be comforted

with trust. It’s only for a while that

we must part, so bless the memories within

your heart. And then, when you must

come this way alone, I’ll greet you with

a smile and a “Welcome Home.”

SONG- Jesus is Coming Soon

END OF SERVICE NOTES:

Will open Caskets up at the end for a pass by.