Cecile Stanphill Funeral

Order of Service

Opening Comments / Appreciation - Pastor Alex Araya

Hymn: Amazing Grace

Eulogy - Pastor Alex A

Hymn: How Great Thou Art

Message - Pastor Alex A

Hymn: On Eagle’s wings

Open Floor for Comments from family and friends

Prayer - Pastor Alex A

Hym: Because He lives

- Dismissal - Funeral Home Representative

1- Opening Comments / Appreciation - Costa Araya

Good morning. My name is Alex Araya. I am one of the Ministers at First Baptist Church of Universal City. I am extremely honored to officiate this service in memory of Cecile Stanphill. To the family, thank you for allowing me to honor Cecile’s life and to use this moment to share the goodness of our God even in the midst of mourning.

Grace. A simple concept that changes everything. Grace is free, is unmerited and is abundant even today.

Grace is receiving something we do not deserve.

While meeting with the family about the beautiful memories that sorrounded Cecile’s life, I can tell that Cecile understood the concept of Grace. A grace that was never deserved but always welcomed.

One paradox in our faith is the concept of grace. It doesn’t make sense at first, however when you grasp the beauty of God’s amazing grace. It changes everything.

We know that even in our best days, we are in desperate need of God’s Amazing Grace.

2- Hymn: Amazing Grace

3- Eulogy - Costa Araya

Family and friends, we gather here today to remember and celebrate the life of a remarkable woman, "Cecile" Stanphill, affectionately known as "Ceel." Born on August 14th in the heart of Texas, San Antonio, she embraced her Texan roots throughout her life. Today, we say our final goodbyes to Ceel, who left this world on Saturday, December 23, at the age of 83 in Shertz, TX.

Cecile's story is one of love, sacrifice, and unwavering devotion to her family. She was joined in matrimony to Billy Elvin Stanphill, a love that endured even beyond his passing on February 2, 1984. They first met at a dance, a moment that would set the stage for a lifetime of companionship. Billy, persistent and enamored, pursued Ceel on his Harley until she finally relented, marking the beginning of a love story.

Cecile and Billy became parents to Brian Stanphill and an adopted daughter. Grandchildren became a source of immense joy, especially Cheyenne (Shyane) Overby, whom she raised for 12 years. Ceel's home was a place of love and acceptance, where she selflessly embraced the role of mother and grandmother.

Her generosity knew no bounds, a trait that persisted even in times of scarcity. "Even when she did not have anything, she gave everything," a testament to the selflessness that defined her character. Cecile was a vibrant, talkative, and friendly soul, with an extraordinary memory that allowed her to cherish every detail of her family's lives.

Growing up in San Antonio, she became an integral part of the community, especially her church. Her commitment to her faith was unwavering. From Sunday mornings to Sunday nights and Wednesdays, she could be found at church, serving in the children's and nursery ministry. Even when unable to attend in person, she faithfully watched services online.

Cecile's strength was truly remarkable. She bore her burdens with grace and resilience. A lover of her children, she once played with Brian, breaking her ankle in the process. Yet, true to her nature, she did not complain.

Her love for church was matched only by her affection for cats. Her commitment to her faith extended to her favorite hymn, "Amazing Grace," a song that undoubtedly resonated with her spirit.

In the face of adversity, Cecile had a unique way of diffusing tension. When Brian would get upset, she'd humorously hold her hands up, conjuring the image of a red cloth, saying, "Here, Bully bully boy." Her sayings and wisdom were as much a part of her legacy as her acts of kindness.

As we bid farewell to Ceel, let us carry with us the memories of her love, her laughter, and her unwavering devotion to family. May we find solace in knowing that her memory lives on in the countless lives she touched. Rest in peace, dear Ceel, knowing you are forever loved and remembered.

There is one passage of Scripture that I believe represents Cecile very well:

Proverbs 31:15–20 ESV

15 She rises while it is yet night and provides food for her household and portions for her maidens. 16 She considers a field and buys it; with the fruit of her hands she plants a vineyard. 17 She dresses herself with strength and makes her arms strong. 18 She perceives that her merchandise is profitable. Her lamp does not go out at night. 19 She puts her hands to the distaff, and her hands hold the spindle. 20 She opens her hand to the poor and reaches out her hands to the needy.

Cecile was a “woman who feared the Lord.” As we sign this next song, I want to read on the verses. It says

“When Christ shall come, with shout of acclamation

And take me home, what joy shall fill my heart Then I shall bow, in humble adoration And then proclaim, my God, how great Thou art”

I want you to picture Cecile in the presence of God- she is home, with a hear full of Joy, in humble adoration proclaiming the greatness of our God. Can we join in the proclamation of the greatness of God?

4- Hymn: How Great Thou Art

5- Message - Costa Araya

Psalm 46 reminds us of a beautiful truth. Psalm 46, which reads:

Psalm 46:1–3 ESV

1 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

There are 3 principles I see in this passage:

We will face hardships and storms.

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

God is ready and willing to be out refuge

God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.

We have the option to face our battles and storms alone or with God as our refuge.

Psalm 46:7–11 ESV

10 “Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!”

There may be some of you today that do not believe that God truly cares for you. Some of you may be going through a storm right now, mourning, family issues, health issues, you name it. I am here to tell you- look at Cecile’s life. Her legacy is what it is today because she trusted Jesus as her Lord and saviour.

Have you made Jesus your Lord and Saviour? Is He your refuge? you anchor? your answer?

Cecile believe that God was the answer. She believe that God was that personal God that knows and cares for His creation.

What the legacy of Cecile screams, is that of a woman who trusted in the Lord and made a difference in the world for so many, yet never for her own glory but for God’s.

I want to leave you with my dad’s wise words:

“ Son, whether you are a christian or not, you will face problems. The problem is that without God, you are left to figure it out on your own. With God, he promises to be with you, walk with you, provide for you, and ultimately to take care of you. Jesus is the best decision that you can ever make.”

If you haven’t made Jesus your Lord and Savior, maybe today is the day that God is knocking at your heart. And just like Cecile did at one point in her life, she made Jesus king of her life and that completely changed her.

6- Hymn: On Eagle’s wings

7- Open Floor for Comments from family and friends

8- Prayer - Costa Araya

9- Hymn: Because He lives

10- Dismissal - Mission Park North