Piper Raynes Carter Service

September 25, 2024

Piper Raynes Carter

May 20, 2014 — September 23, 2024

Piper was born May 20, 2014 in Brunswick and was a member of First Baptist Church. She was in the 5th grade at Appling Elementary School and was an honor roll student and was the Artist of the month. Piper was on the swim team and the Garden Club.

Poem

4th grade teacher (Heather Quinn)

When Piper walked…it was no ordinary walk. She sashayed into a room. Completely comfortable in who she was.

When Piper read…she did so with empathy. You could catch her crying tears during an emotional part or hear a short snicker escape when a character made her laugh. She felt for others overwhelmingly.

When Piper told a story…you wanted to stop and pay attention. She would entertain us all with the drama and laughter that she put into the retelling.

When Piper laughed…it was contagious. Making it impossible to ever want to tell her to tone down the giggles.

When Piper smiled…she did so intentionally. Recognizing that it was her life’s purpose to make someone else smile with her.

When Piper lived….she touched you. Even if it was only for a moment, Piper impacted the lives of all of us around her.

When Piper loved…you felt it. She never held back in sharing just how deeply she cared for each one of us in her life.

BECAUSE Piper loved…We were blessed.

Name Meaning:

pipe player, flute player

Piper is a girl's name of British origin. It was initially used as an occupational name for a "pipe player" or flute-playing musician.

In folklore, the Pied Piper of Hamelin was an intriguing person who could influence people and animals with his melodic performances.

4th Grade Story

“Lori Fowler”

This was Dr Seuss Day last year.

Our readers were reading "The Sleep Book".

I was standing in the back of the room when I noticed Piper flipping pages in a book. I walked over to stand behind her to ask her to put the book up when I realized she had the same book the readers were reading.

She was following along in the book while he read. The best part of the story --if you've ever read a Dr. Seuss book, you know how LONG some of the books are.

Our reader started skipping pages because of how long the book was, but Piper gently looked at me to let me know the reader was skipping pages in the story.

It was priceless when I told him he got caught, by our sweet Piper, skipping pages

“Influencer”

The Impact of a Child

Introduction:

We gather here today with heavy hearts, filled with the sorrow of losing someone so young.

As we mourn, we also celebrate the life of a precious, influencer, difference-maker, ten-year-old whose impact on her family, friends, and community was profound and unforgettable!

Though her years were short, her influence is deep, and her light still shines brightly in our hearts.

We look to God for comfort in this difficult time, and He gently reminds us of the significance of a child's life.

Jesus Himself, when speaking of children, said in Matthew 18:3-4,

"Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.

Therefore, whoever takes the lowly position of this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven."

Even in her young years, Piper embodied the qualities that Jesus spoke about—innocence, trust, love, and joy.

Today, as we reflect on her life, we remember that the impact of a child is not measured by the length of their days but by the love, hope, and light they bring to the world.

“Impact number one:

1. The Innocent Heart of a Child

In Matthew 19:14, Jesus said, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these."

Precious Piper reflected the pure heart and the simple faith that Jesus cherishes.

Children see the world through eyes of wonder, joy, and belief.

Piper left an incredible mark on those around her because she lived with the innocence and curiosity that God values so deeply.

She taught us the beauty of seeing life through a child’s perspective—a perspective that trusts easily and loves openly.

Her gentle spirit, her laugh, her questions about the world—all these things reminded us of the value of wonder and faith.

She may have been small, but the love she shared was enormous, leaving a lasting imprint on her family and friends, actually our whole community.

“Impact number 2”

2. The Unwavering Joy of a Child

In the book of Proverbs 17:22, we read, "A joyful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones."

Piper in her youthfulness carried with her a joy that was contagious.

Her laughter lifted spirits, and her smiles could light up a room.

She carried a joy that was not weighed down by the troubles of the world but instead reflected the carefree and pure joy that God gives.

Even in her short time on earth, she brought healing to those around her by simply being herself—a source of joy and love.

It is this joy, this light, that will stay with us, even as we grieve.

“Impact Number 3”

3. The Enduring Legacy of a Child

It is natural to wonder how someone so young can leave a legacy.

But the truth is, her impact is greater than we can fully comprehend.

In Isaiah 11:6, it says, "And a little child shall lead them."

This verse reminds us that children, in their innocence and simplicity, lead us toward greater love, patience, and compassion.

Though she is no longer with us, her legacy of kindness, joy, and love will continue to lead us in our lives.

She has touched more hearts in her ten years than many do in a lifetime.

-I would say her fight with cancer has done more for our community than the crusade last year!

She has and her family has brought us together in prayer!

Everyday our church and community has prayed at 1pm and we will keep praying!

We have prayed more often and more fervently and God is using that!!!

Her laughter, her hugs, her dreams—these live on in each of us.

She has taught us what really matters in life—love, family, faith, and joy.

As we move forward, her impact will continue to guide and inspire us.

Conclusion:

As we leave today, let us carry Piper’s light within us, remembering that the impact of a child is eternal.

Though her life was short, her love was great, and her spirit will remain with us always.

May God grant us peace, and may her memory be a blessing to us all.

We will never forget the Impact Piper had on all of us!!

-Pray