Funeral Homily for Shirley Mae Scott

Funeral Homily for Shirley Mae Scott Based on Psalm 23

Opening Prayer:

Let us bow our heads in prayer.

Heavenly Father, we come before You today with hearts that are heavy and minds full of questions.

In this moment of grief and loss, we ask for Your comforting presence to be with us.

You are the God of all comfort, and we need Your peace to calm our troubled hearts.

We thank You for the life of Shirley Mae Scott, for the ways she touched the lives of those around her, and for the memories we hold dear.

As we gather here to remember her, we ask that You would guide us through this time with Your grace and mercy.

Open our hearts to hear Your voice, the voice of the Good Shepherd, speaking to us through Your Word.

May we find strength in Your promises, hope in Your presence, and peace in knowing that You walk with us even through the valley of the shadow of death.

Lord, help us to trust in Your provision, to lean on Your guidance, and to look to You for comfort as we reflect on Shirley’s life and the life You offer through Jesus Christ.

We ask all this in the precious name of Your Son, our Savior, Jesus Christ. Amen.

INTRODUCTION

We gather here today to honor and remember the life of Shirley Mae Scott.

The weight of her absence is felt by many of us. Shirley was a daughter, a mother, a grandmother, a sister, and a friend.

Each of us, in different ways, experienced her life and the unique impact she had.

And today, we find ourselves confronted with the mystery of death, as we reflect on her life and legacy.

In moments like these, we naturally search for comfort. We look for meaning and assurance.

It’s only human to wonder, What lies beyond this life? How do we make sense of loss and sorrow? And where can we find true hope?

The Bible, specifically in Psalm 23, offers a message of profound hope and comfort—hope that speaks to the reality of death and life.

This psalm, often called “The Shepherd’s Psalm,” describes God as a loving and caring shepherd who tends to the needs of His people.

As we reflect on Psalm 23 today, I believe it can guide us through our grief, while also pointing us to a deeper hope that we all need.

1. The Shepherd Who Provides

The psalm begins with a beautiful declaration:

Psalm 23:1 ESV

The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.

This imagery of God as a shepherd is incredibly powerful.

A shepherd is someone who cares deeply for his flock—ensuring that they have everything they need.

This is the role that God takes in the life of His people.

He provides for us, not only physically, but spiritually and emotionally as well.

You see, life often leaves us feeling as though we are lacking something.

We constantly strive for more—more success, more security, more happiness.

But David, the writer of this psalm, reminds us that in God, we lack nothing essential.

He is sufficient to meet our deepest needs.

The phrase "I shall not want" doesn’t mean that we won’t face difficulties or experience loss, but rather that in God’s presence, we have all we truly need.

Illustration:

Picture a child who trusts completely in their parent’s provision.

When the child is hungry, they don’t worry about where their next meal will come from; they trust that their parent will provide.

They don’t lose sleep over what tomorrow will bring because they know they are cared for.

In a much deeper way, God invites us to trust Him as our Shepherd, providing for us, sustaining us, and guiding us through the seasons of life.

In Shirley’s life, God’s provision was evident in the ways she cared for her family, worked hard in her career, and supported those around her.

As we reflect on her life, we can be reminded that God continues to provide for us, even in times of sorrow.

And as we move through this season of grief, we are invited to rest in the provision and care of our Good Shepherd.

2. The Shepherd Who Guides

Psalm 23 continues:

Psalm 23:2–3 ESV

He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.

Life, as we know, can be full of uncertainties.

Just as sheep depend on the guidance of their shepherd, so we depend on God to lead us through both peaceful and difficult times.

Notice the tender imagery of green pastures and still waters—God doesn’t just guide us anywhere.

He leads us to places of rest, peace, and restoration.

Even when life feels chaotic, the Shepherd knows exactly where to lead us.

Illustration:

I’m reminded of a story about a shepherd who would walk in front of his flock, tapping his staff on the ground.

Even though the sheep couldn’t always see him, the sound of the staff assured them that their shepherd was near and that they were safe.

They didn’t need to know the exact path ahead—they simply followed the reassuring sound of his presence.

In the same way, God’s presence can guide us, even when we don’t see the way forward.

His voice, through His Word and His Spirit, is always there to lead us.

For many of us here today, the loss of Shirley may feel like walking through a valley.

But just as God guided Shirley throughout her life, He desires to guide us too, especially through this difficult time.

The question is:

Are we willing to follow His lead?

Are we open to the peace and restoration that only He can provide?

3. The Shepherd Who Walks With Us Through Death

The psalm takes an even more profound turn when David writes:

Psalm 23:4 ESV

Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.

Here we are today, confronted with the reality of death.

It is a valley that all of us must walk through at some point, yet this verse offers remarkable comfort.

David doesn’t say we will avoid the valley of the shadow of death—he acknowledges that we will pass through it.

But the comfort lies in the promise that we do not walk this valley alone. God Himself is with us, even in the darkest moments.

Illustration:

Think about a small child walking through a dark and unfamiliar place. If that child is alone, the fear is overwhelming.

But if they are holding their parent’s hand, the fear begins to diminish.

The darkness doesn’t disappear, but the presence of the one they trust makes all the difference.

In the same way, we don’t face death or grief alone—God, the Shepherd, is walking with us, His rod and staff comforting us along the way.

Shirley has walked through the valley of death, and though we do not know all the details of her spiritual life, we take comfort in knowing that God’s presence was available to her, just as it is available to each of us.

And for those of us still journeying through this life, God offers His hand to guide us through the darkest valleys we face.

4. The Shepherd Who Prepares a Place for Us

David continues:

Psalm 23:5 ESV

You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.

This verse reminds us of God’s abundant care for His people, even in the midst of life’s battles.

The table that God prepares speaks of His provision, even when we are surrounded by trials.

But more than that, it points to the ultimate promise of eternal fellowship with Him.

Jesus told His disciples, "I go to prepare a place for you" (John 14:2). This is the promise of eternal life for those who trust in Him.

Illustration:

Imagine a large family gathering, with a table overflowing with food and laughter.

Everyone is invited, but not everyone chooses to sit down and partake in the feast.

Some may be too distracted or hesitant, but the table is prepared, waiting for them.

In the same way, God has prepared a place for each of us, inviting us into His presence.

The question is: will we accept His invitation?

Shirley’s time on this earth has come to an end, but for those of us who remain, the invitation to know God and be part of His eternal family is still open.

He invites each of us to sit at His table, to know His love and care, and to experience the fullness of life that He offers.

5. The Shepherd Who Offers Eternal Life

Psalm 23 concludes with this promise:

Psalm 23:6 ESV

Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever.

This is the ultimate hope we have in God.

The promise of eternal life, of dwelling in His presence forever, is offered to all who trust in Jesus Christ.

Jesus, who called Himself the Good Shepherd, laid down His life for the sheep.

Through His death and resurrection, He made a way for us to experience eternal life.

Illustration:

In ancient times, a shepherd would often stand at the entrance of the sheepfold, personally calling each sheep by name as they entered for the night.

The sheep recognized the voice of their shepherd, and they followed him into safety.

In the same way, Jesus calls each of us by name, offering us eternal life and inviting us into His fold.

The question for each of us is: will we recognize His voice and follow Him?

Closing and Invitation

As we reflect on the life of Shirley Mae Scott, let us also reflect on our own lives and our relationship with God, the Good Shepherd.

For those of you who already know Him, take comfort in knowing that He is with you, guiding you, providing for you, and preparing a place for you.

His goodness and mercy will follow you all the days of your life.

For those who may be unsure of where you stand with God, today is an opportunity to respond to His invitation.

Jesus said, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me" (John 14:6).

The Shepherd is calling you by name—offering you peace, forgiveness, and eternal life.

The table is prepared, the invitation is open. Will you respond?

Let us pray.

Closing Prayer:

Gracious and loving Father,

We thank You for meeting us in this time of reflection and remembrance.

We are grateful for Your Word, which brings light to the darkest moments of our lives.

As we have meditated on Psalm 23 today, we are reminded of Your faithful provision, Your guidance, and the hope of eternal life that You offer through Your Son, Jesus Christ.

Lord, we lift up to You those who are grieving the loss of Shirley Mae Scott.

May Your comforting hand be upon her family and friends. Surround them with Your peace, the peace that surpasses all understanding, and give them strength in the days ahead.

For each of us, Lord, may we leave this place today with hearts turned toward You.

Whether we are walking with You already or searching for hope in the midst of uncertainty, may Your Spirit draw us closer to the Good Shepherd who offers us life, both now and forever.

Let us not be anxious, for You are with us, guiding us and offering us the comfort we so desperately need.

We trust in Your goodness, and we pray that You would continue to lead us all in paths of righteousness for Your name's sake.

We ask these things in the name of Jesus Christ, our Savior and Shepherd. Amen.