Graveside Service for Shirley Mae Scott

Opening Words: Friends and family, today we gather to remember Shirley Mae Scott, who has died on September 19, 2024. She was born on September 2, 1955, and lived a life that touched many through her hard work, especially in the landscaping industry, and most importantly, through her love for her family.

Today, we honor her memory, even as we face the reality of her death.

It is natural to feel the weight of grief and loss, but we can also take a moment to reflect on the deeper meaning of life, death, and what lies beyond.

Though many of us come with different beliefs and understandings, we can all agree that Shirley's life mattered deeply to those here today.

Prayer: Let us take a moment of reflection.

Heavenly Father,

We come before You today, acknowledging the mystery of life and death.

We thank You for the life of Shirley Mae Scott, for the joy she brought to her family and friends.

As we stand here in the presence of death, we ask for Your comfort and peace to fill the hearts of all gathered.

Even in the midst of our questions and pain, may we find a sense of Your presence, guiding us to peace and understanding.

We ask this in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

Scripture Reading: John 14:1-6

John 14:1–6 ESV

“Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me. In my Father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also. And you know the way to where I am going.” Thomas said to him, “Lord, we do not know where you are going. How can we know the way?” Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.

Reflection: As we face the reality of Shirley Mae Scott’s death, it's natural to wonder about what lies beyond this life.

In the words we just heard from Jesus, He tells us that He has prepared a place for those who believe in Him—a place of eternal peace and rest.

While many of us may not fully understand or embrace these words, they offer hope for those who seek more than what this world can give.

Life, like Shirley’s, is filled with moments of joy, work, relationships, and challenges, but it eventually comes to an end, leaving us with a deep longing for answers about life's meaning and what happens after death.

Jesus spoke these words to remind us that there is more than what we see, that there is hope beyond the grave, and that He is the way to that hope.

You may not know what to believe today, and that's okay.

But I encourage you to reflect on these truths.

In the midst of sorrow, there is an invitation to find hope and peace in something greater—hope that brings life, not just for the now, but for eternity."

Song: Amazing Grace: At this time, let us sing "Amazing Grace," a song that speaks to the profound grace that can lead us through life and offer hope in the face of death.

Amazing grace, how sweet the sound, That saved a wretch like me. I once was lost, but now am found, Was blind, but now I see.

'Twas grace that taught my heart to fear, And grace my fears relieved. How precious did that grace appear The hour I first believed.

Through many dangers, toils, and snares, We have already come. 'Twas grace that brought us safe thus far, And grace will lead us home.

When we've been there ten thousand years, Bright shining as the sun, We've no less days to sing God's praise Than when we first begun.

Closing Reflection: As we prepare to lay Shirley to rest, it’s a moment to consider the fragile nature of life and the certainty of death.

We often try to make sense of things on our own, but when faced with death, many of our answers seem to fall short.

Yet, the words of Jesus remind us that there is hope—a hope that is not based on our efforts or our understanding but on grace.

Just like the words of 'Amazing Grace' suggest, grace is something undeserved, but it offers us peace and hope in the face of death.

If you’re feeling lost, unsure, or burdened today, know that there is grace available to you as well.

Jesus offers hope that can carry us through our darkest moments and lead us into the light.

As you remember Shirley, may you also consider that hope.

Committal: For as much as it has pleased Almighty God in His wisdom and providence to take from this life our sister, Shirley Mae Scott, we now commit her body to the earth, earth to earth, ashes to ashes, dust to dust, in the hope that one day, death itself will be defeated, and all things will be made new. May Shirley rest in peace.

Benediction: May the God of all peace comfort you today.

May He give you strength in your grief and wisdom in your reflections.

And may His grace lead you, just as it led Shirley through her life.

Go in peace, and may you find rest for your souls in Jesus Christ. Amen.