Funneral Helen Wilmoth 12/9/24

Introduction

Good afternoon to you all. I am Juston and its my honor to be with you all as we celebrate the life of Helen, the matriarch of this family.

HELEN FRANCES WILMOTH

Helen Frances Wilmoth, age 90, of Mt. Vernon, Missouri, passed away at 3:34 a.m. on Thursday,

December 5, 2024, at her home. She was born July 25, 1934, in Heatonville, Missouri, the

daughter of Charles and Gladys Daphene (Eubanks) Hood.

Helen was a 1952 graduate of Mt. Vernon High School. She worked for Ozark Electric

Company, for nine years, before going to work for Wilmoth Enterprises in Mt. Vernon. Helen

enjoyed spending time with her family and cooking with her grandchildren. She was a member

of the First Baptist Church in Mt. Vernon.

On February 15, 1953, she married Dwight Ray Wilmoth, in Mt. Vernon, Missouri. He preceded

her in death on April 16, 2019.

Helen is survived by her daughter, Diana Briant and her husband, Cap, of Springfield, Missouri;

two sons, Greg Wilmoth and his wife, Kathy, and Brent Wilmoth and his wife, Sarah, all of Mt. Vernon, Missouri;

seven grandchildren, Kristin Porter of Springfield, Missouri,

Chase (Chelsie) Wilmoth and Lauren Wilmoth, all of Mt. Vernon, Missouri,

Brooke (Barrett) Gouger, Eric (Stephanie) Wilmoth, Alec (Markley)Porter, and Kyle Wilmoth all of Springfield, Missouri;

nine great-grandchildren; one sister, Jo Ann (Gary) Wilson of Olathe, Kansas

and one brother, Paul K. (Darlene) Hood of Springfield, Missouri;

two sisters-in-law, Judy Hood and Pat Hood, both of Mt. Vernon, Missouri,

and many nieces and nephews.

Helen was preceded in death by her parents, Charles and Gladys, her husband, Dwight; seven

brothers, Max Hood, Winston (Arlene) Hood, Winferd (Becky) Hood, Keith (Ulla) Hood, Ralph

Hood, Morris Ray (Donna) Hood and Jerry Hood and one sister, Betty (O. Paul) Ray.

In all reality, we know that us sitting here today, talking, remembering, crying, and rejoicing is but a drop in the bucket when it comes to remembering and reflecting on a life well lived and an obituary does a poor job of summing up a life.

But we also know that for those of us in Christ. Today is but a temporary step in an otherwise eternal journey made possible by Christ, who in his grace and mercy gave his life to be our pardon.

Would you join me in prayer.

Prayer

Truth

Through the years we have been comforted and uplifted by many passages in the Bible but few really capture the legacy of the heart of a mother and wife more than that of Proverbs 31. It is actually the words of King Lemuel as he relayed to the people words of wisdom that his loving mother poured into his life that stuck with him. All of us here know the power of such words over the years, knowing that when mom tells you something of importance you tuck it away for safe keeping. Well the king had remembered these words because they guided him in finding a woman who would bring blessing into his life greatly. No doubt, learning this from his mother, while seeing her live it out first hand. Lets read starting in verse 10 this afternoon.

Proverbs 31 (ESV) 10-31.

10 An excellent wife who can find? She is far more precious than jewels.

11 The heart of her husband trusts in her, and he will have no lack of gain.

12 She does him good, and not harm, all the days of her life.

13 She seeks wool and flax, and works with willing hands.

14 She is like the ships of the merchant; she brings her food from afar.

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.

21 She is not afraid of snow for her household, for all her household are clothed in scarlet.

22 She makes bed coverings for herself; her clothing is fine linen and purple.

23 Her husband is known in the gates when he sits among the elders of the land.

24 She makes linen garments and sells them; she delivers sashes to the merchant.

25 Strength and dignity are her clothing, and she laughs at the time to come.

26 She opens her mouth with wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue.

27 She looks well to the ways of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness.

28 Her children rise up and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her:

29 “Many women have done excellently, but you surpass them all.”

30 Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.

31 Give her of the fruit of her hands, and let her works praise her in the gates.

A couple things to mention today.

finding a woman of this caliber is rare and she should be valued for the treasure she is.

I think starting off by discussing the reality for us all is that such women are rare in our time as much as they were in theirs. The proverb rightly says finding one is more precious than any kind of precious stone. Why? Because such a treasure is worth a price once, but a woman who loves and serves and sacrifices like this is a profit to your entire life. Sadly, days like today help us often re-realize and appreciate the times when we sat with mom, when she would speak a kind or encouraging word, or that one time when you really needed someone and she showed up. The reality is such mothers, grandmothers are worth their weight in gold because their impact goes far beyond even their own life will permit. We take them with us long after they are gone and pass their influence on to those around us.

She is marked by trust, care, strength, generosity, dignity, laughter, kindness, and wisdom.

This passage spells out in detail the kind of character such a woman carries with her. Verse 11 tells us that her husband has trust in her and that trust is rewarded with gain. She is always taking care of those around her, she is a woman dressed not in lavish attire but whatever she wears seems to put her strength and beauty on full display. She is a woman of mercy, giving to the needy, helping the poor, and caring for those that are often overlooked. No matter the signs or the seasons, times of want or times of plenty, she carries with her a sort of quiet dignity that is ready for the coming storms. When I was a kid, I remember one night when my mom turned off all the lights in the house and we went out on the grass in the backyard with sleeping bags. We roasted hotdogs over a fire and watched all the lightning bugs and stars come out. It was one of the coolest nights I can remember as a kid. Little did I know, that the inspiration of the night was our lights being cut off because we were too broke to pay the bill. Mom’s have a way of helping the harshness of the world seem to skate right off us like an umbrella. And like most, we stay safe and dry under its protection while mom is standing out in the rain, keeping her babies dry. She brings laughter to her home and her family. She is know by kindness when she speaks and wisdom when she guides. No doubt you all could spend hours sharing the stories and times when mom talked to you, offering you wisdom you didn’t want at the time, but later found to be invaluable.

Her hands are always busy to provide for her family, her community, and her God.

Metaphors are given in the passage from weaving to planting, to making clothes, to selling wares, but the message is clear, such a woman works hard to do what it takes to make sure people have what they need. She provides first for her husband and kids. She makes it her mission to see that they have what they need. Then she uses the work of her hands to help the poor in her community for the Glory of God. Such women have always been the backbone of the moral structure of our lives. Many of you owe Helen for introducing you to the Lord and showing you what it looks like to serve him faithfully and sacrificially.

She is willing to do what it takes to see her family succeed, often sitting in the back while they get to shine.

The old joke goes, “behind every good man there is a better woman rolling her eyes.” Well, behind a loving family, there is a mom, a grandma, who is beaming with pride and love. She often is in the background, admiring from her perch as who her kids are becoming. She is always ready to give praise and encouragement for her grand-kids. In Helen’s case, she loved to cook with the Grandkids, to travel anywhere, and was always ready to be the ear you needed.

this is the legacy of Helen and the torch she passes to all of you. To love well, work diligently, care for those who need you, and honor the Lord in all you do.

Landing

And as we come to the graveside, we do the last thing we can for Helen remembering that while we bury her body, we are not burying her. She has ran her race well but for the follower of Christ, this is not good bye, only see you later. Paul sought to encourage the church in Thessolonnica with these words.

1 Thessalonians 4:13–17 (ESV)

13 But we do not want you to be uninformed, brothers, about those who are asleep, that you may not grieve as others do who have no hope.

14 For since we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so, through Jesus, God will bring with him those who have fallen asleep.

15 For this we declare to you by a word from the Lord, that we who are alive, who are left until the coming of the Lord, will not precede those who have fallen asleep.

16 For the Lord himself will descend from heaven with a cry of command, with the voice of an archangel, and with the sound of the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first.

17 Then we who are 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.

We will remember, we will miss her, we will grieve her, but not without hope. You see, because of Jesus life, death, burial, and resurrection, we can have life that never ends. Helen believed in Jesus and took him up on his gift for her salvation. This same gift is held out for you as well and Helen would want you to know that you can be saved as well. Put your full faith and trust in Jesus Christ and you can be saved. We will see Helen again because of this promise.

Pray.