Peggy Childress Funeral- January 17, 2025

INTRODUCTION

We are not here today to mourn a death, but instead to celebrate a life and to mourn a loss.

Today we mourn the loss of Peg Childress.

Peg was a person who was a good mother, wife, grandparent, and friend to many.

For that she will be missed greatly by those who knew and loved her.

We are not only here to mourn a great loss, but to celebrate the life that Peggy shared with those she knew.

Proverbs 31:10–31 (NET 2nd ed.)

10 Who can find a wife of noble character? For her value is far more than rubies.

11 Her husband’s heart has trusted her, and he does not lack the dividends.

12 She has rewarded him with good and not harm all the days of her life.

13 She sought out wool and flax, then worked happily with her hands.

14 She was like the merchant ships; she would bring in her food from afar.

15 Then she rose while it is still night, and provided food for her household and a portion to her female servants.

16 She considered a field and bought it; from her own income she planted a vineyard.

17 She clothed herself in might, and she strengthened her arms.

18 She perceived that her merchandise is good. Her lamp would not go out in the night.

19 She extended her hands to the spool, and her hands grasp the spindle.

20 She opened her hand to the poor, and extended her hands to the needy.

21 She would not fear for her household in winter, because all her household were clothed with scarlet,

22 because she had made coverings for herself; and because her clothing was fine linen and purple.

23 Her husband is well-known in the city gate when he sits with the elders of the land.

24 She made linen garments then sold them, and traded belts to the merchants;

25 her clothing was strong and splendid; and she can laugh at the time to come.

26 She has opened her mouth with wisdom, with loving instruction on her tongue.

27 Watching over the ways of her household, she would not eat the bread of idleness.

28 Her children have risen and called her blessed; her husband also has praised her:

29 “Many daughters have done valiantly, but you surpass them all!”

30 Charm is deceitful and beauty is fleeting, A woman who fears the Lord—she makes herself praiseworthy.

31 Give her credit for what she has accomplished, and let her works praise her in the city gates.

MESSAGE

When you look at the passage I shared, part of the context found in the first 9 verses speaks of a woman you do not want to be around.

Then the Proverb writer offers a contrast of a woman on noble character.

John and Peggy were married 64 years.

They knew each other since they met in High School.

John has known Peggy for over 67 years.

When I asked John about a passage, he gave me the Proverbs 31.

Peggy was a nice lady and was fun to be around.

Peggy loved her family and as John has told me, she was the glue that held everything together.

Peggy was nice to be around and up until a few days ago, she would send me all kinds of pet reels on Facebook Messenger.

She had a nice sense of humor.

John and Peggy stuck together through thick and thin.

She was a good wife to John and she loved her children a great deal.

Health has not been kind to Peggy or John these past few years.

Up until a few years ago, John and Peggy would be sitting in the front row at church together.

I remember going to John and Peggy’s house and I remember seeing her dolls.

One thing to remember today is that Peggy loved the Lord and because she loved and served Him, she will be with Him.

The pains of the past, both physical and emotional are now gone, she will be perfect in the Lord now.

When we lose someone we love, it is so difficult; however, we must remember for those who are in Christ, the loss is not permanent.

For those who are in the Lord will get to be with together with Him for eternity.

CLOSING

I feel compelled to share something that is important, especially for John.

A little over a year ago, my mother passed away from stokes relating to kidney cancer.

My parents were married 60 years.

My father has been left behind by her passing, and my father had spent a lot of time wishing it was him to go instead of mom.

I told him that in this life we will all one day die unless Jesus returns first.

I want to encourage you John as I have my own father, you are here, Peggy has gone home, life your life to the fullest.

Life what life you have left as she would want you to live it.

Cherish your memories, enjoy them.

Life will be so different for you, but you can do it.

Peggy would want you to life your life and love as long as you have breath.

Don’t waste your days on anger or bitterness, life is too short for that.

For everyone else, cherish your memories of Peggy and let her spirit live on in your life.

For the family, come together and love one another because life is too short to waste it on anything else.