Nancy Gregory

WELCOME

On behalf of her husband Jim and sonsnBrent and Greg, I would like to say thank you to everyone whoo has taken the time today to join us as we celebrate the life of Nancy Alicia Mercer-Defriese-Gregory.

The u also wish to extend a warm thank you for all of the love and support shown during this time.

Nancy Alicia Cheek Mercer- Defriese -Gregory ( July 21, 1944 - Feb 28, 2025)

At 80 yrs young, a lifelong resident of East Ridge, TN went home to be with her Lord and savior on Friday, February 28, 2025. Nancy was an "amazing woman" with her life’s accomplishments and generosity.

She was a giving person who would help any person at any time.

A woman of faith, Nancy was a long time member of Frawley Road Baptist Church , East Ridge and more recently, she became a member of Spirit City Church, North Etowah, TN where her and her husband Jim attended.

However, Nancy loved life, loved Jesus, and she loved her sons and family.

Brent described her as the best mother they could have had and that she loved the, and would have done anything for them.

My time with Nancy was limited. I had the honor and privilege of officiating her marriage to Jim Gregory (last Year). Yet, in this small sample of time, I witnessed her big heart and feisty personality.

When I told brother Jim that he could kiss his bride, I never dreamed that the goodbye would come this soon. To her children and those who loved her, 80 years is never enough.

SERMON

James 4:14 NKJV

whereas you do not know what will happen tomorrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away.

The word vapor is interesting. It does not say smoke. Smoke can linger for a while. No, it says vapor. A vapor vanishes as soon as you see it.

Sometimes during the dry season of winter we will turn on a humidifier to raise the humidity in our house. We will get the machine, fill it with water, add the salt, and turn it on. All this work and the vapors last but for a second. Yet although the vapors disappear, the effects of their existence live on. This is the way the life of a person is. Whether it be 8 minutes or 80 years, the physical life fades quickly. However, the soul live on forever.

Hebrews 9:27–28 NKJV

And as it is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment, so Christ was offered once to bear the sins of many. To those who eagerly wait for Him He will appear a second time, apart from sin, for salvation.

Titus 2:11–14 NKJV

For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age, looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from every lawless deed and purify for Himself His own special people, zealous for good works.

Consider the legacy of Dietrich Bonhoeffer, who faced death at the hands of the Nazis. In his captivity, he wrote letters and reflections that revealed a soul ready for death, confident in the promises of God. His writings encourage us to recognize the importance of preparing for our final moments by cultivating a deep faith that can face death, ultimately trusting in the resurrection and eternal life promised to believers.

The hope I offer today is that there is life beyond the grave, hope beyond the pain, and life begins where death has touched. The hope I offer is not a word or place, rather it is a name: JESUS.

Miss me, but let me go When I come to the end of the road, And the sun has set for me, I want no rites in a gloom filled room Why cry for a soul set free? Miss me a little – but not for long. And not with your head bowed low. Remember the love that once we shared. Miss me, but let me go. For this is a journey we must all take, And each must go alone. It’s all part of the master plan, A step on the road to home. When you are lonely and sick at heart, Go to the friends we know, Laugh at all the things we used to do. Miss me, but let me go. Anonymous