Graveside Committal Service Ms. Barbara Gibson

Graveside Committal Service

Canty Cemetery

Title: “Home at Last”

1. Brief Welcome & Scripture (1–2 minutes)

“Family and friends, we gather here at the graveside with love, reverence, and hope. Though this is a place of parting, it is also a place of promise—for we do not bury Ms. Barbara without the assurance of the resurrection through Jesus Christ.”

Scripture Reading:

John 11:25–26 “25 Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live. 26 And whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die. Do you believe this?””

God’s Word affirms that we who know the Lord will have a home in heaven, an eternal home. 2 Corinthians 5:1 “1 For we know that if our earthly house, this tent, is destroyed, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens.”

1 Corinthians 15:51–57 “51 Behold, I tell you a mystery: We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed—52 in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. 53 For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. 54 So when this corruptible has put on incorruption, and this mortal has put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written: “Death is swallowed up in victory.” 55 “O Death, where is your sting? O Hades, where is your victory?” 56 The sting of death is sin, and the strength of sin is the law. 57 But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.”

2. Reflection (3–4 minutes)

“As we stand here, we are reminded of the rhythms of rural life that Ms. Bobbie knew so well: sowing and reaping, waiting and trusting. She knew that seasons come and go, but the Lord remains faithful. Oh dearly beloved, “He is the same yesterday, today, and forever” as Your Word promises.

Ms. Bobbie’s life was a life full of service, filled with grace and warmth—just like the land she helped work, her life bore fruit. And though we lay her body to rest today, her soul is with the Lord.

She is not here. She is home.

And we, too, look forward to that day when we shall be reunited—not only with one another, but with our Savior who wipes away every tear and makes all things new.

Revelation 21:1–6 “1 Now I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away. Also there was no more sea. 2 Then I, John, saw the holy city, New Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. 3 And I heard a loud voice from heaven saying, “Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people. God Himself will be with them and be their God. 4 And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away.” 5 Then He who sat on the throne said, “Behold, I make all things new.” And He said to me, “Write, for these words are true and faithful.” 6 And He said to me, “It is done! I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. I will give of the fountain of the water of life freely to him who thirsts.”

In Revelation 14:13, we read:

‘Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on. “Yes,” says the Spirit, “they will rest from their labor, for their deeds will follow them.”’

Her labor is over. Her rest is secure. And her influence follows us still.”

3. Committal (2 minutes)

“In sure and certain hope of the resurrection to eternal life through our Lord Jesus Christ, we now commit her body to its resting place—earth to earth, ashes to ashes, dust to dust.

The Lord bless her and keep her; The Lord make His face shine upon her and be gracious to her; The Lord lift up His countenance upon her and give her peace.” (from Numbers 6:24–26)

4. Closing Prayer (2–3 minutes)

Let us pray.

Gracious God, We thank You for the gift of this life, and especially for the gift of this dear woman—Your faithful daughter, Ms. Barbara Gibson. Thank You for the love she gave, the example she set, and the memories that will live on in those who knew and loved her.

As we lay her earthly body to rest, we do so trusting in Your eternal promises. Wrap Your loving arms around this family. May this family fill Your presence and Your peace that passes all understanding. May her legacy instill in us to live lives of faith, kindness, and purpose. And may we all long for the day when we, too, will hear You say, “Well done, good and faithful servant. Enter into the joy of your Lord.”

In the strong name of Jesus we pray, Amen