Evelyn Ballard

ORDER OF SERVICE

1. Prelude – Phyllis Brown, Pianist and Vocalist

“It Is Well With My Soul”

“Amazing Grace”

“Blessed Assurance”

“I Come to the Garden”

Family Entrance – All Please Stand

“Great Is Thy Faithfulness”

2. Welcome & Opening Prayer

Pastor Scott Davis, Nephew

3. Reading #1 – Ralph Waldo Emerson

All readings, hymns, verses, and poems were chosen by Evelyn.

Read by Jasper Ballard, Nephew

4. Scripture Readings

Psalm 23 and Psalm 19 – Read by David Morris. nephew of Jim and Sally Ballard

Psalm 8 and Psalm 121 – Read by Eve Ballard Norris, niece

5. Hymn – “How Great Thou Art”

Congregational Participation

6. Eulogy / Life Tribute

Carolyn Ballard Davis, Sister

Wendy Davis Dawson, Niece

Gaynelle West, Lifelong Friend

DRAFT #1

7. Poetry Selection – Adaptation of Archibald Rutledge

Read by Libby Ballard, niece

8. Hymn – “It Is Well With My Soul”

Instrumental by Phyllis Brown, Pianist

9. Reading #2 – Anam Cara by John O’ Donohue

Read by Caroline Ballard, niece

10. Reading Selection of Chief Tecumseh

Read by Robert Ballard, nephew

11. Hymn – “The Lord’s Prayer”

Congregational Participation

12. Final Words and Closing Prayer

Pastor Scott Davis

You know, when I think of Aunt Evelyn, one of the first things that comes to mind is that woman could move. I think I’ve rented more U-Haul trucks for her than most moving companies do in a month! I told her once, “Aunt Evelyn, if you move again, I’m going to start charging rent on the truck myself!” But I’d do it again in a heartbeat—because those moves gave us time together, and now I see just how precious that time really was.

Time—it’s funny, isn’t it? We never know how much of it we’ll have. One minute you’re renting a truck for your aunt, and the next, you're standing here saying goodbye.

Scripture reminds us how short our time really is. James 4:14 says, “What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes.” Psalm 90:12 teaches us to pray, “So teach us to number our days, that we may get a heart of wisdom.”

Time is short. None of us can control it. And if these last few years have taught us anything, it’s just that.

We've walked through a lot of loss—Lewis, Faye, Frankie, Shirley, Ted, Ruth, Jim, and Sally. One after another, we've had to say goodbye. Time and circumstances have caused us to drift apart. We're scattered across states, busy living life. But even now—though distant—the Ballard family goes on. We still have Wayne and Gayle, Mom, all of the cousins, and now their children and grandchildren. The name goes on, the memories go on, and the love—though stretched—still exists.

But even more than that, what goes on is eternity.

And if there's anything we should learn from watching our loved ones pass on, it's this: we are not in control of time, but God is. And He’s already told us what comes next.

John 14:2-3 gives us a beautiful promise: “In my Father’s house are many rooms... I go to prepare a place for you... that where I am you may be also.”

Eternity is not some vague idea—it is real, it is promised, and it is coming. Hebrews 9:27 says, “It is appointed for man to die once, and after that comes judgment.” But praise God for the gift of salvation through Jesus Christ. Romans 6:23 says, “The wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

So today, yes, we remember Evelyn. But we also reflect. We ask the hard questions: Am I ready for eternity? Have I accepted the gift that Jesus offers? Because one day, we’ll all move—not to another apartment, not across town, but into eternity. And I want us all to be there—together again.

That’s how we honor Evelyn. That’s how we carry on the Ballard name—not just in memory, but in hope. Hope rooted in Christ, secured in eternity.

[The Hope of Reunion]

And here’s the best part: we will see our loved ones again.

1 Thessalonians 4:13-14 says, “We do not grieve as others who have no hope… for we believe that Jesus died and rose again, and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in Him.”

That means this goodbye isn’t final. It’s more like a “see you soon.” We’ll see Evelyn again. We’ll see Ted, Frankie, and all who have gone before us in Christ.

Because of the resurrection, we have hope that death is not the end—it’s the doorway. And on the other side is joy, reunion, and eternal life with the One who conquered the grave.

[A Loving Challenge to Reflect]

So let me ask: Are you ready for that day? Have you made peace with God? Have you placed your faith in Jesus Christ—the One who said, “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live.” (John 11:25)

Evelyn would want every single one of us to be there with her one day. And the good news is—you can be. It’s not about religion. It’s about a relationship with Jesus.

Romans 10:9 says: “If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.”

That’s the promise. That’s the hope. That’s what gives meaning to today.

[Closing Reflection]

We celebrate Evelyn today—not just for the life she lived, but for the hope she leaves behind.

Her chapter on earth may be closed, but her story is far from over. She’s with Jesus now. And one day, we’ll join her—not because we earned it, but because He made a way.

Closing Prayer

Let’s pray.

Father,

We thank You for the life of Evelyn Ballard—her love, her laughter, her legacy. Thank You for the family that surrounds us, for the memories we share, and the grace that sustains us.

In our grief, give us comfort. In our questions, give us peace. And in our sorrow, remind us of our hope.

Thank You for Jesus—who conquered death, secured eternal life, and promised us that one day, You will wipe every tear from our eyes.

Lord, help us live with eternity in mind. Teach us to number our days and prepare our hearts.

Until that great reunion, help us walk faithfully, love deeply, and honor those who’ve gone before us.

In the powerful name of Jesus we pray, Amen.