Tolethia Templeton Stallings - Beautiful, Caring, & Generous

Greeting and Thanks

We are gathered here today at Mt. Ruhama Baptist Church in Maiden, NC to celebrate the life of Tolethia Stallings. Mt. Ruhama is a fitting place for such a celebration of her life. It is here that family gathers annually to strengthen its love one to another. And it is here, in the adjacent cemetery, that many deceased family have been laid.

We are gathered here today to celebrate the life of On behalf of the immediate family, thank you for your kindness, support, and love.

On behalf of the family, thank you for the many expressions and acts of prayer, kindness, support, and love. Your continued prayer and support is most meaningful and sincerely appreciated.

Scripture

We are gathered here today to celebrate the life of On behalf of the immediate family, thank you for your kindness, support, and love.

M

, is good word for us today. It says, “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble…The LORD of hosts is with us.”

In the Lord Jesus Christ reminds us that “Blessed are those that mourn, for they shall be comforted.”

The Lord Jesus goes on to say, “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”

Prayer - Heavenly Father, thank you for your presence with us today as we celebrate the life of our beloved Tolethia. Your presence is a comforting blanket like none other. I ask that you especially comfort the family and friends gathered here today. Thank you for the loving-kindness expressed to them from near and afar. Let this day together help us to mourn the deep since of loss we feel in Tolethia’s death. We come to you for rest. We join our hearts with you at this time. Ease the burden of our grief as we share in this celebration of Tolethia’s life with tears of love and smiles of remembrance. May your grace abound as we acknowledge your presence and your promise of life beyond. In Jesus name, amen.

Obituary for Tolethia Templeton Stallings

Obituary for Tolethia Templeton Stallings

Tolethia Mae Templeton Leonard Stallings, age 77, of Cataula, GA, formerly of Statesville, NC passed away on Wednesday, May 10, 2017 at her residence. Born February 16, 1940 in Iredell County, NC, she was the daughter of the late Robert Buel and Flossie Mae Abernathy Templeton.

She is survived by: Husband: George “Tony” Stallings of the home

2 Daughters: Susan L. Garcia of Havre De Grace, MD and Laura L. Mooney and husband Rev. Jay Mooney of Springfield, MO

2 Step-daughters: Sheryl Erickson and husband Rob of Atlanta, GA and Melissa Clarke and husband Matt of Orlando, FL

9 Grandchildren: Victor Garcia, Beth Bunger, Elise Wood, Eric and Erin Mooney, Taylor and Sarah Erickson and Noah and Joshua Clarke

2 Great Grandchildren: Brielle and Landry Bunger

Sister: Gloria Redmond of Statesville, NC

2 Brothers: Robert and Thomas Templeton both of Statesville, NC

Following this 2PM Celebration of Life service, there will be a burial in the church cemetery for those who would like to attend.

(May 13, 2017 at 2:00 p.m. at Mt. Ruhama Baptist Church in Maiden with Rev. Jay Mooney officiating. Burke Mortuary & Crematory in Newton is serving the Stallings family.)

The family will receive friends Saturday from 1:00-1:45 p.m. prior to the service.

Celebration Introduction

Greeting and thanks

We are gathered here today to celebrate the life of On behalf of the immediate family, thank you for your kindness, support, and love.

Scripture

Burke Mortuary & Crematory in Newton is serving the Stallings family.

, is good word for us today. It says, “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble…The LORD of hosts is with us.”

In the Lord Jesus Christ reminds us that “Blessed are those that mourn, for they shall be comforted.”

The Lord Jesus goes on to say in Mt. 11:28-30, “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”

Let us pray - Heavenly Father, thank you for your presence with us today as we celebrate the life of our beloved Tolethia. Your presence is a comforting blanket like none other. I ask that you especially comfort the family and friends gathered here today. Thank you for the loving-kindness expressed to them from near and afar. Let this day together help us to mourn the deep since of loss we feel in Tolethia’s death. We come to you for rest. We join our hearts with you at this time. Ease the burden of our grief as we share in this celebration of Tolethia’s life with tears of love and smiles of remembrance. May your grace abound as we remember a beloved mother, wife, grandmother, friend. May your grace abound as we celebrate a beautiful, care, generous person. May your grace abound as we acknowledge your presence and your promise of life beyond. In Jesus name, amen.

Celebration of Tolethia Mae

Tolethia Stallings was an accomplished woman, wife, mother, and friend. Although she physical stood a bit over 5’ in height, she towered in life as though 10’ tall.

Tony Stallings

We are gathered here today to celebrate the life of On behalf of the immediate family, thank you for your kindness, support, and love.

Scripture

, is good word for us today. It says, “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble…The LORD of hosts is with us.”

In the Lord Jesus Christ reminds us that “Blessed are those that mourn, for they shall be comforted.”

The Lord Jesus goes on to say, “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”

Prayer - Heavenly Father, thank you for your presence with us today as we celebrate the life of our beloved Tolethia. Your presence is a comforting blanket like none other. I ask that you especially comfort the family and friends gathered here today. Thank you for the loving-kindness expressed to them from near and afar. Let this day together help us to mourn the deep since of loss we feel in Tolethia’s death. We come to you for rest. We join our hearts with you at this time. Ease the burden of our grief as we share in this celebration of Tolethia’s life with tears of love and smiles of remembrance. May your grace abound as we acknowledge your presence and your promise of life beyond. In Jesus name, amen.

Tolethia Stallings was an accomplished woman, wife, mother, and friend. Although she physical stood a bit over 5’ in height, she towered in life as though 10’ tall.

This lady was a short giant.

Tolethia’s beloved husband Tony probably captured it best when he would occasionally say, “There ain’t but one Tolethia Mae!”

In the 1980’s, during the emergence of the personal computer, the software that was used to operate a personal computer emerged from a formula of confusing letters, characters, and numbers on a screen to an understandable way with pictures that you could just click on. Professionals called that way “WYSIWYG - What You See Is What You Get.” Timmie was WYSIWYG. And it was fun and at times a challenge to keep up with.

Timmie had something to say. She had an opinion on the matter.

How do you celebrate someone who stood 10’ in stature with only 10” of opportunity? This lady was a giant.

Although I don’t believe Timmie was published author, she did write some unforgettable stories and humorous words on the hearts of family and friends. And she often had a unique way to tell it and say it.

BTW, has there ever been anyone who lived more clean and organized?

“Don’t touch your nose. You get a Kleenex.”

“Laura…Susan...Do you want me to take you to the bathroom?”

“You need to cut your hair.”

“Don’t touch your nose. You get a Kleenex.”

“Be sure you’re wearing clean undies on your trip in case you have an accident.”

“Do you want me to take you to the bathroom?”

If while driving in the car she saw a dead animal along the road, she would casually note, “He had a bad day.”

If you complained about the inconvenience of putting something back where it belonged, you might hear her say “Well, bless your pea-picken heart.”

If you followed Timmie Stallings, you learned to be clean, organized, and respectful of others. She was a good steward of people, places, and things.

If you complained about the inconvenience of putting something back where it belonged, you might hear her say “Well, bless your pea-picken heart.”

BTW, has there ever been anyone who lived more clean and organized?

Tolethia was a patriot. She loved and deeply respected America’s Armed Services. She loved the Army. She loved its people. She loved this nation. And she respectfully invested herself as a Civil Servant at abroad and home before retiring from the finance department at Ft. Benning, GA.

[Individual comments from family and friends.]

Let us celebrate the beloved Tolethia Stallings in this service?

[Individual comments from family and friends.]

Three words can help us celebrate commemorate this beloved lady today - BEAUTIFUL, CARING, & GENEROUS.

Tolethia was a beautiful woman!

Tolethia was attractive inside and out. She had those sparkling green to behold. Such eyes were unique to both the Abernathy’s and the Templeton’s. They are rare to most in life. It is estimated that only about 2% of the world’s population have green eyes. And Timmie’s 2% could capture 98% of attention. To match her glowing green eyes was a petite and upright woman with flowing fine hair that gorgeous even in gray. And she could dance.

She danced with Bill Leonard straight out of high school into military life. She gained two beautiful twin daughters and an army of Leonard family members.

In the 1980’s following heart-break and the subsequent death of Bill. She met a new prince, Tony Stallings.

Tony had a group of guy friends that gathered on weekends. Timmie had a group of girl friends that would go out on weekends too. The 2 groups kept bumping into each other. Finally, Don Jones (one of Tony’s friends) approached Timmie and basically said, “You have identical twins. He has identical twins. You’re from NC. He’s from NC. You should go ask that man to dance.” So, she did, and he fell in love. Plus, as Tony said, “She was smoking hot, the prettiest one in the group by far.”

The two began to date. Following a two-year courtship, one day Tony got down on one knee and tenderly proposed. She warmly accepted and they were married. She enjoyed getting new things, and he enjoyed getting new things for her.

Tony & Timmie loved making each other happy. She was his princess. He was her prince.

They worshipped together for over 20 years at St. Paul’s United Methodist Church in Columbus, GA. Often enjoying breakfast together at Indy’s or IHOP following the early Sunday AM service.

Timmie had her favorite eating places. And the Bullock House was one she truly enjoyed on a fair weekend. For she could eat and then shop for beautiful trinkets in one location.

[Insert comments of Tony about Tolethia from interview]

Tolethia’s beauty was more than physical. She was an amazing person! And I am fairly confident that she established the word “Loyalty” in the modern dictionary. You could count on Timmie. Her word was her bond. If everything was falling in around you, Timmie was always there.

Tolethia was a caring person!

When it came to caring about people, Tolethia was incredibly generous! She set a standard that anyone would do well just to imitate.

She loved her daughters, Susan and Laura,…and the world was going to hear about it if they didn’t already know them. And she loved Tony’s daughters, Sheryl & Missy, just as she did Susan & Laura. Those beautiful wedding photos were going to make sure you knew these two sets of twins when you walked in the front door of the Stallings home.

Susan and Laura were especially blessed to have had Timmie’s nurturing wings of love to get up and grow up. Yes, I said “get up” and “grow up.” Timmie was industrious. For example, if there was something to clean or plant, she was on it. And she expected her daughters’ to be industrious too. Perhaps it came from her own youthful experience as the oldest child in her home with deaf parents. At 5 years of age, Susan and Laura, were to get up and make there bed every day.

She equally treasured her 9 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren. Many of them were blessed to benefit from that same responsible building love.

Tolethia was industriously caring but she wasn’t an over-bearing mother or grandmother. She gave them room to blossom individually. She established a clear foundation for her girls but she expected her girls to not just “get up” but encouraged them to “grow up” and live life.

Tony’s gir

College and career were ingrained in her children. There were things to do, people to meet, and a world to encounter.

During the Army years, while living in Germany, they took great advantage of the opportunity to travel Europe. She wasn’t about to waste an opportunity to see and learn about all kinds of places and people. She cared about people. She had military friends and German neighbor friends.

She practiced her caring ways with her family, friends, and neighbors both abroad and at home.

In 2009, while traveling alone in GA a few weeks after my mother’s passing. I stayed at Tony & Timmie’s home. Timmie and I were having coffee together in her living room. She was warm and welcoming as always. She knew that I was hurting inside. She asked me to tell her about my mother a bit. As I shared, she smiled. When I finished, she told me that I was blessed to have had such a good mother. I cried a bit. She comforted me. I told her that as my only remaining mother that I was so thankful for her. Although on most days I called her “Tolethia” or “Timmie.” On that day, and a few others, I was privileged to call her “Mom.”

Her daughter, Susan, said that when she walked in to have radiation treatments, she hugged everyone in the room. She would embrace them and say, “God bless you.” Then she would smile knowing that they had been loved that day.

Both her girls and Tony would say, “One thing about Tolethia Mae. She never met a stranger. She never ignored anyone who crossed her path.” She was mindful of her need, but she was mindful of everyone else’s needs too. And at times, the extent of her outgoing care could make you blush.

In 2009, while traveling alone in GA a few weeks after my mother’s passing. I stayed at Tony & Timmie’s home. Timmie and I were having coffee together in her living room. She was warm and welcoming as always. She knew that I was hurting inside. She asked me to tell her about my mother a bit. As I shared, she smiled. When I finished, she told me that I was blessed to have had such a good mother. I cried a bit. She comforted me. I told her that as my only remaining mother that I was so thankful for her. Although on most days I called her “Tolethia” or “Timmie.” On that day, and a few others, I was privileged to call her “Mom.”

Tolethia loved to care, and she also loved to give! In her eyes, giving wasn’t just simply a good thing to do. It was a life mission!

Tolethia was an amazingly generous individual!

says, “Whoever is generous to the poor lends to the LORD, and he will repay him for his deed.”

When others may see something missing, Timmie saw what could be. When others might have seen a limited supply for themselves, Timmie saw enough to share. When others were confronted by obligation, Timmie responded in opportunity.

Susan and Laura had those covering wings of love and

Tolethia Mae Templeton Leonard Stallings gave more than this moment can capture. But here are seven starting words that describe of this amazing giver. Timmie gave...

Love.

Family was priority.

She called her girls daily. She called her Aunt Pauline religiously. She called everyone.

She never missed an important date either. Birthday, anniversary, graduation, wedding, Christmas, and more.

She loved in word and deed.

She loved hugs. She loved to give them. She loved to receive them.

It wasn’t shallow love. It was sacrificial love. And it was genuine love.

She loved hugs. She loved to give them. She loved to receive them.

Timmie wanted you to know that you were important to her.

She talked to her girls every day…Laura in the morning, and Susan in the afternoon. She called her Aunt Pauline religiously. She often called and sacrificed for all of her family and friends. She was amazing!

One morning while talking to Laura and peering outside the window while Tony was working in the yard, that caring humor arose again. “We need to hire a yard man. Tony doesn’t need to be doing all of that anymore.”

Protection.

Family was the apple of her eye. She guarded them like a mother bear over her cubs. In fact, one would just as well meet a bear on the trail of her cubs than to have criss-crossed Mrs. Stallings over one of her family.

And she loved friends just the same. Her loyalty wasn’t limited to blood. She was compassionate far beneath the surface.

She had a heart for the vulnerable in life. She cared deeply for those who were less fortunate.

Her protective love bred confidence in all of us. Under the shelter of her embrace, one would never need to fear being without.

Gifts.

She gave at Christmas, birthdays, graduations, and various other times. She gave during visits. She gave in emergencies. She gave when no one expected it. And she gave because she loved and cared about you.

Laura often talks about the way she made her childhood memories so special.

Generously.

She gave at Christmas, birthdays, graduations, and various other times. She gave during visits. She gave in emergencies. She gave when no one expected it. And she gave because she loved and cared about you.

Laura often talks about the way she made her childhood memories so special. The trips, events, and the unconditional love. When Susan cut her head in the 5th or 6th grade and had to have stitches, Laura couldn’t sleep at night. She remembers her mom rocking her to sleep every night for a month until she could finally sleep on her own.

The grandkids knew about that generosity and Grandma’s Candy Closet.

She gave her time, talent, and treasure.

She volunteered. She shared. She made it meaningful.

She would give anyone the shirt off her back…and Tony’s if necessary. One day while the Orkin man was treating their home she noticed that he noticed that he had a hole in his sock (she made him take off his shoes to treat the inside of the house). So she gave him several pairs of Tony’s socks.

Perhaps, you have been a recipient of Timmie’s multiple gifts. Some of you have enough socks to keep your feet warm for several years. And others have enough garden gloves to plant a small Callaway Gardens. Can you imagine what heaven would be like if there was a Sam’s Club?

Indiscriminately.

Timmie respected cultures. And she taught her family to see “people” and not immutable traits such as race or less prestigious limits such as poverty.

Her daughter, Susan, said that when she walked in to have radiation treatments, she hugged everyone in the room. She would embrace them and say, “God bless you.” Then she would smile knowing that they had been loved that day.

Sheryl recalled one particular medical appointment at Emory University Hospital. Timmie’s blood pressure was 200/140. The lab tech was alarmed so Timmie reassured him that she was going to be just fine.

Tony would say, “One thing about Tolethia Mae. She never met a stranger. She never ignored anyone who crossed her path.” She was mindful of her need, but she was mindful of everyone else’s needs too. And at times the extent of her outgoing care could make you blush.

It didn’t matter where you were from or where you had been. Tolethia cared about you and gave indiscriminately.

Thoughtfully.

Tolethia didn’t just give at the immediate opportunities. She prepared to give. Sometimes she prepared so early for the next Christmas, that she forgot she had already bought gifts earlier in the year. And because she was so generous, that meant somebody may get double on occasion.

Tolethia’s Candy Closet was always stocked and ready for grandkids or guests. After visits from any of the grandchildren, Timmie & Tony would find candy wrappers stuffed around the house for weeks.

The grandkids loved going shopping with their Grandma. She always made it unforgettable…everything from the Dollar Store to the Department Store.

Instruction.

Timmie was organized. Everything had a place in her house.

She loved the experience that she and Tony shared in building and caring the home that they established together in Cataula.

Timmie had an opinion and expectation that things were to be done right and with excellence. She practiced it, and taught it. And like all others, Tony was obliged to learn it.

says, “Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be still wiser; teach a righteous man, and he will increase in learning.”

One day while Susan was visiting in Cataula, Tony decided to let Susan know how much he had learned from this woman of wisdom. He said quietly to Susan, “Watch this.” He then proceeded to wrongly remove the top off of the wooden kitchen trash can to replace the trash liner. On cue, Timmie piped up. “Hold it. Let me do that.” There was a way that she wanted it done. It was the right way. And she was going to demonstrate it again. As she did, Tony smiled and nodded at Susan. He knew and loved that lady very well. He loved doing things for her, especially when she would call aloud, “Sweeeeetheart...”

I will forever treasure moments of listening to and watching Tony humorously respond to Tolethia’s instruction. Occasionally he would tease a bit in response, the two would look at each other, smile, and Timmie’s green eyes would glisten.

Uniquely.

They loved each other deeply. “I love you” were there favorite shared words. And in the end, Timmie demonstrated her strong but loving voice to her beloved Tony. She said, “If you ever move another woman in this house, I’ll thump your forehead so hard you’ll have a headache forever!” Tony said, “No chance of that. No one could ever follow Timmie.”

They loved each other deeply. “I love you” were their favorite shared words. And in the end, Timmie demonstrated her strong but loving voice to her beloved Tony. She said, “If you ever move another woman in this house, I’ll thump your forehead so hard you’ll have a headache forever!” Tony said, “No chance of that. No one could ever follow Timmie.”

Thoughtfully.

Strength.

Strength

This lady was a tower of strength.

Hope.

This lady was a tower of strength.

[Statement of Timmie’s love to Tony, kids, grandkids and great grandchildren. Statement to extended family and friends.]

Because Timmie was WYSIWYG, she seldom left anything unsaid. Tony says, “She told everyone how much she loved them frequently. And for sure, if she had that opportunity today, undoubtedly she would tell us all again.” Timmie knew that love was foundational to life.

She left Susan and Laura these words in their last conversation on Monday. “I love you dearly. I love you dearly.”

[Statement of Timmie’s love to Tony, kids, grandkids and great grandchildren. Statement to extended family and friends.]

COMFORT From Scripture

All seven of those descriptive giving words about Tolethia Mae Templeton Leonard Stallings brings warmth to those she so dearly loved and cherished. Although she is now with the Lord and we are left to celebrate her life, I believe that Timmie would remind us to join her in placing our remaining hope in the saving grace of the Lord Jesus Christ. For such, “we do not grieve as those who have no hope...”

explains:

“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. For since we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so, through Jesus, God will bring with him those who have fallen asleep. 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. For the Lord himself will descend form 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. 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. Therefore encourage one another with these words.”

English Standard Version Chapter 4

13 But we do not want you to be uninformed, brothers, about those who are asleep, gthat you may not grieve as others do hwho have no hope. 14 For isince we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so, through Jesus, God will bring with him jthose who have fallen asleep. 15 For this we declare to you kby a word from the Lord,4 that lwe who are alive, who are left until mthe coming of the Lord, will not precede those who have fallen asleep. 16 For nthe Lord himself will descend ofrom heaven pwith a cry of command, with the voice of qan archangel, and rwith the sound of the trumpet of God. And sthe dead in Christ will rise first. 17 Then we who are alive, who are left, will be tcaught up together with them uin the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so vwe will always be with the Lord. 18 Therefore encourage one another with these words.

What sets apart Jesus Christ from all others, is his resurrection from the dead, ascension to the Father, the promise of his resurrection of those who have died in faith, and the promise of His return for those who believe. He has conquered death, hell, and the grave.

Timmie knew the comfort of those words before her passing on this past Wednesday morning. And because she believed and chose Jesus Christ as Lord & Savior, she rests in His presence awaiting that great day.

Based on Timmie’s professed faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, we can share the Apostle Paul’s confidence, that although Timmie is now “absent” from her mortal “body,” she is “present with the Lord.” ()

Although written in the 19th Century by Charlotte Elliott, Timmie had a favorite and familiar hymn that was popularized through the evangelistic services the great NC preacher, Billy Graham. The song is a beautiful prayer of a humble, surrendered believer to the Lamb of God, Jesus Christ.

“Just as I am, without one plea, but that thy blood was shed for me, and that thou bidst me come to thee, O Lamb of God, I come, I come.

Just as I am, and waiting not to rid my soul of one dark blot, to thee whose blood can cleanse each spot, O Lamb of God, I come, I come.

Just as I am, though tossed about with many a conflict, many a doubt, fightings and fears within, without, O Lamb of God, I come, I come.

Just as I am, poor, wretched, blind; sight, riches, healing of the mind, yea, all I need in thee to find, O Lamb of God, I come, I come.

Just as I am, thou wilt receive, wilt welcome, pardon, cleanse, relieve; because thy promise I believe, O Lamb of God, I come, I come.

Just as I am, thy love unknown hath broken every barrier down; now, to be thine, yea thine alone, O Lamb of God, I come, I come.”

Whenever this song was sung, Timmie confessed and re-confessed her faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. And now based on that testimony of faith, she enjoys an eternal life unmatched by anything this world has to offer. I am confident that if she were here to speak to us this day, she would most certainly declare what she now beholds and encourage us to embrace the Lord Jesus Christ in faith today.

As declares, “For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, a result of works, so that no one can boast.”

Let me encourage you to place your faith and hope in the Lord Jesus Christ. He is able to comfort you now and reunite you with those who love and trust Him.

[Insert Scriptures]

Concluding Thought

Timmie loved to travel in her younger years. During the Army years, Tolethia crossed many international borders. Each time, she was required to complete a declaration of what she was bringing with her from one country to the next. When she passed from this life in the presence of the Lord Jesus Christ, among the many things that she could declare, I believe that these would be top:

Over the years, Tolethia crossed many international borders. Each time, she was required to complete a declaration of what she was bringing with her from one country to the next. When she passed from this life in the presence of the Lord Jesus Christ, among the many things that she could declare, I believe that these would be top:

I am loved by God.

I am loved by Tony.

I am loved by my girls - Susan, Laura, Sheryl and Missy.

I am loved by my grandchildren and great grandchildren.

I am loved by all of my family and many, many friends.

And…

I believe that there would certainly be at least another declaration.

I believe that Tolethia Mae Templeton Stallings would declare, “Lord, I loved everyone of them. And I look forward to seeing them again with You.”

“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble…The LORD of hosts is with us.” (,)

[Prayer for the family and friends.]

“And now, may the blessed comfort of the LORD be yours as you mourn your loss and celebrate your beloved. May the peace of God, which passes all understand, keep your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus our Lord. Amen”

GRAVESIDE Service

I would like to share some selected Scriptures before we commit the remains of Tolethia to this burial place.

“All flesh shall perish together, and man shall turn again to dust.” ()

“[God,] When you hide your face, they are dismayed; when you take away their breath, they die and return to their dust.” ()

“All go to one place. All are from the dust, and to dust all return.” ()

“and the dust returns to the earth as it was, and the spirit returns to God who gave it.” ()

“And Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live.” ()

Forasmuch as it has pleased Almighty God of His mercy to take back to Himself the soul of our beloved Tolethia, we therefore commit her remains to the ground; earth to earth, ashes to ashes, dust to dust; in the sure and certain hope that the spirit which has returned unto God who gave it will be united with her resurrected body at the second coming of Christ, when “the Lord himself descends from heaven with a cry of command, with the voice of an archangel, and with the sound of the trumpet of God.” “For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised imperishable.” “For this corruptible must put on incorruption and this mortal must put on immortality.” “Then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written: Death is swallowed up in victory.”

Prayer for the bereaved.

“Grace, mercy, and peace, from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord” be yours. ()

God bless you and comfort you.