The love poured into our family these past few weeks overwhelms Clint, Landon, Katelyn, and me. We cannot replace the love lost with our mother's passing, but our friends and family continue to test this theory.
I found some relief by listening to the songs the Caffee family played at mom's service, reliving the stories from mom's eulogy, imagining myself looking in on the events from Samantha's memorial, and digging deeper into Steve's message to us.
We know you are hurting too. Thank you for everything you have done to help us cope. We love you back.
I found some relief by listening to the songs the Caffee family played at mom's service, reliving the stories from mom's eulogy, imagining myself looking in on the events from Samantha's memorial, and digging deeper into Steve's message to us.
We know you are hurting too. Thank you for everything you have done to help us cope. We love you back.
Lucretia's Memorial Service
Mom wanted us to celebrate her life--not morn her passing.
Steve Pylant (paster and longtime family friend) led Lucretia's Memorial Service. Katelyn and Landon selected some of mom's favorite songs for the service.
Andrew (guitar and vocals) and Mary Caffee (vocals) masterfully led their brothers Jake (bass guitar), Sam (electric guitar), Adam (piano) and brother-in-law Micah Craft (drums) in music. We did not record the music they played, so I am adding links to the songs they did in the order they were played.
Steve Pylant (paster and longtime family friend) led Lucretia's Memorial Service. Katelyn and Landon selected some of mom's favorite songs for the service.
Andrew (guitar and vocals) and Mary Caffee (vocals) masterfully led their brothers Jake (bass guitar), Sam (electric guitar), Adam (piano) and brother-in-law Micah Craft (drums) in music. We did not record the music they played, so I am adding links to the songs they did in the order they were played.
Song 1: Glorious Day - Passion featuring Kristian Stanfill
Song 2: Goodness of God - Bethel Music
Remembering Mom
Read by Nathan and authored by Nathan, Katelyn, Landon, and Clint
Mornin’
Everyone in this room knows it’s not morning right now, but saying “mornin’” to my mom was our thing.
I remember walking across the University Bridge in Seattle earlier this year just as the sun began peaking over the Cascade Mountains in the distance. Rowers were in the lake finishing morning workouts. Buses and cars rattled across the metal draw bridge a few feet away. I waited while the phone rang... I couldn’t wait to tell mom “mornin’” and describe the beautiful scene when she picked up.
Mom answered with her classic catch phrase for me. “Hey Nate!”. “Mornin’!”. I could see mom smiling through the phone as clearly as I see you now.
I got about halfway through my description. She interrupted me, “Mmmm, that sounds so beautiful. Send me some pictures!” I tried to continue, but was cut off. “Hold on Nate. Martha do we...” I don’t remember what she asked Martha, but it doesn’t matter. She was enjoying her own scene, knocking tasks off a to-do list alongside one of her “My friends”.
Everyone in this room knows it’s not morning right now, but saying “mornin’” to my mom was our thing.
I remember walking across the University Bridge in Seattle earlier this year just as the sun began peaking over the Cascade Mountains in the distance. Rowers were in the lake finishing morning workouts. Buses and cars rattled across the metal draw bridge a few feet away. I waited while the phone rang... I couldn’t wait to tell mom “mornin’” and describe the beautiful scene when she picked up.
Mom answered with her classic catch phrase for me. “Hey Nate!”. “Mornin’!”. I could see mom smiling through the phone as clearly as I see you now.
I got about halfway through my description. She interrupted me, “Mmmm, that sounds so beautiful. Send me some pictures!” I tried to continue, but was cut off. “Hold on Nate. Martha do we...” I don’t remember what she asked Martha, but it doesn’t matter. She was enjoying her own scene, knocking tasks off a to-do list alongside one of her “My friends”.
Picture I texted to mom the morning I called her.
My friend
I felt a little weird when mom would go on and on about “My friend”. I used to think that Martha was the only “My friend”. I’ve since learned that mom calls a few people “My friend”, but the list is short. Actually, short is relative in this case.
Mom had cervical cancer. In the last year, she attended near weekly doctor’s appointments and treatments. She cracked up as she told me about the time Martha, Crystal, and Patsy all huddled into the corner behind a privacy curtain in a UAB exam room while Dr. Huh did his work. I’ve heard this story from several people, but all tell me this: Dr Huh said he had never seen so many people try to get behind one of those curtains.
This may not seem like a big deal, but Dr Huh is internationally famous for his work on cervical cancer. Of all the people who traveled from across the state, the Southeast, North America, and—in all likelihood—the globe, not one of his patients had so many “My friends”.
Good authors reveal information about characters in their stories through that character’s interactions with others. The author of Lucretia’s story wanted us to know the depth of her impact on the people around her.
I felt a little weird when mom would go on and on about “My friend”. I used to think that Martha was the only “My friend”. I’ve since learned that mom calls a few people “My friend”, but the list is short. Actually, short is relative in this case.
Mom had cervical cancer. In the last year, she attended near weekly doctor’s appointments and treatments. She cracked up as she told me about the time Martha, Crystal, and Patsy all huddled into the corner behind a privacy curtain in a UAB exam room while Dr. Huh did his work. I’ve heard this story from several people, but all tell me this: Dr Huh said he had never seen so many people try to get behind one of those curtains.
This may not seem like a big deal, but Dr Huh is internationally famous for his work on cervical cancer. Of all the people who traveled from across the state, the Southeast, North America, and—in all likelihood—the globe, not one of his patients had so many “My friends”.
Good authors reveal information about characters in their stories through that character’s interactions with others. The author of Lucretia’s story wanted us to know the depth of her impact on the people around her.
Patsy, Crystal, Lucretia, and Martha a few years back
Minnie
I will spare you the details, but as I got older I realized that mom and dad were happier at some breakfasts than they were others. “Hey there Little Momma. Oh hey Big Mic” (smooch). YUCK!
I will spare you the details, but as I got older I realized that mom and dad were happier at some breakfasts than they were others. “Hey there Little Momma. Oh hey Big Mic” (smooch). YUCK!
Mom and dad posing for a picture a couple years back.
No two people loved one another more than my parents. I didn’t fully understand the reach of this partnership until I started helping mom setup all her technology. Dad’s name is Michael, but everyone calls him “Mickey”. Mom’s nickname across all the websites includes some version of “Minnie”. Lucretia is Mickey’s Minnie.
At some point dad started traveling to survey cell tower sites. Lucretia seized the opportunity to do a little traveling with dad. The thought of those two surveying together cracks me up.
Anyone who knows my family well knows that we tend to aggravate one another to tears. Lucretia is to aggravation what El Chapo is to drug smuggling. She was the aggravation kingpin. Us kids were obvious and regular targets through the years, but nobody—I mean nobody—got it worse than pocket protector with 4 pens just-in-case Mickey.
Let's try imagining ‘Cretia on the road and surveying with Mickey. Close your eyes and travel back in time with me... Woolly mammoths walked the earth the last time this place dropped below 90. Mickey and Minnie just finished a nutritious lunch that included a shared pack of peanut butter crackers and a warm Pepsi. Dad is laser focused. Mom is bored senseless. She has nothing but time to devise her next atomic tickle trap or brag about her machete prowess over the walkie talkie while standing 7 feet away from dad or popup in front of the prism so that the only thing dad sees in the viewfinder is her goofy face looking back at him.
I don’t know if this ever happened, but mom never had surveying ambitions. I do know that these trips revitalized my parents’ relationship. Both of them looked forward to retiring and traveling together one day. That will not happen, but this example shows how my parents turned challenging circumstances into new adventures to be tackled together as a team.
Dad struggles to find his words now. He no longer recalls the names of us kids. However, the author of our story hasn’t let him forget ‘Cretia.
I’m sure you noticed that dad is absent today. This event—mom’s funeral —is his living nightmare. We will have a separate service just for dad tomorrow morning. Mom would have done something like this too.
When mom got diagnosed with cancer, I asked if she was taking “Big Mic” with her. She shot back without hesitation, “I know you’re kidding. My Lord, Nathan. We can’t talk about cancer around dad!”
Wild Banshees
At some point dad started traveling to survey cell tower sites. Lucretia seized the opportunity to do a little traveling with dad. The thought of those two surveying together cracks me up.
Anyone who knows my family well knows that we tend to aggravate one another to tears. Lucretia is to aggravation what El Chapo is to drug smuggling. She was the aggravation kingpin. Us kids were obvious and regular targets through the years, but nobody—I mean nobody—got it worse than pocket protector with 4 pens just-in-case Mickey.
Let's try imagining ‘Cretia on the road and surveying with Mickey. Close your eyes and travel back in time with me... Woolly mammoths walked the earth the last time this place dropped below 90. Mickey and Minnie just finished a nutritious lunch that included a shared pack of peanut butter crackers and a warm Pepsi. Dad is laser focused. Mom is bored senseless. She has nothing but time to devise her next atomic tickle trap or brag about her machete prowess over the walkie talkie while standing 7 feet away from dad or popup in front of the prism so that the only thing dad sees in the viewfinder is her goofy face looking back at him.
I don’t know if this ever happened, but mom never had surveying ambitions. I do know that these trips revitalized my parents’ relationship. Both of them looked forward to retiring and traveling together one day. That will not happen, but this example shows how my parents turned challenging circumstances into new adventures to be tackled together as a team.
Dad struggles to find his words now. He no longer recalls the names of us kids. However, the author of our story hasn’t let him forget ‘Cretia.
I’m sure you noticed that dad is absent today. This event—mom’s funeral —is his living nightmare. We will have a separate service just for dad tomorrow morning. Mom would have done something like this too.
When mom got diagnosed with cancer, I asked if she was taking “Big Mic” with her. She shot back without hesitation, “I know you’re kidding. My Lord, Nathan. We can’t talk about cancer around dad!”
Wild Banshees
Nathan, Katelyn, Landon, and Clint doing "skinny face" with Katelyn the morning after mom's service.
I recall several times through the years where my choices put my life at risk. Dirt bike riding, skiing, and arguing with Katelyn about looking out my window in mom’s minivan all come with certain risks.
My mother loved us kids unconditionally, but it is incredible that we all survived to adulthood. I know my mother loved us because I often hear that the hardest thing about being a parent is punishing your children. I haven’t committed many Bible verses to memory, but my mother recited Proverbs 13:24 to us often... If you’re not familiar with that one, here’s a reminder:
My mother loved us kids unconditionally, but it is incredible that we all survived to adulthood. I know my mother loved us because I often hear that the hardest thing about being a parent is punishing your children. I haven’t committed many Bible verses to memory, but my mother recited Proverbs 13:24 to us often... If you’re not familiar with that one, here’s a reminder:
Whoever spares the rod hates their children, but the one who loves their children is careful to discipline them.
My parents loved us kids dearly. In fact, dad reminded me most evenings after he returned home from work and reviewed mom’s highlight reel of my activities for the day. They made a great team.
My parents put us kids ahead of themselves for as long as I can remember. I used to wonder why neither of them had a hobby. The reality was that Clint, Landon, Katelyn, and me were their hobbies.
We are all spoiled, but the lengths my mother took to create the monsters that stand before you today boggle the mind. At various times throughout our lives, the four of us had different food preferences. No problem at Cretia’s house...
Cretia regularly cooked 2-3 versions of each meal. Clint and Katelyn eat lean protein. Clint prefers red meat; Katelyn white. Landon likes peas; I’m allergic to beans and corn. I never realized mom did this until my wife, Amanda, noted one day that mom is a fantastic short order cook. (Amanda likes pancakes.) We asked mom to stop this madness through the years, but she refused to yield.
When Katelyn or I came to town, she would stock the refrigerator with our favorite foods. I really like San Pellegrino water. It made Landon so mad to see her hauling around boxes of water in anticipation of my arrival. He knew there was nothing he could do about it... Mom is the number 2 most stubborn person on planet earth (second only to Paw Paw). She said she had strong "leadership skills”.
I know you all believe we are spoiled, and you are right! Clint, Landon, and me are spoiled. Katelyn is rotten. I organize my childhood into two epochs:
BK and AK—before Katelyn and after Katelyn. Life before Katelyn was monster trucks and camping in the Smokies. Life after Katelyn was Belle, Lippies, and Girl Days.
I recently heard about mom's routine to get Katelyn out of bed and ready for her day. It started with mom leaving a glass of cold chocolate milk on the nightstand for the princess and ended with mom following Katelyn down the stairs and into the garage. Every time she left, Katelyn saw mom doing this: “love sign”. If you have ever ridden in a car with Katelyn, you would know why this was a pragmatic way of seeing her off.
If Clint, Landon, and I are spoiled and Katelyn is rotten, I don’t know what label describes the grandkids. There is no reason for me to know the term “Dino chicken”, yet here we are. Here's what I mean:
My parents put us kids ahead of themselves for as long as I can remember. I used to wonder why neither of them had a hobby. The reality was that Clint, Landon, Katelyn, and me were their hobbies.
We are all spoiled, but the lengths my mother took to create the monsters that stand before you today boggle the mind. At various times throughout our lives, the four of us had different food preferences. No problem at Cretia’s house...
Cretia regularly cooked 2-3 versions of each meal. Clint and Katelyn eat lean protein. Clint prefers red meat; Katelyn white. Landon likes peas; I’m allergic to beans and corn. I never realized mom did this until my wife, Amanda, noted one day that mom is a fantastic short order cook. (Amanda likes pancakes.) We asked mom to stop this madness through the years, but she refused to yield.
When Katelyn or I came to town, she would stock the refrigerator with our favorite foods. I really like San Pellegrino water. It made Landon so mad to see her hauling around boxes of water in anticipation of my arrival. He knew there was nothing he could do about it... Mom is the number 2 most stubborn person on planet earth (second only to Paw Paw). She said she had strong "leadership skills”.
I know you all believe we are spoiled, and you are right! Clint, Landon, and me are spoiled. Katelyn is rotten. I organize my childhood into two epochs:
BK and AK—before Katelyn and after Katelyn. Life before Katelyn was monster trucks and camping in the Smokies. Life after Katelyn was Belle, Lippies, and Girl Days.
I recently heard about mom's routine to get Katelyn out of bed and ready for her day. It started with mom leaving a glass of cold chocolate milk on the nightstand for the princess and ended with mom following Katelyn down the stairs and into the garage. Every time she left, Katelyn saw mom doing this: “love sign”. If you have ever ridden in a car with Katelyn, you would know why this was a pragmatic way of seeing her off.
If Clint, Landon, and I are spoiled and Katelyn is rotten, I don’t know what label describes the grandkids. There is no reason for me to know the term “Dino chicken”, yet here we are. Here's what I mean:
Mom loved her friends, husband, kids, and grandkids. She had names for us that only she dared to use. I already told you about “My friends”. Dad is “Sweet Dee”; Clint is “Snake”; Landon is “Love”; Katelyn is “Prissy”; me, “I-B-Joe”. Her brother Rike is "Brother". Paw Paw is “Deddy”.
Deddy
Deddy
Mom adored her “Deddy”. Before mom had her own grandkids, every- other-Friday was Paw Paw day. We all rode to Paw Paws where mom cleaned the house while us kids did odd jobs for exorbitant pay. When mom walked through the door, Paw Paw would tell her, “Hey Doll! I don’t know why you’re even here. I already cleaned up. ” Mom would roll her eyes and shake her head.
I am going to miss seeing mom running from room-to-room while Paw Paw starts ticking down a list of to-dos that mom “might as well check off while she’s here”. “Hey ‘Cretia, if you get a minute, why don’t we A, B, and C. It won’t take but 5 minutes.” 45 minutes later and halfway through task B you’d be wise to bet on hearing “Hey ‘Cretia, if you get a minute, you don’t we D, E, and F.” I can see mom sticking her in from the next room. “Deddy don’t tell me about no 5 minutes.” She and Paw Paw giggle like a couple of school girls. Everyone knew it never took just 5 minutes.
Faith
I am going to miss seeing mom running from room-to-room while Paw Paw starts ticking down a list of to-dos that mom “might as well check off while she’s here”. “Hey ‘Cretia, if you get a minute, why don’t we A, B, and C. It won’t take but 5 minutes.” 45 minutes later and halfway through task B you’d be wise to bet on hearing “Hey ‘Cretia, if you get a minute, you don’t we D, E, and F.” I can see mom sticking her in from the next room. “Deddy don’t tell me about no 5 minutes.” She and Paw Paw giggle like a couple of school girls. Everyone knew it never took just 5 minutes.
Faith
I am not the best person to give the details of mom’s faith, but it was a big part of her life. I hate to even bring this up, but it is important for everyone to understand. Cancer mercilessly tortured mom in the last 4 months of her life. This time put mom’s faith to the test.
When mom navigated the worst pain, she sang old hymns until her medicine put her to sleep. She never lost faith that she would be healed or that this was part of God’s plan for her life. Never.
When mom navigated the worst pain, she sang old hymns until her medicine put her to sleep. She never lost faith that she would be healed or that this was part of God’s plan for her life. Never.
Closing
Mom didn’t cry in front of me, but mom cried when she wasn't able to walk. Mom now dances in heaven.
Most people who have seen cancer up close would not choose to join such a fight. Mom had a whole team arm-in-arm from day 1 through to day 748. If we are the people we surround ourselves with, then the fact that so many people stepped forward to fight alongside my mother tells you all there is to know about Lucretia Ruth Welch.
Song 3: It Is Well - Bethel Music (Kristene DiMarco)
Invitation to the Sisterhood: Patsy, Martha, and Crystal
Patsy recounted baths in public restrooms in the Smokies in the 80s, Martha expressed her love for mom, and Crystal noted that she will miss Lucretia dearly.
The Dream Team
by Samantha Caffee and read by Steve Pylant
Every beautiful legacy has a beginning and the one I’m going to tell you about today began in Garywood’s kitchen 34 years ago with Lucretia, Patsy, Martha, and Crystal. They had been asked to cook for the kindergarten graduation.
The girls didn’t know one another very well then, but they were willing to serve. They did such a good job that, before they knew it, they were being asked to do anything from church picnics, funerals, and missions fundraisers. It was there, in kitchens with aprons on, elbow deep in food, and their children under foot, that true meaningful friendship was born.
They got the name “The Dream Team” because they had an amazing knack for stepping into a stressful situation, taking over, and making it all run smoothly! They blessed so many with their talent and willingness to help.
When I sat down with the girls, they told me many hilarious stories about times that they found themselves in a pickle! Most of those stories couldn’t be told in a church... although there was a prune story that would raise this roof it was so funny! There was the time at Daniel’s wedding when the wedding cake started sinking minutes before the service, the time during a natural disaster when they were worn out from weeks of feeding crowds day and night when they not only ended up on the news, but they met President Clinton! There were many near wedding and funeral catastrophes, but they always saved the day!
Martha was deemed “The Princess” because she always ended up on the news. Patsy was the mouthy one who kept everyone’s attitude in check. Crystal tended to get scattered. Lucretia was the one who could always keep everyone on task no matter how crazy it got.
When I asked how they kept such a strong bond through 34 years of friendship they all agreed that it was the common goal between them, No matter what, they truly wanted to serve God and minister to people. They said that sometimes it would all be going wrong and they would just stop, put everything aside, hold hands, and pray and ask God to bless the work of their hands. He never failed them.
Together the girls raised 25 children, cooked for 30 weddings, countless funerals, 50+ baby showers, 18 graduations, 2 district councils, and 2 disaster relief missions. Together They proudly welcomed 39 grand babies into the world.
It wasn’t always good times though; they faced many hard seasons together and they faced them all shoulder-to-shoulder lifting one another up with encouragement, love, and grit. While listening to them, the verse “Bear ye one another’s burdens and so fulfill the law of Christ” came to mind. That’s what this beautiful group of friends have done throughout the years.
Their last journey together was the cancer diagnosis of their beloved Lucretia. I know that if she was here she would tell you how important is is to walk out the heart of the cross, to bear one another’s burdens, and to love hard. The Dream Team won’t be the same without their best girl, but they will honor her by continuing in pursuit of God’s call on their lives, with their aprons at the ready.
The girls didn’t know one another very well then, but they were willing to serve. They did such a good job that, before they knew it, they were being asked to do anything from church picnics, funerals, and missions fundraisers. It was there, in kitchens with aprons on, elbow deep in food, and their children under foot, that true meaningful friendship was born.
They got the name “The Dream Team” because they had an amazing knack for stepping into a stressful situation, taking over, and making it all run smoothly! They blessed so many with their talent and willingness to help.
When I sat down with the girls, they told me many hilarious stories about times that they found themselves in a pickle! Most of those stories couldn’t be told in a church... although there was a prune story that would raise this roof it was so funny! There was the time at Daniel’s wedding when the wedding cake started sinking minutes before the service, the time during a natural disaster when they were worn out from weeks of feeding crowds day and night when they not only ended up on the news, but they met President Clinton! There were many near wedding and funeral catastrophes, but they always saved the day!
Martha was deemed “The Princess” because she always ended up on the news. Patsy was the mouthy one who kept everyone’s attitude in check. Crystal tended to get scattered. Lucretia was the one who could always keep everyone on task no matter how crazy it got.
When I asked how they kept such a strong bond through 34 years of friendship they all agreed that it was the common goal between them, No matter what, they truly wanted to serve God and minister to people. They said that sometimes it would all be going wrong and they would just stop, put everything aside, hold hands, and pray and ask God to bless the work of their hands. He never failed them.
Together the girls raised 25 children, cooked for 30 weddings, countless funerals, 50+ baby showers, 18 graduations, 2 district councils, and 2 disaster relief missions. Together They proudly welcomed 39 grand babies into the world.
It wasn’t always good times though; they faced many hard seasons together and they faced them all shoulder-to-shoulder lifting one another up with encouragement, love, and grit. While listening to them, the verse “Bear ye one another’s burdens and so fulfill the law of Christ” came to mind. That’s what this beautiful group of friends have done throughout the years.
Their last journey together was the cancer diagnosis of their beloved Lucretia. I know that if she was here she would tell you how important is is to walk out the heart of the cross, to bear one another’s burdens, and to love hard. The Dream Team won’t be the same without their best girl, but they will honor her by continuing in pursuit of God’s call on their lives, with their aprons at the ready.
Remembering Lucretia
Steve Pylant
What an honor to be of service to Lucretia today to celebrate her homecoming. Where does one even start trying to describe Lucretia Welch?
Lucretia was always there to help. She never wanted praise or recognition. She never wanted to be in the limelight. Whether it were a wedding, a tea, a shower she was always there working and serving. If were anyway possible, she would be working here today in the back, working her own celebration of life.
To be honest, I have always struggled spelling Lucretia’s name; I just never got it.
I remember the day we were at Guntersville State Park getting ready, decorating for Katie Sims’ wedding; we were all working hard. Lucretia had me and Mickey building these fancy wreaths/stringers with beads and ornaments. Barbie Hayes was there and brought Billy. Now you’ve got to understand Billy, he was in a bad car wreck and Billy lost his filter... he said the wildest things. Billy sat down with us and asked what we were making and we told him Lucretia had us making these wreaths, stringy things.
Billy asked, "Who’s Lucretia?"
Mickey said, "My wife."
Billy said with total confusion, "There’s a white woman named Lucretia?"
I say that because Lucretia had the philosophy that she did not worry about things she could not change, she would say, “The Lord would just have to handle that.” If you didn’t like something about her, well that’s ok too. She would say: “well I can’t help that”
Lucretia was a private person and she allowed you to be private too. She didn’t stick her noise into your business. And no one need put their noise in hers. She’d say, “Well that’s a private matter, we’ll just leave it at that.”
Lucretia was an extremely hard worker, but she was always elegant. One minute she’s working in the back, go change, and come out looking like she stepped out of the salon. Beautifully dressed, looking like she had spent the whole day getting ready. She just had a grace about her. But she’d say, “Oh I’m just an old country bumpkin”, if you complemented her.
Lucretia loved her friends. If you know me, I have a little reputation as being sneaky. Given half a chance, I’ll poke at the women working in the back... Stir the pot sort of speak. She would say to me, “Mr. Steve, don’t mess with my friend.” Even with all our faults she’d say, "I still love 'em to death."
Above all Lucretia loved here family. She served her family as if she was serving God Himself. She served unselfishly. She was super thoughtful and diligent in everything she did. She did not, in any circumstances, condone laziness. As her children said, “her shirt-tail hasn’t touched her back all-day.” As Mickey would say, “She went from can to can’t.”
Her love language was “Serving others”. Serving others was her ministry. Serving others was how she received her blessings.
And there is no denying Lucretia’s faith in God. Patsy and I have been friends Mickey and Lucretia for nearly 40 years. We raised our children together, with so many others, here at Garywood. Like so many other young couples, we were apart of Sister Bea’s Sunday School Class, there had to be 50-60 families represented in that class. Sister Bea’s class was like a bowl of mash potatoes: we all blended together. Ever since I have known Mickey and Lucretia their faith in God always was strong. It was a faith that they not only believed in; they lived it every single day. It was a faith that so many would be envious of.
Over the years her faith would be tested over and over. She never faltered and wavered. But Lucretia would be tested with the greatest test of all in fighting cancer. Lucretia was never negative. She never gave up hope. And she fought till the end. She totally trusted in that God’s will be done in her life.
She was not afraid of death. It was the love of Pawpaw and Mickey that she tarried so long.
In her darkest moments, when the pain was so severe, she would sing hymns until she would fall asleep. When they [Katelyn and Landon] told me this, I though of the scripture in Psalm 63:7, Because you are my help, I sing in the shadow of your wings.
She was not afraid of death because she believed totally in God’s Word. She walked out her Faith everyday because she trusted in His Words.
She believed in the words of Jesus when he told the story of the faithful servant in the parable of the talents. The master of the house was going on a journey to a far away country. But before he left he gave out a certain amount of treasure to his servants to invest. When the master returned, those entrusted with the treasure had to give an account for what they did with his gifts. Those that dealt wisely with the treasure were given even a greater reward. The master said to them: “Well done, you are a good and faithful servant, enter into the joy of your Lord.”
Lucretia was one of those faithful souls. She used her talents and gifts to the best of her ability. She loved God with all her heart, mind, body and soul. She treated others with that same love. She served God and she served others with a selfless love. This week she met the master face-to-face. And she heard Him say: “Well done my faithful servant, enter into my joy”.
The reason Lucretia demanded that this time to be bright, joyful and a time of celebration is because she herself is still celebrating this morning around His throne. While we are facing our own storms here today, she is walking in the peace and joy of the Lord.
Today, if she could possible say to you:
- A faithful Christian
- A wonderful mother
- An even better grandmother
- A loving supporting wife
- And the dearest of friends
Lucretia was always there to help. She never wanted praise or recognition. She never wanted to be in the limelight. Whether it were a wedding, a tea, a shower she was always there working and serving. If were anyway possible, she would be working here today in the back, working her own celebration of life.
To be honest, I have always struggled spelling Lucretia’s name; I just never got it.
I remember the day we were at Guntersville State Park getting ready, decorating for Katie Sims’ wedding; we were all working hard. Lucretia had me and Mickey building these fancy wreaths/stringers with beads and ornaments. Barbie Hayes was there and brought Billy. Now you’ve got to understand Billy, he was in a bad car wreck and Billy lost his filter... he said the wildest things. Billy sat down with us and asked what we were making and we told him Lucretia had us making these wreaths, stringy things.
Billy asked, "Who’s Lucretia?"
Mickey said, "My wife."
Billy said with total confusion, "There’s a white woman named Lucretia?"
I say that because Lucretia had the philosophy that she did not worry about things she could not change, she would say, “The Lord would just have to handle that.” If you didn’t like something about her, well that’s ok too. She would say: “well I can’t help that”
Lucretia was a private person and she allowed you to be private too. She didn’t stick her noise into your business. And no one need put their noise in hers. She’d say, “Well that’s a private matter, we’ll just leave it at that.”
Lucretia was an extremely hard worker, but she was always elegant. One minute she’s working in the back, go change, and come out looking like she stepped out of the salon. Beautifully dressed, looking like she had spent the whole day getting ready. She just had a grace about her. But she’d say, “Oh I’m just an old country bumpkin”, if you complemented her.
Lucretia loved her friends. If you know me, I have a little reputation as being sneaky. Given half a chance, I’ll poke at the women working in the back... Stir the pot sort of speak. She would say to me, “Mr. Steve, don’t mess with my friend.” Even with all our faults she’d say, "I still love 'em to death."
Above all Lucretia loved here family. She served her family as if she was serving God Himself. She served unselfishly. She was super thoughtful and diligent in everything she did. She did not, in any circumstances, condone laziness. As her children said, “her shirt-tail hasn’t touched her back all-day.” As Mickey would say, “She went from can to can’t.”
Her love language was “Serving others”. Serving others was her ministry. Serving others was how she received her blessings.
And there is no denying Lucretia’s faith in God. Patsy and I have been friends Mickey and Lucretia for nearly 40 years. We raised our children together, with so many others, here at Garywood. Like so many other young couples, we were apart of Sister Bea’s Sunday School Class, there had to be 50-60 families represented in that class. Sister Bea’s class was like a bowl of mash potatoes: we all blended together. Ever since I have known Mickey and Lucretia their faith in God always was strong. It was a faith that they not only believed in; they lived it every single day. It was a faith that so many would be envious of.
Over the years her faith would be tested over and over. She never faltered and wavered. But Lucretia would be tested with the greatest test of all in fighting cancer. Lucretia was never negative. She never gave up hope. And she fought till the end. She totally trusted in that God’s will be done in her life.
She was not afraid of death. It was the love of Pawpaw and Mickey that she tarried so long.
In her darkest moments, when the pain was so severe, she would sing hymns until she would fall asleep. When they [Katelyn and Landon] told me this, I though of the scripture in Psalm 63:7, Because you are my help, I sing in the shadow of your wings.
She was not afraid of death because she believed totally in God’s Word. She walked out her Faith everyday because she trusted in His Words.
She believed in the words of Jesus when he told the story of the faithful servant in the parable of the talents. The master of the house was going on a journey to a far away country. But before he left he gave out a certain amount of treasure to his servants to invest. When the master returned, those entrusted with the treasure had to give an account for what they did with his gifts. Those that dealt wisely with the treasure were given even a greater reward. The master said to them: “Well done, you are a good and faithful servant, enter into the joy of your Lord.”
Lucretia was one of those faithful souls. She used her talents and gifts to the best of her ability. She loved God with all her heart, mind, body and soul. She treated others with that same love. She served God and she served others with a selfless love. This week she met the master face-to-face. And she heard Him say: “Well done my faithful servant, enter into my joy”.
The reason Lucretia demanded that this time to be bright, joyful and a time of celebration is because she herself is still celebrating this morning around His throne. While we are facing our own storms here today, she is walking in the peace and joy of the Lord.
Today, if she could possible say to you:
|
Seek God with all your heart;
Hold on to God with all the energy within your being; Trust in Him with all your heart, with all your mind, body and soul! |
Today, Lucretia has fought the good fight and has received her just reward... “Well done my faithful servant”.
Song 4: Raise a Hallelujah - Bethel Music
Closing Remarks
Steve Pylant
Thank you all for coming to the celebration service for Lucretia today. Thank you for your support with flowers, donations and your support of love. At this time you dismissed. Please be safe and go in God’s love.
Dinner for Family and Close Friends
After mom's memorial service, Patsy, Crystal, and Martha organized a delicious dinner for members of our family--adopted, law-bound, and blood-related. There was enough left over to feed us all three more times!
They brought out all our favorites! I saw broccoli salad and green beans for me (Nathan), fried chicken fingers and macaroni for Landon, grilled chicken fingers for Katelyn and Clint. Countless others contributed cakes, cookies, and too many other deserts to name from memory. I'm still sorting out the details and will add them all in soon.
They brought out all our favorites! I saw broccoli salad and green beans for me (Nathan), fried chicken fingers and macaroni for Landon, grilled chicken fingers for Katelyn and Clint. Countless others contributed cakes, cookies, and too many other deserts to name from memory. I'm still sorting out the details and will add them all in soon.
Lucretia's Obituary
10 January 2020 edition of the Birmingham News