Saturday, May 31, 2014
Memorial Service for Gladys Pearl Post 05-31-14 @ Pine Forest UMC
On this cloudy Saturday morning at Pine Forest United Methodist Church, near Pickton, TX, a large congregation gathered to pay final respects to Gladys Pearl Post, daughter of Alice Post Williams, both of whom have worshiped faithfully and often at Tinney Chapel United Methodist Church, the quintessential country church, 449 County Road 4620, near Winnsboro, TX 75494:
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Officiating at this memorial service was Robert Post, a layman and first cousin of Gladys Pearl Post. Robert Post traveled from North Little Rock, Arkansas for this labor of love.
"I am not a preacher," Robert declared at the outset, "But I love my family and I love God." At this point, Robert read the obituary/eulogy printed in the bulletin handout at this service. There, we learned that Gladys Pearl Post was born in Denver, Colorado to Raymond and Alice Post and was preceded in death by her father and two siblings, Alva Ruth and Spencer Tracey, as well as three half-siblings, Ray Post, Joe Post and Joyce Anne McCratic.
Gladys is survived by her son Justin and his wife, Katie, along with grandchildren, Elayna, Allyson and Junahlie. She is also survived by her mother, Alice Williams of Winnsboro, who is a regular at Tinney Chapel UMC, her half-sister, Nell Northcutt of Mesquite, sister, Ramona Bunch of San Antonio, brother Mike Post and wife Brenda of Denver, Colorado and Danny and Arnold Post of Winnsboro, along with numerous loving nieces and nephews.
Among other accomplishments, Gladys Pearl Post was a student/athlete at Winnsboro High School:
Officiant Robert Post read lyrics from a favorite song, "Cleanse Me," and led the congregation in solemn prayer for Gladys Pearl Post, then introduced a recorded song, "I Know Who Holds Tomorrow & I Know Who Holds My Hand," sung by a niece of Gladys, named Jennifer.
Robert Post then discussed "salvation, hope and grace," reminding the congregation that the Lord is our strength and quoting a variety of Scriptures, including 2 Samuel 22:3, Psalm 13:5, Psalm 25:5, Romans 5:1, Psalm 86:5,7, Hebrews 13:5 and the highly popular Isaiah verse about "wings of eagles," and again reminding the congregation that God answers prayer, and then Robert opened the floor for comments, memories, eulogies and thoughts by anyone in the congregation. At this time, her son Justin said he never realized how strong his mother was until her final illness. Her brother Arnold recalled some fond, humorous memories of their childhood together.
"Gladys was a Child of God," Robert Post summarized. "And we will all be reunited in Heaven." At this point, Robert quoted several additional Bible Scriptures, including John 14:6, Romans 3:10, 3:23, 6:23, 5:8, 7:16, 9:10, 10:13, Revelation 21:4, 21:11, 21:18, 22:14, Hebrews 21:12, 1 Corinthians 13:12, and screened a video slide show of pictures from Gladys' life, many with various members of her large and supportive family.
Robert Post concluded the service by reminding the congregation that lunch would follow in the Pine Forest Community Center, then played a recording of "Amazing Grace" with bagpipes and with niece Jennifer singing the lyrics before offering a final, closing prayer.
Officiating at this memorial service was Robert Post, a layman and first cousin of Gladys Pearl Post. Robert Post traveled from North Little Rock, Arkansas for this labor of love.
Gladys is survived by her son Justin and his wife, Katie, along with grandchildren, Elayna, Allyson and Junahlie. She is also survived by her mother, Alice Williams of Winnsboro, who is a regular at Tinney Chapel UMC, her half-sister, Nell Northcutt of Mesquite, sister, Ramona Bunch of San Antonio, brother Mike Post and wife Brenda of Denver, Colorado and Danny and Arnold Post of Winnsboro, along with numerous loving nieces and nephews.
Among other accomplishments, Gladys Pearl Post was a student/athlete at Winnsboro High School:
Robert Post then discussed "salvation, hope and grace," reminding the congregation that the Lord is our strength and quoting a variety of Scriptures, including 2 Samuel 22:3, Psalm 13:5, Psalm 25:5, Romans 5:1, Psalm 86:5,7, Hebrews 13:5 and the highly popular Isaiah verse about "wings of eagles," and again reminding the congregation that God answers prayer, and then Robert opened the floor for comments, memories, eulogies and thoughts by anyone in the congregation. At this time, her son Justin said he never realized how strong his mother was until her final illness. Her brother Arnold recalled some fond, humorous memories of their childhood together.
"Gladys was a Child of God," Robert Post summarized. "And we will all be reunited in Heaven." At this point, Robert quoted several additional Bible Scriptures, including John 14:6, Romans 3:10, 3:23, 6:23, 5:8, 7:16, 9:10, 10:13, Revelation 21:4, 21:11, 21:18, 22:14, Hebrews 21:12, 1 Corinthians 13:12, and screened a video slide show of pictures from Gladys' life, many with various members of her large and supportive family.
Robert Post concluded the service by reminding the congregation that lunch would follow in the Pine Forest Community Center, then played a recording of "Amazing Grace" with bagpipes and with niece Jennifer singing the lyrics before offering a final, closing prayer.
