A Tribute to Granny

(On Sunday morning, my family lost our dear mom and grandmother, Betty Gibson. Below is the eulogy I wrote for her funeral.)

Today, we gather to say goodbye to our dear mother, grandmother, and friend, Betty Ruth Wilson Gibson. Today is a hard day because "Mother," "Granny," or "Betty" loved us all. For many of us in this room, she changed our diapers, she provided us hugs, she made us grits, crafted many of the quilts that cover our beds, and constantly reminded us to follow the Lord. We have all sat with her in her quilting room as she told stories, sang songs, and counseled us. We have laughed with her, cried with her, and a few of us have even quilted with her. And, even though we know that she is with the Lord, we still grieve her passing because she meant so much to us.


There are many things we could say about our mom, grandmother, and friend. And while time does not allow us to tell all the stories, I will always remember the way she would look up at a person and grin after she told a truth or story. I remember when my cousin Shane lost a girlfriend and she started singing to him with her trance-like voice, "There are so many more fishes in the sea." Shane rolled his eyes, but granny looked up, smiled at Shane, and said, "You'll know what I mean." I remember Granny and Pap enthusiastically handing out Christmas presents to each of us on Christmas Eve and as we opened each present, Granny would be flashing her famous grin as if to say, "See how much I love you." I remember the smile that would light up Granny's face as she would hold a great-grandchild and for a moment, that great-grandchild, would be her sole focus. Many of us would find ourselves in Granny's presence when we were hurting or confused. She would sit, listen, and then speak words to us that always included following Jesus. Her words were followed by loving eyes and a caring smile.

Granny was proud of her family. She was proud of her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. We all know that because she would tell us.  But, most of all, Granny was deeply devoted to the love of her life, "Paul," "Dad," or "Pap." There was seldom a revival or singing school that Pap would lead when Granny could not be found too far behind him. She would always sit in the pew, watch Pap teach, and hum along to whatever song was being played.  Paul and Betty would fuss at each other and some of the bickering was, at times, hilarious. I can still hear her call, "Paul" and he would follow back with "What is it, Betty?" I will always remember them standing next to their kitchen table, embraced in a loving embrace. Granny loved Pap.

When I think of Granny, I am reminded of the words of the Apostle Paul to Timothy:

I thank God, whom I serve, as my ancestors did, with a clear conscience, as night and day I constantly remember you in my prayers. Recalling your tears, I long to see you, so that I may be filled with joy. I am reminded of your sincere faith, which first lived in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice and, I am persuaded, now lives in you also. (2 Timothy 1:3-5 NIV)

"Granny was our Lois or our Eunice. She cared for her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, making sure that we all followed Jesus in a "sincere faith." And for Granny's influence, we are forever thankful.

We could very easily be tempted to turn today into a day of mourning. Instead, I think we should turn today into a day of celebration. This is not a funeral; this is a going home celebration. Granny does not hurt anymore. Granny can once again walk with her daughter, Sharon. Granny is no doubt grinning, holding her two grandchildren, Devonya, and Gary Jr. She's probably also sitting next to her sister, Sadie, quilting a quilt. Granny, who so many times prayed for us, is now looking at Jesus face-to-face, asking him to watch over us. We gather today to grieve. Granny will be missed. But we also gather today to celebrate. Granny, we love you.