Aunt Mary Lou

My great aunt passed away last week, and this is what I shared at the memorial service we held at her retirement park.

"I am so thankful for the honor of having a woman like Mary Lou as my great aunt. She taught me so very much about being a strong, independent woman. Aunt Mary Lou showed us strength as she shared about the battle she won over cancer as a young woman. She showed us success in business as she shared stories of working tirelessly at the May Company for 40 years. She showed us her fun-loving spirit as she visited Georgia each year, always ready to go to an amusement park, shopping, or out to eat. She showed us independence and a sense of adventure as she showed us pictures of her various trips all over the world. She showed us generosity and respect as she gave us a strand of pearls on our 18th birthday. She showed us loving faithfulness as she never forgot to send a sweet handwritten note on birthdays and holidays. She showed us a positive attitude and a sense of humor as she was always ready to laugh or share her beautiful smile. She showed us compassion as she called and encouraged us when we lost our mother. She showed us love and consistency when we needed it most. We are stronger and better women for having such an amazing example in our lives. We are so thankful for the blessing of Aunt Mary Lou!"

She would have turned 83 at the end of this month, but I know she is happy, healthy, and having the time of her life with Jesus.