Grandma was a woman of many roles and responsibilities—a real-life Proverbs 31 woman. She was a thrifty cook and a meticulous housekeeper. A skilled nurse and industrious businesswoman. An avid photographer and a careful historian. She was a voracious reader and a frequent letter writer. A faithful wife, loving mother, precious grandmother, and doting great-grandmother. She had a sense of humor, endless patience, and an infectious laugh. Grandma was always generous and always grateful. 

I have many precious memories of growing up six miles from Grandpa and Grandma’s: playing in the A-frame, picking berries, hunting mushrooms, swimming in the pool, and working as an office employee in their fiberglass business, to name just a few. But when I reflect on Grandma’s life, what comes to mind are the hymns she loved, lived, and taught us…

“The Lord is My Shepherd”

When I was a little girl, Grandma led music before Sunday School each week—just one of the countless ways she invested in the young people of our community. The lyrics for this round were on sheep-shaped poster boards, the simple tune helping to write the words of Psalm 23 on our hearts.

I shall not want. (Psalm 23:1b, KJV)

“In the Garden”

Grandma loved growing things. Her flower beds were filled with ferns, fuchsias, and more; while inside near her windows were African violets, cactus, and other houseplants galore. Her garden always had luscious berries and grapes; her fruit trees were well-pruned and generous in their harvest. 

He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit. (John 15:5, KJV)

“Trust and Obey” & “Take Time to Be Holy”

Grandma’s Bible and the latest Our Daily Bread were always next to her recliner. She ordered her days carefully to make time to be in God’s Word. 

Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path. (Psalm 119:105, KJV)

“Great Is Thy Faithfulness”

Grandma had a passion for photography, family history, and church records. In the many photo albums and volumes of family stories she compiled, Grandma memorialized the Lord’s faithfulness to our family and church fellowship through the generations. 

…things we have heard and known, things our ancestors have told us. We will not hide them from their descendants; we will tell the next generation the praiseworthy deeds of the Lord, his power, and the wonders he has done. (Psalm 78:3-4, NIV)

“What a Friend We Have in Jesus” & “Sweet Hour of Prayer”

Grandma was a faithful prayer warrior, praying for each of her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren by name, every day. I can’t count the number of times I emailed or texted Grandma with a prayer request and she replied simply, “I will pray.” 

You are my friends if you do what I command. (John 15:14, NIV)
Pray without ceasing. (1 Thessalonians 5:17, KJV)

“Blessed Assurance” & “Because He Lives”

Grandpa and Grandma were married for 58 years. They held hands, teased each other, and left yellow Post-it love notes on their bathroom mirror while raising a family and running a successful business together. Every time we mentioned Grandpa during her 9½  years of widowhood, Grandma was always quick to recount the Lord’s blessings, saying how grateful she was for their years together and the many precious memories. 

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight. (Proverbs 3:5-6, NIV)

“Be Still My Soul” & “Abide with Me” & “It Is Well With My Soul”

No matter how she was feeling or what challenge she was facing, Grandma’s attitude was one of gracious acceptance, gratitude, and trust. She would often say, “All is well.”

And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:7, NIV)

“I’ll Fly Away” & “Beyond the Sunset” (Brock) & “Face to Face with Christ My Savior”

Even in those last difficult months, as cancer weakened her body, Grandma was at peace, longing for Heaven but trusting the Lord as she walked through the valley of the shadow of death. 

For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face. (1 Corinthians 13:12, NKJV)

“Walking with Jesus”

There are many variations on this song title, from the children’s chorus to hymns and Gospel tunes, but every one reminds me of how Grandma spent most of the last 20-plus years of her life, up until just 5 months before her death, walking at least 2 miles a day, 6 days a week, while praying for each of us. 

And this is love: that we walk in obedience to his commands. As you have heard from the beginning, his command is that you walk in love. (2 John 1:6, NIV)

“Walking in the King’s Highway” (Ackley)

This hymn, a favorite of her mother’s, became especially dear to Grandma in her last weeks. And now Grandma is walking with Jesus on highways of gold!

“Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me. In My Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also.” (John 14:1-3, NKJV)

On Grandma’s last morning on this earth, my aunt and cousin were singing hymns and choruses as they cared for her. Suddenly they heard Grandma’s voice, which had been so weak, repeat in strong, clear tones these words of the round they’d just finished: “The Lord is my Shepherd…” Grandma’s last words were in song, a simple Psalm of trust she had taught us long ago in Sunday school. 

My paternal grandma entered into the presence of her Lord and Savior on April 25, 2024. I wrote the above for a booklet of memories shared at her memorial service on August 11.

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