Obituary Order of Service The Lord has angels everywhere to carry out His plans, devoted servants acting as His ears, His eyes, and His hands. On Thursday, August 7, 2008 our loving angel soared to a higher place, at the age of 76 years. Lillie James Word was born on March 18, 1932 in Nashville, Tennessee to the late Hugh Ruben and Sophia Word; she was the second of five children. Lillie was preceded in death by siblings: Katherine Jackson, Hugh Ruben Word, Jr. and Deloise Sheffield. She was educated in the Nashville Public School System. Lillie was an avid hard worker and believed that whatever job she undertook had to be done to the best of her ability. Her work experience included over 30 years at American Linen Supply and over 20 years as a Caregiver at AAA Nursing Registry. At an early age, everyone recognized Lillie s nurturing spirit; she loved all people and would share her love with all of them. Her life truly made a difference for many; however, long or short her life was here on earth, she gave the gifts of kindness and of caring, she sowed the seeds of love, friendship and self-worth. Realizing that this nurturing nature was a gift from God, she gave her life to Christ at Olivet Missionary Baptist Church at an early age. In later years, she placed her membership with the Kayne Avenue Baptist Church, under the pastorate of Reverend Doctor Albert G. Jones where she served for over 27 years until her health would not permit her attendance. She had an unselfish and loving spirit, where she served as an: usher, choir member, on the mothers ministry, and any other committees as needed. She loved her church and she loved her church family. Lillie possessed a loving and pleasing disposition, which endeared her to both young and old. Her home became the center where many family members and friends met and enjoyed a loving fellowship. She was a concerned neighbor and dedicated Christian, who possessed these qualities, which helped to make her the person that she was. Lillie was a loving and devoted mother, grandmother, great grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend. Loved so many, Gave so much. PROCESSIONAL PRAYER Prelude The Family Mrs. Jacqueline Whittington Reverend Cora Alston Mr. Roger Gregory. OLD TESTAMENT SCRIPTURE 23rd Psalm Reverend Edwin Sanders NEW TESTAMENT SCRIPTURE Bishop Henry Davenport Ms. Michelle Vaughn REFLECTIONS Minister Daletta Kilcrease 2 minutes Reverend Michael Williams Reverend Walter Glenn Reverend Vincent K. Campbell, Officiating Dr. Albert G. Jones, Eulogist Mr. John Anderson WORDS OF COMFORT Reverend Vincent K. Campbell 3 minutes Reverend C.L. Haynie Reverend Johnnie Lester Reverend Jeffrey Hastings Reverend Hervis Bain Her love, humor, friendship and support will be sadly missed by her loving and devoted children whom she loved dearly: Ann Watson, Hugh Lewis (Bonnie) Word, III, Andrew (Shirley) Word and Tanza (the late Charles Chuck ) Sprowl; sister, Thelma Jo (Melvin) James; grandchildren, Bernard (Shetica) Watson, Jr., Hugh Ruben (Melinda) Word IV; Dumfries, Virginia, Latisha (Mickey) Lundy, David Word; Spanaway, Washington, William Greg Arnell, Jr.; Okinawa, Japan, LaNiqua Word, Candace Lindsley, Andrew and Shameka Dalton; great grandchildren, Vanessa Ann, Bradley, Antonio, Jessica, Brea Watson, Mi Kayla, Aalyah, Malachi, Gabriel, Joseph Word, Markevias Reynolds, William Gregory Arnell III, Tyshay, A Sharion, Shaun Dalton, Parker Hollins, Preece Lindsley, and Anoya Perkins; devoted former son-in-law, Bernard (Ginny) Watson, Sr.; Waldorf, Maryland; sisters-in-law, Hattie Word; Memphis, Tennessee and Virginia Scott; Florence, South Carolina; brother-in-law, Howard Cheatham; devoted nephew, Edward Jerry Jackson. She will be sadly missed by many other nieces, nephews, cousins and friends; lovingly missed by dear family & friends: Mrs. Della Hall, Mrs. Lola Young, Mrs. Nancy Jones, Mrs. Mary (Honeybunch) Turner and Mrs. Mary Green. ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF CONDOLENCES/RESOLUTIONS OBITUARY A time to think, pray and reflect on the life of Lillie James Word EULOGY CLOSING PRAYER RECESSIONAL POSTLUDE COMMITTAL INTERMENT Ms. Francine Smith Mrs. Christine Word Mrs. Cassandra Benford-Parks Reverend Albert G. Jones Reverend Vincent K. Campbell Greenwood Cemetery
Loving Tributes Thank you Father for breathing your Spirit into grandmother Sophia s womb to create my precious angelical mother, My Sis. Oh! Lord! You are so miraculous that you allowed, my mother s choice only to be her first choice-me, Sis. Our angel illuminated as a miraculous Gift from God-touching, agreeing, encouraging, motivating, loving, caring and giving-because God with His Divine intervention-told us to do these things for another. She loved unconditionally for all people; she instilled her gift of compassion and empathy by bringing out the best in people and children. My mother was a phenomenal, devoted angel, an advisor, strong listener, confidant, optimist, mother, grandmother, great-grand mother, and counselor who believed in standing up for righteousness. She allowed the Lord to handle all situations. My mother was a meek and humble angel who the Lord portrayed to others in many diversified ways. All that I am or hope to be I owe to my angel mother; God used you and your melodious voice in every which way to create an Army of Prayer Warriors called Family, Thank You. God closed your chapter in this Life and what a chapter-story- you revealed to all people. With the Lord s purpose, she defined Angel -in her servitude and nurturing actions. I was praying to see you from Heaven first, but the Lord said No; he chose you instead. Job Well Done - Good & Faithful Servant & Loving Mother 2008 - Love, Sis Mom, I Love You for the person you were- a wonderful Mom who I will forever adore. The love I have for you no words could ever say. You have made me everything I am and I am thankful everyday. I truly made sure that I told you how much I love you, I wanted you to know. You gave me so much love and tenderness and taught me how to grow. Mom, please believe me when I say I am trying to understand, that an Angel came and called your name and took you by the hand. I will try to keep my head up and continue to do my best, for I know you did not leave me here alone but you had to go and rest. For this journey, we all must take, and each must go alone. It s all a part of the Master s plan a step on the road home. Our family chain is broken, and nothing seems the same, but as God calls us one by one, the chain will link again. - Loving you forever, Tan My beloved Sister, I will truly miss you. Nothing will be the same without you. I will miss our talks, your laughter, and the way you would just listen when I needed a strong listening ear. You were always there for me when I was sick and well. I will miss your love. You had such a warm and giving heart. We were two sisters that grew together as one. I know as much as I needed and wanted you with me, the Lord needed you more. We have been separated physically, but you will always be with me in my heart and memories of you. You came to me by the vision of an angel with wings in the sky. This was His sign to let me know that you were at home at last with our Mother, your sisters and brother. I ll see you soon. - I love you Lillie, Your Sister Thelma Loved so many, Gave so much. A Message to the Family When tomorrow starts without me. And I m not there to see: If the sun should rise and find your eyes all filled with tears for me; I wish so much you wouldn t cry the way you did today, While thinking of the many things, we didn t get to say. I know how much you love me, as much as I love you, And each time that you think of me, I know you ll miss me too. But when tomorrow starts without me, please try to understand, That an Angel came and called my name and took me by the hand, And said my place was ready in heaven far above And that I d have to leave behind all those I dearly love. But as I turned to walk away, a tear fell from my eye, For all my life, I d always thought I didn t want to die. I had so much to live for, so much yet to do. It seemed impossible that I was leaving you. I thought of all the yesterdays, the good ones and the bad I thought of all the love we shared and all the fun we had. If I could relive yesterday, just even for a while, I d say good-bye and hug you and maybe see you smile. But then I fully realized that this could never be, For emptiness and memories would take the place of me. And when I thought of worldly things I might miss come tomorrow I thought of you and when I did my heart was filled with sorrow. But when I walked through heaven s gates I felt so much at home, From His great golden throne He said; this is eternity and all I ve promised you. Today for life on earth is past but here it starts anew. I promise no tomorrow but today will always last And since each day s the same day there s no longing for the past But you have been so faithful, so trusting and so true.. Though there were times, you did some things you knew you shouldn t do. But you have been forgiven and now at last you re free So, won t you take my hand and share my life with me? So when tomorrow starts without me don t think we re far apart For every time you think of me, I m right there in your heart. Breathe Breathe in me deep That I might breathe and live And hold me close that I might sleep Soft held by all you give Come kiss me wind and take my breath Till you and I are one And we will dance among the tombs Until all death is gone And no one knows that we exist Wrapped in each other s arms Except the One who blew the breath That hides me safe from harm Come kiss me wind and take my breath Till you and I are one And we will dance among the tombs Until all death is gone Breathe
Cherished Moments
Acknowledgements Those we love most dearly never really depart from us. They prevail in the thoughtfulness that we have shared and the love that they brought into our lives. We acknowledge with sincerest appreciation your prayers, telephone calls, visits, and all other conveyances of kindness extended during our bereavement. We will always be reminded of the love granted to us. Each comforting thought will assist in sustaining us throughout the difficult times ahead. It is our heartfelt prayer that God will endow each of you with His most gracious blessings, and we further solicit your continued prayers. Special thanks are extended to Dr. Zenker (Cardiologist), Dr. W. Clark Ray and Staff, St Thomas Hospital Staff, Skyline Hospital, Judy at the Coumadin Clinic at St Thomas Hospital, Health Spring, and Medical Necessities Services. - The Family of Lillie James Word Active Pallbearers Grandsons and Friends The Final Tribute, A Service by: Floral Bearers Nieces and Friends Interment Greenwood Cemetery 1428 Elm Hill Pike Nashville, TN 37201 Lewis & Wright Funeral Directors 2500 Clarksville Highway Nashville, TN 37015 615-255-2371 Richard A. Lewis, Funeral Director Ricky Lewis Michael Lewis Program Design and Printing by 315 Tenth Avenue N., Suite 93 Nashville, TN 37203 615-256-6707 ph 615-256-6708 fx www.broadwaterprint.com Copyright 2007 by Broadwater and Associates Group, Inc. All rights reserved. Celebrating A Wonderful Life is a registered trademark of Broadwater and Associates Group, Inc.