I got a call from Pam Coggins asking if I would be a part of the memorial services for her mom and, of course, I agreed and immediately began to pray and ask the Lord what I could say to be a comfort to Pam and the family.
As always, God is so good and as I was studying for a message, I happened to be looking at a passage in Isaiah. Although, I had already read and studied it, the Lord prompted me to read it once again. While I read the verse it became evident that these were the verses I were to read to give encouragement to the grieving family and loved ones.
Scripture Reading - Isaiah 43:1-4
But now thus saith the LORD that created thee, … Fear not: for I have redeemed thee, I have called thee by thy name; thou art mine. When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee. For I am the LORD thy God, the Holy One of Israel, thy Saviour: …Since thou wast precious in my sight, thou hast been honourable, and I have loved thee: therefore will I give men for thee, and people for thy life.
Many had shared through the passing years the wonderful companionship and fellowship they had with sister Martha. They will forever cherish the many blessed memories that come to us from those moments. Her faithfulness, friendship, and joy of the Lord will continue their radiance and testimony in our lives. And we know that we’ll see Martha again on the other side of eternity.
We continue to pray for Pam, Peggy, Howard and the family in their loss. May God overwhelm them with His great peace and assurance that she is now more alive than she has ever been.
Obituary
Mrs. Martha B. McKee Coggins, age 82, Jonesborough, our loving wife, mother, and grandmother went home to be with Jesus, Friday, May 28, 2010 at the Four Oaks Health Care Center. She will forever be in our hearts. Mrs. Coggins was a native of Washington County and daughter of the late Frank & Lillie Cole McKee. In addition to her parents, Mrs. Coggins was also preceded in death by an infant daughter, a brother, Everett McKee, a sister, Christine Phillips and a half-sister, Sylvia Phillips. She was a member of Cherokee Baptist Church where she taught the Pre-School Sunday School Class for many years. Survivors include her husband of 63 years, Robert Howard Coggins, Jonesborough; two daughters and son-in-law, Pam Coggins and Peggy & Charles Broyles, all of Jonesborough; grandson, Jeremy Broyles and wife Joleene, Jonesborough; great-grandson, Ethan Broyles; twin-sister, Mary Malone, Jonesborough; sister, Louise Matson, West Grove, PA and half-sister, Shirley Bennett, Nashville; and several nephews and nieces. The family would like to thank the staff of Four Oaks Health Care Center for their wonderful care and kindness shown to their mother.
Showing posts with label Funerals. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Funerals. Show all posts
Friday, June 11, 2010
Friday, January 22, 2010
Harry Weems
I did not know Mr. Weems, but I do know his son Shawn who attends our church. I had just a short conversation with Shawn as I went to visit and pay my respects to Shawn, his wife Trish, the extended family and of course, his mother Mary. Shawn was in good spirits and at peace in knowing that this is how his Dad Harry would have wanted to leave this world and have his homecoming with his Savior and Lord.
Shawn stated that he had a great relationship with his father, and that they did many things together and that he would miss the advice that he often sought from his Dad. He went on to say, that he only wished he had gotten one last piece of advice from him before he went to be with the Lord. However, we both quickly agreed that Shawn had gotten something much better – Shawn had a lifetime of advice from a wonderful and close relationship he had with his Dad. Harry has left, but his legacy, wisdom, and spirit will live on through his son Shawn.
Shawn also stated that his Dad in these latter years had “mellowed” and kindled a much closer and intimate relationship with his Savior. “Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you” (James 4:8) and that is exactly what happened with Harry and is a great testimony of the love our Savior has for His children.
Shawn and Trish are an incredible couple and as a pastor, I find these things to be the hardest to deal with personally. It is something that always has a profound effect and someone you know is feeling great pain and loss of someone they love very much. My thoughts and many prays go out to the Weems family and ask God’s peace to overwhelm them.
Obituary: Harry Weems 01-20-2010
Mr. Harry Weems, age 74, Jonesborough, laid down his body and went to be with the Lord Wednesday, January 20, 2010. Mr. Weems was a native of Washington County and son of the late Wilbur & Helen Worley Weems. He was also preceded in death by a grandson, Michael Bennett and one brother, Worley Weems. He was member of Jonesborough United Methodist Church. Mr. Weems was a Manager of Jonesboro Insurance Agency for 30 years. He was a volunteer fireman and refereed for TSSAA. He was co-chairman for the original Jonesborough Days Committee and a member of Emmaus Community. He was also a member of Civitan Club. Survivors include his wife, Mary Graybeal Weems, Jonesborough; three children, Renee Bennett, Carol Weems, and Shawn Weems and wife, Trish, all of Jonesborough; one brother, Lew Weems, Knoxville; two sisters, Sharon Hutchens and Thea Smith, both of Jonesborough; three grandchildren, four great-grandchildren; sister-in-law, Willie Weems; and several nephews and nieces.
Shawn stated that he had a great relationship with his father, and that they did many things together and that he would miss the advice that he often sought from his Dad. He went on to say, that he only wished he had gotten one last piece of advice from him before he went to be with the Lord. However, we both quickly agreed that Shawn had gotten something much better – Shawn had a lifetime of advice from a wonderful and close relationship he had with his Dad. Harry has left, but his legacy, wisdom, and spirit will live on through his son Shawn.
Shawn also stated that his Dad in these latter years had “mellowed” and kindled a much closer and intimate relationship with his Savior. “Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you” (James 4:8) and that is exactly what happened with Harry and is a great testimony of the love our Savior has for His children.
Shawn and Trish are an incredible couple and as a pastor, I find these things to be the hardest to deal with personally. It is something that always has a profound effect and someone you know is feeling great pain and loss of someone they love very much. My thoughts and many prays go out to the Weems family and ask God’s peace to overwhelm them.
Obituary: Harry Weems 01-20-2010
Mr. Harry Weems, age 74, Jonesborough, laid down his body and went to be with the Lord Wednesday, January 20, 2010. Mr. Weems was a native of Washington County and son of the late Wilbur & Helen Worley Weems. He was also preceded in death by a grandson, Michael Bennett and one brother, Worley Weems. He was member of Jonesborough United Methodist Church. Mr. Weems was a Manager of Jonesboro Insurance Agency for 30 years. He was a volunteer fireman and refereed for TSSAA. He was co-chairman for the original Jonesborough Days Committee and a member of Emmaus Community. He was also a member of Civitan Club. Survivors include his wife, Mary Graybeal Weems, Jonesborough; three children, Renee Bennett, Carol Weems, and Shawn Weems and wife, Trish, all of Jonesborough; one brother, Lew Weems, Knoxville; two sisters, Sharon Hutchens and Thea Smith, both of Jonesborough; three grandchildren, four great-grandchildren; sister-in-law, Willie Weems; and several nephews and nieces.
Tuesday, December 29, 2009
Alan Dawson Miller
I had the distinct privilege to take part in the homecoming service for brother Alan. It was an incredible service where Pastor Bud Pate gave the opening comments about Alan’s battle with cancer and how his wife Debbie was loyally beside her husband throughout. In the many times that I visited with them, there was never a time that Debbie was not there by his side ministering and loving on her husband. What an incredible example of living out our marriage vows that we give to our Lord and one another. Her strength, resolve, and love played out before me will leave an indelible mark in my heart in what it means to love “in sickness and in health.”
Pastor Jaime Ferguson then gave his remarks and talked about his privilege some 5 years previously to lead both Alan and Debbie to the Lord. He also had the honor of baptizing the both of them as they desired to be obedient to the commands of Christ in their lives. He continued to talk about how faithful they were to the ministry of Mt Zion Baptist church and that they we’re eager and hungry to learn more about God’s Word. They also decided that it was important to renew their marriage vows as Christians and Pastor Jamie commented on the growth and desire they had to honor the Lord with their lives. Pastor Jamie gave a clear gospel presentation and an invitation to all those without Christ to either receive the free gift of salvation or to say good bye to Alan as they would not be able to see him again. However, the hope we have in Christ is to know that we don’t have to say good bye and that we that are in Christ, will see Alan again on the other side of eternity.
The services ended at the Washington County Memory Gardens where I had the honor to conduct the committal service. What had an incredible impact on me was not only was there hundreds of people at the services, where even the overflow room was filled to capacity, but there were almost as many who came to the committal service. Although all the preaching was good, they say that your life is what preaches and has the greatest impact. By all those that were present, it is evident that Alan’s life preached the best message of the day.
We will miss Alan greatly at Mt Zion Baptist.
Death is just a natural thing
Like the closing of a door
As we start upon a journey
To a new and distant shore
So let your grief be softened
And yield not to despair
You have only placed
Your loved one in
The loving Father’s care.
Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness. Isaiah 41:10
Obituary
Mr. Alan Dawson Miller, age 55, Jonesborough, passed away Wednesday, December 23, 2009, at Johnson City Medical Center. Mr. Miller was of Washington County and son of Dawson Miller and Dean Morris Miller. He was a member of Mt. Zion Baptist Church. He truly enjoyed going to church and loved his church family. Mr. Miller was a truck driver for FedEx Freight and received a 16 year safe driving award. He loved his family and spending time with them. He enjoyed his Mustangs, going to car shows and cruising. Survivors in addition to his parents include his wife, Deborah Poteat Miller, of the home; two sons, Alan Michael Miller and wife, Kimberly, and Bradley James Miller and wife Jessica; one granddaughter, Amber Lynn Miller; two brothers and sisters-in-law, Louis Miller and wife, Danette, and Todd Miller and wife, Cassandra; aunt, Wyona Miller; mother-in-law, Virginia Poteat; sisters-in-law, Barbara Thompson and husband, Richard, Vicky Lloyd and husband, Jerry, and Mary Lou Sluss and husband, Tim; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Pastor Jaime Ferguson then gave his remarks and talked about his privilege some 5 years previously to lead both Alan and Debbie to the Lord. He also had the honor of baptizing the both of them as they desired to be obedient to the commands of Christ in their lives. He continued to talk about how faithful they were to the ministry of Mt Zion Baptist church and that they we’re eager and hungry to learn more about God’s Word. They also decided that it was important to renew their marriage vows as Christians and Pastor Jamie commented on the growth and desire they had to honor the Lord with their lives. Pastor Jamie gave a clear gospel presentation and an invitation to all those without Christ to either receive the free gift of salvation or to say good bye to Alan as they would not be able to see him again. However, the hope we have in Christ is to know that we don’t have to say good bye and that we that are in Christ, will see Alan again on the other side of eternity.
The services ended at the Washington County Memory Gardens where I had the honor to conduct the committal service. What had an incredible impact on me was not only was there hundreds of people at the services, where even the overflow room was filled to capacity, but there were almost as many who came to the committal service. Although all the preaching was good, they say that your life is what preaches and has the greatest impact. By all those that were present, it is evident that Alan’s life preached the best message of the day.
We will miss Alan greatly at Mt Zion Baptist.
Death is just a natural thing
Like the closing of a door
As we start upon a journey
To a new and distant shore
So let your grief be softened
And yield not to despair
You have only placed
Your loved one in
The loving Father’s care.
Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness. Isaiah 41:10
Obituary
Mr. Alan Dawson Miller, age 55, Jonesborough, passed away Wednesday, December 23, 2009, at Johnson City Medical Center. Mr. Miller was of Washington County and son of Dawson Miller and Dean Morris Miller. He was a member of Mt. Zion Baptist Church. He truly enjoyed going to church and loved his church family. Mr. Miller was a truck driver for FedEx Freight and received a 16 year safe driving award. He loved his family and spending time with them. He enjoyed his Mustangs, going to car shows and cruising. Survivors in addition to his parents include his wife, Deborah Poteat Miller, of the home; two sons, Alan Michael Miller and wife, Kimberly, and Bradley James Miller and wife Jessica; one granddaughter, Amber Lynn Miller; two brothers and sisters-in-law, Louis Miller and wife, Danette, and Todd Miller and wife, Cassandra; aunt, Wyona Miller; mother-in-law, Virginia Poteat; sisters-in-law, Barbara Thompson and husband, Richard, Vicky Lloyd and husband, Jerry, and Mary Lou Sluss and husband, Tim; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Friday, December 4, 2009
Mrs. Christine Phillips
Mrs. Phillips went had her homecoming on Tuesday, December 1, 2009. I didn't know Christine as much as I would have liked and only had the privilege of being her pastor for a short 10 months. Although I have only been at Mt Zion Baptist for a short time, however, Christine had been there making a difference for a quite some time. In looking at the church records we found that she joined by baptism on August 17, 1960. She was not just a name on a church roll, but was active in serving her Savior by serving others as she taught in Sunday school and was active in the Ladies ministry. Her ministry had an impact on a young boy, Jeremy Dikes who was her neighbor as he grew up. Pastor Jeremy, now 35 yrs old preached her "graduation" service and described Christine as a reflection of a Proverbs 31 woman.
The funeral was held on Thursday and I went to the funeral home early and was astonished at the number of people that came through for the viewing and encouraged Herman and the family. It took me 25 minutes to finally see Christine and her husband Herman. That long line remained right up to the service time, which was a great testimony about Christine and preached a message to this pastor and confirmed again in my mind that Christine followed the Great Commandment and Loved the Lord and others with all her heart. What an impact she has made with her life on the Kingdom of God!
We will miss Christine and while our grief may seem insurmountable, I am compelled to remind us that there is no weight of the soul that our savior Jesus Christ cannot help us to bear. He is with us and wants us to trust in him as we cope with our sorrow. We must not ever forget to allow the Holy Spirit, Who’s name is Comforter to minister to our hearts so that he may heal our wounds and relieve your pain. As Jesus says to all of us, “Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me.”
Life is but a Stopping Place
Life is but a stopping place,
A pause in what's to be,
A resting place along the road,
to sweet eternity.
We all have different journeys,
Different paths along the way,
We all were meant to learn some things,
but never meant to stay...
Our destination is a place,
Far greater than we know.
For some the journey's quicker,
For some the journey's slow.
And when the journey finally ends,
We'll claim a gr
Together with "Christine" and the lord
-Author unknown
-Obituary
Mrs. Christine Harris Phillips, age 78, Jonesborough, passed away Tuesday, December 1, 2009 at the Johnson City Medical Center. Mrs. Phillips was a native of Washington County and daughter of the late Frank & Lilly Cole McKee. In addition to her parents, Mrs. Phillips was also preceded in death by one brother, Everett McKee and one sister, Sylvia Phillips. She was a long time member of Mt. Zion Baptist Church, where she helped with Bible School and Sunday school. She was also a member of the Mt. Zion Ladies Circle. Mrs. Phillips retired from Woolworth’s as Assistant Manager. Survivors include her husband, Herman Phillips, Jonesborough; step-daughter, Jan Neal and husband, Allen, Jonesborough; step-son, Sherrill Phillips and wife Janie, Jonesborough; three sisters and brother-in-law, Mary Malone, Martha & Howard Coggins, all of Jonesborough and Louise Matson, Pennsylvania; half-sister, Shirley Bennett, Nashville, Tenn. ; step-grandchildren, Mark Phillips, Pam Phillips, Donnie Neal and Dale Neal; and several nephews and nieces.
The funeral was held on Thursday and I went to the funeral home early and was astonished at the number of people that came through for the viewing and encouraged Herman and the family. It took me 25 minutes to finally see Christine and her husband Herman. That long line remained right up to the service time, which was a great testimony about Christine and preached a message to this pastor and confirmed again in my mind that Christine followed the Great Commandment and Loved the Lord and others with all her heart. What an impact she has made with her life on the Kingdom of God!
We will miss Christine and while our grief may seem insurmountable, I am compelled to remind us that there is no weight of the soul that our savior Jesus Christ cannot help us to bear. He is with us and wants us to trust in him as we cope with our sorrow. We must not ever forget to allow the Holy Spirit, Who’s name is Comforter to minister to our hearts so that he may heal our wounds and relieve your pain. As Jesus says to all of us, “Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me.”
Life is but a Stopping Place
Life is but a stopping place,
A pause in what's to be,
A resting place along the road,
to sweet eternity.
We all have different journeys,
Different paths along the way,
We all were meant to learn some things,
but never meant to stay...
Our destination is a place,
Far greater than we know.
For some the journey's quicker,
For some the journey's slow.
And when the journey finally ends,
We'll claim a gr
Together with "Christine" and the lord
-Author unknown
-Obituary
Mrs. Christine Harris Phillips, age 78, Jonesborough, passed away Tuesday, December 1, 2009 at the Johnson City Medical Center. Mrs. Phillips was a native of Washington County and daughter of the late Frank & Lilly Cole McKee. In addition to her parents, Mrs. Phillips was also preceded in death by one brother, Everett McKee and one sister, Sylvia Phillips. She was a long time member of Mt. Zion Baptist Church, where she helped with Bible School and Sunday school. She was also a member of the Mt. Zion Ladies Circle. Mrs. Phillips retired from Woolworth’s as Assistant Manager. Survivors include her husband, Herman Phillips, Jonesborough; step-daughter, Jan Neal and husband, Allen, Jonesborough; step-son, Sherrill Phillips and wife Janie, Jonesborough; three sisters and brother-in-law, Mary Malone, Martha & Howard Coggins, all of Jonesborough and Louise Matson, Pennsylvania; half-sister, Shirley Bennett, Nashville, Tenn. ; step-grandchildren, Mark Phillips, Pam Phillips, Donnie Neal and Dale Neal; and several nephews and nieces.
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