Joyce and I have known Mavis for thirty years. She and Ron were in Nenana when we arrived in 1978. She worked, played the organ, raised her children, and was a grandmother to ours. She never missed a Sunday, that I can remember, and she always had a word of encouragement for those who needed one. Mavis deeply loved Jesus, Ron, her children, and the people of the community.
This past week there was a service for Mavis in Fairbanks, and she was laid to rest in the Nenana Native Cemetery overlooking the Tanana River. Though she wasn't native, she is a part of that community and was laid to rest in the native way. The grave was dug by hand in the bitter cold; it took three days. The casket was hand crafted by her son David and friends, and the lining was sewn by ladies of the community. Following the reading of the Bible and some songs of faith, the site was finalized by family and friends placing a handful of dirt onto the lowered casket.
As we watched, the site was filled and completed with loving and caring hands. Nothing was left to strangers.
"I am the resurrection and the life. Anyone who believes in me will live, even after dying." John 11:25
0 comments:
Post a Comment