Picket Fences! Part 40
JOYCE EVANS
Mrs. Joyce Evans, an elder, of
Crumble Top Lane, Buford Falls
died yesterday in Buford Falls
Hospital. She was preceded in
death by her late husband Kevin
Evans. Mrs. Evans is survived
by her daughter Joy Anderson, two
grandchildern, Arlene Martin and
Kevin Anderson and son-in-law
Larry Anderson, all of Buford Falls.
Funeral services will be conducted
today at Buford Falls Church with
Rev. Joseph Woods officiating.
Interment will be in the church
cemetary.
Today at Buford Falls Church, a funeral service was held for Joyce Evans who died yesterday. Rev. Joseph Woods, the pastor of the church conducted the funeral services.
"You the family and friends of Joyce have come today to pay your respects and say goodbye to a good neighbor, a wonderful friend, a beloved mother, a loving grandmother and a respected matriarch of Buford Falls."
Joyce's daughter Joy Anderson was seated with her husband Larry.
Joyce's grandaughter Arlene Martin attended with her husband Jimmy.
Sam and Emily Martin, Jimmy's parents were seated together.
John and Laura Stevens, Joyce's long-time friends and neighbors came.
Mary Lou and Peter Edwards were seated together. Mary Lou is Joyce's daughter Joy's best friend.
The Edwards' daughters Julie and Carrie were sitting together.
Joyce's grandson Kevin was sitting with his best friend and neighbor Rhys Sawyer.
Joyce's friends Shannan and Jonathan Henry had come.
The congregation listened as Rev. Woods delivered the eulogy . . .
"Life is but a stopping place, a pause in what's to be. We all have different journeys and paths along the way, and when the journey finally ends, we'll clain a great reward. You all here today will miss Joyce dearly, but should be grateful for having known her."
"Now I ask those who will to come forward and say a last goodbye to Joyce."
Joy came forward and mourned her mom and best friend.
She was given words of comfort and a hug by Larry.
Then Larry broke down and cried.
Arlene mourned for her grandmother, her confidant and her best friend.
Joy comforted Arlene and gave her a hug.
Then her husband Jimmy gave Arlene a hug.
Kevin came forward and mourned for his grandmother.
He received words of comfort and a hug from Rhys . . .
And an exchange of looks by his two fathers.
Joy came over and gave Rhys a "thumbs up".
Maybe it was to let him know she appreciated him having an affair with her?
Rhys seemed a little puzzeled by her actions.
Rhys mourned Joyce and . . .
Wiped his tears on the sleeve of his suit.
Rhys received no sympathy from Larry.
Then Rev. Woods asked the congregation to join him in the cemetary beside the church for the burial.
"A few weeks before she died, Joyce came to me and asked that I read the following poem at the end of her funeral service . . .
"If my parting has left a void
Then fill it with remembered joy
A friendship shared, a laugh, a kiss
Oh yes, those things I too will miss
Be not burdened with times of sorrow
I wish you the sunshine of tomorrow
My life's been full, I savored much
Good friends, good times, a loved one's touch
I could not stay another day
To laugh, to love, to work, to play
Tasks left undone will stay that way
I found that peace at the close of day." ~ from elegantmemorials.com/memorial poems
"It was a beautiful service Jonathan. I think Joyce would have been pleased", said Rhys.
"You know who that poem was for, don't you?", said Jonathan, "Joyce confessed everything to me before she asked for God's forgiveness."
"She was a special lady", said Rhys.
Rhys gave his grandfather a hug.
Then he went over and congratulated Arlene and Jimmy on their marriage.
Joy came over to Rhys and said "I know my mom had a special place in her heart for you. I think you made her happier than she's been in a long time."
"Joyce and me was just friends, nothing more", he lied.
While everyone else was leaving to go home . . .
Rhys went over to Joyce's grave . . .
"Like I told my grandfather, you're a special lady. I'm going to miss you Beautiful", he said.
To be continued . . .
Subject: Picket Fences! Part 40 
Fri Jul 06, 2012 5:14 am
WOW Joyce died? Awwwww I liked her. You are really getting good at the whole church scene, everything looked great. I wanted to cry at the Eulogy 
OMG! 
Daisy, this is one my most Fav's! I loved the whole service. It was as if it were the real deal. Just about have me crying lady. You are such a fantastic writer. The way you have everyone sitting, and her obituary was beautiful. 
Oh, by the way, I gave you a BIG Rep for this one. Would give you more if I could!