[Oe List ...] Spirit-filled Memorial for Bill Bailey

[Del Morrill via OE]

Thanks so much for those of us who could not be there, Linda.

 

From: OE [mailto:oe-bounces at lists.wedgeblade.net] On Behalf Of Lynda C via
OE
Sent: Monday, February 6, 2017 2:14 PM
To: OE at lists.wedgeblade.net
Subject: [Oe List ...] Spirit-filled Memorial for Bill Bailey

 

A couple of weeks ago, In Asheville, NC, members of the OE community
gathered with members of the Jubilee community and Bill and Marianna's
family and friends to celebrate and honor the life and service of Bill, not
only in Asheville, but also around the world.  John and I, Elaine Stover and
Marie Sharp represented our OE community.  

 

Bill and Marianna were founding members of a unique congregation called
Jubilee Community Church in Asheville.  Every time I've attended, I walk
away challenged and uplifted.  Bill's  memorial service was no exception.
I've learned  that the service was recorded.  Marianna is looking into how
it might be shared. I recall how "connected" I felt when other services have
been shared.

 

Below are some of the highlights of Bill's memorial service from  notes I
wrote when we returned home: 

 

> The haunting and calling to Attention of  Scottish Pipes

 

> Leonard Cohen's  "Ring those Bells"  . imperfect world .with cracks
.that's where the light gets in.  

 

> Lynn's tribute to her dad read by her husband Allen:  "Watch ye therefore
..You shall wear a Golden Crown!"

(In my mind I could hear our spirited group singing that old gospel song.
We could add that to our list of songs to sing when one of our community is
celebrated.)   

 

> Tom's recollections of his dad  and sharing tributes and memories sent by
others.  Story of container for Bill's ashes:  an antique  handmade pottery
stew pot: reminded him of Bill's cogitating style of "stewing" upon some
issue or challenge.  

 

> Video of family years with children and grandchildren, with music like
Moon River accompaniment.  Story of Bill and Marianna's elopement while they
were in high school.  16 and 17 years old.  Married 67 years.  Bill and
Marianna, what a team!  

 

> Story of Bill's death, night of full moon, of his relaxing as Marianna
opened the curtains for him to see, then breathing his last.  Music playing
in the room:  "Won't you come home, Bill Bailey?"  

 

> Congregation invited to whistle along with "Won't You Come Home?"  

 

> Song "I'll Fly Away" by congregation

 

> Another Leonard Cohen song where congregation joined in with the
Hallelujahs  

 

> Reaching out to folks around us as we sang "Let it Be a Dance"

 

> Commission to  Pay It Forward re: Bill's greatness 

 

> Postlude:  "Won't  You Come Home, Blll Bailey?"

  

> "Amazing Grace" and bagpipes  

 

> Some danced in celebration as the postlude was played, with gratitude for
having been privileged to share in the life of Bill (and Marianna). 

 

 

John and I are grateful for the shared memories of so many on this list
serve that helped us all to "re-member" Bill more fully.

As we hold Marianna and Tom, Lynn, and Nan and their families in our care,
we wanted to share a bit  of this service with our OE community.

 

Lynda Cock     

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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