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