[Aracelis]

It is with great sorrow that I must report to you, my dear brothers and sisters, that our pastor’s wife went home to be with the Lord around midnight last night.

Lily was a remarkable woman, full of love, concern and respect for all she met. She served the Lord joyfully alongside her husband through her own ministries of counseling and comforting the sick and bereaved, with her extraordinary singing voice and talents at the piano, and by just simply loving anyone who needed a motherly touch. She will be missed terribly.

Our tiny non-denominational church was built in the mid-1800s atop a hillside in the midst of very picturesque northern Illinois farmland. From the small cemetery in back of the church, you can see for miles around. Lily loved it all so very much, and I’m sure would be happy to know this is where she will rest. My mother is buried there too.

Pastor has stabilized for the moment, but he won’t be getting out of the hospital anytime soon. He is filled with sorrow that he was not able to be by Lily’s bedside when she passed away, but of course as we all know, he is happy that her trials are over and that she is with our Lord. The stroke she endured robbed her of the ability to talk and sing, and mostly took away her ability to play the piano.

Joanna is taking her mother’s death very hard, and blames herself even though she was not at fault for the accident. Thankfully, her older sister, Carlene, is with her.

For those who have asked, my Dad is checking with local banks in Byron and Oregon, IL about how to set up a memorial fund for the family, as the medical bills and funeral arrangements will be a staggering financial blow. When I have some further information, I will pass it along to those interested.

Thank you all for your deep concern and care. Pastor is still not out of the woods, and I ask that prayer continue for him and his children.

I’m so very sad. Not for Lily, for she whole and at peace now. But for the enormous gap her passing leaves in the lives of all who love her. She was there for me when my mother died…

[Aracelis]

My friends, brothers and sisters, forgive me for not responding to each of you personally, but please know that I appreciate your prayers more than can be expressed. May our dear Lord bless each of you and your families with every good thing...

[alpha-8-25-02]

prayers continue,please keep us informed.

GODSPEED!

[Search4Truth]

I grieve for the loss of such a wonderful servant of the Lord. And rejoice in her homecoming.

[Tribune7]

I'm very sorry. Prayers continue

[Smokin' Joe]

More prayers up for your Pastor, his family, and all woh grieve for Lily.

[Dad yer funny]

thoughts and prayers continue

... and , take a nice moment for yourself

[murphyb]

I am so sorry for your loss. Praying for Pastor and his family.

[trisham]

I am so sorry to hear of Lily's passing. More prayers are on the way.

[Primetimedonna]

So sorry to hear the news of the passing of your Pastor's wife. She sounds like an amazing woman! We will keep she, and her family in our prayers!

[knittnmom]

She was there for me when my mother died…

And, now, you're there for her family.

Mercy Me has a song that is so appropriate for times like these. (I apologize if it's already been posted - I'm at work now, and don't have time to read the whole thread):

You're in a better place,I've heard a million times.

And at least million times I've rejoiced for you.

But the reason why I'm broken,the reason why I cry,

Is how long must I wait to be with you.

I close my eyes, and I see your face,

If home's where my heart is then I'm out of place,

Lord won't you give me strength to make it through

Somehow,I've never been more homesick than now.

Help me Lord 'cause I don't understand your ways,

The reason why I wonder if I'll ever know,

But even if you showed me,the hurt would be the same,

because I'm still here so far away from home.

In Christ, there are no goodbyes

In Christ, there is no end,

So I'll hold on to Jesus with all that I have

To see you again,to see you again.

[Horatio Gates]

Our tiny non-denominational church was built in the mid-1800s atop a hillside in the midst of very picturesque northern Illinois farmland. From the small cemetery in back of the church, you can see for miles around. Lily loved it all so very much, and I’m sure would be happy to know this is where she will rest...The stroke she endured robbed her of the ability to talk and sing, and mostly took away her ability to play the piano.

So very sorry to hear of this sad loss and may your Pastor soon get well. From your postcard like description of your church I can't think of a better place, now that Lily is with the Lord, where she can sing again and watch over her friends.

[Kelly_2000]

My sincere condolences to you and your congregation, our prayers are with you and the family during this time. Lilly is indeed with God now and we pray this will comfort your pastor through this troubled time, and with God's support bring him through this ordeal stronger than before.

Prayers from CA

[weegee]

Prayers for comfort of friends and family.

I went to my great uncle's funeral last week.

[fatima]

I am so sorry Aracelis(((Hugs)))

[wouldntbprudent]

I am very sorry for your loss and the loss felt by all who loved Lily.

prayers

[Knitting A Conundrum]

My prayers for all concerned.

[GretchenM]

Thank you for the sad update.

I pray the congregants rethink the policy of no health insurance for the pastor.

Continuing prayer for his recovery and the whole family.

[tiki]

May God rest Lily's soul and console those who are feeling her loss. Continued prayers for your pastor's healing.

[grellis]

Continued prayers for everyone in this difficult time.

Please keep us informed about a memorial fund. I'd be glad to send off a tear-stained check.

[MontanaBeth]

Sorry to hear this, prayers for your Pastor and his family. Rest in peace, Lily.