Sunday, February 24, 2013
Thelma's last service
Last Thursday, Thelma Pyle attended her last service at Indian Hills Baptist Church. Thelma's casket was lifted from the back of the hearse and carried by six handsome men wearing pink boutonnieres into the sanctuary and placed at the front of the church. There were beautiful flowers everywhere. The church filled with family and friends there to say their final goodbye to Thelma.
Thelma is a charter member of the church. She and her late husband helped build the church. Both literally with hammer and nails and spiritually with their constant service. The church was founded in the 1950's. Thelma and her family have been serving there since that time.
Thelma was full of joy. She always had a hug for you. You could not speak to her without feeling happy. Thelma would speak her mind, but she was always kind in the way she did it. During my last conversation with her she told me how proud she was of me. I felt so uplifted and confident to know Thelma was proud of me.
Many, many years ago Thelma volunteered to be our counselor when we went to junior high camp. Not many people volunteered to go with a bus full of teenage girls and sleep on a small bunk bed, shower in a very cramped bathroom with very little privacy, and walk all over the camp in the hot Texas sun. Thelma brought a board to go under the ancient sagging mattress to make it a little more comfortable. I remember her body shaking as she lay in the bunk trying to stifle a laugh while telling us it was time to go to sleep. The time I spent at camp were some of the greatest times of my life.
Thelma and Fernie had two daughters - Debbie and Judy. Judy and I have been close friends forever. I always loved to go to Judy's house. They took me on vacation with them. Thelma cooked wonderful meals on a camp stove on a cement picnic table. Judy and I rode our dirt bikes all over east Texas. I cherish those memories.
Debbie and Judy continue to serve at the church, as do their children. What an incredible legacy. My heart hurts to know that Thelma's time at Indian Hills has come to an end. All who come after will benefit from her faithful service. While we will mourn, I am confident there is rejoicing in heaven. Thelma no longer suffers sickness or pain and can run, jump and dance. There will always be a foursome at Thelma's card table, there are fish jumping in the river, and a rocking chair facing the western sky at sunset. I am so blessed and my life is richer for having known Thelma Pyle.
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