The opening day of a brand-new year, the Lord would birth a queen,

And soon the world would come to know the quiet joy it gleaned;

It was not on the grandest stage or in a brightly crowded room,

But rather with a gentle voice Your legacy ensued;

You quietly gave sight and sound in witness and in name,

By simply being an adoring wife, a mother and a flame;

You brightly shined this darkened world as nurturer and song,

And calmed the fierce and raging storms, by burning bright and long;

Your witness bears a legacy extending multi fold,

Accomplishing a host of dreams crescendoing your mold;

Each one producing newer thoughts extending grander teams,

Yet following your gentle voice, producing all your dreams;

Though showing signs of slowing down, you never lost your fight,

And yes, you choose to share your views with force at times and might;

But even in your hurt and pain you weathered every test,

And taught us all the graceful joys of living long and blessed;

It’s not within a boisterous sound, with fluent words or ways,

But rather with a gentle voice, Your legacy remains;

Your quiet song will forever play for us assembled here,

Each quiet note will linger strong each day, each month, each year;

And as we pause to say farewell and thank you for each day,

We thank the Lord for sharing you to teach the better way!

A Tribute by Rev. Gregory Smith