This is an original piece written by myself, for my Aunt's Funeral Service, which I believe can be an inspiration and tribute to life, and a reminder of life here on earth; not to mourn a loss of life, but to pay tribute to a life lived, and celebrate the beginning of a new chapter of eternal life.

A Tribute and Honor To Lois Greenlee



We are not here today to mourn a loss of life, but to pay tribute to several chapters of a life, and celebrate the beginning of a new chapter of eternal life.

Those of us here today, and many others who are far away and could not join us today, should not be selfishly mourning the loss of this life, rather remembering the special highlights and moments, memories of a life that was long, rich, and full of love, laughter, sorrow, forgiveness, learning, sharing, caring, and a wide spectrum of emotions and experiences.

Aunt Lois lived a full and adventurous life in her own way. Her way included being a loving wife, sister, sister-in law, and aunt. She wasn’t perfect, but neither is anyone else who has ever walked this earth, except for one being, who she came to know as her Savior, Mentor, Guide, and Comforter, Jesus Christ.

When we speak about Aunt Lois, her siblings and friends have had many wonderful stories, memories, anecdotes, songs, and quips of her younger, earlier life. But for most of us here today, when we think of Aunt Lois, it is hard to remember her without putting “the other half of Aunt Lois” in those memories; the other half, of course meaning, Uncle Wayne, her husband, partner in life, most significant other, and the love of her life. It is almost as if it runs off of our lips so naturally, as if one name, a whole in itself, Aunt Lois and Uncle Wayne.



These two souls traveled through this worldly life together, sharing and shouldering together, good times and bad, sorrows and troubles, laughter and tears together, quibbling over the “unimportant and demanding obligations and tasks of this world”, just as we all do.

They loved each other as much as any two people can, and proved it by being married almost fifty years to each other. What a record! Especially in these recent times. They had no children, but only each other to cling to and depend on.

But what is more important, and the essence of significance here today, is not the example of “human-ness” that they have set for us in this world, but the example and witness of the “love relationships” that we build in this world, and the “bond of love” that goes beyond the boundaries of this world, and into forever; never-ending, everlasting, eternity, IF, and that’s the major key issue here, IF we have our own personal vertical alignment with a very real and personal Savior, Jesus Christ.

Aunt Lois and Uncle Wayne made this important commitment to each other and with Jesus. That is why today, at this very moment, even though we see this earthly container of Aunt Lois’ soul lying here before us, we know it is just that, a vehicle that she used for 85 years, maintaining it the best she could, and finally wearing it out, and discarding it for a brand new, whole, healed, pain-free, beautiful new body within The Body of Christ.

That is why we must not feel unhappy for ourselves, rather, be elated and celebratory that Aunt Lois has overcome this pain and struggle that she so graciously endured; she is now alive and free, happy and healthy, whole again and reunited with Uncle Wayne, her Mother, Father, Sisters, Brothers, In-Laws, and Friends that have gone on before her.

Many say this is a bad time of the year, or it will put a damper on their holiday season from now on, but I say to you, this was the very best Christmas present that Aunt Lois could have received. Instead of sitting here lonely, bored, half-blind, depressed, eating a sandwich, or semi-hot microwave meal alone, she can now rejoice in her triumph of life after this world, together with family and friends, there and here, and be dining at the table of The Creator of all The Universe, Savior of The World, alongside the love of her earthly life, Uncle Wayne, both whole, healthy, and happy once again, and forever.

Please celebrate her life with me now as we pay tribute to her, and surrender her into the Loving arms of Jesus and Uncle Wayne.

Thank you, and may God Bless You and keep you.