EULOGY – MRS GLORIA JANE ALLEN

Rev. Thomas, Dr. Prendergast, Pastor Burnett, Aunt Preshous, Uncle Vaughn, My Mother Thelma, Family and Friends, please indulge me to offer this eulogy for our beloved, Mrs. Allen, Mama, Mother, Miss Gloria, Sister Allen, Grandma, Grandmother, Aunt Gloria, Mother G – a remarkable and Godly woman, whose life/death we celebrate today.

Grandma was a Wife, Mother, Grandmother, Sister, Aunt, neighbor, friend the one who brought a smile in the face of hardship, encouragement in the face of life battles, soft, tender, forgiving, kindhearted, a Peacemaker and passionate about living a life pleasing to God her Savior and always conscious and careful to note that this life on earth is not the end but we look forward to a heavenly home, a greater resurrection, imperfections, yes, but she carried the hope and faith daily that she enters heaven not on what she has done but the work of Christ on the cross.

Grandma was born December 1915, to Ophelia Graham and Uriah Graham. She is the youngest of five children- Louise, Gertrude, Clifford, Hilda all now deceased. Mass Urie as great Grandfather was affectionately called, loved to farm and Great Grandmother, Miss Phelie was a stay at home Mother tending to the garden and taking care of her 5 children. Miss Phelie and Mass Urie were strong Baptists and sang in the Choir at the Brown’s Baptist Church for several years and instilled Christian principles in her children.

Grandma was fortunate to attend school as few in her time did. She excelled at school but had a bit of a problem with Math – “sums” as she referred to it but that did not deter her from excellent financial management during her life. Grandma knew the art of stretching a dollar to two. Grandma however had a very creative mind and later in life enjoyed that. We often told her that she could have become a famous artist or musician (you may recall the impromptu song she rendered in this church called “Jesus is excellent”)

Grandma loved to live and was full of ambition so as a young woman she left home to “seek her fortune” (as seeking a career was called back in the day) in Kingston to locate employment…something that was not common in the day for young women. The independent spirit that Grandma had surfaced….she learned dressmaking and many a garment was made by her hands for her children and without a sewing machine..too poor to buy one. Sometimes it was remake from her own clothes when she could not afford to buy new cloth. Her dressmaking skill explains why she was so well dressed, coordinated and everything matching. Aunt Preshous recalls coming home from “Infant” school to find a beautiful rag doll that Grandma had made for her and how it delighted her so much she has never forgotten, only wished she had kept it, that was the skill and tender kindness of heart she had.

On one of Grandma’s home visits from Kingston, Grandma was walking along in Brown’s Town, going about her business when “a tall brown man” started to approach her. She brushed him off as of course she was now a “Kingston Girl” and had no interest in a country boy and a very poor country boy at that! However, Grandpa Joseph Allen pursued her relentlessly and even before she could say “yes” to any forthcoming proposal, Grandpa purchased a wedding band and was ready for a marriage and the next thing you would know on March 26, 1946 they were married here by Dr. DeCateret, much to the chagrin of Mass Urie but blessed somewhat by Miss Phelie as when grandpa visited the home he would take with him the biggest bible and so Miss Phelie thought “tall good looking brown man with a bible..poor but not bad as the large bible indicated a large man of God! The young couple briefly lived in Retirement as Grandma decided that was not for her and moved back to Wilberforce hotly pursued by Grandpa. She never left Wilberforce to the day she died except for a stay in the United States.

From that union, three children were born – Gloria (so named because at the birth registration, Great Grandma Albertha Allen forgot the name given “Angela” and just figure that Gloria was just as good as any. As she was the firstborn she was called Precious. Son Vaughn was next and Thelma (called Curly because her hair was so very curly at birth)

Grandma was always fired by ambition and she worked hard to instill that in her three children. As she would often say “I can’t stand someone without ambition….might as well ‘dem dead” and she lived what she preached. With three children and very poor she was burned with ambition to make sure that they attended school and become “somebody”. She worked diligently and hard at it. She kept cows until one pulled her down and she decided that she would not lose her life from a cow and that was the end of the cow. We eat beef for months! She kept pigs, chickens, rabbits, and planted vegetables for the dinner table. Poor but there was not a day that food was not on the table..many times by a miracle. She made sure that we had food so that we would learn at school. Oh that hot cornmeal porridge made with the fresh cow’s milk that Grandpa had just milked and hardough bread for breakfast. Walking 2 miles or so to school was not a problem, all the children were fed.

She made sure that all the children had clothes. Well, new ones for Church and when those were short and tight they became “yard clothes”. She did not have the patience for sloppiness and clothes had to be starched ironed and shoes shining clean. No matter that it was only one set of church clothes, one set of uniform, one pair of church shoes and one school shoes. She made sure everyone, Grandpa, and all the children were always well “put together” as she would say before they leave the house. And as you know she was a good dresser herself….even to this day.

As I mentioned before education was very important to her and school was a given, Preshous went on to York Castle High, Durham College of Commerce, Thelma to Business school in Kingston becoming one of the fastest Stenographers on graduation, and Vaughn to mechanic training.

Not only was education important but a Christian upbringing was paramount for her. She attended the Catholic Church briefly as a young woman and when she had children and they were ready for church around 2 years old she started them out at the Catholic Church. That did not work after 2 visits because Grandpa had been saved under the fiery preaching of Dr. Johnson and would have none of it. So they were sent off to the Brown’s Town Tabernacle and under the ministry of Dr. Kennedy, Grandma accepted Christ and never looked back. As she said on the day of her baptism, there is no turning back. All three children also accepted Christ under Dr. Kennedy’s ministry. There was no compromise. It was to Church every Sunday.rain or shine sustaining what God had begun. Night services were not included as “night have no governor” so no one was allowed to go out of the house at night.

Grandma was a business woman at heart also. She could not sit still and when things were not looking to her “suit” she began to travel to Kingston and purchase bales of cloth at Princess Street and hire a seamstress to make all kinds of clothing and she would sell at the market for a profit. However, frequently, she would always take out the best cloth to make dresses for the two girls and shirt and pants for the boy. She did this business for a long time and she did it well.

Then in her mid 50’s Grandma decided she would travel overseas.. always wanted the experience. The earlier England migration was not appealing to her as she loved her children so much she would not leave them. They were grown now and so off she went to the United States. A tremendous risk but she is a brave woman at heart and fearlessly she worked there for 15 years and returned home and lived a great life. Don’t be fooled, her life was one of humility. Grandma disliked intensely a haughty and “show off” lifestyle. She was very kind, always giving to someone in need and offering a helping hand but quietly without a word…”because yu no haffe mek people know wha yu a do”. She never hesitated to share some food or clothes with the ones in need. She considered it a sin to have 2 shoes when someone had none. She was so kindhearted; she did not like to have too much for herself. She did not like to have too much for herself so she was always giving away clothes, shoes, food to those who did not have. We recall a lady who was sick and everyday Grandma would take her some soup for a long time and there are many who received her kindness but she did not talk ..you had to only observe it.

She was totally devoted to her husband and children were the apple of her eyes and would wisely let us know that she does not love one more than the other so there was not the rivalry that happens sometimes with siblings. As she would often say, when the hair on the head of one of her children hurt, she hurts. She was a lot of fun and when the children were small there are fond memories they recall of them all playing in her big bed while waiting for Papa to come home from work. When one of her Daughters became ill as a result of untreated Post Partum complications, she did not hesitate to standby by her 110%. She taught us during that time to the day she died how to love unconditionally. As she would often say, there is nothing like the love of a Mother for her child. She was quick to forgive, never held a grudge or a spirit of un-forgiveness. She was always a peacemaker and hated to hear bickering, quarrels and discord. She wept openly when such a thing happened and prayed the more for anyone involved. She was always conscious of not doing anything wrong to upset Jesus. And was constantly praying and asking Jesus to forgive her if she has done anything wrong that she is not aware of. As she always says, “we have to forgive as Jesus did for us”

She lived an authentic life not seeking to impress or to be pretentious. Her life was the truth. She was adamant about the truth…when the children would be naughty or stepped out of line she would cup the face in her hand and say as sternly as she can “Tell me the Truth because I can’t stand a dam liar”. Once she had the truth she would work on fixing the trouble of course with a reprimand.

Mother did her own thinking and did not leave it up to others, whether it is politics or church to do the thinking for her. She spent long period of times talking with God and insights would come to mind as to how god would lead her. She worked out her own salvation. So Godly! She was way ahead in her understanding of God and we think that is because she spent so much time praying to God and cultivating a daily relationship with.

Then the time came, sad time for all, about 5 -8 years ago, her memory started to fade. She had difficulty remembering and was confused. We all thought it was just the usual aging process but she knew something was wrong and she let everyone who would listen know, mostly trying to see if she could fix it. Some people would just dismiss or just rudely turn away, but she knew in her heart that something was not right. You see that was the beginning of altsztimer. A severe form of dementia for which there is no cure. Grandma had the best medical care that is available but thru it all, her one desire was to go home to Jesus. For a long time Grandma just wanted to go home to Jesus. Sometimes she would express her disappointment waking up on earth on not haven. She is the most prepared person we know who with such deep longing and confidence just wanted to be with Jesus.

Jesus answered this remarkable woman of faith wish, desire and prayer on September 6, 2009.

What happened to symbolism? I think we forget sometimes that we follow this Jewish guy who lived by certain stuff. I dont have this part all figured out yet so I’ll get back with you.  The connection to Rwanda is also another story I need some find out about. So I did the church thing.

Then went down to samford trail to do the run thing. It was great running in the rain.  Right now I’m working on the floors in the house and then on to laundry. Oh I did find some new music.

Adele and Artic Monkeys and Kings of Leon (that was care of taylor) Going to wait until pay day then buy a couple albums.

Oh I have a story about my mother but I will need to tell you about that later.  Spelling sucks

Peace,

Drew

Today was a suck day for me. It started with moving stuff in our warehouse early this morning.  The more I moved the more I started throwing stuff around. Seeing stuff that had been moved from place to place. Well lets just say I needed to just move on. It was one of those moments when I should have just gone home.  Never took that comp day or is it days that I was supposed. Guess what folks dont look for me in the month of August. I’ll either be traveling or I’m going to go to some state and  live there for a month. It with be my tenth anniversary so see ya sucker.

Anyway so after moving that stuff I snapped at Taylor (another dude I work with) ( yes, I have apologized, Ive gotten good at that) I think I snapped at Erin (girl who invited me to church) and the list goes on and on.  I kinda failed them when it came to keeping us on a time line for some projects. Maybe I should start a blog about how bosses can screw up. Man would I have a list or am I not supposed to admit those things.  I dont even remember when I started doing this boss thing.

Last I’m watching a new show.  ALong with the other MTv show. Kings.

So you would think a guy who tries to retell bible stories would have gotten it. Once again Chris who has never seen the show had to fill me in. It is a modern day telling of David’s story.  Why didn’t we tell that story.  I really am starting to like it. The funny thing is before I knew the story I thought it was a little mystical how Samuel talked to the king. Is that what Christians look to unbelievers. Yeah I think so. Anyway I’m really getting into it. Good stuff. You should check it out.

Your moment of zen. I dont care who you are this is funny

We now return you to our regular scheduled program.

Drew is still on Water  January.

Sometimes I feel like going through you tube listing to people sing.  I try to find ones that have the least viewers and listen to them. Right now I’m going though that song Falling slowly….Amber I remember what song it was. Anyway Ive watched about 12 now.  guilty pleasure I guess.  Three post in one day. Excessive I think.

The house is real quite right now. Ive got the dvr on pause going on 1 minutes right now.  I made a plea out to twitter world for anyone who would like to help me be a better writer. I was serious about that. So many of my friends are better at that than I. So very quiet.  They say the way to attract readers is to have a single focus.  Well I’m sorry but I’m all you got. There is your single focus.  Very quiet. You ever make a list of the things that you wish you were good at.  You know a real list. I’m not talking about a new years resolution but something that you truly wish you were good at..maybe you have been fooling people. Sometimes I wonder if I’ve got a lot of people fooled. I have a sneaky suspicion that there are people out there that think that about me.  I dont talk about work here and that on purpose.  I learned something this past year.  Or a motto of sorts. Just do good work.  No ambition to move up or be the best the top control of this or that just to do good work. It is pretty freeing.  To try to do good work. Sometimes it means stepping out of the way or swallowing your pride and suck it up..(I think that means the same thing) well you know what I mean.  It helps ok so that’s the work talk.  That’s not really that vague.

real quiet.  So here is the list of things I wish I could do or do better.

1. Write

2. Sing

3. Play and instrument. Guitar would be great. i envy a lot of people

4. Taking Pictures with and without flash

5. Design

6. Workout intensity

7,  Better relationship with Lena (I know she reads this folks so settle down its true)

8. Family

9.  Phone talker (really need to work on that)

10. Friend

11.  Paint

12.  Carpentry

13. remember

14. ( I was going to stop at 13 but realized I could not do that.) Tell ( I wrote “her”…then “them”..) how I feel or felt

Merry Christmas

i was looking for a picture to end this with and this is what I found. I like this picture it was taken in SA during the safari.

Now that he’s finally fired up on the soup-line economy, Barack Obama knows he can’t fade out again. He was eager to talk privately to a Democratic ex-president who could offer more fatherly wisdom — not to mention a surreptitious smoke — and less fraternal rivalry. I called the “West Wing” creator Aaron Sorkin (yes, truly) to get a read-out of the meeting.

This is what he wrote:

BARACK OBAMA knocks on the front door of a 300-year-old New Hampshire farmhouse while his Secret Service detail waits in the driveway. The door opens and OBAMA is standing face to face with former President JED BARTLET.

BARTLET Senator.

OBAMA Mr. President.

BARTLET You seem startled.

OBAMA I didn’t expect you to answer the door yourself.

BARTLET I didn’t expect you to be getting beat by John McCain and a Lancôme rep who thinks “The Flintstones” was based on a true story, so let’s call it even

rest of it here

yes this is all one house. make you want to buy a mobile home doesnt it. All you need is some land and call my buddy up. In all seriousness this was something. i take it all back. Oh and this was the smaller of the two that we went in.

Steven Lamphear can has Bush out of office now? Kthnxbye…

someone tell me again what is supposed to be my motivation for working…shouldn’t a check or something be coming soon?

lready feels oppressed and wonders why people think socialism is a good thing…

knows God can and will use the absolute worst to bring the most good for His glory and our good.

is going to bed and kissing Capitalism goodnight…forever.

is Ashamed of America!!!!

is remembering, “The LORD is on my side; I will not fear. What can man do to me?…It is better to trust in the LORD, than to put confidence in man.” Psalm 118.

is glad we have a president today…lived in Florida the year of the hanging chads.

finds it funny that that McCain spent 300 million on the campaign Obama spent 600 million. For a job that pays 400k. And we wonder why the economy is like it is.

is getting my number to be served with my handout – I mean baillout, too!

is so incredibly proud to be an American and is praying for President-elect Obama.

is proud to be an American and believes in her country…and no, not for the first time in her adult life.

knows that God wasn’t suprised by anything that has happened today, and knows that the future still rests firmly in His hands!

just saw a video of obama mocking the Bible…pray for our new President.

Well, this is definitely a night of history… we’ll see what kind of history as time goes along. I’m all for hugs & normal tv. No more bashing commercials. And hey – if that dude can get my house sold, that would be a massive surprise!

Knows that Jehovah is my God and my times are in His hands.

s waiting to see if all the folks who said they would move to Canada really will. And if you do, goodbye because I don’t want a flake like you in my country!

why is america full of idiots?????

is praying for an America that can put their faith and hope in Jesus Christ. What a joy would it be to see a nation praising His name. .

‘s hope is in Christ, not Obama.

apologizes for his mis-spelling of critique, he doesn’t pay attention to detail when the end of a democracy is in sight.

tomorrow we will move forward is an opinion, nice try though! sorry you took so much of your time to look that up just to be wrong.

i especially love the folks that say they want to leave the u.s. and go to canada because it will be “socialist” when obama takes office. do they not realize that canada is socialized????

prays for rest and clarity for president bush and compassion and strength for president-elect obama.

is give it to God.

MAY GOD’S WILL BE DONE IN AMERICA!!…MAY WE BLESS HIM THROUGH THE OUTCOME.

is proud to be an American tonight! Congratulations, Obama!!

is fully relying on God for strength, stamina, unity and peace.

is getting ready to hear our new anthem, “Praise The One, Obama…”.

Ok there you go.  Hey if you got some good ones send them my way.  You can put them int the dear drewbox or just enter them to the right where it says click here under the Note For Drew. Peace

edit:

We were too depressed to leave the house tonight. We watched non-news television instead. Scare Tactics to be exact. But let’s have an unpolitical hang-out soon.

is really happy that we can change anything in this country that isn’t working.

is just wondering, now that there is a black president, we can finally get rid of affirmative action right? Also, now Jesse Jackson and Al Sharpton can stop?

went to the gas station this morning and still had to pay…now I have to work so more people can benefit from my paycheck

is worried about the election today. I still can’t believe people are actually going to vote for Obama. God help us.

While the price was right I fought with getting the line to advance. Now my right finger is rubbed raw from trying to take it apart and I wasted half of my life. I went back today and thankfully the great homedepot took it back. Good store never had a problem. Oh and right behind me in the return aisle was another person returning the very same whacker. Mightylite is mighty crap. I will also be dining with my neighbor this week. Need to know those people. Ok because i cooked breakfast my kitchen is a wreak. Oh here is a vague statement for you. Sometimes it is really over. Chew on that.