[Thankful Jane]

I understand from someone who attended the Memorial Service for Marilyn that it was a very special time of remembrance of her. Her children and grandchildren shared, with many tears, their special memories of her and how much they would miss her. Then, according to the program that was passed out, a number of others were selected to share--those from the early years, those who had lived with the Gravers, those she served with, etc.

I knew Marilyn personally and always loved being around her. I would have been one from the early years who would have wanted to share something, but for obvious reasons, that couldn't happen. So, this morning I decided, that at this time, when she has passed from this life into the glorious liberty of the children of God, I could remember her publicly by posting something about her:


Marilyn is one of the kindest and sweetest people I have ever known. I spent many hours with her over the years when we lived very near one another. We laughed together many times and shared some very unusual and memorable experiences. The last time I saw Marilyn was six years ago at the funeral of Jim Allen, Lanell Allen's brother. She was standing alone in the grassy field where many of us had parked our cars for the graveside ceremony that we all had just attended. When our eyes met, she smiled at me, and that oh-so familiar look on her face appeared, one I had seen so many times. I returned her smile and walked over to her. She said, "Jane." I said, "Marilyn." We had a very long hug. As we hugged, I said, “I love you, Marilyn. I always have.” She responded, “And I love you, too, Jane.” We were both tearful as we pulled apart and said goodbye.

I had not seen Marilyn for over twenty-five years because we were trapped on the opposite sides of a wall of the enemy’s making; however, in that moment, I believe our hug was a testimony to the prinicipalities and powers, and to anyone else who was watching, that all those who love Him, love one another. That love is as lasting as God's love for us. It declared that in Christ there is no wall between his saints, his holy, redeemed ones.

I was told that one sister who shared at the memorial service, one who is related to Marilyn by the marriage of two of their children, after hearing from Marilyn's children and grandchildren, all the personal and touching stories about what Marilyn was like, started out by saying something to the effect, "Wow, I never knew all that about Marilyn..."

Of course, many others of those who shared after the children and grandchildren, sprinkled their words with references to the ministry, even with a footnote reading, if I remember correctly; however, those closest to her had given a glimpse of a Marilyn that it seems, from the above mentioned comment, not many of them knew. It was a glimpse of the Marilyn I knew, and when I heard about it, I thanked the Lord that He had let her be remembered as she truly was.

I pray that what will linger with those who attended the service, will be the same thing I will always remember about her, a fragrance of Christ.

Jane Anderson