Prayer for Gravers

[OBW]

I let this get a little old, but Marilyn Graver died on Sunday, about a week after suffering a serious stroke. Pray for Ray and all the rest of his family. As this is the day that I recognize the death of my mother four years ago at only 72, I understand the pain of a loved one lost so early in life. Marilyn was not yet 70.

As we are all one in the faith, please put aside all bitterness and pray for the Lord's blessing on Ray and the family.

Originally Posted by OBW

I let this get a little old, but Marilyn Graver died on Sunday, about a week after suffering a serious stroke. Pray for Ray and all the rest of his family. As this is the day that I recognize the death of my mother four years ago at only 72, I understand the pain of a loved one lost so early in life. Marilyn was not yet 70.

As we are all one in the faith, please put aside all bitterness and pray for the Lord's blessing on Ray and the family.

Do you have a mailing address for condolences?

[UntoHim]

"And He will wipe away every tear from their eyes;
and there will no longer be any death;
there will no longer be any mourning, or crying, or pain;
the first things have passed away."
Revelation 21:4

[TLFisher]

Yes, my thoughts, prayers, and condolences are with the Gravers. Never knew them, but based on OBW's post, they're from the same generation as my parents.

[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

[Ohio]

Jane, thanks for the touching eulogy. Though I never met Marilyn Graver, I am reminded of the many precious saints in the LC's, whom I have met and come to love. Those who placed people above programs. Hopefully it is all these priceless stories that will remembered in eternity.

[OBW]

Jane,

That was among the best praises she could receive. And it echos the sentiments my sister and Dad had about her. Like me, they knew her very little even though she lived only a block away in Irving for several years. But what they did know was of a very joyous, loving person. One who exhibited the attributes of Christ in a manner that most of us think we can never attain.