My sister Mary was not perfect, but she knew Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior and she demonstrated it in so many ways. She gave unselfishly of her time, talents and money. She helped those in need and supported many ministries. Only our Lord knows how many she touched, helped and blessed while she was here.

Often she and Perry would feed a homeless stranger as they traveled and would take them into a cafe and tell them to order anything they wanted. They donated clothing for the poor. They loaned money and would never ask for it back,but that's the kind of person Mary was and Perry is.

People will ask, "Lord, when did we see Thee hungry or naked or give You something to drink"? And Jesus will reply "When you have done this unto the least of my brethren, you have done it unto Me.

Mary, along with my sister Bonnie visited the nursing home while our mom was in there at least once or twice a day for ten months to see that our mother was being taken care of and to show their love for her and the other patients that were there.
She continued to visit the nursing home even after our mom passed away six weeks ago because she loved and cared about people.

During this time, her husband Perry who has one kidney and COPD had triple by-pass surgery. We did not think that he was going to make it as he was on a ventilator and developed a staph infection but by the grace of God, he pulled through. Mary took care of him and continued to visit the nursing home because she loved and cared about people. She was Perry's beloved and he was hers and someday they too shall waltz across heaven hand in hand. She was a dedicated wife, mother and friend.

Her goal in life was not to attain money or to live for herself or her own pleasure. Her goal was to make life easier for those less fortunate than herself and for those who were suffering. Pleasure and money meant nothing to Mary because she had her heart and eyes set on heavenly treasures and she certainly stored up plenty of those.Mary was truly a servant of God and you could see it and tell it by the way she lived her life.You didn't need to ask her if she was a Christian because you saw the life of Christ living through her. I only pray that God will lead me to grow to be a third of the Christian that she was and I will be leaping for joy.

She was like a second mom to me and was always there for me in good times and bad. I know she was concerned about my health and what I have been going through.She always called me to see how I was doing and to encourage me that I was going to get better.She would tell me to hang onto my faith and to know that God would see me through.

Mary brought so much love and joy into my life and to so very, very many others.To me, she was a tool of God and the hands and feet of Jesus Christ.The world will be a much sadder place without her,but I know she has stepped into the presence of God, and I can hear Him saying,"Well done thy good and faithful servant". "Enter into My rest My beloved child".

I love you oh so much my dear and precious sister and I will miss you with all of my heart.You took a piece of me with you when God called you home, but someday we will shall be together again and we shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever and ever. Until then my sweet precious Mary,rejoice with the Lord Jesus Christ,mother,daddy,your son Bruce and all of of your other loved ones who were there to greet you.

I will always love and miss you,
Until we meet again,
Your baby sis,
Barbara

Written & © By Barbara Henson 6-8-06
In loving dedication to my sister Mary.