Betty Jo Crass – My Grandmother

My “Granny Jo” gave me my first taste of an Oreo Blizzard from Dairy Queen. That alone would place her in the annals of the earth’s finest. The eulogy my cousin gave sums up her life and impact nicely, so I won’t add anything else to it. The church building was standing room only, a testament to how much she was loved, and I was honored to give the opening prayer, the text of which is below.

Our Father in Heaven,

Creator of all things in Heaven and in Earth, we praise you for your mercy, for your grace.

Be with us today as we mourn the passing of a woman who spent her life in the service of others. And above all, spent her life in the service of her family. As we commemorate her memory, be with us. Comfort us.

And while we mourn, help us to remember that we do not mourn as those who have no hope. As you told us through your apostle:

“Write this: Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on.” “Yes,” says the Spirit, “they will rest from their labor, for their deeds will follow them.”

So may our Granny Jo find rest from her labor. May her good deeds follow her, and clothe her with honor. May she drink rich wine in your kingdom forevermore. And may her legacy live on in us, her children.

We pray all in the name of Jesus.

Amen.