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Elizabeth Gay Obituary
She was born March 7, 1948, to the late Joseph and Deloise Purdie. Mrs. Gay attended the school system in L.P. Jackson High School in Dendron and worked as a child care provider at Mars A.M.E. Zion Daycare. She preached her trial sermon on March 12, 1989, at Mars Hill A.M.E. Zion under the leadership of the late Rev. E.L. Forbes.
Elizabeth leaves to cherish her memory her husband; Mr. Richard E. Gay of Wakefield; a stepson, Lee Clary; a stepgrandchild, Lee Clary Jr.; a daughter, Cheryl Purdie; two brothers, Everett Purdie and Joseph Purdie Jr.; two sisters, Estelle Purdie, Jacqueline Hill (Reginial); one grandchild, Damian Purdie; four goddaughters, Sharon Gay, Sonja Eley, Tamara Barnes, Sharvonda Roberson; two godsons, Carlton Lankford Jr. and Kendall Roberson; devoted friends, Gracie Hill and Everlyn Sulmer, both of Wakefield. Special thanks to all the staff of Obici Sentara Hospital and Sister Ruby Allen.
A funeral service will be held at noon Friday, Oct. 10, 2008, at Mars Hill A.M.E. Zion Church, Wakefield, with the Rev. Benjamin Petway officiating. Interment will follow at Mars Hill A.M.E. Zion Church Cemetery. Family may be contacted at (757) 899-5405.
Services have been entrusted to the staff of Peace-Bland Funeral Home, Waverly, now serving from three locations; www.blandenterprisesinc.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Elizabeth Gay
Dennis & Joyce Holmes
October 10, 2008
To Butch, Jackie and The Family,
We were sorry to hear about the passing of your wife, sister, mother and grandmother, Bessie. May God be with the family and remember God makes no mistakes. He is the source of our strength.
SUSSEX II STATE PRISON
October 9, 2008
Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Leroy Pierce and Family
October 9, 2008
May God bless you at this time. Trust in the lord with all your heart.
Gloria Holloman
October 9, 2008
Rev. Gay,
Of all the people in my life,from beginning to the end, you've been a special blessing to me. I was listening when you thought I wasn't.
When I ask you to do many things for Mars Hill, you were there, No Questions. You have stood by me when I needed someone to talk with.
You were my inspiration and you were always the one who cared.
You will be sadly missed by those at Mars Hill and the Community At Large.
I know you are in the hand of God ,No more pains,tears.
In Loving Peace of God's Will
Sis. Gloria Holloman
SHERIFF RAYMOND BELL
October 9, 2008
MY GOD BE WITH YOU DURING YOUR TIME OF NEED MY HE GRANT YOU,
MERCY AND GRACE .
Martha Wilson
October 8, 2008
I will miss Rev. Gay greatly; especially during the conference time when she and I would ride together and eat together. I love her so much and find it still hard to believe I won't be able to hear her voice again. One thing I do know, she is definitely in the arms of the Lord! Try to be strong family (and I know it's hard) because you know she doesn't want us crying for her but celebrating the wonderful life she had and memories she left us. May God bless you all!
Elizabeth(Niecy), Carroll, & Kee-Kee Clanton
October 8, 2008
To my dearest family, some things I'd like to say...
but first of all, to let you know, that I arrived okay.
I'm writing this from heaven. Here I dwell with God above.
Here, there's no more tears of sadness; here is just eternal love.
Please do not be unhappy just because I'm out of sight.
Remember that I'm with you every morning, noon and night.
That day I had to leave you when my life on earth was through,
God picked me up and hugged me and He said, ""I welcome you.""
It's good to have you back again; you were missed while you were gone.
As for your dearest family, they'll be here later on.
I need you here badly; you're part of my plan.
There's so much that we have to do, to help our mortal man.
God gave me a list of things, that he wished for me to do.
And foremost on the list, was to watch and care for you.
And when you lie in bed at night, the day's chores put to flight.
God and I are closest to you....in the middle of the night.
When you think of my life on earth, and all those loving years
because you are only human, they are bound to bring you tears.
But do not be afraid to cry; it does relieve the pain.
Remember there would be no flowers, unless there was some rain.
I wish that I could tell you all that God has planned.
But if I were to tell you, you wouldn't understand.
But one thing is for certain, though my life on earth is o'er.
I'm closer to you now, than I ever was before.
There are many rocky roads ahead of you and many hills to climb;
but together we can do it by taking one day at a time.
It was always my philosophy and I'd like it for you too...
that as you give unto the world, the world will give to you.
If you can help somebody who's in sorrow and pain,
then you can say to God at night......""My day was not in vain.""
And now I am contented....that my life has been worthwhile,
knowing as I passed along the way, I made somebody smile.
So if you meet somebody who is sad and feeling low,
just lend a hand to pick him up, as on your way you go.
When you're walking down the street, and you've got me on your mind;
I'm walking in your footsteps only half a step behind.
And when it's time for you to go.... from that body to be free,
remember you're not going.....you're coming here to me.
Ruth Ann Mahaffey (author)
©Copyright 1998-2008
LAUREN AND PETER SPARKS
October 6, 2008
COME WITH ME TO MEET MY FRIEND
LET'S TALK WITH JESUS
He keeps me company day and night
Quietly whispers my wrong to right
'Oft times I wonder how it would be If while I talk with Him
His precious face I could see
No one could listen the way He will
His heart full of love forever still
I know you will love Him as much as I
His arms open wide to invite you inside
He will lead the way a path so clear
Let's talk to Jesus each word He will hear
First a small prayer we pray to my friend
Thank Him for Blessings that never end
Then let's pray for our loved ones
That they keep Him in their heart
And from his word never part
Let's tell Jesus about our trials or pain
Ask Him to heal us in His name
Now we must ask Him to forgive
Our many sins each day we live
That we live a life pure and clean
Our reward in others will be seen
For we have talked to Jesus today
Let's never stop now or go astray
We feel the comfort of His Eternal Love
Gentle peace in our hearts from above
"HOW WONDERFUL TO TALK TO JESUS"
Renita Jenkins
October 6, 2008
Jackie;
Always cherish the good times Bessie is in a better place she's got her wings and she's watching over us, keep her in your heart.
Renita Jenkins and Family
October 6, 2008
To my dearest family, some things I'd like to say...
but first of all, to let you know, that I arrived okay.
I'm writing this from heaven. Here I dwell with God above.
Here, there's no more tears of sadness; here is just eternal love.
Please do not be unhappy just because I'm out of sight.
Remember that I'm with you every morning, noon and night.
That day I had to leave you when my life on earth was through,
God picked me up and hugged me and He said, ""I welcome you.""
It's good to have you back again; you were missed while you were gone.
As for your dearest family, they'll be here later on.
I need you here badly; you're part of my plan.
There's so much that we have to do, to help our mortal man.
God gave me a list of things, that he wished for me to do.
And foremost on the list, was to watch and care for you.
And when you lie in bed at night, the day's chores put to flight.
God and I are closest to you....in the middle of the night.
When you think of my life on earth, and all those loving years
because you are only human, they are bound to bring you tears.
But do not be afraid to cry; it does relieve the pain.
Remember there would be no flowers, unless there was some rain.
I wish that I could tell you all that God has planned.
But if I were to tell you, you wouldn't understand.
But one thing is for certain, though my life on earth is o'er.
I'm closer to you now, than I ever was before.
There are many rocky roads ahead of you and many hills to climb;
but together we can do it by taking one day at a time.
It was always my philosophy and I'd like it for you too...
that as you give unto the world, the world will give to you.
If you can help somebody who's in sorrow and pain,
then you can say to God at night......""My day was not in vain.""
And now I am contented....that my life has been worthwhile,
knowing as I passed along the way, I made somebody smile.
So if you meet somebody who is sad and feeling low,
just lend a hand to pick him up, as on your way you go.
When you're walking down the street, and you've got me on your mind;
I'm walking in your footsteps only half a step behind.
And when it's time for you to go.... from that body to be free,
remember you're not going.....you're coming here to me.
Ruth Ann Mahaffey (author)
©Copyright 1998-2008
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