Donald Ernest Pipkin

Dear Family and Friends,

When I found out Don was on Hospice, it may as well have been a close relative. Also in somewhat shock since we had conversed three months prior.

Don Pipkin did more for me than anyone ever in ministry, except maybe my dad. Don was at Eastside Baptist, Plant City, when I arrived in 1995. The same Sunday I joined, even before my first choir practice, he asked if I'd lead music for VBS. After VBS, he asked if I'd be part of the Ensemble/Praise Team. What he didn't know is that my prior church had no confidence in me so that single act did more for me than he knew. His encouragement and confidence in me had so much to do with my growth and expanding my comfort zone. This in turn opened so many opportunities never would have dreamed, including participating in the Emmanuel Tour and the Truth Ensemble Workshop.

Don was known as an encourager and a mentor. He was multi talented in voice and several instruments as well as bringing people together for major productions. I always appreciated if we were going to do anything, it was going to be done right and done well and put the time in to do so. Totally dedicated to anything he did.

Don also had a great sense of humor. One of my favorite memories was the Christmas the musical included a barbershop quartet. Instead of men, he had the idea to use four women including myself. We used the red and white striped vests and flat white hats, and mustaches ! He didn't see us dressed like this until dress rehearsal. Well needless to say, Don lost it and it was probably thirty minutes before we regained composure to continue.

Don touched so many lives. There is not one person that met Don that he didn't touch in some way. Amazing. Well done, thou good and faithful servant.

I know there is nothing I can say to lessen your loss but from my favorite Finale song, I offer these words :

"One thing you need and nothing more,
To hear the Whisper of your Lord.
Be still and know that I am God.
Rest in the arms of My Embrace."

Love you all.