Larissa Weaver

"Oh Happy Day!" For every Chautauqua Ice Cream Karaoke Party, a rendition of Aaron Neville's "Oh Happy Day!" and her personal version of "This Little Light of Mine," were the command performances of Ms. Larissa Weaver. Each time, her blissful, soulful voice had all Chautauquans on their feet with thunderous applause. From her 'full of joy' energy, everyone knew her heart and spirit were inspired by every lyric. While devastating for the rest of us, April 17, 2016 was the 'Oh Happy Day,' of Larissa's faithful aspiration. Jesus called her home.

Larissa Weaver was born March 19, 1991 to Ms. Bobbie Weaver. On the morning of April 17th, the group home staff where she had lived for several years found Larissa unresponsive. She is presumed to have suffered a heart attack.

Larissa attended Margaret K. Lewis School, Chautauqua Charter School, Chautauqua Adult Program, and the Pyramid Adult Day Program. Far from a tiny light, Larissa was a beacon reflecting the love of the many, many people who adored her. Chief among them are the following. Her mother, Bobbie Weaver, who was Larissa's heart. Ashley Booker, her group home supervisor who delighted in helping Larissa dress up for every special event, from beautiful princess for dances to 'cutest witch ever' for the Halloween Parties. Ms. Bobbie Jernigan, who always let Larissa sit next to her every Tuesday and helped her enjoy the cool perks of being the volunteer receptionist's 'personal assistant.' And, Ms. Katey Grabner, who taught Larissa to be her clerical aide and let Larissa feel she alone was meticulously managing the pounds of paperwork found in the world of the ESE Data Clerk.

Larissa was easy to love. She captivated and enchanted because she was captivated and enchanted by everything around her. The simplest things-- the songs of birds in the trees, the funny shapes of clouds against a clear blue sky, or the strange hats of people walking, the things most of us become blind to, Larissa found magical and exciting. Equally, she was grateful for the smallest kindness. She also had the most perceptive insights into the emotions of others. Larissa was always the first to say, "Do you need a hug?" Always, she was correct. Her heart was as big as her glowing smile.

Services for Larissa Weaver will be held Friday, April 22nd, at 11:00 AM at the Russell A. Wright, Sr. Mortuary, 1547 Lisenby Avenue, Panama City.

In Luke Chapter 14 Verses 13 and 14, Jesus states,
"When you give a feast, invite the poor, the maimed, the lame, and the blind. And you will be blessed, because they cannot repay you; for you will be repaid at the resurrection of the just."

Bound to our earthly framework, we try to understand why this special life was cut so short. Perhaps Larissa's purpose and gift was to illuminate God's true feast. For those of us who continue to hope for sustenance in things monetized and material and find only hunger, Larissa's life shines in caring and love for others-life's true feast that fulfills. Larissa, we will miss you!