As maudlin as it may seem I just found out (seven and a half years after the fact), that one of my mother's very dear friends was not informed of my mom's memorial service arrangements. This person asked for a copy of the program. So just in case, there are those of you who have found my blog, and regrettably were not privy to the program (maybe not able to attend, etc.), here is a fascimile.
In
Loving
Memory
of
Betty Anne Smith Gilbert
September 18, 1925 - May 21, 2003
2624 W. Grand Blvd .• Detroit, Michigan 48208
Brother Clive M. Johnson, Officiating
THE OBITUARY
Betty Anne Simpson,
daughter of George McKinley and Nama Simpson,
was welcomed into the world on September 18,
1925. An athletic, adventurous, and lively child
who loved the outdoors and was a champion marble
player, she grew up with her sister, Evelyn, in
Cincinnati, Ohio. A natural leader, she went on to
become the president of her eighth grade class and
the vice president of her 12th grade class.
After graduating from high school, Betty
went to Washington, D.C., where she worked in a
wartime clerical position. While in Washington,
she met the love of her life, John Wesley Smith,
who was a staff sergeant in the Army Air Corps.
They were married on December 15, 1945. Sadly,
John died in an airplane explosion on December
10, 1946 and therefore was unable to witness the
birth of their son, Wesley Stephen, the following
year.
As a single parent, Betty worked many jobs
to support her son. She worked as an institutional
cook, a nursing home manager, and a cafeteria
cashier. Lastly, she found employment at The Budd
Company, where she worked in a variety of
positions and was affectionately known as "Little
Bit." Although the work was grueling, demanding
and exhausting, Betty enjoyed the fruits of her
labor: an improved standard of living and the
respect and admiration of her co-workers. Betty
was also an avid union supporter and campaigner,
who was so effective that she often helped others
to win elections and sometimes won herself. But
no matter what role she played at work, she
remained meticulous about her working attire.
After working there for 22 years she retired,
although if her health had allowed she desired to
work indefinitely.
An extremely caring and engaging person,
Betty had a way of drawing people out and making
them feel at ease. She was very generous and would
give anything she had to help others. Her sense of
humor and gregarious nature made her a master storytelller. Anyone who knows her is surely familiar with the story of the grandchild who told her to "Stop scattering herself," the grandchild who urged her to pay for a family dinner with "plastic", and the grandchild who complained, "Didn't you see me in my Momma's stomach?" But when she felt it was necessary, she could become tough and aggressive in order to come to the defense of someone in need.
Later in life Betty began to study the Bible and expressed hope in the Bible's promise of a world free from pain and suffering. Her son, grandchildren and many friends share that hope and look forward to seeing her again in the resurrection to a paradise Earth.
Betty is survived by her son Wesley Smith, grandchildren Lalla Jones (Richard), Carlene Johnson (Raymond), Georgina Smith, and Wesley Smith Jr.; sister Evelyn Whitworth (Hobert JHr.); sisters-in-law Willa Colvard (Monroe) and Eunice Persons; daughter-in-law Verna Smith,; cousins Darnell Hayes and his children Darryl, Duane, Daniel, and Sonya; nieces and nephews JoAnne Jones (Robert), Hobert Whitworh III (Elizabeth), and Mark Whitworth; great-nieces and nephews Matthew Jones, Kimani Jones, Hobert Whitworth IV, David Whitworth (Lydia), and Heather Whitworth' great-great-nieces and nephews Lauren Whitworth, Trayce Whitworth, Khalil Whitworth, Ishmael Whiworth, Imani Whitworth, Khylee Whitworth, and many dear and precious friends who are like family, such as Cora and Garfield Hughes, Lydia and Ellis Muckleroy, Pheleisha Waller, Thelma Johnson, Lucille Crisp, Gloria Young, Alphonse Douglas, Neva Douglas, Charmaine Manuel and family, Gladas Eaton, John and Cynthia Smith, Willemina Werts-Steen (Solomon), and Antoinette Westry.
humor and gregarious nature made her a master storytelller. Anyone who knows her is surely familiar with the story of the grandchild who told her to "Stop scattering herself," the grandchild who urged her to pay for a family dinner with "plastic", and the grandchild who complained, "Didn't you see me in my Momma's stomach?" But when she felt it was necessary, she could become tough and aggressive in order to come to the defense of someone in need.
Later in life Betty began to study the Bible and expressed hope in the Bible's promise of a world free from pain and suffering. Her son, grandchildren and many friends share that hope and look forward to seeing her again in the resurrection to a paradise Earth.
Betty is survived by her son Wesley Smith, grandchildren Lalla Jones (Richard), Carlene Johnson (Raymond), Georgina Smith, and Wesley Smith Jr.; sister Evelyn Whitworth (Hobert JHr.); sisters-in-law Willa Colvard (Monroe) and Eunice Persons; daughter-in-law Verna Smith,; cousins Darnell Hayes and his children Darryl, Duane, Daniel, and Sonya; nieces and nephews JoAnne Jones (Robert), Hobert Whitworh III (Elizabeth), and Mark Whitworth; great-nieces and nephews Matthew Jones, Kimani Jones, Hobert Whitworth IV, David Whitworth (Lydia), and Heather Whitworth' great-great-nieces and nephews Lauren Whitworth, Trayce Whitworth, Khalil Whitworth, Ishmael Whiworth, Imani Whitworth, Khylee Whitworth, and many dear and precious friends who are like family, such as Cora and Garfield Hughes, Lydia and Ellis Muckleroy, Pheleisha Waller, Thelma Johnson, Lucille Crisp, Gloria Young, Alphonse Douglas, Neva Douglas, Charmaine Manuel and family, Gladas Eaton, John and Cynthia Smith, Willemina Werts-Steen (Solomon), and Antoinette Westry.
Program
Music Prelude ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Song - Keep Your Eyes on the Prize (2 Corinthians 4:18) No. 222 -------------------
Acknowledgment of Cards, Telegrams,
Obituary
Discourse ----------------------------------------------------------Clive M. Johnson
Song - Life Without End - At Last -- (John 3:16) -----------------------No. 15
Prayer ------------------------------------------------------------ Clive M. Johnson
Music Postlude ------------------------------------------------------------------------
Repast at the Northwest Activity Center; 3-6 p.m.; 18100 Meyers (corner of Curtis)
Keep Your Eyes on the Prize (No. 222)
1. When eyes of blind ones see again, And ears of deaf ones hear again,
When deserts blossom as the rose. ANd from parched groudn fesh water flows,
When lame ones leap just like the hart, When loved ones never have to part -
Such blessed times you'll realize, If you keep your eyes on the prize.
2. When tongues of mute ones speak again. When old ones will be young again.
The family of Betty Smith Gilbert wishes to acknowledge with deep appreciation the many comforting messages, floral tributes, prayers, and many other expressions of kindness and concern evidenced at this time in thought and deed. A more personal acknowledgment will be made at a later date.
Obituary
Discourse ----------------------------------------------------------Clive M. Johnson
Song - Life Without End - At Last -- (John 3:16) -----------------------No. 15
Prayer ------------------------------------------------------------ Clive M. Johnson
Music Postlude ------------------------------------------------------------------------
Repast at the Northwest Activity Center; 3-6 p.m.; 18100 Meyers (corner of Curtis)
Keep Your Eyes on the Prize (No. 222)
1. When eyes of blind ones see again, And ears of deaf ones hear again,
When deserts blossom as the rose. ANd from parched groudn fesh water flows,
When lame ones leap just like the hart, When loved ones never have to part -
Such blessed times you'll realize, If you keep your eyes on the prize.
2. When tongues of mute ones speak again. When old ones will be young again.
When earth will yield her rich increase. And all the good things will never cease.
When songs of children fill the air. When joy and peac are everywhere.
Then, too, you'll see the dead arise. If you keep your eyes on the prize.
3. When wolves and lambs will feed as one. When bears and calves bask in the sun.
A mere yong boy will lead them all, And they will heed his childish call.
When tears belong toyesterday. When fears and pain have passed away.
You'll see how God these things supplies, If you keep your eyes on the prize,
Life Without End - At Last! (No. 15)
Can you see, with your mind's eye, Peoples dwelling together?
When songs of children fill the air. When joy and peac are everywhere.
Then, too, you'll see the dead arise. If you keep your eyes on the prize.
3. When wolves and lambs will feed as one. When bears and calves bask in the sun.
A mere yong boy will lead them all, And they will heed his childish call.
When tears belong toyesterday. When fears and pain have passed away.
You'll see how God these things supplies, If you keep your eyes on the prize,
Life Without End - At Last! (No. 15)
Can you see, with your mind's eye, Peoples dwelling together?
Sorrow has passed. Peace at last! Life without tears and pain.
Chorus
Sing out with joy of heart.
You, too, can have a part.
Live for the day when you'll say: "Life without end, at last!"
Man and beast, living in peace, Cause no harm to each other.
Food will be there. All will share In what our God provides.
Chorus
In those days old will grow young, Flesh revived as in childhood.
Troubles are gone, from now on No need to weep or fear,
Chorus
Chorus
Paradise all will enjoy As they sing of God's glory.
Yes, ev'ry day we will say To God our Maker, "Thanks!"
Acknowledgment
The family of Betty Smith Gilbert wishes to acknowledge with deep appreciation the many comforting messages, floral tributes, prayers, and many other expressions of kindness and concern evidenced at this time in thought and deed. A more personal acknowledgment will be made at a later date.
