Celebration of Life Mother Pearl (Mue) Turner Harris May 24, 1921-September 30, 2012
Saturday, October 6, 2012 2:00 in the afternoon Beth-el Missionary Baptist Church 1766 Highway 182 West Starkville, MS 39762 Rev. Lee E. Brand, Jr. Pastor and Eulogist
Last Fight
A face that is always on my mind, A smile I have seen a million times, Two eyes that would light up the sky at night, One last battle you could not fight, The day was long, then night then morn. I knew that soon you would be gone, I clasped your hand so warm in mine, Soon we would be out of time, To stay with us you fought so hard, A million pieces went my heart, Now a photo I look at to see your smile, I keep your number on my speed dial, A video I watch to hear your voice, This I do.... I have no choice., But great memories I will always keep with me, Your love in my heart for eternity, I never got to say goodbye, To understand why, I can but try, Waiting in heaven from this moment on, 'Till God asks you to bring me home.... We love you Mum!
The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever. Psalm 23
Life Reflection Therefore the redeemed of the Lord shall return, and come with singing unto Zion; and everlasting joy shall be upon their head: they shall obtain gladness and joy; and sorrow and mourning shall flee away. Isaiah 51:11
On Sunday, September 30, 2012, Mother Pearl (Mue) Turner-Harris’ name was called by the Lord. He requested her attendance in heaven because her assignment on earth spreading love and happiness was completed. She touched many lives with her kindness, words of encouragement, and instilled many life lessons and values into her family. But above all, she taught her family how to love the way Christ loves us. Mother Pearl was born May 24, 1921 in Oktibbeha County being the 3rd of 6 siblings born to Wiley and Donnie Turner. She received her education at Leek Creek School. Her desire to take care of others compelled her to pursue a career as a cook on a nearby ranch. In later years, she worked as a governess until the youthful age of 88. She was a dedicated and loving wife to Mr. George York Harris until his death. Mother Harris was a compassionate devoted wife and mother. It was her sense of dedication to her family that made her an extraordinary person. She loved unconditionally, cherished every moment, laughed often in the midst of trouble and lived a remarkable life. She made Jesus Christ the Lord of her life at an early age and joined Beth-el Missionary Baptist Church where she was a life-time member. During her membership, she was elected as the Usher Board President and Chief usher. She served her church in several other capacities including membership in the Women’s Mission, Mother’s Board, and Chair- person of Food Services. Her community service involvement included membership in Mabel O Lott OES #465, and the casserole kitchen. She leaves to revere her memories two biological daughters: Lula Mae Howard and Mary Evon Martin both of Starkville, Mississippi; two adopted daughters: Linda Edmond (Derrick), and Helen Brown both of Starkville Mississippi; One sister: Dotsie B. Tyler of Kenosha, Wisconsin; Grand-children: Robert E. Cummings (Tamela), Marvell Howard (Joyce), Ricky Howard (Zel), Fran L. Howard, Lora E. Howard, Rhonda R. Howard, Joseph D. Howard (Nichole), Tapporah Martin. Great Grandchildren: Tammi McGee, Monique Howard, Shimada Howard, Lashaundra Howard, Markista Howard, Giorgio Howard, Christopher Howard, Brittany Cummings, Jacolby Mobely, Javian Mobely, Jalin Mobely, Joseph Howard II, Ryan Howard. Great Great- Grandchildren: Jamarquis, Kayla, Kennedy, Janariyah, Kelvin, Amariyon, Ashton, Taylor, Kaileigh, Jordan, Tyler, Bobbie Alexis; Two sister-in-laws: Alberta Turner Starkville, Mississippi and Amanda Turner Tuscon, Arizona; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents Wiley and Donnie Turner, one sister Sally Jenkins, three brothers John D. Turner Sr., Booker T. Turner, and Wiley Turner.
Order of Celebration Prelude ...............…………………................................……….................................... Musicians Processional ……………..........................................…...……… Ministers, Family, Motherboard He has his Hands on You Musical Selection............................................................................................Beth-el Gospel Choir Trust Me Scripture...................................................Old Testament...................................Min. Rafael Patrick New Testament ....................Min. Christopher McSwain Prayer......................................................................................................................Rev. Ted Taylor Musical Selection.............................................................................................Beth-el Gospel Choir I’ll Trade a Lifetime Expressions (2 minutes): As a church member..............................................................................Deacon Jimmy Ellis Special Tribute............................Beth-el Mother’s Board Ministry…......…...Sis. Tommie Purnell Beth-el Usher Board Ministry…………......…..Sis. Esther Ward Words of Comfort...............................................................................................Rev. James Howell Musical Selection.............................................................................................Beth-el Gospel Choir Well Done Acknowledgements & Resolutions........................................................................Sis. Brenda Jones Life Reflections........................................Read Silently..........................................Grandma’s Hand Family Expressions: As our Aunt..................................................................Debra Brantley & John D. Turner, Jr. As our Grandmother...................Tapporah Y. Martin, Fran L. Howard, & Marvell Howard Solo............................................................................................................................Ricky Howard Your Grace and Mercy Eulogy.................................................................................................................Rev. Lee E. Brand, Jr. Recessional......................................................................................................Beth-el Gospel Choir Let the Church Say Amen Funeral Directors in Charge Servant of God Well Done, Rest from thy Work Employ The Battle Fought, The Victory Won Enter the Master’s Joy
Grandma Thank you for the gift of love, now you're sharing it up above. You had many things to say. All in a caring way. You always saw good in everyone, No matter what they've done. You were always the one we could all lean on. Even though it must have felt like a ton. You were always the strength of the family. Now we must let you rest calmly. As we say goodbye, as tears roll down our eyes. I know your place in heaven has a good view. Because you're telling God, I need to keep an eye on a few. I know you will always be in our hearts and mind. So Grandma, I must go, but I'll never forget you're one of a kind.
Your Grandchildren
My Darling Pearl, I think the name Pearl is so fitting for you. Rare like the gem, precious and desired is what you
Dear Mue,
were to me. A better example of
A smile for all, a heart of gold, one of the best
kinder heart I will never find
Christianity, the ultimate lady, a the world could hold.
Never selfish, always kind, these are the memories you left behind.
again. You have been mother to us all over your 91 years and we are all blessed by knowing you and
Gone is the face we loved so dear, silent is the
sweeter was this blessing because I
voice we loved to hear.
could call you family. I thank God
Gone are the days we used to share, but in our hearts you’re always there.
that He gave you to us for a time
The Gates of memory will never close, how
and I thank Him for bringing you
much we miss you, no one will ever know. We
back home without any suffering.
love and miss you.
You will forever be etched in our hearts. Watch over Taylor and me
Elmer & Tammy
and all the beautiful, wonderful girls you created. We love you, sweet Mue. Tammi and Taylor McGee
Mue, I am going to miss you so much. Even though I won’t be able to see you until I’m an angel, I know you’re in a better place. Kaileigh
Dear Great GreatGrandma I miss you dearly. You taught me right from wrong. Every time I got in trouble you would say, “Kayla, I want you to do better. That’s why I love you very much.” Heaven is waiting for a very special person. Kayla “KK”
Dear Great GreatGreat-Great Grandma
Grandmother
I wish I could see you one last
I will really do miss you.
time just to say goodbye. I am
I miss the smile upon
very sad that this had to happen
your face, the tasty
and I will love you forever.
foods you cooked, and
KJ “Peter”
the funny things you would say. *Rest in Peace* Kennedy “DD”
Just because you cannot see me Does not mean I am not there Just because I am in heaven Does not mean I do not care I often see you crying. You often say my name. I want to hold you tight. I want to ease your pain. It’s easy for me. For I know heaven is real. If you knew the truth, How much better would you feel? One day we will meet again. But, only when the time is right, When you step out of the darkness I will be standing in the light.
Love Always,
“Mue”
Acknowledgements We the family of Mother Pearl (MUE) T. Harris would like to thank Pastor Brand, Beth-el Church Family and the entire city of Starkville, for going above and beyond offering many deeds, kind words, and quiet thoughts. Most importantly we appreciate you for being there with your support and love. Your prayers were profoundly felt and made this difficult time much easier to bear. The blessings of the Lord make us rich and add no sorrow. We love you all dearly.
Pallbearers Ronnie Jenkins Wiley Turner Curtis Turner Derrick Edmond
Arthur Lee Jenkins
Will Allen Turner Ralph Turner Bill Jenkins Kelvin Jenkins
Flower Bearers Gwen Perkins Betty Taylor Karen Turner Tiffany Turner
Mable O Lott OES #465
Interment Beth-el Church Cemetery
Dorothy Tyler Deborah Brantley Celestine Gillespie Jackie Berryhill
Repast Beth-el M. B. Church Fellowship Hall
SERVICES PROVIDED BY: West Memorial Funeral Home 103 Jefferson Street Starkville, Mississippi 39759 Phone: (662) 323-6674 Fax: (662) 323-9531