Homily in Celebration of the Life of Margie Sykes

Delivered by the Rev. Sam Frazier, Vicar

Saint Andrew’s Episcopal Church, Haw River, NC

At the Requiem Eucharist Celebrated at her Funeral

November 29, 2008
Dear Friends and Family of Margie Sykes.  I am deeply honored to have this opportunity to join with you in celebrating the life of Margie Sykes.  I met her here at Saint Andrew’s when I arrived as the new Vicar on November 1, 1995, and during the years since then I have been continually inspired by her life – her dedication to her family and her involvement in our joint ministry here at Saint Andrew’s.  She has been an integral part of our church community, and has been involved in every aspect of our ministry.  You could always count on her to be there when you needed her.  Margie watched Saint Andrew’s being built years ago.  She was a part of the Upper Room just down the street where Saint Andrew’s was born.  In short, she saw where we had been, and she clearly wanted to be a part of where we were going!

On last Sunday afternoon, Arthur and I visited Margie in her hospital room.  She was very weak, but when we said the Lord’s Prayer together, I could hear her saying the words clearly and strongly, as if she realized that she was in the presence of almighty God.  She was such an inspiration to me!

Margie has given us the greatest gift that a person can give – the inner beauty that is herself, her courage, her strength, and her hope.  We are all so fortunate to have known Margie during our life journey!  She was literally our rock.  By her example, she gave us strength.  By her example, she gave us courage.  By her example, she gave us hope.  And, my friends, the miracle continues.  We are all different people because of Margie.  We are all better people because of Margie.  We are all changed forever because of Margie.

Now a word of thanks to Margie’s daughter, Gayle.  For the past five years Gayle has been a dedicated Care Giver for her mom, and especially during the past year when Margie has been so sick.  Gayle has helped to bring home to us all what a difference loving care giving can make.  During the past three years we here at Saint Andrew’s have learned a lot about the importance of Care Giving to our elders through HOPE Ministry, and so we can truly appreciate the sacrifices that Gayle has made.

Margie, we thank you for all you have meant to us, and all that you have shared with us during our respective life journeys.  And we know that you are fine now.  Right now you are in the loving arms of your Creator.  Right now you are experiencing the resurrected life in Jesus Christ.  Thanks be to God!  AMEN.