Eunice M. Earvin: A Celebration of Life

Celebration of Life

Eunice M. Earvin Sunrise September 2, 1929 Sunset June 23, 2021

July 2, 2021, 11a.m.

Trinity Baptist Church 1831– 37 Virginia St, Gary, Indiana 46407 Rev. Dwight A. Gardner Officiant

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Obituary

unice Mae Earvin was born in Canton, MS to Rev. Nathaniel B. and Emma C. Jackson on September 2, 1929. She confessed Christ at an early age and was an active member of her church. “Baby Ray”, as she was affectionately called, graduated from Cameron Street HS in Canton, MS. As a young woman, she migrated north to Chicago, IL. In 1965, she obtained her Licensed Practical Nursing degree from Purdue University in Hammond, Indiana.

Eunice was a staunch advocate of education and a wordsmith, keeping a crossword puzzle and a dictionary nearby. She also kept an open Bible and Christian radio playing in the background, as she sang beautifully from sun up to sun down. She was occasionally a guest soloist on a local Christian radio program, and shared her gifted vocal anointing as a member of a local Christian chorale, Sounds of Peace. A published poet, Eunice scribbled God-inspired thoughts on a napkin, newspaper, or whatever was near.

She was a beacon of light in her neighborhood, in the city of Gary and surrounding communities, as she cared for everyone over herself, always encouraging others in the word of God. Eunice passionately cared for the sick and elderly at hospitals all across Northwest Indiana and the Chicagoland area. She was a private nurse with the Visiting Nurse Association, and retired from service at Munster Med Inn in Munster, IN. In her retirement, she continued to pour into others as a volunteer Chaplain in the Methodist Hospital system. As a long-time member of Trinity Baptist Church in Gary, Indiana, she faithfully sang in the choir, served as a Deaconess, was on the Mother’s Board, and participated in various other auxiliaries.

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Eunice was preceded in her transition to eternal life by her parents; three brothers: Harvey Fisher, Nathaniel Jackson, Jr., Curtis Jackson, Sr.; three sisters: Ella Bell, Annie Durham, Thelma Carter; and a beloved son, Peter Randall. She is survived by one sister, Mary Hooks; one brother, James Jackson; one brother-in-love, Andreal Carter, Sr.; two sons: John Johnson, Charles (Anita) Thomison; five daughters: Alma Wilkes, Jacquelyn (Harold) Bryant, Mary Jarrett, Beverly Thomison (Rob Duverger), Janis Dobbin Tillman; one stepdaughter: Gladys Smith; eighteen grandchildren; thirty-three great-grandchildren; five great-great-grandchildren. In addition, she has left an indelible legacy with a host of extended family, cousins, nieces, nephews, neighborhood children and many friends.

Eunice had a warm and loving heart and developed lifelong relationships with many throughout her life. She had special friendships with some who adopted her as Mother. She cherished these relationships and the family will always remember those who knew her as MOM.

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My Morning Prayer For the bird’s singing by my window today For giving me the will to pray For mother who taught me to kneel each day Lord I thank you.

For the warmth of the sun For the glow of the moon For the battles that you’ve won Lord I thank you For the wonderful gift of my family For the precious blood You shed for me Agape love that is saving me Lord I thank you.

No elusive plot can defer The blessing that is sure to occur Love triumphs over hate God alone decides our fate His sovereignty is pure He will not fail I am sure When obstacles get in our way We listen to what He has to say All are akin through the blood All were saved from the flood Our elders believed and lived long Their faith made them strong Let us take a solid stand Let us trust in God, not in man.

August 21, 2003 — Eunice M. Earvin 4

Order of Service Organ Prelude Processional Selection Old Testament Scripture: Proverbs 3:1-6 Rev. Curtis Jackson, Jr. New Testament Scripture . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1st Thessalonians 4:13-18 Minister James Jackson Invocation Musical Selection . . . . “When We All Get to Heaven” Trinity Choir Acknowledgement of Condolences . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jeanette Pike Obituary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Silent Reading

Remarks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 minutes each Musical Selection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Tachena Tillman Eulogy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Pastor Dwight Gardner Recessional

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When God Calls Time In My Life When God calls time in my life He will put an end to peril and strife My work will be done My race will be run My wounds will be healed My life book sealed Days of confusion will be over at last Shadows can no loner be cast Joy, Joy will be my theme Zion songs I’ll forever sing One day in heaven will be for me Eternal bliss all trouble will cease.

— Eunice M. Earvin

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Love An emotion of the soul The sincere entwining of spirits A sense that will never grow old The outward expression of deep senses It’s flames are as fire They cover the room like and inspire The vibes are felt at a glance You cannot hide it because it can’t be hid You must show how good it feels Love is something that grips your heels Love will make you spin your wheels — Eunice M. Earvin

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Victoria’s Farewell

t’s been hard to gather words to say. I feel guilty that this picture is not mine, but I didn’t want to wait another day to commemorate the life of my grandmother. My grandmother Eunice has been one of the strongest forces in my life. At times when I did not love myself, she loved me. My grandmother modeled how to be a woman, how to be a lady, and how to be a Christian. She was generous, she would give us anything from her home that we set our eyes on. I can probably count how many grandchildren she has, but what would be the point, when she always made me feel like I was the only one. My grandmother and I had things in common I love to sing, she loved to sing, and would encourage me to sing. We would talk about hair and we would talk about music. She has even written poetry. I fancy myself a poet. And when I got older, she gave me advice about men, and I didn’t even know how to take it because I didn’t really ask. Some people think that’s intrusive, but that was just her way- her wisdom was right there between you- she was ready to disperse it upon you at any moment. As a young girl, I would go to Granny’s, and I would know there was no cable, there was no video game, but I might choose her house over any other family member’s house to hang out, because of her love and the atmosphere. She may have something to do, or get on the phone, and be busy, and I would just be patient. I knew that when that call was over, when that chicken was done, or that family member left, that it would be me and her. My grandmother’s love was as good as gold. Heaven has gained a soul! My heart is heavy because I just knew I would see her again. I fooled myself. Friends, do not waste a moment with those that you love. Tomorrow is not guaranteed. If you cherish their love and their company, bathe yourself in it! Granny I will keep your teachings and pass them to my children. I love you so much and your voice is present in my heart and my mind.

—Victoria Bryant 13

Deliverance I was bound in discombobulating I asked the Lord for regenerating.

He turned me around and I saw the light Thank God I’m saved. He reversed my plight.

When I was discouraged and in despair He heard my cry.

He answered my prayer He cast my burden into the sea His mercy and love has set me free This same God will do for you This and mere if you ask Him to He will keep you always in His care Every time you call he will be there.

I believe in Jesus Through a passionate moment of elation, Disappointment, yes, and even anger Who taught me to kneel and say Lord I thank you For the warmth of the sun For the glow of the moon For your sacred Holy one For my blessings at high noon Lord I thank you.

For the gift of my wonderful family For the blood you shed for me For agape love that is saving me Lord I thank you I am grateful for eyes that see You are more than this world to me!

— Eunice M. Earvin 14

Proverbs 31: 10–31 The Wife of Noble Character 10 A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31

than rubies.

Her husband has full confidence in her and lacks nothing of value.

She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life.

She selects wool and flax and works with eager hands.

She is like the merchant ships, bringing her food from afar.

She gets up while it is still night; she provides food for her family and portions for her female servants.

She considers a field and buys it; out of her earnings she plants a vineyard.

She sets about her work vigorously; her arms are strong for her tasks.

She sees that her trading is profitable, and her lamp does not go out at night.

In her hand she holds the distaff and grasps the spindle with her fingers.

She opens her arms to the poor and extends her hands to the needy.

When it snows, she has no fear for her household; for all of them are clothed in scarlet.

She makes coverings for her bed; she is clothed in fine linen and purple.

Her husband is respected at the city gate, where he takes his seat among the elders of the land.

She makes linen garments and sells them, and supplies the merchants with sashes.

She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come.

She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue.

She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness.

Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her.

“Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all.”

Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.

Honor her for all that her hands have done, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.

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Funeral Arrangements Entrusted to Guy and Allen Funeral Home, Gary, Indiana Ode to Peter: Dear Peter, The dark clouds are rolled away Now we are on a solid foundation The clouds spun all around There was a silence above the ground No one else there to say a word God, in His power could be felt and heard. ­—Mother

Pallbearers: Jaime Higgins, Sr. Kwame Thomison Martel Haskins Steven Jarrett Reese Jarrett Agyasi Downs Richard Downs Acknowledgements: The family wishes to express sincere appreciation for the thoughtfulness conveyed in prayers, messages, flowers, contributions, and other courtesies extended during this sad time.

Internment: Ridgelawn Cemetery Gary, Indiana