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We’ve Known Love

A Tribute to Mom

For all the sacrifices you made

And all the times you protected us when we were afraid It’s no doubt you were sent from above

And because of you, we’ve known love

We’ve known sunshine and rain, We’ve overcome heartache and pain

We’ve known what it means to rejoice and be glad

We’ve even known days that were truly sad

But because you brought peace like a dove

In this life, we’ve known love

You’ve given us everything we’ve ever asked for

We couldn’t dare to ask for more

You were the greatest mom ever known

Nothing could ever replace the love you’ve shown

Because of your spirit we’ve known grace

Because of your tenderness we’ve known compassion

Because of your smile we’ve known joy

Because of your hugs we’ve known a place of comfort

Because of your courage we’ve known the safest place in the world

And because God created you just for us, We’ve known LOVE

From Your sons, Marlon Sr. & Tavias

“Dear Gma, I hate that I left you, I hate I wasn’t there, I hate that I didn’t get to speak to you one last time. I wanted you to make it through Christmas so bad this year, at least to my birthday but I feel as if thats selfish of me. I hope your happier now. I hope the pain has stopped and you can be yourself again. I’ll never question why the Lord called you home so soon, but I’ll also never understand but I do understand you fought as long and hard as you could. I’ll miss you calling me Jade Jenkins. Get some rest now gma and save me a spot I’ll see you later rest in heaven Gma!”

“Continue living your glory days as you fly through the sky!”

Love MJ

“Dear gram, Thank you. Thank you for everything you have ever done for me. I hate that I didn’t get to spend my entire life with you, but I’m thankful for every moment we did share. I appreciate the knowledge you’ve blessed me with. I know I’ve made some very questionable decisions in my life, but I’m glad you stayed beside me the best you could every single step of the way. I was blessed with the best grandmother anyone could ever ask for. This isn’t goodbye, I will definitely see you again soon, but until then, we will hold it down for you here and make you proud gram.. we love you and you will definitely be missed everyday!! See you soon miss lady!”

On December 3, 2022, God took a blessed angel from me. He released you from your pain and suffering; for that I am grateful, because it broke my heart to see you suffer. You held on as long as you could. I take comfort in the fact that I will see you again. Rest well until we meet!!

Love Always

Your Sister, Teresa

Reflections

ILife’s Reflections

t was a very special day in Memphis, Tennessee June 19, 1960. Vivian C. Ford and Raymond Burgess welcomed their baby girl into the world, whom they named Renetta Lee Ford. Her mother lovingly referred to her as her little chickadee. She was very affectionately known by her family and friends as Netta.

At a very early age, Renetta accepted Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior and later united with House of Prayer Church of Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ under the leadership of Bishop David M. Cooper, Sr.

Renetta attended Overton High School for the Creative & Performing Arts (Memphis, TN). She continued her education with Job Corps, where she became a cosmetologist.

Renetta was blessed to be the mother of two sons. Her eldest son Marlon was born on March 21, 1976. Her youngest son Tavias was born on April 6, 1980.

Renetta’s career in retail and retail management spanned over four decades. Over the years, she met and befriended a number of people who she loved dearly. She spent the latter part of her career employed with Pull-A-Part. Her colleagues at Pull-A-Part truly became her second family. They were incredibly supportive of Renetta once she became ill.

Renetta also had the role of grandmother; Ketrick, Marlon Jr., and Jade are her three grandchildren.

In her spare time, she loved cooking, puzzles, interior design, and caring for her beloved fur babies, Kelsey and Rita.

God called his angel home to be with him on December 3, 2022, at the age of 62 years old. She was preceded in death by her parents, Vivian Ford and Raymond Burgess.

She leaves to always cherish her memories of her sons Marlon M. Fitzgerald and Tavias C. Ford. Her three grandchildren Ketrick T. Saulsberry, Marlon M. Fitzgerald Jr., and Jade D. Fitzgerald; her siblings Burrell Ford, Teresa Heard, Debra (Gary) Burgess-Moore of Los Angeles, Raymond Burgess of Arizona, Paul(Randi) Burgess of Los Angeles, Shirri Burgess of Los Angeles, Ray Anthony Morris and Titus Burgess and her two partners in crime, her lifelong best friends Adrian Taylor and Marie Dotson.

“Well done, thou good and faithful servant……enter thou into the joy of the Lord.” Matthew 25:21

CelebrationOrder of Celebration

Saturday, December 17, 2022

11:00 A.M.

House of Prayer Church

4609 Knight Arnold Road Memphis, Tennessee 38118

Bishop David M. Cooper, Sr. ~ Pastor & Officiating

Prelude

Processional...........................................................................Minister Rena Cowans-Shorter

“I Shall Wear A Crown”

Scripture Readings: The Old & New Testament.........................................................Elder Tony McDowell

Prayer of Comfort................................................................................Elder Powell Odie, III

Musical Selection.........................................................................................Vanessa Knowles “I Can Go To God In Prayer”

Words of Encouragment.........................................................................Elder Perry Brittmon

Musical Selection......................................................................................Pastor Cedric King “Church Medley”

“Remembering Renetta”

(Respectfully, Two Minutes Please) Friend - Tina Mitchell Pull-A-Part Family - Marie Dotson Family

Musical Selection..................................................................Minister Louise Cowans-Pierce “Uncloudy Day”

Message of Hope........................................................................Bishop David M. Cooper, Sr.

Recessional......................................................... “I Wouldn’t Take Nothing For My Journey”

Acknowledgements

A friendly smile, a casual touch, a kind expression...These are the things that mean so much. To know you are with us in our time of sorrow, sharing our prayers, today and tomorrow. God gives us the comfort in the form of family and good friends. May His peace be with you because His love never ends.