Yesterday was the funeral for Jean Burkhart born almost 100 years ago in a small North Carolina town. I met Jean when Jill and I began to date. It was a Sunday afternoon dinner at her home and she made me feel like I was long expected and warmly welcomed. And we were back for several more wonderful afternoon dinners with Jean, her daughter, Renda, son Chris and his wife, Marilyn and other friends. Each day was a treat, with food, laughter and joy. She had a keen memory and I enjoyed her tales of growing up, her move to Knoxville for work, her marriage - each one with a twinkle in her eye. At one point she “loudly” whispered to me that she really liked June weddings. I got the hint. She also gave me pointers on how to woo a woman from her era and that included being well dressed with a nice hat. So I got a nice hat to wear to Jeans. At the wedding - which happened in August, sorry, Jean, she was my honorary “mother” and looked beatutiful all dressed up, hair perfect and a lovely flower to wear. You didn’t even notice the wheelchair she needed by then. The dinners had to stop as she was no longer able to stand well and the visits less frequent but steady. What I learned from Jean was genuine love-fueled hospitality. And I was only one of scores of people who were enriched by her life and care. She was a second grandmother to Carin and delighted in getting to see Carin and Evan’s daughter, Mary Evelyn.
She had an exemplary faith and trusted in God always. One special note, I never heard her complain. She was always grateful and the word you heard most often was thank you. What a blessing she was and likely is today. I don’t think you will need to search her out in heaven, she will be part of the welcoming team for sure.
