Juanalyne Williams' Obituary
Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests but also to the interests of others. Philippians 2:3-4 It bears repeating. Juanalyne loved going to church. It was the highlight of her week. She loved to sing the hymns, however, her confused mind created a new idea and she called all Christian music, “Christmas Songs.” She sang boldly at church, even when a soloist was singing. She loved singing to Christian radio in the car and with the residents at Columbine Manor during her final weeks. When we would come to visit, she would delight us with the news that the residents got together to sing “Christmas Songs.” On Juanalyne’s final day, she struggled to catch each breath. We were just informed that the doctor was 90% sure that she had suffered a mild heart attack within the past few days. A sudden realization hit Vic that this may be our final days with her, that she may not be coming home after all. In a burst of emotion he hugged her, laid his head on her chest and sobbed uncontrollably, “Mother, don’t leave me! I’m not ready for you to go! Please don’t leave me!” He was overcome with painful emotions as he considered her possible departure. As he heaved and cried, she lifted her weak, stiff arm and placed it on his back and attempted to pat him as best she could. Although we had not heard her say any words that morning, I watched her position her lips to breath out the sound, “Shhh… Shhh….” That’s when this scripture came to mind, “Consider others greater than yourself,” as I watched this precious momma, moments from death, muster all her strength to soothe and comfort her own son, I was amazed. After he composed himself, we sat and watched her. I was sitting on her bed, stroking her face when I saw her draw a breath and then she stopped—another followed a few moments later. “Vic! Vic! Let’s release her to God! Let’s tell her it’s okay to go home.” We discussed this the day before but Vic couldn’t do it at that point. So I placed my lips upon her ear and said, “Mom, go to God; It’s time and it’s okay. We’ll be fine and one day we will see you again. Go to God.” Vic spoke to her similarly and we kissed her and said our good-byes. We withdrew to our seated positions and anticipated her to continue her infrequent breaths. But we never saw another breath. She was still, quiet, and at peace. She had gone home to Heaven. To be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord! Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints. Services will take place at 12:30 pm on Saturday, April 23, 2016 at The Wildwood Chapel at Restland Funeral Home. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Restland Funeral Home and Memorial Park, 13005 Greenville Avenue, Dallas, TX 75243.
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