Tuesday, June 7, 2011

Mother

Blogging Friends:
An apology is in order for you, although I know many will say it is not necessary.  That is because quilters are so compassionate and caring in all situations.  I know that many of you are looking for Block 5 of Boot Bash and I want you to know that it is mostly ready for publication, and in a few days I will be posting it.  I know you understand and will wait patientlly.

 I have told you in posts past that my mother had extreme dimentia.  My sister and I kept her at home as long as possible and a couple of months ago, we took her to a local nursing facility.  On Friday, June 3rd, she passed from this life.  This was after days of my prayers that the Gracias and loving Lord would take her into His care as there was nothing left in this life for her but pain and suffering. 



A private funeral service was held Saturday, June 4, 2011 at Union Cemetery Chapel, Freestone, TX, for Ernestine Lamberth Mandeville. She was born to Ruby Langdon and Garlan Lamberth in Freestone, Texas on November 30, 1926. Known when she was young as Teenie, she was a petite girl with a million dollar smile. She started to the Freestone School at a younger than average age because she loved to go, so her aunts took her with them before she was old enough to attend. Although she was young, she would sit very still.


In 1947 she met S. A. Mandeville, known as Pete, at a singing school being held in Freestone. She becked him into the cloak room (her own words) and asked him to come to her house for a glass of tea. They were married January 25, 1947 and had two daughters, Brenda Kay and Molly Gwen.

Their early life took them to Lufkin and Odessa, Texas and then back to Freestone County where they owned Mandeville Grocery in Donie for about 10 years. Their last home was in Teague.

Ernestine became a Licensed Vocational Nurse in 1968. She was compassionate and dedicated to her work. When she passed away at Teague Nursing Home, she was being cared for by some of those who had worked there with her years before.

Upon retiring she started her quilting journey when the nationally known quilter, Georgia Bonesteel, was teaching the world to quilt. She made some of the most beautiful quilts you will ever see, from giant to miniature. She was very hesitant to "buy fabric for a quilt", but finally did, and those creations were her best work. We’ve laughed many times about the day she washed a million 2 inch squares for her current project, and laid them out on her car to dry. A phone call came in for Pete and she went down to his shop to give him a message and forgot about the squares. The result was a million white fabric squares flying down the street. She got help from some neighborhood children to pick them up.

Another pastime was writing poetry. She wrote simple poems when she was very young and continued to write them throughout her life. She passed this trait down to both daughters. She also loved to read and work crossword puzzles.

Ernestine was a Christian, a member of the Church of Christ, and she spent many hours with her Bible in hand. She passed from this life after a lengthy trial with dementia on June 3, 2011.

She is survived by her daughters and their husbands, Brenda and Jerry Ballew of Teague and Molly and Sid Fryer of Fairfield, and her grandchildren: Troy Allison and Anne, Ryker and Denham Hunt; Hayley Allison and her daughter Cicilia King; Clinton Sneed Fryer, his wife, Kristan, and their sons Caden Sneed and Cullen Samuel; and Clark Sidney Fryer; step-grandchildren Stephanie Biggs, her husband Clint, and sons Josh, Devin, and Sam; Ashley Ballew and her son Benjamin Ullman; Tim Ballew and wife Elizabeth. Also surviving is her sister, Joan Lackey, her aunt Addie May Cullwell, and several first cousins.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Pete Mandeville, and her parents.

A memorial fellowship for friends and family will be held Friday, June 9, 2011 at 7 p.m. at the Fellowship Building of First United Methodist Church in Teague. Please join the family for refreshments and sharing memories.

The following is a poem written by my Mother:

.  I HAVE A SINFUL NATURE


I have a sinful nature; I do not know from where it came.
But I’ve struggled with it always with many losses, some small gains.
Many days I’ve walked in darkness with a fearful worried mind,
When I asked the Lord to help me learn to live one day at a time.


The time I spent in anguish was because my faith was weak.
I learned to lean upon the Lord for the peace I had to seek.
Many days I struggled onward; long and hard has been the fight.
But I asked the Lord to guide me, help my feet to find the light.


When I stand before the judgment and the Lord looks down on me,
I only hope, in love and mercy, this is what His words will be.
“I have heard you cry for help in the darkness of despair.
I have given help and solace to let you know I care.


I have watched your feeble struggles and have known your heart was right.
And in my mercy grant you pardon as you stand here in the light.
Although you are not worthy, My grace has made you right.
For you’ve had a sinful nature, and did not give up the fight.”

                                                                                 ---Ernestine Lamberth Mandeville
Enjoy your New Life, Mama!  I Love You!

32 comments:

JustCindy said...

Molly, those boots will wait a few days. You have had a traumatic loss and a very hard month prior to that. All of us know you will get to it when you can. You take care of Molly for a few days. We will be here when you get it done.

I'm very sorry for your loss.

Country Whispers said...

Molly,
What a beautiful memorial post for your Mother. My heart goes out to you and your family during this time of sadness.

Sandi Linn Andersen said...

Oh, Molly, what a lovely post about your mother. Please know that you have my deepest sympathies. My own mother is having some issues so I can understand. Real life takes precedence over the blogging stuff. Take care of you, take care of family. All the rest will fill in later......... Your mama must have been a lovely lady and wonderful quilter. I, too, enjoyed quilting with Georgia Bonesteel.
:-)

Kathy said...

What a beautiful tribute to your Mother!!! Great job my friend! Love you to the moon and back!!!

Denise said...

The most beautiful words I have never read.
I'm near of You, a big hug,
Denise

Cathi said...

You are in my thoughts and prayers. I lost my beloved Aunt Jackie the same day. Take care of yourself.

Katie M. said...

So sorry for your loss. Thank you for sharing your mother with us.

Huskerbabe said...

I'm sorry for your loss. Your mother sounds like a wonderful person.

Carol said...

Sorry for your loss. I know from personal experience the bitter sweet of the loss of a family member after long battles with this horrible disease. It still your loved one long before it releases them to peace. Take care and know that she is in a better place. The memorial was beautiful and so is her poetry.

sophie said...

I am so sorry for your loss (and hope you feel no stress about the boot block--we can all wait).

Even when you know it's coming, the loss of a parent is hard at any age. I really enjoyed reading about your mother--she sounds like a lovely person.

Charlsey said...

That is a beautiful tribute to your Mother. Praying your grief will soon be replaced with the happy memories of your Mother that will make your smile and your heart sing.

Needled Mom said...

What a beautiful tribute to your mom. Their passing is always difficult, but I hope that the wonderful memories of her healthy years will help you through the difficult times.

BubzRugz said...

My sincere condolences to you... it is so hard to say goodbye to a loved mum......
Hugz

Carol said...

What a beautiful tribute to your mom. She sounds like a wonderful woman and a great mother. Take care of yourself and your family as you cherish the memories. God bless you and yours.

Betty C said...

Thank you for sharing the wonderful story of your mother. She is beautiful on the inside and the outside. There is a twinkle of playful mischief in those eyes. Is there a picture of your father somewhere on your blog? I want to see who she invited to tea!

StitchinByTheLake said...

What a wonderful tribute to your mother. She's incredibly beautiful! I know that you'll miss her so much - that longing for mother never seems to go away - but you'll be at peace because you know where she is and that you will see her again. blessings, marlene

Sandi said...

What a lovely testament to the life of your mother.

Thank you for sharing her story.

Hold fast to the memories.

Brita said...

Your mother was a beautiful woman, inside and out. Thank you for sharing her story.

Rhonda said...

We daughters of moms all struggle with their aging, illness and appreciate all our moms have done for use throughout our lives. It is truly a sadness upon our hearts when we go through the loss of such a treasure.
I know that your mom has left this old life for a new and greater one and has left you and Bren wonderful memories and treasures.

Cheryl's Teapots2Quilting said...

Take your time. Family ALWAYS comes first. You have to take the time to mourn. My daddy died from Alzheimers Oct. 2009. Remember the good times.

Osage Bluff Quilter said...

What a beautiful tribute to your Mother.
I am so sorry for your loss.
Patti

Sherry said...

I am sorry for your loss. This is a lovely tribute to your Mom. I love her poem you posted.

bolero said...

Mes sincères condoléances à toutes la famille. Perdre sa maman laisse un grand vide dans notre vie, la mienne me manque encore mlagré les 6 années qui sont déjà passées.Bon courrage et bonne continuation.Amicalement

BillieBee (billiemick) said...

A beautiful tribute to your Mom. Thanks for sharing her life with us. My favorite line is "But I asked the Lord to guide me, help my feet to find the light."

Billie in TX

merrily row said...

Dear Molly, a beautiful tribute to a beautiful woman. My mother taught me my love of quilting and died of dimentia also, she was a year younger than your mother but passed eleven years ago. I know how hard the recent years have been but please know that you will soon forget all the times she could not remember and only remember the times she made the world fun. My thoughts are with you.

Vicki ♥ said...

My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family Molly and your lovely tribute to your Mother is beautiful. She was a beautiful woman all thru her life and I pray she is at peace now. Hugs sweetie :)
Vicki xx

Linda said...

What a wonderful tribute. Thanks for sharing her story with us.

Clothed in Scarlet said...

Wow! Molly your momma was a talented lady. Her poem brought tears to my eyes. I pray that the good memories bring you comfort and help ease your the lonesome feeling that may come with her absent on this earth. Sarah

GeeGee said...

Molly, what a beautiful tribute to your mom. She sure was beautiful and led a wonderful life. May those memories fill your heart with gladness.

Lois said...

My sympathy to you and your family. I kept my mom until her death for 3 years. It was like caring for a 6 month adult but I would not have done any different. I know you will miss your beautiful mom but you will see her again and will have her in your hearts always. Love Lois

Linda Buechel said...

Molly just wanted to say I like the bright pumpkin!
have a great day!
Linda

Kath said...

That was one of the most touching tributes I have ever read! Your mother was truly beautiful, inside and out. The poem is a wonderful treasur! Love you tons, my friend!

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