Just a few Sundays ago my friend Carolyn was sitting in my Bible class and expecting to have knee surgery in a few days. That surgery went well, but two days later blood clots went to her lungs and she was gone. Her husband Ken is my friend, and along with two sons and many family members, everyone is still reeling from this unexpected loss. I will participate in her funeral service and share some thoughts about this wonderful Christian wife, mother, grandmother, and friend.
We are gathered here today to honor and celebrate the life of a woman who was devoted to Christ, her family, and her friends, Carolyn Moy. As everyone would agree, it was a joy and blessing to know Carolyn. Since Ken and Carolyn’s arrival at Forsythe Church, we have felt the blessing that came with their spirit, presence, faithfulness, and joy. This is Carolyn and Ken’s legacy in Monroe, and they have impacted many people over the years.
I reached out to some of their former ministers and wanted to share what they said about Carolyn.
Travis Bookout: Our family loves and appreciates the Moys so much. They made probably a much bigger impact on us than they realize. They have been a constant source of encouragement and kindness in our ministry and they have blessed the church in many ways. Steadfast, present, faithful, and kind, they demonstrated love for God and His Word, always encouraging others, and presenting a consistent example of godliness in their marriage, faith, and lives. I was so saddened to hear about the passing of Carolyn. She was such a pleasure to see at worship and I look forward to the day we will all see each other again.
Gordon Dasher: Carolyn and Ken were both bedrock members. Quietly, serving in the background. Never loud or clamoring for attention. Never demanding their own way. They were a team in the way all marriages should be a team. I'm grateful for the time that we served together, and I am heartbroken for the profound loss to her family of such an incredible woman. I pray that Ken and the kids take great comfort in the promised hope of resurrection.
James Guy: When we first came to Monroe, Carolyn and Ken were two of the many standout couples and individuals who welcomed us and let us know we were where God wanted us. Not only was Ken very supportive of us as an elder, but Carolyn was equally so. I often say, behind every good man is a good woman. And behind every good woman is a good man. Carolyn was one of a group of women that we knew prayed for us, cared for us, and supported us. Her gentle heart and spirit reflected her life lived for God, and she also had a way of “encouraging” (correcting) when you needed that in a spirit of love. Her contributions not only to the church but to the world will continue beyond her life here. She is one of many who we have no doubt – we will see again in eternity. We pray for Ken and all the family, and encourage us all to continue to live the legacy she inspired.
There is a story in the Bible about a woman who lived a quietly impactful life. Her name was Tabitha. After she died, people came together to mourn and brought the items that she had made for them. I thought about this story as I read the tributes that flowed freely on Facebook.
In Joppa there was a disciple named Tabitha (in Greek her name is Dorcas); she was always doing good and helping the poor. About that time she became sick and died, and her body was washed and placed in an upstairs room. Lydda was near Joppa; so when the disciples heard that Peter was in Lydda, they sent two men to him and urged him, “Please come at once!”Peter went with them, and when he arrived he was taken upstairs to the room. All the widows stood around him, crying and showing him the robes and other clothing that Dorcas had made while she was still with them. - Acts 9:36-39
As I read the tributes that flowed freely on Facebook, I was reminded that Carolyn gifted so many of us with her gentle and sweet spirit. Her encouragement and focus on living for Christ is inspirational to all of us. We gather here today to remember her life, celebrate her life, and affirm that we will see her again in eternal life.
Words like Patient, Kind, Joyful, a Beautiful Soul, the epitome of an angel, beautiful inside and out, amazing, “Carolyn made all in her presence feel so loved”. It is clear that Carolyn was a special person and her influence will live on in our hearts.
As I read those expressions of grief and honor, I was reminded that Carolyn gifted so many of us with her gentle and sweet spirit. Her encouragement and focus on living for Christ is inspirational to all of us. We gather here today to remember her life, celebrate her life, and affirm that we will see her again in eternal life.
In the story of Tabitha, she was miraculously raised from the dead by Peter through the power of God. That was a happy moment for them, but Tabitha would live to die again. We know that Carolyn is with the Lord and we would not ask her to come back, as much as we already miss her.
“I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live. And whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die. Do you believe this?” - John 11:25-26
We do.
To Ken, Dart, Keith, and the rest of the family, please know that you will be in our prayers. We are here for you and will keep looking for ways to walk with you through this time of grief and sorrow.
It is a privilege to be a part of God’s Family with Carolyn. I’m reminded of the words of that song that says …
And though some go before us, We’ll all meet again
Just inside the city, When we enter in.
There’ll be no more parting, With Jesus we’ll be
Together forever, God’s Family.
Sometimes we laugh together, Sometimes we cry
Sometimes we share together, Heartaches and sighs
Sometimes we dream together, Of how it will be
When we all get to heaven, God’s family
When we all get where we’re going, Jesus will be there to greet us, and Carolyn as well.
The Lord is close to the brokenhearted
and saves those who are crushed in spirit. - Psalm 34:18