06/03/2022
Reflections on the Life of Eleanor Ann Poston Weaver...
Eulogy by her only granddaughter, Jacklin Cook Bennett...
Thank you all for coming to help celebrate the life of my grandmother, AKA, my Memaw. For those of you who do not know me, my name is Jacklin, and I'm Eleanor's only granddaughter. I'm honored to be able to share a few words with you today.
My Memaw played many roles in her life: daughter, wife, mother, teacher, grandmother, AVON salesperson, Prayer Warrior, church organist, great-grandmother, and so much more. She was a friend and inspiration to many, whether you knew her for a few minutes, or for decades. It was impossible not to smile when she was around you.
Some words to descirbe her are loving, caring, independent, feisty (she would get you), generous, determined, and a woman of great faith. She loved traveling, reading, teaching, singing, nature, God, and playing the organ at this very church, until she couldn't anymore. I remember watching her play on Sundays and being amazed at how beautifully she played. I would try and play just like her when church was over, but could never come close to her talent. It isn't often you come across someone so special that that person stays with you forever. Memaw was that kind of person.
There were two things that meant the most to her, the first was Family. The kind of love Memaw felt and showed her family was a love without condition. She may not have approved of everything we did, may not have liked some of the decisions we made, but she kept loving us, letting us know that she was there if we ever needed her. Anyone could go to her for someone to listen, to comfort, or to help. She was a very unselfish woman. Her happiness came from making sure everyone else was happy and taken care of. No matter the situation, she was there for you. She lived to make our lives better, and was proud of all of us.
I remember our annual beach trips, family reunions, and Christmas' together. She would always pull out her 90's camera and snap pictures at the absolute worst moments, but the smile and pride on her face made it worth it. She was so happy to have us all together. She always made sure to attend every event, game, ceremony - you name it, and she was there. I'm so happy we will always have those special moments we shared with her.
The second most meaningful item in her life was her Faith. She was a very religious woman. More than anything, she believed in God and His Word. I'm pretty sure Memaw has prayed for everyone in this room at least a hundred times. Every morning, before every meal, and every evening she would pray for her family, friends, neighbors, and even strangers. Memaw wanted everyone to know and accept God in their hearts just as she did. If Heaven is anything like how she described it to me when I was little, I know she is Happy.
Overall, losing anyone you love is hard. Especially, when it is someone who had such an influence on who you are today. With that being said, I heard a song Wednesday night, and the last few lines hit me. They fit so perfectly for how I know we are all feeling so I felt it appropriate to end this reflection of my Memaw by reciting those lines:
"So when you need her touch
and loving gaze
Gone but not forgotten
Is the perfect phrase
Smiling from a star
That she makes glow
Trust she's always there
Watching as you grow
Find her in the place
Where the lost things go"
