Gwen sat somberly awaiting Brandon to arrive so they could proceed to the church for Jes' funeral. Gwen had taken a few weeks off from work hoping that time off would help her cope with her loss. Brandon arrived a little after 10:00 am and the caravan of limousines began. Gwen and Jes had always talked about preparing themselves for an accidental death, so they both took out policies so that funeral expenses wouldn't burden the other. Gwen, with the help of CJ, and Tanya had taken care of all the arrangements.
Pastor Brothers agreed to perform
the eulogy and since Jes was a member at his church, the funeral would
be held there. They selected a beautiful gray marble casket with a silk
lining and pillow. Dozens of flowers were purchased as well as sent to
the church. The caravan reached the church shortly before 11:00 am.
Pastor Brothers opened the door of the car that occupied Gwen and
extended his hand to help her out of the car. As she stood, Pastor
Brothers embraced her and whispered in her ear that he was there for
her if she needed anything. Gwen smiled and proceeded into the church.
Following behind Gwen was Mr. And Mrs. Davis, CJ, Brandon, Tanya
and Cupid, Gigi and Derrick and Sister Hemp, all of whom sat on the
first pew, and many of Jes and Gwen's co-workers. Lightly the organ
began to play as friends and loved one's continued to enter the church.
Usher's walked around and began to pass out tissue and fans to
everyone requesting them. Gwen sat still as she looked at the casket
that held Jes' body. Brandon held Gwen closely letting her know that he
was there for her. Pastor Brothers began speaking as stragglers quietly
located seats.
"We gather here today to pay our respects to our beloved Jessica
Annette Lewis. Jessica was a sister to some and a friend to others. We
honor her life today as she has gone home. We also give praise to the
LORD for allowing Jessica to have the time here on earth that she has
had. Though we will all mourn for our dearly departed, this is a time to
rejoice. Jessica has departed this world and has arrived in a place where
we all hope to be."
As Pastor Brothers delivered the eulogy, sniffles and weeping could be
heard throughout the church.
"We are here to understand that our time here on earth is not
promised for an eternity. However, we are here to live our lives on earth
so that we can have the opportunity to live an everlasting life in eternity.
Understand that I said we are here to prepare a place for ourselves in
paradise. Jessica has gone onto that place.
Sister Matthews," Pastor
Brothers said as he pointed at Gwen, "hold your head high, be proud,
and be confident that Jessica has gone on to the LORD. It is now time
for you to live your life in a way in which you can be with her when your
time comes. Now I would like to read to you the 91st Psalms. This
chapter tells us about our FATHER who is more than our FATHER, he is
our protector and friend."