Paying Last Respects

Today Martha and I are traveling to our hometown of Brantley, Alabama, to attend the graveside service Friday for Martha’s sister, Betty Jean Oros.

Betty, only the family knew her as Jean, passed away Sunday morning at 6:23 AM.

We brought Jean from Brantley four years ago because we felt she needed more care than she was getting. Although it probably should have been a difficult decision, it wasn’t at all. Martha and I independently of each other and without even discussing it came to the conclusion that God wanted us to move her close to us. When Martha’s mother passed away, the only person Jean had nearby who could take care of her was gone.

We had a blessed four years. It certainly had difficulty, but it was blessed nonetheless. One of the first things we did was give her a surprise 80th birthday party two weeks after moving to Louisiana.

She was intrigued by Louisiana and quickly became a Saints fan. She asked all kinds of questions and, like everyone else, loved the food. We knew how sick she was when she couldn’t eat her favorite dish that Martha brought her from Crabby’s on the Saturday before Mother’s Day. From that day forward, she was in a downward spiral.

Jean’s illness made everything difficult, but God used it all.

Paul talked about how our afflictions produce perseverance and how perseverance produces proven character and our proven character produces hope. Paul said that hope does not disappont.

Our hope certainly hasn’t disappointed us. Though we mourn Jean’s passing, we rejoice that she not only has a new body but also a new mind. What a day it must have been for Jean to wake up in the arms of Jesus and not feel paranoia and fear.

I remember well when Martha and I had to convince her to get help. She had been abandoned by her husband. She was left alone to care for a three year old and an unborn baby.

I admired her so much. Though plagued by her illness, she still worked to raise her boys by herself.

On Friday, we will celebrate her life but more than that we will celebrate her eternity in the land of “No More.” No more pain, no more paranoia, and no more fear.

Praise God from whom all blessings flow!

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12 Responses

  1. What a blessing you and Martha were to her in following Gods will. Her story continues in heaven. Safe travels

  2. Thank you Father for your faithfulness to Jean. Thank you for Waylon and Marthas faithfulness to you in hearing and obeying. Comfort our friends today with your peace in the midst of their sorrow and loss.

  3. I am sorry to hear about your loss. It is nice to hear she was loved and cared for til Glory. I appreciate you two. Teaching life lessons..Safe travels.

  4. Martha and Waylon:

    I had the privilege, last Sunday, of teaching our Bible Study lesson based on 2nd Corinthians 12:7-10. The 9th verse is one of my favorite parts of God’s Word. What a magnificent assurance it is to know and believe that His Grace is sufficient for anything we encounter on our walk on Earth. May that Grace envelop your family during this difficult time.

  5. I’m so sorry for the loss of your sister, Martha and also for you, Waylon. The “in law” attached seems to fade through the years, doesn’t it?
    My prayers go with you and may His peace comfort you in the coming days.

  6. Camille and I will be praying for you and Martha in these days. But we’re also thankful, as you have expressed, for the assurance we have that the best is yet to come. Both you and Martha stepped up in a major way for Jean in these years – especially the last four. God bless you!

  7. Martha and dr. Bailey, I am so sorry for your loss. I love how Dr. Bailey conveyed that Jean, your loved one is now in the glorious land of “No more”. You will certainly be in my prayers. God bless you. Dianne Muller

  8. Praying for your safe travel, and comfort to your family that only our heavenly Father can give. Blessings to you all. – Kim Mele

  9. Martha and Waylon, I know you will miss Jean’s presence in your life. I hope your loss will be lessened by the peace and hope you’ve enjoyed for the past 4 years, and with the assurance that one day you will be joining all your loved ones again for Eternity. You remain in our prayers.

  10. Yours’ and Martha’s love and care for Betty Jean is unmeasurable. May God’s promises continue to comfort and reassure you. Our help and hope comes from God.
    All are loved and remembered in prayer.

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