What to say about Grandma? When I think of her, the usual adjectives of loving, kind, Godly, etc. come to mind. But all of these word do not demonstrate the whole picture. When I think about Grandma the first word that comes to my mind is foundation.

You see in construction, the foundation is the most important part of a building. With out it you cannot build your building. It is what supports the entire structure. Hard enough to hold the tremendous weight, yet pliable enough to take some movement and settling. It can be added onto when expansion is needed. It can with stand enormous pressure. If the building above it is caused to move, the foundation is what keeps the whole structure rooted to the ground where it was placed. It is the first and most important part of a house to be built and the least noticed. This was Grandma.

When I was very young, we moved from Michigan, only to return to visit during the summers or on other vacations. My brothers and I were not around for the day to day enjoyment that our other cousins had with Grandma. However this also meant that when we were visiting we could get away with (and often did) much more then we probably should have. I remember a time when my brother and I were playing in the basement and were throwing around a Frisbee, at least I think it was a Frisbee. Any way I remember it hitting a water pipe and causing a flood. I do not remember much after that, but what I do remember is that is the only time I saw Grandma mad. But as I look back I do not recall her ever saying anything to me about it directly, ever. But it was fixed the next day.

This is how she always was, quietly taking care of business. I knew she did various volunteer work but never recall seeing her do it while we were there. I knew that things got done around the house, but rarely noticed her doing it. I knew when we were visiting there would be breakfast on the table every morning ready for us when we woke. I knew that in the evening while Grandpa was in his chair doing his paperwork, Grandma would be there in the yellow chair next to his reading or doing something with us. She was always up to playing a game of Pit.If we fell asleep watching TV, we would wake with all the lights off and  a blanket. Nothing was ever said, it was just done.

Like a foundation, Grandma was always there to support us. Always there to take the weight. She expanded as her family grew from her own children to grandkids and great-grand kids. Along the way the structure she supported suffered many storms, broken windows, and the one flood, but she never moved and never failed. No matter what happened to the family she had built upon her self, she was always there, never wavering, never cracking, and rarely noticed or admired. Quietly supporting the entire weight of a beautiful building. Thank you for being our foundation Grandma. We love you more than we can say, you will be sorely missed.

When I think of Grandma Isham the word legacy often comes to mind.    I believe  legacy is what you teach someone through your words and actions.  Grandma's legacy lives on through her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren daily.   I am blessed to have Grandma's legacy live on through me.  She has taught me so many things about living a full, godly life filled with simple pleasures and family devotion.  Grandma Isham taught me to be a fierce competitor, love in all situations and live life in such a way people want to be with you.

My grandma could play a mean game of euchre.  If you ever beat her it was a true triumph (I can only remember winning twice).  It was in this game she taught me about healthy competition and not gloating when you win.  Grandma would put a whooping on me and quietly get up from the table saying, "good game, how about a bowl of ice cream?".  Grandma taught me how to be the  winner and how to be the loser in life.  What an important lesson that has been, you aren't always going to win but even when you lose there is no reason to beat yourself up over it.  Legacy.

My grandma stood by me in some of the roughest days of my life.  She was by far the best listener I have ever met.  She would listened to me cry or be upset, she would hug me when I needed a hug, or get me ice cream when that was the best solution.  Grandma did not give advice often, but when she did I listened. It is through her wisdom of listening that I have realized most times people just need someone to listen, a shoulder to cry on, and a spoon and a bowl for ice cream to go into.  Grandma understood that in life it isn't so much about what you say to people, but what you do in the time you spend with them.  Actions speak louder than words and true love listens.  Grandma's listening and being there for me directly reflected the love she had for me even in the worst of circumstances.  Legacy.

Grandma Isham was a natural servant.  She would host pool parties for me and all of my friends, she threw Halloween haunted houses in her basement complete with witches eyeballs, and she fed people more snacks than they could ever want.  Grandma loved having people around her house.  Often times she would tell all of us girls that she loved hearing our laughter.  Grandma enjoyed life with us, not sitting on the sidelines.  She was our biggest fan and all of us grandchildren knew that.  Not only did she give of her time and talents for her family, she often did that for community members (typing braille for the school for the blind), and friends (serving a meal or just visiting with them).  Grandma loved being there with and for people. Legacy.

My Grandma Isham built a legacy on the foundation of the Lord.  She has served the Lord since she was 7 years old and has taught so many people how do the same.  It is through her servants heart that multiple generations of  Ishams have gone on to serve their families, their communities, their schools, their country, and their churches.  I am so thankful to be able to continue to be a part of her legacy and share such important lessons with those I love just like she did with me.

Yesterday, the kind and good Nellie (Swank) Isham died.  She was 90 years old.  She is survived by four adult children, eleven grandchildren and twelve great-grands (I think).  She never forgot a birthday or anniversary.  She wrote cards to us until the last, enclosing cash or checks for us.  She gave of her love and her time quietly and tirelessly.

I didn't know her very well, having first met her when I was marrying Jonathon.  She and her late husband, Giles, flew out from Michigan for our wedding, 20 years ago now.  My own grandparents didn't make it.  I remembrr thinking, I hope Jonathon and I get to be married for 50 years and are as in love and as "with it" as they were.  They were financially secure, able to give and serve as needs arose.

Soon we'll fly out to Michigan to be with family and attend her funeral.  At Grandpa Giles' funeral, they had an open mic.  Generally, open mics at funerals are not a good thing.  Initially, it made me kinda panicky.  You don't know what people will say; there's the wild card factor, old scores to air in a public setting.  But they kept adding chairs at his funeral.  Everyone that took the mic told a story of how Giles covered their rent for them or how as young boys he had taken them to the YMCA and coached their basketball games. Others shared that he had repaired their roofs for free.  It went on and on.  It was inspiring and amazing, how many lives one person can touch if they don't live for themselves.

I expect Grandma Nellie's funeral will be similar.  I don't know if there'll be an open mic.  She was a quiet person, though, and didn't need fanfare or man's approval to do her good deeds.  I think she'd probably be too self-effacing to enjoy hearing the people she served throughout the years stand up and testify of her kindness.  I know she and her husband followed Jesus' admonition to "do your good deeds in secret"

In a world the celebrates flash and dazzle, Nellie stood apart.  Her humble, gentle spirit drew many to know Christ' love.  I also know that good deeds are never secret forever.  They become our legacy.  Our Father rewards, if not here on earth, then later in Heaven.  And I thank God for that, even as I mourn the passing of one of the best.  Rest in peace, Nellie..

Grandma Isham was always such a warm calm strength. Her soft laugh and unconditional LOVE for her friends and family made us all feel so welcomed. We love you Grandma!!

Char, Sheila and Family~ 
I am so sorry to learn about your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

I will miss Grandma and the wonderful chats we had.  From the moment I met her she made me feel like family.  Her love for family was unwaivering, she was a true lady.  My only comfort in this is knowing her pain is over and that her and Grandpa are reunited.  My deepest condolences to the rest of family and loved ones.  Terry finance to Chris Isham.

Love Aunt Nellie very much...my Grandma's youngest sister...what a beautiful woman!

"Aunt Nellie" was a GREAT LADY ... always had a smile and kind words, and when we saw her arrive at the family reunion, we knew she would supply us with that delicious brown bread ... she will be missed but remembered as one who made everyone happy ... a Classy Lady for sure ..!!..
Jon, Mary, Jonathan & Libby (Quebeck, Tennessee)

As a young child, growing up at Faith Wesleyan Church downtown Lansing, I had many fond memories of a sweet Godly woman who may seem quiet, but knew how to get things done when need be. I never would have guessed, she would become part of my own family. I am so happy for you to be reunited with your wonderful husband and to finally meet Jesus! My love and prayers  to all the Isham family.  Thank you Lord for making us all a "family".

As a classmate and nearby neighbor of Charlotte's for years, I send my condolences to the family for their loss.

Mr. and Mrs. Isham were very kind to my family during the early 1960's.  They took us girls to church weekly, which helped shape many of my values.  They were my idea of true Christian people, and I am glad to know they lived long, full lives.  I will remember them with respect and fondness always.

OBITUARIO

Nellie C. Isham

18 octubre, 1921 – 15 agosto, 2012

Gorsline Runciman Funeral Homes

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