On paper, Rena's life looks hard. In her lifetime she has buried 2 parents (James Nelson Dabney & Lizzie Bernice Dabney), 2 brothers (James Andy Dabney & Marshal Elee Dabney), 2 husbands (Tommy Ray Martin & Truman M. Sparks), 2 sons (Jim Martin & Don Martin), and 1 grandson (Paul Schwartz).
You would think with all of this loss that she had a "sad, hard life" but you would be wrong!
Listen to the words that others used to describe her;
"Most encouraging person..."
"Sweetest person..."
"Beautiful person..."
"Light of life..."
"Never ending smile..."
"Contagious laugh..."
"Joyful"
Rena was a child of God. She always remained in the "joy" of life. She looked for blessings. She always wanted to remind everyone that there was so much to be tankful for. This is her legacy.
Her powerful love will be remembered and cherished by those who had her in their lives. Rena has a daughter and son-in-law who will be forever changed for the extra time spent with her. Rena has five grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren. Rena attended church during the last week of her life. She wanted the "hugs from her friends". THIS was the kind of thing that motivated Rena!
Rena put her love into action in many ways and her most favorite way was baking. She baked countless batches of chocolate chip cookies and she baked the BEST! Every grandchild and great grandchild knew that they would have a batch of cookies just for them on their birthdays.
The Lord gave Rena a "servants heart". She gained so much joy out of serving others in any way that she could! When she could serve sweet tea and homemade cake to someone, it would truly make her heart happy.
Rena's favorite Bible passage was Psalm 139. She said, "Just read it and you KNOW that God is with you every step of the way!" Read it and see if you agree.
Rena was a servant to our Lord Jesus Christ right up until she was gone. What an example she has set for us all. She was ready to go see King Jesus!
So, we rejoice in where her presence is now-she is with her Lord.
May Rena's legacy be that we all remember, learn, and copy the joyful spirit of Rena Sparks.
