‘Footprints in the Sand Poem’

One night I dreamed a dream. I was walking along the beach with my Lord. Across the dark sky flashed scenes from my life. For each scene, I noticed two sets of footprints in the sand, one belonging to me and one to my Lord.
When the last scene of my life shot before me I looked back at the footprints in the sand. There was only one set of footprints. I realized that this was at the lowest and saddest times of my life. This always bothered me and I questioned the Lord about my dilemma.
"Lord, You told me when I decided to follow You, You would walk and talk with me all the way. But I'm aware that during the most troublesome times of my life there is only one set of footprints. I just don't understand why, when I need You most, You leave me."
He whispered, "My precious child, I love you and will never leave you, never, ever, during your trials and testings. When you saw only one set of footprints, it was then that I carried you."

By: Margaret Fishback Power-1964 & Mary Stevenson originally wrote the poem ‘Footprints in the Sand’ in 1936 when she was only 14 years old.

‘My LOVE’

She was a very loving Mother. She was a woman who loved the Lord and made sure we all knew how and why to be a servant of the Lord, also. Our Momma, enjoyed watching the westerns and cowboy shows. She liked to cook and eat southern food with her favorite meal being butter-beans and okra; however, let me tell you she was very outspoken and will tell you what’s on her mind; whether she said it verbally or it showed it on her face. She wanted what she wanted and didn’t want it now but right now and didn’t care about the mountains you had to climb or what you had to do to fulfill her request; just as long as you made it happen, quickly. 

By: Dorothy Thomas (DT)

My Grandmas’ eyes was saying “If I pose for one more picture…”

‘Death is Inevitable, but are you ready?’ 

Minister Price spoke very eloquently about death. He made it very clear that even though we all are here temporarily there is life after death, but are you going to heaven or hell. He effectively gave scriptures that capitalized on becoming aware and realize how important it is to complete our purpose while we’re here amongst the living. Minister Price delivered a special message of awareness, love, peace, patience, forgiveness, nurturing, preparing, forgiveness, wholesome, brokenness, praise, worship, and most importantly, a message of having a Faithful walk with GOD to make it to HEAVEN.

Minister, Joe Price 
Words of Description: Savannah

She was preceded in death by her youngest daughter, Angela Denise Perkins Holdsworth, and her granddaughter Eugenia Thomas. She leaves to mourn daughters Shirley Wilridge (Sidney), Dorothy Thomas D.T (her namesake), Mary Jane Henderson (sweet angel) and Kathleen Henderson (precious gift). One son Dennis Henderson (Yvette). Grandchild Savannah Juarez (great grandmother’s namesake), Camille Christian (birthday twin), Gina Christian (my favorite old gal), Mickey Thomas, Johnnie Thomas, and a host of many grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces, and nephews. 

…..Obituary entry 
Created by: Shirley {Oldest Child & The Loving Protector}

‘I Love you, Momma’  

                               You raised me.
                               Protected me. 
                             Challenged me. 
                            Encouraged me. 
                            Supported me.                    
                            Inspired me.
                …and always LOVED me. 
     There is no Thanks big enough in the world to repay you for what you’ve given me —- just know that I realize how Amazing you are and what a difference you made in my life ———I LOVE YOU . 

By: Dennis Henderson

‘My Favorite Girl’
…Cont.

-My Grandma gracefully taught us how to be kind, sweet and to be mindful of what we said, as words do hurt. 

-As I matured…she soon became my favorite girl and she would smile so big when I say, “Girl, what cha doing?” & my smile was just as big when I walked into her nursing room…she always gave me the biggest smile as her eyes glistened so Beautifully…all because we were in each other’s presence.

-She set an example of knowing when to listen and when to just simply listen. She never judged me and never said ‘Savannah you’re wrong.’ She just painted the picture on whatever we were discussing and she made it as clear as day of my rights &/Or wrongs in the situation.

-Last but not least, I admired how observant she was where she could see my love behind my anger, it felt as though she can feel my pain behind my fake smile, and most importantly how she adjusted her tone so precisely to where the love never escaped her delivering not so good feedback.

I stand here before you today accepting God‘s final say and it is all well in my soul.

Thank you for allowing me to introduce my favorite girl, but before I take my seat; here is a song my Grandmother was working on… 

12/12/23 @ 4:18pm. Grandma’s Song 
By: Savannah

‘My Favorite Girl’
  
             I give an honor to God who’s the source of my strength; as I am absolutely nothing without him. My grandmother assisted in raising me and I’m so grateful for that as she instilled a plethora of great qualities that has shaped me to be the Awesome young lady that I am, today.  She showed me the core of unconditional love by introducing me to Jesus and the importance of serving him.

-She demonstrated strength by learning to become comfortable in uncomfortable situations; the true meaning of Growth.

-She taught me the root of Beauty by not using profanity and 1st impressions are always remembered, so to present strangers with nothing less than my BEST. 

-My Grandma told us how beautiful we sang when we were in the church choir and how awful we sounded when Camille & I thought we were En Vogue; hence she only wanted us to sing gospel music…in her house.

-Even though my Grandmother never hit me, I wished she would’ve because the way she grabbed my skin & twisted it; I just knew my entire arm was broke, so I didn’t move it for days. 

-She taught me about Respect especially when around a man…she said not to skin-&-grin in men’s faces as that meant you were hot in the tale…and she despised fass-tale girls. 
By: Savannah {Cont.}

God’s Greatest Gift:

Silver and gold to me there is none, but such as I have I give to you, with treasures untold,

Sixty-two years ago the breath of life was breathed into me and I became a living soul,

It wasn't my decision, nor did anyone ask my opinion, someone else made that choice, I could say, I was chosen for a reason,

This precious vessel carried, nurtured, protected and taught me everything I needed to know, would only be here for a season,

So carefree and spirited, soaring on eagles wings, with me in tow on a wind cloud, so graceful and swift!

I am so grateful this choice to live was not given to me, because I would have missed out on God's greatest gift,

There were some hard times, when I didn't know where my next meal was coming from, it was just us and the four walls, the refrigerator was empty and the cubbards were bear,

That's when a miracle worker would rain down manna from heaven feeding seven, with a spoonful of flour and a teaspoonful of oil creating food out of thin air,

From the cottonfields to the city lights this great spirit never faded, it glowed brilliantly with a beautiful shine,

Clothed in strength, girded with pride, driven by determination and a strong will to survive that was all mine,

When I decided to go to college, a young mother with two small children, I couldn't afford my school books, I didn't know what I was going to do,

An angel appeared giving all of the first two weeks earnings ever made, handed over every cent saying, "Let's go take care of that, I am so proud of you."

By reasonable strength fourscore, divinely favored you were blessed, it is an honor to have been in your presence, and taste of your wisdom, to the Highest, praises I lift, 
 
Ma, thank you for making the decision to give me life, you are my anchor, my sword and my shield, to me, you are and will forever be God's greatest gift.     
                                                           by Shirley Wilridge

I extend my heartfelt condolences during this time of sorrow. Aunt Dorothy’s presence was undoubtedly a source of love, wisdom, and warmth, and I can only imagine the deep void her passing leaves in all of our hearts.

May you find comfort in the cherished memories you shared with her and in the love and support of those around you. Grief is a testament to the impact she had on all who knew her, and her legacy will continue to live on through the lives she touched.

Wishing you strength, peace, and solace in the days ahead. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.

With deepest sympathy,
Sigmund

May God be with you sister Shirley and you family now and always i love you  sister Denise

Shirley,
So sorry for the loss of your mother.
You and your family  are in my thoughts and prayers. May God and our family in Christ help comfort you during this difficult time. 
In Christian Love
Deborah Robertson

"My deepest prayers and condolences to my dear cousins—Dorothy, Shirley, Dennis, Mary Jane, and Kathleen—for the loss of your beloved mother. My heart also goes out to her grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and all of our family during this difficult time. May you find strength and comfort in the love and memories you shared."
Sylvia  D. Joiner-Greene

OBITUARY

Dorothy Mae Holloway

November 1, 1944 – February 17, 2025

Palm Downtown Mortuary & Cemetery

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