Today was a day of mixed emotions. A day that will be remembered by many for the rest of their lives. As we gathered together this afternoon in Portage, Michigan at Cornerstone Pentecostal Church to celebrate the life of Winifred G. Maynard (1930-2010).

Let me first start by sharing with you the woman I met only a few months ago. My wife Melisa and I visited Cornerstone Church in search of a church that we could call home. On our first Sunday visit we were welcomed openly by a gentleman named Steve Maynard. His warm welcome made us feel right at home. After service, while we were awaiting to leave and getting to know some of the others at the church, we were approached by a sweet, older lady, who told us her name was Winifred Maynard, “people call me, Winnie,” she said.  Winnie had the sweetest smile and a lot of really good, positive energy flowing from her as she welcomed us to her church. We enjoyed her presence so much that we must’ve chatted for close to 20 minutes. Before we said our goodbye’s, her son Steve, came over and again thanked us for coming to visit the church and invited us back. I cannot say that Steve and his mother Winnie were the only reasons we decided to return to Cornerstone, however, they sure did make a lasting impression that we will always remember.

Every weekend from that point forward, when Winnie and I spoke to one another, she was so full of energy, and always smiling. She was my connection to what was happening in Major League Baseball, as it turned out she was a huge Detroit Tigers fan. Myself, being that of a Red Sox fan, could appreciate her love for the game. I remember one weekend when the Red sox were swept by the Tigers and Winnie was quick to give me all the details!

Though I only knew Winnie for a few short months, and her passing came suddenly, I can say that she made an impression on my life that will never be forgotten!

Today, as we celebrated her life, family and friends gathered to share memories of a great woman, friend, mother, and grandmother. If I could summarize Winnie, based on the testimonies that were shared today, in just one word, it would be “Love.” Everyone that shared today spoke on her willingness to give, time and time again, to others. Especially her family! It was obvious that she had made an impact in many lives and will be remembered always!

“I know the plans I have for you, ’says the lord.’ They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. In those days when you pray, I will listen. If you look for me in earnest, you will find me when you seek me.” Jeremiah 29:11-13

If there is one thing I can say about our church family, they sure do love the Lord. That love could be felt today, as all who were in attendance shared tears of joy, and tears of sadness, together, while we rejoiced on Winnie’s returning to spend eternity with the Lord. There is an emptiness that is being felt here in a physical sense, yet a happiness in knowing that Winnie has returned to Heaven to be with Jesus in a spiritual sense.

“Weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning.” Psalm 30:5

To the family of Winifred G. Maynard, our thoughts and prayers are with you. Winnie lived a great life, 80 wonderful years she spent here on Earth and cherished being with all of you all of her days. As Winnie leaves her Earthly body, and her soul is reunited in Heaven for eternity, I hear her say to all of you, “Until we meet again.” Thank God for His promises!

“Lord, make me an instrument of your peace; where there is hatred, let me sow love; where there is injury, pardon; where there is doubt, faith; where there is despair, hope; where there is darkness, light; where there is sadness, joy; O divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled as to console; to be understood as to understand; to be loved, as to love; for it is giving that we receive, it is pardoning that we are pardoned, and it is in dying that we are born to Eternal Life.”

Thank you Winifred, “Winnie,”  Maynard and family for allowing us to celebrate a wonderful life with all of you today!

In Christ,
Ron