Homegoing Celebration of

Mother Ella Mae Harris

Wednesday, February 22, 1933

Sunday, April 17, 2011

My dearest beloved ones and friends...

Let me began by thanking God for allowing me to have been blessed with such a loving family and devoted friends.  My life began on Wednesday, February 22, 1933 in the small town of Penola, Alabama. I was born to the union of Steve and Hattie M. Taylor Lyons.  I was raised in Penola and moved to "big" Chicago, Illinois where I found my true love "Roosevelt". We married on Wednesday, September 25, 1962, and were blessed with forty-eight loving years together. We were determined to make it, and make something of ourselves; and we did. The Lord blessed us with a successful business, "Home of the Hoagy", even though it took quite a bit of Roosevelt's time from me. I was still thankful.

I enjoyed doing a lot of traveling in the United States and several foreign countries, and especially my cruises. I also enjoyed shopping, but my greatest joy was spending time with family and close friends. 

My walk with Christ began while I was in Alabama. The Lord remained number one in my life even after I moved to Chicago. For more than twenty-five years I was faithful member of Fellowship Missionary Baptist Church, under the leadership of the Reverend Dr. Clay Evans.  At the "Ship" I was a member of the Broadcast Club.  I also enjoyed visiting the Nursing Homes and caring for the less fortunate. 

It was during the later part of last year that Lord placed upon my heart the desire to be in the same church with my husband.  In October of 2010,  I became a member of the Chosen Evangelistic Ministries Church of God In Christ, under the leadership of Elder Alonzo Nichols. They received me with open arms and a spirit of love.  Even though I already knew most of them through my husband,  I was blessed to develop a greater relationship with them.  Now, maybe you all can understand why I was led to change churches...It was so that the last part of my journey toward heaven could be walked hand and hand with my husband, in the same church together.

I am sure many of you are wondering what happened. Why did I leave you without warning?  The easiest way to explain it to you, is that my number one request to God was:  "Lord let me come home, when the time comes, in my sleep".  It has been said, "that death sends no summons before him, but floats unseen on a breeze. He comes on hushed footsteps to all ". That's how he came after me.

My transition was peaceful, and now I am at rest.  I fell asleep at home, and wakened in my new home. In my new home I am free from all my earthly pains and worries, and feel heavenly.  I never dreamed that my time would come at the beginning of Holy Week.  It makes me feel special, knowing that I too will rise again.

Roosevelt, take good care of yourself, and do the things that tried I to get you to do.  You know I loved you so very much.

My dear children: Hattie Spencer, Earnestine (Calvin) Newsome, Veronica (Jamail) Sallie, Denise (Barry) Brown, Don Lyons and Eugene Lyons. You all know that I love you very much, but it's time for you all to go on without me.  Take care of yourselves, your father and my grandchildren: Jermaine, Latosha, Tiffany, Tara, Latoya, Lashaunda, Tabitha, Barry, Jameka, Cowan, Lizetta, Gail, Mia, Lela, Regina, Eugene, Thomas, Don, Jerod, Javonte, Jawaun, Jade, Jasmine, Jamel and Jerell; and don't forget about my great grandchildren.  Farewell to my brothers and sisters: Bobby (Mattie) Rice, Clemmie Rice, Willie (Vivian) Rice, William Rice, W. C. (Shirley) Rice, Jessie (Shelia) Rice, Clinton (Beverly) Stanson, Annie Horton, Eva Mae (George) Williams and Vara Williams;

Farewell, I will see you in the morning.  I am now in the presence of the Angelic host, my parents, two sons, four brothers, three sisters and my two grandsons (Bobby and Robert).

If I Should Ever Leave You

(Footprints)

One night I dreamed I was walking along the beach with the Lord. Many scenes from my life flashed across the sky.

In each scene I noticed footprints in the sand. Sometimes there were two sets of footprints, other times there was one only.

This bothered me because I noticed that during the low periods of my life, when I was suffering from anguish, sorrow or defeat, I could see only one set of footprints, so I said to the Lord:

You promised me Lord, that if I followed you, you would walk with me always. But I have noticed that during the most trying periods of my life there has only been one set of footprints in the sand. Why, when I needed you most, have you not been there for me?

The Lord replied, "The years when you have seen only one set of footprints, my child, is when I carried you."

Miss Me But Let Me Go

When I come to the end of the road

and the sun has set on me,

I want no rites in a gloom filled room,

why cry for a soul set free.

Miss me a little - but not too long,

and not with your head bowed low,

Remember the love that we once shared,

miss me - but let me go.

For this is a journey that we all must take,

and each must go alone.

It's all a part of the Master's plan,

a step on the road to home.

When you are lonely and sick of heart,

go to the friends we know.

And bury your sorrows in doing good deeds,

miss me - but let me go.

"The family of Laura McCarthy wishes to express their sincere appreciation for the many acts of kindness shown to them during this very trying time in their lives.  Your prayers, calls, visits and other expressions of love and concern have served as an immeasurable source of strength.  Please continue to pray for us."

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