Marilyn James was born on February 19, 1952
Psalm 139; 14-18
"I will praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made' your works are wonderful, I know that full well....My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in ther secret place, when I was woven together in the depths of the earth.....Your eyes saw my unformed body' all the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be....How precious are your thoughts, God! How vast is the sum of them! Were I to count them, they would outnumber the grains of sand- when I awake, I am still with you."
Family is an inheritance of the Lord, a treasure. No one knew that better than Kenneth and Lillian James, along with big brothers David and Chuck. Marilyn was adored, with her smiley blue eyes and feathery blonde hair. She adored them as well. She was most certainly the family jewel.
Marilyn was no bigger than a ‘minute,’ yet she commanded the keys of a grand piano to dance beneath her tiny fingers. They literally stretched to accomplish the classical works of the Masters. The James family name was synonymous with gifted musicians, but ministry and service was the platform the children were raised on. At the feet of her Grandma, Marilyn learned how to persevere and love God. Though a diligent student of piano and voice, she was first a humble servant of her Lord.
The gifts she was given were also the gifts she gave away. Marilyn could draw out music from anyone with even a hint of desire to sing or play. She was not only a performer and accompanist, she would ultimately be a teacher. She was Inspiration!
For passers-by or mere acquaintances, Marilyn was kind and gentle. When she smiled, her mouth and eyes twinkled in unison. One was left with a glint of joy, that was her countenance!
If you were blessed enough to be Marilyn’s friend, you were blessed enough! She was the best at friendship, always encouraging friends to just 'be.' She took time. Time to listen and to share insight. Her love was generous and without expectation. Marilyn was a giggler and fun. I can still see her laughing herself to tears, though I can’t remember why!
Sam and Marilyn Knight were married for 38 years. They had two beautiful children, Sara and David. Marilyn was passionately devoted to them.
She nurtured them with her hands;
as a flawless seamstress and a fastidious housekeeper, she created a cozy nest in blue and white.
She nurtured from her heart;
holding her family as if she was large enough to cradle and protect them.
Her words were gentle and timely. Love was unconditional and without limits.
She exemplified purity and faithfulness, conveying her faith simply, being like Jesus.
With her last gesture, her last breath, she committed all of the strength she had left, imparting her love for Sam, Sara and David.
Courage defined her final weeks. As the nurses and doctors cared for her body, they witnessed long-suffering and determined faith. In the end, they wept too. She, and the Spirit of Peace that filled her room, would be missed.
Marilyn James Knight, left this earth and entered heaven;
January 9, 2012
If a miracle was to be found,
it was the 'fruit' of her life,
still budding
In a quiet room
where holy communion
was it's only sound
Who are the Saints among us?
What is the sound of angels in song?
Where are the meek Jesus spoke of?
Are there still warriors brave and strong?
Daughter, wife, mother, sister
and friend
she showed us Jesus
Now God has welcomed her.
She is safely home.
Marilyn, a minstrel
in the symphony of heaven--
a fragrance
bringing smiles to the face of God.
You are forever loved,
and will be deeply missed,
until we see you again.
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