The Ballestero Blog

Remembering Grandma

Letters From Her Grand Children

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The PowerPoint Movie

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From Charity

Grandma.

You’ve been around a lot over the years. You weren’t the loudest but you were one of the most influential. You were an intrical part of raising up many ministers of the gospel in the United Pentecostal Church. You were a warm place for many.

You are definitely one In a million. Life’s trials were taken with dignity and strength. You lost your mom at eighteen but we would have never known how much it hurt you. I know you must have been so down when grandpa left, but I only remember you as strong .I know you went through as much as all of us, but I never knew about it. You were always laughing and enjoying being around others.

Motherhood, ministry and all your responsibilities were taken on with courage .We didn’t hear a lot of mumbling and complaining about how things could have been. You had faith that the future held your best.

I know you were a praying woman but what stands out to me most about you is how practical you were. While others were praying about something you just got up and did it.  You had a lot of common sense and that coupled with your faith in God was a dynamic duo.

You believed the Apostolic Doctrine with all your heart. There were no gray lines that you see ministers trying to skirt around these days. You passed down just doing it! Just believe it. If you were going to be in something do it with all your heart.

We never sat around and talked about people and especially not ministers in our family. In fact as much as we talked we weren’t talking against people. We were just cracking jokes most of the time. At least that’s how I remember it.

You passed down giving honor to those called no matter what they did or didn’t do. You passed down the belief that the greatest thing in life was being able to carry the gospel and minister. I guess that’s why so many of us are in the ministry today in our churches. We were groomed for the task. Groomed with the passion faith and confidence that we had the answer for those hurting in need.

You taught us how very important family was. Holding grudges and not speaking to each other was never allowed. We were family. No matter what we were sticking together.

Meeting at the Michigan campground every summer was something you encouraged and started. We had so many good family memories. We’d all meet at your house for coffee in the mornings for a time of repeating the same stories we’ve told over and over for many years and laughing as loud as we could as if it was the first time we’d heard it.

Out of all this the thing I treasure most in our times at the piano. You would have me play for you and then say here do this run or you need to start doing this in your playing. You were a teacher. Not only with piano but in my life. I always felt like out of all the grand kids I was most like you musically. But then again maybe I say this because she made every grandchild feel special.

I also see a lot of similarities in how we view things. This is probably because when I was younger out of everyone I wanted to be like you. So the little things you told me I would remember. I will carry on your legacy through serving the Lord as you did.

I see a lot of your values reflected in my mother as well as in me. Your legacy will still be carried on through all of us.

Charity

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 From Sharayah

So many things fill my mind when I reflect and think about my sweet Grandma. I could remark on the influential roles she’s held in others lives, but what’s most vivid and meaningful is who she was to me. I remember always thinking she was beautiful.

Her stunning white hair and olive skin, the way her eyes always smiled back at me, or the way she’d laugh her way through a good story or memory. It always captivated me when Grandma would sit down at the piano and play it with such ease and talent.

One memory I have that will stay with me always is when I went over to visit her for an afternoon this past year. We sat on her porch and I asked her as many questions as I could think of, about her childhood, about when she was my age, when she married my Grandpa Starr, when she had my mother. Grandma answered every question, and told me some lovely stories about her life that I’d never heard.

Something that later struck me as special was how Grandma listened to me. She with great interest listened to all of my stories, all of my thoughts on life, and all of my dreams of the future. Grandma had a way of making me feel special. A way of making me feel like I was really somebody, who had great talent, thoughts, and aspirations.

I’ve always been proud of my Greek heritage, proud to be apart of our big family, and proud to be the Granddaughter of such a larger than life lady. She has always been a pillar in my life, and such an important piece of who I am.

I believe Charles Morse said it the best when he said, “The history of our grandparents is remembered not with rose petals but in the laughter and tears of their children and their children’s children.  It is into us that the lives of grandparents have gone.  It is in us that their history becomes a future.”

I look back with tears of happiness and thankfulness to have known, loved, and been loved by Marian June Anderson. I also find peace in knowing that she’s waiting for me in a beautiful place, with Jesus, the savior she diligently lived out her life for. I’m blessed to see her mantel handed down to my aunts, uncles, cousins, and to me.

Grandma did a wonderful job of passing down her passion and untainted love for the gospel. That to me is more precious than any earthly good she could have left behind. Her legacy will live on through her lineage.

Deuteronomy 7:9, “He is the faithful God who keeps his covenant for a thousand generations and lavishes his unfailing love on those who love him and obey his commands.” I celebrate her life, and I will forever cherish her memory.

Love you Grandma!

Sharayah Starr Copple

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From Marisa

A knock on the door of a homey green cabin and a cheery voice that rings, “Come on in honey, and have a seat. What would you like in your coffee?”

Simple words really, but the voice and phrase keep ringing in my mind. I know that they will forever now just be memories, but Ill stash them away with the countless other precious gems of the same. They will be there with me when I will need to hear there soothing sound.

There are things that stick with you from those who have so much to share and impart, Grandma Starr Davis was a woman of such to me. She left things imparted to my heart and mind that will forever be with me.

She had creativity with out end, loving submissiveness to her God and Husband, wise phrases and ideas, a stylish flair, the love of color in all things, laughter over simple life happenings, her forever loyalty and love for her family and a presence that invited peace are a few in a long line. There was none other so careful of manners and actions, always ladylike in every situation.

The words Elegance and Class will forever attach themselves to her upon her remembrance. Her beauty has never faded no matter her age, both from within and without.

I could only wish to attain the high esteem she is held in by those her knew her. My heart is left with an empty place, but I pray that in some way, who she was, and her beautiful traits, will somehow live on through me. I will miss you grandma, till we soon meet again!

Yours in love

Marisa June

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 From Ashley

One of my first and most innocent memories of Grandma was simply being at her house in Albion. I remember riding in the car to get there and expecting the warmth and pleasantness that I was about to experience.

I also remember running up and down the neighborhood and throwing snowballs at the lantern bags that lined the street where she lived. Thankfully, I don’t think she ever found out.

But Grandma was more than fond memories and comfort. She was truly impactful on a personal and spiritual level. She was a dynamically influential person to her family, friends, and colleagues. She was truly a beautiful and classy woman.

She instilled confidence in those around her, especially her children and grandchildren. I remember as a teenager talking with her and expressing that there was a particular project that I wanted to take on but wasn’t sure that I had it in me to be successful at it. That was not the kind of admission one wanted to make to Grandma.

She dismissed my concern as if it should never have been spoken, saying, “Why, what are you talking about? You’re from good stock. You can do whatever you set your mind to.” Of course, I always knew that her confidence came from her deep faith in God.

Now, whenever I step in front of a crowd, or take on a big project, or sit down to tackle a complex problem, I can hear Grandma in my ear, pushing me on. One commodity that our family does not lack is confidence, and it is in large part due to Grandma.

Grandma also knew how to send a message. In 1997, I felt my call to preach at the ripe old age of 14. Early the next year, Grandma presented me with one of my most prized possessions, one of Grandpa Starr’s worn teaching bibles with a note from Grandma that “this bible was carried and used by William R. Starr.”

At the time, I failed to understand the importance or meaning behind her gift. But now I believe that Grandma was saying to me, as she has said in her own way to many in the family, “I believe in you. You are worthy of the call. You have to carry this torch, and you can carry this torch. There’s something more than this life to live for. I’ve done it. Now, you do it.”

Grandma was never stingy with her legacy or slow to encourage her children and grand children to do even better. In a sense, in handing me that old worn bible, she was making a prediction or giving a vote of confidence. My hope is that I can somehow prove her right. I love you Grandma. You will be sorely missed.

One of the Grand Kids,

Ashley Hutchison

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From Shauna

I loved my Grandma Davis very much and she was such a beautiful and Godly woman. I remember times my Dad packed the car to leave after church to go to Michigan for Christmas and surprise Grandma. She always had little presents for us, or the basement fixed up to play in.

Or we use to stay with her in her cabin many times and she always fixed us a piece of toast or egg. She made a little sandbox for us to play in in font of her cabin. And a little bedroom for me out of her closet.

She had a little tea party for the little girl cousins and gave us the little cups and dolls at he place settings. I am so glad I was Able to see her and hug her at the dedication in Jacksonville. Losing Grandmas really hit me hard, and I cried for days. She was the best and prettiest Grandma of anyone. I will never forget her and she will always be in my heart.

Your Granddaughter,

Shauna Renee Olson Morgan and Haley Laine Morgan.

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 From Marcus

Dear Grandma,

Thank you for sitting down with me this summer and answering all my questions about family history, your childhood, parents and my grandfather.

With out those moments now preserved so much would have been lost for me.  I knew it was something I needed to do, although I didn’t expect to lose you so soon–you always seemed so strong, I often felt you might out live me–but at least now I will have your memories to guide me, I will always have your smile and your stories.

We had some fun days together that I will never forget. When I was just eight years old we managed to find a common interest, garage sales and I won’t soon forget those early adventures.

You knew how to live your life to the fullest and that is a wonderful gift to give a grandchild. An example of a grandmother who despite the broken hearts of life was able to find the divine moments in everyday.  You made me proud to be Greek even if it was just one-eighth, you made it feel like a noble heritage.

Grandma, I always knew you would live forever so I’ll be watching out for you in each and everyday.

Your Grandson

Marcus

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 From Martyn II

Dear Grandma,

I thank you for the strength, wisdom, love and laughter that you lived your life with and exampled to us.  You are missed so very much, but the memories you took time to make with your loved ones will live on forever.  What a great woman you were. You are loved.

My only consolation is that any pain you experienced will soon be gone.  Indeed, I have grieved losing you from my life.  No doubt others have grief and have been saddened, and would have their own reasons.  Your influence crossed generations, respect for you is pervasive throughout Pentecost, and the lives you have touched are too numerous to count.

The class with which you held yourself is the model to follow, the compassion you exemplified is incomparable, and many sought the wisdom you walked with.  Yes, there are many who will be sorrowful in your passing for their own concept of who you were and what you represented.  You walked in halls of honor that I can’t fathom, and I am proud to call you Grandma because of that.

The window into who you were must be looked through from many vantage points to see the full picture of Marian June Starr Davis.  My idea of you was just from my own small place in your life that I could call my own.

You had a way of making people feel like they were special, and had a unique relationship with you that no others could fill.  This is why my grief has been so difficult to deal with.  In life we don’t grieve those who simply touched our lives in some way.  We are sorry, saddened, but it is just slight, and we soon move on to the next scenario that captures our fantasy.

You taught too much dignity and strength to your family for us to wallow in self-pity for long.  But it was that wisdom and compassion that you had to teach us things like that which makes this so difficult.

Growing up you were a hands-on Grandma.  Not a spank kind of hands-on, but a Grandma that was involved in our lives.  Most of the Christmas and holiday times growing up we would drive the hour and a half jaunt up to Albion, Michigan to celebrate with you, Grandpa Starr, and family.

What fond memories those were.  There would be so much chatter in the house, laughter and excitement as you allowed family to merge into that crossroads of fun you called home.

Your home was always decorated so warm and inviting, the smell of pie in the air, and something always cooking on the stove. I always wanted to be close to you, whatever you were doing, and whatever you were doing usually involved the kitchen. I would find you there with your apron on, baking for the family meals. I would ask for a matching apron, which you kept under the kitchen sink especially for me.

The kitchen sink, with that horrible tasting iron water that I don’t miss at all, actually, but that is another story.  Wanting to make a contribution to the dinner with you, what grace you had that you never just showed me the way to the kid’s area, but you included me.  You would give me a menial task stirring some green beans or corn, or making tea.

After I got older I realized that was about the only things I couldn’t mess up.  But back then I thought in some way I was a part of what you were doing, and it was a thrill.  A few times I did manage to make things a little crowded in that small kitchen, but you would let me wash the dishes to give me a job.

All I wanted was to be close to you and you never let me down, you gave me the opportunity to know you more by being with you, in your element, even if it was while washing the dishes.

Soon after dinner, and in the mornings, you and the sisters would head to the porch to sip coffee and chat.  Oh what a time that was.  I don’t remember any other boys being out there, but I didn’t care.  Just to hear the laughter was a joy and an experience to be documented.

Those white wicker chairs could tell some stories I’m sure, as they’ve heard some doozies.  If the holiday was Christmas, it was ordered chaos as we usually had about 25 of us in your living room scavenging presents.  I knew what I would get from you every time before I even opened the present.  It was a box of pencils.  I received that every year, and I’m sure I needed pencils.  I wish I would’ve kept the boxes, because they represent some of the practical things about life you taught me, and I still cherish.  But the time was so fun; I could’ve been opening a box of paper and would’ve had a grand time.  You made these times so special.

Being the hoarder of attention that I am, as a young boy I convinced my parents to let me spend weeks during the summers at your house.  My Mom would drive me up early in the summer, as soon as school let out.  You must’ve known I needed projects to be fulfilled in life because you would have things for you and I to work on.

A memory I cherish so and cling to today is the strawberry patch you let me plant in your back yard.  I loved (still do) strawberries so much, and you decided that would be a garden for you and I back there.  I planted those strawberries, and would drag you out there every day to make sure they were doing good.

You showed me how to weed them, water the ground, and tend the plants.  I couldn’t wait until they blossomed.  Once they blossomed, they rarely were able to make it to your kitchen.  I would eat them right there in the garden.

You made every effort to wash them before I ate them, but you were fighting a losing battle there.  The only way you won the battle is when you would bribe me with a strawberries and shortcake with ice cream if I wanted to bring some indoors.  I still can’t resist a bowl of that.

I remember when you introduced me to rhubarb.   Some rhubarb grew up along the fence in your back yard and I asked what it was.  You tore off a stalk and let me taste it.  It was such a bitter taste, but I couldn’t resist eating it raw.  I can still today taste that rhubarb and many times will yearn for a bit of it right off the stalk.  Not that the taste is inviting, but the memories are.

Many days after running around in downtown Albion with you, into little stores to capture my imagination, and playing in the church basement while you checked on things, we would head back to your house for dinner.  After that, we usually took a nice drive in the country.

Still today I remember Grandpa Starr driving, you in the passenger seat, and me in between you in the front seat of the big blue Cadillac.  The windows would be down and the breeze running through the car.  I loved that so much.  You let me do it even though you weren’t that fond of it blowing your hair all crazy.  We had such laughs over that.

And as we would drive through the countryside with the wind blowing and the sun setting, Grandpa would pull over at his favorite fruit stand.  I knew what was coming next.  We could get a bag of delicious apples, which he would place in my lap.

And as we would finish our drive through the countryside, enjoying the taste of those sweet apples, you and Grandpa became larger than life in my eyes.  Those are memories that are so rich to me I can still take that drive today.

Some nights though we had church so we couldn’t take a lazy day off.  I would sit on the front row for you, listening as you made that organ holler.  I thought that was just amazing how you could make such beautiful music with that thing.

After you were done playing, you would come down to sit by me, and Grandpa would take the pulpit.  I loved this time.  You would just lightly rub my head, pinch my ear so slightly, or rub my hand.  I think you should have been to blame for me sleeping through the preaching.  A young boy can’t be blamed for going lights out when he’s getting that kind of treatment.

Sleeping was okay though, because I knew when I got up in the morning, it was going to be skinny toast and eggs for me.  I didn’t realize skinny toast had a different name, or why we decided to call it skinny toast, but that thin stuff you would serve was so delicious, and a fine compliment to an egg.

After that, it was just you and I on the porch for a few hours in the morning.  Chatting about anything and everything, trying to see if a cardinal or blue jay would make an entrance in the yard.

It was there and as I aged that I began to see what great wisdom you had to share.  I hung on every word because of your amazing insight.

You had a way of calming situations, and giving me, and later on, my wife, and children, just the words we needed.   And it was the kind of thing where afterwards I would wonder why I didn’t think of that before.  There are so many memories, all of them fond.

Just recently you came to be with my Mom and all of us at Christmas in Tennessee.  You were glamorous and Grandma extraordinaire as always.  We chatted and laughed, ate, and enjoyed all of the great company God has blessed us with.

But what a special time you made it when you sat down at the piano and began to play song after song.  We would shout out our request, and you would go to town on that old rickety piano.  We all hee-hawed and had such a great time, your eyes disappeared into slits as they do when you really laugh it up.

It was a time to be filed in the long cabinet of Grandma memories you have given me.  I draw from that drawer of memories often, as it is a place of joy or me.  It will take some time to take them out, one by one, but I want to say thank you for making such great memories with me.

Just weeks ago, I was allowed a God-given chance to spend time in your home.  So many memories came flooding back as I sat at your table enjoying your cooking, conversation, and coffee again.

I am thankful to God that He allowed me that opportunity to make one more memory, sit close one more time, one more chance to hold your hand and kiss your cheek, and to look you in the eyes, face to face and tell you I loved you.  Seeing in you pain is the last thing I want.  But not being able to say much because of medication, you simply uttered “strawberry patch”.  Enough said.

Love,

Marty

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 From Jessica

A Grandmother’s love is irreplaceable, especially my Grandma’s.  She meant so much to me all the “I Love You sweetie, the big hugs and kisses are the things I miss most.

I also miss her advice she would give me when we would have are heart to heart conversations, just me and her, no one else around. She would give me advice on my walk with God, relationships, and how to dress and do my hair. Haha…  I appreciated all those talks her and I had. I am going to miss those heart to heart conversations between us but I will always remember them.

One of my favorite memories of my grandma was at Thanksgiving time one year. After we all finished eating I was doing the dishes and while she was standing at the counter watching me, she spoke up and said “ you are going to make one good wife” I giggled in response.

My dad overheard what was said in the other room and spoke up and said, “She ain’t getting married!” Haha…  It really meant a lot to me for her to say that because my grandma was such an amazing wife and mother.  If you wanted an example, just look at her, she was it! J

Even though we were not “blood related” I never felt that way.  She always made me feel like I was her own. J She could make any one feel like family, that’s just the way she was. My grandma was such a great woman of God. She was a lady, elegant in every way and in everything she did.  I am going to miss her, I already miss her.

I Love You So Very Much Grandma!

Jessica ❤

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From Logan

Grandma was a very caring person that was always trying to help me out in some way. Of course she always was on me about not getting on the stairs and not to get up on the roof of the house, which she was right at telling me so.

I’m very proud to have had her as my grandma and I’m proud to call her my grandma. I miss her very much and I can’t wait to see her in heaven one day. She was a very important part of my life and still is today. I love her with all my heart and will never forget her.

One memory that I will never forget is the time I stayed with my grandpa and grandma at the age of three. This is what happened. So as the day was going by I miss behaved and grandma said “Logan get over here!” and I said “Come and get me!” while raising my toy hammer.

So she came running at me and I turned around to run but suddenly I heard a thud. I turned around immediately and saw that my grandma had fell and scraped her eyebrow pretty bad. I got in trouble as you might have guessed. But to this day I wish I would have just listened. But I also learned a lesson that day too.

These are some of the things that I remember of my grandma, but I will always remember that she was   a true lady and a true Christian.

Logan

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From Kim

Marian June Starr Davis, what an amazing lady!  I married her grandson almost 21 years ago and have felt so privileged to have been able to call her ‘Grandma’ all this time.

When I first met her I was in awe of her.  She was so beautiful, so classy, so elegant.  She exuded a quiet confidence that was not intimidating, but inviting.  I watched with admiration the calm way that she handled herself around people.  She was gracious and kind, but firm and adamant if the situation required intervention.

I remember smiling inwardly as I watched her on one occasion direct someone on the path ‘more perfectly’.  She didn’t demean them, just simply corrected with an easy confidence, and then went on her way.  I appreciated that quality in her.  She knew her place as a leader and walked gracefully in it.

I also esteemed her ability to create beauty from simple things in life.  Her house was decorated as if an interior designer had been paid large sums for the finished product, yet she had probably painted or re-finished some of the objects herself.

A treasured memory is when she and Grandpa Howard came to Clearwater to preach for us and they spent a few days in our home.  I took her to the Goodwill store where she purchased several inexpensive items.

The next several days when she came out of her room she was ‘dressed to the nines’!  She looked like a million bucks, but I knew the truth; she had paid only a few dollars for the clothes.  She just had an exquisite ability to put things together.  That is a rare quality.

The last thing that I will mention that I valued in her, perhaps more than anything, was her instructions to me.  As a young wife, I didn’t have incredible culinary or house-keeping skills.  It was something that I did with great effort.

Grandma knew how to make a house a home, like her daughter, and my sweet mother-in-law, Marcia Ballestero.  On more than one occasion she gave me simple ideas on how to be a better wife, how to take care of my husband and have his meals ready for him!

I’ve heard the stories of how she took care of Grandpa Starr, and I have watched first-hand how she catered to Grandpa Howard, so I know that she was handing out tested and proven advice!  The book of Titus admonishes the older women to instruct the younger women on how to love their husbands and children and to be keepers of their homes.  This she did successfully!

I am so honored to have been a recipient of her words of wisdom and Godly example.  I hope that my tribute contributes in some small way to the honor that she so richly deserves.  What a wonderful, virtuous, Godly woman.  Her grandchildren-in-law also rise up and call her blessed!

Love,

Kim

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From Farrah

When I was seven years old all seemed right in my world. My family had moved to Albion a few years earlier when my Grandpa Bill Starr passed away.

My grandmother lived in town with us and I was able to spend a lot of time with just her and I. I remember walking out of elementary school and scanning the line-up of cars looking for a familiar car. I would spot her little blue ragtop and feel so excited because I knew something interesting awaited us. It may be grabbing a snack and heading to the park where we would sit in the car and eat it with towels on our laps.

If you knew my grandma very well you knew she always carried bath towels in her car for your lap to eat. Other times we would drive to Jackson and pick up Aunt Theodora Jordan and visit every Goodwill store in town.

I thought the things they were talking about were the most interesting things in the world. I spent a lot of time at her house and in her basement there was always a treasure to be found.

There is a story my mother loves to tell about me and my grandma. When I was about eight years old my grandmother informed me that there was a man (Bro. Howard Davis) coming to visit her but they were just friends. I could see straight through the lies! I replied with a cry ‘Grandma! You know he’s going to want you!!’ and he did. Although I missed her and our times together terribly I am happy for the full life she was able to live.

I remember the day I first heard my grandma’s name and cancer in the same sentence. It was just a few weeks ago on a Monday morning.  My mother called me early that morning to tell me the news. The rest of the day I walked around feeling like I was carrying a thousand pounds on my back.

That night as I was rocking my son to sleep and the house was quiet I began to pray in my head. Praying for healing for her and praying for peace from this storm that caught our hearts and minds so off guard. As tears began to roll, all I could think was ‘God I know you’re going to want her’ and he did.

Although I would love to be selfish and keep her here I know she lived her life full of intention and with this day in mind. She left nothing to chance when it came to the decision of her soul. As the very familiar scripture states in 2 Timothy 4:7 “I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, and I have kept the faith.”

This is true about my grandmother. She knew how to live a good life and I think I would be foolish to think I know a better way.

I will miss her laughter and the way she leaned forward as she laughed. I will miss the confidence I felt when she complimented me about my children or about the way I did something. She knew how to make you feel good about yourself and she knew how to tell you the truth when you needed to hear it.

There is a popular quote that says “People may not remember exactly what you say or do, but they will always remember how you made them feel.” Grandma, I will always remember how you made me feel.

Farrah Starr Erwin

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From Jeriah

I loved my Grandma very much.  My favorite memories with grandma were when me and my family would visit Grandma and Grandpa at their house in Devore.  When we would come through the door, she would immediately greet us with a smile.  She would also have lots of food prepared considering she was such a great cook.  They also had a swimming pool that me and my brother Joshua would very much enjoy.

My Grandma also had a very nice piano that I would play.  She would listen and appreciate me and what I played, even when I messed up on my song.

Another great memory I had with my grandmother is when we would visit together in Michigan at the campground.  She, like me and my family live in California…but during the summer time we would all go to be with all of our other family in Michigan.

My Grandma and Grandpa had a cabin next door to our cabin on the Michigan campgrounds.  We enjoyed many family meals together when she would cook for everyone in her cabin.  In conclusion, I loved my grandma and I hope she is greatly honored in heaven for everything she has done for all of us.

Jeriah Alexander Copple (13yrs.)

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From Josh

I am going to miss my grandma.  I loved her because she always wanted me to be the best I could be.   She gave us an appreciation for music.  Many times she would ask me to play her another classical song on the piano from Mozart- that she loved so much.  Or, whether it was her backing me up in my childhood dream to become a lawyer.

She was always behind me and yet she was not afraid to tell me what she felt about my pursuits.  She was a Godly influence in my life. I remember when she called me to tell me how my choice to be a lawyer would place me in a difficult place as a Christian, as I would have to defend those who had obviously done wrong or were dishonest.

And that I would have to be careful in my life choices as they have long term consequences.   If she had not given me that call, I would be on a meaningless journey in a different direction right now to become something I do not want to become.

I am going to miss my grandma because she was so close to our family as we lived in California together and so far away from all the rest of the relatives.  We had many special holidays and birthday together.  Anytime we missed everyone else back East on the holidays- we could pack up and go to grandma and grandpas house less than an hour away where we had great food and fun times.  I’m thankful for such a great heritage that my grandmother has given to me.

Joshua David Copple

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From Natalie

Friends and Family,

Deuteronomy 33:27 The eternal God is thy refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms:

The memories of my grandmother Marian June Starr Davis is a memory I could not forget. She was an intelligent lady, classy, an artist, very loving, kind, gentle, and a wonderful housewife, She was a prayer warrior, and she inspired each and every one of us to pray.

One of my fondest memories was when I was little.  Grandma had a tea party in her cabin at the campground for my cousins and me. I remember that because I still have that tiny china doll with me that set on the teacup. I loved the decorations. She taught me everything that I wanted to know.

My dream has been since I was small to make a Christian comic book with illustrated art for the United Pentecostal Church.  I’ve been interested in animation with Christian cartoons.  My Grandma was always interested in what I was doing and would look at and listen to my work.

She inspired me to keep on until I saw my dreams done.  Now someday I would like to make a comic book for kids about Grandma’s life.  I have a new inspiration because she lived such a godly, wonderful life I would like children growing up to learn from her.

I also remembered how happy she looked riding that parasail, flying with Grandpa Davis over the ocean in Hawaii. She was always willing to try new things. Well I think she got to fly again. This time she got to fly away in Heaven to met Jesus and the older generation up there. I will miss her so much, but she won’t miss us she’ll be busy using her energy in heaven. I love her so much, but I’ll be happy, because she’ll be happy over there!

Natalie Colegrove