RIP Bette

Dear Family and Friends,

It is with heavy heart that I must share with you that another good friend and Charter Member of New Hope Community Fellowship has passed away. Yesterday afternoon at 1:30pm our dear sister Bette Kingrey died. At 1:00pm she was sleeping peacefully and when her daughter checked her at 1:30pm she was gone. I arrived within minutes to find Bette; eyes and mouth closed, looking as though she was fast asleep; a fitting departure of a lady of such dignity.

When we visited last week, her one question to me was "What is taking the Lord SO long?" She follwed her question with a typical Bette statement, "I just don't understand it!". When I kissed her goodbye, I had no idea it would be for the last time.

Bette was instrumental in encouraging the formation of our church and she was faithful to the end. She was often frustrated by the fact that soem had left us and told EVERYBODY, "I can't attend anymore, but New Hope is my church!" She routinely said, "I love all you people down there"; I never figured out why she always said "down there", but it makes me smile thinking about her.

Tammy has known Bette all her life and in fact grew-up in the same house that Bette did. I have known Bette and her family for around 25 years, 10 of which she has been a charted member of our church.

While we are sorry to see Bette go, We rejoice that she has joined so many who have gone before her. Thirty-five from our church alone are there to greet her, not to mention her sweet mother Hilda, her husband and so many friends. I know she is in a better place,but she will also always be a part of who I am. I am blessed to have known her. I will let you all know when the Memorial Service is scheduled as soon as we know.

Sincerely, Brother Gary