Funeral Homily for Clara Evans - The Rev. Colette Hammesfahr

             In our Bibles, the verses we read today from the Gospel of Matthew is sometimes titled, “Do not worry.”  It comes near the end of the Sermon on the Mount, and Jesus is telling the people, “Do not worry about your life.”  

Karen and Leslie, two of Clara’s granddaughters, chose this Gospel reading because they said it epitomized who their grandmother was. If you knew Clara, you knew that she was an elegant woman who made sure she had her hair done every week, and she dressed to the nines. You will also know that Clara did not worry about much in her life. She was even keel, a quiet observer, and never wanted to be the center of attention. She was dependable, reliable, hated conflict, and didn’t wallow in grief.  

75 years ago, Pat met Clara in Freshman Chemistry at the University of Georgia. He said she was the prettiest girl in the class. A friend dared Pat to ask her for a date, she agreed, and two years later he married “the sweetest and greatest women he had ever known” -- Pat’s words, not mine.  

When I was talking with her children, they talked about how much Clara did for them as children – making Halloween costumes that were passed down to their children and helping with school projects. And for Clara, her family was everything. It was what made her happiest.  

A very rare treat, on Saturday Karen let me listen to a voicemail Clara left her a few years ago. Pat and Clara’s grandson, Mason, lived up north and was moving to Australia. But before he moved, he was coming down to Savannah to visit Clara and the family. In her voicemail she told the story of Mason coming to visit and then said, “I’m so excited, and grandaddy is asleep, I just had to call and tell someone!”  

Yes, Clara loved her family and loved being together as a family. On one occasion, all the family was gathered together in one place. David went to her and asked why she looked so happy. She replied, “Because all my family is here.”  

Clara and Pat raised five children. As a mother myself, it’s hard to say who is my favorite. However, when visiting with the family, Randy spoke up and said that he was probably his mom’s favorite. Very humble, isn’t he? After he said this, a hush came over the room, and then a chuckle. There was a chuckle because everyone knew who Clara’s favorite was and it wasn’t Randy.  

Clara’s favorite was Apache. Apache is Nancy’s dog and Clara absolutely loved that dog. Weighing almost as much as she did, she always wanted to take him for a walk and would get so excited if someone would go walking with them.  

There were times when Apache would steal one of her slippers and she would seem to go into a panic. Then, everyone would panic with her until the slipper was found. It was not until recently that her family realized that secretly, she loved the game Apache would play with her – she wasn’t panicking at all.   

In our Gospel reading today Jesus said, “Do not worry about your life, but seek first the kingdom of God.” Clara did not worry about her life. When it was time to worry or things got rough, she would leave and find a place to get away or do something to get calm. Many times, that meant going outside and eating a piece of candy to calm down or she’s even been known to invite people outside for a secret piece of cake, until the worry wore off.  

Jesus said, “Do not worry about your life, but seek first the kingdom of God.” Worrying is unproductive. Jesus teaches us that there is a great value in the human life and worrying doesn’t add anything to our lives. This is how Clara lived. Clara was a woman of great faith – she had faith and trust in God and the promises God has made to all of us. God promises each and every one of a place in God’s kingdom. A member of St. Michael and All Angels Church, there was one thing that did worry Clara. Clara was worried about what would happen when she died – who would bury her and where her funeral would be held. As she sat in the hospital, with her body giving out, she would tell visitors that she did not have a place for a funeral. She asked to see a priest. I met Clara for the first time, two days before she died. As we shared communion, I assured her that God would take care of her and she did not need to worry. When her family told her that Bishop Logue was opening this church for her funeral, she said, “Wonderful! That’s and answer to prayer.”  

Seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. In ways we may never expect and in ways we may never understand, God promises to provide for us.  

As we mourn the loss of Clara in our daily lives, we can rejoice that in Clara’s death, she has been raised to life. A life everlasting in God’s kingdom. While here on earth, we do not need to worry about Clara. We can rejoice in knowing that she is partaking in the feast we all desire and yearn for. 

Amen