Graveside Message 8/25/18 Elizabeth (Betsi) Burgess
By Chaplain and Friend Rev. Glenn Pav
Some of you dear family and friends have known Betsi for almost 75 years.
I want you to think right now of a special memory of her when she was a child.
Some of you have known Betsi for almost 50 years.
I want you to think right now of a memorable time spent with her.
Some of you have known Betsi for up to 25 years.
I want you to think right now of an inspiring moment when she shined and was successful in her courageous endeavors.
Recently she received the Superwoman Award: “No Tax For Tracks could not have existed without her. She has been a true inspiration. Pinellas County is blessed to have had her protecting it.”
My friend, some say “Betsi is gone.” But that’s not really true.
You see, she will dwell in our hearts far beyond her earthly life.
Betsi was born, September 11, 1942 and went home to be with the Lord August 20, 2018.
May we all take comfort in these Bible verses:
Truly my soul finds rest in God; my salvation comes from Him.
Truly He is my rock and my salvation; He is my fortress, I will never be shaken.
My salvation and my honor depend on God; He is my mighty rock, my refuge.
Trust in Him at all times, you people;
Pour out your hearts to Him, for God is our refuge.
One thing God has spoken, two things I have heard:
“Power belongs to you, God, and with you, Lord, is unfailing love.” (Ps. 62)
For I know that my Redeemer lives. (Job 19)
With confidence, the Apostle Paul had said on his last days on the earth…and this truly
testifies of Betsi’s life:
“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the Righteous Judge will award me on that Day, and not only to me but also to all who have loved His appearing. (2 Tim.4)
For you, dear family and friends of Betsi,
“The Lord bless you and keep you;
The Lord make His face to shine upon you,
And be gracious to you;
The Lord lift up His countenance upon you
And give you peace. Amen (Numbers 6)
And the Peace of God, which passes all understanding will keep your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Amen
And now very tenderly and lovingly we commit the mortal part of Betsi Burgess, whom we have
loved; confident that her soul has gone on in the continuing fellowship of God, the Giver of
all life.
Prayer:
Now to Him who by the power at work within us is able to do far more abundantly than all what we ask or think, to Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen (Eph. 3)
