Libby was the matriarch of my sister-in-law Paula Cate’s family. She was the joy, the pride, the support and a legacy of love that will long remembered in this family. For me, I especially recall the delight in her eyes when she would come to me after listening to me play my music on the piano. She always liked to hear me play and more than anyone…I believe she meant it.
I couldn’t help but notice from the obituary that Libby left a large and blessed family. That was obvious under the light that came in from the stained glass rosette at Wheeler United Methodist Church in Blountville, TN. Libby left 4 generations behind and they were all seated at the service this morning…in mourning for a special soul that in a way, made up a piece of each of the Pendleton family that was there for the memorial.
I was delighted to see family and friends and share both sentiment and joy for Libby’s passing. She had been at Steadman Home for many months and only till recently had she become too weak to live.
Libby was laid to rest in an elegant pink and vanilla casket laden with pink roses. She lay in state that morning and was joined with her husband Paris at Tri-Cities Memory Gardens near the airport.
The Pendleton family is one of those large extended families. The Pendleton name was etched on a sheepskin in England and a parcel of land near Boone Lake was given to their heirs back in the 18th century. I recall seeing this document with the King’s seal and recognizing their influence on early Tennessee.
Libby Gammon was a school-teacher in her 40’s graduating with a degree from East Tennessee State University. She met Paris Pendelton and they both became realtors in Blountville and and had a lot of land to buy and sell over the years. She remained a realtor till her 80s and spent her remaining years with grandchildren and loved ones, shining her love and laughter to recall for many years.
As I sat in the sanctuary on a warm summer day marveling at the light as it cascaded into the sanctuary, it was hard not to smile. Sure the tears were there. We all missed Libby, but in the light of the room, a elegant pink and vanilla colored casket and pink roses, Libby’s life left a lot of joy….four generations deep.
On the way to the services, I took the backroads and maybe it was fate. I looked behind me and my father’s worn out black Taurus Wagon was coming up from behind me and it was surreal because we hadn’t talked in days. Nevertheless….
It’s important that a poem written by her son-in-law, Robert Ratcliff is added to this note. Bob died last year and we paid our respects at this same church.
A Poem Written For Libby
Her dress is like that of a Shakespearean
teacher of mine;
Bold prints, and pastels that speak
of her time.
Her time is all seasons like sweet
scents of spring.
In summer, she uplifts spirits on butterfly wings.
In fall she’s the colorful goddess of light
who slips into your heart with
words not trite.
Soon ’tis winter but she’s all aglow as she
lightens your spirt as white as snow.
I met this Shakespearean beauty in the fall.
Her words lifted, bantered, bounced
as a ball.
Love lowed from her for all to see and I
never thought it wasn’t all for me.
By spring she’d entrance
everyone she met.
To see her color summer would be
something yet.
Ole winter warmed up in fear of her
coming.
She lit up my spirits and the somber church pews,
Her words ring joy in hearts with the news
She’d had another Sunday with her
friends so dear
And I’m so glad to be somewhere near
this lovely, powerful lady of
wisdom and grace
Who gave full measure of herself
without a trace
Of pride or anger, never thinking
she’s the reason
I’ve chose her lady of all the seasons.
Robert I. Ratcliff