“Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord” (Rev. 14:13). Recently, we have had five with Getwell ties to go on to their reward: Bobby Comstock, Rosielee Fisher, Parker Lloyd, Maxine Mayberry, and Luster Wade. Let me take a moment to reflect on these individuals.
To be quite frank, I did not know sister Maxine Mayberry very well. I have to draw the conclusion she was a good person because she was a good mother, and it takes a good person to be a good mother. J. R. Mayberry, her son, attends Getwell. J. R. is a solid individual who loves God and loves his family. I am sure he learned these traits sitting at the feet of his mother.
Luster Wade was a man who was respected by many. This respect was evidenced by the great number who attended his funeral service. Brother Wade only attended Getwell for a few years but was always willing to serve, as his health allowed. He particularly liked serving on the Lord’s table. He always prepared thoroughly in advance concerning the scripture to be read and the prayers he offered. One could tell his prayers were sincere and heartfelt.
I want to pay my respect to Rosielee Fisher. She was a long time, faithful member of the church here. Barbara Boshers and Connie Ferrell provided transportation for her to get to services. She was very direct and straightforward, and there was never any doubt where Miss Rosielee stood. It pained her a great deal when she had to miss services, usually due to health limitations. It also bothered her when she got to the point where she could not prepare food for our potluck luncheons, especially her sweet potato pie. Her pew is now empty, and I will miss greeting her each Sunday morning.
Bobby Comstock is one of several men of the congregation who influenced my life for good. Several years ago Hillary Clinton wrote a book called It Takes a Village. I have never read this book, but the title and theme of the book put forth a very interesting premise, mainly that children are raised and influenced by others than just their parents. Now, I don’t take it to the extreme that Mrs. Clinton does in the book, but as I look back at my raising at Getwell, I am impressed and appreciative of all the positive influences of older Christians on my life. Brother Comstock was such an influence. He worked for and retired from Otis Elevator. He was a man’s man, a true Christian gentleman, a deacon for many years at Getwell, and, until his health started failing, you could always count on brother Comstock being here for a work day. The book shelves in the preacher’s study and in the library were crafted by him. He loved working with wood and restoring his Chevrolets—he had a ’55, ’56, and ’57, all three red. He was married to the same lady, Miss Juanita, for over 63 years, and they had four children: Gary, Sandra, Tim (deceased), and Kelly. He was rock solid, and he truly will be missed.
Former Getwell member Parker Lloyd and his wife, Helen, attended Getwell for many years and raised four children here: Virginia, Cathy, Brad, and Tim. I had many adventures growing up with the Lloyd children. Mr. Lloyd (I always called him Mr. Lloyd) was not shy about keeping me in line, which I am sure I was in need of. He was one of the hardest working men I have ever known; I don’t believe he had a lazy bone in his body. He retired from Fuller Alignment and went to work at Stonebridge and Audubon golf courses. Let me pause here to say that, after Jesus Christ and family, Mr. Lloyd loved to play golf, so this golf course job was his dream job. In his spare time he worked as a real estate agent alongside his wife, Helen. On a side note, he once told me he had one of the coolest jobs when he first came to Memphis—changing the title cards in the juke boxes around town. He could tell you all the rock-n-roll songs of that era. I extend my sympathy to the family, but I take comfort in knowing he is in a much better place. I am a better man having known this quiet man of faith.
—Ron Wallace