On Wednesday, July 5th, parishioners and family members of Audrine Georgette White came together to remember, reflect, and respond to the deceased’s love, lifestyle, and life. There were remarks from Joyce Patterson & Daniel Browe, a Poem by LaTavione Waddy, a song-” The Center of my Joy by Rinda Melton, and Acknowledgements and Resolution by the church clerk, Niko Owens. Reverend Judy Amos Officiating the service, and Minister Doyle Sprewer gave an inspiring Message.
Now a man named Lazarus was sick. He was from Bethany, the village of Mary and her sister Martha. 2 (This Mary, whose brother Lazarus now lay sick, was the same one who poured perfume on the Lord and wiped his feet with her hair.) 3 So the sisters sent word to Jesus, “Lord, the one you love is sick.”
4 When he heard this, Jesus said, “This sickness will not end in death. No, it is for God’s glory so that God’s Son may be glorified through it.” 5 Now Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus. 6 So when he heard that Lazarus was sick, he stayed where he was two more days, 7 and then he said to his disciples, “Let us go back to Judea.”
8 “But Rabbi,” they said, “a short while ago the Jews there tried to stone you, and yet you are going back?”
9 Jesus answered, “Are there not twelve hours of daylight? Anyone who walks in the daytime will not stumble, for they see by this world’s light. 10 It is when a person walks at night that they stumble, for they have no light.”
11 After he had said this, he went on to tell them, “Our friend Lazarus has fallen asleep; but I am going there to wake him up.”
John 11:11
John 11: The Question We Must Answer
Minister Sprewer reflected on Death.
Jesus Christ has transformed Death. When they told Jesus someone was dead in the Bible., Christ responded, “They were sleeping.”
Saw Jairus Daughter; she was asleep.
Lazarus was asleep.
I am the Resurrection and Life. You can live even though you die. Death is not the end.
Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die;
John 11:25
“She said, I love you, and I’m not coming back and sleeping with the Lord. We only have today. Suppose you have not received Jesus Christ as your Savior. You can fake religion, but she’s with the Lord.”
Minister Sprewer
“If you want to see Grandma again, declare Jesus. You don’t have tomorrow. Grandma brought all of you here today. Don’t leave here if you have not accepted Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior.”
added Minister Sprewer
“Sister White was a dedicated servant. Good and Faithful servant.”
Minister Sprewer
Before she died, she said, “Tell the pastor I love him and my first lady.”
Audrine Georgette White
Audrine, Her Love
Per her Obituary, she was a native of Chicago, Il, born to the parents of Teresa Moore and Shelton Oliver. She married Gerard Johnson in Waukegan, Illinois, in 1952 and conceived four children. Gerard Johnson, Carmenetta Wendland (nee’Johnson), Kim Jordan (nee’ Johnson) and Earnest Johnson III.
In 1978, she married Ernest White in Milwaukee, WI. She believed in working by remaining Human Resource Assistant at JC Penny Company for 25 years until her retirement.
Audrine, Her Lifestyle
She enjoyed traveling and listening to music. She attended Jazz cruises around the world. She also enjoyed staying fit by going to the gym, walking in the mall with her family, and taking pictures.
Audrine, Her Life
Audrine Georgette White was a faithful and dedicated Christ The King Baptist Church member under the Pastoral Leadership of Pastor John Wesley McVicker, Sr. She served in various ministries and went on a Pilgrimage to Jerusalem.
On June 20th, 2023, Audrine Georgette White went to her heavenly home. Those who past on before her included: her mother, father, and sisters, Shirley Robinson, Myrtle Polk, and Teresa Tucker. Along with her brothers, Bernard Durham, Kenneth Williamson, and Nesby Williamson. Her husbands are Gerald Johnson and Ernest White, her son Gerard Johnson, and her great-grandson Clifford Allen Jr.
“Sleep well, for we do not say Goodnight. We say, See you in the morning.”
Minister Sprewer added
Minister Sprewer Closing Prayer,
“As a mother comforteth her child, I will comfort you.”
“As a mother comforts her child, so will I comfort you; and you will be comforted over Jerusalem.”
Isaiah 66:13
The family will go to the gravesite Thursday morning to finalize the burial.
Per the Obituary, the family acknowledged those who attended the memorial service today and thanked everyone who sent a prayer card, flowers, or called with a word of kindness. The closing poem on the Obituary gave comfort to the bereaved.
“I’M FREE”
Don’t grieve for me for now I’m free,
I’m following the path God laid for me
I took his hand when I heard him call,
I turned my back and left it all
I could not stay another day,
To laugh, to love, to work or play
Tasks left undone must stay that way,
I’ve found that peace at the close of day
If my parting has left a void,
Then fill it with remembered joy
A friendship shared, a laugh, a kiss,
Ah yes, these things I too will miss
Be not burdened with times of sorrow,
I wish for you the sunshine of tomorrow
My life’s been full, I’ve savored much,
Good friends, good times, my loved one’s touch
If my time seemed all too brief,
Don’t lengthen it now with undue grief
Lift up your heart, rejoice with me,
God wanted me now, He set me free.
By Anne Lindgren Davison
Pallbearers included: Samora Johnson, Ernest Johnson IV, Rowland Betties II, Tyler Miller, Myles Teasley, and Perryon Pierce.
Honorary Pallbearers included: Douglas Wendland, Daniel Browne, Christopher Teasley, Larry Tucker, and Nesby Williamson Jr.
Reporter Jude 