A Life That Still Matters

 

Today we will gather to celebrate, remember, honor, and thank God for my sister, Micki Schoeffler Richard, age 63.  Micki was the youngest of the 4 sisters and 1 brother in our family.  Since day 1, she was greatly loved and treasured!  Knowing she was the last endeared her to all of us in a special way.  Micki’s personality, humor, intelligence, athleticism, work ethic, competitiveness, being a team player, her love of people, sweet and calm spirit, quickness to laugh, and love of life made her a joy to be around.

Micki was a believer in Jesus which was evident in her words, actions, and deeds.  She invested in her family, friends, students, and colleagues.  Her faith was real and she made an impact.  Micki taught math for 40 years, 30 in public schools and the last 10 at First Baptist Academy in Pasadena.  She wanted her students to know math, but even more to know and love Jesus.  Micki retired after she received the cancer diagnosis this summer.  She was a member of South Main Baptist Church in Pasadena.  Micki taught youth Sunday School, helped with youth choir and youth activities, went on mission trips, was a sponsor at youth camps, sang in the adult choir and played in the handbell choir.  She also participated in the Bible studies and events for women.

 

Even in her final days, Micki continued to teach us.  When she realized her time was shorter than planned, her desire was to make it as easy as possible on family and friends upon her death.  Micki met with each of the ministers to plan the order of her service, she enlisted the quartet she wanted to sing and told them what song, listed her favorite scriptures and why they were important to her, and designed the worship guide.  About a month ago, Micki and Mark took care of the funeral arrangements.  Micki’s wish was to be buried next to our brother.  Terry was almost 15 months older than Micki.  They were extremely close during childhood and it carried over into teenage and adult years.  Terry died of a heart attack at 38 years of age.  After checking, the funeral director said the spot next to our brother was available.  There is not a doubt in my mind that God protected that burial space for 26 years for Micki.  She finished editing her obituary Friday night.

 

Micki met Jesus face to face on Sunday morning.  Because of her love for Jesus and the ways she loved and invested in people, her life still matters and her legacy will live on.  Micki’s life impacted us for the good.  Right up until she took her first breath in heaven, she taught us to live for today and plan and be prepared for tomorrow. 

 

Micki fought the good fight, finished the race, and kept the faith.  And Sarah, Kevin, and Amy, her joy was great because she has watched you walking in the truth and modeling and teaching Charles and James to do the same.

 

Now may the love she shared, the lessons she taught, the ways she lived intentionally, and the treasured memories make a difference in the ways we choose to live. 

 

 

I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.

2 Timothy 4:7

 

 I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth.

3 John 1:4