Thank you to those of you who prayed for the family of our precious former District NMI President , Betty Patton, as her life was celebrated at her funeral Monday night and burial yesterday morning. I was deeply honored to give her eulogy, as she had asked me to do, at her 90th birthday party four years ago. Knowing I had your support made it possible for me to fulfill that promise. The beautiful floral spray, pictured above, was from you, E TN District NMI. You no doubt received the message: “In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to Knoxville First Church of the Nazarene.” However, the family said “Mama would definitely want flowers from her beloved NMI!”
The words below, from former Global NMI President/ General Superintendent Emerita, Nina Gunter, were shared at the graveside service yesterday morning:
To Family and friends of Betty Patton.
What a joy it was for me to work with my friend Betty Patton!
She loved people, the East Tennessee District, the church, missionaries, and missions.
I had great respect for her commitment to missions.
Thanks to her family for sharing Betty with the church for a cause greater than any of us.
Her influence will continue to inspire church and friends to give their best to the Great Commission.
Let us too, like Betty, be faithful until that day we hear him say, “Well done.”
God bless you today and in all your tomorrows!