A Celebration of the Life of Ms. Odessa Lewis Erby, Friday, March 16, 2007 - 1:00 P.M., In the Sanctuary of Pitts Chapel A.M.E. Church, 7535 Lynch Road - Midland, Georgia, Reverend Oscar B. Daise, Jr., Pastor, Bishop William P. DeVeaux, Presiding Prelate, Presiding Elder Melvin S. Colquitt

Friday, March 16, 2007 1:00 P.M.
In The Sanctuary Of PITTS CHAPEL A.M.E. CHURCH 7535 Lynch Road Midland, Georgia
Reverend Oscar B. Daise, Jr., Pastor Bishop William P. DeVeaux, Presiding Prelate
~.~ .. Presiding Elder Melvin S. Colquitt ~

PROCESSION ............................................................................. Viewing of Remains HYMN .................................................................. "What A Friend We Have In Jesus" PRAYER SCRIPTURE:
Old Testament New Testament
SONG I SOLO ........................................................................................... The Choir
EXPRESSIONS MOMENTS OF REFLECTION .......................................... (Silent Reading of Obituary) SONG ................................................................................................. Freddie tlood EULOGY ACKNOWLEDGMENTS RECESSION

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Pitts Chapel A.M.E. Church Cemetery 7535 Lynch Road Midland, Georgia

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Pitts Chapel A.M. E-. Church Annex

Mrs. Odessa Lewis Erbywas born January 19, 1912 in Chattahoochee County, Georgia as Eula Odessa Lewis. She was the third child of the late Joseph and Lillie Mae Clark Lewis and one of four girls and five boys.
Odessa Lewis married the late Eddie Erby and while this union resulted in no natural children, all her nieces, nephews, grand and great were her children. She cared for, loved and kept in touch with all and all reciprocated her love. This love was not only for her family, it included her friends, church and all who met her. She was fondly known and referred to as "Aunt Dessa."
Aunt Odessa was a devoted member of the Pitts Chapel African Methodist Episcopal Church where she served faithfully until her death. Not only was she faithful in her membership, but also in her duties as a Licensed Minister under the leadership of Reverend lzola Lynn. Her ministry had no boundaries. She freely gave counseling, words of wisdom, shared life experience and would often be sought after by all for her guidance.
Aunt Odessa touched the life of everyone who knew her and everyone who came in contact with her remembered her as well. She never forgot your name or face or family history. Aunt Odessa was a pillar of her word and she stood full in eyes of all who knew her.
Preceding her in death in addition to her mother and father Joe and Lillie Lewis are siblings, Corrine Lewis Thomas, Josephine Lewis Hood, Latha Dell Lewis Mahone, Joseph Lewis, Jr., Elijah Lewis, Sr., John D. Lewis and Green P. Lewis, Sr., she leaves to cherish her memories, brother, Willie Lewis of Birmingham, Alabama; three sistersin-law, Ozeal Lewis, Myrtis Lewis and Minnie Bell Lewis; a number of devoted nieces, nephews, great and great-grand, cousins and friends, include Sister Ivory Cook and Marguerite Brooks.
The legacy of her 95 years will always be in the hearts and minds of all those she touched.

When tomorrow starts w ithou t me, And I'm not there to see
If the sun should rise and find y our ey es, All filled with tears for m e; I wish so much you w ouldn't cry, The way you did today, While thinking of the many things, We didn't get to say.
I know how much y ou love m e, As much as I love you, And each time that you think of m e, I know you 'll miss me too; But when tomorrow starts without m e, Please try to understand, Than an angel came and called m y name, And took me by the hand,
And said m y place was ready, In heaven far above, And that I'd have to leave behind all those I dearly love.
But as I turn to walk away, A tear fell from my eye For all my life I'd always thought, I didn't want to die.
I had so much to live for, So much left yet to do, It seemed almost impossible, That I was leaving you. I thought of all the yesterdays, The good ones and the bad, I thought of all the love we shared, And all the fun we had.
If I could relive yesterday, Just even for a while,
I'd say good-bye and kiss you, And maybe see you smile. But then I fully realized, That this could never be,
For emptiness and memories, Would take the place of me. And when I thought of worldly things, I might miss come tomorrow,
I thought of y ou, and when I did, My heart was filled with sorrow.
But when I walked through Heaven's gate, I felt so much at home. When Ood looked down and smiled at me, From His great golden throne
He said, "This is eternity, And all I've promised you.
Today your life on earth is past, But here life starts anew. I promise no tomorrow, But today will always last,
And since each day's the same way, There's no longing f or the past. You have been so faithful, So trusting and so true.
Though there were times you did some things y ou knew y ou shouldn't do But you have been forgiven And now at last you're free.
So won't y o u come and take My hand And share My life with Me?"
So when to morrow starts without me, Don't think we're far apart, For every time you think of me, I'm right here, in y our heart.

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She lived a life of legacy. She was always full of information with pearls of wisdom. She had a great sense of humor She had the best memory of all and was gifted to remember facts and details. To know her was to love her. To meet her once was to be locked in her memory. She was a bright radiance and she illuminated those around her. She was Mother to all our family members. So many aided in her care but special tributes are extended to my nieces: Ozeal (T) and Loretta for their untiring support. Words are inadequate to express my thanks! I am going to miss you for I never missed a day thanking God for you and allowing you to live 95 years as the oldest member of our family. To be absent in the body is to be present with the Lord. May God grant you a peaceful sleep in His presence.

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Overt and Outstanding in Her Own Way

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Darling, Dutiful, and Devoted Sister

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Eternal and Endless Love for Her Family Members

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Spiritual Service to the Lord

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Sweet, Sensitive and Steadfast

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Admired by All Who Knew Her

Love, Your Brother, Junior (Willie)

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The family and friends of the late Odessa Lewis Erby sincerely appreciates your assistance, thoughtfulness and prayers during the illness and passing of our love one. May God be with you always.
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F INAL ARRANGEMENTS ENTRUSTED To:
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