I AM FREE Don't grieve for me, for I amfree. Fm following the path God has laidfor me. I took His hand when I heard His 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 found the peace at the close o f the day. I f my parting has left a void, thenfill it with rememberedjoys. A friendship shared, a laugh, a kiss, Oh yes, these things I will too miss. Be not burdened with times o f sorrow, I wish you the sunshine o f tomorrow. My life s been full, I savored much, Goodfriends, good memories, a loved one s touch. Perhaps my time seemed all to brief, Don't lengthen it now with undue grief. Lift up your heart and peace to thee... God wanted me now, HE HAS SET ME FREEH! Active Pallbearers Grandsons Honorary Pallbearers Deacons of Thankful Baptist Church Augusta, Georgia Flower Attendants Granddaughters Friends of the Family Reynolds Floral Club Appreciation To know that there are friends who really care Makes our burden easier to bear. A friendly smile, a comforting touch These are the things that mean so much. God gives us comfort in the form of dear friends; May His peace be with you - His love never ends! Your kindness will truly always be treasured, The love you have shared can never be measured. You have ministered to our needs In so many special ways. From the bottom of our hearts, We thank you! The Family Mortuary Services and Arrangements entrusted to: HICKS and Sons Mortuary, Inc. 2233 Anthony Road, West @ Henderson Drive Macon, Georgia 31204-5823 Phone: 478-788-4300; Fax: 478-781-5500 E-mail: chicks02@bellsouth.net A Celebration Of Life For MRS. FLORENCE RILEY McHELLEN Sunrise September 5, 1903 I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith. II Timothy 4:7 Sunset May j ^ 2qo3 Tuesday, May 20, 2003 1:00 P. M. Antioch Baptist Church Butler, Georgia The Reverend Roy Felts, Jr., Pastor The Reverend Gregory Young Officiant Dear God: Grant us the serenity to accept the things we cannot change, the courage to change the things we can, and the wisdom to know the difference. MRS. FLORENCE RILEY McHELLEN, the daughter of the late Mr. Preston Riley and Mrs. Julia Searcy Riley, was bom September 5, 1903 in Taylor County, Georgia. She grew up in Taylor County and attended the Public Schools in the various churches. She grew up in a devout Christian home and confessed Christ as her personal Savior and joined the band of Christian believers at the Antioch Baptist Church, Butler, Georgia. Growing up in Sunday School and active in all church activities, her loyalty to Antioch was exemplified in many ways throughout her life. She joined in Holy Matrimony to Mr. Charlie West Edwards on December 26, 1920 and to this union, ten children were bom. The family moved to St. Augustine, Florida in 1947 and she moved her church membership to the Bethel Baptist Church. She was employed at the Flagler Hospital as a Nurse's Aid for approximately twenty years. She later joined in Holy Matrimony with The Reverend Robert McHellen and in 1966, they moved to Augusta, Georgia. She then moved her membership to The Thankful Baptist Church, where she has been very active as Mother of the Church, Deaconess, Member of the Senior Mission, The Sunday School, The New Era Baptist Convention. She was diligent in many other church activities. She was a very progressive person, who was admired by many. God, in His infinite wisdom, summoned the soul of Mrs. Florence Riley McHellen to eternal rest from toils of this earthly life to eternal Heavenly rest and peace on Wednesday, May 14, 2003 at the home of her daughter, Ms. Edna E. Lucas. Three children preceded her in death, Mr. Lyria Edwards, Mr. Charlie William Edwards and Mr. Corley Edwards. Those who hold fast to her legacy and fond memories are: her children, Ms. Edna E. Lucas, Ms. Mary E. (H. L.) Holston of Macon, Georgia, Ms. Eunice Webb, Ms. Aurelia "Rita" Washington, Mr. Clinton (Annette) Edwards, all of Augusta, Georgia, Ms. Virginia Martin of Miami, Florida, Mr. Lenwood Roebuck (Bernice) Edwards of Orlando, Florida, Ms. Louise Gibson of Reynolds, Georgia, Ms. Mildred Medders and Ms. Faye (Willie James) McCrary of Roberta, Georgia; two other daughters-in-law, Mrs. Magnolia Edwards of Augusta, Georgia and Mrs. Emma Edwards of Atlanta, Georgia; fifty-three grandchildren; ninety-seven great-grandchildren; forty-seven great-great grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Precious Memories Mother, you brought so much joy into our lives over the years; Your unselfish caring always calmed all our fears. We will always embrace our precious memories, Knowing that God will supply our every need. Your work here on Earth is over and done. You fought a good fight, the victory was won! We will look to God and continue to pray And we know we will meet again one day. The Order Of Service Prelude Processional Last Glance Selection........... .............. .........Antioch Baptist Church Choir Prayer-- ................... ...... .................Minister Stanley Kimble Antioch Baptist Church Holy Word Old Testament------------- Pastor Belinda Fae Mitchell New Testament-------------- Bro. Henry L. Holston, Jr. (Grandson) Solo--------------------------------------------- Sis. Lula Mae Riley Family Tribute-------------- The Reverend James Keith Martin (Grandson) Remarks------------- (Three Minutes Please)-- ........... Friends Silent Reading of the Summarium------------------- Soft Music Eulogy.................-.....................The Reverend Gregory Young Pastor, Thankful Baptist Church Augusta, Georgia Acknowledgments--.................................. .............Hicks Staff Recessional--------------------------------------------I 'll Fly Away Her Earthly Place Of Rest Antioch Baptist Church Cemetery Butler, Georgia And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away. Revelation 21:4