On April 20, 2022 at 4:44 pm, wrapped in my arms, my beloved Granny Corbitt took her final Earthly breath while simultaneously opening her beautiful eyes to eternity in the arms of our Heavenly Father. Thank you, Jesus!!

 Combine every language in the world and even then, it wouldn't begin to describe my love for, and certainly not my relationship with, my precious Granny. She instilled in me every necessary skill I needed to survive and succeed in this life ... faith in Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior, authentic love, honor, commitment, accountability, forgiveness, grit, acceptance, work ethic, generosity, culinary, and fiscal responsibility. The majority of the noteable goals I have set and achieved over the course of my life are easily attributed to her invaluable wisdom and steadfast leadership. I have rarely, if ever, made an important personal decision that I didn't stop first to consider "Will this make my Granny proud of me?" All three of my grandmother's "stamps of approval" have been the standard scale to which I have judged myself throughout my entire life. My Granny Corbitt's validation was essentially the equivalent of passing a final exam PLUS attaining all of the extra credit bonus points available.

 I do not cry for her because I KNOW she is joyfully HOME. I cry selfishly at the unrelenting ache of losing my life mentor, faith and spiritual counselor, prayer warrior, political advisor, advocate, cheerleader, encourager, and friend. The mere absence of her unmistakable voice alone is overwhelming.

My Granny was notably private about her personal affairs, respectably modest and humble to her core. But she was also human, and at times required a trusted confidant to share her vulnerabilities, fears, and deepest sorrows with. It was truly the privilege of my life that she confided in me about some of her most highly guarded life experiences as a woman, wife, and mother. I was keenly aware of the depth of trust and confidentiality those sacred conversations demanded on her part and mine, as well as a few responsibilities that came along with the knowledge. Apart from my Nanny, very few others will EVER comprehend the rare and remarkable relationship that my Granny and I shared from the day I was born until the day she departed this Earth. Our bond was intangible, yet one of the most valuable gifts of my entire life.

My Granny's SOLE purpose for living each day was to win as many souls to Jesus as she possibly could. EVERY day she prayed for her ENTIRE FAMILY naming them ALL, one by one. There was NEVER a day she missed. If you met her even ONCE, you can rest assured tonight that YOU have been prayed for by Granny Corbitt. She faithfully paid 10% tithes on EVERY SINGLE PENNY that she and my Papa EVER earned over their lifetime. NO EXCEPTIONS!! And far more above that in additional offerings. How many people could ever honestly make this statement?

I could go on forever about The Lord's favorite child, Lilla J. Corbitt, and the impact she had on me, my husband, our marriage, our children, and her entire family. Allow me to close by sharing the "spiritual meaning" behind the exact time of her Earthly departure. I do NOT believe in coincidences because I believe in Jesus Christ. But, for anyone and everyone who may still "question God or seek signs" here is a clear message for you: My beloved Granny Corbitt passed away in my arms at precisely  4:44 pm and later that evening a dear friend sent me this message:

"The number 4:44 is a spiritual number that represents the energy of unity and togetherness. A key thing to know about this "guardian angel number" is that it is not something to be afraid of. It has been said to bring people hope and joy because of how it signifies protection offered by the angels." My Granny Corbitt is the most holy, blessed, and divine heavenly angel of all time!!

I now know as sure as the whippoorwills are singing to me tonight, literally as I'm writing these words, just as they sang to me and my Granny in the old homestead when I was a child, that this timestamp was her farewell blessing to me to share with you.

To my precious Granny, The Woman of Proverbs,  I love you a bushel and a peck and a hug around the neck - times infinity. YOU have been, and will always be one of the greatest, most treasured gifts of my life. Thank you. I love you beyond eternity  x  infinity.