Rest In Peace

On Monday, December 4, our dear neighbor, Elizabeth Miller, moved to a glorious new residence in Heaven in the presence of her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.   For those of us in the Gardens of Oak Hollow who have known and shared our lives with our wonderful neighbor, Elizabeth, some Scriptures may readily come to mind as we consider the gift of her life with us.  Matthew 20:37-40 are verses which have filled my thoughts.  Elizabeth surely evidenced her great love for her Lord with all her heart, mind, and soul.  Additionally, she beautifully fulfilled the second greatest commandment:  to love your neighbor as yourself.  It is about the actions of love she generously and enthusiastically spread to her neighbors that I want to recall with you as we lovingly remember Elizabeth.

Early one Friday morning in August of 2004, the phone rang at my home in Austin.  It was Elizabeth.  We both sang in the Sanctuary Choir at First Baptist Church, but since I lived in Austin, choir was our main source of contact.  All of this was to change very soon!  Elizabeth was calling to tell me about a house in her neighborhood (The Gardens of Oak Hollow) that was for sale – and she thought it would be perfect for me!  There was to be an “Open House” on the following Sunday and she wanted me to come and see it.  How did she know that I was wanting to move to San Antonio to be closer to my sister and nearer to treasured volunteering activities?  I’ll never know!  Elizabeth’s call which led to my subsequent purchase of this home in our neighborhood was a continuing blessing beyond all description!  

Like so many of us who live in the Gardens of Oak Hollow, you may remember seeing her walk, at top speed, among the streets and alleys which connect our 81 homes – greeting all who encountered her.  She not only was walking, she was observing any homes which might be for sale or planning a special meal or welcoming gift for a new neighbor.  Always alert to the needs of others, when one of us was overcome by sickness or a time of grief, Elizabeth came to us with comfort and food.  With her professional knowledge as a registered nurse, she also could bind our wounds.  Best of all, she and Alton believed in the power of prayer.

Elizabeth’s mind and heart were constantly at work planning ways to show appreciation to the firemen and police officers who served our neighborhood.  On many occasions, she made cookies and other treats, and together we went to the fire station and police building to express the gratitude of our neighborhood for their service and protection.  The large flag which was mounted on their home quietly spoke volumes about their patriotism.  When one of the neighbors wanted someone to be present in their home during the time of a family funeral service, Elizabeth volunteered.  

My beloved friend and our sweet neighbor, Elizabeth, included me in many of her delightful ventures of giving to others.  She absolutely spoiled us with her delicious turkey legs, pumpkin pies, Thanksgiving dinners, special oatmeal recipe, and so much more!!  Elizabeth would call and tell me to lift my garage door so that she could transport some favorite delicacy from her kitchen, down the alley, to our back door!  What great generosity! 

What fun we had as we went to choir practice together each Wednesday night.   As she left the car each time, she said: “See you tomorrow, Lord willing.”  What pure “sparkle” she added to life!