Delma Joyce Luce-Bryan

Dear Gary, Vellene, Diane, Cindy & families,
First I want to say Delma's service was beautiful. Secondly, thanks for sharing your crazy fun-loving mother with all of us. I appreciate all of her efforts in planning all the family get-
togethers through all the years. In the coming days, weeks and months ahead as you strive to cope with her absence from all of our lives, I hope that the following poem will bring each of you some comfort. Love, Brenda

When Tomorrow Starts Without Me

When tomorrow starts without me, and I’m not there to see,
If the sun should rise and find your eyes all filled with tears for me;
I wish so much you wouldn’t cry the way you did today,
while thinking of the many things we didn’t get to say.
I know how much you care for me, and how much I care for you,
and each time that you think of me I know you’ll miss me too;

But when tomorrow starts without me, please try to understand,
that an angel came and called my name and took me by the hand,
and said my place was ready in heaven far above,
and that I’d have to leave behind all those I dearly love.

But as I turned to walk away, a tear fell from my eye,
for all life, I’d always thought I didn’t want to die.
I had so much to live for and so much yet to do.
it seemed almost impossible that I was leaving you.
I thought of all the love we shared and all the fun we had.
If I could relive yesterday, I thought, just for a while,
I’d say goodbye and hug you and maybe see you smile.

But then I fully realised that this could never be,
for emptiness and memories would take the place of me.
And when I thought of worldly things that I’d miss come tomorrow.
I thought of you, and when I did, my heart was filled with sorrow.

But when I walked through Heaven’s gates, I felt so much at home.
When God 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 it’s starts anew.
I promise no tomorrow, but today will always last.
and since each day’s the same, there’s no longing for the past.

But you have been so faithful, so trusting, so true.
Though there were times you did some things you knew you shouldn’t do.
And you have been forgiven and now at last you’re free.
So won’t you come and take my hand and share my life with me?"

So when tomorrow starts without me, don’t think we’re far apart,
for every time you think of me, please know I’m in your heart.

Memaw -
You were so special to all of us - I hope you knew that. I will never forget the fun and laughter you always brought with you...you were never satisfied until there was a smile on every face. I know you are in a place far better than I, but I still don't feel like this is real. Maybe it's just that I'm not ready to let it be real. I don't know. What I do know is that I love you more than you could have ever known. I promise to make sure Bailey grows up remembering how much her Memaw loved her...you two had such a special connection. Keep an eye on us, okay? Until I see you again - I love you Memaw.
Brianne

My Dearest Moma,
I always told you I would sit at your funeral and start laughing at all the FUNNY things we shared together. So far I haven't been able to keep that promise. However, I know in time it will get easier to do so. None of us were READY to SAY GOODBYE, but we do FEEL you still..watching over us.
What a blessing to all of us to see so many of your friends and to hear the special ways you touched their lives. Your way of keeping all family together will be my honor. Your love lives on in all of us. I know you will keep them all laughing in that Glorius Heaven. Untill I see you again. I LOVE YOU.

Memaw,
I loved coming to spend time with you when we were little. My funniest memories are with you at the lake. And with you and papa lacy in orange. I just wish we would have had more time to spend with you as I got older. So glad you got to spend time with my kids the last fees summers and they got to be around such a fun lady. You really made bernis light up. I love you and miss you.
I can't say goodbye so this is a see you later,
I love you,
Ila Gail (peanut)

Moma, the journey has come to an end. You picked a bouquet of flowers along the way. You lite the path with your laughter and smile. You softened the trail with hugs and kisses. You reached for our hands touched our hearts. You quenched our thirst with your love and oh so caring spirit. I won't see you today, Moma. But, tomorrow we'll walk in the pasture. I love you ,Moma.

Gary

I want to thank everyone for all the food, flowers and thoughtfulness that you showed to my family and the memory of my mother, who touched so many peoples lives. She was loved.

Gary, Valleen, Dianne, Cindy and families:

I am sorry to hear of Delma Joyce's passing. I remember so many fun times with her. She was so much fun to be around. I am thinking of each one of you as I know the feeling of losing your Mother. Please know that I am praying for all of you. May God be with you and your families. Love, Gay Beth

sorry I missed the funeral. did not know until after funeral.
I will keep all of you in my prayers.

Dearest Diane, Gary, Vellene, Cindy & Families...
I and my children, Aaron & Morgan, loved "Nana-Joyce" very much for the last 20 years or so. She was so much more than just an old neighbor & friend...she was a wonderfully funny, caring, compassionate surrogate Mother & Grandmother to us. She will be missed greatly here on earth, but I'm sure she has already found someone to take care of and watch over where she is. Our hearts, thoughts and prayers go out to all of you.

My Thoughts and Prayers are with you
With Love
Hazel Peterson