I am sad. I feel lonely. The tears won't stop flowing and I can't help but wonder if the pain in my chest will ever end.
~*~
The following obituary was written by my sister, Jennifer, and appeared in the Sunday Oklahoman, January 28, 2018.
He will gather, He will gather
The gems for His kingdom,
All the pure ones, all the bright ones,
His loved and His own.
Like the stars of the morning,
His bright crown adorning,
They shall shine in their beauty,
Bright gems for His crown.
–William Cushing, 1856
The gems for His kingdom,
All the pure ones, all the bright ones,
His loved and His own.
Like the stars of the morning,
His bright crown adorning,
They shall shine in their beauty,
Bright gems for His crown.
–William Cushing, 1856
Barbara Helen Martin Elliott was born October 1,
1934 in Carbondale Illinois, and died on Christmas Eve 2017, in Edmond,
Oklahoma. She was the eldest daughter of Phillip Webster Martin and
Bertie Bain Martin.
Barbara lived in Carbondale until the age of 12. She loved school and
was an outstanding student. At the age of 5, she accepted Jesus into
her heart and began her lifelong journey as a Christian. She was her
grandfather’s favorite and he was instrumental in her salvation. Later,
Barbara was instrumental in the salvation of her entire family.
In 1946, the family moved to Southern California. In 1952, Barbara
graduated from Excelsior High School. She was a member of Art Club and
National Honor Society.
Following high school, she worked as a secretary. She loved dating,
fashion and church. In October 1955, she met a sailor, William Elliott,
at the Bellflower Church of the Nazarene. They married six weeks later.
Of this union was born four children who gave her 10 grandchildren and
seven great-grandchildren. All were her crown and glory.
Despite her small, fixed income, she never forgot anyone’s birthday
and shopped sales all year so she could give everyone a Christmas
present. She supported numerous charities.
Barbara was a working mother. She worked for the La Puente School
District, CA; International Students, Inc., CO and Washington County,
OK. Her biggest job, however, was as a Nazarene preacher’s wife. She was
devoted to her calling. She served with her husband through pastorates
in Galveston, Kermit and Gilmer TX; Ozark, AR; Caney, KS and
Bartlesville. The rural church scene was a mission field marked by low
wages and poverty. She shined through the sacrifices. She hosted
showers, potlucks, sang and played piano. She loved supporting Nazarene
missionaries. To encourage people to read missionary books, she created a
poster featuring paper crowns. Everyone who signed up to read books got
a crown. When you finished a book, she added a little plastic jewel to
your crown. Our dear mother has now received the imperishable crowns
that heaven bestows.
Barbara was a talented artist. She quilted, crocheted, painted, sewed
and knitted. She was the world’s best Girl Scout leader. She was a
prayer warrior who spent hours in prayer every day for her family. When
she saw War Room, she cheered in ovation at the end. She was an amazing
Sunday School teacher who taught the Gospel to children with the
Wordless Book. This is her greatest legacy: A devout follower of Jesus
Christ. If you are reading this, she would want you to know she loved
you, because she loved everyone.
Barbara was 83, but she died unexpectedly, at home. She died doing
what she loved: Keeping busy and anticipating celebrating our Lord’s
birth with her children and grandchildren. All who loved her are
devastated by the loss, but rejoice that she joined Jesus on his
birthday. She will remain with him throughout eternity.
Throughout her life, Barbara spoke of the babies she lost in
miscarriage. The moment she died she held them in her arms for the first
time. This makes her happier than words can possibly say.
The family thanks Oklahoma Heart Hospital and Dr. John M. Williams
for 14 years of care. Thank you for all the times you saved her.
Mom is survived by her children, Faith Bybee, Dickson, TN; Rebecca
Nelson, and husband Steven, Edmond; William Elliott, and wife Ginger,
West Covina, CA; Jennifer McCollum and husband Robert, OKC. Grandkids,
Jayson Bybee, April Tummins, Cathrine Holloway, TN; Brandon Nelson, AL;
Adrienne Weigel, Edmond; Bethany Lyons, Brittany Diamond, SD; Juliette
James (Nanny’s “Angel”), Sullivan and Bridgette McCollum, OKC; seven
great-grandchildren; dog Missy, and sisters Phyllis and Cherryle. She
was preceded in death by her parents; son-in-law Greg Bybee, and
husband, William Elliott.
Rest in peace dear Momma, Grandma, Nanny.
Wait for us. We will be with you soon.
