TRIBUTE

MIDSTATE QUARTET

BLESS THE LORD OH MY SOUL AND ALL THAT IS WITHING ME BLESS HIS HOLY NAME

We, as the Midstate family have had some sorrows during the last few months.  We have had to say goodbye to family and friends, including Nina Gregory, better known as Grandmother Nina, Gary’s mom.  She lived a long and mostly happy life, she was in her middle 90’s until her home-going.  As a tribute to Grandmother Nina, her daughter, Wendolyn, has written some thoughts about her mom.

Tribute to Nina

There are some people in this world who seem to be born and

blessed with rare gifts. They have a way about them that make every day better for everyone

who are fortunate enough to know them.  Their good nature, kindness, patience, and believing

“It is more blessed to give than receive,” make them a joy to have in your life.

They seem to welcome each day no matter how hard or drastic the demands are.

Their outlook on life, regardless of the situation

has to be rooted in a deep faith and trust in their God .

Such a person was  Mrs. Nina Hackett Gregory

Mrs. Nina lived to be 96+ (1912-2008) years and experienced more changes in times than in a 1,000 years, changes to many that would have been difficult to adjust.  If this was a problem for her no one knew it.  Her life was long and will

long be remembered and may all that knew her say

Rise up and be blessed!!

This past few months has been rough on the Midstate friends.  We have had to say goodbye to several of our relatives and close supporters of our ministry.  We celebrated the life of at least 3 special people in our lives.  Kat Rigsby, Joyce Kelly and Ruth Randolph were very close to our hearts.  These ladies, and I use the term ladies with all the confidence in the world that they deserve that title, lived long and blessed lives.  Kat, a cousin to Janice and Jackie, worshipped at Pleasant Shade church and was faithful to be there, even sometimes when physically she didn’t feel like going.  Joyce attended many singings that of which we were a part, sometimes weak and shaking to the point that someone would have to hold her to walk. Her daughter, Pam, told me once that after she went to the nursing home that she had said her goodbyes to her mother while Joyce could understand what was happening.  More of us need to give the flowers before it is too late. Ruth, one of the “Midstate Groupies” went places and arrived sometimes before we even got there, stooped with back pain and many ailments that the doctors just couldn’t seem to explain.  We miss these and all the others that have blazed the way for us, but we would NOT bring them back even if we could.  Join hands, girls, find Grandmother Nina, you will be able to see her because she will be the one standing when Gary sings "The Glory Road" and shouting "that's MY BOY!!!  Save us a seat, we will be there soon!!!!!