Friday

 The world of the generous gets larger and larger;

the world of the stingy gets smaller and smaller.

~Proverbs 11:24 (Msg)~

 

 

PATRICIA “PUNKIN” BRANT SMITH
December 5, 1948-October 26, 2011

Patricia Brant Smith was born on December 5, 1948 and passed away on October 26, 2011 at 2:45pm. She was 62, a native of Kentwood, LA and a resident of Gulfport, MS.

Patricia is survived by her loving husband of 45 years, Donnie Smith, Gulfport, children Tammy Toney(Troy), Gulfport, Tracy Ritchie (Jack), Saucier, Kevin Smith (Ashlee), Gulfport, and Kelly Wallis(Tony), Gulfport. Grandchildren, Amber, Jared, Anthony, Kameron, Tanner, Garrett, Connor, and Braden. Brothers and sisters, Jim Brant (Dulce) Kentwood, Bonnie McDaniel (Buford), Kentwood, Cheryl Guthrie (Clem), Kentwood, Dickie Blades (Trudy), Emilie Van Horn (Bobby), Chattanooga, TN, David Brant (Susan)Hernando, Ms., Tim Brandt(Jennifer) Atlanta, GA, Mark Brandt, East Ridge, TN, Lisa Lawler(Ron), Grapevine TX, and Melissa Farrell, Vinemont, AL.

Preceded in death by her parents, Fred Brant of Gulfport and Shirley Blades of Kentwood and brother Gregg Brandt.

Patricia had also been employed by Oreck Manufacturing for 25 years. She was a faithful member at Sunflower Baptist Church in Perkinston, MS for many years.

Visitation at Riemann’s Family Funeral Home on 3 Rivers Rd., Gulfport from 11am until 2pm with services to follow in the funeral home chapel at 2pm on Saturday, October 29, 2011.

 

THE BEAUTY OF YOUNG AND OLD

A grandmother and a little girl whose face was sprinkled with bright red freckles spent the day at the zoo.  The children were waiting in line to get their cheeks painted by a local artist who was decorating them with tiger paws.  “You’ve got so many freckles, there’s no place to paint!”, a boy in the line cried.

Embarrassed, the little girl dropped her head.  Her grandmother knelt down next to her.  “I love your freckles,” she said.  “Not me,” the girl replied.

“Well, when I was a little girl I always wanted freckles” she said, tracing her finger across the child’s cheek.  “Freckles are beautiful!”

The girl looked up.  “Really?”

“Of course,” said the grandmother.  “Why, just name me one thing that’s prettier than freckles.”

The little girl peered into the old woman’s smiling face.  “Wrinkles,” she answered softly.

What a beautiful story of love!  How wonderful it is when those who are filled with the wisdom that comes with age can still see the beauty in those who are younger and have much to learn.  And how wonderful when those just learning to spread their wings can see the beauty in those who have flown so long they have grown weary of flying.

“The glory of young men is their strength, and the splendor of old men is their gray head.” (Proverbs 20:29)

With a heart of love, may we see the beauty of God’s children both young and old.

Have a great day!

Alan Smith
Helen Street Church of Christ
Fayetteville, North Carolina

 

Thanking God for the rain and praying you get some too,

Anna Lee