Celebration of the life of Mary Frances Keenan Averitt

My heart is heavy with sadness this week friends. My precious grandmother left us this past Sunday morning, February, 3, 2013. Super Bowl Sunday. Thankfully our Raven's won that night, making a very hard day have a silver lining. If you have been reading this blog for a while you know that Francie was a big part of my heart. We had the most wonderful visit in Memphis last May and she came to Stone Hill two times. I will cherish the videos I took of her for the rest of my days. She went back to the hospital last Thursday and was gone before we knew it. She was just ready, didn't suffer and was with her beloved niece Harriet who happened to be visiting that week for a routine visit. God's divine hand was in every second of this past  week. 

I arrived on Tuesday afternoon to help Harriet wrap up the details of Francie's apartment.  Harriet and my Daddy are like brother and sister. They grew up one block from each other in Memphis. Francie and Harriet's mother were sisters.  Even though we are cousins, I feel like we are more like aunt and niece. We laughed and cried, but laughed more than cried for sure. I insisted that we take pictures in her Go To Hell hats and set the camera self timer for this shot. It was just Dad, Harriet and me for dinner and we seriously had the best time. I can't recall a time ever where I had the pleasure of dining with my Dad and my godmother Harriet. We are always surrounded by so many family members. We laughed until we cried at dinner and I had to shush Daddy he got so loud. It was awesome. Laughter through tears is my favorite emotion...to quote Dolly Parton.

The service was held where Francie had been living the last three months where she could get more full time care. The chapel was the perfect location for the visitation and service. There was a comfort finding out it was Episcopalian and meeting the woman priest made me so happy. Knowing the service, the words going into something hard made it a touch more easy. Dad asked me to read Ecclesiastes 3:1-9 which I did miraculously after taking a huge deep breath. I lost it afterwards hearing our friend Bill Craddock read Psalm 23. 

The preacher was from Second Pres. and did a great job explaining that Frances is rejoicing in heaven. She taught me how to pray and was truly the most positive, light filled person you have ever met and he put an exclamation point on that fact. We sang Holy, Holy, Holy and Abide With Me. 

When we were at the cemetery I couldn't pay attention to a word that was being said. I just stared at this gorgeous tree the whole time thanking God that Francie and Granddaddy are partying it up with Jesus.

My grandparents were married for 67 years!

 

I loved getting to visit with Susan, Lucy, Will, Alex, Harriet and meeting so many of Francie and Granddaddy's friends I had heard about for years. Family really are the best part of funerals, plus the motorcycle cops leading to the cemetery. Mom wasn't able to make it but her brother's and many of my Tayloe cousins were also able to come. I had a great visit with Chip and Louise and stayed with them again. The Craddock's had a very small gathering for just family that evening for dinner that I'll post about separately. It was the best part of the week.

Dad telling stories with Will and Alex. 

Mac, Harriet, Dad and me at Memorial Park.

I got home safely on Thursday and it hit me that I can't just pick up the phone and speak to Francie anymore. Eric took me to Gertrude's for my surprise vegetarian birthday dinner and I cried remembering how much fun we had with her at the restaurant during the 2010 Thanksgiving weekend. I am so happy she didn't suffer, but I'm still sad. 

She is truly in every corner of my heart and our home. We have pot holders that were knit by her, quilts and blankets stitched with love, paintings and hand sewn embroidery hang on our walls. Plus every memory of trips to Disney, Destin and the lake. It just feels like the end of an era with her gone and I'm going to miss her like crazy.  

Harriet and Daddy, thank you for all you did this past week. Your plans made it easy for all of us to come together to mourn, laugh and visit in the short time we had together. For all who weren't able to join us, know you were missed and with us in spirit.

MARY FRANCES KEENAN AVERITT

Published: Commercial Appeal, The (Memphis, TN), February 5, 2013MARY FRANCES KEENAN AVERITT, 94, lifelong resident of Memphis, died early Sunday morning after a brief illness. She was predeceased by her beloved husband, Richard Douglas Averitt, Jr., after 67 years of marriage. Frances was the youngest daughter of John and Bertha McWilliams Keenan. She attended Cummings Elementary School, Bellevue Junior High and Central High School. After attending Virginia Intermont College in Bristol, Virginia, she married her childhood sweetheart and began a long and useful life as a homemaker, volunteer, and businesswoman. Mrs. Averitt was an active member at Second Presbyterian Church, where she was president of the Women of the Church, member of Martha and Mary Circle, a member of the choir, and circle devotional leader. Her PEO Chapter B was an important part of her life, as was her King's Daughters Circle. Mrs. Averitt was a member of Les Passees and served as chairwoman of the Cabaret in the early 1960's. After rearing her two sons, Mrs. Averitt started and ran Forty Carrots when Overton Square first opened. Upon retirement, Destin, Florida became a regular destination and the Averitt's cottage, "Averitt's Favorite", became a favorite gathering place for friends and family, thanks to Frances and Doug's generous hospitality. The Averitts resided at Town Village for several years and more recently Frances lived at Trezevant Terrace. Besides her husband and parents, she was predeceased by her youngest son, John Warren Averitt, and her sisters, Rosalie Keenan Watkins and Bertha Warren Keenan. She is survived by her son, Richard Douglas Averitt III, of Kalamazoo, MI; daughter-in-law, Susan Lange of New York City; grandchildren, Nelle and Eric Somerville, Mac and Elise Averitt and their son, Andrew McWilliams, and Lucy Averitt Lange; niece, Harriet Watkins Porter and her husband, Alex; great-nephews and their children, Christopher and Renee Porter, Will and Rosemary Porter, and Sam and Stephanie Porter. Having no family in Memphis, Frances was surrounded by a host of loving friends who became her family in every way. Frances was recently devoted to Lilly Rogers, her friend and helper in the past few months. Funeral services will be held at the chapel at Trezevant Manor on Highland at Waynoka, at 2 p.m., February 6, with a visitation at 1:30 p.m. in the chapel, and interment in Memorial Park immediately following. The Reverend Robin Hatzenbueler will officiate.Family Funeral Care (901)761-8000--------------

Copyright (c) 2013 The Commercial Appeal, Memphis, TN

Christmas Recap 2011

We had the most wonderful Christmas in Michigan. My godmother Mary T. drove with us all 11 hours to and from my mother's house. We stayed at Baby Nephew's house three blocks from Mom. My gorgeous grandmother flew all by herself from Memphis to be with us and of course Dad joined us for the festivities. Andrew looks so grown up in this photo but he is just one year old.

Baby Nephew was baptized at home that weekend. Eric and I are thrilled to be his godparents!

Eric and I are thrilled to be his godparents!

The precious lamb went straight from my mother's diamond cross. He's brilliant, I'm telling you.

My fairy godmother.

This was the first year in all my days that we waited until after 1pm to open our prizes. Saint Andrew needed to take a nap so we enjoyed a leisurely morning with ham and Sister Schubert rolls.

The first photo above was taken with a tripod and timer. I loved this shot I caught of  Daddy, E and Mary Frances staging the shot. I realized later that something was fogging up my lens so Francie looks more angelic than usual. I'm sure my Dad said something hilarious which is par for the course.

Once Baby Nephew arrived, the prizes were opened, the roast beast devoured and I finally got some quiet time with him. We gave him that cute little sweater. My brother wouldn't be caught dead letting him wear a smocked outfit, which breaks my heart, so we prepped him up with a little polo! He is truly the most laid back little guy. We just talked and talked for twenty minutes about trains, cars and my necklace. Elise caught us in this precious moment and I will cherish this photo forever.

Blessings and thanks to my sweet family for their incredible generosity, love for us and to Mac and Elise for asking us to be godparents. We are truly honored. 

Happy Birthday Daddy

My father, R. D. Averitt III, was born 70 years ago today in Memphis, Tennessee. My godmother and Dad's first cousin Harriet graciously sent me these photos that I cherish. I've been saving them for the perfect moment to post. So here you go Daddio. This is your life in a few photos. I love how sweet you look with Ma, our Francie.

You and Pa, or as you nicknamed him D2, already look like you were up to no good! I loved listening to y'all tell jokes and stories. They are some of my fondest memories of you Dad. How cool is that car and GD's watch?! He looks like Papa in this photo to me.

Could you and Momma have been any cuter in 1966? My gosh look how dapper. I can see you holding your pipe in your left hand. Were you really 25? I know you met at Memphis State to finish your last credit for Millsaps, and Mom was finishing her last credit for Randolph Macon Women's College. You said something clever in class that Mom took notice of and nine months later you were married. You were very clever.

You and Mom would have been married for 44 years this Friday, August 26 if you didn't get divorced in the 80's. Can you imagine? Ha! You got married a day after your birthday so you wouldn't forget your anniversary. Is that a true story? You taught me never to let facts get in the way of a good story. I love you for this. Eric just shakes his head at my stories. We are a special breed, story tellers and the fruit doesn't fall from the tree I think. You and Mac are identical in this photo and are joking under your breath. Mac is doing the same thing in the photo from our wedding a few shots down!

You moved after your wedding to North Carolina and taught at UNC Pembroke. You paid your housekeeper more than the Dean and got a talking to. Shortly after you all moved above the Mason-Dixon line. While you were in Pembroke you met your best pals and our godparents Willie and T.T.  You were accepted at Michigan State and moved north for your Masters, but you are a true maize and blue Michigan fan. You all moved to Kalamazoo so you could teach at Western Michigan University in the history department. You guys peeked into the windows at Toad Hall and signed a contract on the spot without seeing the inside. I loved our house and love that you named it Toad Hall based on the Wind and the Willows. You must have chopped down that pine tree at the front door as I don't remember it at all.

I was born in Kalamazoo in 1972 meaning I'll be 40 in February. Dude, you are OLD! You insisted I was baptized at Calvary in Memphis. 

NT agreed with you on that one. Maybe the only thing y'all ever agreed on.

Douglas McWilliams Averitt, Mac was born five years later so I had you guys all to myself for a good long time. Spitting image of you and you both made Mom laugh walking down the aisle!

After the divorce you made sure we spent lots of time during the summers together. We lucked out since you had the summers off as a professor. You took us on some of the best road trips from Kentucky to Destin to visit family and study the history of our great country. I loved our trips so much. I still talk about crash boom on road trips with E. How cute is little Macker in Cuddin Willis' kitchen? We couldn't understand him AT ALL.  Our cousins thought we were from the moon with our  northern accents! Our bowl cuts are the limit.

You wrote me some of the best letters when I was in college Daddy. One of my favorites was regarding the evils of smoking. Mac busted me and tattled to you. You wrote this very kind, loving letter explaining why I shouldn't smoke. You admitted it was hypocritical since you'd smoked a pipe since you were a child. You said that if I was doing it to be cool, that I knew better. If I was smoking to try to relax, you suggested I turn to prayer. Well Dad, your advice worked. I listened and took heed. Thank you for that. 

I will never forget my wedding day and our moments together. I love this photo of me trying to fix your glasses.

When we were about to walk down the aisle we had to wait a minute and it was 107 degrees in the shade. You told me to sit down. Best advice ever. When we finally took our journey towards E. you held on so tight to my arm that I almost thought you wouldn't let me go. It was nice walking down the aisle slowly with you Daddy. I will never forget that fun walk with you! Snif. 

You were *ahem* smoking your pipe during our photos and the photographer stole this fun photo of you checking out the wedding band. I love this shot.

I wish I could have scanned all of these photos so they didn't look so fuzzy. I think this was at a winter formal at Loy Norrix when you were a teacher there.

There are a thousand other stories to tell Daddy and photos to share but know the most important thing to remember today is how much we love you. E. also says "Happy Birthday Chopper!" Can't wait to see you in September. 

Thanks again Harriet for sending me all of these photos. Mom, I didn't steal them from you for the first time, so there.

Stories from 1940

Francie also tells a story about nearly singing with a big band in 1940, but wanting to marry Granddaddy instead!

Meg you've created a monster! Thanks again for the tutorial.