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Valerie Woodard, a longtime and regular Forum participant, died on
Friday, Oct. 3, 2008 in Charlotte.
The next Forum on Tuesday, Oct. 7 opened with a number of
tributes to Woodard,
who served on the Mecklenburg Board of County Commissioners from
District 3.
●
A
Memorial Prayer
Valerie Woodard
Tuesday Morning Breakfast Forum
Tuesday 7 October 2008
By Vernon M. Herron, D. Min.
Sunset and evening Star and one clear call for me!
And may there be no moaning at the bar, when I put out to sea.
Servant of God well done; rest from thy loved employ.
The battle fought, the victory won, enter the Master's joy
Usually, we gather here as the TUESDAY MORNING BREAKFAST FORUM to discuss issues, but today we also worship, eulogize and memorialize your creation, known to us as Valerie Woodard but is known to you as your "creation" and "servant."
Many lives have been touched by this servant, who conducted ministry as a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, a County Commissioner and other roles, who showed moral authority, maverick leadership, individual conviction and personal persuasion.
We thank you for such a life and now seek your Spirit as we, in our own way, reflect on the life one we knew and loved.
For all the saints, who from their labor rest,
All who by faith before the world confessed,
Your name, O Jesus, be forever blest.
Alleluia
Now, O Lord, support us all the day long,
until the shadows lengthen
and the evening comes
and the busy world is hushed and the fever
of life is over and our work is done.
Then, in thy mercy, grant us safe lodging and
A holy rest and peace at last.
A-men
●
"This
is a difficult time for those of us on the commission who served with Valerie
Woodard. Being here I half expect to see her walk in the door any minute. It's
not going to be until this meeting is over that I'm going to realize that she's
not going to be walking in the door. We'll take some time at our commission
meeting tonight to remember her. There will be folks from the community coming
at 6 o'clock to have a few words and to remember her as well. Her family will be
there. That will be a nice opportunity for the community to grieve and to share
in the joy of her memory as well, and to remember the legacy and all that she
has done for this community."
� Jennifer Roberts, chairman, Mecklenburg Board of County Commissioners
●
"Thank
you for coming. Welcome to the Tuesday Breakfast Forum as always.
This morning, I'm sure most of you know that the Honorable Valerie Woodard
passed away. Thomas [Moore] wants to sing and I told him if I let him sing I'm
going to cry. I'm going to try not to cry.
"Valerie was an institution in this community.... Valerie was
the only elected official who came here on a regular basis. We're going to miss
her, and I hope all of us will keep her family in our prayers."
� Sarah Stevenson, co-founder of the Forum
●
Dr. Thomas Moore, a cappella
So now we'll be done with the troubles of this world,
The troubles of this world, the troubles of this world.
So now we'll be done with the troubles of this world.
I'm goin' home to live with God.
No more weepin' and a' wailin'
No more weepin' and a' wailin'
No more weepin' and a' wailin'
Goin' home to live with God.
So now we'll be done with the troubles of this world,
The troubles of this world, the troubles of this world.
So now we'll be done with the troubles of this world.
I'm goin' home to live with,
Goin' home to live with,
She's gone home to live with God.
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The Forum welcomes all persons to its meetings
beginning at 8 a.m. most Tuesdays of the year
at the West Charlotte Recreation Center, 2222 Kendall Drive, Charlotte, NC
down the hill from West Charlotte High School.