FUNERAL: Geri Manfield

“Therefore, you should pray like this: Our Father in heaven, your name be honored as holy. Your kingdom come. Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And do not bring us into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.

Church/Chapel:

Pre-Service

[instrumental hymns; Visitation (10-11am)]

Seating of the Family

[informally near time of start of service]

Welcome & Prayer

Song – “In the Garden” (Joe Stewart & Karen Davis)

Life History – Marjorie Geraldine “Geri” Mansfield

Geri Mansfield, born April 14, 1931 in Perry, Iowa…entered into her eternal rest, July 15, 2022, at the age of 91 years, 3 months, and 1 day.

Geri was one of three children born to her parents, Joseph and Virginia Crispin. Her two siblings were her brothers, Robert and William.

Growing up, Geri enjoyed life to the fullest. She also was a hard worker. As a teenager, she worked in her parents restaurant…a hamburger joint.

Geri enjoyed school…or at least her classmates. She graduated from Perry High School in 1949. Just a few days ago, I saw a picture of her 55th High School Class reunion. Linda and Cristin said she actively participated in events with her high school class.

Around 1951, Geri’s family moved to Kansas City.

Now, in 1952—on March 23 at Smithville Methodist Church to be precise—Geri married the love of her life, Lincoln Mansfield. They had met in Perry, Iowa…at the skating rink, and I have it on good authority—meaning this is precisely what Geri told me—that it was Lincoln who pursued Geri! The longevity of their marriage has been a blessing acknowledged by many within our church family. An example of lasting commitment.

To the establishment of their home, our Lord blessed Geri and Lincoln with the addition of three lovely daughters: Linda, Terri, and Cristin. Throughout her life God grew Geri’s family to include the blessing of grandchildren and great-grandchildren as well.

Shortly after Lincoln and Geri moved into the Claycomo area, their neighbor—Pastor Chase, of Claycomo Baptist Church—“encouraged” them to get into church…and—when your neighbor is the pastor—they connected their lives with our church family in the early 60s. Over the years Geri served in various ministries including Vacation Bible School, GA’s, and our Fellowship Team…who helped set up various church meals. When she couldn’t serve on the team—she still helped provide some of the food for these meals. Geri helped with preparations for events our youth would have—like hayrides—out at Linda & Jerry’s place. One of our church members shared he remembered Geri pulling up to the show barn in the truck…in a cloud of dust. (More about Geri and driving in just a minute.) My wife also recounted the story of Geri and another member of our church family getting into a friendly VBS missions offering war…to see which grandchild or great grandchild’s group would win with the most offering given.

Along with their church home in Claycomo, many of Geri’s family made the neighborhood of Bryant & Longfellow Streets their home! Within the Claycomo community, she also served actively in the Claycomo Women’s Auxiliary.

Geri enjoyed various interests and hobbies throughout her life. I mentioned earlier that she had worked for her parents as a teenager in their restaurant. Her other career involved being a receptionist for Weight Watchers for 30+ years…in which she greatly enjoyed serving others. Another of Geri’s jobs included being a Clay County Election official—a responsibility she, at various points, shared alongside Lincoln, her sisters-in-law, and Linda. Oh…one other job…involved driving the truck while Jerry and Linda were putting up hay on their land—(and here we revisit Geri’s driving…) sometimes toooo fast when she could see that rain was coming in soon! She also enjoyed camping trips, canning vegetables, and making Christmas candy…sooo many memories bringing sooo much joy.

Geri’s greatest joy and interest in her life was her family. Her daughters have stated that she raised them to be strong women who respect and value others. Geri was involved in her daughters’ lives—at school she was active in the PTA, even serving as PTA President. She was also a Brownie Troop leader. She certainly treasured the opportunities to look after her grandchildren and great grandchildren. She was also always ready to do birthday dinners for family…she’d cook whatever you wanted for dinner (It was your day.).

By family and friend alike, Geri has been described as loving…a server…a sweet lady…and strong—or sassy. I’d have to say vibrant! Her smile was always engaging....especially when you could see the twinkle of mischief along with it!!

Geri was preceded in death by her parents: Joseph and Virginia; her two brothers: Robert (Beverly) Crispin, and William (Betty) Crispin; and her husband, Lincoln. She is survived by her sister-in-law: Lois Heisler; her three daughters: Linda (Jerry) Billings, Terri Mansfield, and Cristin (Cynthia) Mansfield; her grandchildren: Erin Nystrom, Kelly Billings, Joshua (Holly) Billings; her great grandchildren: Madison, Hunter, and Eason Nystrom & Grayson, Oscar, and Calvin Billings; along with numerous extended family, her church family, and dear friends.

Memories –

Madison Nystrom

Cristin Mansfield

Song – “How Great Thou Art” (Joe & Karen)

Message – [Matthew 6.9-13] The Comfort of Prayer Amid Our Grief

At times like these, we often look for assurance—something, or someone, we can hold on to.

I believe that the unshakeable hope we want and need as we face death is most lastingly (everlastingly) found through the truth God has revealed to us in the Bible. When we cry out in sorrow…when we call out to God…the Bible describes that as seeking HIM—His face, His help, His Kingdom, His answer

Matthew 6.33 “But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be provided for you.”

…and we do that through prayer. Jesus has taught us how we should pray, and when He did, He didn’t say that the model he gave was just for the calm and easy times…it’s equally true for the times we walk through the valleys of life, even the valley of the shadow of death as described in Psalm 23 (which is the Scripture we focused on at Lincoln’s service). Today I want to share with you the eternal perspective of promise, hope, we find in what we traditionally call the “Lord’s Prayer.”

When we pray we can know that we…

(6:9) Have a Perfect, Holy Father who Hears Us.

“Our Father in heaven, your name be honored as holy.”

As a loving parent, our God carries us when we are weak. He watches over us all-the-time. He has the greatest home…EVER!!

(6:10) His Purpose is Unchanging.

“Your kingdom come. Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.”

God’s will…in—and through—our lives…WILL be done. When we align our heart and mind to this truth, and pray for this fact in all of creation, we find a reassuring presence of peace.

(6:11) His Provision is Sufficient.

“Give us today our daily bread.”

God sustains and strengthens us! AND, if he will do this for the lilies and the birds (Matthew 6.26-30)…how much more will he clothe, and feed, and sustain us in every aspect of our lives?

(6:12) His Pardon is Necessary.

“And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.”

We are to be gracious forgivers…who respect others and treat them well…because we have experienced grace, mercy, and forgiveness beyond what anyone could imagine.

(6:13[a]) His Direction is Sure.

“And do not bring us into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.”

Every step we take, Jesus leads us along the way which honors him and is a blessing to us. We find protection from harm (namely sin). We find power—righteousness and holiness—for living our lives and ‘surviving’ everything that comes our way.

(6:[13b]) His Praise is our Privilege.

“For yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.”

His praise—both now AND forever!!

These assurances are a blessing to all of us, who like Geri, have Jesus as their Savior. My question, today, for friend and family member alike: Have you repented of your sin and trusted Jesus Christ to be your Savior and Lord? If so…good!… If not…why not today?

Our relationship with Jesus as Savior and Lord makes this great hymn, “Amazing Grace,” such a beautiful song of hope…and reminder of our assurance.

Song – “Amazing Grace” (Joe & Karen)

Prayer

Dismissing of Service

[Final time for family; Prayer with family]

__________________________

Graveside:

Scripture Reading – [1 Thessalonians 4.13-18]

1 Thessalonians 4:13–18 CSB

We do not want you to be uninformed, brothers and sisters, concerning those who are asleep, so that you will not grieve like the rest, who have no hope. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, in the same way, through Jesus, God will bring with him those who have fallen asleep. For we say this to you by a word from the Lord: We who are still alive at the Lord’s coming will certainly not precede those who have fallen asleep. For the Lord himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the archangel’s voice, and with the trumpet of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are still alive, who are left, will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we will always be with the Lord. Therefore encourage one another with these words.