Elizabeth M Gassaway

Brethren, today we gather not in sorrow, but in celebration of the life of Elizabeth M. Gassaway, known affectionately to us all as Marlene. Born on the twelfth day of October in the year of our Lord nineteen hundred and sixty-three, in the quaint town of Whitmire, South Carolina, Marlene was a beacon of love and kindness that shone brightly upon this earth until her peaceful passing on the seventh day of December, two thousand and twenty-three, in the comforting embrace of Greenville, South Carolina.

Marlene was the beloved wife of Tony Gassaway, a partnership graced with unwavering devotion and mutual respect. She was the cherished mother of Tina Sutherland and the esteemed mother-in-law to BJ Sutherland. Her love blossomed further as she embraced the role of grandmother to Tessa and Olivia Sutherland. Her heart also held a special place for her son, Todd Arrowood, and her granddaughters, Autum, Alyssa, Weslyn, and Brinley Arrowood. Marlene's family circle was vast, including five brothers, five sisters, and a host of nieces and nephews, each of whom she loved dearly and touched with her gentle spirit.

Marlene's life was a testament to the value of simple, honest work. She served her community through her diligent work at the local dry cleaner, where her friendly smile became a staple. Her faith was a cornerstone of her existence, having been baptized on the twenty-eighth day of June in the year of our Lord two thousand and twenty. She was a proud member of the Limitless Restoration Church in Easley, South Carolina, where she lived her faith through acts of kindness and fellowship.

Her interests were the threads that wove the tapestry of her joyful life. Marlene found great pleasure in decorating her home, a space that reflected her warm and inviting nature. She had a green thumb, planting flowers in her yard that brought beauty and serenity to all who beheld them. A true South Carolinian, she cheered with gusto for the SC Gamecocks, her spirit as vibrant as the team's colors. Marlene was often found watching birds from her rocking chair, a pastime that brought her peace and connected her to the wonders of God's creation. Above all, she cherished spending time with her loved ones on the porch, where laughter and stories were shared in abundance.

Loving, kind, and friendly—these words encapsulate the essence of Marlene. She was a woman whose presence was a comfort, whose laughter was a melody, and whose kindness was a refuge. Her life was a living example of the Southern grace and hospitality that we hold dear.

As we bid farewell to Marlene, let us carry her memory in our hearts. Let us emulate her loving spirit, her kindness to strangers, and her unwavering friendliness. In doing so, we honor her legacy and ensure that the love she so freely gave continues to ripple through the lives she touched.

Marlene has now joined the heavenly choir and, though we will miss her dearly, we rejoice in knowing that she rests in the arms of our Lord. We are comforted by the blessed assurance that her light will forever shine in the Kingdom of Heaven, as it did so brightly here on earth. Amen.

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