Joan Elizabeth Wade Mulfinger, 75, Greenville, SC, was ushered into the arms of her Savior on Friday, June 12, after a sudden heart attack. She was known by a wide circle of students, friends, and acquaintances as a gifted musician and teacher with a gentle, godly demeanor.
Born July 20, 1933, in New Milford, PA, the only child of Ralph Isaac and Mary Morse Wade, Joan graduated from the Eastman School of Music in 1955 with a degree in Violin. She continued her studies at Syracuse University before marrying George L. Mulfinger in 1956, who predeceased her in 1987.
Along with her family, music was the love of her life. She taught violin for 42 years at Bob Jones University and participated in the music ministry of her home church, Community Baptist Church, Greer, SC. She maintained a violin studio in her home after her retirement from the faculty of Bob Jones University, often playing for weddings and funerals. She was the senior member of the highly acclaimed Mulfinger String Quartet.
Joan had a heart for those in need. She volunteered regularly at the Women’s Correctional Facility, Greenville, SC, counseling inmates, praying with them, and conducting Bible studies. She faithfully, actively prayed for her large, extended family, opening her heart and home in a way seldom experienced elsewhere. Joan’s absence leaves a hole in the lives of her family and friends that can never be fully measured.
Joan is survived by her eleven children: Linda (Andy) George, Dalton, GA; Ruth (Tim) Kain, Greenville, SC; Mark (Leah) Mulfinger, Greenville, SC; Rachel (Terry) Ritschard, Goroka, PNG; Sara (Andy) Wortman, Taylors, SC; Julia (Paco) Orozco, Hermosillo, MX; Martha (Tom) Pryde, San Dimas, CA; Daniel (Jamie) Mulfinger, San Jose, CA; Mary (Francisco) Orozco, Cuahtemoc, MX; Sharon (Achim) Gerber, Greenville, SC; Joanna (Wes) Lebo, Greenville, SC; 43 grandchildren, and 2 great-grandchildren.
After a private graveside service, a memorial service will be held at 7:00 pm, Thursday, June 18, at Community Baptist Church, 642 South Suber Road, Greer, SC 29650, and will be officiated by David J. Whitcomb and Andy George.
Memorial contributions in honor of Joan Mulfinger can be made to Bob Jones University, Greenville, SC 29614. Please indicate that your gift is for the Joan Mulfinger Fund. In accordance with the family’s wishes, these gifts will be presented to the BJU String Department.
Friends are encouraged to share their remembrances in the comments below.
January 23rd, 2010 at 5:47 pm
I am so sorry to hear about her passing. I didn’t really know here except through a couple of brief emails concerning Mr. Mulfinger. I graduated from BJU in ‘76. Her husband was a dear man and she shared some things about him that I didn’t know as a student.
Praise God for His everlasting love and life.
God bless,
Randy Senior
October 31st, 2009 at 7:24 pm
Well of course,…there are many things because she was one of the most original personalities because who would you compare her to. But let me just share with you what she has shared with us at the same table Tommy referred to at this blog’s inception, her testimony of salvation because it is one of my favorites. How can you listen to this woman recounting her life and not believe that the Creator breaks through and initiates relationships for His own purposes. So here goes…
G’ma Joan while still a young adult studying at either Syracuse or Rochester (I cannot recall, but realize that this is deep in the heart of Finney’s Burnt Over District) by God’s good providence encountered a group of friends who were believers in the Lord Jesus Christ. They were pressing upon her to also trust in Jesus. Her response was that of course she wanted to but to do so would be disingenuous. She wanted to believe but knew that she truly did not believe. Not wanting to lie to her friends she simply said something to the effect, I would if I could or I would if I did. But she didn’t. Not because she didn’t want to but because she just didn’t. Her friends pressing her caused her to initiate a study of religion and this we should expect to be the normal course of action for the natural man (1 Cor 2). Her presupposition was that all religions were in fact that same. All paths led to the same pinnacle of the mountain. They must be all speaking of the same God. I must give her credit because as a result she entered the library and actually began research in order to prove her hypothesis, as it were. She began reading about the Zoroastrians and felt vindicated in her assumptions . What her Christians friends had told her about the one true and living God seemed to correspond with Zoroastrianism. “Ah Ha!, see I knew it!” And so she continued on in her research project. However,…
Her friends invited her to a Christian camp. Somehow she attended even though she was no Christian. Her friends we gather were all counselors. Think “The WILD’S” paradigm, right?
The camp director, whom we gather was the speaker for the week, gave G’ma Joan an ice-cream cone and asked specifically that G’ma Joan would wait for him to return on an outside park bench and so she did.
Imagine G’ma Joan eating her ice cream cone sitting on that bench, la la la la la, waiting waiting waiting. Minutes go by. Here is where it becomes most curious, i.e. most interesting.
G’ma Joan recounts that as she was sitting there that suddenly everything in that natural environment suddenly sprung to life. She said that all of the sudden the bushes, and the trees and everything took on another dimension as if they went from being 2-D to 3-D. You will have to forgive me but what she described in my mind I immediately associated with an acid (LSD) trip. I have always considered G’ma Joan to be a most conservative lady but when she described her conversion I thought it sounded like someone describing (again you must forgive me for saying this) an acid trip. She described the plants around her as breathing and taking on vivid color and that all of the sudden she could see that they truly were alive and connected to the source of all life (Romans 11:36; Colossians 1:16-17). She said all of the sudden I believed!!!
The camp director returned and inquired as to her well-being. She responded that she believed, she believed!!! He responded that the whole while he had been gone that he along with the rest of the camp counselors had been praying specifically for her and her salvation.
Whereas before she had wanted to believe what her friends had told her about Christ, she knew that she just didn’t and could not lie about it. Now however, the certainty of the veracity of Jesus Christ was being communicated to her supernaturally and she could not help but believe; POW, WHAM, BLAM, all of the sudden, God opened her eyes supernaturally via John 9 style! I must make a point here that God can never be proven through some rational, empirical, or subjective proof. Certainty will only ever be communicated to us directly and supernaturally to us via the Holy Spirit. Assurance comes from Him (Hebrews 11:1; Romans 8:15-16).
What a glorious testimony to the salvific sovereignty of the omnipotent God!!! I cannot help but associate G’ma Joan’s testimony with that of C.S.Lewis. Lewis is in route to a Zoo and states that he was not particularly thinking about anything spiritual but by the time he arrived he believed.
I cannot help but conclude from this that God is able to administer the cross-work of Christ to whomsoever He so desires according to His own good pleasure, and isn’t this what the Scriptures so clearly state (Ephesians 1, Romans 9:1-23)?
Put this in your theological pipe and smoke it! God is awesome; make no mistake!
August 14th, 2009 at 1:36 pm
I remember, about four or five years ago, as I walked into her house after a trip to a bamboo forest nearby, she remarked to me from her phone seat, the one with all her prayer reminders and photos of her grandchildren, how she wished she could spend more of her time with me, but that it would look silly if she came along, and made an impression of her “hobbling”after me, crying out with a loud voice “Hellooo, Tommy, wait for me!” at which I just had to grin.
July 25th, 2009 at 12:05 pm
Oh, another memory returns . . .
* Seeing the Mulfinger station wagon pull into the Art Gallery parking lot when I was a student. I enjoyed seeing the Dad, Mom, and all the children piling out to go eat dinner in the Dining Common.
* I keep expecting that occasional phone call from Mrs. Mulfinger about, “What do you think if I added apples, or brown sugar,” or whatever to the recipe she was preparing for someone. We brainstormed about it, and then she made whatever it was she had wanted to make.
*I will still be looking for her on campus when school resumes.
*I’ll miss seeing that little blue Volvo station wagon turn the corner at the 4-way stop by the Science Building.
*I will miss our occasional conversations at the post office after chapel.
While she is enjoying the glory of heaven, we will try to keep our focus on the joy and laughter she brought to our lives, and the graciousness and integrity with which she lived each day. Those are but a few of the little memories that flood my mind, almost bringing her back for a moment . . . so sweet and more precious they are now. However, we mourn and remember for our own sakes. Heaven is much sweeter, she would never choose to return to us here on earth, and our desire to go to her increases as we attempt to picture her (and many others we love) in the presence of her Lord. So, we remember, and we rejoice, and we laugh. How shall we ever forget these priceless tidbits?!!
*Eating Sunday dinner with her in the Dining Common. At the time we were dicsussing the “new” pale paisley wallpaper as we ate in the Varsity Room. Mrs. Mulfinger calmly added to the conversation that, “It reminds me of George’s pajamas.”
*Having Sara in my Beginning Clothing class the semester her father was diagnosed with cancer, and having Julia in Beginning Clothing in summer school the year we were married.
*Mrs. Mulfinger hosting my bridal shower at her house shortly after her husband’s death.
*The Mulfinger quartet playing at our wedding on July 23, 1988, 21 years ago, and only several months after Mr. Mulfinger died. Mrs. Mulfinger, Sara, Sharon, Martha, and Mark made up the quintet. We especially enjoy the video clip of Mark kissing the handle of his violin!
*Mrs. Mulfinger, about 3 years after we were married asking me at church one Sunday, “I found this gift certificate to Belk’s that you gave me when I played for your wedding. Do you think the store will still take it?”
*Directing 3 Mulfinger daughters’ weddings–Andy and Sara, my sweet Home Economics major; Tom and Martha; Achim and Sharon. What an honor each one was!
*I think it was Sharon and Joanna–Having missed their ride to church with the family for whatever reason, they called a cab to meet them at the old Wade Hampton Mall (How embarrassing for a cab to pick them up at their house on campus!). They walked to the mall to meet the cab. Once near the Community Baptist Church building on Main Street in Taylors, they stopped the cab driver, and had him let them out a block or so before the church, lest another embarrassment should occur. A+ for effort! Some special Mother must have insisted and expected them to be at church!!
*One year at the annual mother-daughter tea, 3 generations of Mulfingers spoke–Joan Mulfinger, daughter Ruth Kain, and her daughter Rebekah Kain (now Keller). I distinctly remember Ruth paying tribute to her Mother as she said, “There were times when I felt like I was an only child!” What a tribute to a Mother who spent quality time with each of her 11 children to the point that they would share such a precious bond, such a personal blessing.
*Mrs. Mulfinger told me one time that she didn’t just want to have a dozen children. She wanted to have what the Lord wanted her ot have, so they had 11!
*We were reverently praying and contemplating our lives before theLord at a communion service one Sunday evening. The organ music began to play, adding to the atmosphere even more. After a few short minutes, all at once I thought–”Mrs. Mulfinger is playing Deck the Halls With Boughs of Holly!” It was done as revenently and as sweetly as if it were the most mood-setting, reverent hymn ever known!! (I’m not eve sure it was Christmas time!)
The memories will continue to come, and we will continue to laugh! But in our hearts is deep, sweet, loving but hard-to-express appreciation for the life of Mrs. Mulfinger. We love her, are thankful for her life, and rejoice in her homegoing. To each of you, Linda, Ruth, Mark, Rachel, Sara, Julia, Martha, Daniel, Mary, Sharon, and Joanna, spouses, and each of your families, we think of you often, and continue to pray for you. We are so honored to have known your Mother, each of you, and to continue to be a part of your lives.
Memories like the ones we have described, but much, much deeper memories will come. Just a tiny memory can flood your mind and trigger the selfish notes of sadness and sorrow. Stop and give praise to our Lord who has so richly blessed each of you. You have a marvelous family, a great legacy, wonderful parental examples, and a beautiful homecoming awaiting you in heaven. Yes, we can rejoice alway, even through the trials, knowing Him from who all blessings flow. “Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints. ” Psalm 116:15
Mark, Sara, Laura Beth and Jonathan
Philippians 1:3
July 14th, 2009 at 9:48 am
God used Mrs. M to be a very important influence in my life. When I would go to the Mulfinger house as a child to visit Martha, I was always frustrated–there were musical instruments everywhere (on the couch, beside the couch, under the couch, behind the couch…) and I couldn’t touch them! But then I found out at school that Mrs. Mulfinger was going to teach a violin class, so that is how I decided which instrument to play. I never considered another instrument–I’m so glad she didn’t play saxophone!
I continued my violin lessons and soon my first teacher was my office mate as I joined the BJU String Department! In that office was Mark’s painted file cabinet, which left your eyes dizzy, longing for some stability. I remember her sitting on the piano bench, her palms flat on the seat, her feet swinging like a school girl, her face as innocent as a child’s as she would say things like, “Guess what I did yesterday! I backed into the Art Gallery.”
She would also sit there and listen to me as I told her how I couldn’t figure out what to do with a certain student or how I was discouraged, and she patiently gave me great advice.
I loved to eat with Mrs. M in the Dining Common; when she would see me coming she would get a big grin on her face, raise her arm in the air and say, “BECca!” as if I were just the person she was waiting for. She always had problems keeping her salad on her plate, and her reading glasses, sometimes three of them hanging from her neck, were great food catchers.
Whenever I went to the Mulfinger house I entered a time warp. I loved the smell of good food and fireplace, the pretty dishes and figurines along the top of the kitchen cabinets, but I never knew what time it was. Eating beef stew at 10:00 pm, talking till after midnight, and waiting for Mrs. M to get ready to play a gig till I was sure the wedding was half over…
I have eaten things, done things, and thought about things that I never would have if God had not let me know Mrs. Mulfinger. My life is richer because of Mrs. Mulfinger.
July 6th, 2009 at 7:11 pm
I just want to say thank you so much for sharing your mom with us. There are literally thousands of us who have been impacted by the godly example of your mom – actually, by both of your parents. It is such an incredible testimony that every single one of you is serving the Lord. The godly heritage of your parents extends out to several generations and to many who are not biological family but are serving the Lord because of the direct influence of your parents.
On a side note, I am glad to finally know who Mergatroid is as I remember my older sister coming home from her first year at Bob Jones talking about Mergatroid. If she explained who – or rather what – Mergatroid was, I did not catch it at the time. God bless.
July 6th, 2009 at 6:54 am
Hello,
I have no idea if Rachel would want this posted on the website or not, but I thought maybe you might want to consider putting it on the website. Rachel wrote it for our Trinity Bible Church ladies. Even, if you don’t post it–I know your family will enjoy reading it.
I have been reading the stories about your mom over the past couple of weeks and have been blessed. What Rachel wrote about your mom reveals more of the secret of her inner beauty and grace. It is challenging and encouraging!
Priscilla Olivero
Monday Morning Manna
July 6, 2009
MY MOTHER’S PRAYERS
by Rachel Mulfinger Ritschard
Missionary to Papua, New Guinea
Now I beg you brethren, through the Lord Jesus Christ , and through the love of the Spirit, that you strive together with me in prayers to God for me (Romans 15:30).
My mother, Joan Mulfinger, passed away on June 12, 2009. Certainly her children arise up and call her blessed. But others are also remembering her godly influence and are spontaneously sharing how Joan blessed their lives. They remember her cheerful disposition and her genuine interest in people. While we grieve her passing, it is a fitting time to consider how one woman can be celebrated by so many people. How could an ordinary woman become so greatly loved? Quite simply, she believed her God. She had a simple, strong, and unquestioning faith. If God said it, she believed it. She would often quote the words of Christ: “If you ask anything in My name, I will do it.” It wasn’t that she was a great woman. It was that she served a great God.
Prayer and Bible reading were her deepest source of strength. She had an ongoing prayer list and a plan for reading through the Bible. Everyday after lunch we knew where she would be. She would retreat to her chair to pray and read. Even when her children were very young, she set aside that time for prayer and Bible reading. She always seemed to be cheerful, never burdened down with all the cares that she was praying about. What was the secret of her cheerful disposition? She had absolute confidence that she could pray to God and He would do something about it. With an expanding family, she met the challenge by praying more. When the children were young, she prayed after lunch. But in the last few years, she prayed morning and afternoon.
Romans 15:30 tells us: “Strive together with me in prayers.” She knew how limited we were without prayer. When we had a need, we would call her to pray for us. We always knew that she would strive with us in prayer. We were full of our limits, but God is limitless. And she would gently remind us that we have to pray with faith. Whenever we were discouraged or acted as though a situation were too difficult, she would say, “You have to pray with faith!” Nothing was too big or too small for her to pray about.
Another secret of Mom’s cheerful disposition was having a heart full of thanksgiving and praise. She chose to thank the Lord for little blessings each day, and had the ability to see loveliness and beauty in the tiniest bird or in some little aspect of God’s creation. She couldn’t walk from the house to her car without stopping to admire a plant or a bird.
Without Mom here, all of her children see the need to take up her ministry of intercession. And we have the same confidence that she had: That we serve a great God and he is ready and willing to answer His children when they cry to Him. Now that she is living in heaven, her absence on earth is keenly felt. Her pastor said, “Which three people will the Lord send to fill her shoes?”
Be anxious for nothing but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God , which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus (Phil 4:6 NKJV).
July 5th, 2009 at 4:25 pm
Mrs. Mulfinger was an incredibly gifted, talented, high-capacity and well-educated lady with a work ethic that was displayed in both her family and her career. What everyone most remembers of her, however, was her selfless, loving, hospitable, godly, caring attitude towards all those who knew or even met her. She placed Jesus Christ first in her life – ALWAYS! She had one of the largest personal networks of friends both personally and professionally of anyone I know, and influenced all of them with her unchanging, steadfast devotion to the Lord. She is to be highly commended also for how she raised her eleven children after her husband’s passing in the late eighties and managed to also balance a career to support them all at the same time. What everyone knows about Mrs. Mulfinger is that she is basking at the feet of Jesus with her husband, George, right at this moment, and enjoying the many rewards that earned here on earth. She has left behind a family whose focus is Jesus Christ. I congratulate her on a life well spent, a race well run, and a fight well fought.
To her family, I extend my deepest sympathies, because I know that even Jesus wept upon the loss of a friend and the separation He endured from His own Father. I can only imagine how difficult it must be for her family at this time. I know that my own children already miss her as well. Her children must wait to be reunited with their parents again some day, but we know that if there is anything she would wish for each of them, it would be for them to use the time they have here on earth, doing what she did – serving the Master – so they may also lay their crowns down alongside their parents one day with the same testimony of faithfulness.
Our love and prayers are with you, family!! God bless each one of you!!!
July 4th, 2009 at 5:40 pm
Dear Mulfinger Family,
It was with great sorrow that we heard of your Mother’s home going. We are sad as we will miss her. However, we have joy because her life was a beautiful testimony to the Savior. We are grateful that the Lord allowed our paths to cross many years ago. We fondly remember her sweet smiles and the beautiful music she played. She was so faithful at Community Baptist in playing the organ and astounding us all with those fun “tunes” at the church picnic. But the greatest tribute that can be paid to her is to know her sweet children. We have been blessed to be acquainted with all of them. They are the finest tribute that she could have. We will be praying for you and we miss all of you!
May you know the God of all comfort!
David and Jamie Saxon
Lance, Shane, Clint and Bethany
July 3rd, 2009 at 8:23 am
We first met the Mulfinger family in the summer of 1976 in Utica, New York, about fifty miles east of Syracuse. George had just finished speaking at the evening service in our church, Harts Hill Baptist Church. My wife and I had only been saved a few months and we were fascinated by his Creation/Evolution talk and wanted to hear more. It turned out we had much in common; one of my Physics professors in graduate school at Syracuse University, Harvey Kaplan, played the violin for the Syracuse Symphony Orchestra, and George knew of this man.
Several years later, I wrote a letter to George asking if Bob Jones University could use us in some way. That was of the Lord, for the Lord did use George and Joan to bring our family to Greenville in 1981, where we have lived ever since. The day we moved to Greenville the Mulfinger family had the Roach family for supper and the bonding began. George and I taught on the Physics faculty together and we shared an office for six years until he died in 1987. Early on, George introduced me to Bubba and Mergatroid, the two family cellos, who would also occupy our office. George’s humor was legendary; on the way to chapel he once cracked, “It seems like every tenth kid says ‘Hi Dad’ “. At Ruth’s wedding, he whispered to me, “Now, I’m ruthless.”
Joan was a constant encouragement to my wife, especially when she was confined in Barge Hospital in 1982 for 57 days, just before our daughter Joy was born. Joan was making a quilt of fabric pieces she called “yo-yos” and she would announce her entrance into my wife’s hospital room with “Here’s the yo-yo lady!”. We can still hear her laugh. What a blessing she was!
Our daughter Becky and Martha were very close and there were many funny experiences they had growing up together. There just seemed to be some kind of “electricity” between the two of them.
Years later, Becky’s daughter Hosanna would take violin lessons from Joan. It was so evident that Joan loved her students, even at the last recital she had at Pecknel a few days before her homegoing. Hosanna loved her teacher and will never forget her. Nor will we. What a wonderful time of rejoicing there is now in the heavens, where Joan and George look down from that “great cloud of witnesses”!
Jim and Barbara Roach
Becky Gonzales (Roach), Jeff, and Joy
July 2nd, 2009 at 10:14 am
Dear Mulfinger Family,
It is with the greatest sadness that I learned of the passing of your mother, Joan. As I am also now a mother (16 month old son Davis) I have an even finer appreciation of what an amazing woman she was! It is the greatest accomplishment in the world to lead a Godly life and raise such a wonderful family.
Although my musical studies were cello lessons with your father, George, I have so many fond memories of your mother as she would spend time at home, taking care of the children, teaching violin, and always having a sweet word of encouragement for everyone with whom she came in contact.
My heart goes out to you, and my prayers are with you.
Sincerely,
Mercedes (Peck) Bartow
June 30th, 2009 at 1:10 pm
I keep seeing “was” on here. The only thing I can add is that, praise God, Mrs. Mulfinger is not a “was,” she’s an “is!” She still is because of her faith in Christ Jesus and what an outstanding example of God’s love she was and is!
I am crying as I write this, but my heart is singing glory to God because I know angels started shouting the instant she closed in on the pearly gates! (Psa. 116:15)
My heart goes out to all the Mulfingers during this time. May God bless you and comfort you!
June 28th, 2009 at 10:40 am
I wanted you to know that I found out about Mrs. Mulfinger’s Homegoing all the way here in Baghdad, Iraq. My heart goes out to the family. I know the Mulfinger Family is very very close. Blessings to you all. Mark I am thinking about you and your wonderful talent. May God bless others through your Art. Now “Mama” Mulfinger is tuning up for First Chair in Heaven, though we know she would have been happy just humming in the back. She will always be a blessing to us as her memory lives own. May Christ dwell in you richly.
June 26th, 2009 at 7:39 am
Dear Mulfinger Family,
Most of you know the Reeds. For those of who do not let’s review some history. For some reason, when we came to BJU in 1978, Brent became an instant friend with George. In fact I (Brent) treasured George as my best friend. Without controversy, he is the most briliant man I have ever known in my life. You folks used to invite us over to your house for Mark’s bread and tea after the Wed. evening opening services, and we would sit up until the very early hours of the morning with George, Joan and the children telling stories. Sometimes it was more listening to stories. When George died, I felt like my right arm had been cut off–maybe because I felt he was the only person on the campus with whom I had an instant connection and extremely broadband communication. For whatever reason, that friendship has never been replaced in my life.
The remainder of this note will be a little sharing of snapshots from our interactions with the family.
For some reason, we really wanted to invite the entire Mulfinger family to our home at 5 White Oak Drive for Thanksgiving one year, and I still remember lining up every table we had in the house in a long line between the living room and dining room to make enough seats. It was the greatest time we ever had entertaining all the time we were in Greenville. What I remember the most about it was the statement from your side that it was the only time ever that anyone ever invited the whole family over for dinner. I don’t remember where I heard that, but when I did hear it, it made me a bit sad but also happy that we had the honor of pulling it off.
For some reason, perhaps because my own father died when I was six years old, my heart very much went out to the younger children in the family after your father died. I too am a cancer survivor, and I cannot help but wonder why God allowed the great man to be taken first. George was my intellectual and spiritual superior in every way.
I used to watch the children walk to school, expecially the youngest (J0anna) carying her blue violin case as she walked along behind the Acad Gym on the way late every day to the Elementary School. When I saw for her, I used to take time to pray that God in some way would be a father to her and help her along. It was so obvious that she missed her daddy very much. So once in a while I would stop in and visit, riding my large yellow bicycle over to back campus. Sometimes Mark and I would just chat as he would boiling his artwork and such. Sometimes I would just take a few minutes to visit with Joan, though I never called her that. She is Mrs. Mulfinger because my mommy always told me to call grown-ups by their last names.
Mrs. Mulfinger taught me how to pray for my children. When I had a serious prayer request, there were only two people in the city of Greenville I felt I could trust with it: Mrs. Mulfinger and Mrs. Boyd. Mrs. Mulfinger taught me how to have simple faith in my prayers for my children. She gave me illustrations of when to pray, how to word it, and most of all to expect God to answer that prayer. At one point she became extremely personal with me and shared some quite pointed illustrations of the power of faithful prayers. She would say, “When I see an attitude in a child that I do not like, at that instant, I simply ask God to take it away, and I know He will.” Nobody else in the whole town besides Mrs. Boyd was willing to share that kind of spiritual depth with me and even give me illustrations of how to do it and how the prayers were answered. I would perhaps embarass some of you if I were more specific, but I asure you that your mother prayed for you with a kind of ferver I have never seen in another mother anywhere.
Here is a Mrs. Mulfinger quote, “It takes a lot of prayer to find the optimum instrument for a child.” What parent prays over the instrument his child plays? Your mother most certainly did.
One thing that struck me about the whole family is the trait of loyalty. When I watched Boulevard Baptist Church break up and saw your parents in Super Glue loyalty stick with that core group, I came to conclusion that your parents had a stronger sense of loyalty than anyone I had ever met. I watched another man, a former elder at Boulevard, destroy himself with bitterness over that situation. Such was not the case with the Mulfingers. If loyalty were a spiritual gift, I would expect it to be the #1 motivational gift in the family, but it is more a fruit of godly character than a spiritual gift.
Permit me to share a few more quotes from Mom and Dad:
1. “If I did not have radio, I would lose my mind.”
2. “_____ is really doing well as I am teaching her cello”
3. “I don’t believe in aliens, but I cannot figure out where the devil gets such small bodies.”
4. “The evidence is in. When is the scientific community going to admit that the moon has a liquid core and is not old.”
5. “You have to be flexible.”
6. “Death is better than defamation.”
7. “I have worked 18 hours a day since the day, six days a week I set foot on this campus.”
8. “I came to Bob Jones University to teach music. ”
9. “When I wanted one of the children to start piano lessons, when I heard them coming in the door, I would sit down and start playing the piano and let them see me having a great time.”
10. “I want to find the time to write a book on ________.”
I remember the microphone in the kitchen that George used to use to call everone to dinner. I thought it was a scream and wondered if he would use his ham radio call. I think few times I did share a bowel of some of that famous soup when I came to visit with Mark.
Please permit me to share one last memory. One afternoon, the Lord put in my heart to ride my bike to back campus and visit your Mom and Dad when your father was in his terminal illness. I remember kneeling down in your living room and praying over your Dad these words: “It is written, ‘Great peace have they that love thy law.’” Please Lord, give George great peace because he loves your Law.” George opened up his Bible and read me his favorite psalm, and to this day, I can hear him read the words, “Who heals all thy diseases . . .” What a precious time that was for me, and I suspect it was precious to your parents as well. I thank the Lord for the honor of knowing each of you.
I could not believe the kind welcome Sharon, Julia, Mark, Rachel and y’all gave Joel and I when we showed up at the memorial service. I made my year. Sharon and Julia, I wish I had gotton on my knees in your kitchen and taken a truly serious time of prayer. I think we made it too short. We were on praying ground. Maybe I was worried about the fact that you all had a schedule and needed to heat. Thank you so much for allowing us to visit you. It was most precious. Julia, I might take you up on your offer to proof read, but in the meantime, become a lady version of Praying Hyde.
Brent Walter Reed
June 24th, 2009 at 10:10 am
To the Family of Joan Mulfinger,
I recently lost my grandmother in April 2009. Losing a loved one always reminds you of the memories you once shared. One memory that I share with your Grandmother, had to do with gall bladders. It was the summer of 2008, and I found out the hard way that I had gall stones. With my surgery coming around the corner, I was a bit nervous. Mrs. Mulfinger comforted me and assured me everything would be fine, and that I would feel like a new woman again. She then proceeded to tell me that she had her gall bladder removed shortly after she was married, because she was always making cookies and pumpkin pies with heavy cream. It was the way she said the names of these desserts with certain hand motions that made me want to go home right away and make some and then eat them…definitely against the doctor’s orders.
It is amazing to me how the Lord uses one person in so many different ways to be a blessing to many. May God continue to bless the Mulfinger family.
Sincerely,
Leah Petrizzo Sutherland
June 23rd, 2009 at 1:42 pm
And I think I also heard her saying that she shouldn’t drink so much coffee and that they should have tea. So she ended up making a pot of tea anyway.
June 22nd, 2009 at 8:00 pm
The coffee remembrance made me think about it. I remember once having come into the house shortly after a visitor. (That happened often.) So this visitor is standing in the kitchen, and I’m right behind near the door. My mother graciously asked if he wanted coffee. He declined and explained that he never drank coffee. My mother’s response just made me laugh. She kind of stamped her foot and and exclaimed, “Well good for you! That’s wonderful. You know, there are just too many coffee drinkers in the world. Someone has to NOT drink coffee. I’m GLAD you don’t drink coffee….” She went on and on while I sneaked up the stairs.
June 22nd, 2009 at 2:15 pm
What I loved about Mrs. Mulfinger–besides her delicious sense of humor–was her sweet, humble spirit. Once we came to her for counsel when we were involved in a tricky situation with another musician and were unsure what to do. Her advice was not just practical and helpful, it was Biblical and challenging. I found myself not only examining the situation but examining the attitude of my own heart– and found it needed adjusting. Her gentle words were powerful and effective and I find myself still hearing her advice when faced with similar issues.
One other memory just for fun…I took violin from her for awhile but had to take a break at one point because of a wrist injury. Instead I brought some piano pieces to my lesson to have her critique the finer points of my expression and whatnot. One point of Debussy’s “Dr. Gradus ad Parnassum” had always jangled with me….the horribly discordant low “A” that ended the song. At least, I thought it was a low A. “What is WITH that?” I grumbled to her. I had been teaching music myself for 4-5 years at this point and had been a church pianist for 5 years. I knew EVERYTHING and I CERTAINLY knew that there was no REASON for there to be a low A to end a song that was so CLEARLY in the key of C.
“Well,” Mrs. Mulfinger said kindly, “there IS a clef change there.”
Oops.
Yeah.
Duh.
So it really was a C, not an A.
So much for me-as-know-it-all-musician. Overlooking a clef change is one of the most lamebrained mistakes I can think of. It took Mrs. Mulfinger to set me straight.
June 22nd, 2009 at 1:17 pm
I was one of Joan Mulfinger’s non-major violin students from 1970-1974. Having been a member of the orchestra and string ensemble during those years, I experienced her godly, professional, musical and down-to-earth personality.
Joan encouraged us to stretch our musical boundaries by creating original hymn arrangements which we played to each other at a string seminar. Then in my senior year, she got a brilliant idea that it would be great to have non-majors play offertories during Bible Conference in the Amphitorium, nevertheless. Boy, was I terrified! Through her encouragement (and many lessons perfecting this hymn), I did play and not even forget the notes. That was one of the highlights of my senior year. Joan always wanted the non-majors to have the same opportunities as violin majors.
I found out that 10 or so years later, she was using me as an example of a non-major who played at Bible Conference with his “rich wonderful tone.” How humbling!
Last summer when I came to pick up my son at the BJU sports camp, Joan was on my list to visit. We shared many stories that July afternoon and especially that hymn arrangement story. How we laughed! I am thankful to have had that opportunity to visit her last year.
Even now, the Lord has used Joan in my life to remember to continue ministering through the violin and never give up. And it started way back in the early 1970’s when she encouraged us to stretch our violin boundaries and minister through hymns.
Joan will be sorely missed by family and friends. I am grateful to the Lord that she was my violin teacher.
Moreover, I am confident that Joan and her husband are now praising the Lord with stringed instruments – playing heavenly string music!
My sincere condolences to the family.
Love in Christ,
Peter
June 22nd, 2009 at 4:47 am
The boys and I are very sorry not to see Mom (and Grandma) on our furlough (of course, we may see her sooner than we think). She is at the top of the list of people I am most eager to see. We are grateful the Lord helped us to find an inexpensive (relatively speaking) airline ticket so that Rachel could be there for the funeral; grateful too that Michael was able to attend. As long as I’ve known her (23+ years) she has been a tremendous blessing to me. Perhaps not many sons-in-law can say that. Her genuine Christ-like love for our entire family has always been well-known and understood. Her loving (and only occasional) advice to Rachel and me after we were married and still growing up was a testimony to her undeniable love.
One particular lesson I learned from her was to pray about “little things.” She had a great awareness that God cares about every little thing in our life and many times she shared with me her prayer requests and the wonderful way in which the Lord answered so many of her prayers. As I have read through so many of these comments the same theme of joyfulness and kindness repeatedly affirms her genuine relationship with Jesus. I’m convinced it was because she made a habit of praying about every “little” detail. This was her way of truly praising and living for the Lord. Rachel and I have always found great consolation in knowing that she is always praying for us. The whole family always knew this.
Not long before we left the U.S. she told me that she prayed God would take her to heaven before she became feeble. I cannot quit praising the Lord for granting that prayer request in such a remarkable way. She was still very active and cheerful. And the Lord arranged it so that circumstances would be just right when He took her. The Lord arranged for her to have what she called “a little bit of chest pain,” the evening before she died; just enough so that she would call one of her daughters who then went over to her house to spend the night with her. The next day the Lord allowed for the pain to persist so that the friends she walked with would encourage her to get it checked. And then the Lord permitted that yet another daughter would be free to take her to a hospital emergency room. And while she was in a place where everything that could have been done to save her life was done, He took her. No one has to think if only we had done this or that because the Lord made sure they all had done this or that. I am convinced that God granted all those “little” details because that is the way she prayed—with that very real faith in her Savior—and He is so kind.
Now no one has to remember her as feeble and unable to care for herself. She was still playing for weddings and funerals; still playing her violin in church; still making soup and making her rounds to her kids’ homes and grandkids’ homes; still laughing with that trade-mark laughter.
Because of this great faith and cheerfulness we feel the loss so greatly. But now she is with the Savior she loved and with far greater strength to praise Him.
June 21st, 2009 at 2:22 pm
I think I must have a rather unique memory – unlike many posting here, I was not one of Mrs. Mulfinger’s students. Rather, she was one of mine. Mrs. Mulfinger became one of my first harp students – and I think I learned as much from her as she did from me!
I was always impressed with Mrs. Mulfinger’s sweet and humble attitude regarding music. Though she was far above my musical level, she never made me feel inferior. In the musical world, it’s too common to see prima donnas even among Christians. Mrs. Mulfinger was never that way. We had a lot of fun during her lessons!
In the 7 or so years that I knew her, she always impressed me as being a mature, balanced person and I valued her advice as being wise and godly. And of course, her sense of humor was like no other. She seemed to always have a funny story (usually about herself) to tell.
I will miss her but I know she’s definitely enjoying playing in that heavenly orchestra for her Lord!
June 20th, 2009 at 6:18 pm
P.S. and neither Joan nor George ever held it against me that I was Roman Catholic
June 20th, 2009 at 6:09 pm
I was devastated to hear of the passing of Joan Mulfinger. I believe I may have been one of her very oldest friends. As a child I took violin lessons from her father, Ralph Wade for many many years. Both Joan and her husband George would visit regularly and occasionally Joan would give me the violin lesson (and you didn’t DARE play out of tune). Also I knew her husband George — a VERY tall man — very well and I remember many conversations debating evolution and philosophy with him. After these discussions we would always play a game of chess, which he usually won. I remember him as a fine cellist also. In those days I lived in Endicott, NY where Joan’s father also lived — at 707 Badger Avenue in fact.
I should mention also that her father was also a fine violinist and her mother was a superb pianist. Both are now gone.
A little anecdote; Joan and her father had a way of communicating when either was on the second floor and the other on the first. They would tap the ceiling with a bow with a certain rhythm(which I no longer remember)
It was mainly because of Joan’s encouragement that I finally got around to practicing seriously and ended up as Professor of Violin at Centenary College; she encouraged me to study at Syracuse University with Louis Krasner, which I did.
They will all be missed.
Con amore,
Anthony Serafini
June 20th, 2009 at 1:26 pm
We have fond memories of the Mulfingers. Joan was such a treasure. You could talk to her about everything. She was interested and interesting. We had many chats about coffee. Her favorite was French Pressed coffee. She guiltily confessed once that she had over-indulged in a pot of it. We, of course, liked that coffee, too. I remember teaching Martha and Sara. Rachel played at our wedding and Sharon’s senior recital was outstanding. George was a delight in the Science Building. I spent one summer working with him at the BJU press. I learned so many puns that summer.
We will be praying for you all. You have a Godly heritage and it shows. We are happy to have known Joan and George, and look forward to seeing them in Heaven. God bless you all!
June 20th, 2009 at 12:44 pm
Mrs. Mulfinger was one of the first people we met when we came to Community. She was always patient, kind, and funny.
Our amusing story starts with one evening during Christmas season Mrs. Mulfinger launched into a very saintly-sounding version of Deck the Halls during communion. Initially it didn’t click that she was playing this secular song until the chorus of “Fa la la la….” when heads came up as we stared at each other in wonder and smothered mirth. What in the world!?
A week or so later our daughters played ‘Mary’s Boy Child’ on their harps as special music one evening. After the service Mrs. Mulfinger came up to the Heather and Raquelle and said something like, “I was going to scold you for playing that Hawaiian beach music, but Joanna reminded me that I had played Deck the Halls for communion!”
June 20th, 2009 at 11:26 am
Dear Mulfinger Family,
It is with sadness that I am writing. I met Mrs. Mulfinger in Fall 1968 as one of her violin students. She was so kind. She only had 5 kids at that time. By the time I left in 1974 with my MA in Violin, she had 11. It seemed she was always pregnant and always tired.
I remember many good and bad lessons with her, and many good rehearsals. I played right beside her in the orchestra. I still call her my violin Mom. I took lessons from her for 6 years and learned alot.
With her help I learned to hold my bow and violin properly. I was so behind when I came to BJU. She helped me to catch up. I was able to play a decent audition at Peabody Conservatory and to get to study with the top teacher there-Berl Senofsky.
She also played for my wedding with Dr. Gustafson officiating.
I was at the Mulfinger’s house alot. Sometimes just for tea, or lessons. I once was request to view Mr. Mulfinger’s lecture on Creation vs. Evolution for a future debate he was going to have. I loved them. Mr. Mulfinger was a brilliant scientist and a great cellist and I’m proud to say my cello teacher. I would go to his astronomy outings at night in front of the Science building.
I don’t remember all the kids very much except Mark and Daniel. Mark for cutting his hand while trying to dress a squirrel and Daniel, at a very young age, playing with the water in the toilet during a lesson. Mrs. Mulfinger excused herself and took care of things.
When you entered their house you wouldn’t even know they had a lot of kids.
My daughter later studied from Mr. Mulfinger’s science textbooks at Christian school. I remember when he was in his little home office working on them.
I will remember Joan Wade Mulfinger and George Mulfinger till the day I die. I thank God for using them to teach me many lessons in strings and in life.
My condolences to all the Mulfinger clan. You had a great and wonderful Mom and Dad.
I will see them again,
In Christ John Edward Frantz
Contact me if you want. johannes50@earthlink.net or Google me.
June 20th, 2009 at 10:41 am
My, my, what a year in Heaven this has been. I am sure that Joan and LeNelle (my mother, who died 3/13) have greeted already. Two great musicians. Two great mothers. Two great lovers of people. I did not realize until I read it above that Joan was also an only child, as was LeNelle.
I was in Linda’s class and remember many great talks with her. But her family was a mystery to me. There were so many of you! I remember Joan seemed to always be pregnant. Yet, when Linda ran away from home (briefly) as a teen, it was the thought of all of her younger siblings that prompted her to stop and call home and ask to return. I could not understand that then.
Years later, when my family had moved to Texas, my sister and I chose to return to BJ for a visit. Who should offer us a place to stay . . . but the Mulfingers! With 11 children in a 3-bedroom house. (I would call the boys’ room a “study”.) Then, as if that was not enough, the girls (who were 4 to a room) shared twin beds, so that Lani and I could each have a bed to ourselves! What remarkable generosity!
Somehow George and Joan had set the tone of hospitality and gratitude in that home. I saw “children are a blessing from the Lord” played out in real life. How wonderful! As a mother of only 3 children, I cannot imagine how Joan kept all the plates spinning. How did they train their children to play instruments? I have trouble getting mine to practice piano. How did she feed them all? And teach at BJ! It seems a daunting task and yet she was always just as sweet and even-tempered as can be. Even now I look back in wonder at your remarkable mother and father and your remarkable family. What a wonderful God-honoring tribute to our Savior . . . 43 grandchildren. In one lifetime consider all the people who have been influenced by this one couple!
Love, Di
June 19th, 2009 at 1:29 pm
Mulfinger stories have always been among my favorites to hear and tell. I was only a couple of weeks younger than Martha, #7, and I have heard that Martha’s birth was kind of frustrating because she was born during the first moon landing–of course, there were no TVs in hospital rooms then. They had a hard time keeping Mr. Mulfinger in the room!
We were their neighbors in Faculty Court. I remember Mrs. Mulfinger telling me once about Mark praying in family devotions for a chicken for a pet. Did not a chicken blow off of a chichen truck on 291 that very night and land in the bushes outside thier house?! They figured the chicken was from the Lord, so they had to let him keep it.
Julia and Martha were such wonderful friends growing up. We got to be in Mrs. Turner’s class together in 5th and 6th grades. Their house was fun to visit as many have already said here.
Then there was one of my mother’s favorite memories. She was waiting in the lobby of the Dining Common with Mr. Mulfinger for their respective spouses to come for lunch. Down came one of our famous Greenville cloudbursts. Mrs. Mulfinger came in looking like a drowned rat–totally soaked to the skin. Mr. Mulfinger looked at her anxiously and said, “Did the fiddle get wet?”
I spoke to Mrs. Mulfinger just last week–our paths crossed when we were out exercising on back campus. She was always genuinely interested in the lives and activities of people she knew. I, along with many others, will miss her greatly.
Donna Flower Lawrence
PS–I hope someone who knows the whole thing will post the story of how the Lord gave Mrs. Mulfinger her violin. I remember that it was an amazing story!
June 19th, 2009 at 4:46 am
I have so many wonderful memories of the Mulfinger home. We were next door neighbors and I used to love to go over and play with Mary. There was always so much going on with all those older brothers and sisters and yet looking back I remember that Mrs. Mulfinger never seemed frustrated by all the noise or raised her voice. She was always smiling, always gentle. I remember the music, the family devotions at night, the big kitchen table…. now that I’m a mom of 4 myself I am in awe of her feeding and taking care of her own 11 plus all of us neighbor kids that popped in and out at any time of the day. She had true hospitality and had a manner about her that completely put folks at ease and made them feel instantly accepted.
Several years ago when Mary was visiting from Mexico, I had the opportunity to go back into the house and take my oldest two boys then 3 and 1. My Danny still remembers Mrs. Mulfinger because we had told her how much he loved music. She went over to the piano and allowed him to “conduct” her through a few little choruses. She even allowed him to hold a real condutctor’s baton. He was thrilled and still remembers it now at age 8.
Thank you Mrs. Mulfinger for opening your home and your life and for the influence you had on all of us. Thank the Lord for you!
To the family, thank you for sharing your mother with us for all of these years. The service was a wonderful celbration of her life and beautifully done.
June 18th, 2009 at 10:56 pm
I had the honor to call her “teacher” for my freshman year in violin. ‘72-73. Other music teachers were kind and patient, but she alone remained a dear friend to see and visit with on occasions of furloughs from the Philippines, when I would visit the campus. We even had connected recently on “facebook!”
She liked my very simple arrangement of “Be Thou My Vision” which at that time was not being used much on campus, I was thrilled. It was a privilege to play along side of her in string ensemble, and to have been in vespers together a few times as well. Orchestra is an amazing memory, she and Mr. Mulfinger are a big part of that memory.
She was taken quickly, what a blessing….swiftly uplifted to heaven by the angels of the Lord. I think no one enjoys the music in heaven more than dear Mrs. Mulfinger.
God bless all the Mulfinger children and grandchildren at this time and may you always use your enormous talents for His honor and glory, continuing to encourage and hold a standard for “we of little talent”, but loving music just the same.
Love and prayers,
Edna Guiliano Cadavos
June 18th, 2009 at 5:46 pm
My husband, Val, and I met Joan and George at Liverpool Baptist, Syracuse, NY. George, Joan and I were baptized the same night. We had a garden together at the farm house where they lived. Joan was so excited about it all! We enjoyed their friendship. We later returned to Huntsville,AL where Val worked for NASA in the space program. Were we shocked when they told us they were moving South! Through the years we have kept in touch through visits and letters. George and Joan even brought the family to Huntsville for a visit. Val had the privilege of sharing information on the space program with George for one of his text books. We last visited with Joan on campus in Fall 2008. We attended chapel together and she was the same Joan as she was back in the 50’s. She was so consistent in her walk with our Lord, always the same no matter what. She has been a godly example to me. A visit to BJU campus won’t be the same without seeing Joan. Our prayers will be with all of you in the coming days.
June 18th, 2009 at 4:24 pm
My husband and I have many fond memories of the Mulfinger family. We were neighbors in Faculy Court, faculty members together and had some children of the same age. The Mulfingers have been a great spiritual blessing in seeing their love for the Lord and seeing it lived out in their children.
May God comfort each of you during these difficult days and give you grace to meet every need.
June 18th, 2009 at 3:16 pm
Dear Mulfinger Family,
Dr. Custer and Dr. Mulfinger were great friends and enjoyed stamp collecting so our memories of the Mulfinger family includes sharing collections and visiting when all the young children went to bed. We did not have children yet and it was lovely to see each child stand and wait their turn to kiss Mama and Daddy goodnight and then all went up to bed. Other times, I would read stories to anyone who would like one.
Recently, Joan would attended some functions at Trinity Bible Church of Greer. We would invite her to our missionary ladies functions. Since we support Terry and Rachel and family in Papua New Guinea, it was a blessing to see her come to see us.
My husband and I love classical music and we always enjoyed seeing her in the BJU orchestra.
The testimony of the both George and Joan Mulfinger is a reflection of the love, faithfulness and dedication to God’s Word and the Lord Jesus Christ and to their vision for all of you. Your legacy is a rich one.
May the Lord continue to use and bless the Mulfinger family and comfort you in your time of loss.
June 18th, 2009 at 3:00 pm
Our family moved from BJ 30 years ago when I was in elementary school. One of my fondest memories of my days at BJ days was spending time at the Mulfingers’ home. (I knew Julia the best because we were in the same class.) The love, laughter, and music that emanated from the Mulfinger home was willingly shared with all who visited. That kind of love and warmth can only come from a strong relationship with Christ. Mr. and Mrs. Mulfinger lived the gospel by loving others.
May the Lord comfort the children, grandchildren and great grandchildren during this time. Isn’t it wonderful to know that one day we will be reunited with our loved ones and in the presence of our Savior!
June 18th, 2009 at 11:35 am
I was blessed to have Mrs. Mulfinger as my viola teacher 1973-77. When I picture her in my memory, she’s always laughing…and always pregnant!
I’ve been a string teacher for over 25 years now and I find myself quoting her ALL the time to my own students – passing along the things she taught me. And orchestra was never so fun as when I could overhear Mr. Mulfinger’s comments. What a riot! God is so good to have blessed us with such wonderful role models and people to bring us joy and wisdom and music! The family is in my thoughts and prayers.
June 18th, 2009 at 9:36 am
I only met Mrs. Mulfinger one time. It was about 2 years ago when she was on the west coast visiting with Martha’s and Daniel’s families. As the sound guy at Berean (Tom’s church at the time), I had the pleasure of engineering the sound for the Sunday morning that Mrs. Mulfinger and Martha did a violin duet with Daniel accompanying on the piano. Following she performed a solo number that was absolutely fantastic. (I use the word “performed” guardedly as I know this was not a performance but an act of worship to God, an offering of talent.) I’d never heard such sounds come from a violin. The sound was as if there was a chorus of violins accompanying her. I didn’t know anything about multiple stopping but she executed perfectly. (For clarification, I’m an engineer by trade so I had to look up stopping to make sure I got it right.) I wish I had access to the digital recording so I could share this experience but I no longer do as God has moved me elsewhere. After the service, I was chatting with Tom and commenting how wonderful Mrs. Mulfinger’s violin sounded and totally lived up to what he had told me about it. To my embarrassment, he told me that it was in fact Martha’s violin, not even her own.
Another experience is totally third party. I was working with Tom and Martha as they were recording some violin parts for Tom’s CD. Martha adlibbed a little and it sounded great almost like blue grass. I punched in a quick mix and played it back. Martha was clearly embarrassed (hand over mouth) and said that it could never go on the CD because her mother wouldn’t like it. She said that Mrs. Mulfinger would have told here to “get the whiskey” out of her violin and play it right. This made me laugh and get a better understanding of Mrs. Mulfinger’s character. Unfortunately, that mix was no doubt stolen with the recorder so I can never blackmail Martha.
I just went to end by saying I’m grateful for Mrs. Mulfinger and the Godly example she has given as is witnessed through the ministries of her children.
June 18th, 2009 at 9:12 am
We have so many fond memories of both the Mulfingers. Joan’s first BJU baby (Sara) was born at Barge when I had my first baby, our son, Michael. I still remember visiting with her while we were still in the hospital. We also lived close by in Faculty Court. We were one of the first couples the Mulfingers met on campus. Dr. and Mrs. Gustafson invited us to their home to meet the Mulfingers who were visiting before they moved to campus. We loved them from the beginning. Joan’s sweet, loving smile warmed many hearts over the years. She was always so gracious and giving. My husband and George shared an interest in math and science and could have the most interesting conversations! Sometimes Joan and I would just look at each other and roll our eyes, grin and shrug our shoulders. What a blessing to know that this separation is only temporary. Joan’s life and influence will live on in the hearts and lives of her children, grandchildren, and many students and friends. Only eternity will tell the whole story.
“He will swallow up death forever. The Sovereign Lord will wipe away the tears from all faces.” Isaiah 25:8
June 18th, 2009 at 9:06 am
My earliest memory of Ms. Mulfinger is on a BJE field trip with our kindergarten class (I think) to see the fire department behind the old courthouse in downtown Greenville. She was acting as one of the parent chaperone’s for our class – I was in the same grade as Julia. She brought one of the younger babies on her hip with us as we toured the place and watched the firemen slide down the pole.
Our families went to church together at Boulevard (later became Community Baptist) and attended school together at BJE, BJA and BJU. I played bass in the orchestra with Ms. Mulfinger, Julia, Rachel, Sarah, Mark, etc… Sometimes when I was sick and left school early, I went to their house to lie on the couch until my dad could pick me up. Mrs. Mulfinger was always there with a hug and a cold washrag for my headache. She treated me like another one of her children. Her home was my second home and she was like a second mom to me.
In junior high and high school I spent a lot of time just hanging out at the Mulfinger’s home. My memories of that time are a treasure. I jogged around the field with Sarah, watched Mark’s hot air baloon/UFO launches, delighted in the multiple litters of closet kittens, ate many a cookie or other homemade sweet treat, listened to endless strains of music lessons and practice, and the sounds of the ham radio coming from Mr. Mulfinger’s study. Mrs. Mulfinger was always, always kind to me.
Years later, after I’d moved away to New York City and hadn’t been in touch for a long while, my mother died. I had the sweetest phone conversation with Ms. Mulfinger. She hadn’t been able to attend the funeral, but when I told her that I was getting married three months later, she asked me what I was doing for music at the wedding. I told her I was just having a small ceremony and didn’t really have the money to hire anyone for music. She offered to bring the quartet to play for my wedding and insisted that it would be their gift to me. I was incredibly touched. She, Joanna, Rachel and a friend played beautifully for my wedding and then came to the lunch we hosted after. It was such an emotional day for me – getting married without my mother and it meant so much to me that people who loved me from my childhood were there even if my mother couldn’t be. I noticed that she looked tired that day and that Sarah (who didn’t play but attended) was very teary. I didn’t find out until several days into my honeymoon that Julia’s son Paquito had died the morning of my wedding and that the family had shown up for me without ever mentioning anything about their great loss. I was completely overcome with gratitude at the kindness and love they showed me that day. No one (aside from my parents) has ever been so selfless in their love to me in my whole life. I will never forget it as long as I live.
Today is her funeral and I sit in my Manhattan office, watching the rain and feeling heart broken that I’m not in Greenville today to honor her memory and see all the family gathered here from around the world. My love and prayers go out to Linda, Ruth, Mark, Rachel, Sarah, Julia, Martha, Daniel, Mary, Sharon, and Joanna – and your families.
June 18th, 2009 at 8:48 am
Dan and I were privileged to know Mr. and Mrs. Mulfinger and all of their children. Our memories of this family are filled with delight–from being taught Physical Sciene by Mr. Mulfinger to caring for some of the children at the Nursery (later CDC) to later teaching several of them English at Bob Jones University. Our lives have been enriched by the music, art, and humor of this family. The lives of Mr. and Mrs. Mulfinger’s children are a marvelous testimony to the quality of the home they thrived in. (My husband has said that he could have retired after his experience with teaching one Mulfinger daughter, and he would have felt that he had had a worthwhile career. What a joy!) Observing this loving family has been a great source of encouragement and instruction for us.
We have fond memories of meals and conversations with Mrs. Mulfinger and assorted family and friends in the Family Room of the Dining Common at BJU. I remember Mrs. M. wearing her “sleeves”–a knitted shawl with built-in sleeves. I also can’t think of her without picturing her loving, gentle, patient smile. I wish I could be more like her.
Heaven is richer today as we moun her (only temporary) absence from us. What a comfort it is to know that we will one day be reunited with our loved ones.
May the Lord give all who loved Mrs. Mulfinger special comfort and grace today and in the future!
June 18th, 2009 at 8:22 am
May the Lord grant special peace and grace to Mrs. Mulfinger’s children, grandchildren, family and friends today. May He encircle them with His everlasting arms of love and remember that this life is but a vapor and we will spend all eternity with our loved ones very soon. We will be praying for all of you this day. May God richly bless you and may you continue your parents’ legacy and their example. Like a stone tossed into a pond, the ripples of Mr. and Mrs. Mulfingers’ lives will extend through our remembrances, their written words and music and through the lives of their children and grandchildren. Their influence will not be know entirely until we see all Jesus.
June 18th, 2009 at 6:19 am
Nancy and I enrolled as freshmen at BJU in the fall of 1967. It did not take long for us to realize that George and Joan Mulfinger were special folks. Since I played oboe in the BJU Orchestra from 1967 to 1983, it was my privilege to spend countless hours in rehearsals and performances with both of them. Perhaps one of my fondest memories was Joan’s performance of “The Lark Ascending” by Vaughn Williams about thirty years ago. I told Joan on several occasions that I would think of her whenever I heard that particular piece on the radio. It seemed to me that the beautiful lyricism of that piece perfectly demonstrated Joan’s love for the violin in particular and music in general.
Joan Mulfinger was also a huge encouragement to Nancy and me as we raised our young family on the BJU campus. Joan demonstrated a quiet and patient spirit with her own children, and she passed along that approach to other young mothers at BJU. I know that Nancy would seek Joan’s advice from time to time, and Joan was ever so willing to share her thoughts and personal experiences.
When Nancy and I were on campus for a few days in January, we were able to visit with Joan at the Dining Common. She had hardly changed from when we first got to know her back in the late 1960s. Joan was a wonderful musician, but more than that, Joan Mulfinger was a godly example to all of us. She will be missed by her children and her grandchildren, but there are many folks who will have wonderful memories of the impact that she had on our lives.
June 18th, 2009 at 4:09 am
I first met Joan when her mother, Mrs. Wade, was my piano teacher in Endicott New York.
Their home was a studio of musical instruments located near the local hospital. Years later, Joanna Mulfinger was s student of mine in the second grade at Bob Jones Elementary. It is interesting to follow the family through their musical abilities and talents. Mrs. Mulfinger was a gracious woman.
June 17th, 2009 at 9:44 pm
I was blessed to get to know Mrs. Mulfinger when I was in graduate school at BJ. My sister, Holly, and I often ate with her and Joanna in the Dining Common; and, almost just as often, she would persuade us afterwards to “come on over to the house for awhile.”
I have many fond memories of time spent with her over those two years: talking at dinner, rambling through Fresh Market, eating Breyer’s ice cream, having devotions, going to Germany over Christmas break. God used her in such a wonderful way to help me grow. I would see her unselfishness and love for others, and it would shed light on my self-centeredness. She was not putting on a front; she was just reflecting Jesus.
I was not married at the time, but I still remember her great marriage advice. She once told me that when your husband comes home, you should treat him as a guest. Offer him what you think he may need or like and don’t be demanding. I can still hear her say, “You would never treat a guest in your home that way.”
After leaving BJ and then marrying, I was so glad to come back to visit and introduce her to my husband and show her our son. She had more great, practical advice–this time it involved Vaporub for the baby’s cold. Thank you, Mrs. Mulfinger! Colds are much less unpleasant now.
My sister and I were just remembering something she said to us one day at lunch that touched us deeply. She said that people sometimes asked her why she didn’t remarry or if she were interested in remarrying. She told us, “I married the best man in the world. Why would I want to marry someone else now?”
For you, her children and grandchildren, may you feel the Lord’s presence with you as you miss her. I pray that He’ll draw you so close to Himself tomorrow and in the days ahead. God bless each and every one of you!
June 17th, 2009 at 8:16 pm
Full of grace and truth. Soft-spoken and loving. Gentle and kind. Amazing and humble. Servant and leader. Trusting and enduring. Her life here – displayed the truth of the God whose presence she enjoys now. She blessed those she touched…and continues to do so through her eleven wonderful children. I know that she has entered Heaven’s rest and God has said, “Well done, good and faithful servant!”
June 17th, 2009 at 7:48 pm
I was blessed to have Mrs. Mulfinger as my violin teacher at BJU in 2000 and 2001. My favorite memories of her are the many mornings she came panting into my early morning lesson having hurried up the stairs. The first thing she wanted to tell me was what she had been meditating on from her devotions.
She loved to identify birds from the second story window of her office. Once I was dumbfounded when I finally had a breakthrough in a difficult passage and I looked up to see her looking at an interesting bird sitting in the tree out the window!
Although I have not met very many of her children I have to say that she spoke of them with a lot of pride. She often told me stories of them to illustrate her point that I needed to think about beauty even when I was practicing exercises.
The Lord used her to locate the right violin for me when my budget was extremely limited. The owner asked only the amount I had and Mrs. Mulfinger was dumbfounded. We were both so happy to see the Lord work.
I am so thankful she is with the Lord now.
June 17th, 2009 at 7:35 pm
Growing up, I always remembered hearing about Mrs. Mulfinger because of my family’s connection to Bob Jones University. When I entered BJU as a freshman, I was thrilled to find out I had Mrs. Mulfinger for my violin teacher. I will always remember her sweet spirit, and her concern for others. There were many times when she would ask how I was doing, and would chat with me about my week. During one violin lesson, she told me that whenever she played a hymn, she tried to picture the face of her Lord Jesus. That statement has stayed with me, reminding me to play for God’s glory.
This lady was a tough teacher : ) , and expected her students to work hard. I felt woefully inadequate, but she was always encouraging. I later changed to another violin teacher, but would chat with Mrs. Mulfinger whenever we ran into each other in the music building, or on one of the many sidewalks on campus. Since my youngest sister was born while I was in college, I would stop by Mrs. Mulfinger’s studio to chat with her about the baby. She once told me that someone had twins at age 50!! When I went home to tell my mother that, her response was, “not me!” : ) .
As a music teacher now, I many times recall statements or teaching methods Mrs. Mulfinger used, and teach them to my students. I will miss her smile, and godly example, but know I will see her in Heaven again some day! Soli Deo Gloria!
June 17th, 2009 at 7:19 pm
Dear Mulfinger Family,
We were very shocked and saddened to hear of the passing of Mrs. Mulfinger. She was a godly lady and always very friendly to me. She lived a very full life and I’m certain the Lord will continue to bless her testimony in the family circle and far beyond.
Steven Lee
June 17th, 2009 at 7:18 pm
Mrs. Mulfinger was a gracious and generous lady. She gave of her time and her talents constantly. She was always willing to listen to any student play and give her comments on what was working and what needed work. I would see her many times a day while in school and she would always have a smile for me, never looking away, though she must have gotten tired of seeing all the students. She opened her home to me and treated me like family. Her absence from this present world will long be noticed. But how I look forward to the day when we will worship God together in perfect harmony.
Mulfinger family, you are loved and in my prayers.
With deepest respect and sympathy,
Alyssa
June 17th, 2009 at 7:14 pm
I used to join Mrs. Mulfinger in the Dining Common on BJU campus. I always enjoyed talking with her and sharing musical experiences with her. I had the privilege of taking care of a couple of her grandchildren at the CDC and teaching them in the Musical Munchkins class on the weekends.
Mrs. Mulfinger has been a wonderful blessing to me. I always enjoyed her sweet sweet spirit and pleasant personality. I look forward to seeing her someday in Heaven.
June 17th, 2009 at 3:36 pm
I never thought about Mrs. Mulfinger NOT being around to help us out with funerals. She had the ability to play for all classes of people and play the music with such passion and meaning. If we told her to use Red Foley music, she knew what to play. If we told her to use hymns she knew to use the old ones or the modern ones. If we told her to use classical, she would know what to play. If we told her to mix classical and hymns, she would know what to play! If he was playing for a young persons funeral she knew what music would speak to the family. If it was an older person, she would know what to play. We simply can not
replace her! This lady did not have a mean bone in her body. She was, without a doubt, the most gracious, loving and kind person I have ever met. I will never forget her.
June 17th, 2009 at 12:36 pm
Mrs. Mulfinger was one fine lady. Her family and mine were neighbors and friends for many years.
She always displayed a soft-spoken warmth and kindness that I appreciated more than I’m sure she ever knew. Whenever she greeted me I knew that she accepted me just as I was. She looked into my eyes whenever we met and talked. And her smile and softness spoke volumes–no arrogance, no airs, no pretense. She was simply interested. I knew, each time, that I wasn’t being accessed, or judged, or analyzed–just greeted by a sister in the Lord who had grown adept at displaying the genuine attitude of the Father’s heart.
Mrs. Mulfinger, thank you for the music. You pressed your fingerprints upon hearts and violin strings, and the the result of both were equally as magnificent.
Love,
Janice
June 17th, 2009 at 12:05 pm
Two years ago, we came from France to Greenville, SC, because of my husband’s job. My daughter Charlotte played violin for 4 years and we were looking for a violin teacher. A student who gave some lesson to a friend child, gave me the name of Mrs Mulfinger. So I tried to call her by phone and…it was a desaster! My english was so bad at this time (and my French accent didn’t help!) that we couldn’t understand eachother! Well, finally, I took an appointement and step by step Charlotte grew up with her violin and her great teacher. When my english was better, we started to share some recipes after the violin’s lessons. She shared a lot of things with us severals times, in my house, with the French School, in her church, and that ’s why we felt a little bit close to her. I met some of her children (as I used to stay during the lesson, I new the faces of them, child and adults, because of the pictures she had in her living room )and grand children, her house was always full of people… She wanted to learn some French with me. Two years later,we felt so sad when Joanna called us about what’s happened; we really will miss her, and we’ll never forget her. I hope my english is better now and hope you understand what I mean…I try to share with you how we met her…
Marie-Noelle Robert
June 17th, 2009 at 9:53 am
I first met Mrs. Mulfinger by personal introduction last June 27, 2008, although I knew her face from 6 years of music study at BJ. Last June I did my graduate lecture recital on music by 20th century Japanese composers. This was a big deal for me because of how big a burden God gave me for this country and the time I’ve spent there already. I really enjoyed lecturing on the culture and festivals that were shown through the folk elements of my repertoire.
My church friends Jeff and Gail Kain brought Mrs. Mulfinger to the recital and introduced us before I went backstage. Right before I went on stage she came back into the hall and told me that fears are part of faith, and being nervous about sharing was God’s way of showing me how much I needed Him. I’d never spoken with her before that night, but her “mother-hen” spirit really soothed me and reminded me that God was supporting me in this important exhibition of my love and passion for missions.
I spoke with her one more time after that this Christmas at a mutual friend’s wedding reception. Told her I was praying about further study in world music someday in hopes of learning more about the people I love and their culture . . . as well as the other nations I encountered during my sojourn in Japan 3 years ago. She was tickled, and delighted with the idea . . . Her enthusiasm, once again, struck me, as I still felt, and feel very unsure about the Lord’s specific leading and continue to pray.
I wish I’d spoken with her once more before she went to Heaven. I did mail her a last-minute invitation to my final recital last month. Unfortunately, I was too shy to come up to her and speak personally.
I will always remember her enthusiasm and encouragement for the dreams and burdens of my heart, though she was nearly a stranger to me. She has a real love and warmth that made me believe in myself at several vulnerable moments. Praise God for such a blessing!!
June 17th, 2009 at 9:44 am
Mrs. Mulfinger was my first- and last- violin teacher. I started with her in the 3rd grade, and was her student until I got married in 1982. For a brief time we were members of Boulevard, and were privileged to hear the family orchestra play. I have often enjoyed visits to see her each time I was in Greenville. She was such a sweet lady (except when I hadn’t practiced as I should during the week
, and such a godly example. I will miss her greatly.
Becky Kent Ream
June 17th, 2009 at 9:03 am
What a lovely picture of such a beautiful lady! Mrs Muflnger was beautiful not only in appearance but in spirit also. She enjoyed her music and shared that joy with all who heard her play. I remember the first time I visited Blvd. Baptist Church and hearing Mr and Mrs Mulfinger playing their instrutments. It was such a blessing. I will alwaysremember her sweet musical laughter.
Catherine Summerlin
June 17th, 2009 at 8:36 am
I remember with great fondness Friday night “spooky stories” at the Mulfinger home. Family and friends of all ages piled into the living room (literally) and enjoyed stories around the fireplace. This was even more exciting and memorable to me than soccer games on the athletic field!
As I recall the Mulfinger home, I am reminded of fresh-baked goodies, homemade yogurt, cats, piles of cloth diapers, laughter and, of course, MUSIC. It was not uncommon to hear a cello(s) in one room, a violin in another, and singing upstairs. And, what was with those creepy praying mantis in the curtains of the boys’ room! The Mulfinger home stayed open to neighborhood children, and no matter how many times we popped by unannounced, Mrs. Mulfginer always greeted us with the same, enthusiastic “Helloooooooooooo.” I can still hear her voice when I close my eyes.
Mrs. Mulfinger was such a sweet spirit. She will be missed dearly not only by her family but also by her friends, grateful students, and us kids whose lives she touched in her own, unique way.
Image the music she makes today in Glory!
Laurie “Youstra” Dennis
June 17th, 2009 at 8:31 am
I first met Mrs. Mulfinger when I came to BJ as a dorm student in 1970 in 7th grade. I had taken violin lessons and signed up for violin. I ended up dropping violin because being in the dorm at that young age was overwhelming. But Mrs. Mulfinger was my friend from then on. I loved her sweet spirit, gentleness, patience, sense of humor, and kindness. When I found out she had also been an only child, I connected with her because I was an only child myself and hardly knew anybody else that was. Linda and I were in the same class, graduating from the Academy together in 1976. When my husband Tom and I got married at Boulevard thirty years ago, Mrs. Mulfinger was our organist. Sara and Julia helped her, although I didn’t find out until later that one of them turned the pages of the music and the other one helped with the foot pedals! Linda served punch at our reception.
But one can hardly remember Mrs. Mulfinger without also remembering Mr. Mulfinger. They both had such a sweet godly spirit and had true Christlike kindness. My parents liked them very much too, even though they didn’t know each other very well. I’m sure there have been some sweet reunions in heaven. Of course we remember the “family orchestra” at Boulevard–back in the days when few churches had instrumentalists other than piano and organ. What a tremendous blessing they were to us—more than we will ever know here on earth.
Through the years most of my contact with Mrs. Mulfinger was the friendly greetings as we saw each other on campus, sometimes stopping to talk and catch up with each other. I would ask about her grandchildren (how did she keep track of them all?) and she would ask how our girls were doing. She had a sincere interest in me and my family. She would even ask how our cat was doing—our cat was “an offspring” of one of her cats and lived for nineteen years.
I think I’m an example of someone who wasn’t very close to her in a direct sort of way but who was profoundly influenced by the godly example of her life. Praise and glory be to our God who gives grace to His servants to be shining examples of His love to us all.
June 17th, 2009 at 8:24 am
When I was a young mother and having a problem with our little girl over going to her Sunday School class, I went to Mrs. Mulfinger(Mother of many children) for advice. Her advice was so simple and she told me so sweetly to just let her stay with us. Later we found out about something that had happened in her class and that is why she wouldn’t go in there. That advice was perfect and it worked beautifully. We didn’t have any more problems after that. What a blessing she was.
June 17th, 2009 at 8:22 am
I would just like to express my deepest condolences. Mrs. Mulfinger was one of the finest human beings I ever met. I will miss her coming into the repair shop at Pecknel.
June 17th, 2009 at 8:04 am
Our first acquaintance with Mrs. Mulfinger was our purchase of her accordian. A few years later we purchased a wonderful violin from her that is still play by our son Samuel. After these initial contacts we became friends. Her gracious, kind spirit created a bond that drew us together for short conversations after many, many university programs and recitals when she would often commend the performance and performers. Her constant smile and love for her teaching ministry and family was always a great blessing to me.
We will miss her greatly. Our love and prayers are extended to her dear family.
Bruce, Virginia, and Samuel Arnold
June 17th, 2009 at 7:37 am
What wonderful memories I have of sharing many hours in the Mulfinger home as a child. I recall the dedication of Mr. and Mrs. Mulfinger to their children and to their Lord through nightly family devotions. You could not walk into their home without hearing one or more instruments being played. How I loved sitting in their living room on Friday nights, fire blazing, listening to “Story Hour” on WMUU. Mrs. Mulfinger always made her husband her priority and her children her life. She bestowed a true love for the Lord and a true passion for art and music to her children and grand-children. What a perfect example of a Proverbs 31 woman.
June 17th, 2009 at 7:23 am
As your oldest daughter, I really don’t know where to start on memories. I’ll probably visit many times to document memories. I know God is kind because he gave us you. I know God is good, because he is helping us through saying goodbye. I love you, mom. I miss you so much. I have a couple of questions…..hee hee….but anyway, we’ll get through this. Now that you are a part of the cloud of witnesses, I am sure you are cheering us on. Oh, and say hi to dad for me. I miss him more than words can describe right now. Love, Linda
June 17th, 2009 at 6:52 am
The Mulfingers were our neighbors on back campus when I was in the Academy and University, and until Mother moved to Campus View Apartments in 1986. They were wonderful neighbors.
I remember Mrs. Mulfinger as bright-eyed, smiling, enthusiastic, optimistic, humble, and genuinely nice to everyone with whom she came in contact. When I asked my parents for a guitar, instead they bought me a violin from Italy, and I reluctantly started violin lessons. Although I was probably her worst student, Mrs. Mulfinger was always patient and encouraging. She was truly a saint.
Her late husband was wonderful, too – the best physics teacher a student could ever have. He made the subject interesting and fun. I am sure they are having a blessed reunion in heaven, making beautiful praise music together. We will miss them greatly, but they have left us a wonderful legacy of eleven children and their families, with godly ministries all over the world. What a blessing and shining testimony! – Love, Carolyn
June 17th, 2009 at 6:20 am
Dearest Mullfinger Family,
I met your Mom and Dad years ago while attending BJU from 1978-82. Your Dad was my Physical Science Survey teacher and Ruth was in my class at the same time–what a privilege to have Dad teaching Ruth! Sweet memories–especially when they have been away from us for years, but NOT forever! Mom always played in the orchestra when I was a student, and I had heard from others there were many children in the home. I have 5 sisters and 1 brother, so I had a kindred heart with your family from the very start! My admiration always excels for mothers of many children. Now that I am a mom, I really pray for those moms and try to assist in any way I can.
Little did I know two years after my marriage I would return to live in Greenville and have been here for the past 22 years! God has greatly revealed Himself to me and my family while being here. One of the special things God did for us was to allow us to have Joanna teach violin lessons to my oldest daughter Becky from the ages of five to seven. Joanna was still in high school at the time, and we had a good time coming over to your Mom’s home each week, chatting with her when she was there and getting her expertise on holding the violin properly as well as a generous amount of encouragement. She taught me alot about how to approach my children with love in teaching them new things. She didn’t even realize what she was doing for me–the “adult” student getting free lessons on how to be a good mother. Especially noted was the time when Becky got the chicken pox, and Joanna along with Mom’s advice brought over a wonderful “care package” for Becky, aiding in a quick healing with various fun things to pass the time. How grateful we were for their compassion and generous spirit–just like our Lord!
We homeschooled our 3 children, and Mark taught our kids drawing lessons with a group of other homeschoolers in his studio downtown. His first daughter was born at that time, and we brought gifts to shower Leah and baby with! We all felt privileged to be under Mark’s tuteledge. My kids have all come to the conclusion, however, that they have NO artist ability in drawing! You did your best, Mark! Some of us mothers even learned alot as well though. Drawing takes patience—that may be the real reason they think they have no drawing artistry!
After living on Roberta Drive for several years, Rachel and I were talking on the phone before she left for the mission field,and she informed me that Sharon was living on our street! I was thrilled to have a Mullfinger amongst my neighbors. I was planning a neighborhood ladies’ Christmas tea at the time, so I called Sharon and asked if she would mind coming and bring her cello as well. We would sing some Christmas carols after the tea, and she could accompany with her wonderful musical talent. Of course, she agreed and was thrilled to get to know some of her neighbors. While she was here at our home, my daughter Becky began a love in her heart for the cello. A few years later, Sharon and I made an agreement that I would watch her children anytime she could use our babysitting services and she in turn allowed us to use her beautiful cello. Thus began the cello lessons with one of Sharon’s students and my daughter! I must thank Rachel for passing on the family information about Sharon as well. God’s timing is always best–and sisters who are in tune with their family’s needs are quick to help fill that void. We have been blessed to watch Isabelle, Anya, and now little Natalia! What a loving, compassionate God we serve.
I have come to know many family members through various ways, but you all reflect the love of your wonderful Daddy and Mother. They have been godly, self-sacrificing servants of our Heavenly Father. They are now reunited, rejoicing in the presence of our wonderful Lord Jesus Christ. May we all live in His presence each day–fellowshipping and praising Him for what He has done for us on the cross. We’re awaiting the grand day when HE will come and receive us unto Himself. What a grand reunion that will be!
Until then,
David and Julie Black
Becky, Ben, and Sarah