“She
helped save my life.”
These words
were spoken by my dear friend and brother in Christ, Matt Presley. He
said these words at the memorial service of his mother-in-law, Ann
Kelley, affectionately known to Matt and many others as “Mama Ann.”
How did Mama
Ann help save Matt’s life?
In 2019, Matt
grew very sick. He couldn’t think clearly; much of what he said didn’t
make sense. He lost a lot of weight – over 100 pounds. Before his
illness, he was an energetic, enthusiastic, big-hearted man. During his
illness, he became withdrawn, sullen, weak, and confused. Thousands
prayed for him, his dear wife Kathy, and their children. After
countless tests, a diagnosis was offered: limbic encephalitis.
Matt couldn’t
work. Kathy had to work in order to pay the bills. She was also
overwhelmed in taking care of Matt and her family. Enter Mama Ann.
Mama Ann
lived in Southaven, Mississippi – almost 400 miles from Mobile.
Nevertheless, during Matt’s illness, she would drive down to Mobile and
stay, often for three weeks at a time, to take care of Matt and help out
in their home. Matt’s illness was prolonged – over a year – but Mama
Ann kept coming. Her invaluable care was accompanied by her fervent
prayers. And when Matt’s health got better, her prayers for God’s help
turned into prayers of joyful thanksgiving. Thousands rejoiced along
with her.
The care that Mama Ann provided for Matt, Kathy, and
their family was consistent with the way that she lived all of the
time. Her obituary read “Most
days, Ann would be found caring for others, including her church
family. She was always selfless and concerned about the welfare and
happiness of others. Ann was a longtime and faithful member of
Southaven Church of Christ. Her hope, charity, and Christian spirit
will be missed by the incredible amount of people she touched.”
The preacher for the Southaven church, Robert Jefferies,
also extolled the exemplary Christian servanthood
of Mama Ann. He said she embodied true love.
True love serves
No matter who
No matter what
No matter when
-- Robert Jefferies
The way that Mama Ann served others was because of her
faith in and her love for God. She sought to emulate her Lord who “went
about doing good” (Acts 10:38). She lived for others, just like Jesus.
Jesus lived and died for others. He gave His life on the
cross (John 10:17-18) to pay the price for our redemption from sin
(Ephesians 1:7).
God will save and give eternal life to those who place
their faith and trust in Jesus (Acts 16:30-31), turn from their sins in
repentance (Acts 17:30-31), confess Jesus before men (Romans 10:9-10),
and are baptized (immersed) into Christ for the forgiveness of sins
(Acts 2:38). He will continue to cleanse from sin those who continue to
walk in the light of His Word (1 John 1:7-9).
Jesus lived and died for others. He also showed us how
to live. Mama Ann was a splendid example of how to live like Jesus.
May we go and do likewise.
-- David A. Sargent
* In loving memory of Ann Frazier Kelley (November 9,
1943 – September 22, 2021). Thank you for showing us how to love
others. Until we meet again.
David A. Sargent,
Minister
Church of Christ at Creekwood
1901 Schillinger Rd. S.
Mobile, Alabama 36695
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