Rachel Louise Pearson Philyaw
September 28, 1942 – June 28, 2018
Rachel Louise Pearson Philyaw slipped from our lives into the mighty, faithful hands of God. She drew her final breath on the evening of Thursday, June 28th 2018. A daughter, sister, mother and friend who loved all, with the love of Christ. A true, striving example of compassion, forgiveness, unconditional love and mercy.
Our mother’s legacy seeded generations back in Lenoir, NC. It was nourished through her dad, who being an Associational Missionary for the Southern Baptist Convention, instilled in her a deep love and compassion for God’s people. Her life as a missionary started at a very young age. She would tell stories of adventures with her father in the mountains of Caldwell County, North Carolina, reaching people from all walks of life for Christ. She treasured the wisdom that was spoken into her life, through the people in her amazing community. Her stories, which she told until her death, instilled in her children and grandchildren a desire to continue that strong legacy.
Rachel will be lovingly remembered by her five daughters Lyn (Chris) Watson, Laura Philyaw, Beth (Eric) Norris, Alice (Donald) Brown, and Sarah (Matt) Arnett. Rachel will be fondly remembered by her nine grandchildren, Shelby, Anna (John) Phillips, Samantha, Calvin, Riley, Abigail, Liam, Pearson, and Charlise. Her sister Elizabeth (Wayne ) Keller, by sisters-in-law Mattie Ruth Bentley, Dollie Woods, Jeanie Rowan, Jonnie Philyaw, and her brother-in-law Tommy Philyaw. Rachel predeceased by her husband Bobby K. Philyaw and her brother Mark W. Pearson.
With faith like Mary sitting at Jesus’ feet She gave of herself continually without asking for much With faith like the woman reaching for the hem of Christ She knew she was His child With faith like the Proverbs 31 woman She worked tirelessly to provide what her family needed With faith like David fighting giants around every corner She wielded her weapons with strength and faith With faith like Hannah She waited patiently and prayed for each of her children With faith like Esther She held onto perseverance and endurance facing testing and trials With faith like Paul She walked through the imprisonment of her own mind, yet smiled still at the sweet name of Jesus With faith like John She saw visions of angels singing over her and ministering to her With faith like Jesus She knew she was His lamb, and He would not leave behind the one.
Grasping the sweet hands of Christ, Rachel leaves behind all her worries, fears & imperfections, and now stands in the presence of Jesus. She is no longer bound by the restraints of this world. All mysteries of God are no longer mysteries. She is fully awake and knows, as she has been known. She has now boldly approached the throne of God and received her welcome into His Kingdom of Eternity.
We love you Mom
