[Blubayou]

Someone shared this email with me. It was written by someone who was a close friend of the Rambos. She sang with them many years ago. I thought you might be interested in hearing her take on the funeral.

Well, it was an interesting trip to say the least. I really appreciated my kids being there to support me. I think I emailed the letter from Rick to you. If not, let me know. Yes, Buck and Mae were there, and yes I got to visit with Reba and Dony. I was shocked at all the people who lined up to see and talk to me...it was like a family reunion. I just had no idea that so many folks remembered me and wanted to visit with me. It was good to see Dottie and Buck's families there. Bro. Hardwick prayed a beautiful prayer at the funeral ... can't remember it exactly, but I do remember him praying for a "spirit of conciliation" and mentioned Buck & Reba's families as well as the others still in the hospital. I saw Larry Ferguson's wife, but did not know who she was until the funeral, so I felt really bad that I didn't even ask who she was ... but, so many people!!!!! Christ Church seats at least 3,000 and those seats were completely full 30 minutes before the funeral was scheduled to start! We were seated in the family area, just two rows behind Barbara Mandrell and Dino & Cheryl. I was again surprised at the people coming over to greet me and then scramble back to their seats. I was still hugging folks as the first part of the service began ... I am humbled and thrilled to see the love coming from people I had not seen in over 40 years!!

After one hour of continuous playing of Dottie's songs by Larry Dalton on the piano ... absolutely beautiful beyond words! Then the Service began. First, they played a video featuring Landy & Joy Gardner and Nicole Binion singing Holy Spirit Thou Art Welcome. Next Dony extended his appreciation for all the family to the audience. Then Charles Green prayed a short prayer. Next, Destiny Rambo McGuire & Dionne Dismuke (Granddaughters) sang "I Will Lift You There" and the crowd stood and applauded for quite some time. It was sooo beautiful!

Next a Bishop Jim Swilley gave the Obituary and then Dino played "Behold the Lamb" and then Barbara Mandrell did the "Setting the Stage" (that's what was on the program). She spoke for just a couple of minutes. Then The Choir Of The Artists was directed by Bill Gaither. They had been in concert the night before but still the Homecoming folks filled the choir loft completely. Then the following songs were sung by different ones and they just went out of one song into another: Sheltered In The Arms of God, Remind Me, If That Isn't Love, He Looked Beyond My Faults, I Go To The Rock, Mamma's Teaching Angels How to Sing.

Then Pastor L. H. Hardwick, Jr., gave a salute to Dottie and her songs. Next there was a video tribute by Israel Anthem McGuire, Grandson. Gaither group then sang "We've Weathered Storms Before. A Michael Langston briefly spoke on "A Special Word About Mothers."

Larry son, Christian Ferguson, sang with the sound track and Dottie's voice (Stand By The River).. He was sooo cute, constantly rocking back and forth with his hips. It was hilarious and everyone seemed to like it. Next Bishop Carlton Pearson gave a brief message. Next, the Homecoming Choir sang ... I Will Glory In The Cross, I've Never Been This Homesick Before, I Call Him Lord, Lamb of Glory, Too Much to Gain to Lose. Gloria Gaither then read a thing she had written entitled "There Has To Be A Song."

The choir then sang The Holy Hills of Heaven. Bishop David Huskins gave "The Final Word" after which the choir and audience sang We Shall Behold Him. It was more like a church service and concert combined ... words cannot describe the Spirit of Worship that was in that place.

Dottie was buried (entombed) at the Mausoleum located just behind the funeral home. We went over there on Tuesday morning because I just needed one more time to say goodbye. Little Jimmie Dickens will be on one side of her, Lily Tomlin will be on the other side along with her parents who have already passed away.

There was a lot of speculation about Dottie's will, but I did not know who she left what to. I just know that I lost a really good friend. I told Buck that I would always love him and Dottie and Reba ... they will always have a special place in my heart.

OK, I'm tired again. So, I need to go lie down. The trip really wore me out ... getting too old...