Still Rising, Still Shining
Seventy years of grace, joy, and unshakable faith
Our mom was born to Harvey Lee and Lular Mae Hairston in 1956. She was number five of the siblings, the baby. Since this isn't an obituary, we will not be going into detail about all of that. You can ask her at the party 🙂. What an adventure life must have been with her siblings, her adopted siblings, her cousins, and friends. I can't say for sure exactly what trouble they got themselves into since they are all respectable adults, and tell us kids nothing (even though we are adults too), but the laughter when someone brings up a memory leads me to believe... these memories as grand as they may be, are only for their generation to share.
Our mom has spent our entire life in service to God. There are five of us — Tracey, Anita, Shanika, Jamell, and Brittany. For over 50 years, all we have known is the saved version of Ozell: the woman who wanted more than anything to obey God and keep His commandments. Growing up, we truly did not understand... or agree, for that matter. But looking back now, it has been her commitment to God, her faith, and her perseverance that has shaped our lives and the lives of our children. For this we have an immeasurable amount of gratitude, and we say thank you! Our children know God, because of you.
As much as we love our mom, there are a few things we think you should know — lol.
- There are no short conversations, period. Ozell has a lot to say. You need to know what God did. How He did it. When He did it. And at the end of it all, you need to know that if God hasn't done it yet, it's either coming or it's not in His will. And either way, she needs you to know that your response still needs to be praise because God is GOOD!!
- You will not move her from what she wants or what she believes. You will only frustrate yourself trying. Accept that she knows what she wants, period. You can continue your joyous day. Accept it and move on. 😂
- The grands and great-grands have a different version of Ozell. Boy, we as her kids would have loved to have this version growing up. We say this with the largest of smiles, because this version of Ozell at 70 years old is the best version to date. She gives of herself to everyone. She meets no strangers. She loves. She hopes. She believes. We absolutely love this for her, and for every person she meets.
Mama, we celebrate you! Through every obstacle, through every disappointment, through every setback you have encountered in life, you chose to let it make you better. We love you! Happy Birthday, Mama!
Faith
Her walk with God has been the foundation that carried every generation forward.
Family
The heartbeat of every gathering — mother, grandmother, matriarch, friend.
Perseverance
Through every obstacle, she chose to let life make her better, not bitter.
Legacy
Her love rewrites the future — a quiet inheritance of kindness, strength, and faith.
“She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness.”Proverbs 31:26
With Love & Gratitude
Thank you for being her friend!
You've traveled down the road and back again. Your heart is true — you're a pal and a confidant! For this, we, her children, extend the biggest thank you for whatever role you have played.
Join us as we celebrate 70 years of God's faithfulness.
With grateful hearts,
The Turner Family