http://www.dankirby.net

Reflections on Eliza J. Kirby
Total Entries: 45
	karah watson	Tuesday, 8/12/03, 5:58 PM
	I HAD THE VERY BEST GRANDMOTHER IN THE WORLD. I MISS HER SO MUCH EVERY DAY BUT I KNOW SHE IS IN BETTER PLACE AND I WILL SEE HER AGAIN SOMEDAY
	E-mail:	platinumangel430@aol.com
	M. Patricia Gray	Friday, 5/31/02, 12:27 PM
	I did not know your mother personally, but you have done a beautiful job in relating through pictures and history what a remarkable woman she was. I have removed her name from NBNA's mailing lists. Thank you for sharing.
	From:	National Black Nurses Assn.
	E-mail:	patgray@nbna.org
	Grant Anding	Sunday, 3/24/02, 7:50 AM
	I am Oleta Celin's nephew .. Oleta asked that i get the information off your web page for her. I did meet Liz several years ago ... she is truly a fantastic individual. She welcomed me like a long lost friend, made me laugh, and I immediatley knew that if I should need something while i was in Orlando, all i would have to do is call her. I am very sorry for your loss, Liz was a very blessed woman. However, I am also very happy for you .. to have such a radiant and vibrant, beautiful woman blessed by God, that loved and cared for others the way that Liz did, to share her joy with.
	From:	Lawton, OK
	E-mail:	grantmart@yahoo.com
	Donna Payton	Thursday, 3/14/02, 1:18 PM
	To Toni and Danny, I am sadden to hear the news about the going home of your mother, but I rejoice because she is with God. Toni I remember we were at Rutgers and you brought me to your home in Newark. Your family meant so much to me. The caring and the sharing of your home meeting your mother, Big Dan, Lisa and Danny, I still laugh at the time when dinner time came and you informed me that your father required each and every one to say a bible verse before the meal. I was so scared not only because I was shy, but because I didn't know one and you told me to say "Jesus wept". (Your mom was so comforting) I enjoyed coming to your home and your church. Your mother was one of the sweetest persons I have ever met. When I came to Florida, she always opened her home to me and made me feel like a her daughter. She even tried to teach me how to make the wonderful biscuits for breakfast, to this day, I have never been able to make them. She just had a gift with those biscuits, just like she had a gift with people and that gift was truly from God. Ms. Liz, never minced her words and she gave you truth. To Toni,you remind me of your mother so much in the way you care and share and love and To Danny,you may not remember me, but I remember you as "mommy's baby". Thank you for this moment of brief expression; and my prayers will be that through time, the void you may now feel from absence of your mother will be filled with your fondest memories.
	From:	New Jersey
	E-mail:	lovelypayton@hotmail.com
	angelique jones	Monday, 3/11/02, 8:13 PM
	From:	new york
	E-mail:	a4aya@aol.com
	Scott Pamplin	Monday, 3/11/02, 2:48 PM
	Dan- I'm sorry to hear about your recent loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Scott
	From:	Orlando, FL
	E-mail:	spamplin@trammellcrow.com
	Carmen C. Jones	Monday, 3/11/02, 10:57 AM
	One well lived life makes a difference forever. I shall always remember all the wonderful ways Ms. Kirby blessed the lives of so many people. I will truely miss Ms. Kirby.
	From:	Orlando FL
	E-mail:	ccjones27@aol.com
	Ned and Beulah Roberson	Monday, 3/11/02, 7:52 AM
	With deepest sympathy we send our condolence to the Kirby and Jonhson family.
	From:	Miami, Florida
	E-mail:	nrobers8@bellsouth.net
	LONA NELSON STEPHENS	Sunday, 3/10/02, 6:07 PM
	PRAYERS OF GOD'S LOVING STRENGTH FOR THE FAMILY DURING THIS TIME OF SADNESS. I REMEMBERED AS A LITTLE GIRL THE WONDERFUL LOVE YOUR MOTHER HAD FOR HER CHILDREN AND AS AN ADULT I SAW IT AGAIN WHEN I CAME TO FLORIDA ON MY LAST VISIT, THERE IN THE FORM OF TONI AS BEAUTIFUL MOTHER, WIFE AND WORKING WOMAN AND DAN AS SUCCESSFUL BUSINESS MAN. TWO SONGS MRS KIRBY TAUGHT US AT EASTER: "CALVARY" AND "HE AROSE". LOVE, LONA MAE
	From:	NEWARK, N. J.
	Roxanne Shuman	Friday, 3/8/02, 7:27 PM
	Dear,Dan May the Lords Holyspirit continue to strengthen and comfort you. Aunt Liz will be missed dearly LOVE YOUR COUSIN Roxanne and family
	From:	Brooklyn, NewYork
	E-mail:	sunshine11206
	Laura Lea Koger	Friday, 3/8/02, 6:48 PM
	Dear Dan and Family, It has been said: When somebody dies, a cloud turns into an angel, and flies up to tell God to put another flower on a pillow. A bird gives the message back to the world, and sings a silent prayer that makes the rain cry. People disappear, but they never really go away. The spirits up there put the sun to bed, wake up grass, and spin the earth in dizzy circles. Sometimes you can see them dancing in a cloud during the day-time, when they're supposed to be sleeping. They paint the rain bows and also the sunsets and make waves splash and tug at the tide. They toss shooting stars and listen to wishes. And when they sing windsongs, they whisper to us, don't miss me too much. The view is nice and I'm doing just fine. - Ashley My thoughts, love and prayers are with you and your family. With Deepest Sympathy, Laura Lea Koger and the Arthurs Family
	From:	Winter Park, Florida
	E-mail:	LLofAvalon@aol.com
	Diane Graves	Friday, 3/8/02, 12:59 PM
	To the family of Liz Kirby, I was her hair stylist, but she was my friend also. Liz was a friend in every sense of the word. I pray that God will strengthen you and your family members during these difficult and lonely times. God is more sufficient to meet your every need, be sure to let him. Yours In Christ, Diane Graves
	From:	Orlando, FL
	Beverly Hudgins	Friday, 3/8/02, 9:07 AM
	Dear Dan, It was a keen pleasure to have known your Mom for the past five (5) years. We too mourn the loss of a genuine Christian and strong soldier. She was an excellent Diaconate and a stalwart Sunday School Teacher. She consistently lead the charge for the Sunday School Christmas and Easter events. She was a rare jewel and "extremely" proud of her children. Tomorrow we say good-bye, but only briefly, for we too will give an account for our lives. May our testimonies be as strong and compelling as hers . . compassionate, faithful, dedicated, patient, and resolved to make this world a better place. I pray that the Holy Spirit with strengthen and comfort you. Respectfully, Beverly Hudgins
	E-mail:	beverly.hudgins@lmco.com
	Peggy Chishlom	Friday, 3/8/02, 7:38 AM
	Deepest sympathy to all family members, and may God continue to bless the Kirby family at this time of bereavement.
	From:	Newark, NJ
	Velma Hayward	Friday, 3/8/02, 3:49 AM
	I thank God for blessing me to know Mrs. Kirby, she was such a blessing for me and my family. Always willing to help others. She really help others in our church with her God given talent. John 6:47 Verily,verily I say unto you, He that believeth on me hath everlasting life. I will miss my sister in christ, but we know she is with Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
	From:	Orlando, Florida
	E-mail:	velma_jean@yahoo.com
	The Guest Book has been closed and remains for archival purposes only.. New Covenant Baptist Church
	Darrell C. Lowery	Thursday, 3/7/02, 4:48 PM
	Dan, I was so sorry to learn of Liz's passing. I grew so fond of her during the time we spent traveling with her through the Holy Land. When I think of her, I recall the passages in Proverbs 31:10-31, as she epitomized them for me in so many ways, "An excellent wife, who can find? For her worth is far above jewels. . .She extends her hand to the poor . . . Strength and dignity are her clothing, and she smiles at the future. She opens her mouth in wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue. She looks well to the ways of her houshold, and does not eat the bread of idleness. HER CHILDREN RISE UP AND BLESS HER, HER HUSBAND ALSO, AND HE PRAISES HER SAYING: MANY DAUGHTERS HAVE DONE NOBLY, BUT YOU EXCELL THEM ALL. Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain, but a WOMAN WHO FEARS THE LORD, SHE SHALL BE PRAISED." To me, when I think of Liz, I think of these beautiful verses, and how they were made a living testimony by her life and her actions. Please know that you and your family are in my prayers. Darrell
	From:	Orlando
	E-mail:	dlowery2@cfl.rr.com
	Reverend Cynthia Hinson Graham	Thursday, 3/7/02, 3:18 PM
	I first remembrance of Ms. Eliza was sitting behind the pulpit chairs in the front row of the choir - she would always have peppermints and would slip one to Pastor RT Davis, then I would reach my hand back and she would give me one, too.My next rememberance is the second year that I was at New Covenant when the Women's Ministry had an All Night Prayer Shut-In, Ms Kirby kept the music going and helped us make it through the night - she was on "t" withthe right selections.Among my last remembrances are seeing her when I was in the doctor's office for a check up and then my visiting with her at the hospital. She talked about how good God is. There was such joy and laughter, but we new she had come through days of pain. She said, "If I go to sleep on you, I'm not being rude." I sitting near her bed and said to her no problem. If you go to sleep on that end of the pillow, I'll just go sleep on this end." She didn't go to sleep then. She ended singing with us and praying, and encouraging us to have a good time when we went back to Church. Visiting with Diaconate Kirby energized all of us- used her testimony as an exaltation in Church that night. We were blessed. I'm thankful for precious memories! Dan, Brother Ellis,Family, and New Covenant, I sure you have many more. Treasure them. I appreciate her labours of love to the teaching ministry of New Covenant. After labour, the LORD promises rest and reward.
	From:	Associate Pastor - New Covenant
	E-mail:	revcynth430@aol.com
	Therman & Finesse Couch	Thursday, 3/7/02, 2:51 PM
	Hi, I've known Toni and Sid for a long time, and they are my family whom i've shared lots of love; and through their love, the love of Mrs. Eliza J. Kirby has touched me. We love you guys very much. May God continue to watch over all of you. Love, Therman Couch & Family
	From:	North Carolina
	E-mail:	tstriker59@aol.com
	Vanita Dinkins	Thursday, 3/7/02, 2:27 PM
	Mrs. Kirby was a wonderful women. She was my middle school Sunday School teacher and always tried to teach us lessons for life. Mrs. Kirby will be truly missed.
	From:	Kissimmee, Florida
	E-mail:	nitagb04@hotmail.com
	Vanard and Dianne Dinkins	Thursday, 3/7/02, 2:23 PM
	We have such nice thoughts of Mrs. Kirby. She was such a sweet, beautiful lady with a love for life and a love for the Lord. She was funny at times and made me laugh as we sat in the choir. She was always keeping up with our children and being sure that they were participating in the Sunday School programs. Mrs. Kirby will truly be missed.
	From:	Kissimmee, Florida
	E-mail:	dysd@msn.com
	Carrie Miller	Thursday, 3/7/02, 1:10 PM
	Dan, I am so sorry to hear about your mother's passing. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. Please let me know if I can do anything for you. Carrie
	From:	Friend
	E-mail:	cmiller@ouc.com
	Tonja Powell	Thursday, 3/7/02, 10:40 AM
	Mrs. Kirby will always be my angel above. For the birth of my first child, Mrs. Kirby was on shift at Arnold Palmer and her presence calmed my spirit and pleasant smile brought me a comfort I will never forget. I will miss her asking me " Will Asa and Justice be here for Easter for the Easter Program? I will get you their speeches." (at New Covenant) To her family: May God bring and Keep you in His Peace. You have are so blessed to be apart of such a wonderful ladies lifeand will always be loved. Sincerely, Tonja Powell
	From:	Altamonte Springs, FL
	E-mail:	how2speak@yahoo.com
	La Verne Denard-Davis	Thursday, 3/7/02, 8:05 AM
	My family and I have always considered the Kirby Family as part of our family. Ms. Kirby was a loving person who truly cared about people. She will be sorely missed by all who knew her... Her death will inspire me even more to live for Jesus so that I will see her and others again in Heaven. To the family ~~ STAY STRONG and depend on God to bring you through this ordeal. You will never get over your loss, but you will begin to accept it more and more with each passing day. Just think... she, Dan, Lisa, Daisy, Ellis, Ma Kilgore and many others are rejoicing in Heaven. As much as they love us, if given the choice as to whether they would like to remain in Heaven or to return to earth, I am certain that their choice would be to remain in Heaven. Let's live so that we will see them again!! God bless you and you will forever be in my prayers. What a Guardian Angel you and Toni have now!! I love you both!!!
	From:	Mauldin, SC (formerly Newark, NJ)
	E-mail:	laverne.davis@iesg.com
	LeRhea Edwards	Thursday, 3/7/02, 5:49 AM
	I will always cherish the talks that Mrs. Kirby and I had. Her guidance to Norman and I will never be forgotten. She is definitely a treasure that will remain as a part of our lives forever. She will be missed. May God comfort the Kirby, Watson ans Johnson family.
	From:	Orlando
	E-mail:	edwardl3@ocps.k12.fl.us
	Linda Parker	Wednesday, 3/6/02, 8:03 PM
	Liz Kirby was all the things said in the other comments---but also, she had the cutest little giggle! And one dark night while driving on a very narrow street in Italy,we met an oncoming car. Liz was driving, I was the front passenger, and the others were "snoozing". That night we made a deal!! If I wouldn't tell how she got so nervous about the oncoming car (because of the tiny streets) that she scrapped my rearview mirror all along the building wall next to the street, she wouldn't tell the others about me getting a little sleepy and knocking over a small road sign while the others snoozed.
	From:	Lake Mary
	The Guest Book has been closed and remains for archival purposes only.. Memories are forever
		Wednesday, 3/6/02, 5:40 PM
	Danny, Thank you for doing this for Liz. Love, Oleta.
	The Guest Book has been closed and remains for archival purposes only.. Oleta Beam Celin
	WILLIAM AND SHIRLEY ROLLE	Wednesday, 3/6/02, 3:50 PM
	We loved Eliza. She was a beautiful woman. She was lovely in pink. I would always ask her to tie my scarf when I wore one to church. She was always happyy to do so. I bought this beautiful pin of a black lady from her, each time I wear it I always get complements. She bowled on my husband's Friday bowling team. They will miss her very much. We will miss seeing her in her nurse's uniform and hat on Sunday. GOOD BYE ELIZA, WE WILL MISS YOU!
	From:	ORLANDO, FL.
	E-mail:	ROLLEW@AOL..COM
	Yvonne E. Parker-McDonald	Wednesday, 3/6/02, 12:05 PM
	Ms. Kirby was a very warm and loving person and each time I saw her, either in the church sanctuary or in the church lobby, she always had a smile and gave me a warm greeting. I first got to know her at one of the women's health conferences held @ New Covenant. She shared some of her personal knowledge concerning breast cancer awareness which I will always remember. Just to know her was to love her and even though I have only known her for about 5 years, I have only heard good and marvelous things about her from others. May you treasure the memories and know that she has gone on to a better place. God bless you always Yvonne Parker-McDonald and Children Kataya and Kareem McDonald
	From:	New Covenant Baptist Church
	E-mail:	yvonne.parker@usdoj.gov
	Bettye Judson	Wednesday, 3/6/02, 11:14 AM
	Dear Family, My sincerest prayers and thoughts go out to you in your loss of Mrs. Kirby. We knew each other through our singing together in New Inspiration Choir, where we were once prayer partners. Briefly we were going to be teachers of her Sunday School class, but I later declined. I must say that I really admired her tenacity and dedication to those youngsters. She was a believer in teaching the Word of God to them and did not waiver in her commitment. A shining example was Mrs. Kirby to both the young and all ages. I thank God that He sent her across my path. It's persons like her that make one want to keep on trusting and depending on the Lord. Be strong and of a good courage; I am sure that she would want that for you all. And to Ellis... I am continuing to pray for you especially. May God always bless you. Bettye Judson
	From:	Orlando, Florida
	E-mail:	bandipandi@aol.com
	The Guest Book has been closed and remains for archival purposes only.. As A Christian and Choir Member
	Diaconate Juanita Claiborne	Wednesday, 3/6/02, 9:48 AM
	I've know Liz since we came to Orlando florida in 1989. She was a beautiful person. There was nothing she would not do for you. she loved everyone. I will miss her smile and her words of encouragement. To you the family, In your time of sorrow, know that God is there right by your side. May His loving arms comfort you and give you the peace you so desire at this time. Remember this : For each minute of grief, a year of peace. For every tear, a thousand reasons to smile. My prayers are with you and your family. Be blessed Juanita Claiborne
	From:	New Covenant Baptist Church of Orlando
	E-mail:	nitawilc@aol.com
	Norman Edwards	Wednesday, 3/6/02, 9:06 AM
	My life has been truly blessed by having known Mrs. Kirby. She was an excellent trainer/adviser to me in my diaconate training. I've come to love her like a mother, because she was so caring toward my family. My final memory: "for he that is called in the Lord, being a servant, is the Lord's freeman: likewise also he that is called, being free, is christ's servant. 1 cor. 7:22, Mrs. Kirby you are trully free.
	From:	orlando, FL
	E-mail:	nedwards@mail.ucf.edu
	Louis & Augustine Hoze	Wednesday, 3/6/02, 8:58 AM
	I will always remember Mrs. Kirby's smile. Her encouragement to us about continuing to work with the children at church. She would always give us uplifting words, and we were always there to help her out with her programs. I will remember how she loved to get the Easter and Christmas programs together walking around with her book in her hands telling me what she wanted the choir to do on the program. And of course you couldn't say no. Her love I believe was planning those progams which gave her great joy. Her programs brought back the child in us.
	From:	Orlando, FL 3210
	E-mail:	hozea@ocps.k12.fl.us
	Gloria Houston	Wednesday, 3/6/02, 8:05 AM
	Mrs./Diaconate Kirby was a great and wonderful woman. She epitomized the role of mother, grandmother and Child of God. She loved children, and loved trying to shape and mold them. I have fond memories of her in the choir both and Shiloh and New Covenant. Daniel and Toni, you had a mother of which to be proud. Ellis, her brother, the two of you were close, remember the good times and that she loved you all
	From:	New Covenant Baptist Church of Orlando
	E-mail:	ghouston@thecovenant.org
	Rana Tiwari	Wednesday, 3/6/02, 7:40 AM
	Dan: My heartfelt sympathies to you and your family. Rana
	From:	NCCJ
	E-mail:	ranatiwari@hotmail.com
	LaVon W. Bracy	Wednesday, 3/6/02, 5:46 AM
	Eliza, What a fantastic person to have known. She was truly a women of great integrity. She was always in a mode of helping others. She helped her family, her church members and even strangers that she did not know. I believe Eliza is in heaven trying to help God out. She leaves a great legacy of love for others to follow. Dan and Toni, I did not have the opportunity to meet your father. I had the wonderful opportunity of knowing your mother. You were blessed with a Jewel. Cherish the wonderful memories. LaVon W. Bracy
	From:	Orlando
	E-mail:	lvbracy@thecovenant.org
	Lydia & Ted Freeman Jr	Wednesday, 3/6/02, 4:59 AM
	Our friend will surely be missed. Her smile, her concern about our health was geniune, because she cared. Her spirit and her walk with Christ was her signature, on her page, on life. We love you, Eliza, and will miss you. See you when we get there.
	From:	from New Jersey, but live in Olrando
	E-mail:	ted2lydia@earthlink.net
	Cornelius Hudgins	Wednesday, 3/6/02, 4:52 AM
	She reminded me of Deborah in the Bible. She was truly a child of God, a leader, a disciple, a servant, and a friend, who always had time for others. She was a person who would work all night at the hospital, then spend all day taking care of a sick friend day after day. This is the kind of love she showed me in a time of difficulty. In addition to that, she always found the time to spread the good news of Jesus Christ to those who were lost. She was in the race to the end, fighting a good fight, and now the victory has been won. I can say with a smile that when the undertaker got there on March 3rd, she was already gone with the uppertaker.
	From:	Orlando, Fl.
	E-mail:	cornelius.hudgins@lmco.com
	Lydia & Ted Freeman Jr	Wednesday, 3/6/02, 4:17 AM
	From:	from New Jersey, but live in Olrando
	E-mail:	ted2lydia@earthlink.net
	The Guest Book has been closed and remains for archival purposes only.. Our friend who stayed on us about our health
	Isaac, Charlene & Robert Grant	Tuesday, 3/5/02, 4:36 PM
	Her spirit is still with us through her and her love she was a blessing to all new her.
	From:	Macon, GA
	E-mail:	igrant52@cox.net
	Scott R. Heatherington	Tuesday, 3/5/02, 10:33 AM
	I did not have the pleasure of knowing Ms. Kirby, however I do know her daughter and can see that she was a fine woman, deeply blessed. You have my regrets and prayers. May the lord keep and bless you. Scott
	From:	SYSCO
	E-mail:	heatherington.s.r022@sysco.com
	Jane Hames	Tuesday, 3/5/02, 8:26 AM
	Dan--My heart goes out to you. I know your mom has been ill for some time, which is why I haven't bugged you about Florida Citrus Sports. Was waiting till things cleared up, so we'll get there one day. In the meantime, I wanted you to know I lost my mom last year. She died in my arms on Christmas Eve; and I can tell you this: No matter how much you prepare yourself, nor how much faith you and your family can bring to bear on the situation, there is no way--no way--you can be ready to accept the incredible hole in your soul that is created when your mom dies. There is a void that will never be filled by another person on this earth, and you should begin the rest of your life by accepting that and looking for comfort in your many wonderful memories she provided for you. There will be no more "normal" and there will be nothing to ease that empty and lost feeling. But as Oprah says: when someone you love dies, it's like having an angel you know. I can tell you that my mom saw angels when she finally let go; and I will never forget that moment as long as I live. I'm sure it was your mom who made you the fine human being you are, and I know you will always treasure the time you and your family had with her. My thoughts and prayers are with you as you begin to sort out all the things that will occur in the next several months, Dan. We can chat about the ordinary worldly stuff when you're ready. Best personal regards, Jane Hames
	From:	Originally from Indiana, in Florida since 1971
	E-mail:	jane.hames@lowndes-law.com
	Rebecca Palmer	Tuesday, 3/5/02, 7:25 AM
	I had the opportunity to meet this beautiful lady at the Citrus Club celebrating a birthday with her son, Dan. Through the years Dan has become one of my, and my husband's, dearest friends. Dan's Mom truly brought him up with love, christian values, honestly, hope, vision, and a true understanding of what is right and wrong. At this time, my thoughts, prayers, and love are with Dan and his entire family. May you all rejoice in the beautiful memories of your Mom.
	From:	Orlando, Florida
	E-mail:	rebecca.palmer@lowndes-law.com
	Betty Martinez Lowery	Tuesday, 3/5/02, 6:27 AM
	I had the great blessing of getting to know Eliza while we toured Israel tegother, and she was a delight. Her beautiful spirit, gentleness, hunger for knowledge, kindness, sense of adventure, and smiling face had a profound impact on all of us who spent those wonderful ten days together, visiting sights so dear to all our various faith traditions. Eliza will be missed by all of us who had the honor to know her. To the family -- please know that while I grieve with you during this time of loss, I also join with you in celebrating her wonderful life and legacy. Eliza was an inspiration to us all. Betty Martinez Lowery Executive Director NCCJ
	From:	NCCJ
	E-mail:	blowery@nccj.com
	Patricia Ambinder	Tuesday, 3/5/02, 5:36 AM
	Eliza Kirby was a joyful person and a joy to know. A Hindu proverb states: Those who give, have all things... Eliza gave love and she received it in multiples from her son, Dan and all who came her way. Eliza shared her enthusiasm for life, her caring concern,and her deep faith with others. We are all the better for knowing such a kind and gentle soul.
	From:	Winter Park, Florida
	E-mail:	pambinder@cfl.rr.com
	Tracey	Monday, 3/4/02, 6:09 PM
	Dan, I feel very lucky to have known your mother. I will always remember her sense of humor. You are one of her greatest legacies -- I know she was proud of you and all of your accomplishments, and that she loved you with all her heart. Love, Tracey
	From:	Orlando
	E-mail:	tpartin@mpinet.net
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