Published: May 10, 2009 09:53 pm      

MARK MAYNARD: Church mourns special woman

It wasn’t your ordinary Sunday morning service at Unity Baptist Church.

Even with made-to-order weather for Mother’s Day, the heavy-heartedness of a congregation was apparent. It turned out to be a day to honor mothers and remember a special one.

They tried to go about business as usual, but emotions weren’t going to let that happen easily. Tears were the order of the day in the prayers that were offered. Voices cracked or went silent. Sniffles sometimes pierced the silence.

Things were a little awkward at times, nobody really knowing what to say. Everyone seemed numb over what had transpired in less than 24 hours. The most common statement was “I just can’t believe it.”

A church was in mourning, grieving the loss of Penne Paris, the sweet wife of Unity pastor Floyd Paris. She was taken away suddenly and shockingly on Saturday afternoon. Her loving husband was miles away, tending to family matters in Memphis where a grandmother was facing death, never suspecting anything like this would happen. And then it did. The distance made it even tougher on him as his two children and Penne’s mother were here dealing with the worst reality this side of heaven.

At church on Sunday morning, a choir robe was draped over the chair she would normally have occupied. She loved serving the Lord and did so with humbleness. She would do whatever was necessary and was never afraid to roll up her sleeves and get to work. It may have been Sunday School, Vacation Bible School, Judgment House or just to pray with someone whose heart was troubled. You could count on Penne Paris to serve in a time of need.

Her husband counted on her for much more. She was the perfect complement to him. They were a team, and a good one. They made each other stronger. She was outgoing, but never overbearing. She was funny and witty, a counselor and a friend to everyone she came in contact with. She was a prayer partner and sounding board for her husband. Sometimes she was a voice of reason. Penne was a model pastor’s wife and, it goes without saying, the love of his life.

Penne Paris was an example of what it means to be a Christian. She was respected, loved and admired, a wonderful wife and mother, a dear friend and servant. She will be missed for all those reasons and many, many more.

Her passing leaves a void in the heart of a church and the heart of a family. Both were hurting on Sunday and will be for some time.

MARK MAYNARD can be reached at mmaynard@dailyindependent.com or (606) 326-2648.