Miss Leta's wonderfully authentic service.

Of the dozen or so funeral services I've attended in my lifetime, Ms. Leta's service this morning was one of the most authentic and moving. Many funerals, particularly when turned over to the funeral director and minister to orchestrate, have a sort of pre-packaged, efficient, slickness that is often short on genuine emotion much outside of the immediate family. Miss Leta's beautiful service was markedly different.Her siblings from Thailand were unable to make it. Not to worry. Her Aunt B's family did a beautiful job putting together a wonderfully heartfelt, simple, yet exquisitely touching ceremony. It was attended by all of the current Aunt B's family of owners and employees as well as numerous past employees. Dozens of folks I recognized as Miss Leta's regular customers and friends were also there. Before it was over, there was literally not a dry eye in the place - mine included. Janie Highsmith, choking back the tears, made it through a touching eulogy. Colman Gentry played guitar and sang a beautiful and moving rendition of "On the Wings of a Snow White Dove." Kim McKendree (nee Woods) spoke lovingly of Miss Leta and read a very moving poem. The service was "officiated" by one of the kitchen workers, a young man possessed of poise way beyond his years by the name of Jeremy Sweat. If he is not already a preacher, he certainly could be. A truly masterful job was done by all who put together this simple but moving testimony to a life well lived.