“We don’t age because of time, but of the stories we live – stories of joy, sadness, anticipation, hopefulness, and celebration.” – Jim McGee, 8/11/2025
Who knew you could learn so much about living while attending the celebration of someone’s life? I did this week.
For three and a half hours, the line at Randall and Roberts Funeral Home stretches around and out of the doors into the hallway. Hundreds show up to celebrate the life of my friend, Barbara Pyke Carter.
There are Noblesville Schools bus drivers, parents whose children rode Barb’s special needs bus, and old Nazarene Church friends. What was truly amazing was how many people were there who were in the youth group when she was the director/counselor/mentor back in the 1990s. She made sure no one was left out of any event. Many times, she “sponsored” them. I can hear Barb say, “Oh my goodness, they all came for me!”
Her cousin, Jim, knew her well and gave a beautiful eulogy. He remarks that Barb was good for you, good to you, and good for your soul. Who among us can say we are good for someone’s soul?
Jim continues with the thought that the measure of a life well-lived isn’t possessions or accomplishments – it’s the love we give away. Barb was truly one of the most loving and kindest people I’ve ever known. She expressed her love for her family and friends not just with words but in the way she listened, the way she laughed, and in the way she made you feel like the most important person in the room.
Graphic provided
It’s now my turn to speak. I recite scripture. Scripture was Barb’s pillow at night.
I sought the Lord and He answered me; He delivered me from all my fears. Psalm 34:4
She will have no fear of bad news; her heart is steadfast, trusting in her Lord. Psalm 112:7
My friend’s life was not about wishful thinking but hope-filled thinking. That’s living by Faith. The voice of her Faith was louder than the voice of her fear. Death did not silence her Faith. Death was her victory because of the promise of Heaven.
Some will question why God did not answer Barb’s prayer for healing. Barb and I had discussed the “even if.” Even if God did not heal her here on earth, she knew her healing would be in Heaven, where she would spend eternity. She assured me she was okay with Heavenly healing. She laughed that when she got out of the hospital, she might get a tattoo with the words … “Even If.” Her friend had gotten one with her life verse of Habakkuk 1:5.
If there were a soundtrack of Barb’s life, it would be filled with Worship music. I’ve often said that whenever Barb sang, I think the angels in Heaven stopped what they were doing and listened.
Jim’s thoughts at the gravesite hug my heart, and the tears spill. He says of what Barb might have said, “When I tell you I love you, it’s not just out of habit or routine. I say it because I am so lucky to have you. If I had to choose between loving you and breathing, I’d use my last breath to tell you ‘I love you.’”
Jim closes our time at Gray Friends Cemetery with these words: Grief is love’s unwillingness to let go, but Faith is love’s assurance that it never has to.
Barb never missed an opportunity to show how much she loved her family and friends. On Monday evening, the line at the funeral home showed just how much they loved her.
Janet Hart Leonard can be contacted at janethartleonard@gmail.com or followed on Facebook or Instagram (@janethartleonard). Visit janethartleonard.com.
Beautiful.