Even in Death, She Brought Life

Even in death, she brought life
Current mood:  peaceful

I had the great privilege to be able to attend the homegoing service of Sister Willa Dorsey.  They allowed friends to have a few words, and we heard from people all over the world who loved her, whose lives she touched, from the soldier who was stationed in Germany, to the leader of the Portland Salvation Army Band, to one of the musicians from the Lawrence Welk show, to ordinary people who loved her – and she called a lot of ‘Baby,’ even though each of us thought we were the only one!

We sang some of the songs she sang, including “Welcome Table” and “Oh, I Want to See Him,” which were particularly touching when we realized that she is now seated at the Welcome Table, and on the streets of glory, she is now lifting her voice, and looking upon His face.

The best part was after the preacher had brought the message, when he gave the invitation to Christ – at least 3 people accepted Jesus!  So even in her death, she still is pointing souls to Calvary!

Oh, yes, I miss her, but even if she could come back to earth, she would never leave her eternal home in glory!

You might wonder what this has to do with What’s for Dinner… well, I’ve been feasting on her music and memory ever since I found out she passed from this life to the next!

Add a comment January 19, 2009

Remembering Sister Willa Dorsey

Remembering Sister Willa Dorsey
Current mood:  blessed
Category: Life

Our dear friend, Sister Willa Dorsey, has gone on to glory.  I am so thankful to have known her!  Her music has inspired me and revived my spirit so many times.  She has been a blessing to our family and to our church congregation.

I remember one time when we met her at Maranatha Church in Portland, and I told her that I learned to sing by listening to her tapes.  She told me she would like to hear me sing some time, and I just smiled, not wanting to be disrespectful, but I thought, ‘that will never happen.’  However, when I heard she was in a care facility in November 2008, I went to visit her many times – and each time, I sang a song to encourage her… so she did get to hear me sing.

When my husband visited her last month, she sang his name, she was so happy to see him!  They had been friends for a very long time, at least 25 years – I met her in May of 1990 when she came to Everlasting and she sang for us, about 25 of us.  She gave us the same performance she gave to presidents and kings, starting with “Have Thine Own Way, Lord,” and finishing with “Come to Jesus.”

We are working with her son, William, to make some of her music available at this website:

http://everlasting.8k.com/publishing/mediastore/dorsey_media.html

Right now we have 3 CDs, and we are hoping to have 5 more available soon.

2 comments January 19, 2009