I would ask everyone who can to please write a longer comment on what Jill meant to you and post it here. I will make sure they get to Scott.
Thank you for your comments, Scott has read a few, and I'm sure he will read them much more in the coming days and weeks. Let's all rally around him right now. I cannot bear to think about the next week, month, year of his life. I know in whom he has trusted and am convinced that He is able to keep it until the day of his coming. Pray that God would sustain him, and comfort him, and pray for us that we will be able to support him.
Thanks again for your comments.
Sunday, November 2, 2008
In Memory of Jill
Posted by JB at 8:33 AM
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
Posts
104 comments:
My prayers are with Scott and his and Jill's families. I worked with Scott at Antioch when he was the college minister there. I feel that my life was enriched knowing Jill and Scott. I pray that our Father God will wrap the family in His comforting and healing arms.
Christie Pegoda
I grieve deep in my soul for the loss of Jill. She was a precious, precious person. She loved everyone and was always a bright spot wherever she went. I remember when Scott first told me of this Jill girl, he said "I want my own Jill Jarvis and I'm going to get her." I knew she had to be special because Scott was a picky person when it came to girls. It was precious he was smitten by her to say the least.
I remember when he came back from the engagement and was so excited about it and kept rambling on and on. I was thinking man she's going to have a great husband. Little did I know how precious and amazing she would be.
Jill was such a loving and compassionate person. She was so strong in her faith. I always thought if I could have a bit of her passion for her Jesus.
Our prayers are with you Scott. Love you, Paige (Dickinson) Brumley
Jill was an amazing woman. To see the way that just her name made Scotts eyes light up when they were dating was a testiment of the impact she had on his life. What an amazing gift God has given us all in knowing her. I cannot remember a time when I spoke with Jill that she did not have a smile on her face, and did not make me feel that I was very important. These were gifts that I know she shared with many many people. I know my wife Mary was truly impacted by Jill and I'm sure will post on here. But for me, She was an amazing picture of a Godly woman, and will continue to be from this moment on.
-Bob Heinze
We love you all and are praying God's grace in your life. Our hearts are broken, but we trust in Christ.
-Mark and Amanda Livingston
I was one of Jill's students and she was such an inspiration to me and many others I know. She lit up the room when she walked in and knew how to make even a room full of 60 nursing students feel like a great place to be. I know she is in heaven right now making someone laugh so hard it hurts at something that nobody ever thought could be so funny. Mrs. Atteberry was a wonderful person, mentor, and mother I'm sure. I will never forget her and the way she inspired me as a student and now as a nurse. She will be truly missed. Your family is in my prayers.
Jamie Thornton
We cannot even think of Jill without seeing her smiling face and the look of joy in worship as she would sing before the congregation. Jill's Disciples heart has touched many lives allready and that legacy will live on through others being willing to share the love of God through discipleship. Gods love just seemed to be overflowing in Jill any time that you saw her and her compassion for others was always seen in her actions. We will miss her.
Scott and Pam Hill
My prayers are with Scott and Bryce. When my family first starting going to Antioch they were the nicest friendlest couple that we had met. I remember when we starting going to a new Sunday School class Jill made us feel soo welecomed. I can still see her holding my baby Simon. PLaying with him and talking to him. we fell in love with her and her sweet spirit ♥. It is a honor to say that I knew her. My heart is breaking for you and your family. Jill was beauitful sweet person that would light up a room and make everyone smile. We LOVE you Jill ♥
The Roberts Family, Chris,Crystal, Thomas ,Phillip, Simon, & Andrew
Sam and I first knew of Jill through ABS retreats at Gary, TX. We got to know her better when her and Scott came to Wyatt. I respected her Godly wisdom on how to be be Godly wife and mother..even before she became a mother. I also sought her Godly wisdom and asked her to pray with me in a decision on where to go when Wyatt started going on mission trips. There is no doubt God used her in so many ways. May Scott be comforted in the days ahead in hearing about how God used Jill in all your lives.
I would like to express my deepest regret to Scott and Baby Bryce. You both will remain in my heart and prayers.
I am not sure I can put into words how Jill touched my life not only as a nurse but also as a Christian. I will try... As an instructor, Jill taught all of us to go the extra mile when caring for others. She taught me how to spread the Love of God to the sick and their loved ones. She taught me that by just holding someone's hand while they lay in a hospital bed was sometimes better than all the medicine in the world. She taught me...so much. Her whole demeanor was saturated with God's love for people. As a Christian, she was so passionate about spreading God's message. Whenever I was around her I could just feel her excitment about Jesus' Love and what He did for us. It was like she was bursting to tell about Him! Even now, it is contagious.
I will remember everything you taught me, Jill. I promise.
God be with Scott and staff at Wyatt. You are all in my prayers.
Karis Fleming
I was in Mrs. A's clinical group her last semester at SAU before sweet baby Bryce was born. The knowledge that she bestode to us was unbelievable. When I say this I think I can speak for all of the SAU nursing students in saying that we are all in "shock" to say the least. We all loved her and loved learning from her. She had a GREAT love for life and her students. She will trully be missed by all of her SAU nuring student. Scott please know that we are all praying for you and Bryce and through God all things are possible. Mrs. A. touched the world and everyone's heart. May God please your entire family. Carly Thompson
I remember meeting Jill... she met and exceeded all of my expectations. Scott would always go on and on about this girl named Jill Jarvis:)... I knew he was certain to marry her and I knew she was going to be so blessed to have him for her husband. I really looked up to Jill and knew God had gifted her in so many ways. She had such a sweet spirit and such a strong faith.
We're saddened because all we can think about is how we're going to miss her, how her family is going to miss her, how Bryce is going to long for her BUT we are rejoicing that God is good and in control. Jill is complete in Him. Scott and Bryce have even more of a reason to long for Heaven. Thank you so much Lord for opening Jill's eyes to Your goodness and allowing her to live her life for Your glory. May those whose lives she touched glorify You in their sadness. May those who don't know You see Your goodness through it all.
First, let me start by asking God to wrap his arms around Jill's family and embrace them with his love and support.
I worked with Jill for a couple of years at SAU and when lending a hand from time to time she always told me that I was SUPER, Jill was the SUPER one. It is hard to even imagine a world without her in it. Jill was a very special person and she touched the lives and hearts of anyone that she came in contact with.
To the entire family, please let your memories bring you comfort during your time of grief. God Bless you all!
Kelli Burrell
Mrs. Attebery was a wonderful person. She was one of my teachers in nursing school and I just recently graduated in May. I remember her lectures and her goofy personality!! She made her lectures fun by making us all laugh and she made the craziest faces! My favorite lecture was fluids and electrolytes...she loved that stuff!! Then my last semester she got pregnant and she was so excited and we were all happy for her. She really touched a lot of lives especially a lot of nurses out there. She will be truly missed and her family is in my prayers.
A few years ago I heard Jill sing a song that became one of my favorites. It was "Jesus, lover of my soul" (or "It's all about you") The message of the song tells that everything is in existence because of the Father and that He will receive glory from it. It was so beautiful and God used that song to minister to my heart. God used her willing spirit and sweet voice to minister to me. I know she meant every word of the song...you could see it on her face. And can you imagine....now she has seen the face of Jesus? Wow. Dustin and I are praying for God's peace and comfort for Scott and Bryce.
Angela Wisely
My heart breaks in knowing that this precious person has been taken from our reach...but knowing that God has an amazing plan holds my heart together. Jill touched my life in more ways than can ever be written or told...her life and love taught me how to be the wife and woman i am today. Her faith was unchangeable and unshakeable. Heaven has recieved a priceless gift in her today. Praise the father for her life and moments here will for they will continue to teach all those that knew her and were honored enough to call her friend. Scott...i hold you so close in my heart and bryce you will know how wonderful your mother was. Her memory will go on forever. i love you both and i will kneel before my father for you both constantly.
Mary Heinze
Scott we are praying for you, Bryce and your family. We love you all. I am blessed to know Jill and call her a friend. I am fortunate to have been a part of her Bible study; she had such a huge impact on my walk with God. If it wasn't for her, I wouldn't be where I am today. She poured so much into my life and so many others. She was always there for me no matter what the circumstance...we laughed together, cried together and she taught me so much about bringing glory to God. Scott, I hope you know how much you and Jill mean to me. I am a better person because of y'all.
Jill sang at our wedding in August 2006 and has made a huge impact on our lives. Her heart to make God known with passion and zeal was contagious.
She had a incredible influence in Tim's life through his high school years, always pointing him to Jesus and His grace and truth. She did not really know me, in fact we just met at our wedding, but she still took the time to send me a book with a long letter to encourage me on my journey in marriage.
Jill's love for Jesus and love for people will be a memory we will hold on to forever.
We will miss Jill greatly and will continue to pray for Scott and the entire family during this time of mourning.
I have thought the same thing over and over. "Some day I will find my own Jill Jarvis". We all thought she was some mythical creature you had invented. How could anyone be so perfect? Especially in Scott Attebery's eyes?! Then we met her. She really was that incredible. What a fairy tale to marry your dream girl. She was the kind of woman that makes you want to make you also strive to be a Proverbs 31 woman. She glowed with her love for the Lord. We have all been blessed to have her in our lives.
We love you and will be praying for you.
Josh and Erika Swart
We haven't known Scott and Jill for very long, but they have touched our lives in ways I cannot express. Jill was a wonderful example of God's love. She was gentle and generous with her love. She will be missed greatly. We are praying for Scott and Bryce.
Isabelle Gathright
Scott, Baby Bryce, and Family you are all in my prayers. As said before, I was also one of Mrs. Attebery's student and I will never forget the way she lit up the room when she walked in. No matter what kind of day that you were having she always had a way of brightening it up with something that she said or just by the glow that she always carried. We will always remember her and remember what a strong woman that she was and how much she touched all of our lives. She will forever and always be in our hearts.
May the Lord comfort all of you during this time of loss. Jill was an amazing woman: kind, Godly, compassionate, fun loving and always positive. I will count it as a blessing that I got to know her back in school in Lufkin.
I knew Jill when Scott and her were ministering to college students at ABS on UCA campus. They were an awesome God-fearing couple and a great inspiration, I was sad to see them move away.
Jill would lead a girl's Bible study at her house while Scott did one for the guys at ABS. Jill was always so outgoing and friendly to everyone she met. Even if she didn't know you well, she would find something to talk to you about and compliment you on.
At the Bible studies, you could see the Love of God in her eyes and through her words. I remember thinking "I hope one day I will have just an ounce of love and faith that Jill contains."
Scott, I'm sure all the old ABSers would want you to know that we love you and you are in our prayers. We will miss Jill but we will remember all that she did for us and taught us.
I don't know where to begin. Mrs. Attebery touched my life in so many ways. I was assigned to her clinical group my first attempt at third level. I was so scared; I had heard she was tough and if clincals were anything like her test I knew I was in trouble!! I learned more in that one semester than I had my entire college career. She was so incredibly smart, not just about nursing but about life. She was an amazing person. She always encouraged us to go that one step further for our patient's even if it were holding a hand or offering a few minutes of our time to just listen. After she left SAU I kept in contact with her through email. We would share prayer request and she would send pictures of Bryce. Through the emails we discovered that we shared a lot in common. I often would ask her if she was sure she didn't want to come back to SAU even if it was just for her famous fluid and electrolyte lecture! She would respond by saying that she "loved being home with Bryce and being a full time wife and mommy!" She said to me often that she loved that baby and that he was perfect in every way. At first I had a difficult time with having to repeat the third level. She shared this verse with me and I have kept it with me the whole time: "For those who love God and are called according to His purpose, He orchestrates everything for a reason – namely, for (1) that person’s good and (2) for His glory! (Romans 8:28)" She was such a Godly woman. She lit up a room when she entered. I will miss our email conversations and will continue to pray for Scott, baby Bryce and their families. I can only hope to be as great a nurse, wife, mother and woman as she was.
K'Lyn Crain
There are not words that can accurately describe what Jill meant to me but I am going to try. First and foremost I cannot think of a time that I saw Jill without a smile on her face. When she walked into a room it would fill will with joy and love. Her words of wisdom were priceless. Her listening ear was always available. Her encouraging words and hugs were very much appreciated. The love of Christ that she demonstrated was inspirational. She challenged me in my daily walk with God. She taught me so much about Christ and I can honestly say that I would not be where I am today, in my Christian walk, without her guidance. She touched the lives of so many, as is apparent by the numerous people writing on here. She will be greatly missed but never forgotten. She will forever remain in our thoughts. It’s hard to think that she is no longer here on this earth until I think about the fact that she is in heaven with our heavenly Father. I will forever remember what she taught me, not only through her words but through her life and her actions.
To Scott, Bryce and the entire Jarvis/ Attebery family- my thoughts and prayers go out to you during this time of great loss.
I LOVE JILL, SHE WAS SUCH A INSPIRATION TO ME AS A CLINICAL INSTRUCTOR, SHE WAS DEDICATED AND HAD A GREAT PASSION FOR WHAT SHE WAS DOING. SHE WAS SMART , IF WE HAD MORE ANGELS LIKE HER IN THIS PROFESSION IT WOULD SO MUCH GREATER. I KNOW NOW THAT HER WORK IS FINISHED ON THIS SIDE AND GOD NEEDED HIS ANGEL FOR SO MUCH MORE IN HIS HEANENLY HOME. I KNOW THAT SHE'S SMILING DOWN ON US. I'M JUST SO GRATEFUL FOR THE TIME THAT I SPENT WITH HER AND THE VALUABLE THINGS THAT I LEARNED FROM HER. SCOTT I'LL BE PRAYING FOR YOU AND YOUR FAMILY. ANGELA EDWARDS SAU STUDENT.
Scott, our prayers are with you and your family. I pray that God will continue to give you strength through this horrible time and give you peace as you struggle through the days to come. We love you and will continue to pray for you each day. Love, Christy and Ronnie.
Scott and Bryce, my prayers are with you and your families. My heart broke when I heard about Jill. I looked up to Jill. Jill is the kind of person, the kind of Christian that I pray myself and my children can be. I always felt like sitting by Jill...maybe some of her glow would stick to me. I will always remember Scott's story about the "Lufkin glow" he immediately recognized in Jill. Jill glowed with God's love. She is a beacon of His glory and she always will be. The world got darker when Jill left it, but heaven just got a bit brighter. John and I will continue to pray for God's peace, comfort, and healing for all who will miss Jill.
John and Cathy Ewing
Scott- you and your family are in my prayers. I still remember when you and Jill were neighbors of mine on Trillium Drive, those are days I will always look back on fondly. Jill was so incredibly special to everyone that met her. I'm headed to church in Breckenridge, CO now (where I live) and know that we have a group here praying for you.
Mrs. Attebery was one of the best instructors I have had in college. She was such an inspiration to me. I just hope that I will be half the nurse she was once I graduate. She made nursing so interesting and fun, especially fluid and electrolytes, that was her specialty. She was so knowledgeable of every subject she taught and explained stuff where you could remember it. I still use a lot of her analogies in the clinical setting today. She was so easy to talk to and full of energy all of the time. I remember in 2nd level we were all terrified to go to 3rd level because we had heard that it was so hard, and Mrs. Attebery was "so tough." Then once we got there.. there was no doubt she was tough, or at least her tests at least... but she made everything so interesting and fun.. I remember when we got assigned our clinical groups at the beginning of the semester.. I was hoping to get Mrs. Attebery because I know she would push me and make me think outside the box in the hospital setting.... When I didn't get her and a friend of mine did, she called me almost in tears because she was so nervous. I was upset knowing that I wasn't going to be in her group. haha By the end of the semester, whether you had her for clinical or not, she touched your life in some way or another. She was just in one word... AWESOME! She will be missed by so many. I will continue to pray for her family.
Tiffany Ashley
Jill Jarvis--That name brings pure joy to my heart. I remember meeting her at Kelty's for the first time. Her smile was infectious, her personality incredible--she was someone I wanted to get to know! Participating in youth events throughout one summer was such a blessing, because I got to know her--to connect with her--to spend time with her. She and Scott had not been engaged long, and we got to hear all about this guy and how perfect he was. Besides being together throughout endless rehearsals, we would go grab fast food and even hang out at her house. My favorite memory of Jill is her running into her bedroom with her veil on, skipping and jumping around, exclaiming, "I'm going to be a bride, I'm going to be a bride." She was thrilled to marry the man she had always prayed God would send her. She loved, adored, respected, and cherished Scott Attebery. Then--we met him. He was all that she said he was. He had the same sweet spirit she had and his eyes sparkled when he looked at her. I remember her telling me about the many speeding tickets he got travelling back and forth from Arkansas to Texas, even though he used "cruise control". Her stories were always so cute, especially when she talked about Scott. With all of the fun times and laughs we shared, one thing was the reason for such joy--Jesus!! She loved Jesus wholeheartedly and served Him faithfully. She encouraged me to be a "Jill Jarvis". (Scott told the story of how he wanted a "Jill Jarvis" of his own.) I admire her faith, her musical abilities, her personality, her respect for everyone, and the way she honored Scott. She will never be forgetten. She made a huge impact on my life.
My first thought when I heard the news was "How?" How could a person so alive just not be? Jill could warm me up with her smile, comfort me with her words, and challenge me to be more, love more, serve more. She did that all not just with words, but by her own example.
Thank you Scott, for bringing her (and yourself) in my life. I am better for knowing her.
I love you.
I only had the opportunity to work with Jill for one semester but in that small amount of time, she influenced me in her wonderful teaching methods, her professionalism and her spirited personality! She was so animated. She was a wonderful mentor and a role model. She will be terribly missed in the SAU nursing department. My heart and prayers go out to her extended family.
I have created a photo album of some of the photos that I took in the spring and posted them on Walgreens.com titled "Jill" if anyone is interested. I gave CDs of these photos to Jill at the end of spring semester.
Heaven gained a beautiful angel today!
Caroline Hammond
Jill and I met in the 4th grade and were great friends growing up. I regret not staying in touch after high school, but was so exicted to reconnect with her recently on Facebook. I was so happy for the birth of that beautiful little boy. I believe she was truly happy. I'm just so sorry. I wish I had something comforting to say. I do know that she's with God now, and that comforts me.
I've only known Jill a short time that we served on the Hannah Center board but what a precious spirit she had. I had so much adoration for her not because she was so cute and bubbly and fat (pregnant fat)but because she had so much passion for what she was doing. I know that passion flowed from her love for God and her own family. My last memory of Jill was at our last meeting and how I guess she could tell I was just craving to hold Bryce but I was reluctant since he was only a month old. She didn't hesitate to tell me I could pick him up and I held him the rest of the meeting. I know she is going to be missed horribly by so many people. I know I will miss her sweetness.
Scott, I pray that just as you know the heavens are holding the sky that God's hand will hold you up during this time. That your grieving will draw you nearer to God in way that you have never been before. That your faith in your God's grace and sovernity will carry you through the difficult days ahead. The prayers of many and the arms that God will send to wrap around you and Bryce and the rest of your family will surely be a comfort to you along with knowing that Jill has met the One that she loves so much. In Christ Alone....Shan Pletcher, Magnolia
I pray for sweet Bryce and Scott during this time. I know the memories and love Jill imparted to everyone in her life will live on through her sweet boy. Sending love and prayers.
Jeremy Whiteker
Jill could not have glorified God more with her life if she tried. To be able to know her and be her friend is a blessing from God. She was a mom to some, daughter to others, and a sister to me. It's so hard to imagine that things are going to be okay, but if Jill were here, she would be the first one to tell me about love and sovereignty of our God. We at Wyatt all looked to her to know what to do: how to treat our husbands, how to love our kids. She left an amazing example for us to follow. We praise God for her life and the way she lived it.
We love you so much Scott. I can never understand what it feels like for part of you to be gone. Our prayers are with you constantly.
Jessica and Logan
Scott,
This is Jonathan Pollard & Julie (Hubbard) Pollard from Jacksonville. I saw all of this from Toya's facebook page. I only met Jill a couple of times, maybe once or twice, by my, what an impression she made upon me. It must have been 10 years ago or so, when Amy and I were in Conway visiting Jason and Toya. I will never forget how kind, loving and beautiful that she was! Please know that your east texas friends are pouring prayers and blessings over you during these times.
Praying for you to have peace that passes understanding,
The Pollard's & The Hubbard's
Jill will be missed greatly. She was an amazing and precious person. I got to know Jill my first couple of years of college when Scott and her where helping with ABS, and also working SOAR. I can still remember Jill encouraging me while I was trying to get in nursing school. She was such a blessing! I remember one day, a few years ago, seeing her in the ABS parking lot, she had heard that I had started dating David, and she was so excited for me. She had met David when she helped with UCA clinicals. She was good at that, being able to really love on people and really make you know that she genuinely cares. She was also a great example of what a Godly woman should be and I hope to have as much passion serving my Savior as she did! I also hope to be as great of a nurse as she was. She was as caring and compassionate with her patients as she was with her family. Scott, you and Jill made such a huge impact on my life, and I know many others as well. I love you guys, and will be praying for you!
Please let us know if you need anything!
Rachel (Alred) Thornton
I didn't know Jill very well. We met at VSM Bootcamp several times and I knew her from SOAR. I may not have known Jill as well as others, but she definitely left an impact for a lifetime. You could tell just by looking at Jill that she loved the Lord. Her actions spoke volumes. Even though she didn't know me well, she gave me encouragement while we were at Bootcamp. Every time I saw Jill, she was so happy and had a great smile. She will forever be in my heart as a great model for a daughter of Christ. She will be greatly missed. Scott, we are praying for you and know that this loss is great.
Amy (Simpson) Watson
I don't know if I can do any post that is worthy of this lady. I have only come to know her in recent years as we served on the Hannah Medical Center board of directors. She served the past year (almost) as director of that board. A more dedicated person and board member, I have not known. She always spoke well of her husband and of course was estactic with her new son. She has left a trail of "touched lives" everywhere she has been recently. Certainly, the SAU nursing program has been impacted by her work there. The Hannah Medical Center is a better ministry because of her input and leadership. I am sure that Wyatt Baptist Church is a much better church because she was there. She is not here, but her life and the lives she impacted live on.
To Scott and his family, to Jill's family, hold to the memories who lived the life she professed.
Hal Harris (HMC Board of Directors)
First time I visited wyatt baptist on a sunday morning, Mrs. Jill welcomed me with open arms with the teenage-girls' Bible study. Out of all the towns in the U.S. a person could move to, when she found out I moved to Nacogdoches (her High School's biggest enemy, 30 mins away) and was trying out for drill team (which she did at Lufkin as well), she was very excited and told me to keep her updated with whatever happens. I haven't seen her since that day in April and everytime I get on the field since then, I think of all the crazy happenings she would love to hear. Out of everyone in El Dorado, she's prolly the one I am most eager to tell these stories to. Now it's too late. She was such a sweet person and now, I'll always think of her as my drill-team angel. My family's prayers are with the Attebery's family, friends, and fellow church members. Everything happens for a reason and God believed for a special person like her, she was ready to enter his kingdom. God Bless.
--trisha emborgo
It seems that I can't remember a time when I didn't know who Jill Jarvis Attebery was. She and Scott were legends of the BMA when I was a teenager...even then she was the kind of person that every Christian girl wanted to grow up to be like.
I didn't get the chance to really know more about Jill until I was much older. I am so thankful for the time that I was allowed. She was an encouragement and a glorious example of Christ in everything she did...the way she loved Scott, the way she waited patiently on the Lord for a baby, the way she carried Bryce in the womb and the way she mothered him after his birth.
Jill was the very definition of beauty...inside and out. My heart aches that we will no longer experience that beauty, but rejoices in knowing that she has today met beauty far beyond anything we can imagine. Today, as we at Wyatt struggled in our grief to lift our voices to the Lord, I could only imagine that Jill was sitting or standing or kneeling before the Father singing her praises to Him at the top of her lungs!
Scott and Bryce and the Attebery and Jarvis families are in our prayers. Scott, we love you and appreciate all that you and Jill have taught. May the Lord grant peace and comfort to you know and in the days to come.
Love,
Katie Sandifer
Scott and Bryce –
We’ve only known you since August. Scott – you visited, called, and took so much time to answer our questions as we were searching for a church and just after we had moved. You all brought us a meal last week while Amy was with her mother.... chicken spaghetti, green beans, and garlic bread. Jill had called earlier and said that her prayer group knew that we were going through a hard time, and they wanted to serve us in that way. Then you all drove up last Tuesday to come to Mama's funeral. Jill had tears in her eyes when Amy said hello to her outside the church.... We have received your acts of service and love on behalf of Christ with a feeling of unworthiness and joy – at the same time. We thank God that we were able to meet and know Jill. We have seen the amazing comments that so many have written about her. She was a teacher. No matter what subject she was teaching, it seems, she was teaching her students about Christ and sharing His love. She taught us too, even in such a brief time.
We love you both and will be asking our Father to comfort you, sustain you, strengthen you, and lead you.
May God fill all our hearts with joy - as we contemplate what Christ brought to an end with his suffering. The triumphant Christ alone can enable us to say by faith, "Where is thy sting death?", even in the face of the full force of its power. One day .... There will be no more tears.
In Christ,
Matt and Amy Lane, Eli, Luke, and baby Isaac
I met Jill through church camp at Gary, Texas years ago. She was an amazing young woman. Her smile and personality were one of the first things you noticed. I remember when Scott told me that they were together. He said, "You remember how we always wanted a girl like Jill Jarvis.... well guess what, I got her!" Bryce will have those same characteristics that made Jill so endearing to people. Jill was truly satisfied with God, and that is what I envy. Scott, you are being prayed for constantly by countless numbers of people. I love you my friend.
Cody Calhoun
No words can express the way Jill impacted every person she met. She lived her life well, and is standing at the feet of our Savior today worshiping!
I had known Jill for a few years before we went to Russia, but I really got to know her then. She was absolutely hilarious and her spunkiness made my sides hurt. Though I didn't get to see her much recently, we emailed back and forth and she was always giving me nursing advice and encouraging me in our profession.
She was so full of life and such an encourager and woman of God. I am a better person for knowing her. Scott, I will be praying for you and Bryce over the next months and years. God is enough and I know you know that, He will carry you through. Love you all!
Jill and I became fast friends the first day of Mrs. Allen's fifth grade class, and we remained close through junior high and high school.
We had so many adventures, especially during those early years of friendship: we formed a detective agency with another friend in the class, determining to discover who was adding extra demerits to the conduct chart by our names -- the teacher assured us she wasn't doing it; holding beauty pageants and talent competitions when our friend Denise came back to town to visit -- we always spent as much time trying to figure out what I could do for talent as we did on the actual talent portion since Jill sang so beautifully and I croaked like a frog; playing hide and seek during parties at her parents' house -- Jill and I always ended up in Porky's Palace, where she kept her piggies. As the years flew by, we were in the same classes, and we studied together and grew up together. We eventually went to A&M together, but we lived on opposite sides of campus and just never saw each other.
I regret losing touch with Jill, and she and I reconnected in April. She told me that she was expecting her first child and that she was, in her words, "completely pumped about" being "a stay-home wife and mom." This didn't surprise me at all. Jill gave her all to everything. She was always "completely pumped" about everything she did in life.
I cannot imagine the depth of Scott's, Bryce's, the Jarvises', and Scott's family's loss and pain. I will keep all of you in my prayers and heart. I grieve with you and for you. If there is anything I can do for you at any time, please let me know.
In love,
Becky Sayers Hanson
Scott,
Dang, this is hard. Our hearts are breaking. So, I have no idea about how you must be feeling. I only know it is infinitely worse than we are feeling.
I know that you have hope and faith, too, though. There is nothing about this situation and how it relates to God and His sovereignty and His love and His grace that you don't already know.
People will be watching you now. They will want to see how this "man of God" handles adversity. I know you know this, and I know that you won't always feel like acting like a person full of faith and hope in this situation.
It is also extremely obvious that Jill touched so many lives and that she was a faithful witness of love and joy regardless of what was going on.
Remember, Scott, that Bryce needs you more than your church needs you right now. Remember that you need your church more than your church needs you right now, too. Don't be afraid to let them support you and grieve with you during this time. I know Wyatt has had a rough few years, and I also know that they love you and want to help you in any way that they can. You don't have to be the fearless leader right now.
We've done a lot of stuff together. I remember when you and Jill met. I was there. I remember when you actually started going out with "your Jill Jarvis". I kept on thinking, "What is she thinking going out with Scott? Doesn't she know how bad of a date he can be? (ha, ha)" I thought you were too young for her, too. I thought she may be a bit out of your league. Then, the more I got to know her, I came to realize that she WAS out of your league, but she fell in love with you anyway. You have been truly blessed to have be able to call her your wife.
We traveled the country together, it seems...going state to state doing conferences...watching a wheel from our van roll past us. We were able to hang out together a lot while we were still in Conway, and we cherish those times and miss seeing you both since life has taken us farther away from each other. And now that God has taken Jill home, we can't help but miss her even more. It's hard to imagine that we won't see her again in this life.
Bryce,
Dude, I haven't even gotten to meet you yet. I'm know that you have been a joy to your parents, though. They tried for you for a long time, and they were ecstatic when they found out that you were on the way.
You are loved...not just by your Dad and your Mom, but by many people, both Jarvises and Atteberys, and Wyatt Baptist people, and people like me who have never met you.
I'm sorry that you won't really get the opportunity to know your Mom. I'm sure you can tell by all the comments what kind of a lady she was and what she meant to everyone. I can't think of anyone who DIDN'T like your Mom! As evidenced by her marriage to your Dad, she was a bit crazy, though.
With her gone, you still have an awesome Dad to look up to. He is a man who always tries to do what is best for God's glory. I'm sure that is the thing he wants for you, too. Your Dad wants you to live for God's glory, and I'm sure that he will raise you to that end. Just be patient with him. By the time you are old enough to read this, you will already have realized that dads are far from perfect. It is especially hard for your Dad. I know he will always miss your Mom, because she will always be a part of him.
Atteberys,
You are loved. Jill will be missed. She was a Godly woman, and she is leaving a heritage of Godly love and joy. We love you so much, we miss Jill so much, and we are grieving with you. Please let us know if there is ANYTHING we can do for you.
I first met Scott and Jill when I went to school at CBC in fall 2001. You know, being the ABS director and the son of the president of CBC can be a challenge, but I think Scott handled it well. Jill was such a sweet person who would do anything to help someone out. My prayers are with the family right now...it's unbelievable that something like this has happened. We're thinking and praying for the family here in Warren and Lumberjack Country.
Barry Buck
I am truly blessed to have known Jill. She and I met initially at one of those New Year's Eve parties where Christmas trees explode and Roman candle fights abound. She smartly stayed indoors.
I got to know Jill better through the Hannah Medical Center. I remember a conversation we had at a rummage sale about adoption. She knew that we were in the process of adopting our daughter Olivia from Vietnam and she wanted to know all about it. She longed to be a mother and when I first saw her with a baby bump, I literally had tears in my eyes. I couldn't imagine anyone more deserving of the precious gift of motherhood than Jill. She was such a blessing to all who knew her. I will be praying for Scott and Bryce and the rest of her family. She leaves such an amazing legacy in her testimony. God bless your sweet family.
- Casey Munn
Scott,
2 Cor. 1:3-7; 1 Thess. 4:13-18; 1 Cor. 15; Ps 116:15.
Praying fervently for you.
With Christ's love,
Jordan and Tracy Thomas
We will continue to keep all of you in our prayers. We share in your sorrow.
Oscar and Tamy
We love you Scott.
Mike and tina
Dear Bryce,
Your mom was a wonderful lady. A finer example of a Godly Christian Mom, I've rarely seen. She longed for the day she could hold you in her arms. She was absolutely stunningly beautiful during her pregnancy and not too many women can say that. But far beyond that was the beauty she radiated for the love she had for the Lord and your Dad.
I first met your mom in the capacity of work. As the director of a center where we minister to pregnant women, we were constantly looking for Godly men and women to serve. Your mom stepped right up to bat. She worked hard and diligently not only to raise money but to help guide and direct an organization that first and foremost honors God and secondly share's God's love with all who enter the doors.
Through the years I got to know her a little better and she stepped into the Chair position. Here she prayed with me and for me as we continuely worked to keep our eyes on God. Satan was always trying to distract. But when I was weak, she was strong in HIM. Jill Attebery was a blessing to both me personally and Hannah Medical Center Corporately.
I"m sorry that you won't get to know your mom until you get to heaven, but then we'll all get to celebrate together.
Today as we worshipped, as hard as that was, the only thing that got me through was imagining your mom dancing at the feet of Jesus; Sitting at His feet, drinking from His cup, joyous in His presence. I will pray for you all the days of your life little one that through your dad and your fellowship with Christ, you will come to know the woman your mom was. She loved you greatly.
Scott, There are no words. I loved Jill and it was not only an honor but a pleasure to work with her. Thank you for loving her as you did and I'll be praying for you and Bryce. Debora L. Griffin
There's nothing I could say to convey what an impact Mrs. Attebery had on me. Her energy & passion for teaching were evident everytime she stepped in front of our class. I'm not sure that anyone else could have made me understand Fluid & Electrolytes as easily as she did. Though our hearts are breaking, we can find peace in the fact that she is in the arms of our Savior and that those who believe will one day be reunited with her and so many others. My prayers are with you, Scott, Bryce, and your congretation. Lacy Fallin
Jill a wife of noble character.
Jill a friend to many.
Jill one of the world's BEST nursing instructors.
Jill a prayer warrior for missionaries.
Jill just a smile a way.
Jill touched by so many.
Jill a mommy of incomparable worth.
The memories I want to keep of Jill:
Jill came to SAU right out of MSN school from Conway and knocked our socks off. She had a "way" of demanding grace filled excellence with students and with faculty.
During her first semester at SAU, we spend many lunch times together praying for missionaries. I have a world map in my office where we labeled certain countries that were dear to our heart. We prayed fervently. It was a wonderful time. The next semester got busier and we had to fore go our "lunchtimes," but I've still got the missionary books she gave me and promise to continue in prayer.
I've had such bittersweet feelings since I read the post at 7:30am this morning. Mad that she beat me, but wandering in my cognitive abilities why this happened. It's so hard to comprehend tragedy like this and how it will play out in our lives over the next year, decade, or century. I bet we all buckle up better, count our blessings, and tell those dear to us how much we love them over the next few weeks just a little more.
I asked God to help me this morning. My husband is the new part-time worship leader at FBC-Genoa and where I attempt to sing & play keyboard in the praise band. The song list was more than perfect...but I didn't know if I could sustain composure for 1hr.
We sang:
Grace is Enough
There is a Fountain
God with Us
Take Me In
He Knows My Name
Majesty (Here I Am)
The words of help and encouragement I received: You know that old saying, "It ain't over until the big lady sings...well it's NEVER over for us who love Christ because there's always HEAVEN.
In the book, 90 minutes in Heaven, pastor, Don Piper, talks about the "special" people who met him on entry...I sure hope along with my dad that Jill will be one of the first to greet me.
I'll leave with this anonymous quote that I'd "like" to live by that Jill has already succeeded at:
“Life is NOT a journey to the grave with intentions of arriving safely in a pretty well-preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out and loudly proclaiming ... WOW! What a ride!”
Very Blessed,
Kim Everett
I hear so much about you and Jill from Kristel that I feel like you guys are a part of the family. I love seeing Jill every time I come to visit Kristel and I'm always asking Kristel how you guys are doing, how's bryce, how are you adjusting to a new baby,etc. I know that she's become like a sister to Kristel over the past few years and Kristel is going to be so lost without her friend. Jill is the type of person I want to be more like. She's kind, funny, cool, smart, but most importantly, I can see Christ when I look at her face. I can't say that about many people. I will miss seeing her when I come to visit my sister, but I rejoice in knowing that I will see her someday. I will be praying for you and Bryce. God bless, Monica Pettypool &family
I cannot begin to echo the sentiments of sadness and grief that everone else that has posted.
Jill had an amazing impact on my life. From the moment that I started her Bible Study, she welcomed me into her heart and home with oen arms. She was always so full of love, wisdom, and patience. She taught me so many things that I will never forget about: love, faith, and how to aspire to be a Godly woman.
I feel lucky also to have been able to share along with her a wonderful mission trip to Russia a few years ago. She was always watching over me, encouraging, annd making that such a special time. She helped organize a very special 20th birthday party for me that remains one of the most special memories of my life.
My heart breaks for Scott, Bryce, and the rest of Jill's family and friends today. Though I haven't had the opportunity to see her recently, I was happy to be able to reconnect with her through Facebook. To all who loved her and miss her today, she will never be forgotten.
Jill, thank you for being a beautiful spirit, wonderful friend, and Goldy woman. I know that you are with the Father today. I am better for knowing you and will never forget you.
I am so sad that Jill is gone. She was one of my spiritual heroes and a kindred spirit all wrapped into one. The last couple of years Jill deeply ministered to me through books and ministry helps. She touched my life and the lives of many young ladies here in Ukraine. She was such a great of example of a Spirit filled woman. I am so thankful that the Father allowed me to know her. I'm so grateful that our girls in Ukraine got to see a real live godly woman in action. She was a great blessing to our whole family.
I didn't really know Jill, I had met her a few times, but I did not know her as many of you do. But her reputation preceded her even before this tragic event. I had heard many times what a special person she was. How she loved people. I heard from many people what a phenomenal teacher she was, infact, I talked to a girl considering nursing who told me that she was actually going to transfer schools just because she heard what a good teacher Jill was. I kept(facebooked) up with the family through pictures, and different things Jordy had said. He very much admired her, and Scott. I wish I had been priviledged to know her, I know that everyone that had, was blessed. I am praying for you guys.
I wish I had gotten a chance to spend more time with Jill. After they met, I remember Scott saying he was going to marry her...and we were all so excited when it happened. The things I remember most about Jill are her great big smile that lit up a room and her laugh. She was a beautiful person, inside and out and what a joy to watch her honor the Lord with the talents that He gave her. I feel blessed to have known her. She will be greatly missed, but I am comforted to know that today she is with her Saviour and is using that beautiful voice of hers to praise Him.
Scott, Bryce and family...words don't seem adequate at a time like this and my heart is breaking for you. I will continue to lift you up before the Lord, that He will comfort you in His grace and strength.
Love,
Jennifer Bullock
Late yesterday morning (Nov. 1, 2008) I received a text message from Jill telling me she was coming to Conway this coming week and we were going to be able to visit! I was so excited about seeing Jill and meeting Bryce!!! And then a short time later I got the call.
I began praying and have not stopped. Oh, Jill, you will be so greatly missed!!
Scott, we've told you for years that you had married way up, but truth be told, y'all were a perfect match.
I remember you being a little bratty kid in our youth group to the guy surrendering to ministry to the excited young man marrying Jill Jarvis! Y'all were a team and a blast to be around.
One memory I have of Jill, that only Jill and I were able to share, was making this enormous cake for a baby shower. It was for Jeremy and Kristen (Glover) Riddle's baby boy, Payton. Jill and I came up with the idea of doing six cubed cakes (8x8)and icing them like building blocks and spelling out Payton's name on them. We had a ball doing it, but I think there is probably still icing and cake mixes in the kitchen from it! It took us all day, but we laughed and laughed and was soooooooo proud our finished product!
Jill was a true and faithful friend and I thank God that He blessed my life by knowing Jill Jarvis Attebery!
Scott and Bryce, we love you and are praying for you without ceasing!
Always full of life and excitement. Her smile would light up a room. Scott, it has been awhile since I have seen you guys but I kept up with you through mutual friends. Jill will be deeply missed. We are so heartbroken. Love on that baby boy a little more today. I know you will always let him know how special his mommy was. My family is praying for yours.
Rikki (Martin) Hester
There are not earthly words to describe my feelings, thoughts, and emotions about Jill and the many things that I have pondered today. I just want to give you some of my thoughts that I've had as I have gone through today and accepted the reality that Jill won't be conversing with me on this earthly plane again.
When I first met her at SAU, she radiated strength, self-confidence, love, and compassion. She never failed to continue to exhibit those traits. I loved working with her as so many times we were thinking the same thing and would laugh when we compared notes after a meeting. She was my encourager when I was frustrated during graduate school and many times reminded me that I could finish the courses without losing my mind!
I will hold dear the memories of the many conversations that Jill and I shared as we carpooled together from El Dorado to SAU each day for the years she worked with me only quitting because of her pregnancy. I offered her many bribes to keep working even after having the baby but she couldn't wait to stay at home with her little one. To be a mom was her highest goal, one that even in the short time she lived she took it to the fullest with Bryce taking her breathe away in the greatness of his life from our Father.
I also had the honor of working with Jill through serving on the board of directors for Hannah Medical Center. She truly had a passion for women in this area and as the Chair served to her fullest to make sure that these women have their needs, both physically and spirituall, met with every decision we made.
Just this July, my father-in-law died while my family was in Florida ending a 2 week vacation. When I called Jill with the news, in addition to praying with me, my family arrived home to find that Jill and Scott had stocked the once-empty fridge with food and drinks to sustain us for our first few days back at home. That's what this wonderful couple did.....lift you up, support you, and meet you where your needs were.
Thank you Lord for the time I had with Jill. I miss her so much but know that one day she and I will see each other again. Scott and Bryce, my love for you as I pray for comfort, strength, and grace during the upcoming days, months, and years.
Elizabeth Pratt
What can I say that has not already been said? I met Jill in nursing school and she was THE BEST instructor to grace the SAU Nursing Dept. I learned so much from her. She had a knack for teaching for certain. Since I got the news this morning, I have been in a state of shock. If one was to know Jill, one could only envision her with her smiling face and bubbly personality. How can she not be here with us anymore? I remember the last time I saw her. A friend and I were having lunch at El Chico's and she introduced us to her husband. She was pregnant and I swear she was glowing! I was so happy for her and Scott. I knew she would be a wonderful mother. I cannot envision Jill not excelling in anything she put her heart into.
Baby Bryce: I have never met you but it saddens me in my soul to think that your mommy will not be able to rock you to sleep again, kiss your boo-boos when you fall, or hear her say "I love you." I am sure by the time you are able to read this you will have known for a long time what a remarkable person your mother was. Still, I feel compelled to bear witness to her inspiration not just to those who knew her well, but to all those who came in contact with her. Scott, I am grieving and praying for you and Bryce. The only consolation any of us have in this terrible tragedy is that beautiful Jill is with our Father in Heaven. I am blessed to have known her but for a short time in this life and the memory of her spirit will forever be with me. Jill will always be one of those people that one strives to be more like; to use as an example of Christ's love showing in and through us. God be with you and baby Bryce in all the days to follow and envelope you in His arms, providing comfort only He can give.
In Christian Love,
Machelle Clark
I went to school with Jill since elementary. We played softball together and enjoyed many memories. She was always so fun and outgoing. I regret losing contact with her after we graduated but was thrilled to get back in contact with her recently on Facebook. Mr. and Mrs. Jarvis were always the sweetest people and I always adored them.
My heart breaks for them! I am so sorry for your loss!
Jill's family will be in our prayers! Best wishes to Scott and that beautiful baby!
Love and Prayers,
Becky (Floyd) Ham
There are absolutly no words to describe how my heart breaks. I feel truly blessed to have known Jill and call her a friend. Just like so many others have posted she had an impact on every life she touched. I know that she touched mine in such a special way. Her passion for God's glory and to make Him known among all nations was contagious. I looked up to her.She and Scott taught me so much during their time as the College Ministers at Antioch. I hope and pray that my legacy will be half of what hers is.
Michelle (Martin) Balentine
Scott,
I remember being one of the few girls in our theology and other classes in college and how you were never serious...about anything other than making us laugh. I saw a whole different side of you when you talked about this "Jill Jarvis" girl, though. You would go on and on (both @ school and @ ABS) about how wonderful and amazing she was and how you couldn't wait to be married to her. I also remember the first time I met Jill for myself...my first impression was that she seemed almost too sweet and too good of a person to be for real. I quickly learned that Jill was an incredibly sweet and good and wise person and that she was VERY real. I got to know her better when we traveled together on the "Road to SOAR." I shared my heart with her...the mess that it was, and she shared her godly wisdom with me and I can honestly say that through those conversations with her, I was changed. I am so sorry for yours and Bryce's loss...a loss that I can't even begin to understand. Prayers and love to you and your family.
Melanie Vogelgesang
I owe so much of my growth in Christ to God using Scott and Jill in my life. They are to me a pattern what a marriage could and should be. Jill defines "wife" for me. Scott defines "husband". Its hard for me to think of one of them without thinking of the other. I am very indebted to both of them. The first time I saw Scott I was just a high school kid and I was at my first So@R conference. I think he had just started getting involved with it all cause Im 25 now. I remember Scott making some point about Jill's clothing and the way he spoke about her was very protective and honoring to her and it impressed me greatly. I didnt know who the guy on stage was, but I knew he loved his wife and that that's how a man should be. And when a few years later God's providence put me in Conway, Arkansas, and I actually got to meet Scott and Jill, it all made sense. Jill IS a rare jewel, one of those sweet sweet fragrances that the Father grants to the world for a time. I was immediately impressed by her friendliness, her wisdom, her humility, and her gentleness to name a few characteristics. She was always so kind to me. Always. And I always felt that she was so excited about Scott and his/their ministry together. Their journey and ministry together was not a burden, but a joy. Scott did what Proverbs 31 says and he found her. Jill always gave Scott reason to communicate in one way or another,... "Many women have done excellently, but you surpass them all"(verse 29). My heart is greatly grieved for all my friends. Im crying now as I think about how great their pain must be. (No pain for Jill). The Lord is so good to grant us a Jill Attebery. And he is gracious to give us you, Scott. We're so so sorry for your loss. Thank you for everything you and Jill have ever done for me. I love you brother. "Surely our griefs, He himself bore"
I knew Jill mostly from her instruction as a nursing professor at SAU. Her students loved her! I had numerous students tell me how grateful they were to have had Jill as an instructor. She will truly be missed by all of her students and friends from SAU! I pray for Scott, Bryce, and the rest of the family. Jill will be dearly missed!
Shelly Whaley
SAU
P.S. Jonathan, Thanks for sharing this with everyone. It really is a testament of faith and the encouragement that we all need at this difficult time. It is a testament of Jill's life - thanks for sharing!
I am overwhelmed by the sudden occurence of this tragic event. It seems like just yesterday I was sitting in level three and four through one of Mrs. Attebery's lectures. She had such compassion and joy when delivering lectures to us unappreciative nursing students. Mrs. Attebery was an instructor who displayed great admiration in her profession of teaching us how to become great nurses. I will always remember her as a lady who loved life, teaching, and becoming a mom. Futhermore, I will never forget the first time I heard her say the word duodenum, completely caught me by suprise. I had to make her say that word again (just trying to find a smile in such a tragic event). Mrs. Attebery you were truly an inspiration in my life. I was truly blessed to have known a lady and instructor as special as you. You will never be forgotten.
Your student Erica Conway.
PS. My heart and prayers go out to the Attebery family.
Scott,
Today after church we had our monthly girls get together and this semester we have been going over the Proverbs 31 woman. I've always told the girls that it is something that is so hard to obtain, well today we talked about a real proverbs 31 woman. I told them about Jill and about her faith and all of the things that made her so precious. Jill was the epitome of a Godly woman. I just wanted to share this with you.
Paige D Brumley
i loved to watch jill sing. she sang with her whole heart and she truly took joy in praising her savior. she always sang with a smile and you knew she meant every word she was singing. sometimes i would stop singing and watch her - worshipping like she was the only one in the room.
i also remember all of our DCM trips and what a little family we became traveling together every weekend. and no matter how stressed out we got, she always had a way of making things better. like she was the "mom" for the weekend. she always knew how to make stressful situations light. i really feel like those years were when i really got to know her and love her and deepen my friendship with her.
i was so blessed to get a chance to take their family pictures a month ago, and that day will be the Jill that i remember. even though she was a new mom, she acted like having a baby was the most natural thing for her. she held him and talked to him and loved on him....so precious. we had lots of fun, and i am blessed to have gotten to take those precious family pictures.
she was an amazing woman. i could write all night and still not begin to fully describe her. she will be greatly missed, but her legacy will live on in the lives she touched every day and the life of her son.
Bryce, you are in my prayers. that you grow up knowing how amazing your mother was. that you have all of her wonderful qualities. that you have the passionate love for the Lord like she did.
I will never forget her heart... her love for Christ. When i first met Jill it was through her serving Him with her very talented music ability in the SOAR conferences... and her love for bratty little teenagers such as myself.
Scott always said he was going to marry a "Jill Jarvis." When he actually did marry the Jill Jarvis, his love for her was so evident he couldn't hide it if he wanted to. And no doubt, that same love still shows today.
It was an honor to know her, and she will greatly be missed.
Scott, I hope you know that my family and I are grieving with you... and you will not be far from our prayers for a long time to come.
We love you.
Rachel Swart Cox
I just wanted to send a message to Scott. I only know him through Encounter but he really touched my life back then. His love for the Lord really showed in his life. I did not know Jill but from what I have read she had to be a wonderful person. As I read those blogs from Jonathan, I cried just think about what it must be like. Your family will be in my thoughts and prayers. Remember it is now that God is carrying you and Bryce. He will never leave you nor forsake you. In Christian Love,Jessica BarrFBC Waldo
These are the lyrics to a song i wrote earlier today!!!
Show Them How
Dedicated to Jill Attebery
Lost a friend today
Since then nothing seems to go my way
I’m lost and afraid
Wondering when my life end
Will they care, Will they understand
Everything I want to be in a man
Chorus:
Help me shine like her
Help me show them how
Help me help them figure you out
Let me be your light
When the lights go out
Help me show them how
I want to show then how
Be strong
Don’t let the world see
Is what we always hear
But I cry
And I don’t care
What the world has to say to me
She was always there
And she always cared for everyone
And she let your light shine through her life
In everything she would do
Chorus:
Help me shine like her
Help me show them how
Help me help them figure you out
Let me be your light
When the lights go out
Help me show them how
I want to show then how
Right now I’m scared
Do they see me as
Someone who lives for you
Chorus:
Help me shine like her
Help me show them how
Help me help them figure you out
Let me be your light
When the lights go out
Help me show them how
I want to show then how
Jill was a dear friend of mine at A&M and I am shocked and saddened to hear that we have lost such a precious soul as hers. Scott, you and your precious son are in my prayers and thoughts. I hugged my son a little tighter tonight thanks to the memory of your precious wife. Some people only get to wish to spend one day with someone who loves them even half as much as you loved Jill and I know you realize how blessed you have been to have her for the years you did. So many good things came from her life, and I know that your faith allows you to believe that so many more good things will come from her death.
God Bless you and your family.
Mandy Benedix (Peoples)
Jill,
It really is amazing to consider how one person impacts the world. I remember when we were doing the mini-Soar tour about God's heart for the nations. I remember talking to you and Scott about the lack of songs with with a mission heartbeat which inspired you and Scott to write your own for the tour. I remember when the band played "To the Ends of the Earth (There's a Stirring", just before I was about to speak in Magnolia. I was in the back laying prostrate weeping because the words resonated so deep inside me. Since then, that song has followed me in every ministry I have served. That song has served as an anthem for mission conferences at Dallas Seminary while I was there and at the churches where I have served. I have always had people respond well to it. There is just one small example of how your influence has been spread way beyond people you knew, but perhaps you understand that now much better than we do.
It has been a hard to believe the truth. My sister and I have grieved together on the phone. I led worship singing songs that I hope my heart matches the words escaping my lips. As I hold my 8 month old son, I try to imagine how Scott must feel today, but I can't.
I just cry and find myself thinking the unusually hard rain in Seattle today is appropriate for this sad gray day. You were a special person Jill. I appreciated your ministry to Scott, it was fun to watch him pursue you. (Yes I remember the Lex Luger Total Package Discussions with Scott back in the day). I also respect your continuous lifestyle of giving to all those around you wherever you found yourself. May we learn to be present with the people in front of us where ever we find ourselves as you did.
The first time I met Jill was outside of Bruce Hall at CBC... Scott introduced me to his fiance. I remember her talking to me like she had known me for years and I walked away thinking that I wished I was like her...She was gorgeous and one of the nicest people I'd ever met. From then until the present every time I've ever seen or talked to Jill I've walked away still wishing I could be like her. She was the epitomy of a virtuous, Godly woman and anyone that came in contact with her knew it instantly. We found out we were expecting at around the same time and I was so excited! As I look at my 2 1/2 mth old, I can't help but grieve for Bryce. I hope he will know what a beautiful example of a Godly woman his mother was. I hope he will be able to read these comments one day and know how many lives God touched through his precious mother. Scott, you and your family are in my constant prayers. May God hold you and comfort you in the hard days to come. He is sufficient.
Hilary Barnard Franks
Mrs. Atteberry was my instructor her last semester at SAU. She was a wonderful teacher. Everyday and everytime you saw her she was always smiling. She was one of those few teachers that would actually sit down and talk with you and truly make you feel like she really cared about you. I will never forget our Fluid and Electrolyte test. I remember being so scared of that lecture and that test, but I remember that first day of lecture for fluids she walk into class with a big smile and said" This is my thing and we are going to have fun today". I also remember the first day of class, when we were have introductions, she told us this would be her last semester because she and Scott were going to have a baby and that she wanted to be a stay at home mom. I just remember seeing her face and how overjoyed with happiness she was when she said that. No one knows why these things happen, but they all happen for a reason. Mrs. Atteberry will be missed, but she is in Heaven with our Heavenly Father. Scott and Bryce I have never met you but, I know that Mrs. Atteberry loved you two more than anything and that she is in Heaven watching over you both.
2 Corinthians 1:2-7
"May God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ give you grace and peace. All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is our merciful Father and the source of all comfort. He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort that God has given us. For the more we suffer for Christ, the more God will showe us with his comfort through Christ. Even when we are weighed down with troubles, it is for your comfort and salvation! For when we ourselves are comforted, we will certainly comfort you. Then you can patiently endure the same things we suffer. We are confident that as you share in our sufferings, you will also share in the comfort
God gives us."
I will keep you, Bryce, and your family in my prayers.
-Andrea Lilly-
What an incredible blessing it was to know Jill. By the time I met the "Jill Jarvis" I had heard countless stories from Scott about how amazing she was. She lived up to every incredible thing Scott had said about her.
Scott - Ben and I are so thankful for the influence you and Jill had on us while we were at UCA. We often talk about what an incredible time that was for us. We are praying for you and Bryce as you journey through the coming days. Jill was an amazing woman and she is leaving behind her an incredible legacy of faith.
love,
Ben and Rebekah Lowery
Strenth will rise as we wait upon the Lord. We will wait upon the Lord. We will wait upon the Lord. Our God, You reign forever. Our Hope, our strong deliever. You are the everlasting God, the everlasting God. You do not faint, you won't grow weary. You're the defender of the weak. You comfort those in need. You lift us up on wings like eagles.
We sang this song at church on Sunday morning, and I couldn't help but think Scott, Bryce and the rest of the family. My prayers are with you all and I am sad for your loss. Although I didn't even know Jill very well, I know the type of person she was. She was a inspiration to all who knew her. I pray that God would comfort you all during this time.
Bethany (Bearfield) Jameson
Scott and Bryce:
I am praying for you. I am Stephen Attebery's sister-in-law, Radeanna. I have met you before when we were just teenagers. I didn't have the opportunity to meet your precious wife, but know that I will one day in Heaven. My husband and I lost a newborn baby three years ago. It is indescribable the way God will comfort you in the days, weeks, months and years to come. We will be praying for you, that God will wrap you in his love and comfort.
Andy and Radeanna Garcia
I'm praying for you, Scott! I always remember Jill's joyful spirit and enthusiastic smile as she led worship at ABS and UCF in College Station.
Scott, our hearts are hurting for you and Bryce. We just want you to know that you are in our prayers constantly. I didn't know Jill that well, but I do know about your love for her and that she was an awesome wife, mother, friend, and mentor. I pray that God will wrap his loving arms around you in the next few days and weeks to come.
Robert and Judith Quinn
To Jill's family,
Jill & I were in graduate school together at UCA. We had the opportunity in her last couple of years here to get to be close friends. We did our best to hold each other up during that "wonderful" CNS clinical course!! "Darn it" if we weren't too smart for our own good--at least smart enough to stay in trouble with the teacher most of the time. We worked as clinical instructors together, although never in the same course at the same time. She would take over my spot and I would take over her's. We also worked together at Conway Regional. It seemed like everywhere you looked, you either saw Jill or Che'.
We talked many times about our desire for children (for me, a second child) and our struggles to get our bodies to agree. I know how she had no greater desire than to be a mother.
Jill was the person that you wanted to be like--smart, loving, smart, energetic, smart, and Christ-like. I used to think that "if only she had been able to stay in Conway and teach here at UCA--we would have been unstoppable together." But God had other plans for her life, much bigger than being an awesome nurse educator. Although we were not able to communicate much in the last couple of years, I thought of her often. I was shocked to hear the news of her death but comforted to know that she is in a far better place than any of us. I pray that God brings comfort to Scott and her family now. She was an awesome presence that will be missed on this earth but cherished in heaven.
Che' Reed
Conway, AR
Scott-
I haven't seen you guys in quite a while, but I remember meeting Jill for the two "Road to Soar" events held in Oklahoma and Texas in April and May of 2001. One memory that sticks out and was even put to use somewhat frequently came from a time when I was asked to play drums at something where you were speaking. It was right before I proposed to my now-wife. You were speaking to the youth about the importance of being careful with their relationships. You used your own experiences to give God glory and also provide teaching. You talked about meeting Jill, and soon after discovering that she was the one you'd be joined with. You then issued something of a challenge to the youth, basically to be careful until they find their "Jill". You may have even directed something at me since I was there with my soon-to-be fiance. After that, and every so often even as recently as last month, I'd refer to Jenny as "my Jill". Usually this reference would be done in my head whenever I'd remind myself of whatever event that was, because I'm not sure if she remembered it. Nonetheless, a special memory that was drawn from your relationship with Jill, especially the excitement of initially meeting "your Jill".
She'll be missed, but she was used to bless. My heart breaks for you and your son, but I know you trust God and I expect Him to further craft you into His image through this. So many people will continue to pray for you and your son in the times ahead. Much love.
TJ Wood
It is with deepest sympathy that I write this message. I first got to know Jill when I was about ten or eleven. She was dating an older brother of one my friends. I spent so much time at my friends house, Jill quickly became someone I looked up to. At such an impressionable age, I thought Jill was the "coolest" high schooler and loved the time she spent with me and my friend teaching us dance routines and hanging out with us. When Jill made captain of the drill team, I loved going to watch her on the field. Later, when I was in junior high and the same friend and I were pep squad captains, it was Jill who stepped up to take us to dance camp when no one at the school would. Jill was in college then and I'm sure had plenty going on, but she gave us weeks of her time, cheorography and encouragement. Later in high school when I planned to try out for drill team officer, Jill again came to help me. She would drive in from College Station to help me choreograph my solo for tryouts. I made officer and know I owe a lot of that accomplishment to Jill. Although we lost touch over the years, Jill remained a role model to me. How quickly the memories come back when you get such terrible news. Jill was an amazing person who was always willing to give her time to serve others. She will be remembered fondly.
Dearest Scott and Bryce,
We have never met, but I have known your precious Jill since we were children in Lufkin. Together, Jill and I were in show choir, pep squad captains and drill tream. We also had numerous classes together. I even remember being in high school chemistry with Jill (she was always much better at it than I). Looking back at our years as friends, I can say that Jill never strayed from her faith. She was an incredible Christian example and friend. Jill had a beautiful voice, an intelligent mind and a kind heart. Jill was a shining star and we are all better off for knowing her. God bless you both.
With much love,
Jessica Slack Nester (Littleton, CO)
Scott,
I cannot even begin to fathom our Father's plan right now, but I know He is with you. My heart, thoughts, and prayers are with you and Bryce.
Kayla White
Scott,
We have been praying for you and your sweet baby since we heard of your great loss this morning.
"Just as a father has compassion on his children, so the Lord has compassion on those who fear Him. For He Himself knows our frame; He is mindful that we are but dust." Psalm 103:13-14
Don & Wendy Roseberry
Germantown, TN
One of the first memories I have of meeting Jill is seeing her moon-walk across the ABS parking lot. She was so full of life! Every minute with her was exciting.
She lived her life with so much joy in Christ it overflowed in everything she did.
I don't know exactly where to begin in describing the impact of Jill on my life. She was such a blessing and example to me. I met Jill as a student at CBC and became part of her home Bible study. During that time, Jill taught me what a passionate and intimate relationship with Jesus Christ looks like. Everything she did and said pointed to Him. She taught me to seek Jesus above all else because He is always the answer to any question or struggle. As I teach my own "girls" today, I always think back to the way she exemplified Christ's love and try to do the same. Her life has impacted mine forever. Jill has a legacy that will follow her always.
I pray that you feel our Father's arms surround you and that He gives you grace through this trial.
April Hill
Scott,
I am heartbroken for your loss. You and Jill have impacted my life and the lives of so many others. When I think about Jill, I see her laughing and smiling. Jill overflowed with Joy that spread to everyone she would meet. She was so filled with the love of Christ and it was evident by the way she poured that love into the people around her. Jill will continue to have an impact on many more lives, through those of us who where blessed to know her. I pray that God’s grace be upon you and baby Bryce and that you and your family experience the fullness of God’s love.
Scott,
Christa and I are praying for you, your son and your entire family. I don't know how God will cause this tragedy to bring glory to His name, but I am convinced that He will.
Stephen and Christa Gray
Scott,
My wife, Cassie, and I met you and your sweet wife, Jill, in Dallas at a DCM student event. Jill was the first person to welcome us as we were there to cover the event for Baptist Progress. Although that was the first and only time we ever met Jill, she left an impression on us. Cassie and I both came away saying what a sweet and beautiful person she was. Elaine Stephens, who worked in my office for a period of time, spoke often of what a special person Jill was to her. She brought up her name often in casual conversation. I cannot begin to understand the pain you are going through, but thankfully, our sweet Savior does. Cling to Him and know that your brothers and sisters in Christ are holding you up in prayer.
Blessings,
Jerry Fulton
Editor
Baptist Progress
Scott and Bryce,
Although we did not know you very well, we remember your family with fond memories. We were new to Conway and knew few people. Jill was the first person to come to the door to welcome us to the neighborhood. We'll always remember her welcoming smile and warm personality. When we heard the news of the accident, we were heartbroken for your family.
We will continue to keep you in our prayers.
Joseph and Katy Oswalt
(former next door neighbors in Conway)
I was a student of Mrs. Attebery's at SAU. She is someone that has inspired and taught me so much. I often catch myself while caring for my patients thinking of sayings she taught us while in school. Taped inside my notebook for work I have my "Clinical Pearls" she taught me in Level IV. My memories of SAU have her weaved through them. She is someone that is going to be truly missed, and I am blessed to have had her as an instuctor and mentor. My thoughts and prayers go out to her family.
Piper Malone
Scott,
The first time I met Jill was the year you introduced her at SOAR in San Antonio as your fiancee. She came up and gave her testimony and during that time I sat there and listened to her with a tear rolling down my cheek as she talked about God sending you to her and how blessed she was that God would send her someone as wonderful as you. I knew all this to be true, I had known you since you were a young boy (and knew what a fine job Charles and Janice had done in raising you). However as I sat there listening to her story it overwhelmingly hit me how beautiful and sweet this young lady was. She was so in tune with God and I thought "Scott is the fortunate one to get her". The two of you grew to be such a fine example of a Godly young couple and discipled people like TJ & Jenni and Noah & April, who all have had such a direct influence on both of my boys lives. I know your heart must be breaking, but as you read these comments later, may you get comfort and joy in knowing the influence and impact that Jill has made on so many lives and that it will live on as they disciple others, who will disciple others...pretty amazing, huh? Thanks for finding your Jill Jarvis and bringing her into our lives. We love you and will continue to pray for you, Bryce, Charles and Janice, and Jill's family and friends.
Tammy Burleson
Scott,
Even though I did not have the privilege of knowing Jill, I wanted to write and express to you how sorry I am for your loss. I can tell by everyone's comments about her that she was truly an amazing woman who loved the Lord with all her heart. What a great legacy she leaves behind. My family will be praying for you and Bryce in the coming weeks and months ahead. Our God is faithful and I know you can feel his mercy and His love shining down on you.
In His Love,
Melissa (Lee) Southerland
Dear Scott,
Everyone knows how truly special Jill was. Her smile brightened many a day for me at A&M, even when I was taking aerobics (which she taught). She also touched my life with her musical gifts. I remember a song that she sang once, which I think she wrote. It was called, "Be Still" and is based on Psalm 46:10 - Be still and know that I am God. That song would come to mind through the years when I really needed its message. As I was trying to think of what I could write here to you, that song came to mind again. I will be praying for God's comfort, strength, healing, and rest for you and all of your family.
In His love,
Melissa (Rector) Saunders
My prayers are with you and your entire family. I went to school with Jill. She was such a precious person. I never saw her without a smile on her face. I am so encouraged and moved by what I have read. What an example to be such a true disciple of Christ. I know she is with her Father. God bless you.
Brandi Lankford
To Jill's family,
I would like to first of all thank Scott (and Jill) for welcoming our family into the Wyatt family so generously. We have felt the love of God through the Attebery and Wyatt families. I did not have the opportunity to get to know Jill well, but during the time that I did know her she was always smiling and was always quick to make me feel at home. After we became members of Wyatt, we had the opportunity to visit with Scott, Jill and several other members of Wyatt in the Attebery home. Carson (our son) and Jill made some make believe brownies in the floor of their kitchen. She had such a sweet spirit and I regret that I was unable to get to know her more. My prayer for you Scott and Bryce is that God will extend his hands of comfort and healing out and He will embrace you into those hands. You all will remain in our prayers.
Michelle Mosby
Hi Scott, it's Tami! I have never forgotten about you and Jill. I'll never forget her smile - ear to ear and totally genuine. When I was a junior in college, she came to my apartment every Tuesday, for an entire semester, to do a one-on-one study in John. She really reached out to me. I will never forget how she talked to me about John 15 1:11. While I don't think I was a true regenerate Christian at that time, I know God used her in my life during that time --- it was God's grace on me, even while I was yet an unrepentant "Christian". John 15:4 is now my life verse, "Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself unless it abides in the vine, so neither can you unless you abide in Me." Jill left a comment on my blog awhile ago and I was delighted to hear from her!! Yeah, I'll never forget her. My heart was broken when I heard the news and I cried a lot. My sweet husband has reminded me of God's grace and His soverignty... and care for His people. I know our gracious Lord is caring for you now. I will pray for you and your family.
By His Grace alone,
Tami Caron Kim
Post a Comment