Humor Admist the Sadness
Originally written September 2006
As some of you know, my maternal grandmother passed away last week. Though the death loved one is always sad, I just had to share some humor (in my own Greg way) that I discovered during the time I spent in Clanton, Al for her funeral.
Legally, my grandmother's name was Leta Mae Lowery Gore Cleckler Northcutt. She was born Lowery and outlived three husbands. I was reviewing the "In Memory" card the day prior to the funeral, She was listed as Leta Mae Gore Northcutt. I commented on this error, not listing her "Cleckler" name quietly to my mom. No response. I let the matter drop.
The next day I asked openly to all family present about the "name change" and I was told that she had forgotten her most recent husbands, thus the omission of Cleckler. My cousin and I thought this was very funny, because she also had forgotten the man that gave her the name Northcutt. My best guess is there is some sore feelings regarding Mr. Cleckler and his courtship of my grandmother. I barely remember him. Apparently, this is a subject that is not to be spoken of, so I plan on asking about it at every family gathering until I get an answer. I can't wait till Thanksgiving!
I found great joy in the pre-recorded music selections for the service. The day prior to the funeral, the family gathered at the funeral home to make those selections. We were given a binder full of selections to choose from. We could also provide our own as well. My cousin had chosen "Amazing Grace" by Aaron Neville...WOW! In all seriousness, it was awesome. But the other piece of recorded music, not so much. In that binder I mentioned, all kinds of music, Hymns, Standards, Elvis, Sinatra, a wide selection to choose from. Mind you, these are not original recordings, but "covered" by a male or female studio singer.
Well, I'll never name names, but one person noticed that "Memory" from the Broadway musical Cats!!! Suffice to say, I could barely contain myself when the service opened with that song!!. I shall never forget maintaining my composure and shedding a tear from laughter at that most solemn of occasions.
Kinda long and wordy, I know. I thought you might enjoy this glimpse of how funerals are done, in my family at least, down in Clanton, AL
