A saint of God goes to glory...

[Phil Hoover]

One of the most precious people I've ever known, Burlena Jones, (Wife of General Appointee E L Jones) passed from this life last Thursday, April 1.

Not knowing that she was now rejoicing in glory, I was just telling someone this past weekend how I would love to see this great saint of God.

The last time I saw Sister Jones was when Bishop Jones was graduating from the Church of God Theological Seminary with his Masters Degree.

One of my very favorite memories of Sister Jones:

In 1992, I was stationed in Oslo, Norway with the United States Air Force. My paternal grandmother was near death, and the American Red Cross contacted the American Embassy in Oslo requesting that I be granted emergency leave and return to the states for at least 14 days. The first weekend back in the States, I was in Cleveland for a couple of days to see "my family" there. I went by the International Offices to see some folks. As soon as Sister Jones saw me she said, "What are you doing for lunch?" I tried to reply, but she said, "Ed and I want to take you to lunch. We sure love you and miss you." I will always remember that.

The last General Assembly I attended (in the Keith Street Tabernacle, which no longer exists) in 1990, the late Bishop Billy Murray was being installed as General Overseer. I was stationed in South Korea, and had come home on leave for this occasion...it would be a history-making event in my life.

As any of the "old-timers" would know, seating in this spacious auditorium was ALWAYS a premium. ALWAYS.

Sister Jones found me early in the week, and made sure that I knew that I was part of the JONES FAMILY and that I always had a seat with them. (General Appointees had reserved seats in the Assembly Tabernacle). She wanted this serviceman to know that I was part of her family, and that I was always welcome with them. I will always remember that. I can remember that sweet smile on her face, and the twinkle in her eyes.

She and Bishop Jones are precious, precious to my heart.

Sister Burlena is now rejoicing on the streets of glory.

PRECIOUS IN THE SIGHT OF THE LORD IS THE DEATH OF HIS SAINTS (Psalms 116:15).