Missing You
Cause of death: Sepsis, decumbere ulcers, Pneumonia, Bladder Cancer (underlying). Did you know that "decumbere" is Latin for "to lie down"? Interesting. Ulcers aka bed sores caused from lying down in bed - inability to move around.
Derrelline Cox Raulston, 81, was united with her Lord and Savior on July 29, 2014 while in a Fort Worth hospital surrounded by her loving family.
Services: Visitation will be held on Friday, August 1, 2014 at 1pm at Creekwood Church; 260 N. Miller Road; Mansfield with a funeral service scheduled to begin at 2pm.
Burial: Saturday, August 2, 2014 at 10am at New Haven Cemetery in Red River County near Clarksville, Texas.
Derrelline was born September 10, 1932 in Winnsboro, Texas to Derrell and Loviebelle Cox. She grew up in Winnsboro and graduated from Winnsboro High School in 1949 before moving to Dallas at the age of 18. On November 27, 1953, she married Herbert "Hub" Raulston and shared 39 wonderful years together before his passing in 1993. Derrelline worked for Republic Insurance in Dallas before choosing her 25 year career as a cottage typist for Taylor Publishing. She loved to sing, enjoyed collecting bells, spending time with her family playing 42, chickenfoot and cooking for everyone, especially during the holidays. Derrelline was a longtime member of Highland Baptist Church in Arlington and was a homebound member of Walnut Ridge Baptist Church of Mansfield. She will be deeply missed and always loved by her family and friends.
She was preceded in death in 1993 by her husband of almost 40 years, Herbert "Hub" Wayne Raulston, originally from Clarksville, TX and brother, Thomas Leon Cox of Rogers, Arkansas.
Derrelline was survived by her two daughters, Sandra Raulston Galley and husband Robert of Clarksville, TX, and Paula Raulston Duchesne and husband Allen of Arlington, TX; brother, Robert Earl Cox and wife Melinda of Mena, AR; sisters, Rosemary Chitsey of Winnsboro, TX and Carolyn Wilson and husband Johnny of Coke, TX; eight grandchildren, Diana Galley O'Bryan (Jesse), Julie Galley Quarm (Anthony), Robby Galley (Amanda), Cody Kirkman, Chase & Dane Gilbert, Terre Duchesne McGill (Shawn), and Ted Duchesne; great-grandchildren, Tehya, Savannah, Sadie, Zachary, Addison, William, Caroline, Austin, Cade, Eve, Kyle, Lilian, and Asher.
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Hello I am Julie Galley Quarm, Derrelline's granddaughter and daughter of Sandra and Robert Galley.
When our grandmother left us I wanted to do something that would give her grandchildren a voice to show everyone else what she was to us. There are SO many memories as I started thinking of the essence of who she was, it was like a flood in my mind.
My very first memory is of my granny, and I was only 2. I was napping in the front bedroom of their old house on Monaco because she stayed home with us each day, as she did with my mom and my aunt. I remember waking up suddenly and seeing smoke and a very frantic Grandma scooping me up and RUNNING me out of the house. Their house caught fire but the only thing she was concerned about was getting me out.
That was the first of many memories I have of her total selflessness and constantly swooping in to "Save" or care for all of us in some way. Whether it be with her nourishing food, her shoulder to cry on, her strong opinions on politics, or whatever was on the news to discuss with us and teach us, or her just constant care and need to make sure we were taken care of at all times.
She was the most traditional wife and mother I have ever seen. Whether taking care of my Papa, mending a hem at the last minute, fixing a full meal even though she had been up all day and worked all night, her first priority was always her family.
As I started asking for memories from all of my cousins I saw a VERY common theme that I could only describe as a traditional domestic goddess. There was always your favorite food prepared exactly how you liked it ready plus about four other dishes just in case you might want a little of this or that too. Almost everyone sent me a specific memory of her and her love of cooking. None of us ever went hungry around our grandmother, that's for sure.
She was also always constant in her love of the Lord. She embodied living the Golden Rule and being pure in heart and spirit. We all remember her constant singing of gospel songs or having gospel programs on the television. Even when she was in pain she would want to ask about us and our families and then told us she would pray for us each night, and I know that she did!
We each have many separate memories and reflections of our time with our Grandma, Granny, Gigi and friend.
She will leave a large whole in our family and in our hearts and we will never forget the lessons, memories and love she gave to each of us.
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Eulogy below.
Gaither Gospel CD plays during visitation
Go Rest High on the Mountain – Vince Gill – plays as family is seated
Jill and Johnny – Precious Memories
Amazing Grace – Terre McGill
Sweet Hour of Prayer – Mom and Aunt Rosemary singing from 1995
Derrelline Cox Raulston was born September 10, 1932 in Winnsboro, Texas to Derrell and Loviebelle (Boles) Cox. She was born in her grandparents' house – Paty and Mattie Boles. She has told us that her Mom told her that on September 10, 1932, it was so cold that there was a fire going in the fireplace. Her sister, Rosemary Chitsey, is the oldest, followed by Derrelline, then Thomas Leon Cox, then Carolyn Cox Wilson, and the baby of the family is Robert Earl Cox. Rosemary and Derrelline both had nicknames. Derrelline was Duck, and she outgrew it, and Rosemary was Punkin, and she never outgrew it. Leon was Bub or Bubba, and that never went away, until he went to Heaven last month. Mom has a rich heritage that includes Scottish, Irish, and Cherokee. The Cherokee is from the Boles side of the family.
Derrelline moved to Dallas when she was 18. Her first job was at Republic Insurance downtown Dallas. She was a Daddy's girl and came home to Winnsboro every weekend. While working in Dallas, she met her future husband in February 1953 at the Juneas Heights Baptist Church where both were members of a large singles group. Dad invited her to an ice skating show at Fair Park for their first date. Their next date was a Valentine's Day Banquet. They were married November 27, 1953. She was preceded in death in 1993 by her husband of almost 40 years, Herbert Wayne Raulston, with whom she is celebrating the reunion as we're holding this service for her. They had two daughters, Sandra Raulston Galley, and Paula Raulston Duchesne. The grandchildren are Diana Galley O'Bryan (husband Jesse), Julie Galley Quarm (husband Anthony), Robby Galley (wife Amanda), Cody Kirkman, Chase & Dane Gilbert, Terre Duchesne McGill (husband Shawn), and Ted Duchesne. Great-grandchildren oldest to youngest include Tehya, Savannah, Sadie, Zachary, Addison, William, Caroline, Austin, Cade, Eve, Kyle, Lilian, and Asher. We rarely heard arguments within the marriage, and all was well with the family. It was the traditional family, without dysfunction, best we could tell. Sandra and I both experienced happy childhoods and we both have numerous fond memories that last a lifetime. Our Mother's strongest character traits were the gift of giving, compassion, laughter, and honesty. Heavy emphasis on laughter! She loved to laugh, and did it often.
Derrelline and Herbert belonged to the Highland Baptist Church in Arlington all our lives until we moved Mom's membership to the Walnut Ridge Baptist Church in Mansfield. After she considered that she was no longer able to go to church, she still received calls, e-mails, and visitors from their wonderful seniors department at Walnut Ridge.
During our childhood, Mom worked the night shift so that she could be there for her kids. Most of her career was spent typesetting school annuals. She worked a little while at an insurance company when she first moved to Dallas from Winnsboro, and then went to Taylor Publishing. She lived on an over-the-counter caffeine pill called No Doze, because she rarely slept. She made most of our school clothes for a period of time, but never called herself a seamstress. After the night shift closed at Taylor, Mom began typing at home. It was called cottage typing for Taylor Publishing Company, and a van would drive daily from Dallas to Arlington to pick up her work. She had strict deadlines to meet. She didn't get any more sleep than when she worked the night shift, because during the day, when she should have been typing, she visited with Betty across the street, and then had to play catch-up by burning the midnight oil. That's exactly the way she wanted it. Her priorities were friendship and family first, work last, though she still excelled and was highly acclaimed in her field. Our Christmas' were as spectacular as anyone could expect. She contributed to the "Christmas Club" back then. She designated weekly withdrawals into the fund to be spent only for Christmas. We lacked for nothing! Mom and Dad sacrificed so that their daughters would not. Snow days would find Mom scooping up the newest and best of the fresh snow and making snow ice cream – the very best as only she could make it. She and our grandmother had the men climb a tree to hook up a device to ring jingle bells from the rooftop to get us to bed on Christmas Eve. Santa was close by. Laughter could be heard way past bedtime as the adults were in the main room having a great time awaiting Santa. Moving on - during our teenage years, there was no slipping in quietly and discreetly after the 11:00 curfew, because she was right there in the front room typing for Taylor Publishing when we got home from our dates or activities. She was still cottage typing even when she was watching the grandkids while we had full time jobs. There are many tales to tell about her escaping death while she was driving home at crazy hours while on No Doze, falling to sleep with her eyes open, running off a bridge on an overpass and living to talk about it, miracles like that. Then, at least every other weekend, we'd get up at 4 or 5am and head to Winnsboro on Saturday to visit our grandmother. We'd pick Mom up from her night shift and already be in Dallas headed east. How she did it with that little sleep, none of us knows!! Regarding Santa Claus, according to Grandma Raulston, the deal is, those that do not believe in Santa Claus do not get visited by him. That's just the way it is, and it applies to adults as well. We still believe!
They had great friends that were so close we thought we were all related. The families we hung out with included Betty Sue and Marvin, Betty and Charlie, then after Charlie passed away, Betty and Floyd, Bobbie Sue and JM, Glenn and Mary, Frank and Tutor, Ann Ray, and Katy Gwen and Olas. Her favorite pet of all times was TeeToe. He was a brillo pad that wagged his tail and sat on Mom and Dad's lap. There were many others that we've left out, but those are the ones we spent the most time with… when we weren't visiting our grandparents in Winnsboro and Clarksville. The family ties with Dad and Mom's siblings were special, too. Mom adored her nieces and nephews. In fact, at one time or the other, all 3 nephews lived with us for a short time during their early adult years. Good friends and family relationships were a huge part of our parents' lives.
One of Derrelline's favorite past-times was garage sales and flea markets. She collected Avon bottles and bells. She collected anything valuable, but those two were her favorite to collect. We lump garage sales and flea markets together because, during the week, garage sales provided the merchandise to sale on the weekend at the Grand Prairie flea market. She and Dad had a booth they shared with Ann Ray for several years, and they loved it. After she became wheelchair bound, she complained every time she saw a garage sale sign. We don't have the passion for them she does, plus it's hard to maneuver garages from a wheelchair. Had she ever decided to like the computer, she would have been the perfect E-Bay dealer. Unfortunately, we could never get her interested. Once she was done with Taylor Publishing, she wanted no part of another computer. She hard coded the type fonts and location commands for the annuals, and she would have been a computer whiz, but we never convinced her. She called it the mark of the beast.
Our Mom loved her annual trips to the Boles Reunion. She had a great time at each one and looked forward to planning the meals we would bring, the clothes she would wear, and the weekend trip. She loved seeing everyone. She was the envelope stuffer, addresser, and stamper of the invitations. It was a full day's work each year.
Derrelline loves the Lord and has a personal relationship with her Savior. He was her best friend. She came to know the Lord at a revival at Wylie Memorial Methodist Church, but she was Baptist, so she went to Brother Mooney at Mount Zion. She was baptized with Rosemary and Johnny Otts in the pond by the McDowell's place when she was 12. She was a strong Christian who lived her faith each day as an example for her family and friends. She recently read the book, Heaven is for Real, loved it, and her favorite TV shows were gospel, especially the Gaithers. If you were to walk past her room when she lived with us and her TV is on, it's either News, a sermon, or gospel music. Although, Sandra did get her addicted to American Idol. At the beginning of every season, we could be anywhere in the house and hear her laughing uproariously at the bad talent at the beginning of each season. It was fun to watch and listen to her. Also, when she thought no one was watching, she would purposefully trip the animated full sized Santa that dances and sings each Christmas season, pat her good foot, clap her hands, and sing the Christmas songs with Santa. Singing was a big part of her life. That is to say, she would just burst out in song at random times. Mostly, she sang gospel songs, but depending on the season, you could hear her break out in Christmas songs or whatever came to mind. She always sang in the car, all the way, like it or not, and we traveled a lot when we were growing up. Just the other day, one of the sons in law was talking about Mom singing to the XM radio Willie's Place country and western 50s tunes. He said she knew every one of them. She was partial to Sonny James and Jim Reeves. Dad took her to see Sonny James sing once in Dallas, and Sonny opened a bottle cap for Mom. That was her moment.
Our Mom left some great footprints to follow when it comes to loving the Lord and preparing for eternity. No family member ever had to worry about being prayed for. She had them covered. If she could speak to you today, she would listen to your accomplishments, successes and failures, but she would say to you that none of that matters. What matters is that she'll see you in Heaven. If you want to do something to make her proud, live your life as a Christian and walk in faith. That's what was most important to her. Forgive and forget. Be slow to anger. Get along. Be nice. Read the Bible every day. Materialism meant nothing to her – seeking eternity in Heaven was everything to her. So glad she's home!
We have never met a person that didn't love Derrelline. We are quite certain that she had no enemies, and it's fairly safe to say that no one ever had a squabble with her, or got angry with her, including nurses at various hospitals, rehabs, and skilled nursing centers. She would still smile at the nurses to avoid complaining. In these instances, frustration would set it for the family because she was so nice that she'd let people run over her, but she was content and stubborn, and she only answered to herself. She was opinionated and outspoken, and a wonderful Matriarch to our family. A perfect example is when she received her heart cath and when the doctor told her about her blockages and that a triple bypass was necessary, she casually told the doctor "No thank you" like he was passing her mashed potatoes. He got a big kick out of that and told her that maybe she should speak to her family about that before making her "final" decision.
One of the wonderful character traits of our Mother was her absolute inability to lie. She would go to great extremes to correct something if she found out after-the-fact that she had stated something incorrectly. It was important to her to never ever tell a lie. She knew how important that character trait honesty is, and she lived it. If she got too much change from a department store, she would return to the store and turn it in, not caring how insignificant an amount she was returning.
Derrelline was all about family. She took care of her family and considered herself the central focal point. She called Sue daily to stay in touch on Dad's side, when Sue lived at home, and she called Rosemary weekly to stay in touch on her side until she felt too bad to make the call. She kept us close. When we could have been separated by death or circumstances, she kept us pulled together in a special way that caused us all to be sentimental and share a bond that can never be broken. She was good natured all the time.
Traditions were also important to Derrelline. She loved having a close family, and holidays were meant for family gatherings. She was a wonderful Southern cook. People used to come visit for the weekends just to partake in Mom's meals. Her cream pies, strawberry cakes, oh-my-gosh-delicious banana pudding, and all desserts were what drew the biggest crowds. That and the quantity of her Southern cooking. No one went hungry with Derrelline around! She was the Christmas girl. We decorate early for Christmas, and even after she was in her wheelchair, she was instrumental in starting the season off right, decorating until it was done (all that she could from her sitting position), making sure the Christmas music was flowing through the house, cookies baking, and singing and working away. She was the same with her holiday cooking. On our "cooking" days before Thanksgiving and Christmas, we spent the entire day in the kitchen. We started early preparing our casseroles and desserts, and we finished late. We laughed and cut up the entire day. That was part of the tradition. We're following in her footsteps hoping to carry the old fashioned customs on down the line for future generations to love the holidays as much as we do.
Unfortunately, a huge part of our family traditions center around food. Mom loved to eat. She was a great cook, loved good old fashioned country cooking, had a weakness for sweets, and had no problem cleaning her plate. It finally caught up with her when she was in her 50s with a very severe case of Diabetes followed closely by Neuropathy in her early 60s. Of course, with her personality, she barely slowed down when she became unable to walk. We joke that the sons in laws fought over "custody" of Mom because she kept the laundry done, mended and sewed, cooked huge full course meals and had them ready when we returned from work, swept the floor from her wheelchair, dusted, and then helped clean up the kitchen. If there was a yard project going, she was out pulling weeds and being straw boss. Basically anything that could be done sitting down, where most would have sat with their hands in their laps, Mom just kept on trucking. She would spill things and cry, then clean up the mess. She would threaten to quit trying, but we knew that wasn't her. She hated naps and refused to take them. She hated to relax on the bed even when the doctor told her to keep her swollen foot elevated as much as possible. It just wasn't her. If she felt like being up, she was going to be up. She somehow saw it as a sign of weakness to slow down – probably the way she was raised.
Grandma Raulston, as she was known, had a weakness for her grandkids. She adored them, kept them while we worked, and she was an integral part of their childhoods. She has recently said more than once that her biggest fear is that her great-grandkids will forget about her. That's why we asked them to share a memory. She then became GiGi, for Great Grandma, named by Addison. After Sandra became GiGi for Grandma Galley, she answered to just about anything. She was even wilder about her great grandchildren, if that was possible. They brightened her day, and she loved being around them. She never got tired of them, even if they were in their high maintenance phases. She loved being around people all the time, but she was an incredible grandma and great grandma.
We celebrated Mom's 79th birthday by going to the skilled nursing center with a non-emergency transport vehicle, bringing her home with our four-hour limit, and making an ultra fast birthday dinner. She had a very good time and seemed to have a lot of energy. There were more than 20 people there and that tickled her. By her 80th birthday, she was robust again, and back to her version of normal. We had a big family party, and she had a great time. Her 81st was the same. We didn't have the huge party, but she was feeling great – even though she was anticipating surgery to remove her bladder due to cancer.
As we celebrate the life of this wonderful loving giving lady, we are sad and feel sorry for ourselves, but we know that she has kissed the wheelchair goodbye forever, as well as Diabetes and Neuropathy, and all the horrible side effects that go with - and she can go to the banquets, eat her fill, and not worry about what it's doing to her blood sugar levels. She's reunited with her husband and having a great time, probably had to fish with her Dad and husband right off the bat – then on to having a real Boles and Cox Reunion, a Raulston reunion, and visiting with her parents and all her loved ones. She's singing all day every day, knowing her, and probably got inducted into the Heavenly choir immediately. She can't wait to greet you when your journey on earth is finished. She expects to see you there, so please don't let her down!
We are selfish, though, because although we know she's in the Master's hands and is reaping God's grace and favor in her eternal home, we'll miss her daily. There is probably something that we will come across every day that will remind us of her because she was so much fun to be around and share our lives. We know she can feel no sorrow now. We know if she could feel pain, she would feel sorry for us, that we weren't experiencing the magnificent riches she is now. Thanks for paying this great lady your last respects. She deserved it. Don't forget her saying, single people, "You can't find a peach in a lemon orchard." She had some great sayings. We should have kept a list!
Some of her favorite songs were gospel songs by Elvis Presley and anything by the Gaithers. "He touched me" "O What a Savior" "'Precious Lord"' "In the Garden" and "We Call on Him". She also loved the Easter Song "Then Came the Morning". "Mary's Boy Child" by Jim Reeves, and the rest of that Christmas album played on the vinyl record player every Christmas of our childhood.
For those of you here to support Derrelline's extended family members, we hope you've gotten a good insight of what a wonderful, sensitive, caring, laughing, lovely person Derrelline was, and how much she loved her family and friends. She may not have been famous to the world, but those who knew her will never forget her, and all the memories are fond ones! We'll miss her, but we celebrate her reunion in Heaven!
I cried when you passed away.. Although I loved you dearly, I couldn't make you stay. A golden heart stopped beating, hard working hands at rest. God broke my heart to prove to me he only takes the best.
Believe in the Lord Jesus Christ and you will be saved, you and your household. Acts 16:31
Cause of death: Sepsis, decumbere ulcers, Pneumonia, Bladder Cancer (underlying). Did you know that "decumbere" is Latin for "to lie down"? Interesting. Ulcers aka bed sores caused from lying down in bed - inability to move around.
Derrelline Cox Raulston, 81, was united with her Lord and Savior on July 29, 2014 while in a Fort Worth hospital surrounded by her loving family.
Services: Visitation will be held on Friday, August 1, 2014 at 1pm at Creekwood Church; 260 N. Miller Road; Mansfield with a funeral service scheduled to begin at 2pm.
Burial: Saturday, August 2, 2014 at 10am at New Haven Cemetery in Red River County near Clarksville, Texas.
Derrelline was born September 10, 1932 in Winnsboro, Texas to Derrell and Loviebelle Cox. She grew up in Winnsboro and graduated from Winnsboro High School in 1949 before moving to Dallas at the age of 18. On November 27, 1953, she married Herbert "Hub" Raulston and shared 39 wonderful years together before his passing in 1993. Derrelline worked for Republic Insurance in Dallas before choosing her 25 year career as a cottage typist for Taylor Publishing. She loved to sing, enjoyed collecting bells, spending time with her family playing 42, chickenfoot and cooking for everyone, especially during the holidays. Derrelline was a longtime member of Highland Baptist Church in Arlington and was a homebound member of Walnut Ridge Baptist Church of Mansfield. She will be deeply missed and always loved by her family and friends.
She was preceded in death in 1993 by her husband of almost 40 years, Herbert "Hub" Wayne Raulston, originally from Clarksville, TX and brother, Thomas Leon Cox of Rogers, Arkansas.
Derrelline was survived by her two daughters, Sandra Raulston Galley and husband Robert of Clarksville, TX, and Paula Raulston Duchesne and husband Allen of Arlington, TX; brother, Robert Earl Cox and wife Melinda of Mena, AR; sisters, Rosemary Chitsey of Winnsboro, TX and Carolyn Wilson and husband Johnny of Coke, TX; eight grandchildren, Diana Galley O'Bryan (Jesse), Julie Galley Quarm (Anthony), Robby Galley (Amanda), Cody Kirkman, Chase & Dane Gilbert, Terre Duchesne McGill (Shawn), and Ted Duchesne; great-grandchildren, Tehya, Savannah, Sadie, Zachary, Addison, William, Caroline, Austin, Cade, Eve, Kyle, Lilian, and Asher.
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Hello I am Julie Galley Quarm, Derrelline's granddaughter and daughter of Sandra and Robert Galley.
When our grandmother left us I wanted to do something that would give her grandchildren a voice to show everyone else what she was to us. There are SO many memories as I started thinking of the essence of who she was, it was like a flood in my mind.
My very first memory is of my granny, and I was only 2. I was napping in the front bedroom of their old house on Monaco because she stayed home with us each day, as she did with my mom and my aunt. I remember waking up suddenly and seeing smoke and a very frantic Grandma scooping me up and RUNNING me out of the house. Their house caught fire but the only thing she was concerned about was getting me out.
That was the first of many memories I have of her total selflessness and constantly swooping in to "Save" or care for all of us in some way. Whether it be with her nourishing food, her shoulder to cry on, her strong opinions on politics, or whatever was on the news to discuss with us and teach us, or her just constant care and need to make sure we were taken care of at all times.
She was the most traditional wife and mother I have ever seen. Whether taking care of my Papa, mending a hem at the last minute, fixing a full meal even though she had been up all day and worked all night, her first priority was always her family.
As I started asking for memories from all of my cousins I saw a VERY common theme that I could only describe as a traditional domestic goddess. There was always your favorite food prepared exactly how you liked it ready plus about four other dishes just in case you might want a little of this or that too. Almost everyone sent me a specific memory of her and her love of cooking. None of us ever went hungry around our grandmother, that's for sure.
She was also always constant in her love of the Lord. She embodied living the Golden Rule and being pure in heart and spirit. We all remember her constant singing of gospel songs or having gospel programs on the television. Even when she was in pain she would want to ask about us and our families and then told us she would pray for us each night, and I know that she did!
We each have many separate memories and reflections of our time with our Grandma, Granny, Gigi and friend.
She will leave a large whole in our family and in our hearts and we will never forget the lessons, memories and love she gave to each of us.
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Eulogy below.
Gaither Gospel CD plays during visitation
Go Rest High on the Mountain – Vince Gill – plays as family is seated
Jill and Johnny – Precious Memories
Amazing Grace – Terre McGill
Sweet Hour of Prayer – Mom and Aunt Rosemary singing from 1995
Derrelline Cox Raulston was born September 10, 1932 in Winnsboro, Texas to Derrell and Loviebelle (Boles) Cox. She was born in her grandparents' house – Paty and Mattie Boles. She has told us that her Mom told her that on September 10, 1932, it was so cold that there was a fire going in the fireplace. Her sister, Rosemary Chitsey, is the oldest, followed by Derrelline, then Thomas Leon Cox, then Carolyn Cox Wilson, and the baby of the family is Robert Earl Cox. Rosemary and Derrelline both had nicknames. Derrelline was Duck, and she outgrew it, and Rosemary was Punkin, and she never outgrew it. Leon was Bub or Bubba, and that never went away, until he went to Heaven last month. Mom has a rich heritage that includes Scottish, Irish, and Cherokee. The Cherokee is from the Boles side of the family.
Derrelline moved to Dallas when she was 18. Her first job was at Republic Insurance downtown Dallas. She was a Daddy's girl and came home to Winnsboro every weekend. While working in Dallas, she met her future husband in February 1953 at the Juneas Heights Baptist Church where both were members of a large singles group. Dad invited her to an ice skating show at Fair Park for their first date. Their next date was a Valentine's Day Banquet. They were married November 27, 1953. She was preceded in death in 1993 by her husband of almost 40 years, Herbert Wayne Raulston, with whom she is celebrating the reunion as we're holding this service for her. They had two daughters, Sandra Raulston Galley, and Paula Raulston Duchesne. The grandchildren are Diana Galley O'Bryan (husband Jesse), Julie Galley Quarm (husband Anthony), Robby Galley (wife Amanda), Cody Kirkman, Chase & Dane Gilbert, Terre Duchesne McGill (husband Shawn), and Ted Duchesne. Great-grandchildren oldest to youngest include Tehya, Savannah, Sadie, Zachary, Addison, William, Caroline, Austin, Cade, Eve, Kyle, Lilian, and Asher. We rarely heard arguments within the marriage, and all was well with the family. It was the traditional family, without dysfunction, best we could tell. Sandra and I both experienced happy childhoods and we both have numerous fond memories that last a lifetime. Our Mother's strongest character traits were the gift of giving, compassion, laughter, and honesty. Heavy emphasis on laughter! She loved to laugh, and did it often.
Derrelline and Herbert belonged to the Highland Baptist Church in Arlington all our lives until we moved Mom's membership to the Walnut Ridge Baptist Church in Mansfield. After she considered that she was no longer able to go to church, she still received calls, e-mails, and visitors from their wonderful seniors department at Walnut Ridge.
During our childhood, Mom worked the night shift so that she could be there for her kids. Most of her career was spent typesetting school annuals. She worked a little while at an insurance company when she first moved to Dallas from Winnsboro, and then went to Taylor Publishing. She lived on an over-the-counter caffeine pill called No Doze, because she rarely slept. She made most of our school clothes for a period of time, but never called herself a seamstress. After the night shift closed at Taylor, Mom began typing at home. It was called cottage typing for Taylor Publishing Company, and a van would drive daily from Dallas to Arlington to pick up her work. She had strict deadlines to meet. She didn't get any more sleep than when she worked the night shift, because during the day, when she should have been typing, she visited with Betty across the street, and then had to play catch-up by burning the midnight oil. That's exactly the way she wanted it. Her priorities were friendship and family first, work last, though she still excelled and was highly acclaimed in her field. Our Christmas' were as spectacular as anyone could expect. She contributed to the "Christmas Club" back then. She designated weekly withdrawals into the fund to be spent only for Christmas. We lacked for nothing! Mom and Dad sacrificed so that their daughters would not. Snow days would find Mom scooping up the newest and best of the fresh snow and making snow ice cream – the very best as only she could make it. She and our grandmother had the men climb a tree to hook up a device to ring jingle bells from the rooftop to get us to bed on Christmas Eve. Santa was close by. Laughter could be heard way past bedtime as the adults were in the main room having a great time awaiting Santa. Moving on - during our teenage years, there was no slipping in quietly and discreetly after the 11:00 curfew, because she was right there in the front room typing for Taylor Publishing when we got home from our dates or activities. She was still cottage typing even when she was watching the grandkids while we had full time jobs. There are many tales to tell about her escaping death while she was driving home at crazy hours while on No Doze, falling to sleep with her eyes open, running off a bridge on an overpass and living to talk about it, miracles like that. Then, at least every other weekend, we'd get up at 4 or 5am and head to Winnsboro on Saturday to visit our grandmother. We'd pick Mom up from her night shift and already be in Dallas headed east. How she did it with that little sleep, none of us knows!! Regarding Santa Claus, according to Grandma Raulston, the deal is, those that do not believe in Santa Claus do not get visited by him. That's just the way it is, and it applies to adults as well. We still believe!
They had great friends that were so close we thought we were all related. The families we hung out with included Betty Sue and Marvin, Betty and Charlie, then after Charlie passed away, Betty and Floyd, Bobbie Sue and JM, Glenn and Mary, Frank and Tutor, Ann Ray, and Katy Gwen and Olas. Her favorite pet of all times was TeeToe. He was a brillo pad that wagged his tail and sat on Mom and Dad's lap. There were many others that we've left out, but those are the ones we spent the most time with… when we weren't visiting our grandparents in Winnsboro and Clarksville. The family ties with Dad and Mom's siblings were special, too. Mom adored her nieces and nephews. In fact, at one time or the other, all 3 nephews lived with us for a short time during their early adult years. Good friends and family relationships were a huge part of our parents' lives.
One of Derrelline's favorite past-times was garage sales and flea markets. She collected Avon bottles and bells. She collected anything valuable, but those two were her favorite to collect. We lump garage sales and flea markets together because, during the week, garage sales provided the merchandise to sale on the weekend at the Grand Prairie flea market. She and Dad had a booth they shared with Ann Ray for several years, and they loved it. After she became wheelchair bound, she complained every time she saw a garage sale sign. We don't have the passion for them she does, plus it's hard to maneuver garages from a wheelchair. Had she ever decided to like the computer, she would have been the perfect E-Bay dealer. Unfortunately, we could never get her interested. Once she was done with Taylor Publishing, she wanted no part of another computer. She hard coded the type fonts and location commands for the annuals, and she would have been a computer whiz, but we never convinced her. She called it the mark of the beast.
Our Mom loved her annual trips to the Boles Reunion. She had a great time at each one and looked forward to planning the meals we would bring, the clothes she would wear, and the weekend trip. She loved seeing everyone. She was the envelope stuffer, addresser, and stamper of the invitations. It was a full day's work each year.
Derrelline loves the Lord and has a personal relationship with her Savior. He was her best friend. She came to know the Lord at a revival at Wylie Memorial Methodist Church, but she was Baptist, so she went to Brother Mooney at Mount Zion. She was baptized with Rosemary and Johnny Otts in the pond by the McDowell's place when she was 12. She was a strong Christian who lived her faith each day as an example for her family and friends. She recently read the book, Heaven is for Real, loved it, and her favorite TV shows were gospel, especially the Gaithers. If you were to walk past her room when she lived with us and her TV is on, it's either News, a sermon, or gospel music. Although, Sandra did get her addicted to American Idol. At the beginning of every season, we could be anywhere in the house and hear her laughing uproariously at the bad talent at the beginning of each season. It was fun to watch and listen to her. Also, when she thought no one was watching, she would purposefully trip the animated full sized Santa that dances and sings each Christmas season, pat her good foot, clap her hands, and sing the Christmas songs with Santa. Singing was a big part of her life. That is to say, she would just burst out in song at random times. Mostly, she sang gospel songs, but depending on the season, you could hear her break out in Christmas songs or whatever came to mind. She always sang in the car, all the way, like it or not, and we traveled a lot when we were growing up. Just the other day, one of the sons in law was talking about Mom singing to the XM radio Willie's Place country and western 50s tunes. He said she knew every one of them. She was partial to Sonny James and Jim Reeves. Dad took her to see Sonny James sing once in Dallas, and Sonny opened a bottle cap for Mom. That was her moment.
Our Mom left some great footprints to follow when it comes to loving the Lord and preparing for eternity. No family member ever had to worry about being prayed for. She had them covered. If she could speak to you today, she would listen to your accomplishments, successes and failures, but she would say to you that none of that matters. What matters is that she'll see you in Heaven. If you want to do something to make her proud, live your life as a Christian and walk in faith. That's what was most important to her. Forgive and forget. Be slow to anger. Get along. Be nice. Read the Bible every day. Materialism meant nothing to her – seeking eternity in Heaven was everything to her. So glad she's home!
We have never met a person that didn't love Derrelline. We are quite certain that she had no enemies, and it's fairly safe to say that no one ever had a squabble with her, or got angry with her, including nurses at various hospitals, rehabs, and skilled nursing centers. She would still smile at the nurses to avoid complaining. In these instances, frustration would set it for the family because she was so nice that she'd let people run over her, but she was content and stubborn, and she only answered to herself. She was opinionated and outspoken, and a wonderful Matriarch to our family. A perfect example is when she received her heart cath and when the doctor told her about her blockages and that a triple bypass was necessary, she casually told the doctor "No thank you" like he was passing her mashed potatoes. He got a big kick out of that and told her that maybe she should speak to her family about that before making her "final" decision.
One of the wonderful character traits of our Mother was her absolute inability to lie. She would go to great extremes to correct something if she found out after-the-fact that she had stated something incorrectly. It was important to her to never ever tell a lie. She knew how important that character trait honesty is, and she lived it. If she got too much change from a department store, she would return to the store and turn it in, not caring how insignificant an amount she was returning.
Derrelline was all about family. She took care of her family and considered herself the central focal point. She called Sue daily to stay in touch on Dad's side, when Sue lived at home, and she called Rosemary weekly to stay in touch on her side until she felt too bad to make the call. She kept us close. When we could have been separated by death or circumstances, she kept us pulled together in a special way that caused us all to be sentimental and share a bond that can never be broken. She was good natured all the time.
Traditions were also important to Derrelline. She loved having a close family, and holidays were meant for family gatherings. She was a wonderful Southern cook. People used to come visit for the weekends just to partake in Mom's meals. Her cream pies, strawberry cakes, oh-my-gosh-delicious banana pudding, and all desserts were what drew the biggest crowds. That and the quantity of her Southern cooking. No one went hungry with Derrelline around! She was the Christmas girl. We decorate early for Christmas, and even after she was in her wheelchair, she was instrumental in starting the season off right, decorating until it was done (all that she could from her sitting position), making sure the Christmas music was flowing through the house, cookies baking, and singing and working away. She was the same with her holiday cooking. On our "cooking" days before Thanksgiving and Christmas, we spent the entire day in the kitchen. We started early preparing our casseroles and desserts, and we finished late. We laughed and cut up the entire day. That was part of the tradition. We're following in her footsteps hoping to carry the old fashioned customs on down the line for future generations to love the holidays as much as we do.
Unfortunately, a huge part of our family traditions center around food. Mom loved to eat. She was a great cook, loved good old fashioned country cooking, had a weakness for sweets, and had no problem cleaning her plate. It finally caught up with her when she was in her 50s with a very severe case of Diabetes followed closely by Neuropathy in her early 60s. Of course, with her personality, she barely slowed down when she became unable to walk. We joke that the sons in laws fought over "custody" of Mom because she kept the laundry done, mended and sewed, cooked huge full course meals and had them ready when we returned from work, swept the floor from her wheelchair, dusted, and then helped clean up the kitchen. If there was a yard project going, she was out pulling weeds and being straw boss. Basically anything that could be done sitting down, where most would have sat with their hands in their laps, Mom just kept on trucking. She would spill things and cry, then clean up the mess. She would threaten to quit trying, but we knew that wasn't her. She hated naps and refused to take them. She hated to relax on the bed even when the doctor told her to keep her swollen foot elevated as much as possible. It just wasn't her. If she felt like being up, she was going to be up. She somehow saw it as a sign of weakness to slow down – probably the way she was raised.
Grandma Raulston, as she was known, had a weakness for her grandkids. She adored them, kept them while we worked, and she was an integral part of their childhoods. She has recently said more than once that her biggest fear is that her great-grandkids will forget about her. That's why we asked them to share a memory. She then became GiGi, for Great Grandma, named by Addison. After Sandra became GiGi for Grandma Galley, she answered to just about anything. She was even wilder about her great grandchildren, if that was possible. They brightened her day, and she loved being around them. She never got tired of them, even if they were in their high maintenance phases. She loved being around people all the time, but she was an incredible grandma and great grandma.
We celebrated Mom's 79th birthday by going to the skilled nursing center with a non-emergency transport vehicle, bringing her home with our four-hour limit, and making an ultra fast birthday dinner. She had a very good time and seemed to have a lot of energy. There were more than 20 people there and that tickled her. By her 80th birthday, she was robust again, and back to her version of normal. We had a big family party, and she had a great time. Her 81st was the same. We didn't have the huge party, but she was feeling great – even though she was anticipating surgery to remove her bladder due to cancer.
As we celebrate the life of this wonderful loving giving lady, we are sad and feel sorry for ourselves, but we know that she has kissed the wheelchair goodbye forever, as well as Diabetes and Neuropathy, and all the horrible side effects that go with - and she can go to the banquets, eat her fill, and not worry about what it's doing to her blood sugar levels. She's reunited with her husband and having a great time, probably had to fish with her Dad and husband right off the bat – then on to having a real Boles and Cox Reunion, a Raulston reunion, and visiting with her parents and all her loved ones. She's singing all day every day, knowing her, and probably got inducted into the Heavenly choir immediately. She can't wait to greet you when your journey on earth is finished. She expects to see you there, so please don't let her down!
We are selfish, though, because although we know she's in the Master's hands and is reaping God's grace and favor in her eternal home, we'll miss her daily. There is probably something that we will come across every day that will remind us of her because she was so much fun to be around and share our lives. We know she can feel no sorrow now. We know if she could feel pain, she would feel sorry for us, that we weren't experiencing the magnificent riches she is now. Thanks for paying this great lady your last respects. She deserved it. Don't forget her saying, single people, "You can't find a peach in a lemon orchard." She had some great sayings. We should have kept a list!
Some of her favorite songs were gospel songs by Elvis Presley and anything by the Gaithers. "He touched me" "O What a Savior" "'Precious Lord"' "In the Garden" and "We Call on Him". She also loved the Easter Song "Then Came the Morning". "Mary's Boy Child" by Jim Reeves, and the rest of that Christmas album played on the vinyl record player every Christmas of our childhood.
For those of you here to support Derrelline's extended family members, we hope you've gotten a good insight of what a wonderful, sensitive, caring, laughing, lovely person Derrelline was, and how much she loved her family and friends. She may not have been famous to the world, but those who knew her will never forget her, and all the memories are fond ones! We'll miss her, but we celebrate her reunion in Heaven!
I cried when you passed away.. Although I loved you dearly, I couldn't make you stay. A golden heart stopped beating, hard working hands at rest. God broke my heart to prove to me he only takes the best.
Believe in the Lord Jesus Christ and you will be saved, you and your household. Acts 16:31
Missing You
Cause of death: Sepsis, decumbere ulcers, Pneumonia, Bladder Cancer (underlying). Did you know that "decumbere" is Latin for "to lie down"? Interesting. Ulcers aka bed sores caused from lying down in bed - inability to move around.
Derrelline Cox Raulston, 81, was united with her Lord and Savior on July 29, 2014 while in a Fort Worth hospital surrounded by her loving family.
Services: Visitation will be held on Friday, August 1, 2014 at 1pm at Creekwood Church; 260 N. Miller Road; Mansfield with a funeral service scheduled to begin at 2pm.
Burial: Saturday, August 2, 2014 at 10am at New Haven Cemetery in Red River County near Clarksville, Texas.
Derrelline was born September 10, 1932 in Winnsboro, Texas to Derrell and Loviebelle Cox. She grew up in Winnsboro and graduated from Winnsboro High School in 1949 before moving to Dallas at the age of 18. On November 27, 1953, she married Herbert "Hub" Raulston and shared 39 wonderful years together before his passing in 1993. Derrelline worked for Republic Insurance in Dallas before choosing her 25 year career as a cottage typist for Taylor Publishing. She loved to sing, enjoyed collecting bells, spending time with her family playing 42, chickenfoot and cooking for everyone, especially during the holidays. Derrelline was a longtime member of Highland Baptist Church in Arlington and was a homebound member of Walnut Ridge Baptist Church of Mansfield. She will be deeply missed and always loved by her family and friends.
She was preceded in death in 1993 by her husband of almost 40 years, Herbert "Hub" Wayne Raulston, originally from Clarksville, TX and brother, Thomas Leon Cox of Rogers, Arkansas.
Derrelline was survived by her two daughters, Sandra Raulston Galley and husband Robert of Clarksville, TX, and Paula Raulston Duchesne and husband Allen of Arlington, TX; brother, Robert Earl Cox and wife Melinda of Mena, AR; sisters, Rosemary Chitsey of Winnsboro, TX and Carolyn Wilson and husband Johnny of Coke, TX; eight grandchildren, Diana Galley O'Bryan (Jesse), Julie Galley Quarm (Anthony), Robby Galley (Amanda), Cody Kirkman, Chase & Dane Gilbert, Terre Duchesne McGill (Shawn), and Ted Duchesne; great-grandchildren, Tehya, Savannah, Sadie, Zachary, Addison, William, Caroline, Austin, Cade, Eve, Kyle, Lilian, and Asher.
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Hello I am Julie Galley Quarm, Derrelline's granddaughter and daughter of Sandra and Robert Galley.
When our grandmother left us I wanted to do something that would give her grandchildren a voice to show everyone else what she was to us. There are SO many memories as I started thinking of the essence of who she was, it was like a flood in my mind.
My very first memory is of my granny, and I was only 2. I was napping in the front bedroom of their old house on Monaco because she stayed home with us each day, as she did with my mom and my aunt. I remember waking up suddenly and seeing smoke and a very frantic Grandma scooping me up and RUNNING me out of the house. Their house caught fire but the only thing she was concerned about was getting me out.
That was the first of many memories I have of her total selflessness and constantly swooping in to "Save" or care for all of us in some way. Whether it be with her nourishing food, her shoulder to cry on, her strong opinions on politics, or whatever was on the news to discuss with us and teach us, or her just constant care and need to make sure we were taken care of at all times.
She was the most traditional wife and mother I have ever seen. Whether taking care of my Papa, mending a hem at the last minute, fixing a full meal even though she had been up all day and worked all night, her first priority was always her family.
As I started asking for memories from all of my cousins I saw a VERY common theme that I could only describe as a traditional domestic goddess. There was always your favorite food prepared exactly how you liked it ready plus about four other dishes just in case you might want a little of this or that too. Almost everyone sent me a specific memory of her and her love of cooking. None of us ever went hungry around our grandmother, that's for sure.
She was also always constant in her love of the Lord. She embodied living the Golden Rule and being pure in heart and spirit. We all remember her constant singing of gospel songs or having gospel programs on the television. Even when she was in pain she would want to ask about us and our families and then told us she would pray for us each night, and I know that she did!
We each have many separate memories and reflections of our time with our Grandma, Granny, Gigi and friend.
She will leave a large whole in our family and in our hearts and we will never forget the lessons, memories and love she gave to each of us.
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Eulogy below.
Gaither Gospel CD plays during visitation
Go Rest High on the Mountain – Vince Gill – plays as family is seated
Jill and Johnny – Precious Memories
Amazing Grace – Terre McGill
Sweet Hour of Prayer – Mom and Aunt Rosemary singing from 1995
Derrelline Cox Raulston was born September 10, 1932 in Winnsboro, Texas to Derrell and Loviebelle (Boles) Cox. She was born in her grandparents' house – Paty and Mattie Boles. She has told us that her Mom told her that on September 10, 1932, it was so cold that there was a fire going in the fireplace. Her sister, Rosemary Chitsey, is the oldest, followed by Derrelline, then Thomas Leon Cox, then Carolyn Cox Wilson, and the baby of the family is Robert Earl Cox. Rosemary and Derrelline both had nicknames. Derrelline was Duck, and she outgrew it, and Rosemary was Punkin, and she never outgrew it. Leon was Bub or Bubba, and that never went away, until he went to Heaven last month. Mom has a rich heritage that includes Scottish, Irish, and Cherokee. The Cherokee is from the Boles side of the family.
Derrelline moved to Dallas when she was 18. Her first job was at Republic Insurance downtown Dallas. She was a Daddy's girl and came home to Winnsboro every weekend. While working in Dallas, she met her future husband in February 1953 at the Juneas Heights Baptist Church where both were members of a large singles group. Dad invited her to an ice skating show at Fair Park for their first date. Their next date was a Valentine's Day Banquet. They were married November 27, 1953. She was preceded in death in 1993 by her husband of almost 40 years, Herbert Wayne Raulston, with whom she is celebrating the reunion as we're holding this service for her. They had two daughters, Sandra Raulston Galley, and Paula Raulston Duchesne. The grandchildren are Diana Galley O'Bryan (husband Jesse), Julie Galley Quarm (husband Anthony), Robby Galley (wife Amanda), Cody Kirkman, Chase & Dane Gilbert, Terre Duchesne McGill (husband Shawn), and Ted Duchesne. Great-grandchildren oldest to youngest include Tehya, Savannah, Sadie, Zachary, Addison, William, Caroline, Austin, Cade, Eve, Kyle, Lilian, and Asher. We rarely heard arguments within the marriage, and all was well with the family. It was the traditional family, without dysfunction, best we could tell. Sandra and I both experienced happy childhoods and we both have numerous fond memories that last a lifetime. Our Mother's strongest character traits were the gift of giving, compassion, laughter, and honesty. Heavy emphasis on laughter! She loved to laugh, and did it often.
Derrelline and Herbert belonged to the Highland Baptist Church in Arlington all our lives until we moved Mom's membership to the Walnut Ridge Baptist Church in Mansfield. After she considered that she was no longer able to go to church, she still received calls, e-mails, and visitors from their wonderful seniors department at Walnut Ridge.
During our childhood, Mom worked the night shift so that she could be there for her kids. Most of her career was spent typesetting school annuals. She worked a little while at an insurance company when she first moved to Dallas from Winnsboro, and then went to Taylor Publishing. She lived on an over-the-counter caffeine pill called No Doze, because she rarely slept. She made most of our school clothes for a period of time, but never called herself a seamstress. After the night shift closed at Taylor, Mom began typing at home. It was called cottage typing for Taylor Publishing Company, and a van would drive daily from Dallas to Arlington to pick up her work. She had strict deadlines to meet. She didn't get any more sleep than when she worked the night shift, because during the day, when she should have been typing, she visited with Betty across the street, and then had to play catch-up by burning the midnight oil. That's exactly the way she wanted it. Her priorities were friendship and family first, work last, though she still excelled and was highly acclaimed in her field. Our Christmas' were as spectacular as anyone could expect. She contributed to the "Christmas Club" back then. She designated weekly withdrawals into the fund to be spent only for Christmas. We lacked for nothing! Mom and Dad sacrificed so that their daughters would not. Snow days would find Mom scooping up the newest and best of the fresh snow and making snow ice cream – the very best as only she could make it. She and our grandmother had the men climb a tree to hook up a device to ring jingle bells from the rooftop to get us to bed on Christmas Eve. Santa was close by. Laughter could be heard way past bedtime as the adults were in the main room having a great time awaiting Santa. Moving on - during our teenage years, there was no slipping in quietly and discreetly after the 11:00 curfew, because she was right there in the front room typing for Taylor Publishing when we got home from our dates or activities. She was still cottage typing even when she was watching the grandkids while we had full time jobs. There are many tales to tell about her escaping death while she was driving home at crazy hours while on No Doze, falling to sleep with her eyes open, running off a bridge on an overpass and living to talk about it, miracles like that. Then, at least every other weekend, we'd get up at 4 or 5am and head to Winnsboro on Saturday to visit our grandmother. We'd pick Mom up from her night shift and already be in Dallas headed east. How she did it with that little sleep, none of us knows!! Regarding Santa Claus, according to Grandma Raulston, the deal is, those that do not believe in Santa Claus do not get visited by him. That's just the way it is, and it applies to adults as well. We still believe!
They had great friends that were so close we thought we were all related. The families we hung out with included Betty Sue and Marvin, Betty and Charlie, then after Charlie passed away, Betty and Floyd, Bobbie Sue and JM, Glenn and Mary, Frank and Tutor, Ann Ray, and Katy Gwen and Olas. Her favorite pet of all times was TeeToe. He was a brillo pad that wagged his tail and sat on Mom and Dad's lap. There were many others that we've left out, but those are the ones we spent the most time with… when we weren't visiting our grandparents in Winnsboro and Clarksville. The family ties with Dad and Mom's siblings were special, too. Mom adored her nieces and nephews. In fact, at one time or the other, all 3 nephews lived with us for a short time during their early adult years. Good friends and family relationships were a huge part of our parents' lives.
One of Derrelline's favorite past-times was garage sales and flea markets. She collected Avon bottles and bells. She collected anything valuable, but those two were her favorite to collect. We lump garage sales and flea markets together because, during the week, garage sales provided the merchandise to sale on the weekend at the Grand Prairie flea market. She and Dad had a booth they shared with Ann Ray for several years, and they loved it. After she became wheelchair bound, she complained every time she saw a garage sale sign. We don't have the passion for them she does, plus it's hard to maneuver garages from a wheelchair. Had she ever decided to like the computer, she would have been the perfect E-Bay dealer. Unfortunately, we could never get her interested. Once she was done with Taylor Publishing, she wanted no part of another computer. She hard coded the type fonts and location commands for the annuals, and she would have been a computer whiz, but we never convinced her. She called it the mark of the beast.
Our Mom loved her annual trips to the Boles Reunion. She had a great time at each one and looked forward to planning the meals we would bring, the clothes she would wear, and the weekend trip. She loved seeing everyone. She was the envelope stuffer, addresser, and stamper of the invitations. It was a full day's work each year.
Derrelline loves the Lord and has a personal relationship with her Savior. He was her best friend. She came to know the Lord at a revival at Wylie Memorial Methodist Church, but she was Baptist, so she went to Brother Mooney at Mount Zion. She was baptized with Rosemary and Johnny Otts in the pond by the McDowell's place when she was 12. She was a strong Christian who lived her faith each day as an example for her family and friends. She recently read the book, Heaven is for Real, loved it, and her favorite TV shows were gospel, especially the Gaithers. If you were to walk past her room when she lived with us and her TV is on, it's either News, a sermon, or gospel music. Although, Sandra did get her addicted to American Idol. At the beginning of every season, we could be anywhere in the house and hear her laughing uproariously at the bad talent at the beginning of each season. It was fun to watch and listen to her. Also, when she thought no one was watching, she would purposefully trip the animated full sized Santa that dances and sings each Christmas season, pat her good foot, clap her hands, and sing the Christmas songs with Santa. Singing was a big part of her life. That is to say, she would just burst out in song at random times. Mostly, she sang gospel songs, but depending on the season, you could hear her break out in Christmas songs or whatever came to mind. She always sang in the car, all the way, like it or not, and we traveled a lot when we were growing up. Just the other day, one of the sons in law was talking about Mom singing to the XM radio Willie's Place country and western 50s tunes. He said she knew every one of them. She was partial to Sonny James and Jim Reeves. Dad took her to see Sonny James sing once in Dallas, and Sonny opened a bottle cap for Mom. That was her moment.
Our Mom left some great footprints to follow when it comes to loving the Lord and preparing for eternity. No family member ever had to worry about being prayed for. She had them covered. If she could speak to you today, she would listen to your accomplishments, successes and failures, but she would say to you that none of that matters. What matters is that she'll see you in Heaven. If you want to do something to make her proud, live your life as a Christian and walk in faith. That's what was most important to her. Forgive and forget. Be slow to anger. Get along. Be nice. Read the Bible every day. Materialism meant nothing to her – seeking eternity in Heaven was everything to her. So glad she's home!
We have never met a person that didn't love Derrelline. We are quite certain that she had no enemies, and it's fairly safe to say that no one ever had a squabble with her, or got angry with her, including nurses at various hospitals, rehabs, and skilled nursing centers. She would still smile at the nurses to avoid complaining. In these instances, frustration would set it for the family because she was so nice that she'd let people run over her, but she was content and stubborn, and she only answered to herself. She was opinionated and outspoken, and a wonderful Matriarch to our family. A perfect example is when she received her heart cath and when the doctor told her about her blockages and that a triple bypass was necessary, she casually told the doctor "No thank you" like he was passing her mashed potatoes. He got a big kick out of that and told her that maybe she should speak to her family about that before making her "final" decision.
One of the wonderful character traits of our Mother was her absolute inability to lie. She would go to great extremes to correct something if she found out after-the-fact that she had stated something incorrectly. It was important to her to never ever tell a lie. She knew how important that character trait honesty is, and she lived it. If she got too much change from a department store, she would return to the store and turn it in, not caring how insignificant an amount she was returning.
Derrelline was all about family. She took care of her family and considered herself the central focal point. She called Sue daily to stay in touch on Dad's side, when Sue lived at home, and she called Rosemary weekly to stay in touch on her side until she felt too bad to make the call. She kept us close. When we could have been separated by death or circumstances, she kept us pulled together in a special way that caused us all to be sentimental and share a bond that can never be broken. She was good natured all the time.
Traditions were also important to Derrelline. She loved having a close family, and holidays were meant for family gatherings. She was a wonderful Southern cook. People used to come visit for the weekends just to partake in Mom's meals. Her cream pies, strawberry cakes, oh-my-gosh-delicious banana pudding, and all desserts were what drew the biggest crowds. That and the quantity of her Southern cooking. No one went hungry with Derrelline around! She was the Christmas girl. We decorate early for Christmas, and even after she was in her wheelchair, she was instrumental in starting the season off right, decorating until it was done (all that she could from her sitting position), making sure the Christmas music was flowing through the house, cookies baking, and singing and working away. She was the same with her holiday cooking. On our "cooking" days before Thanksgiving and Christmas, we spent the entire day in the kitchen. We started early preparing our casseroles and desserts, and we finished late. We laughed and cut up the entire day. That was part of the tradition. We're following in her footsteps hoping to carry the old fashioned customs on down the line for future generations to love the holidays as much as we do.
Unfortunately, a huge part of our family traditions center around food. Mom loved to eat. She was a great cook, loved good old fashioned country cooking, had a weakness for sweets, and had no problem cleaning her plate. It finally caught up with her when she was in her 50s with a very severe case of Diabetes followed closely by Neuropathy in her early 60s. Of course, with her personality, she barely slowed down when she became unable to walk. We joke that the sons in laws fought over "custody" of Mom because she kept the laundry done, mended and sewed, cooked huge full course meals and had them ready when we returned from work, swept the floor from her wheelchair, dusted, and then helped clean up the kitchen. If there was a yard project going, she was out pulling weeds and being straw boss. Basically anything that could be done sitting down, where most would have sat with their hands in their laps, Mom just kept on trucking. She would spill things and cry, then clean up the mess. She would threaten to quit trying, but we knew that wasn't her. She hated naps and refused to take them. She hated to relax on the bed even when the doctor told her to keep her swollen foot elevated as much as possible. It just wasn't her. If she felt like being up, she was going to be up. She somehow saw it as a sign of weakness to slow down – probably the way she was raised.
Grandma Raulston, as she was known, had a weakness for her grandkids. She adored them, kept them while we worked, and she was an integral part of their childhoods. She has recently said more than once that her biggest fear is that her great-grandkids will forget about her. That's why we asked them to share a memory. She then became GiGi, for Great Grandma, named by Addison. After Sandra became GiGi for Grandma Galley, she answered to just about anything. She was even wilder about her great grandchildren, if that was possible. They brightened her day, and she loved being around them. She never got tired of them, even if they were in their high maintenance phases. She loved being around people all the time, but she was an incredible grandma and great grandma.
We celebrated Mom's 79th birthday by going to the skilled nursing center with a non-emergency transport vehicle, bringing her home with our four-hour limit, and making an ultra fast birthday dinner. She had a very good time and seemed to have a lot of energy. There were more than 20 people there and that tickled her. By her 80th birthday, she was robust again, and back to her version of normal. We had a big family party, and she had a great time. Her 81st was the same. We didn't have the huge party, but she was feeling great – even though she was anticipating surgery to remove her bladder due to cancer.
As we celebrate the life of this wonderful loving giving lady, we are sad and feel sorry for ourselves, but we know that she has kissed the wheelchair goodbye forever, as well as Diabetes and Neuropathy, and all the horrible side effects that go with - and she can go to the banquets, eat her fill, and not worry about what it's doing to her blood sugar levels. She's reunited with her husband and having a great time, probably had to fish with her Dad and husband right off the bat – then on to having a real Boles and Cox Reunion, a Raulston reunion, and visiting with her parents and all her loved ones. She's singing all day every day, knowing her, and probably got inducted into the Heavenly choir immediately. She can't wait to greet you when your journey on earth is finished. She expects to see you there, so please don't let her down!
We are selfish, though, because although we know she's in the Master's hands and is reaping God's grace and favor in her eternal home, we'll miss her daily. There is probably something that we will come across every day that will remind us of her because she was so much fun to be around and share our lives. We know she can feel no sorrow now. We know if she could feel pain, she would feel sorry for us, that we weren't experiencing the magnificent riches she is now. Thanks for paying this great lady your last respects. She deserved it. Don't forget her saying, single people, "You can't find a peach in a lemon orchard." She had some great sayings. We should have kept a list!
Some of her favorite songs were gospel songs by Elvis Presley and anything by the Gaithers. "He touched me" "O What a Savior" "'Precious Lord"' "In the Garden" and "We Call on Him". She also loved the Easter Song "Then Came the Morning". "Mary's Boy Child" by Jim Reeves, and the rest of that Christmas album played on the vinyl record player every Christmas of our childhood.
For those of you here to support Derrelline's extended family members, we hope you've gotten a good insight of what a wonderful, sensitive, caring, laughing, lovely person Derrelline was, and how much she loved her family and friends. She may not have been famous to the world, but those who knew her will never forget her, and all the memories are fond ones! We'll miss her, but we celebrate her reunion in Heaven!
I cried when you passed away.. Although I loved you dearly, I couldn't make you stay. A golden heart stopped beating, hard working hands at rest. God broke my heart to prove to me he only takes the best.
Believe in the Lord Jesus Christ and you will be saved, you and your household. Acts 16:31
Cause of death: Sepsis, decumbere ulcers, Pneumonia, Bladder Cancer (underlying). Did you know that "decumbere" is Latin for "to lie down"? Interesting. Ulcers aka bed sores caused from lying down in bed - inability to move around.
Derrelline Cox Raulston, 81, was united with her Lord and Savior on July 29, 2014 while in a Fort Worth hospital surrounded by her loving family.
Services: Visitation will be held on Friday, August 1, 2014 at 1pm at Creekwood Church; 260 N. Miller Road; Mansfield with a funeral service scheduled to begin at 2pm.
Burial: Saturday, August 2, 2014 at 10am at New Haven Cemetery in Red River County near Clarksville, Texas.
Derrelline was born September 10, 1932 in Winnsboro, Texas to Derrell and Loviebelle Cox. She grew up in Winnsboro and graduated from Winnsboro High School in 1949 before moving to Dallas at the age of 18. On November 27, 1953, she married Herbert "Hub" Raulston and shared 39 wonderful years together before his passing in 1993. Derrelline worked for Republic Insurance in Dallas before choosing her 25 year career as a cottage typist for Taylor Publishing. She loved to sing, enjoyed collecting bells, spending time with her family playing 42, chickenfoot and cooking for everyone, especially during the holidays. Derrelline was a longtime member of Highland Baptist Church in Arlington and was a homebound member of Walnut Ridge Baptist Church of Mansfield. She will be deeply missed and always loved by her family and friends.
She was preceded in death in 1993 by her husband of almost 40 years, Herbert "Hub" Wayne Raulston, originally from Clarksville, TX and brother, Thomas Leon Cox of Rogers, Arkansas.
Derrelline was survived by her two daughters, Sandra Raulston Galley and husband Robert of Clarksville, TX, and Paula Raulston Duchesne and husband Allen of Arlington, TX; brother, Robert Earl Cox and wife Melinda of Mena, AR; sisters, Rosemary Chitsey of Winnsboro, TX and Carolyn Wilson and husband Johnny of Coke, TX; eight grandchildren, Diana Galley O'Bryan (Jesse), Julie Galley Quarm (Anthony), Robby Galley (Amanda), Cody Kirkman, Chase & Dane Gilbert, Terre Duchesne McGill (Shawn), and Ted Duchesne; great-grandchildren, Tehya, Savannah, Sadie, Zachary, Addison, William, Caroline, Austin, Cade, Eve, Kyle, Lilian, and Asher.
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Hello I am Julie Galley Quarm, Derrelline's granddaughter and daughter of Sandra and Robert Galley.
When our grandmother left us I wanted to do something that would give her grandchildren a voice to show everyone else what she was to us. There are SO many memories as I started thinking of the essence of who she was, it was like a flood in my mind.
My very first memory is of my granny, and I was only 2. I was napping in the front bedroom of their old house on Monaco because she stayed home with us each day, as she did with my mom and my aunt. I remember waking up suddenly and seeing smoke and a very frantic Grandma scooping me up and RUNNING me out of the house. Their house caught fire but the only thing she was concerned about was getting me out.
That was the first of many memories I have of her total selflessness and constantly swooping in to "Save" or care for all of us in some way. Whether it be with her nourishing food, her shoulder to cry on, her strong opinions on politics, or whatever was on the news to discuss with us and teach us, or her just constant care and need to make sure we were taken care of at all times.
She was the most traditional wife and mother I have ever seen. Whether taking care of my Papa, mending a hem at the last minute, fixing a full meal even though she had been up all day and worked all night, her first priority was always her family.
As I started asking for memories from all of my cousins I saw a VERY common theme that I could only describe as a traditional domestic goddess. There was always your favorite food prepared exactly how you liked it ready plus about four other dishes just in case you might want a little of this or that too. Almost everyone sent me a specific memory of her and her love of cooking. None of us ever went hungry around our grandmother, that's for sure.
She was also always constant in her love of the Lord. She embodied living the Golden Rule and being pure in heart and spirit. We all remember her constant singing of gospel songs or having gospel programs on the television. Even when she was in pain she would want to ask about us and our families and then told us she would pray for us each night, and I know that she did!
We each have many separate memories and reflections of our time with our Grandma, Granny, Gigi and friend.
She will leave a large whole in our family and in our hearts and we will never forget the lessons, memories and love she gave to each of us.
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Eulogy below.
Gaither Gospel CD plays during visitation
Go Rest High on the Mountain – Vince Gill – plays as family is seated
Jill and Johnny – Precious Memories
Amazing Grace – Terre McGill
Sweet Hour of Prayer – Mom and Aunt Rosemary singing from 1995
Derrelline Cox Raulston was born September 10, 1932 in Winnsboro, Texas to Derrell and Loviebelle (Boles) Cox. She was born in her grandparents' house – Paty and Mattie Boles. She has told us that her Mom told her that on September 10, 1932, it was so cold that there was a fire going in the fireplace. Her sister, Rosemary Chitsey, is the oldest, followed by Derrelline, then Thomas Leon Cox, then Carolyn Cox Wilson, and the baby of the family is Robert Earl Cox. Rosemary and Derrelline both had nicknames. Derrelline was Duck, and she outgrew it, and Rosemary was Punkin, and she never outgrew it. Leon was Bub or Bubba, and that never went away, until he went to Heaven last month. Mom has a rich heritage that includes Scottish, Irish, and Cherokee. The Cherokee is from the Boles side of the family.
Derrelline moved to Dallas when she was 18. Her first job was at Republic Insurance downtown Dallas. She was a Daddy's girl and came home to Winnsboro every weekend. While working in Dallas, she met her future husband in February 1953 at the Juneas Heights Baptist Church where both were members of a large singles group. Dad invited her to an ice skating show at Fair Park for their first date. Their next date was a Valentine's Day Banquet. They were married November 27, 1953. She was preceded in death in 1993 by her husband of almost 40 years, Herbert Wayne Raulston, with whom she is celebrating the reunion as we're holding this service for her. They had two daughters, Sandra Raulston Galley, and Paula Raulston Duchesne. The grandchildren are Diana Galley O'Bryan (husband Jesse), Julie Galley Quarm (husband Anthony), Robby Galley (wife Amanda), Cody Kirkman, Chase & Dane Gilbert, Terre Duchesne McGill (husband Shawn), and Ted Duchesne. Great-grandchildren oldest to youngest include Tehya, Savannah, Sadie, Zachary, Addison, William, Caroline, Austin, Cade, Eve, Kyle, Lilian, and Asher. We rarely heard arguments within the marriage, and all was well with the family. It was the traditional family, without dysfunction, best we could tell. Sandra and I both experienced happy childhoods and we both have numerous fond memories that last a lifetime. Our Mother's strongest character traits were the gift of giving, compassion, laughter, and honesty. Heavy emphasis on laughter! She loved to laugh, and did it often.
Derrelline and Herbert belonged to the Highland Baptist Church in Arlington all our lives until we moved Mom's membership to the Walnut Ridge Baptist Church in Mansfield. After she considered that she was no longer able to go to church, she still received calls, e-mails, and visitors from their wonderful seniors department at Walnut Ridge.
During our childhood, Mom worked the night shift so that she could be there for her kids. Most of her career was spent typesetting school annuals. She worked a little while at an insurance company when she first moved to Dallas from Winnsboro, and then went to Taylor Publishing. She lived on an over-the-counter caffeine pill called No Doze, because she rarely slept. She made most of our school clothes for a period of time, but never called herself a seamstress. After the night shift closed at Taylor, Mom began typing at home. It was called cottage typing for Taylor Publishing Company, and a van would drive daily from Dallas to Arlington to pick up her work. She had strict deadlines to meet. She didn't get any more sleep than when she worked the night shift, because during the day, when she should have been typing, she visited with Betty across the street, and then had to play catch-up by burning the midnight oil. That's exactly the way she wanted it. Her priorities were friendship and family first, work last, though she still excelled and was highly acclaimed in her field. Our Christmas' were as spectacular as anyone could expect. She contributed to the "Christmas Club" back then. She designated weekly withdrawals into the fund to be spent only for Christmas. We lacked for nothing! Mom and Dad sacrificed so that their daughters would not. Snow days would find Mom scooping up the newest and best of the fresh snow and making snow ice cream – the very best as only she could make it. She and our grandmother had the men climb a tree to hook up a device to ring jingle bells from the rooftop to get us to bed on Christmas Eve. Santa was close by. Laughter could be heard way past bedtime as the adults were in the main room having a great time awaiting Santa. Moving on - during our teenage years, there was no slipping in quietly and discreetly after the 11:00 curfew, because she was right there in the front room typing for Taylor Publishing when we got home from our dates or activities. She was still cottage typing even when she was watching the grandkids while we had full time jobs. There are many tales to tell about her escaping death while she was driving home at crazy hours while on No Doze, falling to sleep with her eyes open, running off a bridge on an overpass and living to talk about it, miracles like that. Then, at least every other weekend, we'd get up at 4 or 5am and head to Winnsboro on Saturday to visit our grandmother. We'd pick Mom up from her night shift and already be in Dallas headed east. How she did it with that little sleep, none of us knows!! Regarding Santa Claus, according to Grandma Raulston, the deal is, those that do not believe in Santa Claus do not get visited by him. That's just the way it is, and it applies to adults as well. We still believe!
They had great friends that were so close we thought we were all related. The families we hung out with included Betty Sue and Marvin, Betty and Charlie, then after Charlie passed away, Betty and Floyd, Bobbie Sue and JM, Glenn and Mary, Frank and Tutor, Ann Ray, and Katy Gwen and Olas. Her favorite pet of all times was TeeToe. He was a brillo pad that wagged his tail and sat on Mom and Dad's lap. There were many others that we've left out, but those are the ones we spent the most time with… when we weren't visiting our grandparents in Winnsboro and Clarksville. The family ties with Dad and Mom's siblings were special, too. Mom adored her nieces and nephews. In fact, at one time or the other, all 3 nephews lived with us for a short time during their early adult years. Good friends and family relationships were a huge part of our parents' lives.
One of Derrelline's favorite past-times was garage sales and flea markets. She collected Avon bottles and bells. She collected anything valuable, but those two were her favorite to collect. We lump garage sales and flea markets together because, during the week, garage sales provided the merchandise to sale on the weekend at the Grand Prairie flea market. She and Dad had a booth they shared with Ann Ray for several years, and they loved it. After she became wheelchair bound, she complained every time she saw a garage sale sign. We don't have the passion for them she does, plus it's hard to maneuver garages from a wheelchair. Had she ever decided to like the computer, she would have been the perfect E-Bay dealer. Unfortunately, we could never get her interested. Once she was done with Taylor Publishing, she wanted no part of another computer. She hard coded the type fonts and location commands for the annuals, and she would have been a computer whiz, but we never convinced her. She called it the mark of the beast.
Our Mom loved her annual trips to the Boles Reunion. She had a great time at each one and looked forward to planning the meals we would bring, the clothes she would wear, and the weekend trip. She loved seeing everyone. She was the envelope stuffer, addresser, and stamper of the invitations. It was a full day's work each year.
Derrelline loves the Lord and has a personal relationship with her Savior. He was her best friend. She came to know the Lord at a revival at Wylie Memorial Methodist Church, but she was Baptist, so she went to Brother Mooney at Mount Zion. She was baptized with Rosemary and Johnny Otts in the pond by the McDowell's place when she was 12. She was a strong Christian who lived her faith each day as an example for her family and friends. She recently read the book, Heaven is for Real, loved it, and her favorite TV shows were gospel, especially the Gaithers. If you were to walk past her room when she lived with us and her TV is on, it's either News, a sermon, or gospel music. Although, Sandra did get her addicted to American Idol. At the beginning of every season, we could be anywhere in the house and hear her laughing uproariously at the bad talent at the beginning of each season. It was fun to watch and listen to her. Also, when she thought no one was watching, she would purposefully trip the animated full sized Santa that dances and sings each Christmas season, pat her good foot, clap her hands, and sing the Christmas songs with Santa. Singing was a big part of her life. That is to say, she would just burst out in song at random times. Mostly, she sang gospel songs, but depending on the season, you could hear her break out in Christmas songs or whatever came to mind. She always sang in the car, all the way, like it or not, and we traveled a lot when we were growing up. Just the other day, one of the sons in law was talking about Mom singing to the XM radio Willie's Place country and western 50s tunes. He said she knew every one of them. She was partial to Sonny James and Jim Reeves. Dad took her to see Sonny James sing once in Dallas, and Sonny opened a bottle cap for Mom. That was her moment.
Our Mom left some great footprints to follow when it comes to loving the Lord and preparing for eternity. No family member ever had to worry about being prayed for. She had them covered. If she could speak to you today, she would listen to your accomplishments, successes and failures, but she would say to you that none of that matters. What matters is that she'll see you in Heaven. If you want to do something to make her proud, live your life as a Christian and walk in faith. That's what was most important to her. Forgive and forget. Be slow to anger. Get along. Be nice. Read the Bible every day. Materialism meant nothing to her – seeking eternity in Heaven was everything to her. So glad she's home!
We have never met a person that didn't love Derrelline. We are quite certain that she had no enemies, and it's fairly safe to say that no one ever had a squabble with her, or got angry with her, including nurses at various hospitals, rehabs, and skilled nursing centers. She would still smile at the nurses to avoid complaining. In these instances, frustration would set it for the family because she was so nice that she'd let people run over her, but she was content and stubborn, and she only answered to herself. She was opinionated and outspoken, and a wonderful Matriarch to our family. A perfect example is when she received her heart cath and when the doctor told her about her blockages and that a triple bypass was necessary, she casually told the doctor "No thank you" like he was passing her mashed potatoes. He got a big kick out of that and told her that maybe she should speak to her family about that before making her "final" decision.
One of the wonderful character traits of our Mother was her absolute inability to lie. She would go to great extremes to correct something if she found out after-the-fact that she had stated something incorrectly. It was important to her to never ever tell a lie. She knew how important that character trait honesty is, and she lived it. If she got too much change from a department store, she would return to the store and turn it in, not caring how insignificant an amount she was returning.
Derrelline was all about family. She took care of her family and considered herself the central focal point. She called Sue daily to stay in touch on Dad's side, when Sue lived at home, and she called Rosemary weekly to stay in touch on her side until she felt too bad to make the call. She kept us close. When we could have been separated by death or circumstances, she kept us pulled together in a special way that caused us all to be sentimental and share a bond that can never be broken. She was good natured all the time.
Traditions were also important to Derrelline. She loved having a close family, and holidays were meant for family gatherings. She was a wonderful Southern cook. People used to come visit for the weekends just to partake in Mom's meals. Her cream pies, strawberry cakes, oh-my-gosh-delicious banana pudding, and all desserts were what drew the biggest crowds. That and the quantity of her Southern cooking. No one went hungry with Derrelline around! She was the Christmas girl. We decorate early for Christmas, and even after she was in her wheelchair, she was instrumental in starting the season off right, decorating until it was done (all that she could from her sitting position), making sure the Christmas music was flowing through the house, cookies baking, and singing and working away. She was the same with her holiday cooking. On our "cooking" days before Thanksgiving and Christmas, we spent the entire day in the kitchen. We started early preparing our casseroles and desserts, and we finished late. We laughed and cut up the entire day. That was part of the tradition. We're following in her footsteps hoping to carry the old fashioned customs on down the line for future generations to love the holidays as much as we do.
Unfortunately, a huge part of our family traditions center around food. Mom loved to eat. She was a great cook, loved good old fashioned country cooking, had a weakness for sweets, and had no problem cleaning her plate. It finally caught up with her when she was in her 50s with a very severe case of Diabetes followed closely by Neuropathy in her early 60s. Of course, with her personality, she barely slowed down when she became unable to walk. We joke that the sons in laws fought over "custody" of Mom because she kept the laundry done, mended and sewed, cooked huge full course meals and had them ready when we returned from work, swept the floor from her wheelchair, dusted, and then helped clean up the kitchen. If there was a yard project going, she was out pulling weeds and being straw boss. Basically anything that could be done sitting down, where most would have sat with their hands in their laps, Mom just kept on trucking. She would spill things and cry, then clean up the mess. She would threaten to quit trying, but we knew that wasn't her. She hated naps and refused to take them. She hated to relax on the bed even when the doctor told her to keep her swollen foot elevated as much as possible. It just wasn't her. If she felt like being up, she was going to be up. She somehow saw it as a sign of weakness to slow down – probably the way she was raised.
Grandma Raulston, as she was known, had a weakness for her grandkids. She adored them, kept them while we worked, and she was an integral part of their childhoods. She has recently said more than once that her biggest fear is that her great-grandkids will forget about her. That's why we asked them to share a memory. She then became GiGi, for Great Grandma, named by Addison. After Sandra became GiGi for Grandma Galley, she answered to just about anything. She was even wilder about her great grandchildren, if that was possible. They brightened her day, and she loved being around them. She never got tired of them, even if they were in their high maintenance phases. She loved being around people all the time, but she was an incredible grandma and great grandma.
We celebrated Mom's 79th birthday by going to the skilled nursing center with a non-emergency transport vehicle, bringing her home with our four-hour limit, and making an ultra fast birthday dinner. She had a very good time and seemed to have a lot of energy. There were more than 20 people there and that tickled her. By her 80th birthday, she was robust again, and back to her version of normal. We had a big family party, and she had a great time. Her 81st was the same. We didn't have the huge party, but she was feeling great – even though she was anticipating surgery to remove her bladder due to cancer.
As we celebrate the life of this wonderful loving giving lady, we are sad and feel sorry for ourselves, but we know that she has kissed the wheelchair goodbye forever, as well as Diabetes and Neuropathy, and all the horrible side effects that go with - and she can go to the banquets, eat her fill, and not worry about what it's doing to her blood sugar levels. She's reunited with her husband and having a great time, probably had to fish with her Dad and husband right off the bat – then on to having a real Boles and Cox Reunion, a Raulston reunion, and visiting with her parents and all her loved ones. She's singing all day every day, knowing her, and probably got inducted into the Heavenly choir immediately. She can't wait to greet you when your journey on earth is finished. She expects to see you there, so please don't let her down!
We are selfish, though, because although we know she's in the Master's hands and is reaping God's grace and favor in her eternal home, we'll miss her daily. There is probably something that we will come across every day that will remind us of her because she was so much fun to be around and share our lives. We know she can feel no sorrow now. We know if she could feel pain, she would feel sorry for us, that we weren't experiencing the magnificent riches she is now. Thanks for paying this great lady your last respects. She deserved it. Don't forget her saying, single people, "You can't find a peach in a lemon orchard." She had some great sayings. We should have kept a list!
Some of her favorite songs were gospel songs by Elvis Presley and anything by the Gaithers. "He touched me" "O What a Savior" "'Precious Lord"' "In the Garden" and "We Call on Him". She also loved the Easter Song "Then Came the Morning". "Mary's Boy Child" by Jim Reeves, and the rest of that Christmas album played on the vinyl record player every Christmas of our childhood.
For those of you here to support Derrelline's extended family members, we hope you've gotten a good insight of what a wonderful, sensitive, caring, laughing, lovely person Derrelline was, and how much she loved her family and friends. She may not have been famous to the world, but those who knew her will never forget her, and all the memories are fond ones! We'll miss her, but we celebrate her reunion in Heaven!
I cried when you passed away.. Although I loved you dearly, I couldn't make you stay. A golden heart stopped beating, hard working hands at rest. God broke my heart to prove to me he only takes the best.
Believe in the Lord Jesus Christ and you will be saved, you and your household. Acts 16:31
