Funeral Fit for a Queen

Today I had the honor of attending the “Home-Going Celebration” of Dottie Rambo. Many Christians (and others) refer to funerals as “celebrations” or death as a person’s “home-going” because while we do indeed mourn the loved one’s passing, we believe they are finally home. We celebrate the life they led here among us as well as the fact that they are rejoicing on the other side.

I only go to funerals when I really feel strongly about attending, because they sometimes bring back painful memories for me. However, even with it clocking in at 2.5 hours, I’ve gotta tell ya…the service could have gone on another few hours, and I would’ve been just fine. I hope it isn’t tacky to say this, but it was truly the most amazing funeral I have ever been to.

The music…oh my…how could the music not be incredible considering every song performed was written by Dottie.

For me personally, I felt a running theme throughout the service — Reconciliation.

When Landy and Joy Gardner sang the opening song for the service, the tears started flowing for me. You see, for those of you who do not know a lot about Gospel music…well, I will just say that there’s history between the Gardners and the Rambos. There have been a lot of years of healing, and I believe that this event has added even more balm to smooth out the old scab just wonderfully. To say that my heart was full to see this demonstration of grace would be an understatement.

If there is anybody on this planet who knows how to put together a meaningful and beautiful display of love…whether it’s a home, a church service, a wedding, funeral…anything…Landy is the man. He is simply the best. I could see his touch throughout the entire event, and again, I believe only God’s healing grace could have led to this day.

Dony then made some opening remarks, thanking all of the churches that came together to help them through these tragic circumstances. He said that within hours of the accident, Pastor Hardwick of Christ Church offered to them that whatever they needed facilities-wise or anything, “the answer is ‘yes’.”

What truly touched me in what Dony said was how much he appreciated all who have said to them, “Sorry for your loss.” however, when you know where something is, it can’t be lost. Indeed, Dottie is not lost by any means. I had never thought of it that way.

They then had a time of prayer for those who could not be there today due to the injuries they sustained in the bus accident. Here, I’d like to give a shout-out to Larry from Cleve…they are old buddies from the Dollywood days. Get well quickly, Larry. We’re thinking of you.

Dottie’s granddaughters, Destiny and Dionne, both of whom have grown into such beautiful women — I used to “babysit” Dionne long, long ago…well, ok, not that long ago (hee!) — they sang a duet: “I Will Lift You There.”

Another moment of reconciliation was when Bishop Jim Swilley gave the obituary. Another bit of history is that Dottie went through a divorce from Buck Rambo back in 1994. When Bishop Swilley completed the recitation of the family members, he said, “I would also like to, with your permission, honor the great Buck Rambo and his wife, Mae, in the spirit of reconciliation. Selah.”

I’m glad he did that…to pretend a spouse of 40+ years never existed wouldn’t have seemed right. The spirit in which the Bishop Swilley made that gesture was perfect.

The Obituary was followed by pianist Dino Kartsonakis performing “Behold the Lamb” and then the beautiful Barbara Mandrell gave a brief eulogy entitled, “Setting the Stage.” Something that touched me about what Barbara said, about how Dottie would always downplay when anyone would try to compliment her, and she would turn the attention right back to whoever was giving the compliment…I’d say Barbara learned that trait very well herself, as I’ll never forget the day I met her. We were in Ronnie Milsap’s studio break room, and when we were introduced she said, “Oh, I hate you!” I, of course, was in shock that one of my singing idols was saying this to me! Then she said, “Your hair! I hate you because you have the prettiest hair! I want that hair!” lol! I couldn’t believe that Barbara Mandrell was complimenting me! Let me also say that she looks just as beautiful as she did in the 80s. The woman does not age…I was right beside her after the service and saw no sign of surgery, either! The woman is a true gem. She gave a beautiful eulogy and truly honored her dear friend.

Then, Bill Gaither directed a choir of artists as they sang many of Dottie’s most well-known songs, such as “Sheltered In The Arms of God,” “If That Isn’t Love,” and “I Go To The Rock” and The Issacs took my breath away with “Mama’s Teaching Angels How To Sing”. Their harmonies and precision were absolutely impeccable.

Pastor Hardwick then said a few words of honor about the days back when he was Dottie’s pastor, and how he was honored to watch her as she wrote a song riding in the car with him!

Dottie’s grandson, Israel, put together a touching video presentation of Dottie through the years that brought much applause at the end.

Another highlight was when little 8-year-old Christian Ferguson (Larry’s son) sang “Stand By The River”…wow! That little boy is going to be an entertainer! He sang with perfect pitch, rhythm, and even had a little groove going there…what a cutie!

Yet another moment of restoration was when Bishop Carlton Pearson spoke, and read special messages to the family from various distinguished people. It was great to see him there.

He read a letter to the family from Lily Tomlin in which she reminisced about sharing dinner with Dottie and recording “Mama’s Teaching Angels How To Sing” for “A Prairie Home Companion“…what a sweet letter it was. He also spoke of the letters from Bishop T.D. Jakes, Senator Bob Corker, and Governor Phil Bredesen.

The moment that truly brought the house down was when Pearson read a letter to the family from President George W. Bush. The President honored Dottie by presenting Reba with the American flag that was flown over the White House on Mother’s Day…which was also the day Dottie passed into glory.

I get chills every time I think about it. What a well-deserved honor for a true great in American music.

The music began again with Lulu Roman singing “I Will Glory In the Cross.” Lulu looks incredible! She had gastric bypass surgery, and has lost something like 190 lbs.! She is also underrated as a singer. Her performance was one of my favorites of the day.

I know this is getting way too long, so I will just mention that among the other highlights for me were Duane Allen and William Lee Golden of the Oak Ridge Boys singing a moving rendition of “Too Much To Gain To Lose” and Gloria Gaither reciting “There Has To Be A Song.”

Then, Sandy Patty closed the funeral by singing “We Shall Behold Him” as only she can.

To try and mention all of the honored guests who attended would be an exercise in futility. From Donna Summer to Andre Crouch to…well, how comforting it must be for the family to see such a display of genuine love for their mother, grandmother, sister, aunt…friend.

To sum it all up, it was truly a send-off worthy of the Queen of Gospel Music.

This was a day I will never forget…a day that the Lord truly made.

…and it was good.

Edited to add: The Tennessean has a video montage this morning of some of the highlights you read about here, as well as an article by Beverly Keel and a photo slideshow!