One of my very favorite people in the whole wide world died on Monday. Ruth Liveakos taught me in 10th, 11th and 12th grades at THS. I never knew a more brilliant, more talented, more fun person to be around than Mrs. L. I was always surprised and humbled whenever I encountered her in my adult years, she knew me and remembered what year I graduated. Of all the hundreds, even thousands of students she had, how did she do it? It never ceased to amaze me.

The last time I saw her was at the wedding of Ellen Souther and Father Shannon Johnston at All Saints in Tupelo. When was that, 10, 12 years ago? She was delighted that I had joined the Episcopal Church. She still knew me and asked about my children. I believe she taught both of them, didn't she guys?

Almighty God,

you have surrounded us with a great cloud of witnesses:

Grant that we,

encouraged by the good example of your servant Ruth,

may persevere in running the race that is set before us,

until at last we may with her attain to your eternal joy;

through Jesus Christ,

the pioneer and perfecter of our faith,

who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,

one God, for ever and ever. Amen.