Edythe Helen McMahon 1920-2009

I had the honor of speaking at my Gramma's funeral. It was something I knew I would do when the time came, and for many years, I have thought about what I would say about my very special Gramma. I honestly have no idea how I made it through the speech. I had it typed out and even though I had the font set to humongous, I still had a hard time reading through the tears. I felt very selfish that I was and still am so upset that she is no longer here physically. Gramma was never afraid of dying and talked about it often. She couldn't wait to get to Heaven. There's not enough time, or space for me to describe her life in full, but I would like to share a few key points. She worked for Kodak film, IBM, and was a Japanese decoder for the Navy during World War II. She raised six daughters practically on her own while her husband was constantly coming and going throughout his daughter's younger years. My Gramma sacrificed a lot, and I mean a lot. Her husband caused great pain to her and her daughters though my Gramma never let him stop and knock her down physically or emotionally. When she finally had no other choice but to leave, she moved in with one of my aunts and lived there for many years. In 1988, my parents rented a Ryder truck, packed up our belongings and we made the great move south. Our last stop on Long Island, was to say good bye to my Gramma. In a matter of less than an hour, my Gramma had her bags packed and hopped in the car with my mom and made the move with us. In 1991, my brother was born and when my mom returned to work, Gramma was the one to care for my brother. In 1999, Gramma moved back to New York where she won a lottery for an Assisted Living facility. She made many, many great friends there and knitted blankets that were sent to wounded soldiers all over the US and won an award for that.

Below is what I said at her funeral.

Heart of gold, giver, magnificent, caring, spunky, stubborn, lover of Jesus, Veteran, these are just a few phrases to describe my Gramma Edee. She always supported me and my decisions even when she disagreed. For instance, Gramma never understood how I could choose sour, fruity candy over her favorite-the Milky Way. And all the years that I played soccer, she cheered me on from the sidelines, and if I ever got hurt, she would later shake her head and question why I didn't dance or do ballet instead, yet, she continued to support me. Oh how she loved her Matt. They connected in a way that could not be duplicated. My brother's old soul was a perfect match for her. The way Gramma cared for and played with him was similar to a momma bear and her baby cub. Though miles and illness ultimately separated them, the bond was not and will not be broken. When I was in second grade and new to GA, the two of us, Gramma and I visited many Methodist churches finally settling on McEachern. It is that same church that I would later find my best friend, my husband and I have no one but Gramma to thank for that. In closing, I would like to recite the words of a famous song by Brad Paisley. I love you, Gramma.

When I get where I'm going
on the far side of the sky.
The first thing that I'm gonna do
Is spread my wings and fly.

I'm gonna land beside a lion,
and run my fingers through his mane.
Or I might find out what it's like
To ride a drop of rain


When I get where I'm going,
there'll be only happy tears.
I will shed the sins and struggles,
I have carried all these years.
And I'll leave my heart wide open,
I will love and have no fear.
Yeah when I get where I'm going,
Don't cry for me down here.

I'm gonna walk with my grandaddy,
and he'll match me step for step,
and I'll tell him how I missed him,
every minute since he left.
Then I'll hug his neck.

But when I get where I'm going,
and I see my Maker's face.
I'll stand forever in the light,
of His amazing grace.
when I get where I'm going,
when I get where I'm going,
there'll be only happy tears.

I will love and have no fear.
When I get where I'm going.


Gramma loved everyone, and she always made kissy faces. Nov. 2008
Matt, Gramma, and Kel (with baby Mack) June 2008
Matt, and the love of his life Gramma Nov. 2009
Kel, Gramma, Terry 3 Generations Oct. 2006
Four Generations! We made it! Terry, Gram, Mack, and Kel
All Gramma's daughters
Fran, April, Candy, Judy, Terry and DeeDee
Their birth order is: DeeDee, Judy, Fran, Candy, April (they are twins!), and Terry
Gramma meeting Mackenzie for the first time, Nov. 2008. Gramma didn't like that we were naming Mackenzie just that. She said it was a boys name and I told her in a way it was, because it's Scott's middle name. During the taking of this picture she said to me that she now see's how Mackenzie can be a girl's name! Oh, how I miss her so much!