For now we see only a reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known. And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love. – 1 Corinthians 13

Many years ago, somewhere around 1987, a young Navy pilot was driving past Pensacola’s Trinity Presbyterian Church when something made her pull into the parking lot. She walked into the office, asked a couple of questions, and ended up talking with Rebekah.

A few weeks later Margie Trott, recent Annapolis graduate, newly commissioned naval officer and soon to be pilot of a massive Sikorsky H-53 helicopter, became the first adult Rebekah had the privilege of baptizing. Instantly, Margie became an important part of our family.

That is what Margie did. Wherever she went and whatever she did and whoever she met, Margie became a part of the story. Not a visitor and not a temporary resident but completely at home; Margie literally belonged and the people she came to know loved her instantly and unreservedly.

In a sense we are just one family of a whole congregation of people who believe that Margie belonged to them. And they believe that because she did. Margie gave honestly and deeply and she did not hold back. She loved Rebekah, she loved me, and she loved our children (Andrew and Naomi).

So I am both very grateful to be able to write this post and so deeply sad for the occasion. Because Sunday evening, surrounded by her children and a few close friends, Margie finally rested from her struggle with cancer and slipped peacefully into eternity.

Margie was one of those people who was great at everything she did – and she gifted the world probably three or four lifetimes of meaningful contributions in her too-short time among us. She was an elite college athlete, playing basketball for the Midshipmen at Annapolis. Following her navy career she taught exceptional education in Florida and Minnesota. After teaching she moved into medical technology and then cyber-security. She raised three beautiful children in Minnesota and they have all grown into wonderful young adults.

But Margie’s signal achievement was loving us , and she did it with such grace and generosity; I have literally hundreds of great stories. One memory is from 1992, the summer Andrew and Nomi turned ten and eight. We were touring England together and pulled into an idyllic Bed and Breakfast on the Yorkshire Moors. There were only two rooms available and Margie – sensing our need – volunteered to let the kids bunk with her.

It was that constant alertness and unselfishness and sensitivity to people around her that made Margie such a unique gift to our world. Wherever she was, she made the world a better place; she certainly made our experience of life more beautiful.

The last time we saw Margie was May, when she and her youngest – Naval Cadet and Annapolis standout Amy – stopped by Tarboro for dinner at On the Square.

We have been privileged and blessed to know you and to love you, Margie, and to be a part of your faithful, remarkable journey. Godspeed on this next chapter – it’s going to be a spectacular ride. We know you entered into eternity with the confidence and the peace of someone who not only knows God but also knows how much your Creator loves and cares for you.

For now we see only a reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known. – 1 Corinthians 13