This was written by Josh Woodford who is a friend of mine and was a senior at Olympus High School when Georgia was a sophomore. He agreed to let me post this great tribute.
I often think about Georgia and the events surrounding her funeral. It had a significant impact on my life and testimony, more than practically any other event with the exception of some personal and family events. I have often wished I could have a recording of what was said at her funeral, to remember the way I felt at that moment and share it with my family. When I remember Georgia, or read the words of her testimony, I feel differently about the gospel. It is as though the gospel comes alive inside me and I feel an uncontrollable urge to share it with others. Thanks for making her words available. Today I am remembering Georgia and feeling ‘alive’ again.
Josh Woodford
Thursday, April 30, 2009
Daniel's article in the LDS Church News
This was published Nov. 9, 2002 - about a month after Georgia passed away - and I was reminded (thank you, Parker!) how special the IU funeral was. Daniel, this was a great way to tell people about her and how cool that the Church published it in the news. Reading it again impressed me how in tune you were during such an emotional time. I admit I was a little nervous how some of my college friends would feel about us handing out Books of Mormon, but it was the right thing to do and it was what Georgia wanted, I'm sure of it. Thanks, Daniel.
On Sept. 15, 2002, my little sister, Georgia Marriott, a senior in violin performance at Indiana University, wrote a resounding testimony of the gospel in her journal, beginning with the words, "It's true, it's true, and no one can tell me otherwise because I feel the truth inside of me growing and defying any doubts. . . . Life holds no chains for me because I am liberated by that inherent Light given to me before the world."
In a tragic accident, 21-year-old Georgia Marriott died Sept. 25. Copies of the Book of Mormon were distributed during her memorial service.
Ten days later she was hit by a truck while riding her bike near the university campus. She passed away 30 hours after the accident. Shortly before her passing I sat in the hospital waiting room pondering what Georgia would have me do. She shared the gospel with all she knew in her cheery way, served a four-month performing mission in Nauvoo, and often gave away copies of the Book of Mormon to those around her.
Thoughts began to flow into my mind and I quickly pulled out a piece of paper to write the impressions. She would want the gospel shared at a memorial service in Indiana. She would want friends and family to bear testimony and she would want copies of the Book of Mormon with inserts of her testimony given out at the service.
After her passing, our family and Georgia's roommates set to work, preparing a service that we felt was "what Georgia wanted." We opened her college journals and the light of the gospel poured out. In this treasure trove of journals rested Georgia's personal witness of Christ.
Earlier this year she wrote:
"How to share a testimony every day effectively:"
Love those you speak to . . . that is where the Spirit steps in and touches the person's heart.
Offer a gem to someone with humility, yet confidence in the truth.
Seize the moment; take it with courage.
Speak as the Spirit directs.
Show others you recognize the beauty in them.
Important in missionary work is recognizing the Light in others.
When I walked into the chapel with my family, I blinked in wonder at the completely full stake center. More than 700 people, most of varying faiths, sat waiting for the service to begin. As the last speaker, I offered them all a copy of the Book of Mormon with Georgia's recent journal entry of her testimony pasted inside the cover of the book. I promised, "If she were here, she would offer you one." As the people came to the viewing afterward, they picked up a Book of Mormon from a table. I saw some pausing in the foyer, intently reading her testimony inside the book. By the end of the evening, all 250 copies of the Book of Mormon had been taken!
I came away from her memorial service inspired to be a better person, to share the gospel more, and, in her words, to "hold triumphantly the torch of Christ!"
On Sept. 15, 2002, my little sister, Georgia Marriott, a senior in violin performance at Indiana University, wrote a resounding testimony of the gospel in her journal, beginning with the words, "It's true, it's true, and no one can tell me otherwise because I feel the truth inside of me growing and defying any doubts. . . . Life holds no chains for me because I am liberated by that inherent Light given to me before the world."
In a tragic accident, 21-year-old Georgia Marriott died Sept. 25. Copies of the Book of Mormon were distributed during her memorial service.
Ten days later she was hit by a truck while riding her bike near the university campus. She passed away 30 hours after the accident. Shortly before her passing I sat in the hospital waiting room pondering what Georgia would have me do. She shared the gospel with all she knew in her cheery way, served a four-month performing mission in Nauvoo, and often gave away copies of the Book of Mormon to those around her.
Thoughts began to flow into my mind and I quickly pulled out a piece of paper to write the impressions. She would want the gospel shared at a memorial service in Indiana. She would want friends and family to bear testimony and she would want copies of the Book of Mormon with inserts of her testimony given out at the service.
After her passing, our family and Georgia's roommates set to work, preparing a service that we felt was "what Georgia wanted." We opened her college journals and the light of the gospel poured out. In this treasure trove of journals rested Georgia's personal witness of Christ.
Earlier this year she wrote:
"How to share a testimony every day effectively:"
Love those you speak to . . . that is where the Spirit steps in and touches the person's heart.
Offer a gem to someone with humility, yet confidence in the truth.
Seize the moment; take it with courage.
Speak as the Spirit directs.
Show others you recognize the beauty in them.
Important in missionary work is recognizing the Light in others.
When I walked into the chapel with my family, I blinked in wonder at the completely full stake center. More than 700 people, most of varying faiths, sat waiting for the service to begin. As the last speaker, I offered them all a copy of the Book of Mormon with Georgia's recent journal entry of her testimony pasted inside the cover of the book. I promised, "If she were here, she would offer you one." As the people came to the viewing afterward, they picked up a Book of Mormon from a table. I saw some pausing in the foyer, intently reading her testimony inside the book. By the end of the evening, all 250 copies of the Book of Mormon had been taken!
I came away from her memorial service inspired to be a better person, to share the gospel more, and, in her words, to "hold triumphantly the torch of Christ!"
Friday, April 24, 2009
Temple
I often think of Georgia when I consider the eternal relationships we make in families. In the temple of God, we make covenants to serve God and to serve him and our fellow man, to consecrate ourselves and to sacrifice, be obedient, and to live chaste. As we live up to these covenants, we are blessed with the spirit of God. In addition, Christ lifts us up to him, in exaltation. Families are SEALED together. Thus, Georgia will be ours and we will be hers forever.
This is a comforting doctrine for family members.
For everyone, direct family or not, just the truth of life after death is alone a miracle. It is followed by resurrection, where our spirit gains the mortal body again, but the body is purified and made eternal, never to die again. How wonderful this gift is!
Heaven: Georgia is there. She has passed her mortal test. It is great to know that she has gone ahead and that she is seeking to live and serve God. This I know because the same spirit we had in this life will continue in the next; Georgia died in the service of God. She continues in his service now.
We love you, Georgia. Do you remember how tough this life is? It's not so bad when we think about eternity, with our course set. We know where we're going. Endurance is all we need. One of the Apostles recently taught, in speaking of loved ones who had died, "I did not ask, 'why did this happen?' Rather, I asked 'what should I learn from this?'" Mom recently sent an email with the thought that an eternal perspective helps us handle the difficulties of life. The apostles teach us that life is to be happy, not always gloomy. We are to have sunlight amidst the clouds. So, we need to be positive and happy, grateful and humble in difficult times. God will bless us with love and assurance.
I'm sure that you understand and have much empathy for our challenges. Now, you see with greater eyes and deeper understanding. We long for that understanding. That's why we keep listening to the Holy Prophets and reading the Holy Scriptures. May God bless you, Georgia! May his kingdom be established on earth as it is in Heaven, where you are!
This is a comforting doctrine for family members.
For everyone, direct family or not, just the truth of life after death is alone a miracle. It is followed by resurrection, where our spirit gains the mortal body again, but the body is purified and made eternal, never to die again. How wonderful this gift is!
Heaven: Georgia is there. She has passed her mortal test. It is great to know that she has gone ahead and that she is seeking to live and serve God. This I know because the same spirit we had in this life will continue in the next; Georgia died in the service of God. She continues in his service now.
We love you, Georgia. Do you remember how tough this life is? It's not so bad when we think about eternity, with our course set. We know where we're going. Endurance is all we need. One of the Apostles recently taught, in speaking of loved ones who had died, "I did not ask, 'why did this happen?' Rather, I asked 'what should I learn from this?'" Mom recently sent an email with the thought that an eternal perspective helps us handle the difficulties of life. The apostles teach us that life is to be happy, not always gloomy. We are to have sunlight amidst the clouds. So, we need to be positive and happy, grateful and humble in difficult times. God will bless us with love and assurance.
I'm sure that you understand and have much empathy for our challenges. Now, you see with greater eyes and deeper understanding. We long for that understanding. That's why we keep listening to the Holy Prophets and reading the Holy Scriptures. May God bless you, Georgia! May his kingdom be established on earth as it is in Heaven, where you are!
A Treasure Trove
Last night I came across some wonderful pictures of Georgia. I wanted to share them with you.
Love to all!
Haleigh
Georgia, Haleigh Vance, Brittany Gardner, Melissa Rowe
Georgia, Haleigh Vance, Mike Vance, Howard, Jonny Sweeny, Michelle Sweeny
Holly Gustaveson, Haleigh Vance, Georgia
Top Row: Zac Crawford, Jonny Sweeny, Mike Vance
Bottom Row: Brittany Gardner, Shannon Oar (sorry I don't remember her married name!), Georgia, Haleigh Vance
Sally Baird, Georgia
Cami Austin, Brittany Gardner, Georgia, Haleigh Vance
Brittany Gardner on top, Georgia and Haleigh Vance on bottom!
Brittany Gardner, Georgia, Haleigh Vance
Georgia, Cami Austin, Haleigh Vance, Brittany Gardner
Love to all!
Haleigh
Georgia, Haleigh Vance, Brittany Gardner, Melissa Rowe
Georgia, Haleigh Vance, Mike Vance, Howard, Jonny Sweeny, Michelle Sweeny
Holly Gustaveson, Haleigh Vance, Georgia
Top Row: Zac Crawford, Jonny Sweeny, Mike Vance
Bottom Row: Brittany Gardner, Shannon Oar (sorry I don't remember her married name!), Georgia, Haleigh Vance
Sally Baird, Georgia
Cami Austin, Brittany Gardner, Georgia, Haleigh Vance
Brittany Gardner on top, Georgia and Haleigh Vance on bottom!
Brittany Gardner, Georgia, Haleigh Vance
Georgia, Cami Austin, Haleigh Vance, Brittany Gardner
Thursday, April 23, 2009
Journal Entry Three
I was asked to give a talk in church and it so happened that I was asked to speak on November 16th. I was nervous that I would be a little too emotional, but I decided to include one bit of her journal in my talk because of the day and because it went along so nicely with the topic. Here is a snippet from her journal. If we could only be this way all the time!
"It’s a good feeling to use what the Lord has given me to help others because that’s one main reason for it. I feel that this is training for other things in life – how to love and want to give and to let into my life those that I don’t really mesh with or enjoy at first. And see, it’s a blessing to even be able to serve because it makes me feel good. I want to have charity and meekness and light and make myself an instrument to the Lord. That’s a good thought – I could do that the rest of my life if I had enough faith. It sounds worthy of life – a good purpose."
"It’s a good feeling to use what the Lord has given me to help others because that’s one main reason for it. I feel that this is training for other things in life – how to love and want to give and to let into my life those that I don’t really mesh with or enjoy at first. And see, it’s a blessing to even be able to serve because it makes me feel good. I want to have charity and meekness and light and make myself an instrument to the Lord. That’s a good thought – I could do that the rest of my life if I had enough faith. It sounds worthy of life – a good purpose."
A Tribute From Preston Parker
Preston left this as a comment, but I wanted to post it because it's so nice.
These pictures of Georgia in Bloomington, Indiana, bring back so many emotions and memories. Serving on the Institute of Religion student council with her was so meaningful. We'd gather together for meetings at 7 a.m. (I still can't figure out why) and I remember thinking, "How can she be so chipper at these meetings? What is driving her?" She always brightened a room when she came in. It was like you could feel it. I remember the week of her passing so vividly, even today. Specific things, that you wouldn't think would be so ingrained in memories. When we heard the news of her accident, we went to the hospital as soon as we could. JaNiel and I were allowed in to see her and the nurse told us she was in an induced coma and would recover over time, but that she could hear us if we talked with her. We did...we told her how special she was and how we missed her playing "Orange Blossom Special." We left to the waiting area to join Sally and Shanna and a few other friends, where we all were somber and optimistic. The phone call the next day was shocking. She was gone..."but how can she be gone?...we were just with her...they said she'd be fine." The memorial service in the new meetinghouse was so special, so memorable. Though I didn't know the Marriott family, except for Kate, I grew to know them in the few short hours we spent together. I still vividly remember words, thoughts, and feelings from that service...who sat where, the songs, and of course a father's "We'll miss you Georgia girl." Almost every time I go to put my helmet on when I ride my bike, I think of Georgia. And now, when my children ask why we wear helmets, I simply say something like "Because I lost a dear friend who was riding her bike...and I don't want to lose another one." Fortunately, we all know the loss is a temporary one. We will meet again. Thanks Georgia.
February 12, 2009 10:29 PM
These pictures of Georgia in Bloomington, Indiana, bring back so many emotions and memories. Serving on the Institute of Religion student council with her was so meaningful. We'd gather together for meetings at 7 a.m. (I still can't figure out why) and I remember thinking, "How can she be so chipper at these meetings? What is driving her?" She always brightened a room when she came in. It was like you could feel it. I remember the week of her passing so vividly, even today. Specific things, that you wouldn't think would be so ingrained in memories. When we heard the news of her accident, we went to the hospital as soon as we could. JaNiel and I were allowed in to see her and the nurse told us she was in an induced coma and would recover over time, but that she could hear us if we talked with her. We did...we told her how special she was and how we missed her playing "Orange Blossom Special." We left to the waiting area to join Sally and Shanna and a few other friends, where we all were somber and optimistic. The phone call the next day was shocking. She was gone..."but how can she be gone?...we were just with her...they said she'd be fine." The memorial service in the new meetinghouse was so special, so memorable. Though I didn't know the Marriott family, except for Kate, I grew to know them in the few short hours we spent together. I still vividly remember words, thoughts, and feelings from that service...who sat where, the songs, and of course a father's "We'll miss you Georgia girl." Almost every time I go to put my helmet on when I ride my bike, I think of Georgia. And now, when my children ask why we wear helmets, I simply say something like "Because I lost a dear friend who was riding her bike...and I don't want to lose another one." Fortunately, we all know the loss is a temporary one. We will meet again. Thanks Georgia.
February 12, 2009 10:29 PM
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