Houston LefayBarnett

"Dearest Shirley and family,
My deepest sympathies for the loss of Fay. He was a kind gentleman and always good to our family. He is resting with God now and will watch over you from Heaven. You are in our thoughts and prayers."

"Sheila,
I've known you almost 10 years. You're without a doubt the closest friend I've ever had. There's not even a close second. I love you and I'm not ashamed to say it. You may not be blood, but you're family to me. You're like my big sister and your three kids are like nieces and nephews. We talk, laugh, cry and even fight like family. You've welcomed me into your home like one of you. I've slept under your roof many nights, eaten countless meals at your table and you've treated me like everyone else on family occasions. You've tolerated my flaws in ways no other friend or even blood relative ever would. I could never repay you for any of that. I can only hope you understand my sincere appreciation.
When you told me how glad you were I came yesterday, I said, "That's the least I can do." After all you've done for me, coming to let you know I was thinking of you and provide you support was an extremely minor gesture. Remember in 2010 when I was a wreck for reasons I won't get into up here? You invited me to stay with your family that weekend. I was not any fun, no matter how hard I tried to put my problems aside for a couple of days. I was deeply depressed and trying to get out of my bad situation. I did manage to turn things around and my life is a whole lot better more than five years later. I'd like to think that gesture of opening your home to me and spending time with me made a difference. Obviously, I haven't forgotten it and won't forget it. I won't forget that we became friends when I had some bad experiences I won't get into up here.
Now you're the one grieving. I know you loved your dad and how much family means to you. He'll always be a part of you. I really haven't known what to say to fully show you how much I love you and am here for you. That's why I thought I'd post here in the guestbook. I don't expect to take your pain away. For whatever it's worth, it was a nice service and painted a picture of the good man your dad was. I do want you to know I'm here for you to grieve, listen, laugh, cry or anything else with you. That's now and for the rest of our lives.
Josh"

"Remembering your family in prayer during this most difficult time!"