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Alicia Pence, 30, of Stronghurst was taken from her young family far too soon and they as well as a host of community will deeply miss her.But they won't forget her contagious smile, her upbeat attitude, and strong drive and determination, and how she made a big impact searching out and helping those who were struggling in some way.
A former Stronghurst resident and friend Darrell Stribling who is now serving as an Interim Pastor at the Waverly Christian Church in Waverly, IL. returned to minister to the family and those who came to mourn the loss of Alicia.
Several beautiful tributes in song were presented, with two a cappella pieces: "Welcome", with lyrics "Welcome my good and faithful servant:I've waited my whole life for you:Welcome to the place that you belong"; and "It is Well With My Soul", and a recording of Dolly Parton's "Eagle When She Flys" with lyrics ":her heart's as soft as feathers, still she weathers stormy skies, she's a sparrow when she is broken, but she's an eagle when she flys."
Pastor Stribling described Alicia as a dear friend who poured herself into her community. "She was adamant and absolute" he said about rejoicing in all things because God is good.
She came to the Christian Church searching and wondering why no one was helping all those in need and came to realize she should be asking what she could do? Then, pastor said, "she walked the walk". "Her life was far too short, but she accomplished more than most in a life-time. She fully lived a life that was consumed with love," he said.
In 2009, while still in Monmouth College, Alicia and Danielle Covert founded FOCC, a non profit organization dedicated in helping reach out to those in need in the community.
Pastor Stribling said she served 286 families, 848 individuals in a year. She always expressed kindness and love for one another. He also said her husand Travis said, she would say, "Make good choices."
"Be Kind" was her motto, which may have come from a list her mother had on her refrigerator of 101 ways to be kind. She later thanked her mother for having it there to influence her in such a powerful way.
Pastor Stribling said she was fueled by a passionate love for Jesus Christ and by daily reading the Bible.
She told him that she believed God's promises and he is working in me now. God has not given me the spirit of fear.
Pastor Stribling said it is right to grieve today, but it is not without hope. "She loved Jesus-he was the foundation of her life and she made sure you all knew it!"
Alicia's life was full of God's love showing forgiveness, acceptance, love and kindness, caring about others, offering a hand.
"She's now without pain," Pastor Stribling said. "She's okay today. In her life and in her death, she's okay. She's now without pain."
He went on to say Alicia would want me to share how you can go on. "Choose to cast all of your pains, fears, challenges, hopes onto Jesus and he will comfort you.... Love each other and together, you will get through.
"In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will make your path straight. Trust in Him-He is the keeper of promises. He will get you through.""
Inspite of the ice and rain, many across the area came to attend the funeral of Alicia Pence, a young woman who made a large contribution and a big difference in their lives or in the life of the communities of Henderson County in her short thirty years. Her motto was simply - "Be Kind."