Celebration of Life For

Ms. Judene F. Vickens

We were once your angels, now you’re ours

Sunrise: April 10, 1948 Sunset: November 19, 2018

Life Reflections

Ms. Judene (Judy) F. Vickens was born on April 10, 1948 to the union of Bethel I. Walker (later Stansberry) and Charles Walker. At an early age Judy’s life was dedicated to Christ and she was christened as Judene Faye Burnadette Walker; later, she reaffirmed her faith in Christ and was baptized. Judy was raised on the north side of the City of St. Louis, and she was educated in the St. Louis Public Schools. In approximately 1968 she married Mr. Robert H. Vickens, and to their union was born two sons, Robert Jr., and Charles. Later, Judy was blessed with a daughter, Shaliena, and son, Aaron. Judy was a loving and devoted mother who, against all odds, raised all four of her children as a single parent, despite the challenges which frequently accompanied that labor of love. In approximately 1984 Judy began her 35 year long career as a Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA), when she graduated from the St. Mary’s School of Nursing. It was there that she met and befriended her dear friend and classmate, Lucille Young with whom she remained close for years to come. During her nursing career she met and befriended another dear friend, Cecilia Johnson; through caring for Cecelia’s loved one for years, her friendship with Cecilia blossomed and they remained close for years to come. For nursing was not merely a career, but indeed it was her calling; there were many times when she would be sick and hospitalized, yet rather than her thoughts being focused on herself, she would be more concerned with getting back to work to care for her patients. Judy worked tirelessly as a CNA Judy’s until her health failed her, and she had to retire. Even then she anguished over retirement and was determined that she was going to somehow return to work.

Judy’s genuine love for providing care and compassion for others was unquestionable, and it was absolutely her hallmark throughout life. To those who know her best, none of this comes as a surprise, because Judy was well known to be always concern herself with the wellbeing of others more than her own; she possessed an unwavering sweet, gentle, loving, caring spirit that was unrivaled. She was always ready and willing to extend herself to help others; even when she had nothing to give, she would selflessly give, even if doing so was against her better interest. This was particularly true towards those she most loved. Judy truly loved God and her family; she loved spending time with loved ones and friends, but most especially her grandchildren and great grandchildren, around whom she became childlike at heart in a fun loving way. In 1994, along-side of her children Robert Jr. and Shaliena, Judy was proudly initiated as a member of Adah Star, Chapter #12, Order of Eastern Star, Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Missouri and its Masonic Jurisdiction. As a means of keeping connected with family and friends, she would not hesitate to make her presence known on Facebook in her own special ways. Judy courageously battled serious ailments for an extended period of time, until the Lord called her home to rest on November 19, 2018. We that love her know that to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord, and we will see her again one day; until that time, she forever dwells within our hearts, and the countless life lessons and precious memories she left with us are ours to cherish forever.

Judy leaves to mourn her passing her children Robert Jr, Charles, Shaliena, and Aaron, and their spouses; sisters, Pauline Barton, and Charlene (Keith) Staff; numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren; a host of other beloved relatives and friends, including her dear friend Cecilia. Preceding her in death were her husband, Robert Vickens Sr, mother Bethel (Walker) Stansberry; father, Charles Walker; step-father, John Stansberry; sister, Laverne Bradshaw (Lyndell); brother, Norman Walker; and many other loved ones and friends.

A Letter From Heaven

When tomorrow starts without me, and I’m not here to see.

If the sun should rise and find your eyes, filled with tears for me.

I wish so much you wouldn’t cry, the way you did today,

While thinking of the many things, we didn’t get to say.

I know how much you love me, as much as I love you.

And each time you think about me, I know you’ll miss me too.

When tomorrow starts without me, don’t think we’re far apart.

For every time you think of me, I’m right there in your heart.

Comfort For Those Who Mourn

So many people imagine that death cruelly separates us from our loved ones. Even pious people are led to believe this great and sad mistake. When our loved ones die, they don’t leave us, they begin their eternity. We don’t see them because we are still in the darkness of the world. But their spiritual eyes, filled with the light of heaven, are always watching us, as they wait for the day when we share their perfect joy. We are all born for heaven, and one by one, we end this life of tears to begin out life in endless happiness.

I have often reflected upon this beautiful truth and found it to be the greatest and surest comfort in time of mourning. A firm faith in the real and continual presence of our loved ones, has brought the conviction and consolation that death has not destroyed them, nor carried them away; it has given them life! A life with power to know fully, and to love perfectly. With this new life, and new power, our loved ones are always present to us, knowing and loving us more than ever before.

The tears that dampen our eyes in time of mourning, are tears of homesickness, tears of longing for our loved ones. But it is we, who are away from home, not them. Death is the doorway to an eternal home. And only because this heavenly home is invisible to our worldly eyes, we can’t see them so near to us. Yet, they are with us, lovingly and tenderly waiting for the day when we too will enter the doorway of our eternal home. No, death is not a separation, it is a preparation for eternal union with those we love, in the peace and joy of heaven.

Acknowledgement

The family of Ms. Judene F. Vickens would like to express our sincere appreciation for the prayers, calls, visits, tokens of love and other expressions of sympathy shown during our time of bereavement. May God bless each of you for your kindness and concern.