Jimmie Laverne Sewell

Celebration began Monday morning, July 30, 2007, when Jimmie Laverne Sewell walked through the pearly gates and entered the presence of her Lord and Savior.As the family wept for their loss, they also wept for joy with absolute certainty of the victory she felt when she took her last breath on this earth and was welcomed into heaven. Married for 62 years to Pastor Harry M. Sewell, she was a devoted wife and loving mother.As a minister's wife, she was always willing to work behind the scenes, and generosity always flowed from her heart.She not only exceedingly gave of her time, but also donated entire paychecks to further their ministry.She was truly a "mother" to many, known more fondly as Mammaw,always ready to share words of strength and wisdom byway of phone calls, cards and/or prayers. It was important to her that she remain anonymous in deeds, but when God called on her to do His work, she did it with a bold and willing heart.She taught children's crusades and conducted Vacation Bible School for many years.Throughout the decades, she and Pastor Sewell visited and helped build several churches in Colombia, South America, a calling that was close to their hearts. Remembering her Godly appointment as a mother and mentor to her own three children, she taught them how to pray and sing.In later years, she followed through with that appointment, doing the same thing with her beautiful grandchildren.She was soft hearted and soft spoken, never raising her voice; yet the impact she made on so many lives will resound for years to come! What began in the Grove State Bank building with only 20 people soon expanded to a new location on Bruton Road in Pleasant Grove.Years later the church moved to Mesquite, Texas, and is now Family Cathedral of Praise with a membership of approximately 2,000. We will deeply miss Mammaw but are rejoicing that her suffering is past.We will not say goodbye because one day, in God's perfect timing, we will see her beautiful smile again. Mammaw was preceded in death by her mother and father, Eula Mae & Jimmie Smith.She is survived by her spouse, Harry M. Sewell of Mesquite, Texas; daughter, Sheree Stacy of Mesquite, Texas; son & daughter-in-law Harry Lee & Debbie Sewell of Rowlett, Texas; daughter & son-in-law Suzanne & J.D. Mayo of Rowlett, Texas; grandchildren, Amy & Rex Walker, Lisa & Craig Sanborn, Stephanie & Keith Knoerr, Jeremy & Heather Seutter, and Beth & Alan Marr, Jason Mayo, Christy & Gabe Mayo; great-grandchildren, Kevin Marr, Brittany Walker, Mackenzie Sanborn, Brennan Walker, Alex Marr, Jace McCrary, Ashley Marr, Olivia Sanborn, Aidan Parker, Landon Seutter, & Brock Knoerr; sister, Gwen Watts; brother, Ronnie Smith; brother & sister-in-law James & Barbara Smith; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.. The family will receive visitors Sunday evening, August 5, 2007 from 6:00-8:00 p.m. at Family Cathedral of Praise in Mesquite, Texas.Services will be Monday, August 6, 2007 at 10:30 a.m. at Family Cathedral of Praise, Officiated by Pastor Rex Walker, Pastor Jeremy Seutter, and Pastor Harry Lee Sewell all of Family Cathedral of Praise as well as Pastor Rickie G. Rush of Inspiring Body of Christ Church.Interment at DFW National Cemetery, Lane A.Memorials may be made to FCOP (Family Cathedral of Praise) 790 Windbell Circle, Mesquite, Texas 75149 to further the work in Colombia. The family sends a heartfelt thanks to Dr. Highbaugh for the excellent care and kind heart while treating Mammaw.