I did not know her...but saved the obituary because the words were so touching:

Brinson, Gretchen (Memoriam)

FEB. 24, 1916 - FEB. 21, 2004
The String of Pearls

Pearls over a lifetime strung
Carefully pulled and knotted
Never ceasing once begun
All arranged in
patient procession

Through times of tears
Or with joyful heart
Diligently through the years
Carefully placed one by one

No pearl too large or small
To make the chain
Each in time she strung
them all
Never keeping one for her

The string is finished now
Knotting fingers are no more
Will we ever know how
Or what they are for

For Gretchen Brinson by Tom Brinson

We love you, we honor you,
we miss you.
The Brinson and
Hosley Families

Published in The News & Observer on 2/24/2008.