As most of you know by now, last week was heartbreaking in Mr. Rogers’ Neighborhood.
My wife, Amelia, the one I called “Columbia’s Little Girl,” died suddenly just shy of her 34th birthday.
While I’m grieving and still in shock, I have to express my thanks and gratitude to the entire Marion County community. From the moment I made the call for first responders, the community has been nothing short of amazing. During the two days we remembered her publicly, crowds were bigger than a Friday night football game.
Everyone knew that Amelia had battled medical challenges since birth, but her death still came as a shock. Let me just say a special thanks to the folks from the Columbia Fire Department, AAA Ambulance Service and the Columbia Police Department. They all responded quickly to my call for help, but, alas, it was too late. Amelia had suffered a major seizure while I was at work and never regained consciousness.
The compassion offered by the first responders was quite simply amazing. We hugged and cried in the master bedroom of our home. Next, if you’ve never met Marion County Coroner Norma Williamson, please know that you are missing out on knowing a special woman. It broke her heart (and mine) to watch her have to collect herself and go about her job after Amelia had been pronounced dead. She made the entire process bearable.
A giant bunch of love also goes to those of you who came to the house immediately after her death. Our closest friends and family members were there with us in our initial grief.
Even in the first hours, food and hugs came from across the city and county. It seemed that the entire community was turning out to grieve our Amelia.
The folks at Hathorn Funeral Home were nothing short of incredible as we planned our tribute to Amelia. But for us, the most amazing outpouring of love was yet to come.
Amelia’s parents, Tim and Carrie Magee, her brother, Stuart, and my son, Brian, had no idea of the unbelievable support that would envelope us.
Accompanied by our closest friends, Mark Carithers, Brandi Perry and Jeni Southerland, we set out to remember the girl who accomplished so much in her short life.
When we arrived at the funeral home to begin to say our goodbyes, people were already lining up for the visitation. It was a sign of things to come.
For nearly six hours, we stood as people from across the state came to pay respects to Amelia. Many waited up to two hours in line. We were truly in awe. I can’t believe the hundreds, if not thousands who hugged us and took a moment to share words about the woman that we loved.
Speaking of hugs, that is one thing Amelia will always be remembered for. With that said, we hope to mark her birthday, Oct. 19, each year with Amelia’s Hug Day. It’s a simple idea. If more people approached life like Amelia and gave out hugs instead of negative thoughts, the world would be a better place. Each time you hug someone, think of Amelia – I’m sure many of you have been on the receiving end of one of those hugs.
After a long night at Hathorn Funeral Home, the biggest surprises were still coming.
To say Amelia’s funeral was perfect and a phenomenal tribute to her would be an understatement. Things even got started a little late, because the crowd continued to file in to First United Methodist Church. Extra chairs were needed as the aisles were packed.
My childhood best friend, Fred Chambers, had flown in from Northeast Ohio, and was simply amazed. My cousin, Mike Page, surprised me and slipped in and had to fight the crowds to visit.
Dr. Bryant Barnes of First Baptist Church and the Rev. Mike Sahler of First United Methodist Church teamed up to give a great tribute to the woman whose life I had been a part of for the past seven years. Mike Fite’s rendition of “How Great Thou Art,” made me weep. Again, it was the perfect tribute to a remarkable woman.
I also have to say something about the funeral procession. As we made our way through the streets of Columbia, Columbia High School students were out on the front lawn of the school enjoying a picnic. As the hearse drove by, they stopped and watched in silence. Cars pulled off the road for us. The respect was amazing.
As the funeral procession approached the intersection of Broad and Sumrall roads, I saw a police officer stationed outside her car, blocking traffic and standing at attention – fighting back tears. Thank you, Angela Land and the rest of Amelia’s friends in uniform for being there.
Another incredible group was the pall bearers. Many thanks go out to Mark Carrithers, Nick Cavanaugh, Justin McKenzie, Joe Joe Temples, Robbie Gill and Nathan Guy. Amelia would have loved the attention from you guys.
After the service, the meal at First Baptist Church was delicious – in fact, so much so, that my Ohio friend, Fred, is planning to bring his wife, Pat, down for a week, to enjoy some Southern hospitality and good food.
I also would be remiss if I didn’t thank my family here at the C-P. Each and every one of you has been special during this difficult time. To Amelia’s family at Ashley Furniture, thank you for your love and support – you closed a giant retail store to join us at her remembrance – that action speaks volumes.
To all who stopped by, called, texted, brought food, attended the services or sent flowers and gifts: thank you – the thought of so many people thinking of us and so many people loving Amelia warms our hearts.
Amelia is now my guardian angel. I’ll love her and this community that supported her, forever. Thanks for loving her … and most importantly, us.
Reach Managing Editor Mark Rogers at 736-2611 or email news@columbianprogress.com.
