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Down the Road, Bump a Nose

6/2/2016

24 Comments

 
PictureRoxie
I am sitting at my desk today with a heavy heart.  I have lost a good friend, somewhat unexpectedly, and I am feeling a bit lost.  I was supposed to write a post about our Southern Mercantile Wedding Design Service, but somehow that seems so unimportant right now.  I am finding myself trudging through the day, struggling to keep a smile on my face for all my team mates at work and for the guests that enter our doors.  The only thing I feel like writing about today is my good friend Janis Roberts.  Many of you that keep up with the blog are from my hometown of Ocilla and are very familiar with Janis.  For those of you that have not had the pleasure of getting to know her, let me just take a minute to tell you how amazing she was!

I have known of Janis my entire life.  Some places have a town troubadour but in Ocilla, we have a town clown!  (Yes, a real, live, been-to-school-for-it clown.)  Clancey the Clown, that is, the Mayor of Smileville in the state of O’silly that left a trail of donut seeds and laughter wherever she went.

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I didn’t really get to know Janis until I moved home from college to run The Shoppes at Fourth and Cherry, our business in downtown Ocilla.  Janis rented a booth space here when we first opened our doors in August of 2003 until this past February of 2016.  It is safe to say that we got to know each other very well over the course of the last 12 years!  Janis had a larger-than-life personality that would almost knock you down when she came through the doors.  Though she struggled over the past few years with illness and trying times, she loved coming and tinkering around in her little booth and getting to visit with everyone at The Shoppes.  When she entered the doors she would shout “helllooo everybody” and never left without saying “down the road, bump a nose” never good-bye: good-bye was a big no-no.  Any time “Midnight Train to Georgia” would start playing on The Shoppes ipod, Janis would start singing it at the top of her lungs, whether we had two customers in the store or twenty!
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Janis was a wonderful friend and counselor to me over the years through my own trying times.  Even when she was feeling low she was a beacon of encouragement to others.  She loved the Lord with all of her heart and her faith in Him never wavered.  Through the ups and downs of my life she always loved me and encouraged me.  I have numerous little newspaper clippings she cut out and sent to me and so many special little mementos and gifts that she has given me over the years.  Every note she ever wrote, whether it be in a card or on a gift tag, was so thoughtful and meaningful.  Always with lots of exclamation points and a smiley face.  She was a true, true blessing to all that knew her.  I have never known a person quite like Janis, and I doubt I ever will again!  She was truly one-of-a-kind.
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​Janis’ funeral was held a week ago Friday.  Though it was a sad day, it was amazing to be surrounded by so many that love Janis and that were loved by her.  There was plenty of laughter to go around as we gathered to celebrate Janis’ life and to rejoice that she is now with her savior, Jesus Christ!  Even in death, I have felt such comfort and encouragement from Janis.  You see, I have been having a bit of a dark time myself.  I go through spells of difficulty in this small town when I spend way too much time focusing on the negative aspects of my life and imagining how much better life would be if I lived somewhere else.  I often think of how successful my business could be if I lived in a bigger city, or that my creative talents would be more appreciated, that I could make more money and that life would not be such a struggle.  So on and so forth, down the negative spiral. 

Last Friday I was reminded of how blessed I truly am to live in a place where I am loved and supported by so many.  I reflected on my last 12 years in Ocilla and all the wonderful people I have had the opportunity to build relationships with, all the sweet people that have ministered to me in my times of struggle and all the folks that I have been able to minister to through my business.  I know I have mentioned before that my husband and I consider Ocilla our mission field.  We are on a mission to help better our community, to love and support those who need us and to spread the love of Christ through the streets of this little town. 
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I will be the first to admit to you that there are times in my life that I fail miserably at this.  When I let the negative thoughts creep in and take over, I am letting Satan win the day.  I subscribe to a daily devotional from one of my favorite, Godly women, Christine Caine.  I wanted to share with you the message I received yesterday:


That is why, for Christ's sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong. 
(2 Corinthians 12:10)
“Difficulty is hard. It's the bully that steps into your path and tries to arm wrestle you to the ground until you cry uncle.  And no matter what you're trying to do, especially if it's worthwhile, difficulty will try to outshout both God and your own thoughts to confuse you. It tries to look so large that you can only see what's right in front of you – the problems, the obstacles and the walls.  But we can't let difficulty keep us from daring to go where God wants us to go. God will make a way, and He wants to show it to you today. Seek Him!”


It is shameful that it took the death of a very good friend to shake me out of my funk!  It is time to move on and continue embracing this small town that I do love so much.  One of Janis’ best friends, whom I am also blessed to call friend, stopped during the eulogy she was giving to say through tears, “aren’t we all so lucky to live here and to have each other?”  Yes we are!  Janis loved this town with every bone in her body (especially her funny bone)!  If you are not from Ocilla, and you are wondering why I chose to share all this on the blog today, then let me just tell you.  This is a representation of small town southern living at its best.  These are the times that we band together, in times of grief and struggle to comfort each other and help each other.  Not only will the church ladies drown you in casseroles and hams when you have lost a loved one, but you will be prayed for in times of illness or hardship.  You will be offered a ride if you are walking somewhere, folks will ask you how you are doing and usually they mean it.  If you need your grass mowed or something heavy moved, there is always someone you can call on to help you.

As our community grieves the loss of Janis, it seems an almost impossible feat to “delight in weakness” but let’s remember that when we are weak, we are strong!  I love you Janis Roberts, every bone in your body, especially your funny bone!  Thank you for loving me.
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This portrait was painted in honor of Janis by a local artist, Della Farmer.  Della has chosen to share this treasure with everyone, she will even send you a high resolution image to print.  To learn more about Della and her artwork, click HERE.
24 Comments
Aunt Janet
6/3/2016 05:09:43 pm

Lovely tribute to Janis. She was a special lady......l too feel so blessed to have known her. Sweet words to Janis and this town Roxie!!!!!

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Roxie link
6/4/2016 01:26:40 pm

Thank you Aunt Janet! We are all so blessed to have you as a part-time member of our little community these days! Don't know how we ever lived without you on Alder St.!

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Arlene Chaney
6/3/2016 05:31:26 pm

Beautiful words Roxie , brought tears to my eyes yet again . And the Art work by Della is remarkable .

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Roxie link
6/4/2016 01:27:27 pm

Thanks for reading Arlene!

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Syd Blackmarr
6/3/2016 05:56:04 pm

Roxie, I loved Janis, too and knew her as a youngster and then when she started her wonderful career as a clown. She was a unique and very delightful, wonderful person and we will always miss her lively and loving spirit.
As a native of Ocilla who has lived through multiple decades, I want to thank you and your husband and family for everything you are doing for my old home town I know it is a struggle to keep on keeping on in that environment, but you have made a huge difference. The SHoppes are the foundation for the growth and current success of our little community which is grounded in the loe an support of others....as you describe it so well in your blog. So, on behalf od all of us "native," thank you so very much for keepting our town alive and making a real difference in the lives of so many people. See you at the Shoppes!

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Roxie link
6/4/2016 01:34:32 pm

Thank you for your kind and encouraging words Syd! You surely took your turn working hard to make our community a better place. Hope to see you soon!

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Jonni Snyder
6/3/2016 09:03:54 pm

Thank you for this, Roxie...for sharing your thoughts about Janis and your challenges living in a small town even when it's your own. First, Janis's life and death touched me in ways I hadn't expected, so it has been hard for me to say goodbye to her presence. One thing I know for sure, though, is that if I ever doubted that heaven was a glorious and happy place, I'm no longer in doubt! I can see Janis sharing her joy with all the other joyful ones who have gone on before, but especially with Jesus. "Heaven is a wonderful
place!"
Secondly, I had never wanted to live in a small town. My Dad was from a very small town, and from what I saw of it, it seemed to be a dead end pit of gossip. But since I have been married, most of our towns have been small and sweet with Ocilla being the very best. It has been the perfect place to raise our family, and the people I know have been world-renowned special. And, I think that you and Matt with your Shoppes and community effort have added such a special touch and positive definition to Ocilla. You are important!
Thank you!

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Roxie link
6/4/2016 01:38:08 pm

Thanks for those sweet thoughts Jonni! It is just amazing to think about how many lives were touched by Janis. We miss seeing you on Tuesdays! Don't be a stranger.

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Angie McMahan-Young
6/3/2016 09:54:11 pm

Awesome Roxie!! Tears.....thank you so much for this heartfelt tribute to Ms Janis and outpouring of genuine struggles & triumphs! I love you my friend ♡ so glad yall chose Ocilla!!

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Roxie link
6/4/2016 01:40:51 pm

Angie we love you so much! So thankful for the time that we got to have you with us at The Shoppes! Your whole family has been amazingly supportive of me and Matt. Glad you all chose Ocilla so many years ago!

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Deana
6/3/2016 11:18:42 pm

Wow! I just love you and what my Aunt Janis did for you! I can not begin to even write all she has done for me and my family...including my Uncle Oscar, and her three wonderful sons, and her Grands, but to be with her so much at The Shoppes was very special to me! I, as an adult, got to enjoy her even at a different level in life... Not just at family functions gatherings....but really be with her, her personality, see more of her talents, and see her have lunch on so many occasions with her "prince charming" my uncle Oscar, and see her children, my cousins, come in to buy her the perfect birthday, or Mother's Day gift, she just LOVED everybody and everything.....
About a month ago, my sister sold her home and was going thru things, packing, and came across a note...which Roxie mentioned, it was a small gift card ... But full... It stated the very first time she saw me... Where I was in the town, And how very much she loved me....and how I was and always will be her flower girl.....
My daughter was getting married in just a few months, so it was just the perfect gift for her, for her something old... NOT SAYING WE WERE OLD... BUT SHE CARRIED IT DOWN THE ISLE AND I WAS SO PROUD TO TELL Aunt Janis, what my sister had found! It is with such a heavy heart to have lost such an amazing woman in my life.... But the words spoken here, on this blog, the funeral, the town news paper, the service, I am in all at the way this one woman not only touched my life...but the lives of so many....

Tears are pouring and I know you loved her as much...but to me ....it means so much to just see and hear the love!!! Please pray for her Prince Charming, and her 3 wonderful sons, and her grandchildren, now and through the years.... So much more could be said...she was just so amazing!!!!! Thanks Roxie...I Love you and Matt and what you are doing for this town!!!! And I miss my Aunt Janis!!!!!!!

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Roxie link
6/4/2016 01:43:19 pm

Deanie, don't know what there is to say besides I love you! Can't imagine the Fourth and Cherry family without you!

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Adam Suter
6/4/2016 06:55:48 am

Beautiful.

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Roxie link
6/4/2016 01:44:16 pm

Awww. Thanks Adam. :)

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Jodi
6/4/2016 11:36:50 am

Thank you for your heartfelt words. Beautifully written and all so true. Thank you for all you do! Janis was so kind and loving and a great presence. I loved being around her, she made life so much fun! She is and will be missed tremendously.

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Roxie link
6/4/2016 01:47:04 pm

Thanks for your thoughts Jodi. The Shoppes has definitely lost a little of it's sparkle without Janis!

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Pam Stone Armas
6/4/2016 07:56:18 pm

As I married and moved away, the note on our wedding gift from Janis (and Oscar) Roberts read..."No matter how far from Irwin you roam, you'll always have friends who love you back home!" What a wonderful community of loving people!

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Roxie link
6/16/2016 11:42:53 am

And isn't that so true! Once from Ocilla, always from Ocilla! Thanks for reading!

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mildred cook,"miggie"
6/4/2016 10:56:25 pm

Janis was so special to everyone . no negative comment ever from her, Weyman and I were so happy to host Oscar and Janis' wedding r rehearsal dinner they had to wait till FSU finished the Sun Bowl game to know when the wedding could be schealed, a very happy occasion for all of us she will live on in all of our memories with lots of smiles and happiness

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Roxie link
6/16/2016 11:44:19 am

Thanks for sharing such a special memory Miggie and thanks for reading!

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Karen
6/5/2016 01:19:18 pm

Dear Roxie, I knew my sister lived large and loved beyond measure, but the outpouring of stories about how she comforted, encouraged, and entertained so many Irwin County folks and friends beyond Ocilla's borders keep rolling in. What an example she set for us about to make our communities and the world a better place.

Before you came back to Ocilla, before The Shoppes which she enjoyed being a part of so much, Janis had dreamed of the bank building housing the Smileville courthouse🌠. Your family gave her a headquarters, made it possible for her to continue her ministry as she faced multiple illnesses. Please know how much she appreciated all you did for her and how your commitment to Ocilla cheered her. On phone calls she would rave about your creativity and displays. Every visit home included a trip to The Shoppes to eat a scrumptious lunch and pick up my CASE grits and corn meal and Paulk Vineyard products ( gifts for my mountain friends). Good Lord willing, I plan to be back in July.

If the balloon popping before her service is an indication of what we have in store, I suspect Janis will be playing pranks on us from the other side...so watch out as her spirit moves among us enlivening conversations and lightening our hearts.

And a message to you and Matt from Clancey: Keep up the good work!!!

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Roxie link
6/16/2016 11:47:33 am

Thank you for the kind words Karen. We are so so sorry for your loss. Still haven't quite grasped the fact that this has even happened! Just yesterday we were laughing and telling more Janis stories! We feel a bit lost without her. Will look forward to seeing you on your next visit!

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Diane Moore
6/21/2016 12:33:44 pm

Well, I'm not from Ocilla, but I am from Georgia, though I currently live in the faraway land of Ohio, I ran across your blog as I was looking up a recipe for peach beehives. I just came from getting two bushels from The Peach Truck, so there are lots of peachy things in my future!
I just wanted to say how much I enjoyed your blog, and looking around your website. I am also the product of a very small Georgia town called Lexington. My daddy ran a little country store--a real throw back to days of The Waltons. When I was young and fresh out of UGA, my husband and I couldn't wait to take off for grand adventures in big cities. Been there, done that, enjoyed it, and grew from it, but neither of us would trade our small town heritage for anything in the world. We miss it for all the wonderful reasons you mentioned. We get back to Georgia several times a year for visits, and if I am EVER in the vicinity of Ocilla, I will definitely be dropping by Southern Mercantile. I can tell it's my kind of place; hospitable, gracious, and southern. Oh, I posted your beehive video on my Facebook page, because my friends up here were so curious after I told them I would be making them. Several have told me how much they enjoyed it. Thank you for posting it! God bless all of you in your endeavors. Oh, and I offer heartfelt condolences in the loss of your friend, Janis. She has clearly left a wonderful legacy behind.

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Roxie Seale link
6/23/2016 06:35:08 pm

Diane, I am so thrilled that you found us! Thank you for your sweet comments, they really did my heart some good today! I also went to UGA and I have been through Lexington. A very charming little place! So happy you got ahold of some delicious Georgia peaches! Please let us know how your beehives turn out. Thank you for sharing our tutorial on your Facebook page and for helping to share the Southern Mercantile love! Please check in with us again soon!

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