Memorials
This page is dedicated to those who have out-stripped us and went on to meet the Lord. There has been many precious friends who have touched this Quartet with their kind words, prayers and holy walk. We felt it expedient to attempt to list some of them here.
Uncle Buck Lewis
Tim's Uncle Buck passed away on June 4th 2006. His funeral was June 6th, held at Zion Baptist Church where he was a faithful Deacon for many, many years. He was a bright and shining light to any and everyone who knew him. Thank God for the holy walk that man walked in this life. He fought a good fight, he kept the faith and he has won the race. God blessed him with a wonderful companion of 56 years, Ollie Mae (Tim's mother Odell's baby sister). Our hearts and prayers go out to her and his family in this time of sorrow.
Odell Elsberry
Tim's Mom passed away on January 25th, 2004 at 0600, less than six months from the passing of his Dad. It would never be possible for Tim to define the depth of his love for his parents. JoAnn and Joseph took care of MawMaw for the duration of Brother Robert's illness and throughout her own illness unto the end. This woman truly fought a good fight, kept the faith and finished her course. If you could create or design the perfect Mom, Tim feels like she would be just like his. Long has Tim loved you but God loved you more, we'll meet you in the morning.
Waylon, Joseph, MawMaw (Odell) and Jody
Rev. Robert Elsberry
Tim's Dad passed away on August 4th, 2003 at 2128. Word's would never describe what this man meant to Tim and all who knew him. He was a true Servant of God. He preached the Gospel, visited the sick, helped the needy, kept his word but most of all, walked a holy walk. Daddy Prayed, the Highpoint's fifth recording was dedicated to Tim's Dad as he wrote Daddy prayed and Two Socks about his Dad. Rev. and Mrs. Elsberry adopted Tim when he was only 9 weeks old from an orphanage in Calhoun Georgia. They were such a blessing to him and have left their mark in his life. He will never be forgotten! Just a little while before Brother Robert crossed the river, a tear trickled out of his right eye. Brother Tim reached up and wiped it away with a trembling hand and said, "Pop, in just a little while, I'll turn this over to someone more qualified to do this than I am." Of course Tim was resting on the Scripture concerning "God shall wipe away all tears from our eyes." Dad always said, "if I have to crawl the rest of the way, Heaven will surely be worth it all."
Rev. Robert Elsberry
Rev. Carl Robinson
Brother Carl was always special to us. He was one of the most friendly people you will ever meet in this life and he was an "Old Time Preacher Man". Carl supported us and you could tell that he really enjoyed our music. The Lord saw fit to take Carl in 2001. While we don't always understand why the ones we love are called away, we do know that God has a purpose in everything He does. We consider it a great honor to have known him and called him our friend. We never will forget one night we were opening for the Primitive Quartet. Brother Carl walked up to Tim and said, "I came to hear the Highpoint". Tim was standing with Brother Reagan Riddle of the Primitive and introduced Brother Carl to Brother Reagan. Tim didn't think that Brother Carl realized this was a member of the Primitive Quartet standing with him and didn't want Brother Reagan to feel uncomfortable either. Brother Carl's wisdom again shone through, he simply said, "well now I like you boys too but I still came to hear the Highpoint". God always did provide him a way with words. I've added some of these thoughts to Brother Carl's memorial some 4 years after his death. I think that shows that his impact on our lives continues long after he's gone and we still miss him so.
Rev. Price Turner
Brother Turner passed away on October 25th, 2003. He was Tim and JoAnn's Pastor for several years and served Zion Baptist Church in Dallas, GA for over 50 years. Brother Turner was a true man of God and faithful throughout his long life. He was preceded in death by his wife, Sister Reba Turner. Sister Turner, like Brother Price was faithful and precious. We know they're both in a better place.
Bernie Murdock
Sister Bernie was JoAnn's grandmother. In 1999, we said good-bye to the sweet old woman who was in her 90's. JoAnn remembers Bernie sitting her on her knee and singing "Rock of Ages" when she was a small child. Just before her death, JoAnn sat on Bernie's hospital bed and returned the favor. We thank God for old grandmothers like Bernie. She had asked Tim to talk at some of her children and grandchildren's funeral services. One thing that he will always remember is her little hand raised in praise and hearing her shout in the Spirit at these services. What Earth lost, Heaven gained!
Rayford Elsberry
Tim's grandfather died in May of 1991. Born in 1900, John Rayford, "Moon" Elsberry, saw many things change in his lifetime. Tim was raised up just across the road from his grandfather and they spent a lot of time together. He loved guns, knives and trading them. He spent years working on the Seaboard and Southern Railroads and was instrumental in getting Tim started in railroad work. An occupation that Tim is still involved in.
Brother Bud Irwin
Brother Bud Irwin of Rockmart GA left the walks of this life on Friday, September 2nd, 2005. Brother Bud lived many years and was well loved by this group. He and his good companion would show up often at our appearances around the west GA area. One of our fondest memories was during a fellowship hall dedication at Harmony Baptist Church in Polk County GA. While we were singing, Brother Bud got happy and came up out of his seat a shouting. Brother Bud was a blessing to all but especially the young folks. He would always have a piece a candy for them and would greet you by saying "you're looking good". We will always treasure his friendship and never forget him. We'll see you again.
Mamie Pope
Tim's mother's sister, Mamie Pope, was called home in 1999. As a small boy, Tim would often visit with his Aunt. He would come in singing "we want some Jell-O". He knew that Aunt Mamie would have him some ready to eat. She really loved Bluegrass Music and enjoyed hearing Tim and the rest of her nieces and nephews play. A sweet and gentle soul who is gone but not forgotten.
Lilly Carpenter
Tim's mother's sister, Lilly Carpenter, was called home in 1999. Aunt Lilly was always around and usually spent the night with Tim's Mom and Dad on Christmas as well as many other times. When Tim was a young boy, she nick-named him "Cheyenne Body" after a cowboy character on TV. She was an avid Church goer and like her sister Mamie, loved Bluegrass Music. One thing we will always remember is that Tim, JoAnn, Tim's cousin Lisa and her husband, Brother Travis Warren were asked to sing at her funeral. They were asked to sing Brother Reagan Riddle's "Safely Home". The Lord came down during that song and shouting broke out during the service. That always makes a funeral more special.
Rev. G. B. Richards
Brother G. B. was among the first Pastors to invite us to sing at his Church. This was way back in 1993. Through the years we sang often for him at his Church and at various nursing homes. Brother G. B. was adamant in his endeavors not to forget the aged and visited with the often. He would often ask Mark Sr. to come and share in his labor as he would hold worship services in the nursing homes. The Lord called him home a few years ago and we thought about one of the songs we sing as we passed his coffin, "Nothing Can Touch Me, That Doesn't Pass Through God's Hands".