Page 9 - Senior Link Magazine Summer 2017- Online Magazine

They live on a block that is known for its great relationships.
The friends gather often for block parties, birthdays and
holiday events. Erin remembers many occasions when
Johnnie was growing frail, that E.C. would lovingly help her
cross the street to attend a gathering. Even after 60 years of
marriage, they still walked arm-in-arm. “When 40 or so of
us came to their home to sing Christmas carols, Dr. Leslie
would greet us, but would ask the crowd in his yard to
wait while he helped his wife to the door, so she could also
listen.”

Johnnie Leslie passed away in 2015. Dr. Stephens remembers
reading Philippians 4:4-9 at her funeral. “Rejoice in the Lord
always...Let your gentleness be evident to all... Do not be
anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and
petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.
And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding,
will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
He adds, “Those are words that describe how this couple
lived. Theirs was a life marked by truth and integrity - a life
marked by prayer and thanksgiving - a life marked by the
peace of God - a life marked by joy that led them to rejoice
in the Lord.”

Erin recalled a song by Collin Raye that was played at the
memorial service which poignantly described what she
knew E.C. was thinking:

If you get there before I do, don’t give up on me,
I’ll meet you when my chores are through, I don’t know how long
I’ll be.
But I’m not going to let you down, darling, wait and see.

And between now and then, till I see you again, I’ll be loving you.
Love, me.

When the neighbors celebrated Dr. Leslie’s birthday
recently, E.C. mentioned finding a receipt Johnnie had saved
from their honeymoon in Chicago in 1951. He remembered
with a smile that their $8.00 room had been upgraded to one
with a window. His love and devotion is still evident as he
speaks of his wife.

Between now and then, till I see you again,
I’ll be loving you. Love me.
Lubbock Senior Link 9