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“There are moments in life that feel like more than coincidence. A chance encounter, a word of encouragement at just the right time, a person who enters your life and never leaves it the same. These aren’t accidents. These are divine appointments—sacred intersections of our story with God’s plan.”

“Today, we gather not just to remember a remarkable woman, but to recognize how powerfully God used her in our lives. The title of today’s tribute says it all…”

  “And when we think about purpose—about the plans God has for each of us—I’m reminded of one of the most reassuring promises in all of Scripture. It speaks not just to MaryAnn’s life, but to what she gave us and the calling we now carry.”

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future."

—Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV)

Good afternoon, everyone.

I want to take just a few moments to reflect on something powerful—something I call divine appointments. These are the people God places in our lives at just the right time to shape us, challenge us, and walk beside us as we grow.

For me, the first divine appointment was in second grade—Mrs. Cheryl Martin at Jesse Bobo Elementary. She wasn’t just a teacher; she was someone who saw in me something I didn’t yet see in myself. She spoke life and confidence into a little boy who needed to hear that his life had value and purpose.

Years later, another divine appointment entered my life: MaryAnn Riley.

MaryAnn wasn’t just a community leader. She was a force of nature with a servant’s heart. She believed in me at a time when I needed it most. She opened doors, offered wisdom, and modeled what it meant to lead with grace, strength, and conviction.

Her influence wasn’t loud, but it was steady. Her faith was deep, rooted in her Catholic tradition, and you could feel it in the way she carried herself. She believed that God orders our steps—and she lived like she believed it.

She often reminded us to "Read. Think. Act."

Three words. But they’re more than words—they’re a roadmap. Read with understanding. Think with discernment. And act with courage.

I think of Jeremiah 29:11 when I reflect on MaryAnn’s life. God knew the plans He had for her. And He used her as a divine appointment in the lives of so many, including mine.

Today, I honor not just her memory, but her mission. She leaves behind more than a legacy—she leaves us a responsibility. A charge. To carry her torch forward.

Let us be that divine appointment for someone else.

Let us lead with purpose. Let us love our community.

And above all—let us never forget that God works through people… and MaryAnn was one of His best examples.

Thank you.

Jermaine Eric Whiteside