Jimmie Lue (Shoemaker) Eddleman

The Good Book is filled with stories of the Lord using a person to bless other's lives. And while it may be difficult to imagine what is simply written, we have all been blessed with knowing a person that shined that light into the life of everyone she knew. It is so cliché to say that a person's smile could suddenly light up a room, but that is exactly what happened when Jimmie Lue flashed that beautiful smile.

Life brought many challenges, as it does for us all, but from her time as a little girl in La Cueva, N.M., to this last nine months battling leukemia in Billings, she never complained. None could imagine the pain, weakness of body and fear that she dealt with in this final struggle, but the joy that she gave to all that visited her in that trying time illuminated her strength of character and love of the Lord.

Jimmie Lue said how blessed she was to have her sister, Joanie, as well as her grandson James, live with her through those trying times. Family and friends from near and far came to visit to bask in her quiet grace. Looking through old picture albums and listening to stories brought such joy to her day. Joanie and Jimmie would find an old picture that no one had seen in years and laughter would fill their home.

Throughout her life, Jimmie Lue spread her love to all that knew her. From the best of times to the worst, you always knew she cared about you way more than about herself. She was fierce in the defense of her kids, and then grandkids, whenever they dealt with challenges in their lives. Yet, she was always willing to forgive their faults, and the hurt, that every life brings. She was the definition of Grace.

The Lord asks us all to try to emulate him. To love the Lord, and to love all people are the two greatest commandments. For most of us it seems like an impossible task. To those of us that really want to be better people, we need look no further than Jimmie Lue.