I Can Only Imagine

Susan Roberston was a devoted mother, wife, friend and church member, said her friends and family. Today, at her funeral, she was remembered as a devout Christian who “was in love with Jesus.”

Robertson, who died Saturday morning after she was stabbed in her Spotsylvania home, converted to Christianity as a young mother more than 30 years ago. She led a weekly Bible study at Salem Fields Community and the women she taught said that no one knew more about the Bible than Sue. She especially loved to read about and talk about heaven, and her favorite song was “I Can Only Imagine.”

And so that song ended her funeral.  Salem Fields’ worship leader, Jodi Mueller sang:

Surrounded by your glory

What will my heart feel?

Will I dance for you Jesus,

Or in awe of you be still?

Will I stand in your presence,

Or to my knees will I fall?

Will I sing Halelluja,

Will I be able to speak at all?

I can only imagine

I can only imagine

I can only imagine when that day comes

And I find myself standing in the Son

I can only imagine when all I will do

Is forever, forever worship you

I can only imagine

As the lyrics wafted over the silent crowd gathered in the church, one of Robertson’s daughters stood, holding her hands out in front of her, her palms raised to heaven. Trembling slightly, she sang to her mother’s favorite song, at times wiping tears from her eyes.

The service, which was attended by about 200 people, was emotional and spiritual, with many references to Robertson’s faith and her strong belief in an afterlife, where she fully expected to see Jesus.

At times people laughed, remembering Robertson’s devotion to children.

Church member John Dix said Robertson watched his 3-year-old daughter since her infancy.

The interview went something like this: “Sue, tell us something about your experience with small children.”

At this point, Robertson’s family burst into soft laughter. And Dix recounted Robertson’s answer: That she had fostered 39 children and had six of her own.

Throughout the funeral, no one mentioned Robertson’s 18-year-old son, Matthew. Spotsylvania authorities have charged him with stabbing his mother to death.

Dix alluded to the situation when he said, “She would tell us that somehow, some way we need to forgive.”

Forgiveness and grace were two strong themes of the funeral. Robertson’s loved ones wanted the service to concentrate on Robertson’s remarkable life, on the influence she had over many. On her generosity, her radiant smile, her faith and her devotion to her family. Time and again, she was referred to as a “prayer warrior” and a “prayer partner” who spent a lot of time praying.

The Rev. Gaye Marston, copastor of Salem Fields, said, “Susan’s fingerprints are all over this place. Susan’s fingerprints are all over the hearts of many of us.”

"Nana Sue" with Courtney Dix

But Becky Dix best described Robertson’s influence when she told a story about her daughter Courtney. Robertson took care of Courtney a few days each week for three years. And even when she wasn’t on duty, Robertson would often just have playdates with the youngster. She gave Courtney joy, unconditional love and delight.

And one day last summer, in the middle of a drought, Courtney looked at a dried up pond and asked her mom where the fish went.

Dix told her preschooler that the fish had gone to be with their mommies and daddies.

“Silly Mommy,” Courtney replied. “Fish don’t have mommies and daddies.”

Becky asked what fish do have. The 3-year old replied: “They have Sues.”

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