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Carole Mikita ReportingA final farewell today for Majorie Pay Hinckley, wife of Gordon B. Hinckley, President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Sister Hinckley passed away on Tuesday, at the age of 92.
President Gordon B. Hinckley has described it as a somber time for him. Today he led family, friends and those of his faith into services for his beloved wife, Marjorie Pay Hinckley.
Sister Hinckley loved the Mormon Tabernacle Choir, which invited to pay musical tribute. Thousands in attendance live or by satellite broadcast honored a woman, who never thought of herself as a public person.
Friends recalled rich memories of time spent in her company, describing her as a woman of great compassion, faith and humor, a woman well-traveled.
Sheri L. Dew, Hinckley Family Friend: "Days on the road with her husband were always packed from dawn ‘til way past dusk. But the fatigue was always worth it because as she explained, ‘When you get where you're going and meet the people, it's wonderful, because they are wonderful.’"
Pres. James E. Faust, President Hinckley's Second Counselor: “All of us would benefit from following her faith, commitment and devotion.”
Pres. Thomas S. Monson, President Hinckley's First Counselor: “She conversed with kings and queens. She loved little children and gave them squeezes and kisses and good words.”
Her five children offered glimpses of their mother, she told them of her relationship with their father.
Jane Dudley, Marjorie Hinckley's Daughter: "’From the very beginning he gave me space and let me fly.’ Thank you Mother for your delightful independence."
Virginia Pearce, Marjorie Hinckley's Daughter: "Thank you Mother, for helping us laugh at ourselves and for keeping discouragement at bay."
Kathy Walker, Marjorie Hinckley's Daughter: "Thank you Mother, for teaching us the joy of our church meetings. We haven't learned that lesson completely, but we're working on it and could we just say, you must be loving this meeting today."
And finally, a letter from her husband, President Gordon B. Hinckley on their 60th anniversary.
Clark Hinckley, Marjorie Hinckley's Son Reading Letter from President Hinckley: "And when in some future day the hand of death, gently touches one or the other of us, there will be tears, yes, but there will also be a quiet and certain assurance of reunion and eternal companionship."
Richard Hinckley, Marjorie Hinckley's Son: "May God bless you, ‘til we meet again, which will happen as surely as the sun will rise over these valleys on Easter morning."
Each one expressed gratitude for lessons learned, for knowledge gained, for kindnesses from Marjorie Pay Hinckley, who left to her faith, her community, friends and family a legacy of love.
