CALHOUN WOMAN'S FAMOUS POEM "HEAVEN'S GROCERY STORE" - Rozetta Stutler Thompson (1928-2011)

(08/24/2024)
By Bob Weaver

A woman whose roots are in Calhoun County wrote a well-known poem-song many years ago.

Rozetta Stutler Thompson died in Fort Lauderdale, Florida at age 83 in 2011. Her ashes were returned to Little Creek Valley.

Thompson wrote a poem, likely with her late sister Madeline Stutler Lynch of Mt. Zion, that was copyrighted by Ron DeMarco, and has been recognized internationally.

Madeline Sutler Lynch, known for her smile and efforts at the J&B Drug Store, frequently wrote poems and songs, some of which were published.

See IT HAS BEEN A MAINSTAY - The J & B Is Full Of Memories, 63 Year History

"HEAVEN'S GROCERY STORE" - Who Pays Your Bill I was walking down life's highway a long time ago, one day I saw a sign that read, "HEAVEN'S GROCERY STORE".

As I got a little closer the door came open wide, and when I came to myself I was standing inside.

I saw a host of Angels, they were standing everywhere, one handed me a blanket and said, "My child, shop with care, everything a Christian needs is in that grocery store, and all you can't carry, come back the next day for more.

First I got some Patience, Love was in the same row, further down was Understanding, needed everywhere you go.

I got a box or two of Wisdom, a bag or two of Faith, I just couldn't miss the Holy Ghost, it was all over the place.

I stopped to get some Strength and Courage to help me run this race, but then my blanket was getting full and I remembered I needed Grace.

I didn't forget Salvation which like the others was free, so I tried to get enough of that to save both you and me.

Then I started up to the counter to pay my grocery bill, for I thought I had everything to do my Master's will.

As I went up the aisle, I saw Prayer and had to put it in, for I knew when I stepped outside, I would run right into sin.

Peace and Joy were plentiful, they were on the last shelf. Song and Praise were hanging near so I just helped myself.

Then, I said to the Angel, "How much do I owe?"

The Angel smiled and said, "Just take them everywhere you go."

Again I politely asked, "How much do I really owe?" The Angel smiled again and said, "MY CHILD, JESUS PAID YOUR BILL A LONG TIME AGO."

See obituary for Rozetta Stutler Thompson