Christy Sutherland speaking about Dottie Rambo's Funeral

On Tuesday, May 13th, I did a post that spoke of legendary Christian songwriter Dottie Rambo passing away. This past week I received an e-mail from our friends Matt and Christy. Matt had forwarded me a "newsletter" that Christy sends out once a month. They were able to attend Dottie's funeral, and in the below letter Christy describes what an awesome worship experience it was! If you would like to subscribe to Christy's newsletter, you can do so at www.christysutherland.net The below is written by Christy, published here with her permission:

Dottie Rambo's Funeral May 19, 2008

Today I sat amongst the greats in gospel music. Today I was surrounded by precious saints of God. Today I went to Dottie Rambo's funeral. Today I was in the presence of the Lord Almighty.

This was no ordinary funeral. It was a worship experience. From the beginning of the service, it was as if electricity was in the air. I turned to Matt and said, "He's here." Matt had tears in his eyes and gave me that look he gives me when I say something really obvious!

Song after song brought blessing after blessing. Every song sung in the ceremony was a Dottie Rambo masterpiece. Bill Gaither put together a literal all-star choir. Artist after recording artist stepped forward to lend their voice to one beautiful Dottie Rambo creation after another.

Family, friends, ministers, singers, songwriters and musicians came from all over the country to celebrate Dottie's Home-going. Mom Barbara had the privilege of being asked to say a few words about Dottie today. Wearing the gold and diamond ram's head ring Dottie had given her, Mom spoke the most beautiful, heartfelt words about her dear friend who is now with the Lord.

President George W. Bush and First Lady Laura Bush were among the many to send a wonderful letter to Reba Rambo-McGuire and family expressing their sorrow in the loss of Dottie. The President also sent a folded American flag. It was the flag that flew over the White House on Mother's Day (the day of Dottie's passing).

I remember as a young girl and then as a teenager riding in the backseat of my Momma's car. She would put in a Dottie Rambo tape and it was if the Holy Spirit flooded the car. I remember wiping away tears, hoping Momma wouldn't see. I didn't want her to see the effect those songs were having on me. I don't know why. I guess that's just how it is when you are 13.

Even though I never had the opportunity to get to know Dottie, I have had the pleasure of writing a song with her granddaughter, Destiny McGuire. Destiny sang at the service today and it was obvious she has Rambo blood coursing through her veins. What a gift!! Her voice is absolutely like something wonderful you just want more of. Her duet with her sister Dionne was awesome.

It would take way too long to describe the entire service in detail. It lasted over two hours, but flew by like it was ten minutes. The celebration ended with Sandi Patty singing "We Shall Behold Him." Need I say more?! I was blessed with a few moments of speaking with Sandi afterwards She told me how she enjoys singing my song "You Call Me Yours" every weekend at the Women of Faith conferences. I could hardly hold back the tears as she shared the impact that song is having on so many women's lives. I kept thinking, "Any minute now I'm going to wake up and this will all be a dream...."

Well, either I still have not woken up, or this was one of those amazing life-changing days you thank God for.....a day in His presence.**Please keep Larry Ferguson (Dottie's manager and our friend), Ronnie Meadows (the bus driver), and Chris Barnes (Dottie's webmaster) in your prayers as they are all three still in the hospital recovering from the wreck.

Blessings, Christy

To view a picture of Christy, Sandi Patty, and Barbara Mandrell, and to read other artists statements regarding Dottie, click here