Dorothy Schoppert

Dorothy Schoppert passed away March 20. Her funeral was last Saturday.

When David’s infant son became ill, the king would do nothing but lay on the ground. His advisors begged him to eat, but he would not. Finally, after seven days, the child died. Upon hearing the news David arose from his place on the ground, washed himself, and changed his clothes. He went into the temple and worshiped; he began eating again. His servants were perplexed and asked, “What is this thing that you have done? You fasted and wept for the child while he was alive; but when the child died, you arose and ate food.” Then David made a marvelous statement. “I shall go to him, but he will not return to me” (2 Sam. 12:23).

These were the first words to capture my thoughts upon learning that our sister Dorothy Schoppert had passed away. We said goodbye to her husband of 60 years, George, two months ago, and now she was gone. George, having gone the way of all the earth, could not come back, but she could go to him. Everything the Bible teaches on this subject leads me to believe that she and George are together again.

The story of the Rich Man and Lazarus gives us a glimpse into the afterlife immediately following death (Lk. 16:19-31). Lazarus, who had suffered greatly during his time on earth, was borne on angel’s wings to Abraham’s bosom. There he conversed with both Abraham and the Rich Man. Situations and family members on earth were remembered. Everyone present was cognizant of both physical and spiritual realities. The message is that death may mean an end to life as we know it, but it is by no means the end of one’s existence.

Before an elite group of disciples, Peter, James, and John, Jesus was transfigured in brilliance on a high mountain (Lk. 9:28-36). With him appeared Moses and Elijah, and they discussed Jesus’ “departure.” It is interesting that, while they were speaking of his death, the word “departure” (exodus in the Greek) is used. It is plain they were looking at death as a journey from one place to the next. Also, those who have lost loved ones will be relieved to see that Moses and Elijah retained their individual identities, even though both had been dead for hundreds of years.

Scripture teaches that we will recognize one another in heaven. Marriage will no longer be recognized as it was on earth (Mt. 22:30). But even though death means a separation from friends who remain on earth, it also spells a glad reunion with those who have died first.

All of those wonderful attributes we loved in sister Schoppert have been preserved—her wisdom, grace, and charm. She is gone from earth, but she is not gone.

Moses had a wonderful phrase describing the state of the dead: “she was gathered to her people” (Gen. 25:8; Num. 20:24; 27:13; Deut. 32:50). At this time, when we are deeply grieving the loss of our Christian friend, we must remember she was not cut down; she was gathered to her people. And one day, if we live as she did, we will also be gathered to join our family. They are waiting for us on the other side.