Selman remembered


Thursday, April 21, 2011
Community \| Obits \| Editorial & Columnists \| Society \| Sports \| Education \| Classified Ads \| Calendar of Events \| Features \| Newsbriefs \| Legals \| Archives \| Subscriptions \| Photo Gallery

Selman remembered

By SUE WATSON
Staff Writer

Photo by Sue Watson

Bernell Hoyle sings during the memorial service.

A group of about 500 people paid tribute to the life of Patricia Ann Davis Selman at funeral ceremonies Saturday.

Selman, who died Tuesday, April 12, after a long illness, was assistant police chief for the city of Holly Springs. She had worked in law enforcement 23 years.

Members of her large family, her church family (Christ Temple COGIC, its choir and several pastors), officers with her law enforcement families, firefighters, members of the courts, and friends and neighbors enjoyed a long homecoming celebration for their loved one.

There were many songs of praise, prayers and testimonials offered up in remembrance of the multi-talented law officer, leader and mother. As a sign of purity, more than a dozen white clad and gloved ladies of several churches served as ushers.

There was laughter, there were tears shed, and there was glory and praise given to the Heavenly Father through music and song.

Charles Bryant, pastor of Hope of Glory COGIC, Memphis, Tenn., said Selman lived the life of a saint by the lives she touched and the prayers she prayed.

“We thank God she came this way,” he said. “She lived a great life. For God she lived; for God she died. The family, tomorrow they need us even more. Remember to pray for them.”

Berdie Scruggs thanked everyone for their kindness to the family of the bereaved. She highlighted some of Selman’s qualities – compassionate, wise, an evangelistic-minded person, an example setter to her family, a devoted mother and a competent counselor. It is the connection each person has with Selman that counts and will go with those left behind throughout their lives, she said.

“This loss is Heaven’s gain,” Scruggs said.

A number of individuals provided testimonials or anecdotes.

Andre’ DeBerry, mayor of Holly Springs, said, “Nothing brings us so close to life as death itself. We think of the good times.”

Chief Robert Pearson quoted the Master’s words – “Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends” (Holy Bible, John 15:13).

“Chief Selman did this,” Pearson said.

As a pubic servant, Selman was dependable, reliable, and dedicated, he said.

“We will miss her,” Pearson said.

Sheriff Kenny Dickerson remembered Selman was one of the best officers he has worked with.

Photo by Sue Watson

The Christ Temple Church Choir sings during Patricia Selman’s funeral service Saturday.

“Patricia and I worked many cases together,” he said. “She had tremendous work ethics, was dependable, dedicated and totally committed to serving the citizens of Holly Springs, the county and the State of Mississippi. It never got too cold or too hot or too bad. God blessed her with a lot of talent and ability to recall names and events. I thank God so much for being the head of our lives and of Patricia’s life. She is one of my best friends as a police officer.”

Marshall County deputy Cathy Brittenum said, “The human side of me mourns the loss of my friend. The spiritual side of me is rejoicing. I celebrate Patricia and she’s resting in the bosom of the Lord and Savior. A loving spirit, Patricia gave her all. She loved God, her church, her children and her family. I take comfort in knowing she is finally home. We know she will live forever in the spirit and within our hearts.”

One close friend said she and Selman as youngsters listened to Simon and Garfunkel’s “Bridge Over Troubled Waters” and wondered what the words meant.

Selman was that bridge.

When you’re weary, feeling small
When tears are in your eyes
I will dry them all

I’m on your side
Oh when times get rough
And friends just can’t be found
Like a bridge over troubled water
I will lay me down
Like a bridge over troubled water
I will lay me down

When you’re down and out
When you’re on the street
When evening falls so hard, I will comfort you
I’ll take your part
Oh, when darkness comes
And pain is all around
Like a bridge over troubled water
I will lay me down
Like a bridge over troubled water
I will lay me down

Sail on silver girl, sail on by
Your time has come to shine
All your dreams are on their way

See how they shine
Oh, if you need a friend
I’m sailing right behind
Like a bridge over troubled water
I will ease your mind
Like a bridge over troubled water
I will ease your mind.

– Paul Simon and Art Garfunkel

Report News: (662) 252-4261 or south@dixie-net.com
Questions, comments, corrections: south@dixie-net.com
©2004, The South Reporter, All Rights Reserved.
No part of this site may be reproduced in any way without permission.
The South Reporter is a member of the Mississippi Press Association.

Web Site managed and maintained by
South Reporter webmasters Linda Jones, Kristian Jones
Web Site Design - The South Reporter

Back | Top of Page