The Kansas Westboro Baptist Church group may have wasted ink this funeral time around as Raleigh beats the anti-Elizabeth Edwards picketers at their own game. Fifteen minutes before Elizabeth Edwards' Edenton Street United Methodist Church funeral in Raleigh was about to begin the Westboro Baptist Church group could not be found.
The Kansas Westboro Baptist Church group known for picketing funerals with anti-gay slogans got a little predicted picket surprise themselves.
Raleigh was prepared with picketers of their own. Picketed corners shared "God loves Elizabeth Edwards" and other fun facts rather than anti-Elizabeth Edwards signs. Most signs had two sides with different sayings or messages of support. The Kansas Westboro Baptist Church group's signs included "Thank God for cancer" and other statements.
The Westboro Baptist Church group's permit ran out at 1 p.m., just before the funeral. Although they left earlier, there is no confirmation as to why. The handful of Westboro Baptist Church group was no match against Raleigh's counter-picket of funeral supporters. One rumor has been cleared. The Westboro Baptist Church group doesn't have flames shooting from their nostrils and the group appeared less in numbers than what most would consider a threat.
Today also proved another rumor's death. Rielle Hunter did not attend. However, we did notice a taxi passing along side the church with the words "Hunter Taxi" on the side - but no Hunter. John Edwards and Rielle Hunter had an affair resulting in a love child.
John Edwards was obviously shaken by his estranged wife's death as he sat with their daughter, Cate, in the front row during the service. One funeral guest mentioned of Cate's heartfelt encouragements surrounding her mother's comforts. John Edwards did not speak.
Much was learned of Elizabeth Edwards humor and other intelligent characteristics. For instance no one knew until the funeral that just last week the Edwards family decorated for Christmas. During the hard times the Edwards family remains strong. You can also view Elizabeth Edwards' funeral on Wral.
Dr. Roger V. Elliot, retired senior pastor, noted of his last Sunday visit where he assured Elizabeth she was "forgiven and made right" with the lord. An unusually tactful story to share but not to be confused of comparison to the hate group picket. Dr. Roger V. Elliot can be viewed in the video below - he is opening the vehicle door as the service ends.
Elizabeth Edwards, 61, mother, author, business woman and wife to estranged husband, U.S. Senator and presidential candidate, John Edwards, died after a six-year battle with cancer. Elizabeth and John's one year separation was to be in January, before Elizabeth Edwards' death on Tuesday.
A strong funeral ceremony ending with Elizabeth Edwards' coffin transferred to the Oakwood Cemetery for the private burial. The last of the Elizabeth Edwards' funeral photos (video below) shows the vehicles leaving Edenton Street United Methodist Church.
Wade Edwards, son of Elizabeth and John, died in his teens due to a jeep accident. Elizabeth Edwards will be laid to rest at Oakwood Cemetery - next to her son.
Historic Oakwood and area locations surrounding Oakwood Cemetary did not show any signs of the Westboro Baptist Church group.
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Source(s):
Loretta Arnold, Examiner.com; Wral.com
Photos: Loretta Arnold
(accessed / hyperlink Dec. 11, 2010)
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