A Tribute To My Sister, Jettie Laura Paschall Hitchcock

Posted on Jun 2nd, 2012

Jettie Hitchcock, the author of these Scripture songs and the Mother of our family, was called home on May 31, 2012 - her 66th birthday.

To her husband, Michael, she was completely devoted. For over 42 years of marriage, they remained not only deeply in love, but totally one in a life laid down for the gospel of Jesus Christ.

To her children, Jeremy, Jennie, Lissi, Timothy, Zachary, and Jason, she was a beloved mother who nurtured them in every sense of the word from the cradle onward, and laid for them an unshakeable foundation in Christ Jesus.

For two sisters in particular – Martha, who preceded her in death, and Rachael, the author of this tribute – Jettie was far more than a close sibling. Even when we were children, she looked after us and our interests like a mother hen. But after we were grown, something happened to Jettie which was to change all of our lives completely. After she was married and had entered the professional world as a teacher, she had an encounter with the Holy Spirit. This experience so dramatically altered her outlook on life that Martha and I were drawn to follow her example, and to join her in this unusual walk with the Lord.

Subsequently, the three of us and our husbands, along with the six children eventually born into our extended household, became one family. Jettie and Michael have generously shared their home with us for more than 38 years. It is a testimony to Jesus Christ that such a sovereign arrangement has not only endured, but has endeared us to each other both in this present world and for all eternity.

Now, we must briefly say good-bye. Jettie's journey on earth has come to a close. Her suffering, tribulation, and tasks on earth for the Master are completed. We are broken-hearted beyond human expression, but simultaneously comforted by the anticipation of our reunion with her in God's time. We also rejoice with her that, being absent from the body, she is present with the Lord Jesus she worshipped and lived to please while here on earth – one day at a time.

Good-night, precious sister. We'll see you in The Morning.

In addition to composing all the Scripture songs on this site, Jettie recorded several pieces of music posted here. Ave O Jesu, a Christ-focused alternative to Ave Maria which she co-wrote with Jennie, is one of our favorites.