Schaefer, husband dead House member says
Former state Sen. Nancy Schaefer and her husband are dead, it was announced from the House floor.
No details were provided. The deaths were announced by state Rep. Rick Austin (R-Demorest) and House members immediately stood for a moment of silence at about 7:35 p.m.
“Nancy Schaefer was a great lady, and she served Georgia and her constituents with honor and grace,” Austin told House members.
In addition to serving in the Senate, Schaefer was a one-time candidate for state school superintendent.
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March 26th, 2010
8:33 pm
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Marie
March 27th, 2010
12:29 am
Murder/Suicide? I don’t think so. Someone who is trying to save families and children from corruption? Come on.
KNOX
March 27th, 2010
12:35 am
AMEN TO BOTH THE ABOVE COMMENTS. ALWAYS PRACTICE WHAT YOU PREACH.
Rose
March 27th, 2010
1:43 am
Certainly this stinks. She was known across America for her work against CPS. In fact she lost her Senate seat because of it. She has appeared on many activist and patriot news. The children of America lost their most loyal angel today. This is a shock. Already it has spread like wildfire across the internet. Thousands upon thousands of people from every state knew of her honorable cause. God bless her family. She will be remembered among upstanding patriots among The People.
She spoke strongly against corruption. Truly the children in heaven are in the arms of an angel. God bless the family. Rest in Peace, Nancy. You are loved and honored by many families and children all across America.
Neesee
March 27th, 2010
1:58 am
AtlantaPhotog,
How dare you, or anyone else jest over the death of anyone! These people leave behind children and grandchildren who have to deal with their loss. There is no excuse in being vicious to someone who has passed away and cannot defend themselves against negative comments, regardless of if you approved of their political views or not.
true patriot
March 27th, 2010
2:15 am
there is no viciousness in pointing out that someone who spent their life trying to tell others how they should live decided to do what they thought was best – but which was antithetical to their professed views – when they were put in a tough spot. i grant these folks the right to live (and die) the way they wanted; oh that they would have allowed the same to others.
Rose
March 27th, 2010
2:33 am
http://www.eagleforumofga.org – why she is so loved.
Her honorable causes. Click on parental rights child protective services.
Neesee
March 27th, 2010
4:04 am
True Patriot,
The viciousness is in jumping to conclusions when all of the info is not known concerning the tragedy of these deaths. That’s why the GBI is still investigating. I also considered those, and other negative remarks vicious because this family needs time to grieve, regardless of who it is that passed away. It is common courtesy to show respect, as we would wish to have respect shown if our loved one was lost. I could care less about her, or anyone else’s political views. When someone passes away, negative comments can wait. I say this as someone, by the way, who did not vote for Mrs. Schaefer, but still sees negative comments as more pain added to the hurt this family is facing. May God comfort them and bring them peace as they deal with the loss of both mother and father, grandmother and grandfather. My prayers, and those of my family are with them.
Joey
March 27th, 2010
4:56 am
To each his own… bitter is the last fruit of the season.
Byron Mathison Kerr
March 27th, 2010
9:00 am
Neesee, when it comes to Nancy Schaefer, a public figure, I reserve the right of free speech to say and write what I damn well please — thank you very much.
Nancy Schaefer could best be described back in the ’80s as Atlanta’s version of anti-gay foe Anita Bryant.
The AJC article doesn’t include the fact that Ms. Schaefer’s organization (originally Citizens for Public Awareness) sought, unsuccessfully, to repeal Georgia’s first ever same-sex domestic partnership ordinance for City of Atlanta employees in 1986.
In Ms. Schaefer’s appeal to the Atlanta City Council, she quoted from an explicit safe sex pamphlet — used to educate gay men about the prevention of AIDS — to try and discredit what she distainfully referred to as the “homosexual lifestyle.” Then she exclaimed the often quoted phrase, “Are we insane?!!” that drew a round of laughter from pro-gay attendees. And while quoting the pamphlet, she made an oddly lewd physical gesture that my friends still imitate occasionally to get an easy laugh.
While at the podium, Ms. Schaefer told every lie and reinforced every stereotype known to humankind in characterizing gay people. She resented the fact that her tax money was being spent to provide benefits to people she did not approve of. Did she think gay people were exempt from paying taxes?!
The AIDS epidemic was hitting the gay male community very hard at that time. Young and elderly alike were getting sick and dying quickly, and influencial, intolerant bigots were exploiting the disease for propaganda purposes without any compassion or assistance whatsoever. Those of us who were leaders in the community were all struggling to provide adequate educational and medical services. We had nothing less than a full-blown crisis on our hands, and Ms. Schaefer kicked us when we were down. You never forget being kicked when you are down.
If Nancy Schaefer’s legacy contains some shameful episodes where she did harm to others, it is nobody’s fault but her own. But I get no pleasure in her demise or the circumstances surrounding her death. In fact, I was shocked and saddened to see the reports come in. And I sympathize with her children and other family members over this tragedy. Odd that a gay person like me, whom she made an all out effort to dehumanize, can have such human feelings of sadness about someone who decided for herself, unprovoked, to be my enemy.
Patriot
March 27th, 2010
9:09 am
Mr. Kerr, no one is trying take away your freedom of speech. Of course you have the right to say anything you want. However, incumbent in that right is a responsibility to use it in the proper way. Funny how people are so concerned with their rights, but not so concerned with the responsbilities that come with them. The only point is that there is a time and a place for everything and common decency dictates that comments such as yours and some of the others here would be held until a more appropriate time, after the family has time to grieve their loss.
Aquagirl
March 27th, 2010
9:28 am
Pointing out the irony of the situation is not disrespectful. If her family is surfing the AJC blogs, I think they’d be ready for a few bricks thrown her way. Besides, no one here has expressed anything but sadness over her death and sympathy for the family, and I hope it remains that way.
Anne Plutt
March 27th, 2010
9:33 am
Nancy and Bear were my neighors and fine people. I find it offensive that at this moment in time, instead of offering prayers and support to their family, you want to speak ill of them. Please be respectful and remember, “he who is without sin, may cast the first stone”.
Aquagirl
March 27th, 2010
9:39 am
Anne, they may have been fine to you, but she wasn’t fine to a lot of other folks. And again, it’s an AJC blog, not the the visitation book at the funeral home.
Nancy made a living out of casting stones, so don’t be surprised when a few come back her way.
Byron Mathison Kerr
March 27th, 2010
9:47 am
To Patriot, March 27th, 2010, 9:09 am:
Deciding what is the proper way to use my freedom of speech is also part of my freedom of speech. Unfortunately, nobody will be reading this blog a few days from now. This may be the only chance I get to publicly express an opinion on behalf of so many people who were affected very harmfully by Ms. Shaefer’s deeds. However, I do respect your opinion on the subject.
Anne Plutt
March 27th, 2010
10:04 am
There is a time and place for everything. For all of the postings with negative and hurtful comments at this time is inappropriate. Regardless of whether these comments or true or false, if you use this time to air your negative feelings, thoughts, etc., you are indulging in what you accuse Mrs. Schaeffer of. Cruelty is never called for. Pick you time after they are laid to rest.
Byron Mathison Kerr
March 27th, 2010
10:31 am
To Anne Plutt, March 27th, 2010, 10:04 am:
Anti-gay crusaders with similar views as Ms. Schaefer’s have picketed the funerals of gay men who died of AIDS, and in the case of Matthew Shepard, of anti-gay hate crimes. These families and friends had to deal with angry, yelling mobs outside the church with signs such as “Your son’s burning in hell right now!” Please feel free to judge my previous posting on the decorum scale that includes such extremes. However, I do respect your opinion on the subject.
cheryl boyer
March 27th, 2010
11:05 am
I did not know mrs.schafer as a lot of you but through our effortfs to confront the evil enity known as cps or child protection services which is so horribly corrupt and her efforts to bring this to the forfront
of our society here in America,She fought the good fight and having spoken to her the day before with plans to proceed forward with exposing corruption and saving these children and families from the hell they were exposed too.May God Bless your family and be so proud of both parents.
stephanie
March 27th, 2010
11:16 am
it is very typical of someone to write how they did not like this person and not leave a name of who they may be…quite typical of people who would like to continue to see families fall apart in America. I do add my prayers and support to this family who lost so much from these deaths and though I don’t live in your state I live in Washington State it grieves me to see how the interior of this nation is being torn apart by those who want to destroy all that is functional in family unions and go to means that only God will uncover someday be they believe in Him or not to do so
cj
March 27th, 2010
11:22 am
Byron, So, how do you now feel that Obama and Pelosi are telling you how to live your life, i.e., what quality of healthcare you can receive, if you can receive it, and fines if you refuse?
You’re okay with that, huh?
Also, I agree with the others: wait for the autopsy reszults. This may have been a rigged murder from an intruder, or if it was a murder-suicide, she may have had no prior knowledge.
Let’s not judge until we hear the facts.
You don’t have to answer to Nancy in the Judgment for your sins anyway: only GOD.
Byron Mathison Kerr
March 27th, 2010
11:24 am
To stephanie, March 27th, 2010, 11:16 am:
Not to be further misrepresented by inaccurate assumptions, I hereby state that I am, always have been, and always will be extremely pro-family. That means all families: single-parent, gay-couple, and straight-couple families.
Lizy
March 27th, 2010
11:27 am
Anne, I doubt that the family members are currently reading blogs regarding their lost loved ones. I can not imagine that their memories will be adversely affected by the comments of people whom they do not know. She made choices for reasons that she believed were right. From what I gather she did not seem to concern herself with what her detractors thought of her. I doubt it matters now because she lived as she believed. If one wants to be remembered kindly one should be kind.
Byron Mathison Kerr
March 27th, 2010
11:35 am
To cj, March 27th, 2010, 11:22 am:
I did not address the issue of how these deaths occurred in my comments. I think you have confused me with other posters. If it was Ms. Schaefer’s & her husband’s decision to end their own lives, that was their business. If they died as the result of a criminal act, I hope the perpetrators are found and brought to justice. I refer back to my original comments:
“… I get no pleasure in her demise or the circumstances surrounding her death. In fact, I was shocked and saddened to see the reports come in. And I sympathize with her children and other family members over this tragedy. …
Garland
March 27th, 2010
11:41 am
I have known former Sen. Nancy Schaefer for 15 years. She absolutely would not murder her husband and she definitely would not commit suicide. It is totally against her consistently strong commitment to sanctity of life principles and her Christian beliefs. She also has five children and more than a dozen grandchildren who she would not willingly leave behind so abruptly. In addition, she knew that many people were counting on her to help them overcome abuse within Child Protective Services organizations throughout the country and she was a national leader in this regard.
Kay
March 27th, 2010
11:47 am
“Anti-gay crusaders with similar views as Ms. Schaefer’s have picketed the funerals of gay men who died of AIDS”
Mr. Kerr,
Has Ms. Shaefer picketed the funeral of a gay man? Was she ever part of an angry mob telling greiving parents that their son was burning in hell? Can someone have views that oppose yours and still be a decent, kind person? Answer truthfully. There are plenty of gay activists who have done and said horrible things to other people. May I lump you in with the lunatic fringe in your camp, or would you like to be treated respectfully by someone who knows very little about you other than what’s in your postings – as you know very little about Ms. Shaefer personally.
Was she not entitled to her opinions about homosexuality. If you do not agree with the homosexual lifestyle, why does it automatically mean you hate homosexuals? Why does it mean you fear them? When did disagreement equal hate? Can she not appeal to a city council if she feels her tax dollars are going to something she disagrees with? Should she just sit down and take it? Would you sit down and take something you didn’t agree with? It’s a two way street.
Byron Mathison Kerr
March 27th, 2010
11:53 am
To Kay, March 27th, 2010, 11:47 am:
I am glad you got all that out of your system. But remember, Ms. Schaefer came after me and other taxpayers like me. Our response to her was merely defensive.
Kay
March 27th, 2010
12:05 pm
You didn’t answer my question. Can someone have views that oppose yours and still be a decent, kind person?
And again, if she didn’t agree with her tax dollars going toward something she didn’t agree with, does she not have the right to object?
cj
March 27th, 2010
12:12 pm
Kay–very well stated.
Disagreement and freedom of speech guaranteed by the First Amendment does not equate to hate.
Byron,
I agree with Kate: you cannot judge a person by a few “talking points” in a newspaper article.
She was most likely a very sweet person, from what others have said about her, with strong opinions and rights to disagree just like yours.
Fred Phelps and his group of gay-bashers/mean-spirited religious people(I put that lightly) are not the same, and need to be treated as different people, which they are.
I would NEVER want to group with FP for anything, because his tactics are not Christian. Nancy Schaefer, on the other hand abided by the rule of law, and conducted herself in a dignified Christian manner,it was obvious.
Aquagirl
March 27th, 2010
12:21 pm
Kay, if you think someone should be denied the right to marry, raise children, or be at their partners’ side when they die, yes, you hate them.
If I think you should be fired from your job and denied a family, that’s a opinion. Spending inordinate amounts of time and money making sure those things happen is not kind and decent. It’s hateful.
Byron Mathison Kerr
March 27th, 2010
12:27 pm
To Kay, March 27th, 2010, 12:05 pm:
People are many things. They can be decent and kind in certain situations, and they can be indecent and unkind in others.
I do not know of any instance in which Ms. Schaefer overstepped her rights. And I do not know of any instance in which gay advocates overstepped their rights in response to her unprovoked attacks.
cj
March 27th, 2010
12:33 pm
Byron–that’s a stretch. You have NEVER known “of any instance in which Gay advocates have overstepped their rights in response to her(unprovoked attacks)”??
You obviously don’t read many Gay blogs about ANYONE who believes the Bible is God’s Word is taken literally, and Romans 1 means what is says it means.
I think that you have just decided to close your ears, eyes and mind in this manner.
Greg
March 27th, 2010
12:35 pm
To the family of Senator Scheafer and her husband, I am sorry for you loss.
To the investigators looking into their death, don’t rule out foul play as there are many that don’t want to see her succeed in exposing the funding this agency received from the federal government.
To those that have been negatively impacted by CPS, DCYF, or what other name the “protectors” of children go by from state to state – Observe the ground gained by Senator Scheafer in exposing this corrupt rogue agency and continue your own fight to expose them yourself.
cj
March 27th, 2010
12:37 pm
Aquagirl–by your own definition of what is kind and decent, your hero Obama and Pelosi and very INDECENT and UNKIND.
We will be paying for their impositions/intrusions/penalties for generations to come.
Kay
March 27th, 2010
12:52 pm
If you disagree with the homosexual lifestyle and all of the civil issues that surround it, it does not mean that you hate homosexual men and women. Throwing up emotional arguments is only a way to distract from the real issue that we’re talking about.
If I disagree with a change in law, a new law, a tax, an amendment, a mandate, or anything else that my government enacts, I have a right to disagree, speak out, donate money, lobby, and vote the way my conscience demands. That is civic responsibility, not hate.
Let’s say two gay men or women live next to me. I don’t agree with their lifestyle, but I take food to them when they have a death in the family. I give them gas for their mower when their mower runs out in the middle of the yard. I collect their mai lfor them when they go out of town. I take them cookies at Christmas. They are my neighbors. We may be on opposite ends of every political, civil and social issue, but I show them the love (yes, true selfless love which is an action, not just an emotion) that Christ commanded all of us to show one other.
Ms. Shaefer was a Christ follower who had the courage to stand up for her convictions and values and felt the civic responsibility to work on behalf of those who shared those convictions and values.
Aquagirl
March 27th, 2010
1:00 pm
cj, hijacking a blog for your current pet peeve is also indecent and unkind. You’ll never run out of people to hate, will you?
FYI, neither of the objects of your OCD are my heroes, Pelosi doesn’t represent my district, and I didn’t vote for Obama. Go chew on that for a while. It should occupy your two functioning brain cells.
Kay
March 27th, 2010
1:10 pm
Aquagirl,
Why is it that you, who accuse others of being so hateful, responded to cj with sarcasm, insults, and accusation?
Byron Mathison Kerr
March 27th, 2010
1:14 pm
To cj, March 27th, 2010, 12:12 pm:
I tape recorded the aforementioned speeches to the Atlanta City Council and then transcribed them for publication in the Atlanta Gay Center’s newspaper, The News. Unfortunately, due to a hard disk crash and a corrupted backup, I lost those transcripts a few years ago. Darn it!
If I still had Ms. Schaefer’s speech, I would not post it here, but I would post an off-site link to it. I wish I could still provide you with a copy for more perspective. I acknowledge that being a “very sweet person” and conducting oneself in a “dignified Christian manner” are subjective descriptions. However, no one I know ever considered using these descriptions as applying to any part of that speech — especially not to some of the physical gestures that were used for emphasis.
But these positive qualities no doubt did apply to some of Ms. Schaefer’s other activities and relationships. After all, I never offered a synopsis on her whole life, just a small aspect of it. I felt obligated to voice a public opinion on behalf of many people — some who are no longer with us — that would probably never be heard otherwise. It wasn’t my goal to be offensive, though I certainly knew that would be one of the results.
It’s time to tear myself away from the computer. May God bless and be with all you good people. The weather seems very nice outside. I hope we can all enjoy this beautiful day, especially considering Ms. Schaefer, her husband, and the many, many others who are no longer here to enjoy it with us.
Kay
March 27th, 2010
1:22 pm
Mr .Kerr,
I would have liked to read the speech. I’m sure that excerpts of her many speeches will make the rounds in the next few days. My heart goes out to her family and to any family who loses a loved one.
Gregg
March 27th, 2010
1:27 pm
I think most of you should get a hobby. As a member of the community here in Clarkesville we will wait for the GBI to conclude their investigation before jumping to conclusions. None of you have been appointed by God to judge either of their lives. You are however going to be judged one day so focus on your own life. Neither of these people were all Saints nor all Sinners, just as you. Let them rest and let their family, who should be spared the First Amendment right to be disrespectful, gather at this time to grieve in Peace. Go in Peace as well.
meinpvb
March 27th, 2010
2:20 pm
I worked with Bear many years ago and through him I met his wife Nancy. While I did not always agree with their views I truly enjoyed my interactions with Bear. I feel so for the children and grandchildren and offer my heartfelt sympathies at such an awful time. I know this for a fact, Bear loved his kids very much and at the end of the day, no matter how you felt about either of them, it is a sad time for the family. God bless you all and may the good memories eventually be what you remember and not the way they died.
meis
March 27th, 2010
2:56 pm
Everyone is assuming that she murdered him then herself. The word in Habersham County is that HE murdered her then himself. So everyone needs to leave the professionals to their job and keep their comments to themselves til the facts are out. No public servant is going to please all the people, all the time. She was elected to office and served to the best of her abilities and her beliefs. If any of you can do a better job….run for office yourself.
Linda
March 27th, 2010
3:23 pm
To lose one parent is horrendous,but to lose both at the same time? And you imbiciles selfishly make political statements.The “me” generation.Where I say and do what makes ME feel good.
Aquagirl
March 27th, 2010
3:31 pm
Kay, I’m one of those uppity chicks who thinks I’m entitled to my own opinion, rather than having it issued to me by cj.
My heart also goes out to those who lose a loved one. That would include those who can’t attend a partners funeral, or collect their benefits, or stuff out of the house they shared. I don’t see it as civic responsibility or Christian duty to deny them such comforts, even when I disagree with them. It’s common decency. For some of us, anyhow.
Sandy
March 27th, 2010
3:56 pm
I knew,Nancy and Bear very well and they were very kind and helpful people.To cast stones at someones passing is dispicable,Nancy was someone who cared about children and wanted to help children; whereas everyone else just wants to block out the corruption in the state of Georgia in our DFACS, department .unless you knew the Family you should keep your cruel comments to your self.The Schaefers have children and grandchildren how would you like it if someone said these cruel things about your parents or grandparents.AND BEING GAY IS A SIN WEITHER YOU LIKE IT OR NOT !!!!
cj
March 27th, 2010
4:08 pm
aquagirl–I never said you didn’t have a right to your opinion, you are mistaken.
Who won’t allow someone to attend their partner’s funeral, or their things?
That sounds more like you are describing a dysfunctional family’s response to someone who is a deceased person’s gay partner, and is unrelated to what Ms. Schaefer fought for/against.
My brother was gay, and I/we treated him the same as everyone else. None of his gay boyfriends HAD anything of theirs at his apartment that we knew of, but if they HAD, I would have gladly given it back to them! I don’t understand what you are referring to???
Mary
March 27th, 2010
4:22 pm
I only wish everyone could have shared knowing Bobbie and Uncle Bear for the past 45 years as I have. Please, put everything else aside and pray for the family of these two wonderful and loving people. I am blessed to have the Schaefers in my life.
GA Citizen
March 27th, 2010
4:26 pm
I send my condolces to the family. When I heard the news, my first thought was ‘was it murder’? I have family members and friends in Habersham County and know the corruption that has been ongoing for the past several years with Habersham DFCS and Habersham mental health services. In fact, when a friend told me about the circumstances going on in her family, I told her to contact the Governor’s office. That was when she first spoke to Nancy Schaefer. DFCS has been involved in baby selling, and a lot of money is involved. Corruption on all levels. Habersham DFCS and their mental health svcs. both need to be investigated. Like I said, my family has lived in Habersham for over 30 years and I’ve heard a lot, I know Nancy was going to write a book/documentary and wonder if she was a threat to those that profited from these illegal activities. The scenario of a murder/suicide does not fit. Nancy will be remembered for fighting for children’s rights and a very dedicated fighter she was.
Dot Knightly
March 27th, 2010
4:55 pm
A murder suicide? I highly doubt it. She was getting to close at reforming DCYF/CPS. She was a fighter for all families, fighting the corruption within the rogue state agency. Look a little further. She was hated by DCYF/CPS for fighting to abolish or reform CPS. Families loved her. She will go down in history for the help she gave to families fighting the fraud and abuse of DCYF/CPS. She will be greatly missed. Because of the strength Nancy Schaefer has given us, we will never give up this fight!
Sylvia
March 27th, 2010
5:01 pm
Please join us in praying for the Schaefers five children and 13 grandchildren as we mourn the loss of two great patriots. This is a tragic loss for all Americans and a sad conclusion to two precious lives spent serving others. My wife and I met with the Scahefers 6 weeks ago. They both seemed healthy and in good spirits. As strong Christians and good Baptists I can’t believe either Bruce or Nancy is capable of murder / suicide. Senator Schaefer has been the leading proponent for reforming the Georgia Department of Family and Children Services ( Child Protective Services ), ending DFACS (CPS ) persecution of families and stopping DFACS ( CPS ) mistreatment of children.
Since leaving the Senate, Senator Schaefer has continued her camaign to reform DFACS ( CPS ) speaking in Washington at the National Eagle Forum and in Amsterdam the Netherlands at the World Congress on Families on the crisis of DFACS ( CPS ) misconduct, family rights and protecting children. Georgia DFACS ( CPS ) has a long history of illegal and illicit activity. They have a strong incentive to silence Senator Schaefer. We can’t prove DFACS is behind the Schaefers’ muder but the FBI should investigate. Having GBI or any other Georgia agency investigate won’t remove the cloud of suspicion of a coverup. Please call the FBI and ask them to investigate.
Let us not allow Senator Schaefer’s death to be in vain but rather let us honor her memory by continuing her fight to reform DFACS abuse
Gunner Retired
March 27th, 2010
5:05 pm
As the Georgia State Fathers 4 Justice Coordinator I knew Mrs Schaefer through our mutual advocacy for Equal Parenting and parental rights, and our mutual distrust of graft and corruption in family courts and the Social Services Empire.
As a Chronic Pain Sufferer and after having spent many years researching the suicide rate amongst divorced, separated and estranged fathers citing maltreatment at the hands of the aforementioned family courts and SSE I will attest I am familiar with suicide and motivational factors in suicidal people… the recognized ‘hallmark’ behaviors of which were UTTERLY ABSENT in Mrs and Bruce Schaefer.
I spopke with Nancy often prior to last summers Fatherless Day Rally on the Capitol Bldg steps and she and I were both deeply concerned at the cavalier attitude of Georgian ‘rank and file’ citizenry and Georgia’s lawmakers regarding the rampant devastation wrought in Georgian families… a carnage reminiscent of Viking ‘pillage and plunder’ and tragically for the same reason: PROFIT (under CAPTA and ASFA).
I will be at the funeral, and I will do everything I can to ensure this assassination is not recorded as a ‘murder-suicide’ (as in the case of Dr Richard Gardner MD, author of a number of books discussing Parental Alienation).
Gunner Retired
Falsely Accused Father and Disenfranchised Parent … and Kittens loving Daddy!
Victoria
March 27th, 2010
5:19 pm
Don’t believe for a minute that this was a murder-suicide. Nancy & “Bear” were godly individuals and would never think about ending their life because times got rough. Our sympathy and prayers to this entire family and may God expose the truth of these two very tragic deaths.
Kay
March 27th, 2010
6:13 pm
Aquagirl,
You’ve referred twice to a situation where someone was barred from being at a dying partner’s bedside or denied entrance into a shared home after a partner’s death. Two unmarried or unrelated people can have a power of attorney set up for medical decisions and custody if one is incapacitated. They can draw up a will leaving everything to their partner. There are ways to bequeath your estate or belongings to someone other than a legal spouse. Unless there is a legal will that appoints an executor to handle the estate of the deceased, even married heterosexual couples can have ploblems sorting everything out should one of them die.
The civic responsibility I was referring to – and I never said Christian duty – was not inflicting hardship on other people, but becoming involved in the political process and representing your political philosophy.
I agree with cj in that it sounds like the situation you mention involves infighting among family members, but if two people are committed to each other, they have the responsibility to make sure their business is taken care of in the event of the death of either one. That opportunity is available without legalizing gay marriage.
Gunner Retired
March 27th, 2010
6:23 pm
Kay,
Tis tragic that such biases exist in our culture… but they do. I know a number of gay couples (male and female) who on the illness or death of one beloved the partner was denied a voice in the partners care and even denied attendance at the memorial services (and this was a topic I was cautious to avoid discussing with her). This is a dynamic of homosexual relationships that many will quickly concede Nancy appeared indifferent to, as she was openly and vehemently anti-homosexual… BUT I will attest that she was completely insensitive to the plight of those summarily ejected from the lives of their gay and lesbian lovers.
I suspect had she been able to resolve this conundrum within her scriptural beliefs she would have been more openly compassionate when discussing it in public.
And my beloved brings up a good point: I am not seeking to attach my boat to Nancy and Bears camper (so to speak), I do not know if Nancy spoke of our interaction amongst her circle of friends… however if any amongst her family and circle of friends ever heard her speak of ‘that crazy hedgehog guy’… That would be me.
I am the man who registered the first hedgehog Service Animal sanctioned the ADA and Nancy was quite excited to meet the lil prickly lady who makes venturing into public possible for my beloved bride.
As I recall at one point Nancy spoke of being anxious to approach the State legislature on behalf of my quilled children.
Vern
Kay
March 27th, 2010
6:49 pm
Vern,
Are you saying she was completely sensitive or insensitive? I didn’t understand that part of your post.
You are never going to legislate pain and hardship out of everyone’s life. You can take a stand for the principle of heterosexual marriage and still feel compassion for men and women grieving over the death of someone they loved and rejection by their family. As hard as we try, we will never legislate a world where everybody is nice to everybody else. Neither should that be our goal.
Amiah
March 27th, 2010
6:54 pm
Why was nothing mentioned about all the hard work she put into helping families of CPS? I spoke with her on several occasions and she was even taking my case and trying to find out what went wrong and have my boys returned to me. She lifted me up when I was at the end of my rope. She was such a great person. And I am so angry that this was not mentioned. I don’t for one second buy the whole suicide/murder BS. She wouldn’t let us down like that. She was strong and would not give up on anything. She always told me to just fight. DFCS has gone thru great lengths to hush us all up. And now that our biggest voice is gone, they think they have won. But I for one will not hush. I am taking what Mrs. Schaefer taught me and I am going to carry her torch on and help others. AJC, don’t just tell PART of the story. Tell it all.
Gunner Retired
March 27th, 2010
6:56 pm
I’m saying that Nancy was an outspoken proponent of the Biblical definition of marriage (ie a monogamous Union between A man and A woman), and could quickly heap a verbal tirade upon homosexuals and the wages of sin re homosexuals… she would acknowledge (in private) that many did suffer needlessly due to society biases when confronted with the serious illness or death of a loved one in a homosexual relationship.
As stated, had she been able to resolve this anguish within her beliefs, ie acknowledge this pain of loss in homosexual ‘Civil Unions’ without compromising her ardent (stringent?) Christian beliefs… she might not have seemed as callous to the heartache suffered by gays and lesbians when speaking of it.
Does that help?
Amiah
March 27th, 2010
6:57 pm
@AtlantaPhotog: She was NOT mean. She was so kind to me and kept my faith up in my battle with DFCS. she was so very kind.
Linda
March 27th, 2010
7:06 pm
I have known Nancy and Bruce for about 18 years now and what I can tell you is that she loved everyone. Her heart broke to see so many young men and women getting into the gay lifestyle. She saw firsthand what that lifestyle resulted in for so many through the years. When I first met Nancy, I was dating a gentleman whose brother had died of AIDS. This gentleman lived in Atlanta in a home with 8 gay men including himself. There were none there who were lovers or partners with anyone else there we were told. However, out of the 8 men that lived there 7 eventually lost their lives to Aids. When she learned of my friend’s brother, she grieved about it. These are just some of the FACTS that she was aware that come out of that lifestyle and thank God, she was one out of so many that cared enought to put her very life on the line to speak out about it. Her life was threatened throughout her life of speaking out about things that she felt harmed others. Many of those threats came from those in the homosexual community. At one time, it may still be there, there was a bar in Atlanta that had Nancy hanging in effigy. All she tried to do was spare heartache and pain for so many people, but she never threatened to kill anyone because she LOVED. She gave her life, sacrificed time with her family and friends to try and change someone elses life for the better because she LOVED. I will never believe that she or her husband killed themselves because I am aware of all the threats that she recieved through the years. I wonder how many of us, including myself, who would continue in the face of your life being taken. She was screaming about our constitutional rights being threatened 20 years ago at least. She saw through the smoke and mirrors while we were being decieved and were happily drinking the kool aid and continued to talk about our constitutional rights being eroded away. Oh! had we listened years ago! We maybe would not be living in a country that has gone Socialist. Being forced to buy healthcare….HELLO OUT THERE. NANCY HAD MORE INSIGHT INTO THE REAL TRUTH THAN MOST ANYONE THAT I HAVE EVER KNOWN. SHE HAD MORE COURAGE IN HER BIG TOE THAN MOST OF US ONLY WISH WE COULD EVER HAVE.SHE WAS A CHAMPION OF GOD LOVING, FAMILY LOVING, AMERICA LOVING PEOPLE EVERYWHERE. It always amazes me to hear people trashing this country when so many people are willing to risk their very lives to come here. Nancy knew and understood what makes this country the country that people are willing to risk life to get to. She understood that the things that make this country great were/are being eroded away day by day and she was not going to hide out just because her life was threatened, because she loved even those that would threaten. I have seen the tears and heard the cry in her heart. There will be a day when all the TRUTH comes to light. In that day, people everywhere will understand the real Nancy and find out how right or wrong she was. I for one, count it a honor to have known her. We needed her voice crying out in the wilderness for us. I only hope and pray that through her death, thousands will rise up to take up the banner for the TRUTH that she so fearlessly carried. They can put her body six feet under, but her spirit and the truth that she declared will vibrate throughout eternity. I am thankful that I met Nancy at a TV studio so many years ago. I am humbled by the fact that I had the honor of knowing her and am comforted only by the fact that I know her life’s work will go on and I will meet her again someday. Her dear Bruce was so unselfish with her and to him we give honor. I can only say “See you later dear ones, and we will try to comfort your family in the best ways that we know how.
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kali
March 27th, 2010
7:49 pm
NANCY & BRUCE SCHAEFER WERE MURDERED … ASSASSINATIONED THEY WERE !!! . WHO IS GOING TO STAND UP AGAINST THIS, WHO WILL TAKE HER PLACE AN FIGHT FOR WHAT’S RIGHT…I DON’T AGREE WITH ALL SHE STOOD FOR. I BELEIVE GAYS HAVE RIGHTS BUT HER WORK ON THE CPS CORRUPTION ON TAKING THE CHILDREN DREW ME TO NANCY, SHE WAS HELPING SO MANY. GOD HELP THE CHILDREN, SOMEONE STAND UP WITH A VOICE, WE ARE ALL HERE BUT WE NEED HELP…WE NEED TO STAND TOGETHER AN FIGHT CPS OF GEORGIA AN AROUND THE COUNTRY…
cj
March 27th, 2010
9:34 pm
That’s encouraging, Linda. People can stage these “murder-suicides” very easily. There may have been someone whom they trusted who set them up, or was paid to do so. Who knows?
Only the Lord knows.
“All who live Godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution”.– 2 Timothy 3:12.
If you have traditional Biblical values, and follow Christ both in character and love, you will be attacked for it!
T Taylor
March 27th, 2010
10:53 pm
I’ve known Nancy Schaeffer’s family for more than 20 years. This family is kind, loving, generous, thoughtful, good, decent, and respectful. Their daughter, who is mentioned in the news reports, is beautiful inside and out!!
Betty Baker
March 28th, 2010
7:40 am
What a hypocrite this woman was! This is an appropriate end to a hate-filled life. Those who praise her did not really know her or her family. Very creepy, always consumed with telling others how to live their lives.
Linda
March 28th, 2010
7:55 am
Sad Sad Betty, Refer to my previous posting……………She did not FORCE anyone to live your life in any way. What she tried to do was protect people from destroying their lives by speaking the TRUTH in LOVE. The people that REALLY LOVE are the ones that are willing to tell the TRUTH even if they are hated for it. And as much as we would all like to make our own truths to fit our own selfish desires and agendas, me included in that number, there still can only be one TRUTH. Pure and unanadulerated love is never afraid of the truth.
I do not know you, but if I did, would I know a person that changed endless thousands of lives for the better? Again I can say that it was an honor just to know Nancy and her family.
Betty Baker
March 28th, 2010
8:30 am
The TRUTH is I’d REALLY LOVE to be like her dear friend Fred Phelps and attend her funeral, but I know you loonies would just turn it into a fundraising campaign. No matter how you choose to selectively remember this woman, Nancy Schaefer died like she lived – a hypocrite.
Linda
March 28th, 2010
8:57 am
It is so obvious I am sure to anyone reading your comments, dear Betty, where the hate is. Anyone that could, at this time, when her children and grandchildren are reeling from this tragedy, even if the things that you say about her were true, certainly says a lot about who you are. If this happened to you, even though it is obvious that you are a person who is filled with hate, I would never be able to write such things about you to further hurt your family at time like that. I knew her up close for all those years and one thing she was not was a hypocrite. Like I said before, I wonder how many lives you have changed for the good? How many babies have you saved and placed into loving homes. How many unwed mothers have you housed and taken care of while they struggled through being rejected by there families? How many prostitutes on drugs have you helped to get off drugs and now many children have you helped to get back into homes that should have never been removed from those homes in the first place? If she truly deserved an ending like this, I wonder what ending the rest of us deserve.
Kay
March 28th, 2010
8:58 am
Betty,
I can assure you that Nancy Schaefer, as would any other genuine follower of Jesus, did not approve of the tactics of Fred Phelps and his church. You have criticized her for leading a hate-filled life while at the same time exposing your own anger and satisfaction that she died so tragically. Isn’t that hypocritical in itself? Criticizing hate with hateful words?
This is a general announcement for everyone out there: Fred Phelps and his church do not represent or honor Christ with their words or actions. Don’t lump them in with any Baptist you’ve ever met.
Nancy Schaefer sought to honor Christ with her life. I’m sure she would be the first to admit that she was imperfect like everyone else on this planet. But I’ll repeat myself for the third or fourth time. Disagreeing with the homosexual lifestyle does not equal hate.
Hate has become a moniker thrown at anyone who disagrees with homosexuality. It’s usually thrown by people who aren’t able to defend their own opinions rationally and intellectually.
Go back and read your own posts then compare them to written statements by the Phelp’s and Mrs. Shaefer. Who do you sound more like?
Linda
March 28th, 2010
12:27 pm
It is so sad when I see people like Fred Phelps. He can certainly say that he is a follower of Christ, but Jesus Christ loves the WHOLE world. I understand that this man says that Jesus hates the homosexual. If he says that, he is fo far from the understanding of who Jesus was and totally ignorant of the the Bible tells us about Him. God created and loves us all. He can still love us and hate what we do sometimes because He knows that it does not bring happiness and can lead to pain and destruction in our lives. He is our heavenly father and just like anyone who has children, at least the ones who truly love their children, we may disapprove or even hate the decisions that our children make sometimes because we can see down the road that it will bring heartache etc to them, but it does not make us love them any less. A true christian can and will speak up about what they believe will lead to a lack of peace in a life, but will always continue to love the person. True christians love the homosexual community and we cannot even help but to love because we have the love of Christ in us, but that same love compels us to speak up against the life style. We can speak up when we feel like that anyone is forcing teachings into the schools that will harm our children, That does not equal hate. We can speak up when we are forced to treat a crime on one human being from being treated any differently than any other human being. A crime is a crime. If someone attacks me physically just because I am a christian, should I expect them to be punished with a more harsh punishment than if I was an atheist? Of course not. The crime is the same. We should not punish someone more harshly because of what they think or believe. The crime stands for itself and the laws were already on the books. The crime is the crime. The motives can vary and we can never truly truly know what that person is thinking. We have thrown away our common sense and for the agenda of those that would try to force their life style on all. This makes as much sense as saying for instance, that person murdered someone, but because that someone is his wife, he should be punished more harshly than if it was just a stranger. Come one……..Really……….Use the common sense. The crime is the same. Did he hate his wife when he killed her, did that person who murdered the stranger hate that person when they killed them. Who knows? The crime is the same and the victim is just as dead. Speaking out about these things does not make me a hater. Do all homosexuals who disagree with the christian views hate christians? They seem to want to talk about anyone that speaks up against the gay lifestyle as haters. When they speak out against and disagree with christians, does that mean they are all haters?…………………Just remember, hate is very selective, but true love is not…………. When you have the love of God in you, you are compelled to love even the ones that do not share the same views and also that same love compels one to speak out if they think that you are harming yourself, their children or society. So be assured that a true christian who understands who God is, has to love other human beings because except of the grace of our Lord, where would any of us be?
Gunner Retired
March 28th, 2010
2:03 pm
I would really like to attend her wake or funeral, but am unable to find any real information. If anyone knows when and where would they please contact me? GunnerRetired via hot mail.
cj
March 28th, 2010
2:54 pm
wow Linda & Kay–you outdid yourselves.
You may be casting your pearls in vain, however, as the arguments we are forced to present are getting longer and longer, and theirs are shorter and more hateful! Well anyway: keep up the good work! Fight the good fight of Faith!! I know I will as the Lord leads.
e. drew
March 28th, 2010
8:54 pm
To all the haters,
I personally knew Miss Nancy and, despite what ANYONE thinks or says, she was one of the most loving, kind, welcoming, warm, hospitable and amazing women I’ve ever known. She was a close family friend of mine and I will always remember her for the wonderful person she’s always been. Please, as you write these comments, remember that there are numerous family member, friends, and colleagues who are mourning the death of a loved one. Be respectful.
Thank you,
E. Drew
pd mass
March 29th, 2010
3:46 pm
I am skeptical that Ms. Schaefer was a true believer. Probably she was more a politician, and based on some of these comments, an unloving human being. I went to a Bible study of hers some 30 years ago in ATL. I wasn’t impressed. But, how would I know for sure? God knows. My interpretation of scripture is that we’re to love one another. That doesn’t mean we’re not to assess the apparent “sin” in another’s life, but to shun people – well, I don’t think so. And that business that Ms Fields did with her daughter some ten years ago. Very unloving. Very sad; I could hardly believe it. I have a family member that’s gay. I pray for my beloved every day and hope she does well that day, that she doesn’t meet with unkindness from others. To deliberately cause people pain and painfully shun them, no, no, no!!
J Frazier
March 30th, 2010
1:22 pm
Liberals rule, Conservatives drool! Socialism for us all!!!
Jennifer
March 31st, 2010
10:29 am
I knew Nancy and “Bear” well. Although I did not always agree with their beliefs, I respected their mission because they did have the best interest at heart. Nancy was a wonderful woman, loved by our community. It was rare to see her without Isabelle or Schaefer, those two were the highlight of her life. “Bear” was a big man, but bigger of heart. Hearing what happened not only saddened me, but shocked me; the worst he had ever done in the years I had known them was get on to at his son in law time to time. Regardless of what everyone’s opinions and beliefs are, two very charitable people in our community were lost. They gave a lot to the local Y camp, provided for numerous families year round, and were a pleasure to be around. They were human. Yes, people make mistakes, yes we are allowed to disagree, but seriously people, must you be so heartless and callous to not realize that Nancy and “Bear” were of a family where they were loved and will be sourly missed. Shame on you. I pray your family never hears such words about you as what you are uttering now. Pity you have no common decency.
Suncana
April 2nd, 2010
3:24 am
I’ll miss Nancy on many levels, and for many reasons. She is someone whom it is impossible to forget.
It was an honor and a privilege to work with and know Nancy. She is gone but I will treasure forever everything I learnt with her.
Dead Children: Sent Legally and Officially to Die
How many are battered, bruised, heartbroken and neglected to death before all who order their housing and ignore them to death are made accountable?
Children Who Didn’t Have to Die – Website http://suncanaa.com/
AtlantaPhotog
April 4th, 2010
12:44 am
It’s so incredibly funny how people talk about “casting stones”, yet this is the one thing that Mrs. Schaefer was well known to do – cast stones and judgment against any who did not share her beliefs 100%. People talk about not really knowing her, but I knew people who worked with her. Not just one or two – several people who over the years worked in close proximity with this women. They said they always maintained a professional working environment with her, did their jobs as needed, etc., but that she was a very very mean-spirited women who said things (and used words to describe people) that would make a “real” Christian’s skin crawl – and a couple of these people were what I would call “very religious” people, too. Sorry… we can fluff her up with cupcakes and Sunday flowers, but she was a hateful judgmental person. Period.
But regardless, no one deserves an end like she did. To be shot in the back means it wasn’t something the couple planned together, and her husband obviously had issues that he should have taken out on himself if need-be, but not on others against their will. For that, I feel sorry for her. It’s just too bad her husband didn’t seek out help before it got to the stage it did with him to do what he did. I said it before and I’ll say it again – she was obviously a very “disturbed” person in life on many levels, and I hope she’s found the peace she couldn’t find here in whatever afterlife may exist if any.