Family, friends and politicians gathered at St. Martin’s Episcopal Church in Houston, Texas, on Saturday to pay their respects to Barbara Bush.
The former first lady, who died on Tuesday
at the age of 92, was honored with a funeral service that was attended by former presidents Barack Obama and Bill Clinton, and their wives and former first ladies, Michelle Obama and Hillary Clinton. Melania Trump also paid her respects and was seated next to the Obamas during the service, as George H.W. Bush, George W. Bush, his wife, Laura, and the rest of the Bush family greeted attendees and gave eulogies.
During the funeral, Laura Bush Hager and her sister, Barbara Pierce Bush, read Biblical passages. Their uncle, Jeb Bush also took the pew and gave a touching eulogy.
Barbara’s casket was transported to the church early Friday morning, traveling just a few blocks away from the home she shared with her husband since 1992. That same day, George H.W. greeted mourners at a public viewing for his late wife.
The former first lady, who served alongside her husband in the White House from 1989 to 93, had decided earlier this week to forgo further medical treatments for her failing health and spend her remaining days with family. Following her death, her husband lovingly referenced Barbara’s nickname in the family — “The Enforcer” — and called her the “most beloved woman in the world.”
“I always knew Barbara was the most beloved woman in the world, and in fact I used to tease her that I had a complex about that fact,” Bush’s statement read. “But the truth is the outpouring of love and friendship being directed at The Enforcer is lifting us all up. We have faith she is in heaven, and we all know life will go on — as she would have it. So cross the Bushes off your worry list.”
Barbara will be buried on the grounds of the George H.W. Bush Library and Museum at Texas A&M University. For more on the former first lady, watch below.
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