HOUSTON, Texas (NEWS CENTER Maine) -- In the nation's largest Episcopal church, nearly 1,500 close friends, family, and dignitaries paid their final respects to former First Lady Barbara Bush.
In the crowd, three former Presidents, George W. Bush, Barack Obama, and Bill Clinton, sat with their wives, while the fourth, George H.W. Bush sat next to his daughter, Dorothy.
Seated next to Mr. Obama was current First Lady Melania Trump.
The hour-and-a-half long service featured readings from Proverbs by Mrs. Bush’s granddaughters – including Jenna Bush Hager -- reading a string of poignant lines, including “strength and dignity are her clothing,” emphasizing Mrs. Bush’s nickname of “the Enforcer.”
Historian Jon Meachem and Susan Baker also told stories of the former First Lady’s strength, compassion, and quick wit.
”From the White House, to Camp David, to Walker’s Point – in hours of war and of peace – of tumult and of calm – the Bushes governed in a spirit of congeniality, of civility, and of grace," said Meachem.
Meachem recounted a story from last July on the porch of the Bush family home in Kennebunkport that exemplified Mr. Bush's love for his wife.
Mrs. Bush’s son, Jeb, delivered the eulogy, filled with heartwarming stories and funny moments.