Former First Lady Barbara Bush, who passed away last week at the age of 92, attested to her faith in Jesus Christ when she spoke to family members during her final days.
More than 1,000 people were in attendance at Barbara Bush's funeral at the Bush family's church, St. Martin's Episcopal Church, in Houston, Texas.
In an emotional speech about the Bush matriarch's legacy, son Jeb Bush revealed that she had spoken about her faith in Jesus during their last meeting when she was asked how she felt about dying.
"Jeb, I believe in Jesus and he as my savior. I don't want to leave your dad but I know I'll be in a beautiful place," Barbara Bush was quoted as saying.
Barbara Bush, who came to be known as "the first lady of the greatest generation," passed away on April 17 at her home after a battle with a chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and congestive heart failure. She had reportedly declined additional medical help and opted for comfort care after being hospitalized several times.
The first lady, who was known for her sense of humor, had reportedly been cracking jokes during her time at the hospital.
Former President George W. Bush revealed in an interview with Fox Business on Wednesday that his mother made a joke at his expense during his visit.
"She and I were needling each other and the doctor came in and she turned to the doctor and said: 'You want to know why George W. is the way he is?'" George W. Bush narrated.
"And the doctor looked somewhat surprised. And she said, Because I drank and smoked when I was pregnant with him,'" he continued.
George W. Bush also spoke about his mother's faith in God and her lack of fear of death. "She truly believes that there's an afterlife. That she'll be wonderfully received in the arms of a loving God and therefore did not fear death. And as a result of her soul being comforted on the deathbed, my soul is comforted," the former president said.
The funeral was attended by former Presidents George H.W. Bush, George Bush, Barack Obama and Bill Clinton as well as First Lady Melania Trump and former First Ladies Laura Bush, Michelle Obama and Hillary Clinton. President Donald Trump declined to attend the funeral, citing potential disruption to the service if he attended due to the increased security requirements that would be needed.
Barbara Bush's granddaughters each read a section from the Book of Proverbs. After the service, her casket was carried by eight of her grandchildren.
Just days after the funeral, George H.W. Bush was hospitalized with a blood infection. Spokesman Jim McGrath noted that the former president is "responding to treatments and appears to be recovering."
