Austin, Texas – Molly Ivins was relentless in pursuing justice and defending the powerless, yet never lost her optimism and sense of fun, family and friends said Sunday at a memorial service.
In a laughter-filled service capped by a performance of “Great Balls of Fire” by blues musician Marcia Ball, hundreds of admirers clapped and cheered Ivins’ words and spirit.
Ivins, a best-selling author and syndicated columnist whose work appeared in more than 400 newspapers, died Wednesday at age 62 after a long battle with breast cancer.
At First United Methodist Church on Sunday, numerous friends read from her writings and told stories of their adventures with her.
Friend Linda Lewis brought the crowd to its feet when she repeated a quip from Ivins: “The next time I tell you someone from Texas should not be president of the United States, please, pay attention.” The Texas liberal who delighted in skewering Republican politicians, particularly President Bush, drew praise even from those she criticized most.
Bush, whom Ivins referred to as “Shrub,” issued a statement after her death that said he respected her convictions and “her passionate belief in the power of words, and her ability to turn a phrase.”
Journalism colleagues packed the church Sunday a block from the Texas Capitol, where so many of the politicians she poked fun at spend their days. The celebration then moved to Scholz Garden, a famous spot for telling stories and drinking beer near the University of Texas campus.
