The Conference Center carried a special feeling as members gathered to attend the funeral and viewing of a beloved prophet and leader.
President Russell M. Nelson was a devoted Latter-day Saint who served in the Quorum of the Twelve for more than 30 years before being called to lead the worldwide Church as prophet in January 2018.
“To be at President Nelson’s funeral was an honor. We felt the spirit like everyone else there. We are grateful for their testimonies, we are grateful for the life President Nelson lived,” said funeral attendee Gordon Bodily.
The Conference Center was filled with hundreds of people who wanted to hear about President Nelson’s life and feel the distinct spirit present in person.
"I am so glad we came. It's one thing to watch on TV, but it’s another thing to be there in person to feel his power, his influence, and his love for people,” said funeral attendee Lagi Taula.
President Nelson's daughter Laurie Marsh, his son Russell M. Nelson Jr., Elder Henry B. Eyring and Elder Jeffrey R. Holland spoke about President Nelson’s life and service, both personally and within the Church.
“President Nelson has literally changed the world one person and one interaction at a time,” said Relief Society General President Camille N. Johnson.
“The whole theme of the funeral was joy, how joyful he was and how he really cared for each and every one of us,” said Jan (JB) Ili.
President Dallin H. Oaks concluded the funeral service with remarks about President Nelson’s life and their deep friendship after serving side by side for 34 years.
“He will be remembered not only as a prophet but as a bridge builder, a healer and a man whose life bore witness to the power of faith in action,” President Oaks said.
“It was an absolutely beautiful experience, I would say life-changing for me,” Lagi Taula said.
Tuesday’s funeral service for President Russell M. Nelson honored the memory of a worldwide prophet of the Church, a father to some and a friend to all.