Witnessing her appearance on Larry King earlier this week, it was obvious that the time was near for Tammy Faye in her battle with cancer. Now Tammy Faye Messner has gone home to be with the Lord.

“Tammy Faye Messner, who as Tammy Faye Bakker helped her husband, Jim, build a multimillion-dollar evangelism empire and then saw it collapse in disgrace, died Friday. She was 65.

Messner, who had battled colon cancer since 1996 that more recently spread to her lungs, died at her home, said her booking agent, Joe Spotts. A family service was held Saturday in a private cemetery, where her ashes were interred, he said.

She had frequently spoken about her medical problems, saying she hoped to be an inspiration to others. “Don’t let fear rule your life,” she said. “Live one day at a time, and never be afraid.”

But she told well-wishers in a note on her Web site in May that the doctors had stopped trying to treat the cancer.”

Whatever cartoonish pictures people will draw of her, the fact is that through much of her life Tammy exhibited much of what the true Christian ethic is – peace, forgiveness and love. In the end she won the respect of many for her inner strength and even humor under the most trying of circumstances.

Cancer is a horrible way to go – I know – but her final days were filled with the peace that passes all understanding which is the gift to those who name Christ as their savior.

So long Sister, until then.