CNN/AP: At Molly Ivins' memorial: Laughing and clapping

February 4, 2007

AUSTIN, Texas (AP) -- 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 her 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.

A best-selling author and syndicated columnist whose work appeared in more than 400 newspapers, Ivins died Wednesday at age 62 after a long battle with breast cancer.

At the 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."...

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Journalism colleagues packed the church Sunday a block from the Texas Capitol, where so many of the politicians who 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....

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