Thousands of people pay their respects to Barbara Bush

HOUSTON (FOX 26) - Thousands of people entered St. Martin's Episcopal Church to pay their respects to former first lady Barbara Bush.

Many visitors arrived to the Second Baptist Church parking lot before METRO shuttles began operating at noon on Friday. Some supporters of Mrs. Bush waited in the lot since 5:45 a.m.

“Very giving, very loving, a great grandma, a great mother and I just think she was a real gem," said Houston resident Jenni, who attended the public viewing on Friday.

It was a final farewell to a woman loved by so many in Texas and around the world.

"She seemed so down to earth and sincere and I really just liked her no-nonsense approach," said Susan Davies.

"Strong woman and she believed in the Christian values and the family values," said Carlos Raymond.

Some visitors donned their love and support for Mrs. Bush as they waited in line at Second Baptist Church to be taken to St. Martin's, but it was more than just the style that set this matriarch apart. 

“I liked her literacy program and encouraging children to read and comprehend what they read," said Pauline Cheatham.

“She let her husband talk, she let Junior talk and she kind of stayed back and supported all of the couple of Presidents she was involved with," said Rick Simmons. "So I think she’s just a great person, a great human being."

“She’s a treasure for our city, the whole family is and we are glad to be a part of this," said Rick's wife Leslie. "We’re glad that the family has chosen to have some sort of public viewing and we’re glad to be here and pay our respects."

And the ones who paid their respects said the moment was well worth the wait.

“It was beautiful, the sanctuary and everything," added Cheatham. "The flowers were just gorgeous, representing such a gorgeous lady."