He said in his eulogy that the wife of the 41st president and the mother of the 43rd was "candid and comforting, steadfast and straightforward, honest and loving".
Meacham recalled her work bringing awareness to AIDS patients and in promoting literacy. She also is one of only two women to have both been both first lady and mother to a president.
After seeing how many people had lined up to pay their respects to his wife, former President George H.W. Bush chose to attend - he sat at the front of the church in a wheelchair, offering his hand and smiled as people shook it, for about 15 minutes. Granddaughters offered readings, some their voices shaky with emotion, while their eight grandsons were pallbearers.
Mrs. Bush's funeral was attended by nearly all of the former presidents and first ladies, as well as other politicians and dignitaries who were touched by her life. George H.W. Bush followed in his wheelchair, pushed by son George W. Bush, shaking hands with some of the people in the pews.
Similarly, in 2016, then-President Obama did not attend the funeral of former first lady Nancy Reagan, while his wife did.
President Donald Trump did not attend the funeral services.
Saturday's service was private, with about 1,500 invited guests in attendance.
Starbucks, Philly PD face protests over arrests of black men for "trespassing"
Johnson made the remarks as demonstrators filled the store, at 18th and Spruce streets, Monday morning. He said he believes if the two men "didn't have sweatsuits on, they wouldn't have been targeted".
Her foundation raised over $110 million over the course of more than 30 years.
Visitors arriving for the funeral for former first woman Barbara Bush are beginning to fill the nation's largest Episcopal church, embracing and speaking beneath the church's cavernous sanctuary.
Following the service at St. Martin's, Mrs. Barbara Bush and her husband recurrently worshipped on the church, which is the most important Episcopal church within the nation. Susan Garrett Baker, wife of former Secretary of State James Baker, spoke of Bush as a "feisty" friend who managed 29 homes in 17 cities. Former first ladies Michelle Obama, Laura Bush and Hillary Clinton will also attend. "To avoid disruptions due to added security, and out of respect for the Bush Family and friends attending the service, President Trump will not attend".
Barbara died Tuesday surrounded by her loved ones.
The funeral for former first lady Barbara Bush, who died earlier this week, was held on Saturday at St. Martin's Episcopal Church in Houston. Motorcade route when entering College Station: The motorcade remains on Texas Avenue to George Bush Drive.
During the ceremony, former Gov. Jeb Bush (R-Fla.) delivered a eulogy and called his mom their "first and most important teacher".
George H.W. Bush was so moved by how many people had lined up Friday to pay their final respects to his wife that he made a decision to go.
