The Death of Sister Mary Barsch
By request of the family we wish to notify readers of the Banner of Love that Sister Mary Barsch died on the first day of May 1972, after a lengthy illness,
Broth er and Sister Barsch have attended Stratton Primitive Baptist Church for the past sixteen years, after moving here from Crawford , Colorado. Brother Harvey united with the Stratton Church in February of this year. The lives of the friends and members of Stratton Church have been enriched greatly by our association with Mary, and we extend our deepest sympathy to her family.
She is survived by her husband, Harvey; one daughter, Mrs. Betty Lou Ankenman of Gunison, Colorado; one son, Raymond, of Sacramento, California; and four grandchildren. Also surviving are her parents, Mr. and Mrs. C.B. Galyen of Crawford, Colorado; one sister, Mrs. Ola Beavers of Camp Verde, Arizona; one brother, Brady Gaylen
of Hotchkiss, Colorado; and nieces and nephews.
A prayer service was held at the Shiner Funeral Home on May 2, at 7:30 p.m., and funeral services at 10:30 am, May 3, at the Stratton Church, with Elder Bill Walden officiating at both. Her body was then taken to Crawford where services were held May 4, at 3:0 p.m., with their family pastor, Elder Ira Fry, officiating.
Following is a poem by her mother, Sister Abitha Galyen written after learning of Mary's death.
Submitted by Elder Bill
In Memory Of---
MARY ELLEN (Galyen) BARSCH
And why should our tears in sorrow flow
When God recalls His own
And bids them leave this world of woe
For an immortal crown.
Is not even death a gain to those
Whose life to God were given.
Gladly to earth their eyes they close
And open them in heaven.
Their toils are past, their work is done,
And they are fully blest;
They fought the fight: the victory won,
And entered into rest.
Then let our sorrows cease to flow,
God has recalled his own;
But let our hearts in every woe
Still say, "Thy will be done."
Mrs. Abitha Galyen
May 1, 1972
In memory of our Brother in Christ, Brother Earl Sorrells.
He was a devoted member of the Rule Primitive Baptist Church since 1949. Brother Earl was baptized by Elder H. C. Richards. He was ordained to the office of deacon in 1951.
Birth date Sept. 21, 1913. His Spirit was called home March 28, 1972.
Earl and Sister Florene were married in Nov. 1933 (very different times to the present) they were very devoted to one another and their children.
Brother Sorrells was in bad health for a number of years, only the Lord knows the pain and sorrow he felt, but he gave thanks to the Lord for his many mercies that he, one of the little ones was able to see some of the blessed truths of the Gospel, and rejoiced in his Redeemer and Saviour.
One or two outstanding characteristics, the love of the Church the brethren and he was F peace maker.
We will miss the humble sincere prayers; the times of spiritual rejoicing that we all shared together in fellowship, but for our Brother such joys will no longer be seasonal, they will not be interrupted by sadness, pain nor sorrow. Tile Lord has proc I a I reed a blessed release. Spirit come home~ his body will rest until the blessed morning, the Resurrection! Then awake with His likeness and be satisfied.
We the Rule Church extend our sincere regard and sympathy to the family in the loss of a good husband, loving Father and grandfather.
Thy will be done, 0 Lord.
Resolved that we retain a copy for our Church record, a copy to the family and one to the Banner of Love.
(Elder) G. H. Crain
We, the Cisco Primitive Baptist Church, bow in humble submission to the will and call of our Heavenly Father, who has called unto Himself the spirit of our beloved friend and brother, D.B. (Doll) Perdue.
Darris Benton Perdue, 73, passed away April 22, 1972, following a long illness and recent severe stroke. Funeral services were held at 3 p.m. April 24, 1972 in the Arlington Funeral Chapel in Eastland, Texas with burial in the Eastland Cemetery.
He was born Jan. 15, 1899, in Alabama. He had been an Eastland County resident for the past 70 years and married Eunice Shankle on Jan. 11, 1921, in Bangs. He was a retired farmer and a member of the Primitive Baptist Church in Ciaco. Survivors include his wife, three daughters, Mrs. Irma Whitman Melbourne, Florida; Mrs. Darthy Chance of Cisco; and Mrs. Dartis Suggan of Mineral Wells; one sister, Mrs. Reba Steffey of Cisco; and two grandchildren. Bro. Perdue was a longtime members of this church from its infancy. Together with his father and mother, brother and sister-in-law, after which some of the children were baptized into the church, making a total of seven of the Perdues that were members of this church. But at this time now all have passed on, but the daughter-in-law and the grandchildren of old Bro. Per-due, who was one of the ones that started, and had the Cisco church brought into being. He bought a little house over on Ave. E where the church was where the church was organized. Present at that time, I do not recall all, but I do remember that Elders Newman Fisher, Jim Owens, John Foster, Jack West, and Walter Jackson were there, but have since passed on to the call of their master. And God in His goodness and mercy has spared my life until this present time at which I hope and trust that I am thankful.
Bro. Perdue together with his father were deacons of our church. They were also present and in the ordination when I was ordained into the ministry. I thank God for having men like that in my ordination.
I desire to pray to the Lord that He might be with the family. The wife, even though she was not a member of our church, yet at the same time she was faithful and came to church, I think, as often as Bro. Perdue did together with his children. Had three girls, two that were twins, they were such lovely little children, I can remember so well. I do pray that our heavenly Father in His goodness and mercy will look down and take unto Himself, to watch and care for the loved ones that are left.
We know and according to nature that it shall not be long until we too shall join with them. We know to, that it shall not, even though that it may be a thousand years yet it won’t be long until that resurrection morning when that the Lord shall appear, with the voice of an archangel, we shall hear His call. When all the dead in Christ shall rise and those who remain and love shall be caught up in the moment and twinkling of an eye to meet Him in the glory world, and shall be made like unto the glorious body of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.
W e have so many things left in the world. But yet at the same time we can begin to think and know that so many of our loved ones and friends that we have known over the years, have passed on. So it is with all the ends of the earth who are passing on one by one. But we are thankful that it is so because Oh how it would be, we cannot realize how bad it would be if, we were all left here to suffer and groan in our afflictions and our bodies wear out. But thanks be to God. He takes us unto Himself and we get away from all of our pains and sorrows.
We have so much to be thankful for, seeing and realizing that we have so great a God and when that great time shall come, when we shall be one in the Lord Jesus Christ, so do I pray that the Lord of glory will watch and care over all who love Him. May each and everyone that love God give thanks unto Him.
We pray again for Bro. Perdue's family and all the loved ones, that God will watch and care for them. May God bless you and may God be with you till the end. These blessings and favors we pray in Jesus sweet name, for His sake.
Written by request of the church while seated in regular conference May 7, 1972. One copy to be sent to the family, one copy to the Banner of Love for publication and one copy to be put on our church records.
Elder C.L. Casey
Whereas it has pleased the Holy and Righteous Father of love and mercy to call away by death our much beloved and devoted Sister Ola M. Bray from our midst at Shiloah Church 4003 Acacia Street, Bell, California.
We bow in humble submission to His righteous and Holy will, knowing that our loss is Her eternal gain.
Sister Bray was born in Tennessee June 12, 1897 and fell asleep in Jesus May 15th, 1972, making her pilgrimage here in this unfriendly world 74 years, 11 months, and 5 days spending 55 years of her beautiful Christian life asa devoted member in the Primitive Baptist Church, 35 years in the Church in or near Knoxville, Tenn., 20 years in Shiloah Church at Bell, Calif.
Her sainted husband (a Deacon) Brother Henry Bray proceeded her in death 10 or more years before Her passing.
Their church home in Tenn. was in the Powell’s Valley Association.
This unworthy pastor, being her pastor the most of her church life in Shiloah Church, I tried to speak words of comfort unto her lovely and bereaved Family at the Rose Hill Mortuary, Whittier, Calif., May 18, 1972.
Sister Bray's remains were flown by plane back to Lenoir, Tenn. to be put to rest beside h er beloved husband in the Lenoir City Cemetery and there await the coming of her Lord and Saviour at which time He will call and she and Brother Bray shall answer, be changed like the Glorious body of their Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, and with Him and all the redeemed of God live forever and forever.
Sister Bray leaves behind to mourn her passing one son, Joseph Bray, three daughters, Laura E. Roberts, Alice Bray, Nerose Williams. Three sisters, Ethel Pack, Rosetta Deal, and Ruth Stover. Three grandchildren, seven, great-grandchildren, and to be sure a great host of relatives and friends.
Sleep in sweet peace dear Sister, we have a sweet hope to join with you in that Glorious place where there shall be no more tears, farewell's or pain.
This obituary requested to be written by the Shiloah Primitive Baptist Church, when in regular Conference June 3, 1972. A copy to be sent to the Banner of Love, one for the Church record, and one for her bereaved Family.
Elder L.O. Moore,
Moderator
Lee Randolph, C.C.
The death angel has visited our family the third time in the last three years, taking a precious grandchild, each time, all by accident.
LeaRae Caswell was born Feb. 22, 1935 and died May 22, 1972, making her stay on earth 37 years and three months. LeaRae was in a bad car accident, May 13th and lay in a deep coma until her death.
She leaves her husband, Dean and three teenage children, Dian, Deana and David; also her mother, father, moth er and father-in-law, brother and sister-in-law, grandparents and several aunts and uncles to mourn her passing.
She was so kind, loving and p a t i e nt and took such good care of her sick husband and she was awonderful mother to her children.
She was a member ora Baptist church and loved her profession. God called her to her eternal home, that our S avl our said he would go to prepare for those t h a t love, him, where there is no more disappointments, but joy and peace for ever more.
Her sorrowing grandparents, E.F. g Evie Caswell Rt. 1, Box 688 Albuquerque, N.M. 87105
The Lord of Glory in His infinite wisdom called from our midst Sister Diana Gall McPheeters, May 2, 1972, She passed away in a Dallas hospital with a Cerebral Hemorrhage. While sitting with the family at the hospital, we learned how much strength and faith they had, because at first they felt they could not give her up, but realized through prayer for a miracle, that they had been given a miracle three years ago when she had brain surgery, and they could and did accept God's will in, taking her. Elder Hylton Crain made the statement at the time of her death that he wished the whole world could witness the power of the Almighty God in their acceptance of her passing.
Dianna had so much faith and lived so close to her God that her short life is an inspiration to all who knew her. She seemed aware that God had given her a few more years and taught her little five year old son, Stevie, so much for his small age.
"For I reckon that the Sufferings of this present time are not worthy to he compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us, "Romans 8:18. We beg God to give her husband the strength to keep bearing up under the loneliness, and task of rearing his son alone, and to comfort also the precious Mother, sister and Grandmother who miss her so much.
Dianna Gail McPheeters, age 28, resident of 1017 Donally, Euless, Texas, was born in Charleston, South Carolina. She had been a Grand Prairie resident most of her life and a Euless resident for the past eight years. She was a member of the Paradise Primitive Baptist Church in Arlington. She was preceeded in death by her father, Pete Graham, May 3, 1969, She is survived by her husband, Cecil; son Steven and Mother, Mrs. Melba Graham, sister Mrs. Phyllis May, Grandmother, Mrs. B.L. Ledford, all of Grand Prairie, and a host of friends. Funeral services were conducted by her pastor, Elder Hylton Crain, and were at the Primitive Baptist Church in Arlington, with burial in Grand Prairie. Our prayers are for her loved ones. In our sadness and sorrow we know she is happy now.
Joan Mize
Lona Cook
It is with a sad and aching heart that I write about my lovely sister and Saint Of God, Neppie P. Melton.
She was born in the state of Kentucky on December 18, 1884 and passed away on April 22, 1972, making her stay on earth 87 years, four months, and four days.
She passed away in Clovis, New Mexico and was the sixth child of the eleven children of Elder Isaac R. and Sabine Jo Greathouse. She joined the Primitive Baptist church the 29th day of February, 1948 at Muleshoe, Texas and was baptized by Elder J L Hardy. She then moved her letter to Elder Amos A. Deskin's church in Napa, California where it still remains. She was a faithful member and a strong believer in salvation by Grace and Grace alone. Her first marriage was not a success, They divorced.
She studied music and became a fine coloratura soprano singer. She could sing to C above high C. She gave many concerts in Chicago, Illinois and was known as the beautiful "Nightingale Voice of New Mexico."
She married Arnold I4 Melton, who was a bookkeeper for the Drake and also the Blackstone Hotels in Chicago. He was accidentally drowned in 19~9. She then moved to California w here she taught music for several years. She never remarried anti never had children.
Memorial services w e r e conducted by Elder F-, V. Ven-able in the Primitive Baptist Church, Clovis, lq. M. S h e was buried in Portales, Iq. M, by the side of our father and mother to await the great and glorious resurrection day.
Brother Bozeman was born in April 1879. Passed away Feb. 7, 1972. Short of ninety three years about two months.
If I remember correctly he and sister Bozeman had already celebrated their sixty fourth wedding anniversary.
To this union ten children were born. Sister Bozeman (wife) together with two sons, and five daughters, also several grandchildren, and great grand children survive.
Brother and Sister Bozeman have been members of Point Enterprise Primitive Baptist Church for many years. He was truly a friend that could be depended on.,
Many times while thinking about him I would think of Rom. 10:23. He was a person who held the profession of his faith without wavering.
The principles he held to in life never varied during the forty nine years that I knew him.
He and sister Bozeman had for several years a grocery store and filling station. People who were in need found a listening ear and an understanding heart in Brother Ebb.
If one owed him and could not pay he would cancel the debt.
Two years last August he had a stroke and was paralyzed..He was always cheerful and expressed his appreciation of those that attended his needs. Prayer was always requested when we visited him.
He never forgot the good prayers that visiting Elders offered by his bed. Brother and sister Jimmie Bass will never know how much joy they brought to him.
Services were conducted by the writer and a Mr. Coffey a preacher with the Christian Church in the Corley -Porter funeral chapel. Interment was in the Mexia Cemetery.
The church has lost a faithful member, the City of Mexia a good citizen, and the family a good husband, father, and grandfather. Memories will be pleasant for those who knew him.
(Elder) J. M. FANNIN
Brother John Calvin (Babe} Nite was born in Bryan, Texas, August 11, 1891, and passed from this life March 17 , 1972 at the age of 80 years, 7 months and 6 days.
On November 16, 1911 he was married to Annie Bell at Soap Springs, Texas. His survivors are his wife and eight children. Two sons; John Calvin Nite Jr. of Amarillo, Texas and John Watkins of Duncan. Six daughters; Mrs. Ruby Fitzgerald of Okla. City, Okla. Mrs. George Snodgrass of Plainview; Mrs. Paul Ketch of Edmon, Okla.; Mrs. Charles Dixon of Duncan, Okla.; Mrs. George Ewonus of Wichita, Kansas; Mrs. Gene Goodrich of Marlow, Okla. Also 20 grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren. A brother, Elder Sam Nite of Dale, Texas and two sisters. Mrs. Robert Dotson of Rush Springs, Okla. Mrs. D.A. Bell of Marlow, Okla.
Brother Nite joined the Marlow Primitive Baptist Church September 25, 1932 and was baptized by Elder J. B. Owen. He was ordained to the office of deacon in March 1945. Filling the office well. He had been sick for sometime and unable to attend his church meetings.
The welcome mat was always out for their children, church members, friends and neighbors. You were greeted with "come in and stay a while." It was a place to visit and rest a while.
The funeral services were held at the Marlow Funeral Chapel by his pastor Elder H. O. Ballard and Elder G. H. Crain of Arlington, Texas. The singing was by Elder Jerry Newman and other Primitive Baptist members. Burial was in the Marlow Cemetery.
Be it resolved that a copy of this resolution be placed on our church records, a copy sent to the Banner of Love for publication and a copy sent to the family.
Elder H.O. Ballard, Mod.
Mrs. Essie Williams, C.C.
We the members of Providence Primitive Baptist Church bow in humble submission to the will of God again as He has called another faithful and dedicated member of our church from the walks of this life.
Brother Tarver H. Garrett was born May 13, 1892 and he joined the Providence Primitive Baptist by letter August 17, 19112 at the age of nineteen and continued a member of same until death. Brother Garrett married his childhood sweetheart Mary Lula Hedspeth June 25,1916 and to this union three sons and two daughters were born, the oldest son preceded him in death by twelve years.
Brother Garrett served several years as clerk of the church and also after proving his gift he was ordained as deacon in April 1953.
Brother Garrett was a very regular attender at church and seemed to enjoy the services beyond measure. He was a mail carrier for forty years and had interest in livestock farming in Erath County.
Brother Garrett and wife followed in the footsteps of their Primitive Baptist parents and have enjoyed church life very much. After a short illness he passed away March 23, 1972 .. He is survived by his wife, two sons and two daughters, eleven grandchildren and a host of relatives and friends.
This resolution of respect was written by request of the church. One copy to be placed in the record book, one copy to be sent to the family, and one sent to the Banner of Love.
Eider Jesse Bass, Mod.
Malcolm Lee, C.C.
Again Shiloh Church has suffered the loss of one of her beloved sisters in the passing of Sister Lulu Aughtry, April 16, 1972.
She was a devoted member of her church, but due to her profession, being a nurse, many times she could not meet with us.
Memorial services were conducted April 19 at Brown Colonial Chapel in Santa Ana, Calif. after according to her request, her body was cremated.
Private interment was at Fairhaven Memorial Park, Santa Ana, Calif. where the bodies of her mother and father, Sister Lessie and Brother Bert Woodard lie resting, until that great day, when our Lord and Saviour will call HIS children home, where there will be no more suffering and sorrow.
We believe she is asleep in Jesus.
We resolve a copy of resolution of respect to be placed on our church record, one sent to a Primitive Baptist paper for publication, and one sent to her sister, Ruby.
Committee:
Myrtle Sawyer
Myrtle Harrison
Lola Miller
Shiloh Primitive Baptist Church
South Gate, Calif.
Uncle Luther was the son of Moses and Zabara Farmlin. Born July 22, 1888, ten years to the day younger than my father J. T. (Tom) Fannin. He passed away in Houston Sept. 14, 1971. Interment was in Rock Prairie Cemetery, Madison, County.
He is survived by his wife Aunt Belle, one son, Houston of Shreveport, La. two daughters, Mrs. Thelma Rigsby of Houston, Tex., and Mrs. Lillian Huggins of Liberty. Fi ve grandchildren and one great-grandchild and a number of nieces and nephews.
He was the oldest deacon of the Point Enterprise Primitive Baptist church. This office was filled to the best of his ability. Truly he loved not only the Primitive Baptists, but all who manifested a love of God.
He and my dad were partners in the general Mercantile business. The two families were closely associated during those years. During all of those year I can not recall hearing a single ill word spoken between either family.
For many years I have thought he and Aunt Bell fulfilled Eph. 4:32 as well as it was humanly possible. "And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, even as God for Christ ' s sake hath forgiven you."
The request of the family was that I conduct the services. Our prayer is that God will continue to bless the family. The children will understand when I say my prayer is especially in Aunt Bell's behalf. She and my mother thought so much of each other.
In fond memories,
(Eider) J, M. FANNIN
Members of the Shiloh Church were saddened to learn of the death of Emma B. Parson, April 7, 1972; one of our dear sweet mothers in Christ.
Sister Parson was one of our faithful members as long as her health permitted her to attend services. She was much loved by all who were privileged to have known her.
Funeral services were conducted by her pastor, Elder James P. Sandefur at Sampson Chapel in Bell, Calif. and burial followed at Glenhaven Memorial Park in San Fernando, Calif.
We feel our loss to be her eternal gain. She is "safe in the arms of Jesus" sleeping the peaceful sleep, free from pain and sorrow, awaiting the day when our Lord will appear to call His children to meet Him in the clouds ever to sing praises around His great throne.
We, the members of Shiloh Church resolve to bow our heads in submission to God's Holy Will, and resolve to place a copy of this resolution on our church records, send to a Primitive Baptist paper for publication, and send one copy to her family.
Committee:
Myrtle Sawyer
Myrtle Harrison
Lola Miller
Shiloh Primitive Baptist Church
South Gate, Calif.
It is our humble hope, that it is in the greatest of humility and respect, that we bow to the divine will of our Heavenly Father; realizing that, all things work together for good to them that love God.
It was on the 16th day of May 1972, that Sister Fedrick slipped from the demanding bonds of the afflictions of this Ii/e; to the peaceful rest and loving security of the protecting arms of our precious Saviour. She is now free of the afflicted and stormy shores of this life and has gone on to the peace and tranquility of the still waters of God's love, Harbored there by the "Rock of Ages" where no storm clouds gather, no waves roar, no thunders roll. There to rest in peace until that final morning when the Saviour's tender and gentle call will awaken all those that are asleep in Jesus, to the glorious dawning of that eternal day without end. Where the shadows of night are unknown.
Sister Fedrick was born at Council Bluffs, Iowa in Feb. 1892 and moved to Enid, Okla. while quite young. She came to Phoenix some 32 years ago. She united with the Primitive Baptist Church early in life and was a devoted and faithful member. Her humble walks and charitable ways were an inspiration to those that knew her. Her devotion to the church and her Christian life will remain a living testimony of her unfailing faith in Christ in whose everlasting arms she now rests. She was a member of the Bethel Primitive Baptist church at the time of her death. She will be greatly missed by the little flock here.
Sister Fedrick leaves to mourn her passing, four sons, Elmer Coffin of Arkansas City, Kan., Melvin Coffin of Waukomis, Okla., Galen Coffin of Phoenix, Ariz., Floyd Coffin of Scottsdale, Ariz., two daughters, Mrs. Dora Scott of Fort Worth, Tex., and Mrs. Olive Jobe of Phoenix, Ariz.; two brothers, six grandchildren and many kindred in the Spirit that loved and respected her.
Elder Robert Wall of San Diego, Calif. very ably conducted a very beautiful and touching funeral service as we came to the parting of the ways and here bade farewell to this precious Sister.
We hope to be humbly submissive and reconciled to the Lord's will in these things. Though we greatly miss her, we are made to know that our loss is her gain; as she sweetly rests in that peaceful sleep in Jesus; to some day awake to the joys of that eternal heaven where no tears or dark shadows fall.
Written and humbly submitted by A.M. Kinsey in behalf of Bethel Primitive Baptist Church in Phoenix, Ariz.
T.H. Logan, Mod.
Everett Starnes, C.C.