We, the membership of the Littlevine Primitive Baptist Church in Austin, Texas are saddened by the death of our beloved brother, Carl Paris. He was born Dec. 22, 1913 and passed away Feb. 19, 1999 making his stay on earth 85 years, one month and 27 days. He was raised and lived most of his life in the Conoley and Salty community. He also lived in Austin for several years. He was married to Allene Mullins and to this union one son was born. He was preceded in death by a grandson, Monty Carl Paris; three brothers, Alvin Paris, Gene Paris, and Pearl Paris; one sister, Ola Abbott; two half-brothers: Abb Paris and Ray Paris; one half sister, Ruth Towery and his parents, George and Elena Paris.
Surviving are his wife, Allene Paris of Salty community; one son, Charles Paris and wife, Pearl of Rockdale, Texas; four grandchildren, Michael Wayne Paris, Nancy Lynn Hare, Donna Montelongo, and Terrie Milam; one half-sister, Ruby Dean Bolding of Austin, Texas; also eleven great-grandchildren, other relatives and a host of friends.
Funeral services were held at Phillips and Luckey Funeral Home in Rockdale, Texas with Elders Hugh Montgomery and Bruce Crawford officiating. Interment was at Salty Cemetery in Salty, Texas
Brother and Sister Paris joined the Littlevine Primitive Baptist Church in June of 1945 and were baptized by Elder Marion W. West. Brother Carl was a faithful and hard worker in the church for many years until his health prevented him from doing so. He was ordained to the office of deacon in the church in May of 1955 and served as church clerk from 1947 to 1956. He was a peaceful, loving, kind man who went ahead about his duties as deacon in the church in a very competent, yet quite manner. He always placed the church first, never asking anything for himself nor expecting any praise for whatever he gave or did for the church.
His greatest desire in his church life was to keep peace in the church for he loved the church with all his heart. In turn he was well loved by all the membership, especially by me who was his pastor for many years. It was a privilege to know him and work with him to which all the membership will agree. We, at Littlevine, hold fond memories of Brother Carl which we will retain till death us do part. We will dearly miss Brother Carl, but we are consoled by the fact that his spirit is now residing in heaven along with his Savior, Jesus Christ singing praises unto God in perfect harmony and all beauty.
Submitted by Littlevine Primitive Baptist Church, Austin, Texas.
Elder Hugh Montgomery, Moderator
Sister JoAnn Johnson, Church Clerk
Emma Kinsey was born August 23, 1908 in Johnson County, Oklahoma to William Newton and Addie [Moran] Overstreet and passed from this life March 24, 1999 in Tecumseh, Oklahoma after having attained the age of 90 years, seven months and one day.
Sister Kinsey was reared in the Tishomingo area, and attended grade school at Eli Chapel near Tishomingo and high school at Cobb. On August 21, 1925 she married Robert M. Kinsey in Tishomingo. She lived in the Norman area for 35 years and had resided in Tecumseh since 1977.
She worked as a Nurses' Aid at Griffin Memorial Hospital in Norman before retiring in 1973. Sister Kinsey had been a member of Primitive Baptist Church for 67 years and enjoyed quilting and gardening.
She was preceded in death by her husband in 1974, her parents; one daughter, Norma Jean Kinsey; one son, Bobby Kinsey, and two grandchildren. Survivors include: two sons, Kenneth Kinsey and Jerry Kinsey, both of Tecumseh; two daughters; Patsy Meyer, and Mildred York of Norman, OK; eight grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren.
Eunice Fields Perry, 90, of Waco, TX, died March 2, 1999 at a Waco nursing home. Funeral services were held March 5 at Marshall & Marshall Chapel in Hillsboro, Texas, with Elder Harold Horn officiating. Interment was at Ridge Park Cemetery in Hillsboro.
She was born June 19, 1908 to Albert Sidney and Mary Helen [Cook] Hudson in the Vaughan community in Hill County. She moved to Hillsboro in 1965. She married L.A. Perry on Dec. 10, 1925. She was a member of the Culp Primitive Baptist Church before it disbanded.
She was preceded in death by her husband, L.A. Perry, Sr. on Jan. 12, 1975, and a daughter, Anna Louise Dodson in August 1950. Survivors include four children; Shirley Browning and husband, Sterling of Iowa Park, Linda Bray Warner and her husband, John of Waco, Sandy Stamper and her husband, J.R. of Marble Falls, L.A. Perry, Jr. of Llano; a sister, Johnie Brown of Iowa Park; 13 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren.
Sister Perry was a quiet and faithful church member. She attended as often as her health would allow, even until shortly before her last illness resulted in her passing from this life.
Sister Perry's husband was a deacon in the church and we remember many good fellowship times with both of them in church services and in singings. Sister Perry had her portion in this life and she partook of the treasures of this life. Now, she is resting in the fulfillment of the promises of our Savior, for her soul and spirit now lives with Christ, the One Who died for her and all the elect family of God. Her strong faith was in the inspiration of scripture that assures us, "It is sown a natural body, it is raised a spiritual body. There is a natural body, and there is a spiritual body" [1 Cor 15:44] She did not fear her destiny, for she believed that "I will behold thy face in righteousness; I shall be satisfied when I awake, with thy likeness." [Psa. 17-15].
Sister Perry is missed in this life already, but we believe we shall see her again in Heaven some sweet day. May her family and loved ones rest in the knowledge that she is satisfied and we should be also until that day when we will also lie down in death in these bodies, but raised again to life eternal.
Written in behalf of the Waco Primitive Baptist Church and the family and loved ones of Sister Eunice Fields Perry.
Norman Gowens
One copy to the Banner of Love paper, one copy for church record, and one copy for the family of Sister Perry.
Once again, the Rule Primitive Baptist Church is saddened by the passing of our beloved members.
Brother Kyle Belmont [K.B.] Ritchie was born on Sunday, March 14, 1909 and passed from this life on Thursday, March 11, 1909, just three days before his 90th birthday. Funeral services were held, Saturday, March 13, 1999 at First Baptist Church, Seymour, Texas with Elder Dale Turner, Jr. officiating. Grandsons were pallbearers. Also, Brother Ritchie's grandchildren sang special songs. Some spoke lovingly and affectionately of their grandfather and the impact he made in their lives. One remembered his grandfather always wanted to attend church services if at all possible, setting a good example for them to follow. Teach by example. Burial was in Vera Cemetery, where he was laid to rest beside his wife of 71 years, Sister Nina Ritchie. After services, family and friends gathered at the Vera Community Center for refreshments and where much love and respect for Brother and Sister Ritchie was very much in evidence.
Brother and Sister Ritchie farmed in the Vera community for many years, until failing health forced them to move. Brother Ritchie leaves to mourn: two sons, Guinnell and wife, Peggy of Wichita Falls, TX, G.L. and wife, Dorothy of Lubbock, Texas; two daughters, Melba and husband, Bill Parham of Vera, Texas and Wannell and husband, Anson Ray of Amarillo, Texas; eleven grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren, and three great-great-grandchildren; one sister, Susie Thurman of Garland, TX.
Brother Ritchie hadn't been able to attend church at Rule very much for the last few years, still, just knowing we'll not see him again in this life leaves a void that cannot be filled.
Brother and Sister Ritchie were married Nov. 20, 1927. They were members of the Vera Primitive Baptist Church, until the church there abandoned. Then they moved their membership to Munday Church and later to Rule Church when Munday and Rule merged to form one church. They moved to Idalou, Texas in 1988 where they attended Church at Crosbyton Primitive Baptist Church. Sister Ritchie passed away Oct. 29, 1995. Brother Ritchie managed with help from family and friends, in Idalou until he moved to Wichita Falls in 1997.
Brother Ritchie served the church as deacon for many years. He also served as church clerk, treasurer, song leader, and representative, and on preaching and finance committees at the associations and special meetings. He always served well.
Brother Ritchie was a very good song leader and one of his favorite songs was, "Oh, for a closer walk with God." He now knows the fullness of that walk. He was most happy when hearing what great things the Lord had done for him. Brother Ritchie was a credit to his family- his community, where he lived, and especially to the Primitive Baptist Church, which he loved. We thank the Lord for this Brother in Christ and rest assured that we will see him again on that Great Day, when we'll be with Jesus evermore.
Written at the request of the Rule Primitive Baptist Church.
By Derrell Sorrells
The Lord has taken from our midst one of the sweetest persons on earth. She was respected with the highest regard by many. A person who was faithful to God and loved the Church, even to nearly her last breath, she was always ready to go to church. She cried when it became so painful to be moved and we had to decide, we could no longer pick her up.
Even after she could not talk she always agreed with a nod of her head, and a smile, that the Lord was good to her.
She had been a member of the Primitive Baptist Church since she was a young teenager, possibly joining Rule, Texas Church, was baptized by Elder Joe Newman.
She was preceded in death by three husbands; James W. Poss, Thurman O. Poss, and Elder Lacy Fried. She leaves to mourn her; three sons, Jimmie W. Poss, of Eldorado, Texas, Clifton W. Poss of San Jacinto, California; and Sammie R. Poss of Midlothian, Texas; daughter, Vivian Ellis of Colorado Springs, Colo.; two brothers, Jesse Galloway of Huntington Beach, California, and Richard Galloway of Weatherford, Texas; twelve grandchildren, and a host of great-grandchildren, and many friends.
Funeral services were officiated by Elder Wayne Poss, and Elder Joe Holder.
She died April 10, just one week before her 92nd birthday.
This resolution was read and accepted by the church. A copy to be put on the church records, copies to be sent to the church papers, and also copies to be sent to the family.
We shall miss her greatly, but rejoice in the fact, that she is with her Lord, no longer suffering.
Written by one who loved her.
Her son-in-law, Doug Ellis and her daughter-in-law, Effie Lou Poss
Mary Joyce was born to Effie and Grover [G. G.] Flinn on September 12, 1929, in Lubbock County, Texas. She departed this life on May 25, 1999.
She attended school at Caldwell and Monroe. Graduated from New Deal High School in 1947 and earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Home Economics at Texas Tech in 1952. She continued her education throughout her life by earning certification in Math from Angelo State University and Reading Specialist endorsement from Sul Ross State University.
Mary married John Garlon Freeman. They have three sons. Survivors include her children, Dale Freeman and wife, Dianna of Abilene; Leon Freeman and wife, Anna of Lohn; Jesse Freeman of Lubbock; Jennifer and John Priestly of Plymouth MN and grandchildren: Matt and Ashley Freeman of Plano, Matt and Tanner Gill of Abilene, Dustin Freeman of Abilene, Riley Mcfarland and Tori Freeman of Lohn, Allison and Mike Priestly of Plymouth MN.
She is also survived by one brother, W.R. [Randell] Flinn, of Abernathy; and three sisters; Vee Flinn, Wilda Myers, Lubbock, and Donnell King, Atlanta, Texas.
Mary was preceded in death by her parents, three brothers; Garland, Eugene and Dewey Flinn; one sister, Ila Mae Jackson; and a grand-daughter, Meagen McFarland.
Mary was a member of the Lubbock Primitive Baptist Church, 1604 44th Street. She was a retired schoolteacher, who during her career taught in various capacities in the public schools, including home economics, math and reading.
Funeral services were held at 2:00 p.m., Thursday, May 27, 1999 at the Lubbock Primitive Baptist Church with Elder George Johnson officiating, assisted by Gary Flinn. Pallbearers were: Davy "Crockett" Drum of Lubbock, Leon Couch of Post, Lyndon Messer, James Potts, Bryan Hill, and Raymond Woodard of Hedley [former students of Mary and classmates of Leon and Jesse]. Grandsons were honorary pallbearers.
Burial was in Abernathy Cemetery beside her parents, Effie and Grover Flinn, under direction of Chapel of Angels, Lubbock, Texas.
Elder George Johnson, Pastor
Brother Mike Gowens, Clerk
The membership of Fellowship Primitive Baptist Church are mourning the passing of a dear Mother in Israel, Sister Luna Batson, who passed from this life in peace in Madisonville, Texas on April 29, 1999.
Sister Luna was born to the parents of James and Isabelle Goodrum on July 19, 1903 in Van Zandt County, Texas. She was 95 years, nine months, and ten days old.
She united with Fellowship Church the fourth Sunday in September 1933. Elders J .C. Morgan and R.V. Holloman were presiding over services that day, when by letter the church received Sister Luna into full fellowship.
She is greatly missed by all the congregation of Fellowship Church. It was Sister Luna, who as a good mother often does when she is looking after the welfare of her own little children, would call out and usher "us all" in for dinner after services. She voiced her summons with such feeling that you knew that this was going to be a special meal, with all the fellowship found with the saints of God. Her labor of love and her nurturing spirit will not soon be forgotten.
She left behind one son, Wilton Bailey, and his wife, Mary Lou of Rosenburg, Texas, along with her two daughters; Sister Sue Batson of Madisonville, Texas, and Edna Young and her husband, Herman of Deer Park, TX; three grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.
Funeral services were held at Madisonville Funeral Home, Madisonville, Texas, Saturday, May 1, 1999 at 2:00 p.m. with Elder Mark Rowell officiating. Mr. John Dean Carter did the eulogy. Three of her favorite songs of inspiration were sung. Mr. George McDonald sang "Prepare me for that Great Day," as a solo and led "How Great Thou Art," and "Amazing Grace. She was laid to rest in the Madisonville Cemetery.
Prepared by:
Brother Thomas McDonald, Church Clerk
Elder Anthony Blevins, Pastor
Sister Thelma Donathan, 88, passed away, May 16, 1999 in a Lubbock Hospital.
Sister Thelma was born Jan. 8, 1911 in Jack County. She married L.S. Donathan, April 8, 1932 in Brownfield, TX. He died in 1986. Sister Thelma was a member of the Mt. Zion Primitive Baptist Church in Crosbyton, Texas.
Survivors include, daughter; Lilly Rogers of Lubbock, a son, Jerry Leon Donathan of Grandview; five grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren.
Her services were conducted by Elder George Johnson, with burial in Idalou Cemetery, to await the resurrection morning when, the Lord shall return to gather His children home.
Elder Mike Rodgers, pastor
Joe Taylor, Church Clerk