Elder Luther Porter Died Elder Weldon Walker Rosie King Sister Ovella Copeland Sister Ruth Ann Cantrell Lawrence Benjamin Schutz Sister Carlyn Burris Ollie Joe Reed Sister Eula Mae Ervin
We here, at the Banner, have learned of the death of Elder Luther Porter of Paducah, Texas, on Sept. 5, 1999 and was buried at Paducah. We are hoping an obituary will be sent to us for publication in the near future.
Elder Porter attended the West Texas Association held at Cone, Texas last month. We extend our sincere sympathy to his family and friends. Editor
God, in His infinite wisdom and loving kindness, called our beloved pastor, Elder Weldon. M. Walker to His eternal home on August 4, 1999 at the age of 73 years and eleven days. He was born July 24, 1926 in Mexia, Texas.
He married Arlee [Fuller] Walker Sept. 3, 1947. Brother Walker joined the Gatesville Primitive Baptist Church, 2nd. Sunday in June 1954. Elder Hershel Doss baptized him, his wife, Arlee, and five others, 2nd. Sunday in July 1954. He was ordained to the full work of the gospel ministry in Sept. 1959 and serving as co-pastor of Mt. Zion Church, Fort Worth, Texas in Dec. 1959 with Elder Sam Holt. He then served as pastor of the Church in March of 1967, until he departed this life to ever be with the Lord he loved so dearly. We, at Mt. Zion will never forget his ability to preach to us, teach us, lead us in the right way and keep peace and tranquility in our church.
Elder Walker was faithful in the ministry and a wonderful example for his flock. He believed in the importance of the gospel with his whole heart and mind. He walked a Godly walk before and radiated peace. The end of the life of a Godly man causes us to reflect on that life, but Elder Walker would not have us look to him and lift him up, but to look through him to the Lord that he served, to draw comfort, peace and rejoice in our Saviors' love.
He was laid to rest after a very honorable and heart felt funeral service conducted by Elders Dale Magers, George Walker and Barry Brown. The congregational singing by a large host of family and friends was very beautiful, and was led by Brother Paul Harris.
He is survived by his loving wife, Arlee of Aledo, Texas; two sons, Gary Walker and wife, Rita of Aledo, Don Walker and wife, Kathy of Burleson, TX, and one daughter, Laurie McGregory, also of Aledo; eight grandchildren, three great-grandchildren and one sister, Loreta Sowell of Calvert, TX .
We bow in humble submission to God's will and say, "Farewell for a while to Elder Walker." Our hearts are thankful to God for the time He allowed us to have him. We will miss him dearly.
Written on behalf of Mt. Zion Primitive Baptist Church.
By Charles and Lucibelle Swart.
We, the Lone Pilgrim Primitive Baptist Church in Wellington, Texas, do humbly bow to the will of our heavenly Father because of the death of Sister Rosie King. Sister King has been a member of the Primitive Baptist Church for more than 70 years. More than half of those years Sister Rosie was here with us in Wellington, having moved her membership with us when the church at Memphis disbanded about 40 years ago.
She was a deacon's wife and one of the sweetest and most dedicated members in our church. We never worried about the bread on communion day because we knew Sister Rosie would bring it.
She had lived in Childress nursing home for several years, therefore she hasn't been able to attend church services for some time.
Rosie passed from this life June 13, 1999 in Childress. Born July 30, 1903 in Shay Prairie, OK, She was a homemaker. She is credited with starting the Busy Beavers Senior Citizens in the Childress area and was a charter member and remained active until she entered the nursing home. In years past she was crowned "Old Settler's Queen." An avid gardener, she enjoyed growing flowers.
Rosie married Royal King on July 10, 1937 in Memphis, Texas. He died in 1972. She was also preceded in death by two sons; Barney and Tommy King; one grand daughter, and three brothers, William, Jim and Cecil Cargill.
Survivors include: a son, Joe King of Childress, brother Charley Cargill of Childress; three grandchildren, four great grandchildren, and five great-great-grandchildren.
Funeral services were held at 2:00 p.m. in the Calvary Baptist Church in Childress, July 16, 1999 with her pastor, Elder T. J. Pittman officiating.
Written for the Church,
Elder T. J. Pittman, Mod.
Loyd Langley, Clerk
Mt. Paran Primitive Baptist Church has lost a dear and faithful member, Sister Ovella Copeland. She died Thursday, July 1, 1999 in Paris, Texas. Her nephews, Elder Jesse Stripland and Elder Jimmie Stripland served in this final service. We were comforted in the assurance of God's promises for his children.
Sister Ovella was born Dec. 19, 1926 in the Paris, TX area to Robert and Dixie Jordan Stripland. She married Melvin L. Copeland, Sr., Feb. 22, 1947 in Paris. He died in 1991. They were both members of Mt. Paran Primitive Baptist Church.
Surviving are three sons; Melvin and Samuel, both of Lubbock, TX and Richard of Olathe, KS; her mother, Dixie Stripland, a brother, Elder Harley Stripland; two sisters, Irene Griffith and Doris Brockway, all of Paris, TX.
grandchildren, nieces and nephews.
Submitted by Mt. Paran Primitive Baptist Church Paris, Texas
We, the members of Mt. View Primitive Baptist Church in Smithville, TN are deeply saddened by the passing of our dearly beloved sister, Ruth Ann Cantrell, June 12, 1999 at the age of 60. Sister Ruth was born August 5, 1938 in Cleveland, Ohio to the late John and Edith Crookham. She joined the Mt. View Primitive Baptist Church, Oct. 3, 1971 and lived a true and faithful member.
She was an income tax consultant with H & R Block and was owner of the Smithville office.
Sister Ruth was married to Glynn Cantrell Dec. 14, 1957 who survives. Other survivors are: two daughters, Beth Vandergriff and Glenda Davis; two grandchildren, Justin and Daniel Vandergriff, all of Smithville; one sister, Mary Clark, and two nieces of East Lake, Ohio. Funeral services were conducted , Wednesday, 2:00 p.m. on June 16 at the Chapel of DeKalb Funeral Home, officiated by Elder Paul Violet. Burial was in Young Bend Cemetery, Dekalb County Tenn.
Sister Ruth will be sadly missed by her family, her church and her many friends.
Elder Paul Violet, Pastor
Sister Louise Cantrell, Clerk
We, the members of the Littlevine Primitive Baptist Church in Austin, Texas are saddened by the death of Brother Lawrence Schutz, who was affectionately known as Brother Larry. He was born on Jan. 4, 1936 in Waelder, Texas and passed away on June 17, 1999, making his stay here on earth 63 years, five months, 13 days. He was married to Elva Mae Zumwalt on Nov. 7, 1956 in Luling, Texas and to this union one daughter and two sons were born.
Surviving are: his wife, Elva Mae Schutz of Austin, Texas, daughter, Victoria Elaine Hazelton of Avon Park, Fl; two sons, Jimmy Karl Schutz of Bossier City, LA, and Peter Lewis Schutz of Mary Esther, FL ; eight grandchildren, four great-grandchildren; two sisters, Agnes Whatley of Trinity, TX and Lexi Ryan of Trinity, TX. Funeral services were held at O'Bannon Funeral Home of Luling, TX with Elders Dickie Daniels and Hugh Montgomery officiating. Interment was at Ottine Cemetery, Ottine, TX, where he was given full military honors.
Brother Larry joined the Little Vine Primitive Baptist Church, Jan. 1998 by statement after retiring from U.S. Air Force and remained faithful until being confined in the hospital for severe heart problems. In his younger years Brother Larry worked tirelessly in the community, particularly in the Boy Scouts as a Scout Master. He formed a troop of Scouts which consisted of boys who were considered to be unmanageable by the community. He became a well known and respected person in the area because of what he did for those boys.
He was a firm believer of the truth and truly loved his Savior. He enjoyed the worship service and the fellowship he felt among the membership. Many times, he would come to church by himself when it was obvious that he was not feeling well at all. Though, we did not know Brother Larry very long, we learned to love and respect him, especially because of his abiding faith in God. We will miss him, but are consoled by the fact that he is not suffering anymore, for he is now residing in Heaven and Immortal Glory, where there is no sorrow nor any pain.
Submitted by Littlevine Primitive Baptist Church, Austin, Texas.
Elder Hugh Montgomery, Pastor
Sister JoAnn Johnson, Church Clerk
We, the Primitive Baptist Church of Midland, TX, are sorrowful at the passing of our dear sister, Carlyn Winnell Burris, on June 14, 1999 at the age of 69 years.
She was born on April 7, 1930 in Santa Anna, TX, to Thomas C. and Venevian Ray. She attended Howard Payne College in Brownwood on a music scholarship. In 1954 she was married to G. B. Burris in Brownwood and this union was blessed with two children, Joe Bob and Cindy.
Although, her husband was raised among the old Baptists, the doctrine of sovereign grace and the warm fellowship of the members were all new and beautiful to Sister Carlyn when she first began to visit the Midland Church. She loved what she heard, salvation by grace was a joyful sound to her. Brother and Sister Burris joined the Midland Primitive Baptist Church on Nov. 20, 1965 and were baptized on Nov. 27, 1965 by Elder J. E. Barrington.
Her funeral services were conducted in Luling, Texas on June 16, 1999 by Elder Vance Rodgers and Elder Daryl Inman. The Kyle sisters of Austin sang for the service. The songs which had been selected by Sister Carlyn were; "Safe in the Arms of Jesus," and "When We All Get to Heaven."
She is survived by her husband of Luling; her son, Joe Bob Burris of Victoria, her daughter, Cynthia Frechette of Austin, four grandchildren and one sister.
Sister Burris was a joy to be with and a sweetheart to know. She was always willing to help where needed. She was thoughtful of the elderly and the shut-ins. oft-times she visited the nursing homes to sing the songs of Zion with those less fortunate. Her dear friends will have sweet memories of Sister Burris as a shining light.
"Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father which is in heaven." Matt. 5:16.
Written by those who loved her and by the authority of the church while in regular conference, July 11, 1999.
Sister Irene Parr
Sister Thomasine Crawford
Sister Nelle Drummond
The First Primitive Baptist Church of Dallas, Texas submits this resolution of respect in memory of Brother Ollie Joe Reed, who passed away at his home, Duncanville, Texas on May 30, 1999. Brother Ollie was a devoted member of the First Primitive Baptist Church of Dallas.
He was born June 7, 1929 in Belton, Texas. Brother Ollie was an energetic man, a jack-of-all trades, whose positive attitude was contagious to all those who knew him. In 1984 he retired from L.T.V., where he had been employed for 35 years. He was a Boy Scout leader of Troop 143 in Duncanville for many years. He and Sister Geneva liked to travel. Brother Ollie was also an avid gardener, who kept a green house for his enjoyment.
Brother Ollie is survived by Geneva Ritchie Reed, to whom he was married for almost 51 years. She is also a member of the First Primitive Baptist Church in Dallas. Also surviving are sons; Joe Reed and Allen Reed, and daughters-in-law Barbara and Paula, and three daughters; Patricia Arter, Elizabeth Pullen, and Waneta Tardy, and sons-in-law, Weldon Arter, Bob Pullen, and Mark Tardy. There are also 13 grandchildren and one great-granddaughter.
Funeral services were conducted by Elder Clifford Gowens and Elder Hylton Crain of the First Primitive Baptist Church of Dallas, on June 2, 1999. There was congregational singing, which would have especially pleased Brother Ollie, as he truly loved the singing of hymns about the Lord and Heavenly Father.
Burial was in Little Bethel Memorial Park of Duncanville, Texas.
The members of the First Primitive Baptist Church offer their prayers and sympathy to Sister Geneva and their family. Moreover, we rejoice together in the knowledge that Brother Ollie's course has been run, and that he now rests in the love of our Savior, Jesus Christ, who has prepared for His children that sweet home in Heaven.
We pray that in the days ahead the Lord will comfort Sister Geneva and all those who knew and loved our departed Brother in Christ, Ollie Joe Reed. We, too, shall miss him, but know that he is where we all long to be with our Heavenly Master, our Lord, Jesus Christ.
Written in Christian Love,
Bruce Coates, Church Clerk
Whereas, it has pleased our Heavenly Father in his infinite wisdom and power on Feb. 15, 1999, to call Sister Eula Mae Ervin home to His eternal presence, let us bow to His Holy Will.
Sister Ervin was a devoted and faithful member of Bethlehem Primitive Baptist Church for 58 years, having joined the Oklahoma City Church by relation in 1984. We have missed Sister Ervin since her health prevented her from attending for a great while. She lived her life fully, enjoying and sharing each day as a gift from our Lord. We extend our sincere sympathy to her loving family.
Sister Ervin is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Eloise and Everett Baucom of Oklahoma City, Son and daughter-in-law, Harland and Theda Ervin of El Reno, OK,, three grandchildren, five great-grandchildren and three great-great-grandchildren, and a host of other loving relatives and friends.
Funeral services were held, February 18, 1999 in the Hudson-Phillips Funeral Home Chapel in Holdenville, OK with Elder Glenn Rooker officiating. Burial was in Holdenville beside her beloved husband, Floyd Frank Ervin.
Therefore, be it resolved, that a copy of this resolution be placed on our church records, and a copy be sent to the family.
Written by order of Bethlehem Primitive Baptist Church of Oklahoma City while in conference, March 7, 1999