November 2001
Sister Grace Gibson Brother B. H. Handley Loyd Langley
Sister Betty Mallow LaNelle [Cline] Handley Brother George E. Pierce
Whereas, it hath pleased our Heavenly Father in His infinite wisdom and power on Sept.3, 2001, to call Sister Grace Gibson home to His eternal presence, let us bow to His Holy Will.
Sister Grace was a faithful member of Bethlehem Primitive Baptist Church of Oklahoma City, being baptized in July of 1984. We have missed Sister Grace greatly since health has prevented her from attending the past several years. She was deeply loved. However, we submit that our loss is her gain, since she is now free from health problems and in the presence of her Lord. We extend our sincere sympathy to her loving family.
Sister Grace is survived by a son, Bill Thomas and wife, Wilma of Oklahoma City, two daughters, Virginia Horn and husband, Harry of Broken Arrow, and Rosemary Talley Lissio and husband, Steve of Oklahoma City; grandchildren, Anita and Bill Adams of Tulsa, Brenda and Gordon Batchelor of Oklahoma City, Lisa and James Carter of Tulsa, Gary and Susan Howard of Oklahoma City, Jack and Tracy Talley of Austin, TX and Ted Ray Thomas and wife, Janet of Oklahoma City; 14 great-grandchildren; two sisters, Naomi and Zola; and a host of other loving friends and relatives.
Funeral services were held Sept. 5, 2001 in the Resthaven Funeral Home Chapel in Oklahoma City, OK with Elder Bill McCarthy officiating. Burial was in Resthaven Memory Gardens, Oklahoma City, OK.
Therefore, be it resolved, that a copy of these resolutions be placed on our church records, a copy be sent to the family, and a copy be sent to the Banner of Love for publication. Written by order of Bethlehem Primitive Baptist Church of Oklahoma City while in conference Oct. 7, 2001.
BROTHER BENJAMIN HARVEY [B.H.] HANDLEY
The First Primitive Baptist Church of Dallas, Texas submits this resolution of respect for our departed brother in Christ, Brother Benjamin Harvey [B.H.] Handley, who died on July 5, 2001, in Waxahachie, Texas. Brother B.H. was born in Dickens County, Texas on Dec. 20, 1915, the youngest child and only son of Benjamin Hillary Handley and Martha Jane Harvey Handley. He passed from this life just after midnight, July 5, 2001, at the age of 85 years, six months and 15 days.
Brother B. H. was a deacon in the Dallas Church, and was instrumental in helping with the design and construction of our building in 1987. He was a faithful soldier of the cross and deeply loved his Savior Jesus Christ.
Brother Handley was preceded in death by his beloved companion of 65 years, Sister LaNelle Handley, his son, Benjamin Harold Handley, his daughter, Beverly Louise Handley Sauls, and sisters Myrtle Handley Neeley and Gladys Handley Cash. B.H. and LaNelle were both long time members of the Primitive Baptist Church, having been members at Mt. Zion Primitive Baptist Church in Fort Worth, charter members of the Paradise Primitive Baptist Church of Arlington, TX, and also members at the Tyler Primitive Baptist Church before moving to Dallas. B. H. dearly loved attending services and was known for his beautiful bass voice as he sang the glorious old songs of Zion.
He is survived by his son, Larry Handley of Dallas, son-in-law and daughter-in-law Eddie and Karen Sauls, grandchildren, Clay Sauls, Cathy Sauls Rowell, and Lori Sauls Bailey, five great grandchildren, his sister, Ruth Wilson, and numerous nieces and nephews.
Services were handled by Moore Memorial Gardens, Arlington, Texas. His pastor, Elder Clifford Gowens, conducted the graveside funeral services, with the assistance of Elder Hylton Crain. Several of Brother B. H.'s favorite hymns were sung by those at the service.
We, the members of the First Church, bow in humble submission to the Lord's will in the passing of this brother in Christ. His family and the Church members miss him very much. But we rejoice in that precious assurance that Brother B. H. is now enjoying that eternal home, not made with hands, where he has found perfect peace and joy in the presence of the Lord, Jesus Christ.
Written at the request of the First Primitive Baptist Church while in conference, Sunday, September 9, 2001.
Submitted in love,
Brother Bruce Coates, Church Clerk
Once again, we here at The Lone Pilgrim Primitive Baptist Church of Wellington, Texas are saddened by the passing of a beloved brother, Loyd Langley, on August 16, 2001 in Amarillo, Texas. He was born to Jim and Ethy [Norman] Langley on November 7, 1928 in Quail, Texas.
Loyd was united in marriage to Mildred Clay in the United Methodist Church in Quail, TX on Nov. 28, 1948. To this union three children were born, Paula Carson, Pamala Neeley, and Susan Nixon. There were eight grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.
Loyd graduated from Quail High School in 1946. He attended Midwestern University in Wichita Falls, Texas. He took a business course from Draughons Business College in 1955.
After residing in Fritch, TX until 1962, he moved back to Quail. While living in Quail he operated the Quail Store until 1973 when he moved to Wellington. In 1973 he went to work as a rural mail carrier for the U.S. Postal Service until 1992 when he retired after 23 years of service. He also did custom farming during the time he lived in the Quail community. After retirement from the Postal Service, Loyd worked for Bartletts Ace Hardware in Wellington.
Loyd joined the Primitive Baptist Church in 1946, along with his sister and three brothers at the association in Paducah. They were all baptized by Elder E. J. Norman. He was ordained as a deacon in the Crosbyton Church in 1958. Loyd, not only as a deacon but as a faithful member, worked very hard and was very dedicated to his church.
Loyd passed from this life on August 16, 2001 in the Crown of Texas Hospice in Amarillo, TX. Funeral services were conducted on August 18, 2001 in the First United Methodist Church of Wellington under the directions of Adams Funeral Home. Interment was in the Quail Cemetery of Quail, Texas.
Survivors are his wife, Mildred, of the home; three daughters, Paula Carson and Pamala Neeley, both of Quail, and Susan Nixon of Wellington; eight grandchildren, seven great-grand children; one sister, Melba Marcum of Wellington; three brothers, J.W. Langley of Powderley, TX, Hoyt Langley of Paris, TX and Donald Langley of Quail, TX.
Lone Pilgrim Primitive Baptist Church wishes to extend heartfelt sympathy to the family of our dear Brother Loyd. He will be greatly missed, but we can take comfort in knowing that he is resting in the presence of our Lord, Jesus Christ, basking in his light and the warmth of his love.
Written by request of the Church.
Paul and Lorene Raines
The First Primitive Baptist Church of Dallas, Texas submits this resolution of respect for our beloved sister in Christ, Betty Ann Mallow, who passed away May 21, 2001, in Waxahachie, TX. Sister Betty was a member of the Primitive Baptist faith for many years, recently returning to the First Primitive Baptist Church of Dallas, where she had attended services regularly for many years before moving away. She had been a member of the Muleshoe Primitive Baptist Church, Muleshoe, Texas, before coming back to the Dallas area with her son, Ronnie and his family. Sister Betty had a great love for her Lord, and high regard for His Church and its members.
Sister Betty was born Sept. 6, 1928 in St. Louis, Missouri. She was married to Harry Mallow on Oct. 22, 1955, and Brother Harry preceded her in death in 1978. She was the daughter of Brother Frank and Sister Olga Allen, both of whom are deceased. She is survived by her son, Brother Ronnie Mallow and his wife, Sister Sue Mallow of Midlothian, TX. She leaves three grandchildren, Candice, Bruce, and Deborah Mallow; a sister, Theresa George, and her husband, Jim; a niece, Sandra Carter and her sons, Tyson and Colin, and a nephew, Rusty George, his wife Sherry and their children, Andrew and Laura. Her family, friends, and the members of her Church feel a great loss. We will always remember Sister Betty's friendliness, her laughter and her quiet determination. Funeral services were conducted on May 23, 2001 by Elder Clifford Gowens and Elder Hylton Crain of the First Primitive Baptist Church, at the Wildwood Chapel in Restland Memorial Park, Dallas, TX. There was congregational singing, something that Sister Betty especially enjoyed. Interment was also in Restland Memorial Park, next to her late husband, Brother Harry Marlow.
The First Primitive Baptist Church humbly submits to the Lord's will in the calling home of our dear sister. Sister Betty had an unwavering faith and trust in her Lord Jesus Christ. We extend our sincere sympathy to her family and friends. We pray that we all may be reconciled to God's will.
Written at the request of the First Primitive Baptist Church of Dallas, Texas, while in conference in June, 2001.
Submitted in love,
Bruce Coates, Church Clerk
June 27, 1918---May 31, 2001
Volumes could be written of the years in the life of this devoted Christian, wife and mother. These few lines are written in her memory as we knew her in the Church for nearly a half century. LaNelle [Cline] Handley was born near the close of World War One, in Burkburnett, Texas, June 27, 1918, in the time of a prosperous and active oil field in that area, when most of the modern conveniences of present date were unknown, neighbors found time to visit, and the pace was much slower. Since her birth, many changes have occurred, some for the better, and others not so beneficial.
I'm not sure when or where Sister LaNelle met Brother B.H. Handley, possibly at a church meeting. Be that as it may, they were married December 24, 1935, in Hale Center, Texas. A beautiful bride past 17 and a handsome young man perhaps 21, united together as one to build their lives together. They remembered their creator in the days of their youth, [Eccl 12:1-"Remember now thy Creator in the days of thy youth, while the evil days come not, not the years draw nigh, when thou shalt say, I have no pleasure in them."]
They united with the Primitive Baptist Church while quite young, and faithfully attended and gave their support as long as they were physically able. The Handleys were members of Mount Zion Primitive Baptist Church in Fort Worth for a number of years under the preaching of Elders Clarence Morrisett, S. J. Holt, and Weldon Walker. They were charter members of the Paradise Primitive Baptist Church in Arlington, TX organized in 1956, where Brother Handley served as deacon. She and her husband were very active in the church, trying to seek first the kingdom of God in their lives.
They were well known by Primitive Baptists, especially in Texas and Oklahoma, meeting many brothers and sisters in the Lord at Associational gatherings and other special meetings. She and Brother B. H. spent many joyful hours in singing hymns of praise to our Lord, and their Lord. They heard the glorious gospel of the Son of God preached by many of the Lord's servants that are now, in soul and spirit, with the great heavenly hosts which have gone on before us.
On February 24, 1962, their son, Benny, [age 22, a Jet Pilot in the Navy] was killed in an automobile accident which was devastating, and brought grief and disappointment and understood only by the Lord and those that have passed through similar experience. "The Lord gave and Lord hath taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord." Job 1:21. Almost six years later another great sorrow came with shocking force and unbelief! On Dec. 27, 1967, their daughter, Beverly Handley Sauls was killed in an automobile and truck accident on Highway 183 in Euless, TX.
Every devoted pastor that feels the sorrow, pain and anguish of those of his beloved flock, knows how I called on the Lord in their behalf-but, in such a time, comfort does not come immediately. The shock is too great, but in time, faith reaches out to all the blessed promises of God and sees Him "The resurrection and the life," triumphant over death and the grave. Ere long, [faith looks forward speaking comforting words saying], "I'll soon join them and the heavenly host; this world is not our home, our citizenship is in heaven. My loved ones are in heaven in the great care of the Savior of sinners, Jesus Christ The Lord!"
Recovery for Sister Handley took time. she began nurses training to become a registered nurse, and graduating in 1968, she began working at Memorial Hospital in Arlington. When I was in failing health, she recommended Dr. David Hughes to me, and to this day he is the doctor I see! Just recently I was visiting with Elder Dale Magers, and he told me how kind Sister Handley was to his parents in time of their illness. Reaching out to others and getting involved in their needs is good medicine for those burdened down in sorrow. This was of great help to our Christian Sister.
In 1971, Brother and Sister Handley moved to Frankston, TX, and enjoyed living in a beautiful, quiet country setting.
They became members of the church in Tyler, finding comfort and fellowship among very dear ones under the pastoral care of the late Elder W. V. Stanaland. Sister Lanelle continued working, nursing the sick, helping others.
In 1981, they moved to Dallas, at 3105 San Jacinto, to be near their son, Larry. They soon united with First Primitive Baptist Church in Dallas. We at First Primitive feel blest to have had this devoted and seasoned couple in our worshipping congregation for several years. However, we learn in this time world we are subject to many changes such as declining years, failing health, weakness in mind and body, loss of material things, and inability to care for ourselves; knowing this would absolutely overwhelm us if it were not for the Lord's promises.
Hear His word! "I will never leave thee nor forsake thee," and "He will deliver thee in six troubles and in seven there shall no evil touch thee," Hebrews 13:5 & Job 5:19. {The above is some of the evil days spoken of in Ecclesiastes 12:1, and how could they bear them out without the Lord's word, and His church.]
As time passed, Sister Handley began making frequent trips to the hospital, her heart out of rhythm, causing a collection of fluid which must be drawn off. She suffered terribly from this condition for several years. She became more patient and felt before long she would be at home with her Lord and the heavenly host. She felt very strongly that the Lord would call her long before it pleased Him to do so.
She grew in grace and resigned to wait on the Lord, and to be reconciled to His blessed will. In our last visit and prayer with her she was perfectly lucid and uncomplaining. On Monday evening, Memorial Day, May 28th, 2001, death released her body from all suffering, and her soul and spirit took flight to be immediately with her Savior Jesus Christ and the waiting redeemed host in heaven. Her body was laid to rest in Moore's Memorial Garden in Arlington, on Wednesday afternoon, May 30th, under the care of Moore's Funeral Home and the presence of her immediate family.
We that are left, resolve to be reconciled to God's most Holy Will and His sovereign right to call His own to Him whom He loved from eternity, that they may rest from their labors, and be released from all trouble and sorrow! We thank our God for her memory, and pray for those nearest to her by the ties of nature. We, as a church congregation feel a great loss.
We pray for the Lord's comfort and healing.
She was preceded in death by her son, Benny Handley, and one daughter, Mrs. Beverly Sauls. She is survived by her husband, B.H. Handley of Waxahachie, Texas; one son, Larry of Dallas; three grandchildren, five great-grandchildren; also nieces and nephews. Leaving many friends, loved ones, and brothers and sisters in the church!
Written in Christian Love, By request of First Primitive Baptist Church of Dallas.
Hylton Crain, [Elder]
Members of the Abilene, Texas Primitive Baptist Church, with great sadness, submit this resolution of respect for Brother George Pierce. He passed away Wednesday, July 11, 2001 at a nursing center in Lubbock, Texas.
Brother George was born July 31, 1924 in Stamford, TX. He served in the U.S. Navy during WWII in the South Pacific. He married Sister Pearl Davis in 1944 in Stamford and they moved to Abilene in 1953. He worked for Oil Transport Co. for 33 years until he retired in 1986. He had been a member of the Abilene Primitive Baptist Church since 1983, where he was a deacon.
Brother George is survived by his wife, Sister Pearl Pierce; two sons, John Pierce of Lubbock and Jeff Pierce of Phoenix, Az; four brothers, Milton Pierce of Vashti, Eugene Pierce of Onalaska, Buddy Pierce of Clyde and Wilford Skiles of Abilene; two sisters, Geneva Cox of Breckenridge and Jackie Dean Johnson of Wichita Falls; six grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, Virgil Dred Pierce and Eddie Pierce Davis; and two daughters, Kathryn Elizabeth Deaton and Genice Elaine Pierce.
Brother George was a man of great integrity and honesty. He loved the Church to the extent that he and Sister Pearl donated the land on which we constructed our new Church building. He was an avid fisherman and one of his greatest joys was to have fish frys for all the church members and their guests. He was a wonderful example of faith and strength to the younger members and touched many hearts with his beautiful singing, prayers and tenderness.
He was laid to rest on July 14, 2001 at Elmwood Memorial Park in Abilene with Elders Hylton Crain and Travis Brown officiating.
Elder Travis Brown, Pastor
Brother Ron Hale, Church Clerk