Resolutions of Respect

Back to February 2002

Sister Lula Patterson was born December 24, 1899 and passed away August 17 2001. She attained the age of 101 years and eight months. She joined Shiloh Primitive Baptist Church in Sulphur, OK in 1934. Her parents, Mr. and Mrs. M. M. Caudle were charter members of the church when it was constituted in 1896.

When I think of Sister Lula, it is with awe. Her knowledge had been acquired over many years, yet she remained one who communicated on an even level with everyone, small children, teenagers and adults alike. She always had a sweet smile, calm words and amazing wisdom for each group. She had a wonderful sense of humor. Her mind was ever alert. She would correct her pastor on a misquoted scripture.

We missed her greatly when she could no longer attend services during the last year of her life. Each time one would visit her, what a great blessing they received from her. I believe we each are thankful that we were born to die, having a blessed hope to awake in the better place. In Sister Lula's last days, her hope, her love, and her faith burned so brightly. Many words could be said about her life. She enjoyed so much her 100th birthday celebration at our church. It is more fitting to speak of her virtues for such was her life.

She lived with her daughter and son-in-law, Laverne and Carson Hollis, not far from the church. They were devoted to her and may God richly bless them.

I know she and all God's children will awake in that new world with all the blood washed children of God. May we all be found to be striving to walk closer to God here on earth; and what a shining example our little Sister Lula left for us.

She is survived by two daughters, eight grandchildren and eleven great-grandchildren.

Committee:

Willie Jones

Lee Huckaby

Mildred Edmonds was born on Jan. 20, 1917 and passed from this life on Feb. 8, 2001. She leaves behind three children, Douglas, Mary Jane and James; also 13 grandchildren. Her funeral was conducted by Elder David Montgomery in Kerrville, Texas.

Sister Mildred was a precious mother in Israel. It was my privilege to serve as her pastor, first at the San Antonio Primitive Baptist Church and later at the New Hope Primitive Baptist Church in Fredericksburg, Texas. She was a great help to me at both churches and I will certainly miss her counsel.

Sister Mildred and I were both interested in Primitive Baptist Church history and we spent many hours in discussion about it. Those moments were very precious to me. She not only knew our history by studying about it-she lived it. I can well remember her stories about Elders J. S. Newman, S. N. Redford, J. G. Blackwell, G. W, White, Ariel West and so many others. Her living history experience, the personal accounts she shared with me along with anecdotes about our past, instilled in me a greater love for the history of the Old Baptist church. These living links to our past are quickly being taken from us. Soon, the last of these links will be gone.

She greatly loved Sacred Harp singing. When she was a member of the San Antonio church, she was active in sponsoring an annual singing there. She traveled many miles to attend these singings; but the singing she is engaged in now in paradise, is far better than any she experienced on earth.

Sister Mildred has gone on to be with the Lord. We take comfort in knowing that she is truly happy now. She is singing praises to her Lord in perfect harmony with the Saints. All who knew her are truly happy for her and look to the time when we will join in that great singing up there.

Her pastor,

Elder David Montgomery

"Let them praise the name of the Lord for His name alone is excellent, His glory above the earth and the Heavens." Psalms 148:13.

The Lord has called our beloved sister, Xenia Williams, home to be with Him which leaves a void in our church.

Sister Xenia was born January 31, 1911 in Callahan, Co. Texas and passed away April 7,

2001 in Conroe, Texas, where had lived for the last several years.

Sister Xenia joined the Midland Church on May 13, 1972. She was a true and devoted member and a firm believer in the doctrines of the Primitive Baptist. She attended church regularly and was never too tired or too busy to lend a helping hand when help was needed.

She moved to Conroe, Texas in her later years to be near her children because of failing health.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Robert, who died in November of 1982. She is survived by her daughter, Bobby Jean Hamilton and her husband, Archie of Garland, Texas; her son, Lewis M. Williams and wife, Janelle of Montgomery, TX. She also leaves behind five grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren, and two great-great-grandchildren.

Graveside service was held on April 11 at Fariview Cemetery in Midland with Elder Troy Barrington officiating. She was laid to rest by her deceased husband, Robert R. Williams, to await the coming of our Lord. "Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God."

This resolution written at the request of the Midland Church while in conference on April 8, 2001. A copy to be sent to the family, the Banner of Love and a copy kept for our church records.

Committee: Sisters Wilma Barrington; Thommie Crawford, Irene Parr, Martha Barrington.

Robert W. [Bob] Rash, 81, of Waco, Texas, died Thursday, Feb. 8, 2001 in Waco. Services were held Feb. 12, 2001 at Wilkirson-Hatch-Bailey Chapel in Waco with Dr. Jeff Smith and Elder Harold Horn officiating. Burial was in Robinson Cemetery.

Brother Rash was born Oct. 20, 1919 in Waco, to Will and Emma Rash. He was a member of Providence Hospital Auxiliary, retired from Social Security Adm. a Navy Seabees Veteran of WWII and a member of Waco Primitive Baptist Church.

He was preceded in death by six brothers and sisters. Survivors include his wife of 57 years, Mary L. Rash of Waco; sons and daughters-in-law, Robert W., Jr. and Sybil F. Rash of Texarkana, John C. and Carolyn Rash of Garland; granddaughter and grandson-in-law, Beth and Kevin McPherson of Garland; sisters, Helen Humphries of Sugarland and Elizabeth Bitty" McKinney of Robinson; and numerous nieces, nephews and friends.

Pallbearers were Jim Todd, David Hyde, Bob Kunze, Bob Greaser, Bill Bach, and Tom Henderson. Honorary pallbearers were Dr. Wayne Falcone, J.D. Steinhart, Don Richter and Ted Talbot.

Brother Rash was loved and respected by all his family, church members, friends, co-workers and acquaintances. His smile, laugh and love will be missed by us all. Brother Bob was faithful to attend church every Sunday as long as his health did not hinder him. He usually sat on he front seat and assisted in leading songs and public prayer. He opened the preaching services a few times. He listened intently to the preaching service and would nod in agreement with certain points that were made.

These spiritual traits were noticed by us all and we already miss him as one of our leaders in the church, his home, and the community. Brother Bob was willing to suffer for righteousness sake and proved by his walk and talk. He sanctified the Lord God in his heart and was ready always to give an answer to every man that asked him a reason of the hope that was within him. His body now rests from his earthly labors and his spirit is with God who gave it, awaiting the redemption of his body to be united with his spirit, ever to be with the Lord in heaven. Amen.

Norman Gowens,

Waco, Texas

cc: Banner of Love

cc: Mary L. Rash