Sister Elvie Borden Brother Earl Buford Brother Jack Lankford Sister Xenia Williams Clifford and Orpha Herell Mabel Spurlock Ella Whitmore Bennie Green Sister Leona Tucker Verdie Edwards
On Friday, August 2, 2002, it pleased God to take from this earth a precious sister in Christ, mother, wife, and friend, Elvie Borden. She was 83 years old.
Elvie was born at Mullins, Texas on November 13, 1918 and was a faithful member of the Primitive Baptist Church. She joined the Little Primitive Baptist Church in recent years.
Our prayer is that her family and friends will be reconciled to her passing into eternity.
Elder Ernest Inman
On June 14, 2002, Brother Earl Buford was called from this life. Services were held June 19, 2002 at Rose-Neath Funeral Home, Bossier City, La. and burial in Hill Crest Memorial Cemetery, Bossier City, La. to await the resurrection. Survivors are his wife, Betty, two sons, a daughter, one step-son, two sisters and a brother; ten grandchildren, eight great grandchildren, and three great-great-grandchildren.
Brother Earl had been a member of Temple Primitive Baptist Church, Shreveport, La. since Sept. 08, 1985. He was ordained a deacon on January 30, 1988, and served that office well until failing health prevented him from attending services.
Brother Earl loved the Lord, the church, and enjoyed discussing the scriptures. He had a soft spoken demeanor and it was brought to our attention during the funeral service that he had much love for family and was an inspiration to many. A gracious God allowed him to live 96 1/2 years.
We thank God for allowing Brother Buford to serve us here at Temple Primitive Baptist Church and for the fellowship we enjoyed with him during those years.
Written by order of the church this eighteenth day of August, 2002, with copies to be placed on file in the Church records and published in the Primitive Baptist papers and provided to members of the Buford family.
A Brother in Christ,
Benny R. Miers
BROTHER JACK FRANKLIN LANKFORD
Brother Jack Franklin Lankford of Weatherford, Texas passed away at his home on Feb. 5, 2002. He was born July 15, 1909, making him 92 years of age. Brother Jack married Sister Alta Guthrie on Oct. 13, 1933 and enjoyed 68 years of marriage.
He was preceded in death by a grandson, Danny Arnwine, in 1998.
Brother Jack joined our church Feb. 11, 1996, at the age of 86. He was a faithful member and an inspiration to all of us. He entered the door every Sunday with a big smile on his face and something wonderful to say. We sure miss that sweet smile.
He is survived by his wife, Alta, daughter, Shirley Sue and husband, Bill Arnwine of Lubbock; daughter, Helen Faye of Weatherford, son, Roy Wendell Lankford and wife, Mary of Arlington; son, Bobby Ray Lankford of Weatherford, half-sisters, Katherine Mason, Polly Melton, and Annie Jo Gilbert, all of Vernon; half-sister, Oletta Nash of Madera, CA., sisters-in-law Helen Harper of Arlington and Ira Nell McBryde of Azle; 15 grandchildren, 30 great-grandchildren and four great-great-grandchildren.
Jack was truly a gift from God to our Church with his sweet smile and gentle way. He is greatly missed. We would like to extend our humble apologies to the family and many friends for the tardiness of this writing.
Mt. Zion Primitive Baptist Church Fort Worth, Texas
Elder Barry Brown, Pastor
Gary Walker, Church Clerk
"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. Sister Xenia was born January 31, 1911 in Callahan, TX and passed away April 7, 2001 in Conroe, Texas, where she 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, TX and her son, Lewis M. Williams and wife, Jamelle, of Montgomery, TX. She also leaves behind five grandchildren, eight great-grand children, and two great-great-grandchildren.
A graveside service was held on April 11 at Fairview Cemetery in Midland with Elder Troy Barrington officiating. She was laid to rest by her husband, Robert R. Williams, to await the coming of our Lord. "Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God."
This resolution was written at the request of the Midland Church while in conference on April 8, 2001. A copy will be sent to the family, The Banner of Love, and copy kept for our church records.
Committee: Sisters Wilma Barrington, Thommie Crawford, Irene Parr, Martha Barrington
CLIFFORD AND MUTT [ORPHA] HERELL
We, the members of Bethlehem Primitive Baptist Church of Purcell, OK mourn the loss of our brother and sister in Christ, Brother Clifford and Sister Mutt Herell. Passing through the portals of death less than three weeks of each other. Aunt Mutt, as she was to this writer, joined our Savior in Spirit on November 8, 2001 at the age of 87, and Uncle Clifford on November 25, at 92. Both were faithful members of our church who loved the Lord and his children.
Aunt Mutt was born Orpha Elizabeth Newman on January 30, 1914, in Blue Mountain, Arkansas. Her parents were Elder Jerry McKinley Newman and Celia Sefronia [West] Newman. She was the sister of our late pastor, Elder Jerry Ewell Newman. She was preceded in death by her parents, three brothers, Rubin, Lowell and Elder Jerry and one sister, Faithe Mae Newman.
Uncle Clifford was born Clifford James Herell on February 6, 1909 in Cornish, Okla. to Thomas Levi Downey [Dyke] and Penny E. Fore Herell. He was preceded in death by his parents and three brothers. Thomas, Daniel and Harry Herell.
Uncle Clifford and Aunt Mutt were married in Purcell Okla. on Feb. 27, 1932. In 1947 they moved to make their home in Pauls Valley. They lived as husband and wife just short of 70 years. Uncle Clifford was an appliance repairman, while Aunt Mutt was a housewife and loved gardening, crafts and cooking. We especially remember her wonderful homemade apple and chess pies, which she brought to Church each Sunday for as long as she was able. Both were loving parents, grandparents, great-grandparents, neighbors, and church members.
They are survived by one son, Donald Dean Herell and his wife, Audrey of Ardmore, OK; one daughter, Linda Jane [Herell] Hayes and husband Darrell of Pauls Valley; four grandsons: Jerry Don Herell and wife, Genna of Ardomore, Kevin Hayes and wife Stephanie of Chickasha, Brian James Herell and his wife Kim of Ardmore, and Carey Dyke Hayes and wife Melanie of Norman; one granddaughter, Kelly Aaron and her husband, Paul of Sulphur; eleven grandchildren, Jerry, Joe, Jordan and Jamison Herell of Ardmore; Jeremy and Josh Wilkins of Sulphur; Kaila Hayes, Logan Sneed and Kaleb Sneed of Chickasha and Dixie and Blaine Bailey of Ardmore; one sister, Velma Chapman of Sulphur; two sisters-in-law, Faye Newman of Duncan and Abby Herell of Purcell; and nieces and nephews, along a host of loving relatives and friends.
Jesus said, "Blessed are they that mourn for they shall be comforted." Clifford and Mutt trusted in the Lord and were ready to go home for some time. Certainly, Clifford was ready once he lost his bride of so many years.
God's creation of the institution of marriage is a beautiful image of His church. Just as a man and woman are joined together in holy matrimony-becoming "one flesh"-so it is spiritually, as we grow in Christ. Clifford and Matt are together again in Heaven in the spiritual state-not as husband and wife as on this earth-but in a greater state of love. They are in the presence of the Lord. No longer are they bound with the afflictions of this life. Even while their awareness of the present dimmed, their memory of the scriptures and their joy in the Lord strengthened. And, they are now in a position of great joy and light in His loving presence.
Though, the weariness of mourning be great, let us thank God for the sweet memories of Clifford and Mutt in the time God blessed them on earth and in our lives. We look forward to that day when we too will end this pilgrimage and go home to be forever with the Lord.
Approved while in conference this 10th day of Feb. 2002.
Elder Mike Hughes, Pastor
Brother Jerry Winchester, Clerk
Committee:; Marilyn Hughes, Ranae Hamilton, Dean Lawson
Though saddened in our hearts, we bow in humble submission to the will of our Heavenly Father in the passing of our dear sister, Mabel Beck Spurlock.
Sister Spurlock was born Sept. 7, 1905 in Marshfield, MO to George and Freda Beck, and passed from this life January 10, 2002 in a Texarkana, TX nursing facility. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, Clarence Spurlock, two brothers, three half-brothers, two sisters, three half-sisters. She is survived by step-son, Charles Spurlock, step-daughter, Peggy Casey, brother, Pierce Beck and sister, Alice Brown, and a number of other relatives.
Graveside services were held at Woodlawn Cemetery in Texarkana, TX with Rev. Gene Lindsey officiating. Sister Spurlock mentioned to Elder Baker that she was a Primitive Baptist
since she was a child, but thought she couldn't be a member because her husband had been divorced. She offered herself for membership at Indian Oaks Primitive Baptist Church on January 7, 1996 and was happily received.
We will remember this dear sister for her love for the church and the cause of Christ. We felt her prayers even after she moved to Texarkana to live close to her family. We miss our dear sister, but find comfort knowing she is with our Savior.
Be it resolved that this resolution of respect be recorded in the church records, a copy sent to the family and a copy sent to the Banner of Love for publication.
Elder Larry Webb
Sister Carole Webb
Elder Frank Baker
The Beulah Primitive Baptist Church of Midland, Texas bows in humble submission to the will of our Heavenly Father as we bid farewell to Ella. She was born October 1, 1916 in Jarrell, TX to William Pleasant Smith and Lula Mae Rutledge. Ella passed away at her home at the age of 84 years on August 31, 2001.
Ella was among twenty-two who joined the Church during the West Providence Association of 1961. She was baptized by Elder C. L. Casey.
She married David E. Whitmore in 1937. Their union was blessed with two children. Her husband passed away February 14, 1949. After the death of her husband, Ella's labor had just begun. She was a very young mother with two small children.
She worked hard; no task was too heavy. She kept pressing on. Through the grace of God, with the help of her parents, she raised two wonderful daughters. She taught them right from wrong and she leaves a legacy of love for her children to cherish.
Her children arise up and called her blessed [Proverbs 31:28]. Blessed are they that mourn for they shall be comforted, [Matthews 5:4].
Survivors are two daughters, Jeanne Pardue, and husband Howell, Linda Fussell and husband, Joe; four grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren, two sisters, Irene Parr and Lorene Harris.
Funeral services were held Sept. 4, 2001 at the Ellis Funeral Home Chapel with Elder Troy Barrington officiating. Burial followed at Fairview Cemetery in Midland. Pallbearers were: Ric Baccus, Greg Golden, Glen Pardue, Dwaine Rayford, Joby Fussell, and Charles Schoolcraft.
Written by request of the Church while in conference, Sept. 9, 2001.
Thomasine Crawford, Sarah Barrington, Irene Parr.
The Midland Primitive Baptist Church mourns the passing of our dear brother in Christ, Bennie Joe Green. Ben, as we called him was a member of our church body for a short time. His attendance was hindered by his health struggles, but we were still able to get close to him during his last months on his earth. We found Ben to be an honest, caring person that you could always count on to be interested in the welfare of others. Our members have enriched through knowing him. Even the young ones knew who Ben was and prayed for him often. Little Jonathan Barrington, age 4, always reminded his family to pray for Brother Ben at meal time.
We now rejoice with Brother Brother Ben, knowing that he is experiencing joy which is indescribable. He is free from all pain and sickness, and is satisfied in his new estate, enjoying never-ending fellowship with his Savior, our Lord Jesus Christ.
Brother Ben touched many lives during his 63 years on earth, and we are thankful that he could spend the final part with us.
We pray that our Lord will comfort Ben's family, and lead them to emulate Ben's example of love and compassion.
Written July 2001 at the request of Midland Primitive Baptist Church by brethren who loved him.
Elder Troy Barrington
Brother Dennis Walker
Our beloved sister, Leona Tucker, has gone to be with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Sister Leona was a faithful member of Bethlehem Primitive Baptist Church in Purcell, OK. Sister Tucker was born on December 8, 1904 to Thomas and Nora Turner in Hughes County, OK. She died at the age of 97 on December 25, 2001 in Ardmore, OK Sister Leona was raised on the LeMay, Dustin, and Horntown areas and attended school there. In the early 1920's the family moved to Purcell.
There she met and married W. C. "Bud" Tucker in 1933. They lived in the Purcell and Wayne area until 1971 when they moved to Davis. After Bud's death in 1989, Sister Leona moved to Ardmore to live near her daughters. She was a devoted wife and mother and a precious Mema to her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Sister Leona was preceded in death by her husband, two sons and two daughters. She is survived by her daughters, Doris Vernon of
Davis and Lois Holbrook of Ardmore, and sons, Vernon and Loyd of Purcell and Buddy of Davis. Sister Leona had 19 grandchildren and 25 great-grandchildren.
Sister Leona was an 86 year member of our Church in Purcell and was the last remaining member from the constitution of our Church. Sister Tucker was faithful to attend, and when she was to be absent, she always called a member and sent her love and prayers to the Church. This pattern continued after she became aged and infirm. When one visited with her in latter years, her eyes just sparkled as she spoke of her love for the Church and its importance in her life. Her sense of humor made her a delight to all who visited her.
Bethlehem Church bows in humble submission to the will of our Lord, knowing she is basking in the presence of her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. We long for the resurrection when we'll see her again.
Thru' Christ,
Bethlehem Primitive Baptist Church
Elder Mike Hughes, Pastor
Committee:
Marilyn and Rachel Hughes
Maude and Karen Winchester
We, the members of Bethlehem Primitive Baptist Church of Purcell, OK mourn the loss of our dear friend and sister in Christ, Verdie Ocean Edwards. She stepped through the portal of death and her spirit arose to be with our Lord and Savior on Sept. 20, 2000, at the age of 94. Sister Verdie was a faithful church member, a preacher's wife, and one who loved the Lord's Church and her own sweet family.
She was born on February 9, 1906 in Mt. Ida, Arkansas. Her parents, Andrew and Mittie Colter, moved to Arkansas in a covered wagon from Northwest Georgia in 1870. The youngest child of six, she was the last of her siblings to leave this earthly home.
Living in Arkansas until the age of 12, she moved to Oklahoma in 1918 with her family and later to New Mexico where she met and married Johnie Dewitt Edwards in 1925. The couple was blessed with six children before moving to Arkansas where their youngest child, our own dear Brother Bill Edwards was born. In 1948 the family moved to Lexington, OK, where she was living at the time of her death.
Her husband was ordained as a minister of he gospel and served as co-pastor, along with the late Elder Floyd West, of the Little Vine Primitive Baptist Church in Elmore City, OK. He preceded her in death in January 1964.
Sister Verdie was a faithful and beloved member of the Purcell Church. A lovely, petite lady, she was a strong and upright example to her church members and her large family. She always preferred to be in the service of the Lord and she loved to hear the songs of Zion. She also liked to sew, crochet, garden, and write poetry. The theme of her writings was always the Lord-His will, His guidance, His sufferings, the beauty of His creation, His church, and a longing to go home to Him and to be released from the pains and sorrows of this life. A wonderful example of her sweet spirit is found in the following poem written by her on May 19, 1986.
"Where He Leads me"
I do not question where He leads me
I only wish to follow
His path is oh, so steep and straight
There is both joy and sorrow
At times there is sadness along my way
But roses bloom there too
There are cloudy and lonely days
And skies are sometimes blue
My heart can’t always wear a smile
On this side of life’s river -
But promises He will always keep
He has said “I’ll leave you never”
Though steep is the road I follow today
His footprints and time Will show me the way
Many have traveled along this road
And carried a very much heavier load.
If my faith and my trust,
Remain steadfast and strong
God will guide and protect me
As I journey along
Dear God help me not to waiver
As I journey along
Give me hope, strength and Courage
And faith to lean on
In addition to her parents and husband, Sister Verdie was preceded in death by one son, Leon Edwards; three sisters, Bertie McKinny, Lillie Barton and Edna Elizabeth Colter; two brothers, Robert and Carl Colter; one granddaughter, one grandson and one great grandson.
She is survived by two daughters, Winona Edwards of Dallas, TX and Arveda Rollins and husband, John of Washington, OK; four sons, Olvis Edwards and wife Donelda of Lexington, OK, Edwin Edwards and wife Marilyn of Georgetown, TX, Troyce Edwards and wife, Bell of Purcell, OK, and Bill Edwards and wife Ruth Ann of Oklahoma City, OK; one sister, Ruby Colter of Arkansas, and 29 grandchildren, 42 great-grandchildren and five great-great-grandchildren, along with many other loving relatives and friends.
We know that Sister Verdie is now basking in the light of our dear Savior, and we look forward to the day when we too, will end this pilgrimage and go home to be forever with the Lord.
Elder Mike Hughes, Pastor
Br. Jerry Winchester, C.C.