BETHEL ASSOCIATION OBITUARIES 1962

Anderson, Alice   It is with much sadness that I attempt to write an obituary of our beloved sister, Alice Anderson, born 1883 deceased 1960.  She was married to Elhue Anderson and to this union came no children. They adopted and raised one girl, Effa Anderson.  Sister Alice was raised by Andrew Hall, on Betty.  She was so close to Tive, Toffy, Johnny and Gilmer, and Penkie she seemed like a sister to them.  Sister Alice joined the Church in 1917 and lived a faithful member until death.  She leaves to mourn her passing, Elihue and Effie, the Hall Family, a host of friends and the Mr. Olive church.  We miss her, but we feel our loss is her eternal gain.  We feel her soul is resting under the altar of God; there waiting for the change, when the good Lord will call for her.  So to the family, live a god life and meet her in heaven. 

Bentley, Elbert F.  It is with a sad and broken heart that I will try to write the obituary of my kind and loving father Elbert F. Bentley.  He was born May 5, 1880 and departed this life July 24th, 1962 being 82 years, 2 months and 19 days old.  He was the son of the late Martin and Malinda Bentley. He was married to Sabrina Craft Aug. 11, 1899and to this union were born 14 children; 7 boys and 7 girls.  Three infant sons and oldest son Martin preceded him in death.  Also his precious wife deceased Jan. 1, 1956. Dad joined the Elizabeth Church of Old Regular Baptist in 1916 and was baptized by Elder N.W. Meade.  He was a faithful member till his death and was loved by all who knew him. On the 1st Saturday in April 1935 he was ordained to preach the gospel and went far and near throughout the mountains of KY and VA to carry this out. He would tell his children the reason he hated to die was he hated to leave us children.  He loved Mother and us children so much and we were all so happy with him.  Dad worked to raise us children and did the best he could by us.  God Blessed him with good health and strength most of his life.  Nothing pleased Daddy any more than going to Church and  have the good Brothers and Sisters to come in and have church in his home.  mother passed away 6 years ago and I know Dad saw many lonesome days but God was able and did comfort him.  I am thankful to god for blessing Dad to stay with us as long as he did.  But we still hated to give him up for his company meant so much to us children.  In his passing he leaves 2 brothers.  William and Otho and two sisters Jane Baker and Laura Bentley.  Ten children Ben, Enoch, Ellis, Tishis, Polly Ann, Callie, Malinda, Rachel, Percie and Viola, seventy seven grandchildren and over one hundred great grandchildren, one great-great-grandchild.  Also a host of other relations and friends to mourn his loss, but we feel our loss will be his gain.  Dad was n his right mind and talked to us children till his last breath.  He was in the Ministry for 26 years and I’m sure he will be missed by all the Churches around.  Dad would say all he had was hope, but he believed there was a Crown laid up for him in Heaven and not for him only but for all who love his Jesus’ coming.

Edwards, Lundy   It is with a sad and aching heart. I will try to write an obituary of our darling father, Lundy Edwards.  He was born Oct. 1, 1873, deceased this life, Feb 11, 1962, making his stay here on earth 89 years 4 months and 11 days.  He was married to Pricey James, and to this union born 13 children, 3 deceased 10 still living to mourn the loss of our dear father, Dora Charles, Gracey Turner, Pollie Puckett, Mimbill Parrigan, Kilby Edwards and Auty Edwards, all of Clinchco, Va.  Norma Lyons, Tilda Gilvert of Clintwood, VA, Lidie Edwards of Lexington, N.C. Sixty grandchildren, 45 great-grandchildren.  He never joined the Church, but was a strong believer in the Old Regular Baptist Church.  Before he took the stroke he would sit and read the Bible over, and over.  Before daddy died, he tried to tell us something, be we couldn’t’ understand him.  While he was dying he would reach his hand toward heaven, I believe he saw the Lord Coming, and reached his hand to meet him.  His wife preceded him in death 26 years, he never remarried.  He made his home with a daughter, Dora Charles, and stayed with her until his death.  We were all so good to Daddy, but the Lord called him.  It hurt us all to give Daddy up, but we feel our loss is his heavenly gain.  Children if we all want to see Daddy again, we must be good to one another and prepare to meet God, where we’ll see Daddy, and never be separated again.  Written by his broken-hearted daughter  Gracey Tuner and children

Mullins, Nickety   With a lonely heart, I will try to write the obituary of my mother-in-law, Nickety Mullins.  She was the daughter of Billy and Eliza Mullins.  Born in 1877, and deceased this life Nov. 13, 1961, making her stay her 84 years.  She was married to Patten Mullins, who preceded her in death 26 years ago, leaving her with their 10 children 8 boys: Steven, Charley, Rufus, Jess, Murdith, Jack and Columbus of Haysi, Kemp Mullins of Vansant, Virginia and 2 daughters:  Lou Emma Stevens and Martha Stanley.  Steven and Lou Emma preceded her in death.  She leaves 60 grandchildren.  Also 31 great-grandchildren to mourn her loss.  She was a member of he Mt. Olive Church for 24 years.  She always filled her seat when she was able to get there.  She loved the church, and she was one that believed in Salvation by Grace.  I think this world would be so much better if we had believers like her.  So many nights I have heard her call on Jesus, ask him to ease her pain, and be with us all.  She bore her sickness with patience.  She would say, “I’m so thankful I’m no worse than I am.  But we all must die I hope the Lord will be with me.”  And I do believe he was.  The night she died and was so sick, she would to seem to wake up and she kept raising her hands trying to tell us of a light, and I thought the light in the room was bothering her, so we switched it out.  No! she said and kept raising her hands up.  In a few short hours she was called to rest. I believe with all my heart her troubles have ceased and she is with her loved ones, who she so often talked about.  She always thought if her children were all right, she could make it somehow.  She had the joy of seeing 4 profess a Hope in Christ, and I want to say to them all in love from my heart. They must obey the” good Spirits” of God, and Trust in the Lord with thine heart, and lean no unto thine own understanding.  In all thy ways acknowledge him and he shall direct they paths.”  That a wonderful scripture in Proverbs Chapter 3 Verses 5-6, which I believe all Christians love, and I could write more, but I feel that she left a witness of the Hope she had among those who know her.  She stayed with me and Columbus since were married; my home was her home, and I miss her so much.  But I feel our loss is Heaven’s gain. Written by a daughter-in-law, Lillie Mae Mullins

Wright, Mary  And now I am left to trod the winepress alone.  This is now the life of Brother Joel Wright.  November 19, 1961, death entered into his home and ended many years of wonderful companionship, when it ceased the life of his devoted wife, Sister Mary.  Sister Mary was the daughter  of  J. C. and Nerva Reynolds.  She was born July 15, 1882, making her time in this life 79 years, 4 months, and 4 days.  In the 25th, years of her life on the 3rd day of January, 1907, she was united in marriage to Joel Wright, the son of Jon Wesley and Ellen Sanders Wright.  There were no children born to Uncle Joe and Aunt Mary, but this did not make their life lonesome, their love and devotion for each other made it full and colorful, though death took her from his arms and from his sight it couldn’t take this love he had for her.  Sister Mary did not fear death, for she knew this would be her mortal body it was comprehended by the eternal light of Jesus that had its abode on her Celestial body and her Faith and Hope that God gave her may years past grew more brighter and clearer as the last moments of her life grew closer.  First Sunday, April 1916, sister Mary made know her faith in god by giving her hand to the Brethren at the Pilgrims Best Church, to become a member with them. To answer her good conscience toward God and to fulfill the requirements of the church, she desired to baptized on the first Sunday, May, 1916,. She was baptized by elder A.L. Mercer into the full fellowship of the Church.  Her membership in her church was sincere and earnest and enjoyable.  To her it was a candle stick on which she could put her light that it could give light to all that were in the house, this was not only true in her home church but also in all the Churches she was blessed to attend.  On the second Saturday night in June 1940, her light was made more enjoyable, when Uncle Joel made known his profession to the Brethren at the Old Union church. She realized then that he was not only her companion in this life, but also her brother in hope.  To make full proof of his profession he was baptized the second Sunday, July 1940 by Elder Mahlon Burke.  Sister Mary left her devoted husband, two brothers: Billy Reynolds, Pound, VA; Colman Reynolds, Washington.  Three half sisters: Mrs. George Rogers, Lexington, Ky, Mrs. Manda Triplet, Washington, and Mrs. Aggie Potter, Oak Hill, Ohio.  With a host of Brothers and sisters in Christ, and a multitude of friends and relatives to mourn after her.  This eternal peace we feel sister Mary is enjoying now is free to all.  For God said, My arm is stretched out still, and My Mercy endureth forever
Written by a brother in hope Doward Webb