Indian Bottom Association
 of Old Regular Baptist Of Jesus Christ
82nd. annual Session
Held with the Sandlick Church, Whitesburg, Ky
Sept 2,3,4,1977

OBITUARIES

Submitted by Alta Tidwell

Adams, Marlie Ison-With a sad heart but many sweet memories we will try to write the obituary of our beloved Mother. Mother was born Marlie Ison, to Moses Ison and Polly Ann (Hogg) Ison on February 5, 1906. On July 8, 1922 Mother was united in marriage to Dad, William Riley Adams. To this union was born 4 sons: Ray, Taylor, Michigan; Gay, Monroe, Michigan; Paul, Lexington, Ky.; Dean, Cumberland, Ky., 2 daughters - Doris Ann, Cumberland, Ky.; Rose Burnell, Richmond, Kentucky. Dad preceded her in death on July 19, 1952.In 1950 Mother was baptized into the Old Regular Baptist Church where she lived for the rest of her life. Most of this time her membership was in the Little Dry Fork Church, a church she loved dearly. During all the church troubles, she never thought of moving. She felt God had placed her lure, to her that was home. So at her request, her body was kept there where her funeral was preached by some of the ministers she loved dearly. We feel that for 26 years Mother preached her funeral by her walks and her talks in life. Mother talked of heaven and heavenly things to all of us children enough to save all of us had that been possible. On November 27, 1976, at Richmond, Kentucky God saw fit to call Mother home. Mother suffered a lot of pain during her sickness, but during her last few hours of life the pain seemed to leave her. We, the children feel that Mother is gone to a country where there will be no suffering, no pain, no cancer can enter there. We feel she is resting from her labors under the altar of God awaiting that bright day when God will say "Come and inherit the kingdom I have prepared for you and all the children of God." We thank God for giving us such a wonderful Mother and that He blessed her to live those 70 years. We know that God, through Mother's prayers has blessed us all in many ways. He's blessed us with good health, He's directed our steering wheels all those thousands of miles to and from home, and above all He's still giving us space and time to travel the road that Mother traveled. Now Mother's gone but her sweet memory will always remain in our minds and in our hearts. But Mother can't send up a prayer in our behalf anymore. So we would like to ask the children of God. When God will bless you, remember us in your prayers, we need that. Mother told us shortly before she died that she wished she could live to see her children turn. We hope that some day we can make Mother's God our God. We hope to some day meet her again at that family reunion up there, where all will be peace, joy, and happiness. Written in Loving Memory By Mother's Children

Amburgey, Ida (Maddin) - born June 28, 1899 passed from this life June 9, 1977. Making her stay on earth 77 years 11 months and 11 days. She was the daughter of Jack and Elizabeth Maddin, who preceded her in death. She also had six sisters and four brothers who preceded her in death. She was married to Newton Amburgey, who also preceded her in death. To this marriage was born five children of which four preceded her in death. One daughter, Norma Jean West of Dayton, Ohio remains to mourn her death. She has six grandchildren and four great grandchildren and a whole host of friends and relatives to mourn her loss. Ida belonged to the Old Regular Baptist Church approximately 50 years. Her fellowship was with the Little Home Church, Red Fox, Kentucky. She loved her church and attended whenever she could. She passed away at the home of her daughter in Dayton, Ohio. We will miss her very much and our loss is great, but we believe her soul is at rest with God and His Son Jesus. Written by the Family (This is written by Cora Amburgey for Lou Ellean Hagans - August 5, 1977).

Back, Lona-I will try with a lonely aching heart to write the obituary of my dear wife. She was the daughter of James H. and Sarah Adams. She was born April 22, 1918 and departed from this world March 6, 1976 at the Whitesburg Appalachian Regional Hospital. Making her stay here on earth 57 years, 10 months and 17 days. We met in the year of 1938 and was married April 29, 1939. To our union was born six children two preceded her in death. Our children were Margarett Ann Maggard, Lucy Earlyne Maggard, James David and Tobby Richard Back all of Eolia, Kentucky. We also had five grandchildren at her death. Oh, how we miss her. At her death in 1976 she had one brother living, Henry Adams of Tampa Florida. Elmer, Delmer, Johnny and Dallas Adams who preceded her in death. She was survived by five sisters, Cora Stallard, Louisa Cantrell, Cinda Sowards of Pound, Virginia; Jane Dollarhyde of Centralia, Washington and also Alta Hampton of Dongola, Ky. Lona's sister Louisa has died since Lona passed on. She died April 26, 1977.In April, 1952 Lona joined the Indian Bottom Regular Baptist Church and was baptized in May of 1952. She told a wonderful experience and was a Christian for 24 years. She sure was a believer in the Lord. She attended church as long as she was able. Written by her lonesome husband, Jim Back

Back,  Virgie Hampton -was born August 17, 1910, deceased June 11, 1977. She was the daughter of Solomon and Dora Dixon Hampton. On August 24, 1935 she was married to Dawson D. Back. To this union was born four children, Dawson D. Back, Jr., Teddy Back, Don K. Back and Lois A. Caldwell. She is survived by her husband and four children and one brother, Lloyd Hampton, three sisters, Stella Collins, Essie Caudill and Edna Jean Hampton. Seven grandchildren and a host of friends and relatives. Virgie was a school teacher for many years in Letcher County and had many friends too numerous to I begin to mention. To know Virgie was to love her. She was a loving, kind, companion, mother, neighbor and friend, and will be greatly missed by many. I was priviledged to visit with Virgie not many days before she passed on and it was an inspiration to talk to her. She told me of her stay in the hospital and how she looked and saw Jesus standing near her. She was trying so hard to touch him but He said not now. At his presence she was made satisfied in her soul that she had a home in Heaven. She said she had prayed for so long, but had not been made satisfied until he came to her there. She was rejoicing and could be heard by those present. Now Virgie has gone on to be under the altar of God, there to await the redemption of the Body. Gone from a world of trouble to a place of rest. Oh! how I trust that Dawson, her children, relatives and friends will gaze upon that one that brought Virgie sweet relief, that they too may find the Peace that she found and be able to say from their heart as Virgie said to me: Heaven is mine when this life is over. There could be many books written of the good things and deeds of Virgie, but now the book of life has been closed but the sweet and cherished memories will linger on in the Hearts of all that knew her. Let Us all strive to meet in Heaven where partings will be no more. May God Bless You All.
Written by a Dear Friend and Brother in Hope Clarence Dixon (As requested by her Husband, Dawson D. Back)

Bowen, Delzie-My beloved has gone down into his garden to the bed of spices to feed in the garden and gather lilies. Our beloved husband and Daddy has gone from our home and our embraces, but we believe he has gone where God walks in the cool of the day and soothes the brow of his children and wipes away all tears. Delzie Bowen was born October 22, 1899 to Joe and Alice Smith Bowen. He died January 29, 1977. Early in life he married Arminta Madden to them were born six daughters. After the death of his first wife he married Tilda Mae Morton who still survives him. He had two step daughters they loved him as a father and he loved them in return. We do not understand the ways of God for his ways are past finding out but he is good and does all things well. I Delzie was a member of the Old Regular Baptist Church for many years. His wife and children will see many lonesome hours and have many heartaches for we dearly loved him. Goodbye Delzie for a little while, I will see you again. We shall mourn the loss of you for weeping comes in the night and joy comes in the morning and we shall meet in that good land where no man can take our joy from us. Written by his wife and a sister in hope, Tilda Mae Bowen

Caudill, Annis Sturgill-It is with a sad and unworthy feeling that I begin to write the obituary of a beloved Sister in the Lord, Annis Caudill Sturgill. She was the youngest daughter of the late Jim and Polly Caudill. Born April 9, 1925. She entered eternity May 24, 1977 making her stay here in this time of life 52 years, one month and 15 days. Early in life she met, loved and married Elmer Sturgill. To this union was born one son, Terry who preceded her in death. Annis and Elmer were a devoted couple, though they saw much sorrow in the years they were together they always seemed to love each other deeply. Many years ago Sister Annis felt the need of a Saviour, and sought and found the Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ, in a free pardon and remission of her sins. She joined the Doty Creek Church of Old Regular Baptist and lived her profession as well as anyone I have ever known. Her greatest delight was in going to church and talking with people about the goodness of our Lord. She is survived by her husband Elmer, one brother, Tilden Caudill and six sisters, Betty Jane Caudill, Lona Sturgill, Dicy Caudill, Dosha Caudill, Dana Hensley and Stella Sturgill and a great host of nieces, nephews, friends and relatives. We will miss her very much for to know her was to love her. There is another empty seat in our church now. There is an aching void in our hearts, but our loss, though so very great, we believe is her eternal gain. So long Little Sister, for just a little while.  A Brother in Hope, Clifton Hampton

Caudill, Billie& Phebe - Billie was born February 10, 1882 and passed from this life August 21, 1959 making his stay on earth 77 years, 6 months and 11 days. Phebe Caudill was born April 3, 1886 and passed from this life February 5, 1961 making her stay on earth 74 years, 10 months and 2 days. Dad and Mother were married March 11, 1903 and to this union 11 children were born. Three preceded them in death. Those that were alive at the time of their passing were Mattie Whitaker, Hettie Witt, Monroe Caudill, Aria Caudill, Corbit Caudill, Cora Brown, Clyde Caudill and Bernis Lee Back. Mother joined the Indian Bottom Church of Regular Baptist in 1912 and came in the arm to the Doty Creek Church when it was established. Dad never did join any church but his faith and belief was in the Old Regular Baptist. He made his peace calling and election with Christ many years before his passing. We feel our loss is their eternal gain.  Monroe Caudill

Caudill, Dexter & Dixie -It is with a sad and lonely heart, I try to write an obituary of these two dear ones. Dixie Caudill was born March 14, 1914 and departed this life September 10, 1965. Making her stay here on earth 51 years, 5 months and 16 days. She was the daughter of Leander and Maryon Caudill. Early in life she felt the need of a Saviour. She sought the Lord and found him precious to her soul. A few years later she joined the Doty Creek Church and was a faithful and loving member until death. Dexter Caudill was born December 26, 1913 and passed away April 20, 1977. Being 63 years at his passing. He was the son of W.M. Caudill and Atha Caudill, his parents preceded him in death. Dexter and Dixie were married October 7, 1932 and to this union were born two sons - Dale Caudill Middlesboro, Kentucky and Bobbie Caudill, Ostrando, Ohio; two daughters - Lillie May Chapman, Ethel, West Virginia and Mary Ellen Blair, Jeremiah, Ky. I Three brothers, Carl Caudill of West Chester, Ohio, Earl Caudill, Bendon, West Virginia, Jr. Caudill of Hamilton, Ohio. Fifteen grandchildren,- three great grandchildren and many friends to mourn his passing. Dexter1s wife, Dixie preceded him in death 12 years ago and him being a very sick man from that time on lived a very sad and lonely life. He was in the tacky Rest Home a. few years before his passing. He would call often for me and some of the other Brothers to come to the home and have church for him. 1 went several times. Brother B. Whitaker, Clarence Dixon and myself went about three weeks before he passed away and had church for him and he seemed so happy and uplifted. Just a few days .later he grew worse and they took him to the Highland Hospital at Prestonsburg where he passed away. He told his daughter, Mary Ellen he was ready to go. He felt the Lord had pardoned his many sins. She stayed with him the most of the day of his passing. He would hold her hand and say hurry God and *I feel he was viewing his eternal happy home. For I don't feel anyone could say that if they weren't viewing that Glory land. He told the children he wanted his funeral just like their mother's. He wanted to be kept in the Doty Church one night and the same ones to preach his funeral - which were Clarence Dixon, B. Whitaker and myself and 1 feel proud of these children they carried the funeral out in every way to his request. So now dear children, if your Mother and Daddy could speak to you they would say, "don't weep for us, but rather weep for yourselves and make ready to meet us-in Heaven." Monroe Caudill

Caudill, Mary-I found out I was lost in Sin, and I began praying to God to forgive me. I prayed for so long. I almost give up, thought He wasn't going to hear my cries. I was lost. I began praying Oh God, hear my cries, save my Soul and let this body go. So, I went to bed that night giving God all my heart, won't you come to me and save me from that Burning Hell. Sometime that night I woke up praising God. He showed me the prettiest light I ever saw. It was so bright that I could have picked up a pen. Christ spoke to me and said come unto me for I am The Way. I still prayed to know more and more and I was placed in the Doty Church. I didn't join for some time. I still prayed for God to show me more, and he showed me with my two little babies and said to me they have to go back. You will remain here for a while longer. I'm still living in hope to see my love ones some day. So may God Bless you all to meet on that Bright Shining Shore Where we'll never part no more. We are all God's children if we are Regenerated and !Borned again. This was her own testimony. To know her was to love her. She let her light shine as God intended. Her life was a beacon to all who knew her. We feel our loss was Heaven's gain. Sister Mary joined the Doty Creek Church in 1937.
Handwritten by Mary Caudill Typed by her Granddaughter, Thelma Blair

Combs, Larceny Smith-I will now try to write the obituary of my dear mother, Larceny Combs who departed this world March 3, 1977 at the age of 85 years, 9 months and 17_days. She was born May 12, 1891, the daughter of Hirman and Nancy Ann Grisby Smith. Larceny was the oldest of 9 children and all of them preceded her in death. She was the mother of nine children. She left to survive her, her husband, Shiloh, 4 sons -Shevelery De Vaudrey, Shiloh Jr., Auston Clayton, and Levi P. Morton; 2 daughters - Hazel and Nancy Ann Fugate, 20 grandchildren, 24 great grandchildren and 1 great great grandchild. Larceny's husband was united with the Clear Creek Regular Baptist Church August 19, 1944 and she followed him January 17, 1946. Written by her son, Shevelery De Vaudrey Combs

Combs, Mary Bell -was born April 6, 1892 and passed from this life March 8, 1977, having lived 84 years, eleven months and two days. She leaves to mourn her passing 5 children: Lyda Little, Norman Combs, Verda Smith, Kirby Combs and Lloyd Combs. One brother Monroe and one sister Matilda. Twelve grandchildren, twenty great grandchildren, two great great grandchildren, and a host of relatives and friends. She has been in failing health for 10 years, but continued to be fairly active until about 6 months ago. She was in and out of the hospital both at Lexington and Whitesburg many times and received wonderful home care from her loving children. She loved to have them read the Bible to her and have prayer in her home. She welcomed everyone into her home with expressions of gratitude and urged them to come again often. The Lord suddenly called her on Tuesday and took her to be with Him in her heavenly home. The greatest contribution she ever made to her family was to be prepared for this call and thus point the way for them to follow. She made preparation by repenting of her sins and being born again into the family of God. She took fellowship into Old Carr Regular Baptist Church October 4, 1944, where she has been a member for 33 years. She is now realizing the promises that Jesus made in the Bible. "And Jesus said unto them, I am the bread of life: he that cometh to Me shall never hunger, and He that believeth on Me shall never thirst. Father, I will that they also, who thou hast given me, be with me where I am. I go to prepare a place for you ..... that where I am there ye may be also. Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints. I am the Way, the Truth and the Life ... Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. Come unto Me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. And let him that heareth come, and let him that is athirst come and whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely. We will miss our mother while here on earth we remain. But we feel our loss is heaven's gain.  Written by her daughter, Verda Smith

Fields, Bertha Watts - was born May 2, 1896. Departed this life March 7, 1977, making her stay on earth 80 years, nine months and twenty-six days. Mom was the daughter of Simeon and Aggie Watts. She was married to John H. Fields who preceded her in death April 13, 1970. To this union was born 12 children. Three sons preceded her in death; Leland, James and Bennie. Leaving to mourn a great loss is: Ova, Nora, Loren, Melvin, Daisy, Elmer, Simeon, Nettie and Aggie, forty-nine grandchildren, three brothers: Clifton, Ruby and Alonzo. Two sisters: Daisy and Mona, two stepsisters: Nora and Victoria; 1 stepbrother: Arthur and a great host of friends and relatives. Mom was baptized into the fellowship of the Old Regular Baptist Church April, 1936. She never seemed to tire of filling her seat at the Old Mallet Fork Church. Her every day life showed forth her love and concern for the church and her friends and neighbors as well. Mom was a great believer in dreams and visions. I heard her tell many times what she felt the Good Lord had shown her in this manner, in the stillness of the night. Mom had a part in that light which cannot be hid. Through her good works it shone forth and lighted a pathway for her children and all who knew her life. I could write on and on about this precious old Mother. I'm sure if you knew her life here in this world, her very life told it all more beautifully than I ever could. So I'll say to her children and all "if you want to live with Mother again and know the joys of that Heavenly Host that I feel Mom has gone to be with — repent of your sins and be born again and hold dear that broken heart and contrite spirit to which the Lord said he would look.
A broken hearted son and brother in that most precious hope, Melvin Fields

Hagins, Alvin- was born March 1, 1895 and deceased October 14, 1976, making his stay on earth 81 years, 7 months and 13 days. He was married to Artie Adams. To this union were born 10 children - 6 girls and 4 boys. Naomia Williams, Alma Christian, Red Fox, Ky.; Marjie Rucker, Christine Hagans, Ella Sue Williams, Dayton, Ohio; Alvin Jr., Hazard, Ky.; Raymond, Red Fox, Ky.; Joseph Daniel, Vynard, Dayton, Ohio. His wife, Artie, two daughters, father, mother and two sisters preceded him in death. In 1968 he was married to Lilla Adams who preceded him in death, leaving 9 stepchildren -Gorgie, Matrice, Rose, Dessie, Jessie, Dillard, Berlan, Wilborn, and Allen. Also surviving is one sister, Bertha Richmond, Red Fox, Ky., one brother, Tom Hagans, Red Fox, Ky., and a host of grandchildren and great grandchildren. He was a retired coal miner and member of the U.M.W.A. He was a veteran of World War I. He was a member of the Little Home Church for 47 years. A minister of the gospel 27 years and the moderator of Little Home Church 18 years. He served as assistant moderator at James Memorial Church and Maggie Memorial Church. He traveled far and near preaching salvation is of the Lord. He visited churches in Virginia, West Virginia, Ohio and Indiana. He loved the old time way in serving God. Besides his children he leaves to mourn brothers, sisters of the Little Home Church, friends, neighbors, nieces, nephews and brothers and sisters in our association. We feel he is gone to that land where sorrow cannot come. Written by, Elder Lovel E. Williams

Miles, Rosie Alice - born March 8, 1898 departed this life August 19, 1977 making her stay on this earth 79 years, 5 months, and 11 days at the time of her passing. She was the daughter of the late Henry and Susanna Day Sumpter. She was united in Holy Matrimony June 6, 1929 to Ballard Miles and to this union were born four children. Three sons - Leonard Thomas Younce, Jr., Harold Glen Miles and Kenneth Wayne Miles all of. Big Cowan. One daughter, Ivol Miles and one grand daughter, Theresa Lynn Halcomb, that they adopted and raised as their own. She had been a member of the Big Cowan Old Regular Baptist Church for the past 35 years. We feel that our loss is Heaven's gain. During her illness her greatest concern was the soul salvation of her family, which meant more to her than anything in this world. She is gone now but we feel that she has earned a much deserved reward of rest and peace. As the end came to a close for her she became so willing for the Lord's Perfect Will to be done. Our hope is that someday we will all meet again somewhere around God's great throne where she will have a perfect body that won't have to be helped around and perfect eyes that can visualize all of God's beautiful things that He has prepared for her on High. She leaves behind her loving husband Ballard, and her sons and daughters and fourteen grandchildren and nine great grandchildren to mourn her passing. She will be greatly missed by all of us who loved her and cared for her so dearly. She bore her sickness so patiently and surely there is a crown of righteousness laid up in Glory for our Darling Loved One. All Her Family Who Hopes To Meet Her In Heaven Ballard Miles and All the Entire Family

Patrick, Zola - passed from this life November 27, 1976 at the age of 68. We hope she passed on to a better world. She met and married Isaac Patrick and to this union was born 1 son, Teddy Wayne Patrick. She had six grandchildren. She was a member of the Clear Creek Regular Baptist Church for 40 years. She enjoyed having brothers and sisters come to see her and would greet them with a welcome smile and warm handshake. Dear husband, if you want to meet Sister Zola again, you must fall out with sin and go to the same God that Sister Zola went to. I believe our loss is Heaven's gain. Sister thou wast mild and lovely, Gentle as the summer breeze, Pleasant as the air of evening, As it floats among the trees.  Written by her Brother-in-law Martin B. Patrick