INDIAN BOTTOM ASSOCIATION
Old Regular Baptist of Jesus Christ
Held With
Indian Bottom Church
Blackey, Kentucky
September 4,5,6 1981

OBITUARIES

gloria marcum

Adams, Phoebe Jane Proffitt-Our mother was born April 25, 1892, in Clay County, Kentucky, the fourth of ten children of Jesse and Mary Ellen Smith Profitt. When she was around five years old she came to Democrat, Letcher County, Kentucky. There she grew up a beautiful young lady, for she was a lady, always very loving to her brothers and sister. Her mother became ill when she was a child of nine. She took over the household chores. Her mother died when she was around 15 years old, and being the oldest girl she took over managing the household chores of the then ten children, including a baby brother, Conley, about two years old. At the age of 19, June 11, 1911, she married Rannel Adams, moved across the hill to Omaha, Knott County, Kentucky, where they built their own home. There their seven children were born, one died in infancy, six are still living. Mabel Kiser, Shelby County, Ky; Tilda Mae Bowen, Carr Creek, Ky.; Elbert Adams, Winchester, Kentucky; Edward Adams, Milan, Indiana, Malvia Lee Kiser, Jeffersonville, Kentucky; and Iva Leen Kaiser of Berkley, Michigan. The autumn our father died, September 1944, the children scattered in far away places, but our mother was a common bond which always held them together, for home was where Mother was. She joined the Mallet Fork Church, over forty years ago, and always filled her seat as long as she was able. After our father died she spent many lonely hours, but seemed to live only for her children. She loved them all, but had a special place in her heart for her first born son, Elbert. She always wanted to be near him and his children. Our mother was a strong woman she had a clear cut idea of what was right and wrong and always did what she believed was right. She weathered many storms, and had some severe illnesses, but stood firm in her faith in God, and this faith has never wavered. We could write a book on the life of this good woman but with Solomon we say, "Precious in the sight of the Lord are the death of His saints." And to the children we say, "He heals the broken in heart and binds up their wounds." And wounds today are deep in the heart of the six children, 14 grandchildren, 24 great grandchildren, and one great, great grandchild, and the only surviving sister, Mrs. Louisa Collier and one brother, Joe Profitt both of Letcher County. Our mother lived a long and good life, even to the fifth generation, and on July 20, just a few months of 90 years, the tired heart ceased to beat and our mother fell asleep. But by the grace of God we shall meet again in that city that lies four square, and the city has no need of the sun, for God himself is the light of that city, where reigns forever love peace and contentment. We buried our mother, beside our father, who has been gone so long, in the old family cemetery at Colson, Letcher County, Kentucky. Her funeral was conducted in the Mallet Fork Church by Elders H. B. Reedy and Alonzo Watts. And we thank God for everyone who filled their seat at our Mother's funeral, many of whom were the children of friends of yesteryear, most of whom had long since gone the way of all the earth. But God is still God, full of mercy and truth, and by His great mercy we shall meet again on that great homecoming day. The Children.

Back, Rebecca Jane -daughter of Rachel Whitaker and James Caudill, was born at Premium, Kentucky, January 31, 1908, she passed from this life at the Bethesda Hospital, Cincinnati, Ohio after a very long illness September 3, 1981 being 73 years, 7 months and 2 days of age at her passing. Becky Jane as she was known to most all of us, attended the Old Regular Baptist Church. She was married to Corbett Fields, he preceded her in death, later in life she was married to Floyd Back, he preceded her in death. Becky is survived by 3 daughters: Dorothy Buskirk of Winchester, Ky., Juanita Fields of Norwood, Ohio; Willa Sue Amburgey of Roxana, Ky., son, Walter Lee Fields of Gary, Indiana; sisters: Maggie Fields of California; Alma Bryant of Franklin, Ohio; Lillian Amburgey of Premium; brothers; Alva Caudill of Jeremiah, Ky., Willie Caudill of Carcassonne, Ky., Herbert and Dempsey Caudill of Premium, Ky. Also surviving are 11 grandchildren, 3 great grandchildren and a large number of relatives and friends who mourn her passing.

Bentley, Ermil -On July 12, 1924, God brought sunshine in the home of Bill and Elizabeth Bentley in the form of a little baby. He grew to become a strong, loving man. On July 20, 1946, he was taken by the hand of a young lady by the name of Beulah Nickles to be unto her a devoted and faithful husband for the remainder of his life. God blessed them to share life's joys for thirty-four years. God entrusted unto their hands two sons, Doug and Alger; whom in return blessed their parents with three beautiful grandchildren. Ermil was a retired coal miner of seventeen years. His work life was cut short by his illness; undergoing open heart surgery twice with patience and tolerance and most of all acceptance without complaining. Ermil never officially became a member of the church but often told of accepting God several years before his death. To have the courage to face the pain of his illness, we feel certain he must have been a child of God. Besides his wife and boys, Ermil is survived by his mother, Elizabeth Bentley Stamper; two brothers, Cecil and Ray Stamper; and one sister, Avenell Hanshaw. On August 17, 1980, God said my child you have suffered enough and sent his angels to bring him home.
The Family

Blair, Sarah Melton-Its with a sad heart and much unworthy feelings, I will try to write a short sketch of the life of a dear sister in the Lord to wit Sarah Melton Blair. She was the daughter of the late Willie and Polly France Coots. She was born January 15, 1881; making her stay on earth 100 years, 2 months and 29 days of age at the time of her passing. She was married to Hiram Melton and to them seven children was born. Five daughters and two sons. Uncle Hiram and one son died leaving her a widow. She later met and married Preston Blair who also died leaving her again a lonely widow. And by the help of God she raised them all to woman- and manhood. Sister Sarah joined the Doty Creek Church of Old Regular Baptist in 1942 and attended as long as she was able to get there. After she got too feeble to attend, she would often call for the Elders of the Church to hold services for her which she enjoyed so much. She would often praise her God although she would have to be held up. She was loved by everybody. She hung her light in the window where all could see it. She was an old time Baptist and tier life here on earth proved it to all that came in contact with her. I would like to say to her children and grandchildren if you ever want to go where Mother and Gran mother's gone, you will have to quit the field o sin and be clothed with the imputed righteousness of Jesus Christ. I feel like some of her children are already try to walk in Mother's footsteps, if not all. So t the grandchildren remember the counsel Grandmother gave you and try to meet her where parting will no more. The Coty Creek Church has lost a good strong member and those children and grandchildren, a sweet Mo and Grandmother but I feel our loss here is her eternal gain. Written by a Brother in Hope of Eternal Life-H. B. Whitaker

Everidge, Finley Archie-I will try to write about our son, Finley Archie Everidge. He was born August 9, 1957 and died September 20, 1978 making his stay here on earth, 21 years, 1 month and 11 days. Archie was married to Barbara Ann Cahleman on December 27, 1977. There was no children. Archie was a sickly boy. From birth he had asthma. I have stood over him when he had those attacks and think he wasn't going to make it, but the power of God would pull him through. I have heard him call on the Lord to have mercy on him and help him. Archie was a likable boy with lots of friends. He used to go to church with us when smaller and would always talk about what good meetings we had. He would always tell his wife when he felt like going to church he would go to the Regular Baptist where he could hear some real preaching. Sometimes we could hear him singing and humming the old songs of Zion and it sounded so good. Sometimes he would pick up a song book and ask me to sing with him. He had a few favorite songs he liked to sing. One night we thought he was in bed so I went to the living room to turn out the lights. He was sitting there reading the Bible so I just slipped back to our room. About two weeks before his death, he got up one morning and said he had an awful dream. He never told us what it was about, but after that dream we could see a big change in him. He seemed to be worried about something. I believe he was warned that something was going to happen. When his accident happened we heard it and I began to run. When I got to the door, he was falling. He clasped his hands and fell down on his knees looking up toward Heaven. Then he fell over. I can see that happening as though it were yesterday. We all miss him so much because he was a precious jewel of our lives. Though we loved him, God loved him more. Sometimes I don't think I can go on but something says press on. His wife, Barbara; four sisters - Berthie Caudill, Cynthia Caudill, Darlina Kay Hampton, Beatrice Short; three brothers - Jack, Bill and Delmas and Dad and Mom, Finley and Cora Everidge mourn his loss along with nephews, nieces and friends. When Archie died, part of my life went with him. I feel like his soul is resting around the throne of God. I feel like some day I will meet him again. I am living my life just like he said he was living his - just one day at a time.- Written by his Mother -

Massey, Ken -was born September 21, 1907 and deceased: this life January 19, 1978. Making his stay hen on earth 71 years, two months and 29 days. Earl: life he met and married Sarah Jane Whitaker. To them nine children were born - five boys and four girls - Allen Massey, Houston, Texas; Patia Ratliff, Pikeville, Ky.; Bara Jo Childers, Pasadena, Texas; Lola Damron, Richmond, Virginia; Kenny Massey, Elkhorn City, Ky.; Jenny Rose, Michigan; Tommy Massey, Richmond, Virginia; Terry Massey, Pasadena, Texas; Benny Massey, Pasadena, Texas. Thirty-one grandchildren. Ken was a family man and a devoted husband, also a hard working man in his early life he worked in the coal mines where he contracted black lung and later he got cancer which took him from this life. But he saw the need for a better life, so he sought the good Lord and found his mercy precious to his never dying soul and he told his companion before he passed from this life he was ready to go. So I want to say to his children if you haven't made peace with God seek him while he may be found, repent of your sins, get a new birth in Christ and meet Dad in the glory world above for I believe with my whole heart that he is in that new city whose builder and maker is God and its not God's will that any should perish rather that all would come to him and be saved.  Your unworthy servant, H. B. Whitaker

Sturgill, Lona Caudill - was born February 1, 1908. She was the daughter of James W. and Polly Ann Caudill. She met and married Hobart Sturgill and to this union was born 6 children - two preceded her in death. Four to mourn her loss: Norma Sloce. Phyllis Owens, Kenneth Sturgill and Hubert Sturgill. She claimed hope in our Lord and Jesus Christ but never was able to be baptized. She deceased this life May 25, 1981 making her stay on this earth 73 years, 2 months and 25 days. We feel like she has gone to a better place where toils will be no more. Sadly missed by Husband and Children

Williams, Susana-With tears and a sad heart, I will try to write the obituary of my beloved mother, Susanna Williams. She was born February 3, 1891 - she passed away April 1, 1980. She lived to be 89 years, 1 month, 29 days old. She married John H. Williams in 1907 and to this union was born 13 children 8 boys and 5 girls. With many a hardship, she raised them all to be grown. Her husband and 6 sons preceded her in death. Left to mourn her passing are five daughters and two sons: Ollie Hays of Brinkley, Ky.; Gertie Adams of Clay City, Ky.; Shirley Williams of Brinkley, Ky.; Coralee Sparkman of Hazard, Ky.; Joyce Bates of Mallie, Ky.; Sidney Williams of Hindman, Ky.; Glen Harold Williams of Louisville, Ky. A large number of grandchildren, great grandchildren and great great-grandchildren, one sister, Virgie Adams of Garner, Ky.; also a large number of near and distant relations and many friends. She joined the Regular Baptist Church in her thirties. She lived a true and faithful member until her death. She suffered a stroke in December, 1979 and she stayed with me the last 5 or 6 weeks before she passed away. She didn't have much pain but was very uncomfortable. I believe she got homesick for heaven. She prayed and praised the Lord so much and begged to the Lord to come and get his children. She woke me up Tuesday morning at 3:00 A.M. and said Shirley, honey get up and let's talk. She said I have to die this morning. She said this room is full this morning. I asked full of what Momma. She said little angels. I asked her if she could see them. She said no but I feel them all around me. Tears were streaming from her eyes. She passed away easy about 4 hours later. I know we will miss her but she got homesick for heaven. With all my heart, I believe she is one of God's angels that she felt so close to her that Tuesday morning. I believe that she has gone to heaven and is now a beautiful rose resting around the throne of God, where no more strokes or sickness or death ever comes.
Written by her heartbroken daughter, Shirley Williams