INDIAN BOTTOM ASSOCIATION
Old Regular Baptist of Jesus Christ
Held With
Doty Creek Church
Jeremiah, Kentucky
September 2,3,4 1994

OBITUARIES

Provided by Peggy Mullins Brock

Back, Martha Whitaker-It is with much sadness that I attempt to write an obituary of my dear Mother. Martha Whitaker Back entered eternal life on Friday, October 1, 1993, at 12:20 A.M. at the Whitesburg Appalachian Regional Hospital. She was the daughter of the late Roy Whitaker, an Old Regular Baptist minister, and Hannie Belle Caudill Whitaker. She was born on Johnson Fork, at Premium, Ky., on January 7, 1917. On December 4, 1943 she married Willie Back, son of Joseph E. Back and Martha Dixon Back. Daddy was born on Spring Branch at Jeremiah, Ky. on April 15, 1913. Daddy preceded Mother in death on October 13, 1986.Surviving are: (1) two daughters, Barbara Gulp of Jeremiah, Ky. and Kathleen Crase of Hamilton, Ohio; (2) two sons-in-law, Roy Gulp and Arthur Crase; (3) three granddaughters, Pamela Kay Crase Turner (married to David Turner), Teresa Gail Crase, and Sheila Marie Crase, all of Hamilton, Ohio. Also surviving are: one brother, Danus Whitaker of Premium, Ky; Three sisters, Grace Caudill of Louisville, Ky. Joy Watts of Premium, Ky., and Gloria Price of Shepherdsville, Ky. Besides her family she leaves many relatives and friends to mourn her passing. Two brothers Amon and Amos Whitaker and one sister, Mary Whitaker, preceded her in death. Her brother, Aaron Whitaker, joined them in eternal life on December 18, 1993.Mother was a loving and caring person who gave of herself for the welfare of others. She was a constant companion to Daddy during their 42 years of marriage. She was a wonderful mother to her children. She cared for us when she was barely able to go herself. Her favorite past-time she enjoyed was reading, quilting, and caring for her flowers. I could sense the emptiness in Mother's life after Daddy passed away. I feel that the Lord felt she had suffered enough in her lifetime and it was time for her to receive her rewards. Life is so lonely without Mother, but we realize that our loss is Heaven's gain. I recall a song she often sang, which I feel revealed her innermost thoughts and feelings.
Time is filled with great transition
Naught of earth unmoved can stand
Build your hopes on things eternal,
Hold to God's unchanging hand,
Trust in him who will not leave you,
Whatsoever years may bring
If by earthy friends forsaken,
Still more closely to him cling.

Brown, Hassie-With a sad and lonely heart I will attempt to write the obituary of my mother, Hassie Brown. She was born December 15, 1915 and deceased from this life February 16, 1994 being 78 years, 1 month and 27 days of age at the time of her passing. She was the daughter of the late John S. and Lina Caudill Hampton. She was married to Merlin Brown in 1933. To this union were born three children; two sons and one daughter. One son, Watson Merlin Brown, preceded them both in death. James Brown is living in Kalispell, Montana. Zella Browning lives at Letcher, Ky. Her husband, Merlin, also preceded her in death January 17, 1978. She is survived by the one son, one daughter, 8 grandchildren, 8 great grandchildren, 2 sisters: Maxie Ely of Ohio and Gypsy Row of South Caroline, also one brother, David D. Hampton of Jeremiah, Ky. Hassie joined the Old Regular Baptist Church in August 1974 and was baptized August 11, 1974. Her fellowship was at Doty Church. She was a loving mother and a faithful member of the Old Regular Baptist Church. She went to church as long as she was able to go and even when she was in the hospital, a week before her death, I could her singing the old beloved hymns before I entered her room. I believe Mom and Dad are both in Heaven where they have no more pain. She was my Mother and the best friend I ever had.  Written by her daughter, Zella Browning

Caudill, Mattie Jane (Dixon)-Psalms 4-8. I will both lay me down in peace, and sleep; for thou, Lord, only makest me dwell in safety. In humble prayer, we will try through God's mercy to compile this obituary at Mattie's request. Mattie Jane (Dixon) Caudill, a true sister who followed the ways of the Lord, left this earth October 17, 1993 making her stay here on earth 85 years, 8 months and 6 days. She was born one of 8 children to Joseph E. and Martha (Dixon) Cornett, Crown (Letcher County), Kentucky on February 12, 1908. Three siblings, mother and father preceded her in death. She leaves to mourn her loss her husband, Herbert, his children: Rudell Caudill, Nicholasville, KY; Roland Caudill, McDowell, Ky; Ralph Caudill, Lincoln Park, MI; Herbert Caudill, Jr., Lincoln Park, MI; Mary Ann Stewart, Terre Haute, IN; Bill Caudill, Vicco, KY; Hassel Caudill, Nicholasville, KY; Sue Carol Adkins, Lexington, KY; two brothers, Venters Cornett, Whitesburg, KY, and Verlon Cornett, Marysville, Tennessee; and two sisters: Ellene Whitaker, Crown, KY, and Emma Ison, Linefork, KY; and a host of family and friends. In 1927, Mattie met and married Willie J. (Bill) Dixon. Bill passed this life in February, 1969. On January 2, 1971, Mattie married Herbert Caudill and they were blessed to spend 22 years of happiness together. Mattie found her need of salvation, and in 1948, she joined the Sandlick Church of Old Regular Baptist. She was baptized by Elders Archie Craft and Curtis Caudill. She spent her time here on earth serving God in humbleness and meekness and had been a member of the Old Regular Baptist for 45 years. After marrying Herbert, she moved her membership to the Doty Creek Church so that she and Herbert could serve God together. Having spent most of her life in Letcher County, Mattie was acquainted with many people. Herbert's children were always received with love and open arms as if they were her own. Mattie's table was always full of food for those who came by. This mild and lovely sister has finished out her life here on earth and she is at rest in peace under the altar of God awaiting that great day of redemption. Sleep on in the arc of safety for we will meet again in that land. To those left behind, peace is in the Lord and Heaven will hold all who serve Him here below. Our hope is in Christ. Written by your humble servants, Bro. Ralph and Sis. Leona Caudill For Aunt Mattie Always ready to take another Under her wing, feeding body and soul, Never expecting an earthly reward, These children not her own were many. More than her words her Actions spoke for who she was. Those who knew her Thought they were privileged In her presence, recognizing her love as Everybody's Mother, companion, sister, aunt, friend.
20 October 1993  Written by Terry Cornett  Mattie's Nephew

Caudill, Harvey -son of the late Salmon Caudill and Polly Ann Caudill, was born in Letcher County, Kentucky, February 28, 1918. He entered eternal life Friday, July 1, 1994 at the U.K. Medical Center in Lexington, Ky. Making his stay on earth 76 years, 4 months and 3 days. He is survived by his wife, Alvie Caudill of Isom, Kentucky. Two daughters; Betty Fields and Norma Amburgey both of Isom, Ky. One son Dannie Caudill of Red Fox, Ky. One brother Les Caudill of Ulvah, Ky; two sisters Ellen Fields of Ulvah, Ky. and Margaret Bowling of Jeremiah, Ky. Also surviving are 7 grandchildren, 2 great grandchildren and a host of other relatives and friends to mourn his passing. He joined the Little Home Church May, 1953. He was a faithful member Deacon for 27 years. We miss him very much. We feel another seat is full in Heaven. Children and all prepare to live in Heaven where no dying will ever be.   By: L.E. Williams

Westerfield, Billy-With a sad and lonely heart I will try to write the obituary of my dear husband. He was born on April 28, 1939 making his stay here on earth 54 years. He passed away September 6, 1993. He was the son of Bertha Napier Westerfield and the late Donald Westerfield. At the age of 27 he met and married Doris Faye Back. To this union was born three children. Two are still living. On January 5, 1970 death took our two year old daughter Sabrina. Our children that are still living are a son Eric Dwayne Westerfield of Frankfort, Ky. and a daughter Heather Lynn Jent of Frankfort, Ky. He was a member of the Southern Baptist Stoney Fork Church on Leatherwood. But he liked to go to church with me, to the Old Regular Baptist. He loved his family so much. But he loved his Lord more. I believe he is resting in a better place. He said about a week or so before he passed away if he could have his health back he wouldn't exchange it for what he had with the Lord. He got so sick with cancer he prayed to die. The children and I love and miss him so much. But God loved him more. So children make Daddy's God your God.
Written by a heartbroken Wife, Doris Westerfield

Whitaker, Elder Aaron, Sr.-It is with a sad heart I will try to write an obituary of my Dad, Elder Aaron Whitaker, Sr. He was the son of Elder Roy Whitaker and Nannie Bell Caudill Whitaker. He was born September 28, 1914. Passed away on December 18, 1993. Being 79 years 2 months and 20 days of age. He was a member of the Doty Creek Church of Old Regular Baptist. He always believed in the old time way. Early in life he met and married Delpha Caudill Whitaker who survives him. They were blessed to be together for over 59 years. They were also blessed with eight children who all survive. They are Elizabeth Price of Shepherdsville, KY; Maxine Blair of Jeremiah, Ky; Maisie Adams of Louisville, KY; Haston Whitaker of Shepherdsville, KY; Hansford Whitaker of Louisville, KY; Harvey Whitaker of Louisville, KY; Janet Caudill of Jeremiah, KY and Aaron Whitaker, Jr. of New Carlisle, Ohio. He is also survived by 15 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren. He always wanted to see his children go to church, but most of all he wanted to see them repent and be born again. He was blessed to see four of his children in the Old Church. He loved the Old Church, so by the life he lived here on earth we believe he is resting from his labor. Asleep awaiting for the morning of our Lord.
Written by his son and a brother in the Lord. Elder Haston Whitaker