MUD RIVER ASSOCIATION
Old Regular Baptist of Jesus Christ
Providence Church
St. Albans, West Virginia
August 1947

OBITUARIES

Ball, Celia Hatfield Atkins-It is with a sad heart that I undertake to write a short sketch of the life of Celia Hatfield Atkins Ball. Born May 20, 1872. Died April 22, 1947. Age 74 years, 11 months and 2 days. She joined the Regular Baptist Church of Jesus Christ, (Sarah) July 7, 1885 and lived a faithful and devoted life until death. Aunt Celia as she was called by all who knew her was married twice, but both husbands preceded her in death. She leaves to mourn her departure an adopted daughter, two sisters and four brothers.
Written by a Sister in the Lord.

Miller, Overton R.-It is with a sad heart and an unworthy feeling that I try to write a short history of the life of my precious brother, Overton R. Miller. He was born March 12, 1870 and departed this life March 24, 1947. Making his stay here on this earth 76 years and 12 days. He was united in marriage to Mary I. Pennington, October 12, 1896. To this union was born 8 children. One daughter preceded him in death, 3 sons and 4 daughters are still living. He came to the Regular Baptist Church with an experience of Grace about 1899, living a faithful Christian life till God called him home. He suffered no tongue can tell, but bore his suffering With patience. The unworthy writer visited him in his sickness. He loved to talk of the goodness of God and the blessed hope he had of heaven. He told me there was nothing in his way, that he was waiting for the Lords will to be done, so I feel that our loss is his Eternal Gain, and I truly believe that when Jesus comes the second time, without sin Unto Salvation that he will bring brother Overton with him. He leaves 6 brothers, 4 sisters, 7 children, 11 grandchildren, and a host of friends to mourn his loss. His seat is vacant in the church, but I feel his spirit is resting with God in Heaven. To his children I want to say if you expect to meet father in heaven, you will have to harken to his counsel, repent this side of the grave and live the life God wants us to.
We love him yes we loved him but Jesus loved him more.
And he has gently called him to yonder shining shore.
Sometimes we want to see him and kiss his darling face.
But then were glad he is resting in that Holy Happy Place.
Written by his weeping sister, Cora E. Brumfield.

Miller, Emma-It is with a cad and broken heart that I try to write a short sketch of the life of my dear loving wife, Emma Miller. She was the daughter of Thomas J. White and Martha Jane White. Born February 4, 1883, and departed this life May 9th, 1947, making her stay on earth, 64 years, 3 months and 5 days. She was united in marriage to John W. Miller March 6, 1907 To this union was born 3 children. All three are living. She professed a hope in Christ in 1917, and came to the church telling what great things the Lord had done for her, and was Baptized into the fellowship of the Regular Baptist Church by Elder Allen Smith, and lived a true faithful Christian life, always filling her seat in the church when she was able to get there. I think she was one of the most humble and quiet spirited women I ever knew. She was so good and kind to me and her children and to every one> She said to me the day before she died, John I never had any ill feeling with anybody in my life. She was a dear lover of home, and a hard worker. Always working for her children, and getting ready to receive the brethren and sisters, which was one of her greatest joys. Another pride of hers was to have my clothing ready for me to go to my appointments, and when I would return, she would ask did you have a good meeting, and wanted to know who all were there. My poor heart is broken being left with no one to comfort me and to cheer me on my journey here in this world! She was afflicted for over 4 years, suffering as no tongue can tell, causing me to often weep, but she bore it all with patience, being as humble as a little child. All was done for her that Doctors, a loving husband and children could do, but the time came when we could do no more, when we had to take the parting hand and say, "Oh God, thy will be done. "We have that sweet consolation that there was nothing between her soul and Heaven. To my children let me say: Obey the counsel and advice given you by your mamma and though her chair is vacant and her voice is still, here in this world, yet you can live with her in that upper and better world, if you will forsake your sinful ways, and come to Christ who has said He that cometh unto me I will in no wise cast out but will raise him up at the last day. She leaves to mourn her loss, a broken hearted husband, 3 children, 10 Grandchildren and a host of Christian friends. The church has lost a good member, a mother in Israel is fallen. Our loss is her Great and Eternal Gain. Funeral services were held at our home May 11, 1947, with Brothers George Atkins, Emery White, and Elder Gilbert Miller in charge of services. A large crowd of sorrowing brethren, sisters and friends were present. She was laid to rest in the family cemetery on our little farm there to await the Resurrection Morn.
The Golden Gate was open
A gentle voice said come
And with a farewell word unspoken
She calmly entered home.
Written by her heartbroken husband, J. W. Miller