THORNTON UNION ASSOCIATION
Old Regular Baptist of Jesus Christ
Held With
The Westchester Church
Westchester, Butler County Ohio
August 17, 18, 19 1973

OBITUARIES

Provided by Peggy Mullins Brock
 

Boggs, Cora Lee-was borned September 20, 1889 and deceased this life February 7, 1973, being 83 years and 5 months at the time of her passing. She was the daughter of Thomas and Sallie Elkins. She was married to Henry Boggs. She leaves her husband Henry, and the following children to mourn her passing: Maudie Fields, Lona Fields, Clara Chitwood, Lloyd Boggs, Arnold Boggs, Ella Boggs, Sarah Maggard and Kathleen Hammonds. Two children deceased, Charlie Boggs and Ethel Boggs; Several grandchildren and great grandchildren. She leaves four brothers: Bud Elkins, Gran Elkins, Floyd Elkins and Mathew Elkins. Two sisters: Jane Tolliver and Margaret Galloway. In March, 1914 Cora professed a hope in Christ and was baptized into full fellowship of the Ovenfork Regular Baptist Church. She lived a devoted Christian life all these years. To know her was to love her. She often spoke of Heaven and Immortal Glory. She told them she wasn't afraid to die, she had fixed it up with Jesus many years ago and was ready to go. We feel like if we ever see Mother again, we will have to all repent and make it right with the Lord. Somewhere beyond the farthest star, Mother waits, Lord, Where you are, With her Angel hands to guide us, And her Angel eyes to see us, That our steps lead ever upward to them who wait there. So sleep on Mother, we hope to meet you in your new home. The Children

Bowman, Elder Robert - entered eternal life Sunday, April 29, 1973 at the Central Baptist Hospital, Lexington, Kentucky. He was the son of the late John R. and Nancy E. Bowman. lie was a member of the Blair Branch Old Regular Baptist Church, Isom, Kentucky. He was born February 2, 1902 being 71 years, 2 months and 27 days of age; at the time of his passing. He is survived by his wife, Dorothy Bowman, Eolia, Kentucky; two sons: Keith Bowman, Xenia, Ohio; Carl Bowman, Lakeland, Florida; six daughters: Audrey Burke and Evelyn Caudill both of Eolia, Kentucky; Irene Fite and Hazel Stanford, both of Hillsboro, Ohio; Kathleen Lewis, Leesburg, Ohio; Nellie Fite, Lebanon, Ohio. Also surviving are two brothers: Delbert Bowman and Ernest Bowman, both of Eolia, Kentucky; four sisters: Minnie Belle Burton, Eolia, Kentucky; Sally Anderson, Appalachia, Virginia; Elizabeth Sturgill, Ohio; Lillie Bowman, Detroit, Michigan; 31 grand children and 22 great grandchildren, as well as a host of other relatives and friends.

Cockrell, Leonard-Man that is born of a woman is of few days, and full of trouble.. He cometh forth like a flower, and is cut down; he fleeth as a shadow, and continueth not. Seeing his days are determined, the number of his months are with thee, thou hast appointed his bounds that he cannot pass; Turn from him, that he may rest, till he shall accomplish, as an hireling, his days. So man lieth down, and riseth not till the heavens be no more, they shall not awake, nor be raised out of their sleep. Leonard Cockrell the son of Simon and Hester Phipps Cockrell was born November 9, 1900 and passed from this life on March 20, 1973 making his stay on earth 72 years3 months and 12 days. The Lord had blessed him to live out his allotted three score and ten years. Many years ago the Cockrells came to Letcher County and the most of them spent their remaining years in and around Dalna, Kentucky as it was known in those days. Later Leonard was married to Eva Frazier the daughter of Jont Frazier and they have lived a happy devoted life together and to this union were born two daughters. Leonard was a hardworking man and provided well for his family and want them to have the better things in life. The work was never too hard for him to do his share and to do the best he could for his wife and girls. He was a  member of the United Mine Workers of America and  was a1 quiet and reasonable man to get along with. He will be missed in the home, in the community and by all who knew him but we hope that our loss is Heaven's gain. He leaves to mourn his passing his companion, Eva Frazier Cockrell; two daughters: Mrs. Willa Dean Banks of Van, Kentucky and Mrs. Lois Jean Joseph of Premium, Kentucky; four grandchildren, 1 great grandchild, one brother John Cockrell of Krypton, Kentucky; two sisters: Mrs. Stella Nelson and Mrs. Daisy Taulbee both of Danville, Kentucky besides a host of friends and relations. So sleep on Leonard and we hope to see you in the land of the living where there will be no more sickness nor more heartaches, no more pain, no more leaving home, but all will be peace and happiness for ever and for ever.
I cannot say and I will not say That he is dead—he is just away
With a cheery smile and a wave of the hand He has wandered into an unknown land.
And left us dreaming how very fair
It needs must be since he lingers there.
And you, 0 you, who the wildest yearn For the old-time step and the glad return
Think of him faring on, as dear
In the love of There as the love of here.
Think of him still as the same I say He is not dead—he is just away.

Frazier, Ida-In loving memory of our Mother, Ida Frazier, who left us on November 10, 1972 to go home to live with Jesus. She was born into the home of Shade and Mary-Ann Combs on March 1, 1894, being 78 years of age at her passing. She was a member of the G. Bennett Adams Memorial Church and lived a faithful life. She loved to go to Church when she was able. As she lay sick, her pain was never too great to smile and reach out a loving hand to all. She would say, "Sweet Jesus take me home." Early in life she was united in marriage to Melvin Frazier and to this union was born eleven children. She leaves to mourn her passing 10 children: Gastle, Steve, Vance, Vick, Buck, Opal, Evelyn, Verna, Tommie, and Ruth. She also leaves to mourn 21 grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren. She also leaves: one brother and four sisters. Mother believed in God and loved him with all her heart. She prayed to him and served him and looked forward to seeing him along with her loved ones, that had gone to be with the Lord. What a wonderful hope to have this to look forward, not to be sick anymore nor suffer anymore, but to have a God that will wipe the tears from our eyes and love us and serve us in that land of Peace and Happiness forever and forever. She was a wonderful Mother and a good Christian. She was looking forward to going to rest. What a wonderful thing for the children to have to look forward to seeing her again. She always leaned to watch for us, Anxious if we were late In winter by the window, In summer by the gate. Her thoughts were all so full of us, She never could forget And so I think that where she is-She must be watching yet. Waiting until we come to her Anxious if we are late Watching from Heaven's window Leaning from Heaven's gate. Jesus called and Mother answered, she went home with him to stay, someday he will call her children, won't that be a happy day!
Written by: The Family

Lewis, Beulah Widener-Who can find a virtuous woman? For her price is far above rubies—the heart of her husband doth safely-trust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil. Beulah Widener Lewis was born in the home of Tom and Linda Boggs Widener August 17, 1916 and departed this life April 14, 1971 making her stay on earth 54 years 7 months and 27 days. Early in life she met, loved and married Garland Lewis and to this union were born 6 children. One son Thomas Lewis passed away and had gone on and was waiting for his mother. Many years ago Sister Beulah saw the need of a Saviour-She sought the Lord with her whole heart, she felt that He forgave her of all of her sins and iniquities and so she put her light on the candlestick by becoming a member of the Oven Fork Regular Baptist Church. She was baptized into the fellowship of this church by the late Elder Riley Fouts. She lived a devoted Christian Life and was always counseling her children and her husband to be good and to be with mother in heaven when this life is over. She taught them that a home in heaven is worth all the sacrifices that we make and is worth more than all the silver and gold in this world. She wrote her children a letter on two different occasions warning them that there was a heaven to gain .and a hell to shun. She was a wonderful Christian mother, ,good church member, a wonderful wife, an humble good neighbor and will be missed by all who knew her but our loss is heaven's gain. She leaves to mourn her passing her husband, who is broken hearted, Garland Lewis; two daughters, Mrs. Wilma .lean Collier, Chicago, Illinois; Mrs. Linda Faye Curry, Leatherwood, Kentucky; three sons, Joe Alvis Lewis, Hillsboro, Ohio; Larry Dean Lewis, Chicago, Illinois; and Everett Carlos (Pete) Lewis at home; seven grandchildren; she had one little grandchild that had gone on ahead of grandma; four sisters, Alice, Lovell, Quanita and Verna; four brothers, Kermit, Lester, Homer and Vernis Widener, besides a host of friends and relations. There's something in the "parting hour" Will chill the warmest heart-Yet kindred, comrades, lovers, friends, Are fated all to part; But this I've seen and many a pang Has pressed it on my mind The one who goes is happier Than those he leaves behind.

Sturgill, David A.-Men that is born of woman is of few days and full of trouble. He cometh forth as a flower and is cut down. He fleeth as a shadow and is not. He is as a bubble on the water he is seen but not for long. He riseth in the morning and in the even is gone to his long rest. The rest of the Children of God is sweet and short he lieth down and in that Morning he riseth with his loved ones to be forever in that City of Happiness forever and forever. David A. Sturgill, the son of John A, and Margaret Cox Sturgill was born August 26, 1879 and passed from this life on April 9, 1972 making his stay on earth 92 years 8 months and 17 days. As Jacob of old said, "Few and evil are the days of my pilgrimage here on this earth." The angel that fed David and took care of his family has come and wafted on high his soul. Years and years ago, David Sturgill saw the need of a Saviour and prayed to God and called on his name and the Lord heard him and saved him with an everlasting Salvation and he went to the Church and told them what great things the Lord had done for him and became a member of the Oven Fork Regular Baptist Church and has been looking forward these last few years to seeing his loved ones on the other side. He believed that he would be raised from the dead, his loved ones would be raised from the dead, they would live in that City that Christ went away to prepare for his children and that was the hope that he cherished in his breast. Years ago he was married to Armilda Hampton and they lived a happy devoted life together until she went away a few years ago and since that he lived a lonely but useful life. He always counseled with his children about the goodness of God and how they should prepare to live with their mother and the others in that land of the living. They were a very devoted and loving couple. Good citizens and church going and always ready to help their neighbors but there comes a time for us to go on and be with the Lord and as Paul said for us to depart is gain and that is the way we feel about Brother David that it was a gain for him to go on. He leaves to mourn his passing six sons; Roy Sturgill and Wallace Sturgill of Whitesburg, Kentucky; Lonis Sturgill, Milton Sturgill and Herman Sturgill of Eolia, Kentucky; and Alvaro Sturgill of Indianapolis, Indiana and one daughter, Mrs. Elva Maggard of Eolia, Kentucky; 37 grandchildren; 44 great grandchildren and 1 great great grandchild besides a host of friends and relations. We walk by Faith of Joys to come Faith lives upon his Word But while the Body is our home We're absent from the Lord. Tis pleasant to believe thy Grace But we had rather see; We would be absent from the Flesh And present Lord with Thee.

Standifer, Flora-By the help of the Lord, I will try to write the obituary of Flora Standifer who passed from this life on January 1, 1973 at the Clark County Memorial Hospital, Jeffersonville, Indiana. She was the daughter of the late Elihu Blair and Ritter Brown Blair. She was born February 26, 1892. Early in life she married David H„ Standifer and to this union was born eleven children, Theodore Standifer, Colson, Kentucky; Cecil Standifer, Woodsfield, Ohio; Carl Standifer of Union City, Georgia; Herbert Standifer, Louisville, Kentucky; Mrs. Irene Humphrey of Louisville, Kentucky; Mrs. Lorene Adams, Charles-town, Indiana; Mrs. Ethel Lewis, Whitesburg, Kentucky; four children preceded her in death. Two brothers, Arlie Blair, Deputy, Indiana and Melvin Blair of Whitesburg, Ky; two sisters, Mrs. Minnie Webb, Mayking, Kentucky and Mrs. Sarah Breeding, Whitesburg, Kentucky; and a host of friends and relations. She joined the Old Regular Baptist Church at Cowan, Kentucky in 1925. She was a kind and loving Sister and Mother and good to everyone. I feel her loss is Heaven's gain. I hope to meet her in that Glory land some day.
Written by: A Daughter and Brother Ethel Lewis and Melvin Blair

Ritchie, Elbert-The earth was much saddened when the angel of death called for the life of Brother Elbert Ritchie. We feel that Paradise was made much richer by his departure. He was the type of man that the earth much needs. The churches would be much brighter to the world if all their members lived their lives like Elbert lived his for thirty years. Wherever you met Elbert he was wearing his kind smile for all who met him and whether it was on a happy Sunday at church or on a blue Monday at the job or whether it was on a Wednesday when the troubles of life were mounting high or any other day of the week or season of the year, it did not make any change in his outlook on life for he seemed to be looking deep into the future with no dread or fear of what might come. His life was like a beautiful and fragrant rose, It left a  lasting perfume to be long remembered for Elbert did so many kind and good things for his family, the church find his fellow man. His word was his bond. Elbert was born May 9, 1898 and died January 7, 1972 at the age of 73 years. Forty-nine years ago he was married to Lonna Ritchie and what a short but happy life they lived together these few swift years. God adorned their home with five loving children whom Elbert greatly cherished and loved. They are: Georgia Juffers, Elbert Jr., Neva Rae Hunley, Shelly Jean Combs and Linda Sue Sullivan. He left 13 greatly admired grandchildren. Elbert was a faithful member of the Little Samuel Memorial Church at Lothair. He was a deacon of that church for a long time. Elbert's record as a church member and deacon was summed up in the words of his beloved Pastor Charles Cornett when he said, "Elbert is one of my old stand bys, when he is hitched to a post, right there is where you find him hitched." We feel sure that the city of Sodom would not have been destroyed if ten righteous people could have been found there like Elbert. We trust that his children and loved ones will remember the good humble life that he lived and will make every effort to meet him again in his heavenly home where death cannot come and tears and sorrows will be wiped away and goodbyes will be complete strangers in that happy world. Greatly missed at home and church. Written by a brother in Christ, Wardie Craft

Rose, Elder Glenn M. - was baptized by Elders Bill Cox and Dorsey Hollon in the state of Florida in 1968 and took his membership with the Redeemed Church in Morgan County, Kentucky. He was ordained as a minister of the Gospel of Christ in May 1969. He was a faithful servant and went into different states proclaiming the Gospel of Christ. He was one of those servants who did not have to be begged to sing or preach, but fell in line where ever he was needed. He died with a heart attack on August 11, 1972 in Orlando, Florida at the age of 55 years. Death came to him sudden while driving his automobile toward his home from a dentist office. He was buried at Ashland, Kentucky in the Rose Cemetery where many of his loved ones are sleeping. Redeemed Church lost a great servant and soldier when Brother Glenn passed on, but in the great morning of Eternity we feel we will meet him again among the singing of bright angels. His steps were pointed in an upward direction and the fruit that he bore proved he had been with Jesus.
Through this toilsome world, alas!
Once and only once I pass;
If a kindness I may show,
If a good deed I may do
To a suffering fellow man,
Let me do it while I can.
No delay, for it is plain
I shall not pass this way again.
Written by a brother who misses his dear presence and fellowship, Wardie Craft

Sexton, Nancy Mabel Collins -the daughter of John W. Collins and Polly Ann Hammonds Collins, was born December 17, 1918, and passed from this life on January 17, 1973, making her stay on earth 54 years and one month. Thirty six years ago she was married to Clyde Sexton and they lived a happy, devoted life together. Later in life she realized the need of a Saviour and called on the name of the Lord and he heard her cries and she became a member of the Little Colly Regular Baptist Church. She leaves to mourn her passing, a husband, Clyde Sexton, and the following children: Mrs. Billie Nadine Blair of Isom, Kentucky; Mrs. Ola Vee Pollard, Louisville, Kentucky; Mrs. Sandra Woods of Dayton, Ohio; Jack Wayne Sexton of Isom; Jerry Sexton, Jeffrey Sexton and Joanie Sexton at home; and one sister, Berta C. Maggard, along with a host of friends and relations. She had her share of sorrow and heart aches in this life but we feel that in that land where she is, she will be at rest. So, sleep on, Nancy and we hope to see you along with all our other loved ones in that land where there will be no night time and no heartaches.
When the mists have rolled in splendor,
From the beauty of the hills;
And the sunlight falls in gladness,
On the river of the rills;
We recall our Father's promise,
In the rainbow of the spray
We shall know each other better,
When the mists have rolled away.
Sadly missed by her husband, all the children, and her sister, Berta.
Written by: Berta C. Maggard

Wright, Aunt Polly - was born into the home of Jason and America Morgan Holbrook on January 6, 1887. She passed from this life on June 23, 1973, making her earthly pilgrimage 86 years, 5 months, and 17 days. Early in life she was united in marriage to Andy Wright and this union was blessed with 11 children. James, of Payne Gap, Kentucky; Henry, of Clintwood, Virginia; John, of Lexington, Kentucky; Coy, of Roxanna, Kentucky; Lear, Mrs. Bill Brown, of Payne Gap, Kentucky; Janey, Mrs. Bill Adams, of Jeremiah, Kentucky; Bennie, Mrs. Denver Ison, of Waynesville, Ohio; and June, Mrs. Burnett Day, of Florida. Uncle Andy and 3 children, Georgia, Morgan, and Marvin preceded Aunt Polly in death. When Sister Rachael called my home Saturday night and told us of the passing of this precious old Mother, my prayers ascended up for this family. This scripture also came to my mind, "And I heard a voice from Heaven saying unto me, Write, Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth, yea saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labors and their works do follow them." Aunt Polly is now peacefully and eternally resting from her labors and her works will live on. I know from experience, children, that you will recall many, many times the good counsel and advice which Mother has given you. Yes, ': her works will live on in the lives of her children and grandchildren and in the lives of a multitude of other persons whose lives have been made richer by having known Aunt Polly. How gallantly she labored and toiled in the vineyard of her Master for Lo these many, many years. While still in the bloom of young womanhood she harkened unto the words of eternal truth which says, "Remember thy creator in the days of thy youth." She made peace with her God and started building on the solid foundation which is Jesus Christ. What an inspiration Aunt Polly has been Lo so many of us down through the years. To be in church with her and hear her voice singing the old songs of Zion and see her raise her hands heavenward and shout praises unto Cod are memories which are indelibly imprinted on our minds and which we shall treasure always. Children and grandchildren, no longer will you be permitted to hear Ma shout praises unto God; no longer will you be permitted to hear Ma sing the old songs of Zion. But I believe when her soul was released from this frail, tired, worn, and sick body she began singing a new song, "I have been redeemed, yes, Bless God, I have been redeemed by the blood of the Lamb." No longer will you be able to visit Ma and have her ask Brother John or Brother James to have prayer for her. Aunt Polly no longer has need for prayer because she no longer sees through a glass darkly. She has seen face to face. She is now basking in the sunshine of eternal glory with the one she prayed to so many times and always asked and advised others to pray to. No longer will Brother John, Sister Bennie, and Sister June have to call to ask how Ma is getting along. Ma has departed this tabernacle of clay to forever be with the Lord. As Paul said in his writing, "For we know when this earthly house of this tabernacle is dissolved, we have a building of God, a house not made with hands eternal in the Heavens. "If you could only get a glimpse this afternoon of the home your Mother has inhabited you would not want her back even if you were able to. The Bible says, "Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man the things which God has prepared for them that love him." We also hear Christ himself saying, "In My Father's house are many mansions. If it were not so I would not have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you I will come again and receive you unto myself that where I am there you may be also." Aunt Polly lived all these many years since she was 15 or 16 years old in this hope. How strong was her faith and her convictions. I never talked or visited with Aunt Polly without feeling uplifted in spirit by her counsel, by her conversation, and by listening to her experiences. Let me just reminisce for a moment on memories which are precious to me. In the infancy of our church in Cincinnati, Aunt Polly visited us often and what a blessing it was to all to have her in our midst. I remember one time in particular when one of our young ministers was in the stand and quoted this scripture from the Songs of Solomon: "He brought me to the banqueting house and his banner over me was love." Aunt Polly lifted her feeble hands and began shouting the praises of God. She knew about this banner of love and she knew about the banqueting house. She also had a personal knowledge of and an experience with the one Solomon was writing about. Yes, she had marched under this glorious banner of love for many years and she had eaten so many times from the table in the house of her Master. I vividly recall another precious memory when Aunt Polly journeyed from Cincinnati to her home down on Rock-house with my family and me. I never enjoyed a trip more, nor had the time pass more swiftly than that night. She related to us her early experiences in the church and her ups and downs through life in her labors for the Lord. Throughout all her conversation there was the central theme of faith, hope, and love for her God. When we arrived at her little home, even though it was late at night and she was far advanced in years, Aunt Polly wanted to put a fire in the stove and prepare a meal for us. Oh! how we miss these old sainted Mothers when they depart this life forever. They leave an empty void In our homes, our churches, and our communities which can never he filled. Brother John and the rest of you children, I know the heartache you are enduring today because a few years ago I walked the same road you are walking today when I gave up my precious Mother. But won't the old song we sing so often have more meaning to you now? When I reach my home eternal Reach that city bright and fair When I stand among the Angels Will my Mother know me there. Yes, I know that she will know me In those mansions bright and fair Mothers love can never forget me And I'm sure she'll know me there. Children if Mother could speak to you today she would say, "Don't weep for me - I have fought a good fight. I have kept the faith, I have finished my course, I have received my crown, and I am home at last. Yes, I am home with your Daddy and the saved of all ages. Just make your preparation now to meet Mother again when your earthly life is over. "Children and grandchildren let me admonish you today if you do not know your Mother and Grandmother's God to start today to make his acquaintance. She cannot come back to you, but by the Grace of God you can go to her. Aunt Polly leaves to mourn her passing 8 children, 35 grandchildren, 72 great grandchildren, 6 great-great grandchildren, 2 sisters and 6 brothers. Also a host of other relatives and friends and brothers and sisters in the church. All of us have suffered a great loss in Aunt Polly's passing, but we believe our loss is Aunt Polly's and Heaven's eternal gain. Elder Jim T. Caudill