Obituary of Patricia Parker, Crawford County, Illinois Contributed for use in the USGenWeb Archives Copyright 1999 Cindy McCachern Robinson (IL) Argus, 31 March 1920 Patricia Parker--Beloved wife of F. J. Parker and devoted daughter of Samuel and Martha Cawood, was born near New Hebron, Ill., July 13th, 1863, and departed this life, March 22nd, 1920 at the family residence in Robinson, Ill. She was 56 years, 6 months and 9 days old. She was united in marriage with F. J. Parker March 21st 1882, and they walked together happily in the bonds of holy wedlock for 38 years and one day. Ten children came to this home to gladden their hearts, and brighten their days in life's journey. They both knew the bitterness of the cup of sorrow for five of these children went to the land of bliss in infancy. The remaining ones are Beulah Cornwell, of Winfield, kansas; mollie Byers, Lapel, Ind; Elizabeth Grove, Belleganche, South Dakota, two sons of this city, Clifford and Pascal for whom she was earnest in prayer for she knew the many dangers in existence for many young men. Her ten grandchildren were a source of great joy to her and husband. Their brief visits were always gladdening especially the last months of slowly declining health. She was happilyconverted to Christ at the tender age of 13 years and at once was united to the U. B. church at New Hebron, Ill, and so eager was she to obey the will of God that she was baptized when the ice had to be cut to perform the ordinance, which she felt to be so holy. She leaves to mourn her departure the companion of youth and the years agone, the childrn named above, the grandchildren, two half brothers, Joseph McQuire and William Conrad, other relatives and a host of warm friends and neighbors in and out of the city. Mrs. Parker, with her husband, began their new home with the family alter of prayer for she knew the value of that home institution from infancy for her parents were Godly people, and early taught her the love of Christ. After coming to this city the Parkers joined the U. B. Church and their labors for the Lord are well known. Sister Parker was faithful in the Woman's Missionary Society, the Ladies Aid Society, a most faithful and competent Sunday School teacher, and her class is in tears today for they miss her helpful work. She was faithfully in her per, for worship and an inspiration to her pastor in preaching God's blessed message of full salvation. She was generous with her means of supporting the church, much in prayer for her family, neighbors and the success of the church and said to her pastor while in bed sick, "how much we need a new church and won't we be happy together in twice the people we have for Christ and Heaven." Sister Parker tried to keep on good terms with her Saviour and was most careful to do first all of the little things for Christ and all the needy about her. No wonder her neighbors and friends ministered to her so kindly and faithfully through these months of suffering. Ah, she was that kind of a neighbor herself in such times. She was a home maker, a real Dorcas as far as means and strength would at all permit. Now let us close with some lines from her own pen which reveals her real heart to God and the needy soulds of God's creatures around her as she walked the pilgrim way to the end of the Perfect Day in Heaven, where she rests with God, "In the Sweet By and By" Don't Deepen the Wrinkles (Oct. 1914) Is father's eye-sight growing dim, His form a little lower? Is mother's hari a little gray, Her steps a little slower? Is life's hill hard to climb? Make not their pathway steeper Smooth out the furrows on their brows, Oh, do not make them deeper. There is nothing makes a face so young, As joys' youth's fondest token. And nothing makes a face grow old, Like hearts that have been broken. Take heed lst deeds of thine should make, Thy mother be a weeper; Stamp peace upon a father's brow, Don't make the wrinkles deeper. in doubtful pathways do not go. Be tempted not to wander; Grieve not the hearts that love you so But make their love grow fonder Much have thy parents borne for thee Be now their tender keeper; And let them lean upon thy love, Don't make the wrinkles deeper. Be lavish with they loving deeds, Be patient, true and tender; And make the path that ageward leads A glow with earthly splendor. Some day they dear ones, stricken low Must yeld to death the reaper; And you will there be glad to know, You made no wrinkles deeper. The funeral services took place at the U. B. Church. Rev. W. H. Halberstadt, a former pastor had charge. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ USGENWEB NOTICE: These electronic pages may NOT be reproduced in any format for profit or presentation by other organizations or persons. Persons or organizations desiring to use this material, must obtain the written consent of the contributor, or the legal representative of the submitter, and contact the listed USGenWeb Archivist with proof of this consent. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by: Cindy McCachern