Obituary of  Bessie EDWARDS SMITH, Macoupin Co Illinois 23 Aug 1998
Contributed for use in the USGenWeb Archives ©1998 Mark Strohbeck 


Name of Deceased: SMITH, Bessie (EDWARDS)
Name of Newspaper: unknown
Date of Obituary: Feb 1922 
Obituary: MRS. BESSIE SMITH
Mrs. Bessie SMITH (nee EDWARDS) was born in Summerset Shire, England, Feb. 21, 
1870, and departed this life at her home northwest of Bunker Hill, Feb. 7, 1922, at 10 a. 
m., aged 51 years, 11 months and 16 days. At the age of 13 years she, with her parents 
came to this country and settled near Bunker Hill, the vicinity of which she has since 
made her home. At the age of 18 she was converted and joined the Methodist church at 
Bunker Hill, where she kept her membership until August 14, 1910, when she was 
baptized and joined the Baptist church at Centerville. On November 12, 1890 she was 
united in marriage to James B. SMITH, who survives her. To this union were born 
thirteen, namely, Gladys, Cleda, William, James and Edward who died in infancy and 
Chas. E. who died in the service of his country at Camp Taylor, Oct. 14, 1918, those 
bereft are Mrs. Lily BOHLMEYER, Mrs. Pearl HUETTE, Mrs. Eva BAKER, Nellie E., 
Robert J., Nettie E., and Mildred L., together with one sister, Mrs. Alice EDSALL and 
two grandchildren remain to mourn their great loss. Mrs. SMITH's illness dates from her 
son's death at Camp Taylor. She felt she could never be reconciled but with great 
fortitude she bore up for the sake of her family. In recent illness she realized she could 
not get well but was ready and willing to go, her only regret being in leaving her devoted 
family. One outstanding motive of life in Mrs. Smith was her love of home, which she 
made pleasant for her family with flowers and neatness. On account of frail health, she 
was not permitted to attend church as much as she desired, however she was always 
ready and willing to give and brought her children up in the fear and admonition of the 
Lord, always planning and helping them to be regular attendants of the Sunday School. 
The name of mother! sweetest name That ever fell on mortal ear! The love of mother! 
mightiest love Which heaven permits to flourish here, The properties it doth contain-- 
What pearls of love, what gems of hope-- A mother's heart beats not in vain. What heart 
like mother's can forgive The oft repeated wrongs of youth? What hand like hers can 
lead us back From sin to innocence and truth? On, name of mother! sweetest name That 
heaven allows to flourish here. Funeral services were held at the Baptist church at 
Centerville, after which the remains were laid tenderly away in the family lot at Bunker 
Hill. Rev. Fred Peek of Manchester officiating.
Card of Thanks We desire to express our appreciation to the many neighbors and friends 
who so kindly assisted during the illness and burial of our beloved wife and mother and 
also for the beautiful floral offerings. J. B. Smith and Family.


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File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by Mark Strohbeck.
(© 1998 Mark Strohbeck)