Iberia County Louisiana Archives Obituaries.....DeValcourt, Elizabeth - March 9, 1918 ************************************************ Copyright. All rights reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm http://www.usgwarchives.net/la/lafiles.htm ************************************************ File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by: Mary K. Creamer marykcreamer@yahoo.com March 17, 2017, 11:58 pm source: The Weekly Iberian. (New Iberia, La.) 1894-1946, March 16, 1918, Image 2 MISS ELIZABETH DEVALCOURT. On Sunday morning, the word flew over our town as on the wings of wind that, "Miss Lizzie is dead." Wherever it touched it left sorrow, and the expression of sympathy for the bereaved ones were many and from the heart. It is difficult to pay a fitting tribute to the memory of so noble a woman - one whose every day life was embellished by the most charming and lovable attributes of her sex. A perfect lady at all times - under all circumstances, she seemed born to inspire the love and respect of all who were so fortunate as to be acquainted with her. She was a true friend, and her devotion to those she loved would make a bright chpater in any life. A faithful member of the Episcopal church and, not only was she faithful in believing that it was her duty as a Christian to do the will of her master at all times. The last chapter of her lifes book was closed on Saturday night, March 9th at 11 P. M. The end was a peaceful as the close of a summers day, when daylight fades into night with increasing loveliness. On the following evening, Sunday, at 5 p. m. the funeral took place from the Episcopal church attended by the relatives and friends of the family. She leaves to mourn her loss, a sister, Mrs. Sarah Barnard, and the following nieces and nephews; Mrs. T. W. Muller, Mrs. J. W. K. Shaw, Misses Nina Barnard and Marie Cage, Messrs Bruns DeValcourt, Alex DeValcourt, Harry and John DeValcourt. To all of whom the Iberian extends its sympathy. MISS ELIZABETH DEVALCOURT. An Appreciation. The following resolution was adopted by the ladies of the Woman's Auxiliary of the Episcopal Church, at a meeting especially assembled at the Rectory, Tuesday, March 12th, 1918. Be it resolved, That whereas, we fully realize that the issues of life and death inevertably belong to the unquestioned dispensation or Almighty God, yet, it is impossible for us to refrain from most keenly feeling the exceptional loss that we have been so suddenly called upon to sustain in the death of Miss Elizabeth DeValcourt; and the severance of the continued cooperation that we know would have ever been so freely given in all the activities and councils of the society and had her presence, in the wisdom of God, been further vouched safe to us. Being baptized in the Church, some seventy years ago and confirmed in the same at an early age, she has ever, even before the stormy days of the Civil War, unhesitatingly and lovingly devoted large portions of her active and useful life to every activity of the Church that has required the service of Godly women. She had taught in the Sunday-school for more than fifty years, and had also contributed the talent of her magnificent voice, as the able and faithful leader of the choir, from the age of sixteen until her death at that of seventy, a few days ago, on the night of March the 9th. She had been an untiring worker in the various ladies' societies, from their very incipiency in the parish until the last meeting Woman's Auxiliary, just before she was taken from us. We fully realize the inadequacy of verbal expression, yet, the sorrow that pervades our society, and we know also that of the entire congregation, compeis us to extend to those still dearer to her our heartfelt sympathy, in this, their deep bereavement, and to assure them that the cloud that has so darkened their lives throws its shadow over ours also. We feel that a colossal character has vanished from among us; and that a kind, sympathetic, and indefatigable laborer has been called from the care and toil of the Church militant to the rest and glory of the Church triumphant. May she rest in peace and light perpetual shine upon her. source: New Iberia Enterprise and Independent Observer. (New Iberia, La.) 1902-1944, March 16, 1918, Image 4 MISS LIZZIE DEVALCOURT. Unveil thy bosom faithful toom, Take this new treasure to your trust, And give this sacred relic room, To slumber in the silent dust. On Sunday morning, March 10th, "while it was yet dark," Miss Lizzie DeValcourt, who had been ailing but a short while, doubtless heard the whispering angels say "Sister spirit come away" as they "hovered around her bed to bear her spirit Home," "leaving her out-grown shell by life's unresting sea." Miss DeValcourt was born in New Iberia, and spent most of her life among her numerous relations, connections and friends here and in the vicinity. She was gifted with a lovely voice, every tone clear, true and flutelike. She consecrated it to her church, and seemed to value her rare gift only as it was useful in sacred music. Since her sixteenth year she has been the principle singer in the little church of the Epiphany. In her entire unselfishness she thought little of the beauty of her voice, but only what good she could accomplish by using it freely. We have never known of another instance of any singer (without compensation) giving their voice for a life time to one congregation. But she loved her church and the beautiful service, and the clear ringing tones of her lovely voice always added greatly to the attractiveness of the service, and now that she has joined the celestial choir, the echoes of her voice seem still to linger in the quaint little ivy covered church she loved so well. When Easter comes when we celebrate the resurrection of our Lord, it will also be the resurrection of our much beloved friend. Her first Easter in our Father's House where she is occupying the place prepared for her, and where her pure-hearted nature can develop to its full extent. Her modest unassuming heart would be surprised to know (which she no doubt does) how much she is missed and deeply regretted in this community, not only by those who know and love her, but by all who realize that in every thing intrusted to her care she always faithful, always striking the true note in questions moral rectitude. The funeral at Epiphany church, demonstrated the high regard in which she was held. Friends and relations came from far and near to do her honor. At the request of the family the garlands and bunches of white lillies and roses, were only placed in the musical corner of the church the organs and choir seats. A lovely bunch of white flowers hung from the seat she usually occupied. We think to keep fresh white flowers always there would be a fitting memorial. The notices of the funeral and upon the entrance of the home were festooned with white ribbon and flowers, so suitable for a Christian gentlewoman. The pall bearers mostly relations: Chas. Smedes, Harry Smedes, Banker Cade, Dr. Henry King, John Taylor and W. G. Weeks. The only remaining one of the same generation is her youngest sister, Mrs. Sarah Barnard who is also her God-child as is also her daughter, Mrs. (Dr.) Shaw and all her children. Miss Lizzie DeValcourt was so much loved and respected in her family that she was God-mother for three generations, and these children all "arise and call her blessed." Ever since our country has declared was, she dedicated every possible moment knitting for the Navy League and sewing for the Red Cross, always faithful in every good work until the Master came and called for her, then she arose and went quickly. "Blessed are the pure in heart, For they shall see God." - M. L. P. Additional Comments: www.findagrave.com memorial # 93193140 File at: http://files.usgwarchives.net/la/iberia/obits/d/devalcou6941gob.txt This file has been created by a form at http://www.genrecords.org/lafiles/ File size: 4.4 Kb