McNAIRY COUNTY, TN - OBITUARIES - McNairy County Independent, 1921 ==================================================================== USGENWEB NOTICE: In keeping with our policy of providing free information on the Internet, data may be used by non-commercial entities, as long as this message remains on all copied material. These electronic pages may NOT be reproduced in any format for profit or for presentation by other persons or organizations. Persons or organizations desiring to use this material for purposes other than stated above must obtain the written consent of the file contributor. The submitter has given permission to the USGenWeb Archives to store the file permanently for free access. This file was contributed for use in the USGenWeb Archives by: Douglas H. Prather douglas-memphis@worldnet.att.net ==================================================================== MRS. JOHN TEAGUE McNairy County Independent Appeal, April 29, 1921 ---- Gravelhill Mrs. Teague, wife of John Teague, died at her home 2 miles west of here last Thursday evening, after a long illness, at the age of 71 years. Her remains were laid to rest in Gravelhill cemetery Friday afternoon in the presence of a large crowd of relatives and friends. Rev. Hardwick, pastor of the church to which she belong, conducted the funeral services. She leaves 9 children, 3 girls and 6 boys, and a number of grand-children to mourn her loss and to whom we extend condolence in these sad homes of bereavement. MRS. JOHN TEAGUE McNairy County Independent Appeal, May 6, 1921 Mrs. John Teague, who died recently, was my neighbor for more than 20 years. She was a faithful member of the Primitive Baptist Church, a true, a good neighbor, a loving mother and a devoted wife. All who knew her loved her. My sympathy runs out to the family, and I want to say to Brother Teague, her husband, it will not be long till you will meet her in heaven. The Teague family have been kind to me in my bereavement; and I owe them a debt of love and gratitude. May God bless them all, is the sincere wish of an old friend and neighbor. B. F. Darby J. T. GRAHAM McNairy County Independent, Aug. 5, 1921 PARALYSIS FATAL J. T. Graham, aged 65 years, was stricken with paralysis last Saturday at the home of his daughter, Mrs., E. R. Hawkins in Selmer, and died Sunday afternoon. His remains were laid to rest Monday in Oak Hill cemetery, Rev. J. W. Wallace conducting the funeral service. The deceased formerly lived in this district, but for the past several years have lived in Texas and with his wife had been visiting relatives in this section. He is survived by a widow and two daughters, Mrs. Henry Prather of Texas, and Mrs. E. R. Hawkins of Selmer. The sorrowing family have the sympathy of all our people in their bereavement. J. W. PRATHER McNairy County Independent October 14, 1921 RECEIVES LAST CALL Last Friday evening at 6:15, Mr. J. W. Prather while playing with his little grand-daughter, Mary Catharine Conger, suddenly expired, death resulting from heart affliction , from which he had been a sufferer for some time. While Mr. Prather's health had been declining for a long time, necessitation his leaving his mercantile business, his death was unexpected and come as a great shock to the whole community, ever member of which was his personal and intimate friend. Mr. Prather was 71 years old and had lived in the county all his life. He had been in Selmer as a leading business man for thirty years. He was widely and favorable known as one of the substantial business men of the county, and one of its leading merchants. Besides his business connection and reputation , the deceased was one of the most prominent laymen in the Methodist church in this section, and was actively engaged in all the work of the church until only a short time ago, when his enfeebled condition made it necessary to abandon all such work and seek rest and quiet in his home. Mr. Prather for years and years was a prominent Sunday school worker, and we doubt if there is a community in McNairy county wherein he has not spoken in the interest of the church and Sunday school. He believed in higher and better living, and was bold and fearless in espousing any cause for right, being found always on the side of righteousness, and against vice and lawlessness. He was possessed with a spirit of optimism seldom seen, and never complained at fate or misfortune, always looking upon the bright and sunny side of live, and no greater tribute could be paid to him than to say that he was faithful in all things and strived to do right at all times. For a quarter of a century, he and his estimable family have lived just across the fence from the writer, and since the time the writer was a little boy, this good man has been his almost daily companion. He always offered words of comfort and consolation and encouragement. We can never forget the influence nor get away from the influence of such a man. He bore his suffering with patience, and realized that the time of his departure was near at hand, but having fought, a good fight and kept the faith, he often told us that he was only awaiting the summons of Him who doeth all things well. Mr. Prather will be greatly missed, and the world is much better for his having lived in it. The funeral services were held Sunday afternoon at the Methodist church, and were conducted by the deceased's former pastor, Rev. Jno. W. Carnell, who was (can not read the next four words) E. R. Roach and J. W. Wallace. The church was filled to overflowing with friends and relatives of the deceased. W. J. Olive, J. R. Adams, J. H. Steadman, J. B. Maxedon, J. W. Wallace and H. C. Gooch were the honorary pall bearers. C. L. Haynes, W. G. Robinson, B. T. Baker, P.. L. Basinger, F. F. Hendrix and O. S. Abernathy were the active pall bearers. Burial was in Oakhill cemetery and the grave was covered with many beautiful and costly floral designs, tokens from friends in Selmer and other places. Surviving the deceased are his widow, two sons, E. H. and A. S. Prather, and Four daughters, Mesdames F. L. Emmons, T. M. Brooks, Buford Hendrix of Selmer, and Howard Conger of Jackson, besides a number of brothers and sisters, to whom we offer our sincerest sympathy in their great sorrow. J. W. PRATHER McNairy County Independent October 21, 1921 RESOLUTIONS On Friday, Oct. 7, 1921, as the day was drawing to a close, Brother J. W. Prather, our beloved superintendent of the Methodist, Sunday school, Selmer, Tennessee, was suddenly called to his reward. Although on account of illness he had not been in active service for the past few months; yet we know that his thoughts were ever with us. In his last written greeting to the school he said: My heart's desire and prayer to God for you is that each and every one of you so live that not one shall fail to have an abundant entrance through the gates to the City of our God. We believe that Brother Prather has departed from this of trials and disappointments to live in that eternal city with Christ. While we, members of the Sunday School, are greatly bereaved at the loss of our leader, we sorrow not at those that have on hope; but we look forward to a happy reunion in the great beyond; there fore, be it resolved: 1. That we the members of the Methodist Sunday School or Selmer, Tennessee, extend our heartfelt sympathy to the bereaved wife, brothers, sisters, children, and grandchildren, who loved his so devotedly. We know that words are empty in such an hour, and we can only mingle our tears with theirs and commend them to Him who doeth all things well.. 2. That in the death of Brother Prather our Sunday school has lost a true and faithful superintendent; that our Sunday school is moved to a profound appreciation of his untiring labors for twenty-five years as a loyal and efficient superintendent. Both young and old feel the richer for his having worked in our midst 3. That we shall greatly miss him as our leader, but the Lord giveth and taketh away. We dare not question his wisdom. We feel that our loss is Heaven's gain. 4. That a page be set aside in the record book of the Sunday school which shall contain these resolutions and be dedicated to the sacred memory of our departed leader; that a copy be sent to the bereaved family; and that they be published in the McNairy County Independent. ANNIE REA BELL, JOE FLOYD, J. W. WALLACE