Obituary: Mrs. Eliza Black, 14 Apr 1893 - Smith County, TX Contributed by Vicki Betts 12 January 2003 Copyright. All rights reserved. http://usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm *********************************************************************** TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, August 16, 1894, p. 7, c. 3 BLACK.—Mrs. Eliza Black, wife of Shemmy Black, was born in Eatonton, Putnam County, Ga., March 14, 1824; married May 28, 1840, and died at the residence of her daughter, Mrs. L. B. Latta, Tyler, Texas, April 14, 1893, aged sixty nine years, one month and one day. She was a member of the M. E. Church over fifty years. So passed away one of the purest spirits that ever shed the light of influence upon the associations of life. In all the traits that adorn and elevate Christian womanhood she was a steadfast example. She was modest and unobtrusive in her manner. She walked firmly in the path of rectitude, devoted in the performance of her duties as mother and wife, and as a friend faithful and true. Her heart was always full of kindness to every living creature and the constant home of sympathy to her neighbors. Her piety was deep, fervent and uniform. She loved the Church, its privileges, its services and its ministry. She drank deep of the well of salvation for more than a half century. Her pastor visited her in her sickness, and she conversed with him freely and said all was well. She saw her way was clear over the river, where she could dwell with her Savior forever and drink freely of the waters of life. When the icy hand of death was on her she called her devoted children around her bedside and, looking at them in angel-like manner, kissed them and said, "Meet me in heaven," and then fell sweetly in Jesus' arms. While in the strong arms of death she sang sweetly, with her pastor, "Jesus, lover of my soul." We weeping children will ever plant a weeping willow over the grave of the dear, sainted mother who has ever taught to live to be prepared for death. Sleep on, dear mother; no rude sound of this stormy land can mar thy peaceful rest. In the morning of the resurrection we will all strike hands with our precious mother. One who loved her dearly,