OBITUARY: Mrs. Sallie M. Connally, 1 Nov 1886 - Smith County, TX Submitted by Vicki Betts 1 January 2003 Copyright. All rights reserved. http://usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm ***************************************************************** TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, December 16, 1886, p. 7, c. 3-4 CONNALLY.—Mrs. Sallie M. Connally, wife of Dr. D. H. Connally, died at home on the 1st of November, 1886. She was born in Clinton, Georgia, August 14, 1842. She was the daughter of Joseph and Emeline Winship. Losing her mother in her tenth year, she was left to the care of an elder sister, who was a mother, in truth, to the little one. Though losing the mother so early in life, the child never ceased to revere her memory and treasure the things learned of her. The hidden life of God in the mother was impressed upon the daughter. In a little while after she went to heaven, the little girl became an earnest Christian, joined the church and followed on the way to everlasting life. She never wavered or doubted or ceased to follow on. And now mother and child are together, never to part. To say that Sister Connally was a good woman is to say the best thing that can be said of her. And yet to say this, or take it in any limited sense, is to fall short of a true estimate of her character. It is not meant that she was faultless. Still it is meant that in the highest sense she was a good woman—a woman of God. In her religious life she moved upon a high plane. Not in the way of words, profession or outward demonstration so much as in a quiet, deep spirituality. On this plane she lived as a mother, wife, neighbor and friend. Her daily life was more than words or profession could utter. She was a demonstration of "the truth as in Jesus." Not so much by learning or intellectual processes, she intuitively discerned and adopted and practiced the spirit of the Master. She, perhaps, could not have answered nor cared to answer objections to the mission of the Savior to the whole world, but steadily and honestly held and practiced the missionary spirit. As the Secretary of the Tyler Woman's Missionary Society, she was faithful, and to the best of her ability, promoted the great interest it represents. She was devoted to her church and yet was a broad-minded, liberal Christian. There was nothing of mere churchism or of the secretary in her piety. She was always the faithful friend of her pastor. She held up his hands and did not willingly listen to unchristian criticism of his character or of his work. As a mother, her devotion was of the highest type. Her anxiety relative to the religious welfare of her children was unceasing. She carried their names to the Father in all her devotions. Sister Connally was sick several weeks. Her sufferings were great. But patient endurance and prayerfulness were seen at all times. She talked freely with her pastor in reference to death. She had no fear—no preparation to make. The only cause producing hesitation was her children. In a most pitiful heart-breaking way she would say, "Oh, what will become of my little children if I should die?" Still the spirit of submission was manifest at all times. "Thy will, not mine, be done," was the language of her heart. In quietness and peace she passed away, literally "fell on sleep." She was buried from the church she loved so much; a large concourse of people attending. An interesting memorial service was held, several participating in short addresses. She sleeps in peace, taken from all "evil to come." Her name is as ointment poured forth; her memory, to many, very precious. Bless God for such a life, for such a death, for such a hope. D. ------------------------------------------------------- TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, December 9, 1886, p. 7, c. 3 In Memoriam. Two of our most worthy Christian ladies have fallen victims to death. Mrs. Sallie M. Connally, wife of Dr. D. H. Connally, and Mrs. Rebecca Francis McFarland, wife of W. J. McFarland. Sister Connally died Nov. 1, 1886. It is not my purpose to speak of the death of either so much as to speak of their life. They were both members of my pastoral charge (Tyler circuit) in 1874. I first met them at the church. Seldom were their seats vacant. Sister Connally was devotional in spirit and a leader in song. Her house was the preachers' home. It can be truthfully said: "She stretched out her hands to the needy," to the extent of her ability. (The same can be said of Sister McFarland.) Sister Connally was a devoted wife and an affectionate mother. She sacrificed her life for that of her eldest son, a young man just grown to manhood, who would have died, possibly, had it not been for her untiring vigilance and watchful care in a protracted spell of typhoid fever, such care as none but mother can give. Soon as it was ascertained that her son would probably recover, she was stricken down and confined to her bed until death relieved her of her pain. She rests from her labor and her works follow her. She was Secretary of the Woman's Missionary Society. Well did she fill her place in the family, church and neighborhood. I have no doubt she inhabits a bright mansion in glory. Husband and children, be encouraged, she is not dead but sleepeth. If you follow her, as she followed Christ, you will enjoy her society again. Sister McFarland died on the 21st of November 1886. She was a leader in the ladies' prayer meeting; was an active worker in the church of God. She had no children of her own, but she raised nine orphans. Seven of whom are grown, and I think members of the church. She was buried in the presence of a large concourse of weeping friends, w hite and colored, at the family cemetery, in the country, six miles from Tyler. She was of infinite help to her now bereaved and disconsolate husband. She lived and died as none but a Christian can. Her last words were full of comfort and cheer. May the good Lord help the doubly orphaned children to prepare to meet their foster mother where parting will be no more and where God wipes all tears from the eyes. To the bereaved husband I would say, you know whom you trust; though all earthly friends may leave thee, He will not leave thee nor forsake thee. You have one more tie in heaven-she will be waiting to greet you on the other shore. Soon you will meet again. May God bless the surviving members of both these bereaved families. W. N. Bonner. Tyler, Texas.