OBITUARY: Mrs. Rebecca Francis McFarland, 21 November 1886 - Smith County, TX Submitted by Vicki Betts 1 January 2003 Copyright. All rights reserved. http://usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm ***************************************************************** 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.