Obituary: Mrs. Martha Matilda Bonner Whitaker, 22 May 1892 - Smith County, TX Contributed by Vicki Betts 18 January 2003 Copyright. All rights reserved. http://usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm *********************************************************************** TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, June 9, 1892, p. 7, c. 4 WHITAKER.—Mrs. Martha Matilda Whitaker, wife of Hon. H. M. Whitaker, and daughter of Judge M. H. and Mrs. E. P. Bonner, died May 22, 1892, 7 p.m. She was born in Rusk, Cherokee county, Texas, March 24, 1854; was dedicated to God by baptism in infancy and received religious training at home. She professed religion and joined the M. E. Church, South, in early life, and was an active Christian worker. She was educated in Staunton, Virginia. She returned to parental home in the summer of 1873; married Judge H. W. Whitaker December 9, 1873. Soon after her marriage she joined the Episcopal Church, her husband being a member of that communion. She had lived a devoted Christian, giving much time and money to advance the cause of Christ and for the relief of the poor. Many will rise up and call her blessed. There was a large procession of relatives and friends that followed her remains to the Church which was filled to overflowing. Many white and colored were on the side-walk to witness the procession. The usual services were conducted by the rector of the Episcopal Church, Rev. Father C. H. B. Turner, after which her remains were carried to the Tyler cemetery and deposited near the graves of her Christian father, brother and little son, who preceded her to the better land. She leaves a husband, two sons and two daughters, a mother, two brothers and three sisters to mourn their loss, but what is their loss to her eternal gain. Mattie was a loving, obedient daughter, an affectionate wife, kind mother, a good Christian. Her last words were comforting. She rests in peace. Written by her grandpa, W. N. BONNER. TYLER, TEXAS.