Southern standard. [volume] (Columbus, Miss.) 1851-1856, 1851-07-12
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DIED in Columbus Miss, on Wednesday the
18th ut., Mrs MARY R. SYKES, daughter of Col.
Benjamin S. Long and Mrs. Elizabeth A. Long,
and wife of DR.. VIM. Sykes.
1t is with feelings of unfeigned friendship, that
the writer attempts an eulogy on the worth of
Mrs. Sykes. He knew her long and well; and
something must be pardoned to the impulses of
the heart
Mrs. Sykes only about twenty four years
of age at the time of her DEATH and left to lament
her loss an only son. fond and devoted husband
tender and afectionate parents and wide circle
of kind relations and sincere friends. Her last
sickness protracted, and painful in the extreme;
but she bore it with the meekness of a subdued
temper, and the resignation of a christian spirit.
She confded in the providence of God, believing
that her affections righteous dispensations for
her eternal good.
Mrs. Sykes inherited mind of superior activ-
ty, and power, and its faculties had been discipn-
ed by severe study, and enriched by varied attain
ments. She possessed a fine taste, and delicate
susceptibility to all the viruous and tender emo
tons of feeling and passion. Her character was a
happy mean between opposite extremes OF conduct.
Her manners were graceful, without affectatlon;
her department was dignifed, without austerity;
and her conversation was facetious without levity.
She peculiarly sensitive to all the prophecies
and decorcms of female conduct and therefore
preserved the utmost delcacy of feeling, and pu-
rity of thought.
And yet, with all her virtues and endowments,
no woman was ever less ostentatious than Mrs.
Sykes She of all others seemed the least conscious
of her intellectual, and moral treasures. They
were hidden fount of pure waters; and nothing
less than confdng and cordial intercourse, could
draw them to the surface. She made no preten-
sions to knowledge which she did not possess; and
affected no virtues which she did not practice
And under similar temptations to dis
play, exhibited more simplicity of character, or
was more unpretending in feeling
But the sweetest and noblest virtue that adorn-
ed her life and embellshed her character, was
christian piety. Some three years since she re-
nounccd the pomp and vanities of the world, and
became a member of the Protestant Episcopal
Church. Her feelings and affections were hence
forward centered upon the church, and she loved
to 90 and worship in the sanctuary of her God
To her bereaved husband and afflicted parents
therefore, we say: escrow not as those without
hope" Though her earthly tabernacle be dis
solved, she has a house not made with hands
''eternal in the heavens
Departed spirit of lovely Mary! This tribute
to your memory is offered by one who fondled you
in infancy, and nurtured you in childhood-by one
who aided in training the qualities of your mind
and improving the virtues of your heart. He has
kneeled with you around the same altar, and com
muned Win you at the same TABLE gu nave
gone to "anOther and better country" while he
fingers on earth little longer awaiting his appoint
ed time: your sat in the morning of life, bu
it sat full orbed in truth and righteousness; his ha
waned to the evening of his day, and must sooI
sink below the horizon to rise more forever
DIED at the residence of M. w. Howell, OIL
the night of the 28th ult at 12 O'Clock LAURA
only child of W. H. and E. A. Nash, aged l.
months and % days
1 There is not garden walk tread,
Nor flower | see
But brings to mind that memory dear
| Some Joy have lost in thee.