The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1880-12-29
Mrs. Mary Harrison Atkinson.

This Christian lady fell asleep in Jesus" at
the residence of her grandson in-law, Mr.. R. L.
Bethel, near Ruffin, North Carolina, December
18th, just seventy six years and one day old.
She was the only daughter of Mr.. William
Beard formerly of Petersburg, but for many
years previous to his DEATH about twenty five
years since, resident of Person county. n. G.
one was married at an early age nearly sixty
years since, to DIR. Thomas p Atkinson for the
more active part of his life physician Of great
skill and success in Halifax county. Va and
the honored and trusted representative of his
district In the Senate of Virginia This relation
brought Mrs. Atkinson into LARGE circle of
friends and acquaintance both in her native
and the adjoining State, as well as in other por-
tons OF the union North and South. She was
the mother of several children, only one of
whom survived the years of infancy or child
hood, and still lives with her children all grown
or nearly so, to mourn her beloved mothers
decease. DIR. Atkinson had preceded Mrs. At
Klnson TO the better world, but few wears ago
Both Dr. and Mrs Atkinson were ever Ion
hospltable thought intent" and while, of the
unusually large numbers, who had enioyed
their liberal and cordial hospitality. but few re-
main to testify their grateful recollectlons of
the house which was the open home of so manv
these Will remember with melancholy but pleas
ing associations, the days long gone, when they
enjoyed the genteel, cordial and generous wei
come, which ever awaited the worthy visitors
al their home, whether in Halifax or in Dan
vllle where they resided for more than a quar-
ter of a century 1N''-
Mrs. Atkinson was member of the Presby,-
terrain church first at Black Walnut in Halifax
ana then In Danville. She was warm adj
mlrer OF Its doctrines and loved its "sweet com
munlon and songs of solemn praise" To super.
nclal observers her warm attachment and par
tlallty might seem to SAVIOR of bigotrv But her
intelIlgent appreciation of gospel truth, led her
TO love the people of God of every name and
especially those who ministered in holv thinos
10 be known as a Christian minister in GOOD
standing In his own Church. was a sure pass.
port to her hreside. Connected bv tender
kindred ties, with many in and out of the min
lstry, In the Episcopal Church. she lavisbed on
tnem' whether her own or her husbands rela-
lions by blood, warm Christian affection
many years ago she often expressed dread of
Ineetlng the King of Terrors." But for several
years past, especially since her beloved husband
was called to his rest she manifested decided
growth In tender, trusting, Christian submis
sion to Gods will. When her last sickness
snort but severe, (of only FIVE days) Frustrated
her' on being informed of her critical condition
she ala not Indicate startle of fear but with
quiet, calm trust in her Saviour. awaited her
END. Her last word was peace" She had
oeen growing in grace for years, and all who
knew her were struck with the pentleness
onaII!ty' ana sweetness OF temper which char
acterlsed her last years so eminentiy.
This tribute to her memory is laid on bo-
grave, by one who now growing old. can ne1or
cease TO be filled with grateful recollections If
her who 80 ministered to his comfort in bis
younger years. May the Grace of Cod ob;Jo
with all her descendants, enabling them 10 I'll
low her " who through faith and patience has
inherited the promises"