The Marietta journal. [volume] (Marietta, Ga.) 1866-1909, 1892-06-16
In MemOriam..M Mrs. Judge Lester,

Born into Spirit life, from her home
near Marietta, on Wednesday, the 9th day
of June 1892. Mrs Margaret Isabel, widow
OF the late Judge George N. Lester, aged
SO years, months and 19 days.
This records the passing away of lady
we'll known and beloved by this entire
community, and, as her pastor expressed
1t in his funeral discourse, without a
known enemy in the world"
Mrs. Margaret l. Lester was born ON the
22n6 day of October, 1885 In Cass (now
Bartow) county, Ca. and was the eldest
living child ofthe late Judge David Irwin,
for many years Judge of Blue Ridge cir>
cult
Here Miss Margaret was educated at a
female seminary taught by the late Bishop
Scott of the Episcopal Church. and Grads
uated with high honors. Her parents
we're Presbyterlans and in this branch of
the Christian church she was raised, al>
though not member.
She was united in marriage on Nov. 8,
1858, to George N. Lester, one of Georgia
nobiest and bravest sons, and for more
than thirty>eight years was his faithful
and beloved companion, closing his mortal
eyes in their last sleep, then speedily fol.
lO"lhB anu IOluAuk ulLl III budL
home lust beyond the river
Mrs. Lester united with the Methodist
Episcopal church soon after her marriage
and remained consistent member through
life.
In her, religion did but adorn and beau>
tlty naturally sweet, loving and gentle
spirit, and her piety was of that practical
kind to be worn at all times and which
entered into all the affairs of life-socisl or
domestic. Mother of family of seven
children, all of whom are yet living, not
one OF them can recall an unKind or harsh
word ever spoken to them by her; while
memory is filed with loving mothers
seli>sacri1cing, undying devotion to their
welfare and happiness.
Her fatal disease Gan internal cancerous
tumOr) had existed probably for several
years, but lying dormant and unsupported,
or giving but occasional tokens of its
presence, and developing in its malignant
form during the last few weeks.
Physicians and friends did all in their
power TO arrest its course, but it baffied
their skill.
The closing hours of Mrs. Testers mor>
tai life were of thrilling interest. On
Thursday morning last her eyes seemed
to behold the forms of loved ones gone be-
tore who were waiting and watching"
for her coming.
"rEe angels had opened the gates of day,
And stretched forth their hands to well
come her in.
She was conversing several times with
these invisible attendants, among whom
she saw and recognized her husband and
mother. To one of them she said, az will
go with you to night" And the night
came, bringing to US earth's darkness, to
her Heavens light. AS the end drew
nigh, weeping friends and relatives stood
near her bedside, watching her fixed eyes
which seemed totally unconscious of their
presence. Had she gomez Suddenly a
glow, as of heavenly light, overspread her
countenance, which seemed for the mos
ment transformed to youth, and she turns
ed her eyes toward each one in the room
with look full of recognition, peace and
love, which seemed to say-"I am now
ready to sever the tie which binds me to
the mortal part would bid you each
loving, last farewell"
Then the lids closed and the spirit was
free.
But who shall describe the rapture that
thrills
The bosoms of those who watch and
wait"
AS their loved one at last, set free from
earth's ills,
Enters with them through 'the beautiful
gatef" F. B.