The gold leaf. [volume] (Henderson, N.C.) 1881-1911, 1895-12-12
In MemOriam.

Ou the DeduLllul diUeFHOOu vi NOV. AlSt,
1895, when the sad intelligence of the
sudden and unexpected death OF Mrs.
Emma Howard, wife of Mr.. Thomas
munity, it seemed as though the sky was
suddenly clouded over, every heart was
saddened, old and young alike wept.
The death of this lovely woman came
with almost appalling suddenness, andtO
our weak vision seemed untimely, yet
we recognize Gods hand, and believe be-
hind frowning providence He hides a
smiling face.
She was married to Mr.. Howard in
Tennessee at the early age of sixteen,
Nov. 18th, 1882. Soon after he brought
his bride to North Carolina, his native
State, where they have since remained.
She was a consistent member OF the
Methodist Protestant church. She loved
her church and was never absentfrOm its
service, whenever it was possible for her
to be present. Her remains were taken
to Union Chapel, where she held her
membership, and where she had often
worshipped with US, and after the funer-
al service conducted by her pastor, whom
she loved so dearly, quietly laid to rest
in the church cemetery. How hard to
realize that we will see her loved form
no more, that her voice is hushed, her
place forever vacant. Gone to rest:
Crossed upon the mOveless breast
The folded hands unconscious rest,
No signs of suffering on the brow,
All is calm and peaceful nOw.'
She was of a gentle, forbearing nature,
one who would sweeten the cup of life to
those who drank it with her, but there
was strength, as well as loneliness of
character. She could do and endure, as
love and please In her thoughtfulness
of others she seemed to forget self, and
was ever ready to lend a helping hand to
Tighten the cares and lessen the burdens
of Others. Possessing the requisites of a
true Christian woman she drew to her
alike old and young. Those who were
constantly with her were sustained and
strengthened by her perfect patience, and
gentle cheerfuness, and by the atmos-
phere OF peace which her lovely, spirit
seemed to diffuse around her.
How often the Great Spoiler eBmes,
when it seems his victims can be least
spared. Mrs. Howard left three little
children, the two oldest being scarcely
old enough to realize their great loss,
the youngest being tiny infant. When
we think of these precious little ones, so
much needing a mothers loving care and
tenderness, and the almost heart-brOken
husband, we can but feel the ways OF God
are mysterious, past finding out. Yet
an echo comes from the boundless shore,
God knoweth best" And we believe if
not on earth, at least in glory there will
be q grand revelation of Gods love and
wisdom in this very trial which is now
bowling our heads.
Many and bitter are the tears the
writer has shed over this death, but let us
weep no more, she is not dead, but sleep
eth she is not dead, but lreh. At the
very moment our tears are falling, her
spirit is summing in the realms of everlast
ing day, safely housed, safely Home.
She was young to die, but an early death
is an early crown. Only few hours Of
violent suffering, and her pure, generous,
noble soul was released. and winged it's
happy flight among minlstering sera-
phlms. And we believe the last sigh was
scarce over GU earth, when the song was
begun in Heaven.
Our hearts go out in sympathy for tho
bereaved husband, children and relatives.
May God bless, comfort and keep them,
and we know that he will. And may the
tie sundered here bind them more closely
to the throne OF God. Nay they hear her
*otSe SteliluS uoNil III TIE SUI whispers
of Heavens music saying-''If We loved
me se would rejoice because | say | go
unto my father"
The loved and lost. Why DO we call
them lost?
Because We miss them on our onward
road.
Gods unseen angel over our pathway
crossed,
Looked on us all, and loving them the
most
Straightway relieved them from life's
weary load
IDA,
Bear Pond, Dec ith' '95.
* Pubic Ledger please copy.