Herald and tribune. [volume] (Jonesborough, Tenn.) 1869-current, 1896-07-15
OBITUARY
MRS. FANNIE A.. DoSSER,

neSsco. She died at Unaka Spring, July
A., 1896,
In early life she was converted at
Stone Dam Campground, and joined the
Methodist Church when about fourteen
years old.
On July -, 1858, she was married to
James IL. Dosser, becoming his second
wife, Her sister, Caroline, was his first
wife, and to them were born two chill
dren, Mary NJ. (NIrs. l.. L. Reevcs), and
Charles Edwin.
These children were small when their
father married again, and were raised
by their step mother. She was to them
all a mother could be, showing no par.
TALLY o discrimination in favor of
her W children. In the bOundless re-
sources of her love they had just as high
n place as those who followed on into
the family.
This union proved to be a happy one.
Six children were born, Robert Newton,
Anna Cora (Mrs. j. A.. PIERCE, Albert
Thomas, Frank r., James Horace, Fan
ME, and James Harry, all but two of
whom are living, James Horace and
Fannie having died. For more than five
years sister Dosser was left a widow, her
husband having died May %, 1891,
The above is a brief summary of the
life of one who was in many respects
a remarkable woman.
For a long time she occupied q promi-
nent place in the community where she
resided. She possessed just those traits
of character that make life beautiful,
and win for one the admiration of all.
1t was not the privilege Of the writer
of these lines to know her long, but he
is profoundly grateful that he ever came
in contact with such a character, and
feels richer for having made her ac-
quaintance,
TO be in the company of such a person,
to feel the influence Of such u life, even
though it be only for O short while, is
worth more than one can tell, The i'm
pressions she made for good upon hun
dreds who knew and loved her, will tell
in eternity.
After being in her presence, and
listening to her conversation, one could
but go away resolving to do better and
be better.
An account of the life of this remark,
able woman would be farfrom complete
if prominent mention was not made OF
her devotion to the church.
While her heart was big, her sympa-
thies were large, and she loved all
Christian people, and reioiced in the
prosperity of all churches, yet she was
a thorough Methodist. That she loved
dearly the church of her choice no one
could doubt.
1t was first in her thoughts and how
she might be most efficient and faithful
in her church was no doubt q question
she often asked herself, and which she
answered well by her zeal and devotion.
What the Methodist Church is TODAY in
Jonesboro is due largely to the untiring
energy of Sister Dosser. TO adorn and
beautlfy the church of God was her con-
slant aim and desire. How much she
thought about the church, prayed,
planned, worked, and sacrificed for it,
will never be known. In my experience
as Il pastor | have never known one who
Appropriated more closely an ideal
church member than did Sister Dosser.
Unless pr~ovidentially hindered she
was always in her place in the sanctu-
airy. OF recent years her health was
such that it was impossible for her to
be at every service, but when absent in
body she was present in spirit. It was
always an inspiration to me, as | stood
in the pulpit, to have her in the congre-
CATION, and when she was not able to be
in her place, | vas disappointed.
Sister Dosser vas also a woman of
deep and profound religious convictions.
Her faith in God was strong and beau
tiful. She was so firmly established in
her belief, that nothing could unsettle
her mind, nOr disturb her confidence.
She could say with the Psalmist: "My
heart is fixed, o God" Not especially
demonstrative in her religious life, yet
she possessed the peace that flows like a
river. and in storm or sunshine she was
calm and serene.
1t was when others relaxed their
energy that she worked the hardest,
never growing weary in well doing. She
knew whom She believed, and was per-
suaded that He was able to keep that
which she had committed unto Him
against that day. The great secret of
her happy Christian life was her i'm
plicit trust in God. She learned to take
everything to God in prayer, and even
in tie little and seemingly insignificant
affairs of life, she sought divine guild
ance.
In social circles she was loved and
admired. Her friends were limited only
by her acquaintance. Naturally sympa-
thetic, she seemed to be interested in
everybody, and had a kind word for all.
There was no one but that had every
confidence in her piety, and when she
spoke her words carried weight.
But while she WAS Interested i'm phurph
and community, she never for a moment
neglected her home. 1t was here that
she displayed those qualities that mark
ed her as a truly great woman. TO
make home attractive was a great OBJ
iect of her life, and in this she succeeded
Fond and affectionate as a wife. true
and devoted as a mother, "her children
arise up and call her blessed" 1t was a
delight to enter such a home, and the
love that existed in this family was
touching and beautiful. Happy the son
or daughter to have such a mother !
10 her great joy she lived to see every
church, trying to lead the Christian life.
There was nothing that seemed to give
her greater satisfaction than this, and
now she could die happy.
Useful in every sense of the word, the
world is better that she has lived. An
example to all in her devotion to the
church, her piety, and her beautiful
Christian character, the influence she
eXerted was far reaching, and will
abide with lis like the sweetest perfume
for long years to come. ~
OF her it can be truly said: "She lived
nobly and WELL"
She did her work, and then went
home. Fol many years she was a work
a n in thu ytnnxnrI L.I -.
from her labors. There is nothing to
regret in her life. She filled her place
in Gods, plans, accomplished her mis-
sion to the world.
Every day she seemed to grow ripper
for heaven. 1t mattered not when her
Lord said, at is enough she was ready
to go whenever the summons came.
AT midnight or MONDAY she had her
lamp trimmed and burning, ready to
meet the bridegroom when He came.
"A lifting inscription to place upon her
wOul1 no. aSha hath dopa