The gold leaf. [volume] (Henderson, N.C.) 1881-1911, 1902-03-20

A Venerable and Sanity Woman
Whose Life Was an Inspiration, Her
Christian Character Benedictlon to
Those About Her

SuFlSk1dH \u0TdClST DSucOCttOu u
Those About Her.
The following tribute to the life
and character of Mrs. II. I. Wilcox,
who died st her home in Halifax
county last December, in the 93rd
year of her age, is taken from a recent
issue Of the Warrenton Record:
This venerable lady died at the residence
OF her son, Rev. A. 6. Wilcox, near Brink
leyvile. \. e., on the 22nd of Decenber
1901, in the 93rd year of her age. 1t is
not given to many to live so many
years
Sister Wilcox had been in feeble health
| for several years; but her mind remained
unimpaired o the last, and with undated
interest she devoted herself to her loved
ones, planning and working for their hap
pinesS and comfort. her efforts in their
behalf ending only with her life
Sister Wilcox was born at Tretna Green,
Halifax county, n C., on the 26sh day
ofS1ptember, 1909 She was the daughter
OF James Aston. Esq, and was, there
fore, member OF the large and infiuen-
tial Aston family which is scattered
throughout several Southern States,
many OF whom have occupied in war and
peace positions OF honor and trust.
In her seventeenth year she was united
in marriage to a Mr. Shell, of Virginia
This happy union lasted but n short time
Tor the beloved husband, in the bloom of
his young manhood. was attacked with
yellow lever, and died in New Orleans
whence he had gone on business. The
frult OF this union was one son, Oliver p.
Shell, OF WarrentOn, who for many years
has been an important factor in the bust
ness life OF the community. His habits
OF industry, careful business methods,
genial disposition, devotion to friends,
purity OF life, and integrity of character
indicate, in no uncertain way, the char
acter OF that mother with whose wise
training he was blessed.
Alter nine years of widOwhOOd Mrs.
Shell was united in marriage Rev. Thos.
Wilcox, of BrinkIeyvilIe, and entered
upon life for which she by nature and
cox was an untirng and successful worker
as a minister of Jesus Christ; and no
doubt the wise cooperation and helpful
sympathy of this devoted wife contri-
buted in no small degree to his labors
and success. She brought into his home
that refinement of character, influence OF
culture and knowledge of affairs essen
tia in the wife OF a minist er of the Cos
pei. She presided with genial dignity
in her elegant home, dispensing liberal
hospitality, and making sunshine for all
who came under her personal influence
1t is safe to say that the needy were
never turned empty from her door, and
the stranger was always welcome to the
hospitality of that home Her friends
and nelghbOrs, especially the young, de-
lighted to visit, where under the influence
OF her interesting conversation, poetic
imagination, music and art, they were
not only made happier, but went away
with higher and more beautiful ideals of
life.
Two children. son and daughter were
the fruit of the second marriage, Rev. A.
q. Wilcox, of Brinkleyville, and Mrs. J D.. j ..
Allen, of Louisburg. Perhaps there were
Others, do not know. After the death
of her second husband Mrs. Wilcox con-
tinued to preside over his home as in
former years The ordination of her son
to the ministry brought peculiar Joy into
her life; for, although not member OF
the church, she had been professor of
religion for many years, and had only
deferred her baptism because of distress
ing doubts that would arise concerning
her conversion ShenOw decided to follow
! Christ, and was one of the first baptized
| by her cOnsecrated son.
The marriage of her gifted daughter
| to Mr.. J. j. Allen, and that of her noble
| son to Miss Mason brought changes into
her home that required new adjustments
| which she unhesitatingly made, and went
| forward in her life work with the zeal and
| energy OF former years. Her devotion tC
| her children, to those whom they had
| married, and to her grand children was
| strong and tender; and to the very last
| day of her life she actively devoted her
| self to their welfare. She had the soul OF
| a poet, the eye of an artist and lived the
| life of a saint. 1t is sad to know that
we shall meet her no more on earth: but
''1 ct again we hope to meet her,
When this Spark of life is fled;
Safe in Heaven we'll gladly meet her,
Where no farewell tear is she'd
| +. j. TAYLOR.
| Warrenton. n. C.