The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1902-06-29
OBITUARY.

AS darkness was deepening into
dawn, thus symbolical of the old life
into the new, peacefully passed the
sainted spirit of Mrs. Mary J. Norris
Into the realms of the blessed" into
the happy beyond, at her home, 'Wcl-
come Farm" just east of the city, on
the END of June, 1902 She was in the
18th year of her age, having been born
November 9th, 1923. She was the eldest
daughter of the late William and Deli
1ah Yates She was sister of the late
DR.. Matthew T. Yates, of SHANGHAI,
China. One brother and q sister sur
vive her, Mr.. Lucian Yates and Mrs.
Sarah Ann Herndon, of Chatham county.
She was married in 1S4S to Mr.. William
H. Norris, of Wake county, who sur
wives her. Thus hand in hand life's
pathway they have journeyed, sharing
with mutual interest each others joys
cares and sorrows. Their golden we'd
ding" had passed and now the snowy
hair, the furrowed brow, the hand Of
aff1iction told that the harvest too was
golden and so in this June time, the
beautiful harvest season. as the cycler
from every hillside is reaping the golden
grain, God, too, has reaped his own.
Lies duties seemed complete, so il
seems wrong that we should grieve at
the going out Of this pure, Christian life.
Yet we are of the earth earthly: human
ties are hard to sever 1t was both pitt
full and painful to see the aged husband,
with hoary head and tremulous form,
grieving with broken spirit over the
separation from his loved and faithful
companion. After she had been placed
on the snowy bed of the casket it was in
decd touching to see him place his chair
close beside, sitting immovaDle until
the last, as if keeping silent vigil, thus
faithful unto death.
. To them were born five sons and a
daughter. They are Messrs. NJ. T., w
G. and S. b. Norris, of this city; Jas. NJ.
Norris, of Wichita, Kan; Jos. Norris,
(deceascD, and Mrs. ]. Newton Booth
of Greenvlle, n. c.
From early life she was a consistent
and devoted member of the Baptist
church. At the time of her death she
had for a number of years since their
removal from the old homestead been a
member of the First Baptist Church of
this city. OF this lovely Christian char
acter too much cannot be said. \ faith
full wife, devoted mother, staunch
friend has gone to await the coming Of
her loved ones and join with those who
have gone before. May her life shed a
hallowed influence over her children and
childrens children.
The funeral services were conducted
from the home by Mr. John T. Pullen.
She was laid TO rest in beautiful oak
wood"
May God in his infinite goodness be
with the aged husband in his loneliness.
pour on the healing balm to soothe his
broken spirit, comfort and bless her chill
dren in the giving up of mother. May
each one so prepare himself TO meet her
on that glorious resurrection morn.
How blest the righteous when he dies.
When seeks a weary soul to rest;
How mildly beam the closing eyes,
How gently heaves the expiring
breast!
So fades a summer cloud away,
So sinks the gale when storms are DER,
So gently shuts the eye of day;
SO dies a wave along the shore.
Lies duty donc-as sinks the day.
Light from its load the spirit flies.
While heaven and earth combine to say:
"How blest the righteous when he
dies"
Z. b. n.
Raleigh n c.. JuDp oS 1000