The Bossier banner., 1905-10-05
A Tribute Of Love to the Memory
DOLLIE BELLE (McDADE) PRINCE.

The greatest sorrow and darkest hour that
visits any community is upon the death of one
OF its noble citizens We never knew more
universal regret to overshadow as many
homes, as when the sad news was spread
over the community that the pure and gentle
spirit of Dollie Belle had passed to 'sthe rest
of the soul''
Her earthly life began Jan. II, 1875, in Bos-
sier Parish, and closed here Sept. H. 1905.
Between these dates much pleasure and
happiness came into the life of our sweet
young friend. Endowed from childhood with
an unselfish and generous spirit it was her
greatest joy to contribute to the pleasure and
comfort of those she loved, thereby gaining
much happiness in service for others,
In early life she gave her heart to God, and
joined the Methodist Church at old Fillmore,
under the ministry of Rev. Lewis A. Reed, of
sainted memory. After becoming member
of the church no shadow of inconsistency ever
marred the beauty of her religion.
On June Is, 1898, she was happily married
to Wilson Prince, who, with four precious little
boys, remains to grieve for the love of de-
voted wife, and mother.
Her married life was unusually happy. No
cloud foreboded the separation which was to
remove her from that circle of loved ones, who
looked to her for happiness as unerringly as
the flower turns its petals to the sun.
We are left in wonder, why such a rare and
lovely spirit should be taken away just at a
time when, to our earthly comprehension, it
would seem she was needed most. But Gods
infinite wisdom makes no mistakes, and the
dark mystery will be unveiled with crowning
light in the glorious hereafter.
All of her life was spent here among the
people she loved and where she was universally
loved and esteemed for noble and generous
qualifications. Gifted with rare personal at
fractions and remarkable characteristics, like
a flower unfolding from lovely bud, she
blushed into womanhood, then ripened into
motherhood-the idol of her home circle;-a
consistent member of the church and an orna-
ment to the society in which she moved.
On the 18th of September vast croud of
sorrowing relatives and friends assembled in
the old church at Fillmore to pay the last sad
rites to the memory of our beloved friend.
The exquisite stiffness that pervaded the en-
tire audience and the be- .ltiful service con-
Quoted by Rev. w. F. Henderson was impress
sive. Loving hands then tenderly removed
from the Chancel, the beautiful casket con-
tanning the precious body, which was followed
by throng (both white and black) to the old
church-yard, where, in the hush of the au-
tumn evening, she was laid to rest under
mound Of floral offerings, many of them COM
ing from old family servants, who turned away
with sad faces, mingling their tears with those
of their white friends for the loss of a loved
benefactress.
May God bless and comfort the bereaved
brothers and sisters. May the vacancy in her
home be filled with God's spirit and rest in love
upon the stricken husband, and His tender
protection be ever about the dear, orphaned
boys; and may He help us all to realize that
this world is not our home.
MARY LAWRENCE.
Haughton, La, Oct. 2, 1905.