The Ocala banner. (Ocala, Marion County, Fla.) 1883-194?, 1919-05-09
GEORGE W. SIMMONS

On the morning of the 22nd inst
George w. Simmons passed away at
the old Simmons home east Of Citra.
after a long and painful illness Of
more than a score of years. He was
affaicted with that terrible disease
known as rheumatism.
Mr.. Simmons was born June Sth,
1870. He was the son OF the late
Mrs. Sarah Simmons He was duriag
his whole life an exceptionally good
boy. To know him was to love him.
His friends we're numerous, among
both white and colored He suffered
untold agony for twenty years or
more He was one of the greatest
sufferers ] have ever known and bore
it patiently and was faithful TO the
end. 1t seems hard and we can't
understand why a boy with spotiess
character such as he had should suf-
fer as he did, but God works in mys,
terious ways His wonders to per
form. George had not been able to
stand on his feet for nearly six
years
Everything that loving hands could
do was done for him, beside spending
thousands of dollars He tried a
number of natures health resorts,
among them the noted Hot Spring
Ark. He spent nearly four months at
these springs without deriving any
benefit.
During the last six years of mis-
life it had been necessary to keep a
nurse with him and for the last four
years he had been in the care of his
brother-in-law, Mr. r. W. Vause.
Mr.. Vause certainly has been a faith
full servant.
Mr.. Simmons leaves to mourn his
death six brothers, namely: William
s. Simmons of Miami; r. F. Simmons
of Citra; j. NJ Simmons of Summer
field; James ]. Simmons of Haw-
thorn; e. r. Simmons of Gainesville;
John r. Simmons of Citra; and five
sisters, Mrs. Mary j. Vause of Palat-
ka; Mrs r. w. vause of Citra; Mrs.
w. ]. Vause of Johnson; Misses Leila
and Sallie Simmons, both Of Citra,
besides host of relatives and
friends. May the Lord heal their
broken hearts, and help them say,
Thy will be done.
Though George has been called
upon the pass through the valley Of
the shadow of death, may those who
loved him realize that the good shep-
herd leadeth and it is well. Blessed
are the dead, which die in the Lord
From henceforth, yea, saith the spirit
that they may rest from their labors.
and their words do follow them.
Rest for the toiling hand,
Rest for the anxious brow,
Rest for the weary wayworn feet,
Rest from all labors now.
@
The funeral services were conduct
ed by the Rev. E. d. Boyer, pastor
Of the old Simmons church, of which
George was, member.
] The pail bearers were H. M. Baker,
G. A. Abstein, Oscar Ellis and Luth-
or WaldrUn. The body was inferred
at the Simmons cemetery and was
laid to rest beside Georges dear old
mother, who preceded him five years.
The music was conducted by Mrs
7. e. Johnson and beautifully rem
dered.
George was a great home and
mama boy, having spent the most of
mis- life with his mother on the old
plantation, where he was born and
readed. looking after the interest and
welfare of his precious old mother
as long as he was able.
"Tis religion that can give,
sweetest pleasure while we live:
lis religion that must supply
Solid comfort when we die;
After death its joys shall be
Lasting as eternity.
Be the living God our friend,
Then our bliss shall never end.
A FRIEND.
DEATH OF DR.. p. RURcIN