"The Gospel Messenger", Volume 20, No. 11 – November 1898:

Palo Pinto, Texas
August 21, 1898

Dear Readers of "The Gospel Messenger":

I will try, in my weak manner, to comply with the request of our dear Elder Mitchell and others, to give you a brief sketch of our recent visit to our old home in Alabama. Mr. Abernathy and I took advantage of cheap rates to the Confederate Reunion at Atlanta, Georgia, and left home July 15th, went as far as Weatherford, and spent the night with one of our daughters, and next day bought our tickets to Atlanta, where we arrived after a run of forty-eight hours, and were met at the depot by Elder Sammie Whatley, who conveyed us to his hospitable though lately bereaved home, which was being kindly presided over by his estimable mother-in-law, who also tenderly cares for his sweet little girl babe, who will never know that priceless boon, a mother's love. "God temper the wind to the shorn lamb."

After spending two days very pleasantly with them, we visited some cousins of Mr. Abernathy's, who reside in the city, among whom were two dear Primitive Baptist sisters. In fact, they all entwined themselves around our hearts by their kindness; though we never had met any of them before, we will never forget their generous hospitality. We also visited the reunion grounds, where we met many of our old friends and relatives, and heard the patriotic speeches of the sons of Georgia and some of the old Confederate Generals, and listened to the wild cheering of the vast multitude as the band pealed forth "Dixie", "Bonnie Blue Flag," and other National airs; also witnessed the introductions of Miss Winnie Davis, the "child of the Confederacy," and of the twin daughters of General Hood, by the illustrious General Gordon, all of which threw the great throng of people into the wildest enthusiasm. It certainly was an occasion of great and patriotic splendor, and one long to be remembered by all present. Then we started to our old home in Chambers County, Alabama, and stopped two nights as we went and came in Opelika with dear Elder and Sister (Wm. M.) Mitchell. Oh, how our hearts burned within us as we realized that we were permitted to sit under their roof one more time as in the long ago, and listen to his dear voice still speaking words of wisdom and admonition, and pointing out errors that are threatening to invade our ranks, thereby causing strife and divisions among the dear Old Baptists. Oh! That all would heed his kindly warnings ere it is too late, for it will not be long before his gentle voice will be stilled in death. May the good Lord continue to raise up more such gospel standard bearers as he has ever been, who may have the courage to "cry aloud and spare not."

Our next stop was among the dear kindred and friends around our old home (Chambers County, AL), after an absence of near eighteen years. Oh! How glad we were and how thankful that the good Lord had spared our lives to meet again, though many of the loved ones had gone to their long, eternal homes. What visions of the past rose up before us at sight of our old home, fast going like all earthly things, to decay. It was there three of our children were born, and one of our fairest flowers withered and died, or rather was transplanted to bloom in the paradise of God.

Our next visit was up in Randolph County, where lived a dear sister we had not seen in eighteen years. After we spent several days in her pleasant home, she returned with us to Chambers, and remained with us until our start for home. Next, and best of all, was an appointment made for Brother (John T.) Satterwhite to preach for us at our dear old home church on Thursday, the 4th of August, at Macedonia (Primitive Baptist Church - 7 miles NW of LaFayette in Chambers County). And now, dear readers, all reunions paled in significance compared to this one, where we humbly hope One was in our midst far, far superior to the greatest earthly son the world ever knew. Oh! When the dear old brethren and sisters began to arrive and assemble in the house where we had so often met in days past and gone, our feelings cannot be described. As we grasped each other's hand with tears of joy, we thought surely this is the greatest of all earthly reunions. I had rather, as unworthy as I am, grasp the hand of a dear, faithful, humble child of God than those of all the noted aristocracy of the world. What a glorious sermon our dear Elder Satterwhite preached from the 37th verse of the 37th Psalm. Therein was the perfect man set forth in such grandeur not to be attained by all the wisdom of this world. Then came the parting hand until we meet in one great and grand reunion far above all earthly strife, one that will never end and where parting will be no more. God be praised.

Next came the sad adieu from our loved one's homes and our start for the far West. As we journeyed on through the first day and night and the morning of the second day dawned, we noticed the scene had changed. In place of low, miasmatic swamps, with their long moss-covered trees, like silent sentries of the night, we found ourselves on the high, rolling prairies of Texas, with its pure and balmy breeze, and a certain peculiar bustle and hurry around the departs as we hurried by, so characteristic of Texans; and a little child, who had slept all night, was awakened by her mother. "Wake up, Darling, we are in Texas now," and a smile played across her features as she rose up and looked out the window, and we all with gladness realized we would soon be at home, sweet home, where we eventually arrived and found all well except our little girl, who was taken with fever two days before. We were so glad that we were spared to reach home in time to nurse her back to health. We feel that we have much to be thankful for, and hope you will all pray that we may live worthy of such great blessings.

- Your unworthy sister, Mrs. L. A. Abernathy.
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"The LaFayette (Alabama) Sun" - October 11, 1922:

Mrs. Abernathy Passes Away.

Mrs. Ladora Abernathy, aged 75, wife of S. J. S. Abernathy, of this place, died at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Floyd Watson, in Mineral Wells, Texas, Monday evening and her remains were laid to rest in the Palo Pinto Cemetery Tuesday afternoon at 5 o'clock. Funeral services were held at the Abernathy residence here at 4 p.m. in the presence of a very large concourse of relatives and friends, with Rev. Seal, of Mineral Wells, officiating.
Deceased was born in Russell County, Ala., July 12, 1847, and was married to S. J. S. Abernathy in Chambers County, Ala., November 8, 1866. She came with her husband to Texas in 1881, and after a year or so settled down in the town of Palo Pinto, where she resided up to the time of her death. She joined the Primitive Baptist Church forty-nine years ago, and was known and loved as a devout Christian wife and mother. Her daily walk and conversation portrayed a lovable Christian character, one that seemed to have a smile and God-speed for all who passed her way; a true woman of the South, and, like her husband, loyal to the lost cause, for which he fought four years.
Mrs. Abernathy had been in ill health for some time and it was while visiting at the home of her daughter that she was taken. Besides her husband, six children, two boys and four girls, survive her. They are W. Gib and Ray B. Abernathy, of this place; Mrs. W. C. Ragsdale, of Weatherford; Mrs. J. L. Williams, of Knowells, New Mexico, and Mrs. C. V. Whatley and Mrs. Floyd Watson, of Mineral Wells. Two others, C. P. Abernathy and a younger one, preceded her to that bourne from whence no traveler ever returns.
The attendance at her funeral was unusually large, and her grave was literally covered with beautiful flowers presented by sorrowing friends. The editor of the Star joins with this entire community in extending sympathy to the bereaved family and friends for their sad loss. - Palo Pinto County (Texas) Star, September 29.