Obituary Gonzales Inquirer May 3, 1945
Miss Bessie Smith Dies Here Sunday
Funeral services for Miss Bessie Smith, lifetime resident of Gonzales county, were held Monday afternoon at 3:30 p.m. at the First Baptist church with Rev. James W. Parker officiating. Interment was in the Masonic cemetery.
Bessie Smith was born July 25, 1867, in Gonzales, the daughter of Felix G. and Luxima Smith. She died Sunday, April 29, 1945, at 9 a.m. Miss Smith has been a member of the First Baptist church here since 1884.
She is survived by one brother, Sidney Smith of Dayton, Texas.
Obit-Gonzales Inquirer July 10, 1945
Miss Bessie Smith
In Memmoriam
A life singular beautiful in devotion to her God, her loved ones and her fellowman; completed its earthy pilgrimage April 29, 1945, when shortly after the twilight hour of a Sabbath evening Miss Bessie Smith went Home to dwell forever with the Lord. The end came peacefully an illness of over a month.
Born in Gonzales July 25, 1867, she was almost a lifelong resident of this city except for a few years during her early girlhood when the family lived in San Antonio. She was 77 years, 9 months and 4 days old age. Miss Smith was the eldest child of Judge Felix D. Smith, one time county judge of Bexar county and Luxuns Collins Smith. When the family moved to San Antonio in January 1872 she attended school there until their removal to Gonzales in 1883 obtaining her education here at the old Gonzales college, as it was known in those days.
She was a descendant of pioneer Texas families her grandparents settling here in the days before Texas Independence. Her maternal grandfather, Judge W. V. Collins, was a former judge here and later postmaster for a term of years.
Surviving her is a brother Sidney A. Smith of Dayton for many years a citizen of Gonzales. Besides her parents, both of whom passed away when she was still a young girl, she was preceded in death by a younger sister, Susie W. Smith, who died in 1890.
As a young lady Miss Bessie made a public profession of faith in Christ uniting with the First Baptist church of Gonzales in February, 1884. Through the years her membership with this church continued unbroken, hers having been the longest service of any member until recently called to the church Triumphant. Faithful and loyal, deeply devoted to her church, she enjoyed the further distinction of having been one of its most regular attendants. Whenever the church doors were open for worship she was present unless prevented by illness, nothing less keeping her away from divine services.
Hence it was peculiarly fitting that her remains were brought to the church for the final tribute honoring her memory. The service so impressive, so beautiful was conducted by her pastor, Rev. Jas. W. Parker, D. D. on Monday afternoon, the day following her passing, the sunshine of an ideal spring day and the springtime's blossoms that she loved marking her last rites.
In the course of the service he gave a simple sketch of her life. The confidence, the assurance, that she is now indeed, at Home in "that house not made with hands" was touchingly brought as based on passages in the fifth chapter of II Corinthians; and, not only at Home, but at rest as assured in the reading of Rev. 14:13; "Blessed are the dead which died in the Lord from henceforth; yea, saith the spirit that they may rest from their labors and their works do follow them." That she has been reunited with love ones as Dr. Parker read passages from John 14.
He also read the 23rd Psalm radiant with confidence in Gods grace, the certainty of His constant presence throughout the sunshine and shadows of our earthly pilgrimage. His sustaining presence through the "Valley of the Shadow" to go to "dwell in the house of the Lord forever."
Hymns sung by the choir included "Amazing Grace" "Shall We Gather at the River" and "Does Jesus Care?"
The commital service was held at the Masonic cemetery where her remains were laid to rest beside those of loved ones gone before.
Acting pall bearers were D. U. Ramsey, D. T. Person, Oscar DuBose, J. M. Johnson, V. S. Marett and Geo. Ewing Jr.
A profusion of beautiful floral offerings attested to the universal love, and esteem in which she was held and eloquently expressed the heartfelt sympathy felt for the devoted brother, the only surviving member of the family, and others near and dear. They came not only from lifelong friends here in the old home town, but from relatives and friends at Dayton, Houston, and other points over the state including a beautiful casket piece of calla lillies from Mr. and Mrs. R. C. Cullen of Houston, conveying the condolence of an old boyhood friend of Mr. Smith and his wife.
Like the beauty and fragrance of the exquisite blossoms that adorned her last resting place so was her life, beautiful with the fragrance of loving service to all with whom she came into close contact. In penning this "In Memorian" the sentiment of that inspiring prayer hymn, others comes involuntarily to mind as best expressing the guiding motive of her life: "Lord help me to live from day to day in such a self forgetful way my prayer shall be for others; Lord, yes, others, let this my motto be, help me to live for others that I may live like Thee." Ever reluctant to accept favors, her own interests, her own comforts, were relegated to the background, almost her every thought having been for others.
Through the years she devoted her life to the care and happiness off grandparents with whom she lived and other loved ones nearing evening of life, gladdening their declining days with her utter devotion.
As for the many friends, as well as those nearest and dearest, her memory walks radiant with them., the nobility of her beautiful character endowed with the graces of a splendid christian womanhood, being a constant inspiration.
In the hearts of those of us who miss her gentle presence so sorely, the sweet ministrations she so loved to bestow , echo again and again the lines of Nancy Byrd Turner's touching poem as so fittingly quoted by Dr. Parker at the beautiful services in her memory:
"Good night, sleep well, we say to
those we love,
And watch dear faces glimmer on
the stair
And hear faint footfalls in the room
above
Sound on the quiet air,
Yet feel no fear, tho lonely they
must go
The road of slumber's strange obli-
vion:
Dark always wears to dawn,
Sleep is so gentle, and so well we know,
Wherever they have gone,
They will be safe until the morning
light.
Goodnight, Goodnight.
Good-night, Sleep well, beloved,
when at last
Slow dusk has fallen, and your steps
no more
Make music on the empty upper
floor,
And day is fully past.
We who so lightly let you go alone
Evening by evening, from our trust-
ful sight
Into the mystery of sleep's unknown
We need not fear tonight.
Death is so gentle-dark will break
to dawn;
Love will be safe until morn-
ing light.
Sleep well, good-night.
Contributed
Miss Bessie Smith Dies Here Sunday
Funeral services for Miss Bessie Smith, lifetime resident of Gonzales county, were held Monday afternoon at 3:30 p.m. at the First Baptist church with Rev. James W. Parker officiating. Interment was in the Masonic cemetery.
Bessie Smith was born July 25, 1867, in Gonzales, the daughter of Felix G. and Luxima Smith. She died Sunday, April 29, 1945, at 9 a.m. Miss Smith has been a member of the First Baptist church here since 1884.
She is survived by one brother, Sidney Smith of Dayton, Texas.
Obit-Gonzales Inquirer July 10, 1945
Miss Bessie Smith
In Memmoriam
A life singular beautiful in devotion to her God, her loved ones and her fellowman; completed its earthy pilgrimage April 29, 1945, when shortly after the twilight hour of a Sabbath evening Miss Bessie Smith went Home to dwell forever with the Lord. The end came peacefully an illness of over a month.
Born in Gonzales July 25, 1867, she was almost a lifelong resident of this city except for a few years during her early girlhood when the family lived in San Antonio. She was 77 years, 9 months and 4 days old age. Miss Smith was the eldest child of Judge Felix D. Smith, one time county judge of Bexar county and Luxuns Collins Smith. When the family moved to San Antonio in January 1872 she attended school there until their removal to Gonzales in 1883 obtaining her education here at the old Gonzales college, as it was known in those days.
She was a descendant of pioneer Texas families her grandparents settling here in the days before Texas Independence. Her maternal grandfather, Judge W. V. Collins, was a former judge here and later postmaster for a term of years.
Surviving her is a brother Sidney A. Smith of Dayton for many years a citizen of Gonzales. Besides her parents, both of whom passed away when she was still a young girl, she was preceded in death by a younger sister, Susie W. Smith, who died in 1890.
As a young lady Miss Bessie made a public profession of faith in Christ uniting with the First Baptist church of Gonzales in February, 1884. Through the years her membership with this church continued unbroken, hers having been the longest service of any member until recently called to the church Triumphant. Faithful and loyal, deeply devoted to her church, she enjoyed the further distinction of having been one of its most regular attendants. Whenever the church doors were open for worship she was present unless prevented by illness, nothing less keeping her away from divine services.
Hence it was peculiarly fitting that her remains were brought to the church for the final tribute honoring her memory. The service so impressive, so beautiful was conducted by her pastor, Rev. Jas. W. Parker, D. D. on Monday afternoon, the day following her passing, the sunshine of an ideal spring day and the springtime's blossoms that she loved marking her last rites.
In the course of the service he gave a simple sketch of her life. The confidence, the assurance, that she is now indeed, at Home in "that house not made with hands" was touchingly brought as based on passages in the fifth chapter of II Corinthians; and, not only at Home, but at rest as assured in the reading of Rev. 14:13; "Blessed are the dead which died in the Lord from henceforth; yea, saith the spirit that they may rest from their labors and their works do follow them." That she has been reunited with love ones as Dr. Parker read passages from John 14.
He also read the 23rd Psalm radiant with confidence in Gods grace, the certainty of His constant presence throughout the sunshine and shadows of our earthly pilgrimage. His sustaining presence through the "Valley of the Shadow" to go to "dwell in the house of the Lord forever."
Hymns sung by the choir included "Amazing Grace" "Shall We Gather at the River" and "Does Jesus Care?"
The commital service was held at the Masonic cemetery where her remains were laid to rest beside those of loved ones gone before.
Acting pall bearers were D. U. Ramsey, D. T. Person, Oscar DuBose, J. M. Johnson, V. S. Marett and Geo. Ewing Jr.
A profusion of beautiful floral offerings attested to the universal love, and esteem in which she was held and eloquently expressed the heartfelt sympathy felt for the devoted brother, the only surviving member of the family, and others near and dear. They came not only from lifelong friends here in the old home town, but from relatives and friends at Dayton, Houston, and other points over the state including a beautiful casket piece of calla lillies from Mr. and Mrs. R. C. Cullen of Houston, conveying the condolence of an old boyhood friend of Mr. Smith and his wife.
Like the beauty and fragrance of the exquisite blossoms that adorned her last resting place so was her life, beautiful with the fragrance of loving service to all with whom she came into close contact. In penning this "In Memorian" the sentiment of that inspiring prayer hymn, others comes involuntarily to mind as best expressing the guiding motive of her life: "Lord help me to live from day to day in such a self forgetful way my prayer shall be for others; Lord, yes, others, let this my motto be, help me to live for others that I may live like Thee." Ever reluctant to accept favors, her own interests, her own comforts, were relegated to the background, almost her every thought having been for others.
Through the years she devoted her life to the care and happiness off grandparents with whom she lived and other loved ones nearing evening of life, gladdening their declining days with her utter devotion.
As for the many friends, as well as those nearest and dearest, her memory walks radiant with them., the nobility of her beautiful character endowed with the graces of a splendid christian womanhood, being a constant inspiration.
In the hearts of those of us who miss her gentle presence so sorely, the sweet ministrations she so loved to bestow , echo again and again the lines of Nancy Byrd Turner's touching poem as so fittingly quoted by Dr. Parker at the beautiful services in her memory:
"Good night, sleep well, we say to
those we love,
And watch dear faces glimmer on
the stair
And hear faint footfalls in the room
above
Sound on the quiet air,
Yet feel no fear, tho lonely they
must go
The road of slumber's strange obli-
vion:
Dark always wears to dawn,
Sleep is so gentle, and so well we know,
Wherever they have gone,
They will be safe until the morning
light.
Goodnight, Goodnight.
Good-night, Sleep well, beloved,
when at last
Slow dusk has fallen, and your steps
no more
Make music on the empty upper
floor,
And day is fully past.
We who so lightly let you go alone
Evening by evening, from our trust-
ful sight
Into the mystery of sleep's unknown
We need not fear tonight.
Death is so gentle-dark will break
to dawn;
Love will be safe until morn-
ing light.
Sleep well, good-night.
Contributed
Obituary Gonzales Inquirer May 3, 1945
Miss Bessie Smith Dies Here Sunday
Funeral services for Miss Bessie Smith, lifetime resident of Gonzales county, were held Monday afternoon at 3:30 p.m. at the First Baptist church with Rev. James W. Parker officiating. Interment was in the Masonic cemetery.
Bessie Smith was born July 25, 1867, in Gonzales, the daughter of Felix G. and Luxima Smith. She died Sunday, April 29, 1945, at 9 a.m. Miss Smith has been a member of the First Baptist church here since 1884.
She is survived by one brother, Sidney Smith of Dayton, Texas.
Obit-Gonzales Inquirer July 10, 1945
Miss Bessie Smith
In Memmoriam
A life singular beautiful in devotion to her God, her loved ones and her fellowman; completed its earthy pilgrimage April 29, 1945, when shortly after the twilight hour of a Sabbath evening Miss Bessie Smith went Home to dwell forever with the Lord. The end came peacefully an illness of over a month.
Born in Gonzales July 25, 1867, she was almost a lifelong resident of this city except for a few years during her early girlhood when the family lived in San Antonio. She was 77 years, 9 months and 4 days old age. Miss Smith was the eldest child of Judge Felix D. Smith, one time county judge of Bexar county and Luxuns Collins Smith. When the family moved to San Antonio in January 1872 she attended school there until their removal to Gonzales in 1883 obtaining her education here at the old Gonzales college, as it was known in those days.
She was a descendant of pioneer Texas families her grandparents settling here in the days before Texas Independence. Her maternal grandfather, Judge W. V. Collins, was a former judge here and later postmaster for a term of years.
Surviving her is a brother Sidney A. Smith of Dayton for many years a citizen of Gonzales. Besides her parents, both of whom passed away when she was still a young girl, she was preceded in death by a younger sister, Susie W. Smith, who died in 1890.
As a young lady Miss Bessie made a public profession of faith in Christ uniting with the First Baptist church of Gonzales in February, 1884. Through the years her membership with this church continued unbroken, hers having been the longest service of any member until recently called to the church Triumphant. Faithful and loyal, deeply devoted to her church, she enjoyed the further distinction of having been one of its most regular attendants. Whenever the church doors were open for worship she was present unless prevented by illness, nothing less keeping her away from divine services.
Hence it was peculiarly fitting that her remains were brought to the church for the final tribute honoring her memory. The service so impressive, so beautiful was conducted by her pastor, Rev. Jas. W. Parker, D. D. on Monday afternoon, the day following her passing, the sunshine of an ideal spring day and the springtime's blossoms that she loved marking her last rites.
In the course of the service he gave a simple sketch of her life. The confidence, the assurance, that she is now indeed, at Home in "that house not made with hands" was touchingly brought as based on passages in the fifth chapter of II Corinthians; and, not only at Home, but at rest as assured in the reading of Rev. 14:13; "Blessed are the dead which died in the Lord from henceforth; yea, saith the spirit that they may rest from their labors and their works do follow them." That she has been reunited with love ones as Dr. Parker read passages from John 14.
He also read the 23rd Psalm radiant with confidence in Gods grace, the certainty of His constant presence throughout the sunshine and shadows of our earthly pilgrimage. His sustaining presence through the "Valley of the Shadow" to go to "dwell in the house of the Lord forever."
Hymns sung by the choir included "Amazing Grace" "Shall We Gather at the River" and "Does Jesus Care?"
The commital service was held at the Masonic cemetery where her remains were laid to rest beside those of loved ones gone before.
Acting pall bearers were D. U. Ramsey, D. T. Person, Oscar DuBose, J. M. Johnson, V. S. Marett and Geo. Ewing Jr.
A profusion of beautiful floral offerings attested to the universal love, and esteem in which she was held and eloquently expressed the heartfelt sympathy felt for the devoted brother, the only surviving member of the family, and others near and dear. They came not only from lifelong friends here in the old home town, but from relatives and friends at Dayton, Houston, and other points over the state including a beautiful casket piece of calla lillies from Mr. and Mrs. R. C. Cullen of Houston, conveying the condolence of an old boyhood friend of Mr. Smith and his wife.
Like the beauty and fragrance of the exquisite blossoms that adorned her last resting place so was her life, beautiful with the fragrance of loving service to all with whom she came into close contact. In penning this "In Memorian" the sentiment of that inspiring prayer hymn, others comes involuntarily to mind as best expressing the guiding motive of her life: "Lord help me to live from day to day in such a self forgetful way my prayer shall be for others; Lord, yes, others, let this my motto be, help me to live for others that I may live like Thee." Ever reluctant to accept favors, her own interests, her own comforts, were relegated to the background, almost her every thought having been for others.
Through the years she devoted her life to the care and happiness off grandparents with whom she lived and other loved ones nearing evening of life, gladdening their declining days with her utter devotion.
As for the many friends, as well as those nearest and dearest, her memory walks radiant with them., the nobility of her beautiful character endowed with the graces of a splendid christian womanhood, being a constant inspiration.
In the hearts of those of us who miss her gentle presence so sorely, the sweet ministrations she so loved to bestow , echo again and again the lines of Nancy Byrd Turner's touching poem as so fittingly quoted by Dr. Parker at the beautiful services in her memory:
"Good night, sleep well, we say to
those we love,
And watch dear faces glimmer on
the stair
And hear faint footfalls in the room
above
Sound on the quiet air,
Yet feel no fear, tho lonely they
must go
The road of slumber's strange obli-
vion:
Dark always wears to dawn,
Sleep is so gentle, and so well we know,
Wherever they have gone,
They will be safe until the morning
light.
Goodnight, Goodnight.
Good-night, Sleep well, beloved,
when at last
Slow dusk has fallen, and your steps
no more
Make music on the empty upper
floor,
And day is fully past.
We who so lightly let you go alone
Evening by evening, from our trust-
ful sight
Into the mystery of sleep's unknown
We need not fear tonight.
Death is so gentle-dark will break
to dawn;
Love will be safe until morn-
ing light.
Sleep well, good-night.
Contributed
Miss Bessie Smith Dies Here Sunday
Funeral services for Miss Bessie Smith, lifetime resident of Gonzales county, were held Monday afternoon at 3:30 p.m. at the First Baptist church with Rev. James W. Parker officiating. Interment was in the Masonic cemetery.
Bessie Smith was born July 25, 1867, in Gonzales, the daughter of Felix G. and Luxima Smith. She died Sunday, April 29, 1945, at 9 a.m. Miss Smith has been a member of the First Baptist church here since 1884.
She is survived by one brother, Sidney Smith of Dayton, Texas.
Obit-Gonzales Inquirer July 10, 1945
Miss Bessie Smith
In Memmoriam
A life singular beautiful in devotion to her God, her loved ones and her fellowman; completed its earthy pilgrimage April 29, 1945, when shortly after the twilight hour of a Sabbath evening Miss Bessie Smith went Home to dwell forever with the Lord. The end came peacefully an illness of over a month.
Born in Gonzales July 25, 1867, she was almost a lifelong resident of this city except for a few years during her early girlhood when the family lived in San Antonio. She was 77 years, 9 months and 4 days old age. Miss Smith was the eldest child of Judge Felix D. Smith, one time county judge of Bexar county and Luxuns Collins Smith. When the family moved to San Antonio in January 1872 she attended school there until their removal to Gonzales in 1883 obtaining her education here at the old Gonzales college, as it was known in those days.
She was a descendant of pioneer Texas families her grandparents settling here in the days before Texas Independence. Her maternal grandfather, Judge W. V. Collins, was a former judge here and later postmaster for a term of years.
Surviving her is a brother Sidney A. Smith of Dayton for many years a citizen of Gonzales. Besides her parents, both of whom passed away when she was still a young girl, she was preceded in death by a younger sister, Susie W. Smith, who died in 1890.
As a young lady Miss Bessie made a public profession of faith in Christ uniting with the First Baptist church of Gonzales in February, 1884. Through the years her membership with this church continued unbroken, hers having been the longest service of any member until recently called to the church Triumphant. Faithful and loyal, deeply devoted to her church, she enjoyed the further distinction of having been one of its most regular attendants. Whenever the church doors were open for worship she was present unless prevented by illness, nothing less keeping her away from divine services.
Hence it was peculiarly fitting that her remains were brought to the church for the final tribute honoring her memory. The service so impressive, so beautiful was conducted by her pastor, Rev. Jas. W. Parker, D. D. on Monday afternoon, the day following her passing, the sunshine of an ideal spring day and the springtime's blossoms that she loved marking her last rites.
In the course of the service he gave a simple sketch of her life. The confidence, the assurance, that she is now indeed, at Home in "that house not made with hands" was touchingly brought as based on passages in the fifth chapter of II Corinthians; and, not only at Home, but at rest as assured in the reading of Rev. 14:13; "Blessed are the dead which died in the Lord from henceforth; yea, saith the spirit that they may rest from their labors and their works do follow them." That she has been reunited with love ones as Dr. Parker read passages from John 14.
He also read the 23rd Psalm radiant with confidence in Gods grace, the certainty of His constant presence throughout the sunshine and shadows of our earthly pilgrimage. His sustaining presence through the "Valley of the Shadow" to go to "dwell in the house of the Lord forever."
Hymns sung by the choir included "Amazing Grace" "Shall We Gather at the River" and "Does Jesus Care?"
The commital service was held at the Masonic cemetery where her remains were laid to rest beside those of loved ones gone before.
Acting pall bearers were D. U. Ramsey, D. T. Person, Oscar DuBose, J. M. Johnson, V. S. Marett and Geo. Ewing Jr.
A profusion of beautiful floral offerings attested to the universal love, and esteem in which she was held and eloquently expressed the heartfelt sympathy felt for the devoted brother, the only surviving member of the family, and others near and dear. They came not only from lifelong friends here in the old home town, but from relatives and friends at Dayton, Houston, and other points over the state including a beautiful casket piece of calla lillies from Mr. and Mrs. R. C. Cullen of Houston, conveying the condolence of an old boyhood friend of Mr. Smith and his wife.
Like the beauty and fragrance of the exquisite blossoms that adorned her last resting place so was her life, beautiful with the fragrance of loving service to all with whom she came into close contact. In penning this "In Memorian" the sentiment of that inspiring prayer hymn, others comes involuntarily to mind as best expressing the guiding motive of her life: "Lord help me to live from day to day in such a self forgetful way my prayer shall be for others; Lord, yes, others, let this my motto be, help me to live for others that I may live like Thee." Ever reluctant to accept favors, her own interests, her own comforts, were relegated to the background, almost her every thought having been for others.
Through the years she devoted her life to the care and happiness off grandparents with whom she lived and other loved ones nearing evening of life, gladdening their declining days with her utter devotion.
As for the many friends, as well as those nearest and dearest, her memory walks radiant with them., the nobility of her beautiful character endowed with the graces of a splendid christian womanhood, being a constant inspiration.
In the hearts of those of us who miss her gentle presence so sorely, the sweet ministrations she so loved to bestow , echo again and again the lines of Nancy Byrd Turner's touching poem as so fittingly quoted by Dr. Parker at the beautiful services in her memory:
"Good night, sleep well, we say to
those we love,
And watch dear faces glimmer on
the stair
And hear faint footfalls in the room
above
Sound on the quiet air,
Yet feel no fear, tho lonely they
must go
The road of slumber's strange obli-
vion:
Dark always wears to dawn,
Sleep is so gentle, and so well we know,
Wherever they have gone,
They will be safe until the morning
light.
Goodnight, Goodnight.
Good-night, Sleep well, beloved,
when at last
Slow dusk has fallen, and your steps
no more
Make music on the empty upper
floor,
And day is fully past.
We who so lightly let you go alone
Evening by evening, from our trust-
ful sight
Into the mystery of sleep's unknown
We need not fear tonight.
Death is so gentle-dark will break
to dawn;
Love will be safe until morn-
ing light.
Sleep well, good-night.
Contributed
Family Members
Sponsored by Ancestry
Advertisement
Explore more
Sponsored by Ancestry
Advertisement
