-died from a stroke

MO death cert. #28910

Death came to Laura Belle Brown, of Clara, at 6 o'clock Tuesday evening, August 26, after a sickness of some three or four weeks.

Although Aunt Laura has not been feeling well all summer, she was able to go about her daily work, meeting and greeting her friends. She was in Houston primary election day after some medicine and went home and took her bed, not being able to be up anymore. She quietly and peacefully fell into her last long sleep at the time above mentioned.

Laura Belle Brown was born in Rolla, Mo., December 22, 1862, and passed away at her home at Clara, Mo., August 26, 1930, making her age 67 years, 8 months, and 3 days. She was the daughter of Lorenzo G. and Caroline E. Gentry. There were eleven children in this family, four of these preceding her in death: Mollie Cook, Mabel Johnson, Bob and Frankie Gentry.

Her parents moved to Houston, Mo., when she was only a small child and she grew to womanhood and spent the most of her life in this community. Early in life she united with the Baptist church, but later in years she changed her membership to the Christian church, of which she remained a faithful member until God called her home.

She was united in marriage to David D. Roberts October 29, 1877, and to this union eight children were born, three preceding her in death: Virgil L., Verna Lee, and Ruthie Mae. Those surviving her are Nettie Stepp and Decie Allen, near Bado, Mo.; John N., of Thomas, Okla.; Fannie Whitney, address unknown; and William V., near Clara. All except Fannie were at her bedside when death came. Her husband preceded her in death October 12, 1899, and she was left a widow, with the care of five children to raise and educate. In April, 1901, she was united in marriage to William J. Brown, and to this union one child was born, Clara Rueb, of St. Francis, Kansas. Clara was also present at her mother's bedside. This husband also went on before her to the great beyond January 27, 1903, leaving her a widow again to labor and toil for her children.

She leaves to mourn their loss these loving children; one brother, Ewing M. Gentry, of Clara, Mo.; five sisters: Mattie Gobble, Cassville, Mo.; Decie Taylor, Cabool, Mo.; Dollie Abels, Licking, Mo.; Sabra Freeland, Houston, Mo.; Anna Gray, Cuba, Mo. There are 28 grandchildren, two great-grandchildren, and a host of relatives and friends to mourn her death.

Funeral services were held at the family home, conducted by Rev. D. J. Gabriel, pastor of the Christian church at Cabool, in the presence of a large gathering of neighbors, relatives, and friends. Beneath a bower of beautiful flowers, the remains of Aunt Laura were lowered to her last resting place, but all realize that a good mother, sister, and aunt is gone. Sleep on, dear auntie; take thy rest; God called thee home; He knew it's best.

Written by one who loved her,
A NIECE

Source: Houston Herald, 9/4/1930 p.4