Sardis Association of Regular Baptist

September 8, 9 & 10, 1950

Mary Elizabeth Church

Hatfield, Pike Co., KY

Obituaries

Elder J. E. Taylor

It is with a broken heart and much sadness, that I write this Obituary of my Father, John E. Taylor. He was born February 18, 1862, departed this life July 19, 1950 being 88 years, 5 months and one day old at death.

He was married to Sophia M. Maynard, October the 6, 1881, and to this union was born eleven children, five boys and six girls. Mother and three boys preceded him in death. He eaves eight children, namely, Annie, Bamie, Fannie, Vangie, Angie, Nannie, Jorden, and John D. with a host of friends and relatives to mourn his loss, with forty grand children and ninety great grandchildren.

Daddy joined the regular Baptist Church about the year of 1893, baptized by the hands of Ali Ward, and took fellowship with the Big Branch Church, where later he was ordained to the ministry, he remained in that Church, a faithful member as long as his health permitted him to attend. He was afflicted with a lingering illness but never complained of his suffering. He seemed to bear it all with much patience, often looking upward and calling for his wife to come and take him home, always giving good counsel to his children and teaching us the way of righteousness.

Written by his Daughter, Vangie Pinson.

Elder Jonah Smith

It is with a sad and Heavy heart that I try to write an Obituary of my Father, Elder Jonah Smith. Born June 29, 1900. A son of J. B. and Elizabeth (Canada) Smith and departed this life January 18, 1950, being 49 years, six months and 18 days old at time of death.

He was married to Susan Canada June the 18, 1920, and to this union was born eight children, two of which preceded him in death. Six are still living, namely, Mrs. Myrtle Maynard, Mrs. Odessie Spradlin, John B., Jonah, Alice and Birdie Smith.

Besides his wife and children he leaves twelve grandchildren, two sisters and two brothers with a host of friends and relatives to mourn his loss, but we feel our loss is heaven's eternal gain.

Daddy joined the Regular Baptist Church and was Baptized at the hands of Elder James Jude and Wallace Jackson. He paced his membership with the Pilgrim Home Church, and was later dismissed by letter and placed his membership with the Mary Elizabeth Church January 3, 1931, and was Ordained as Deacon, September 3. 1931. After serving as Deacon he was Ordained to Preach the Gospel May 3, 1934.

Written by his Daughter, Alice Smith.

Elder W. T. Rife

It is with much sadness that I try in my grief and sorrow to write the Obituary of my Father, Elder W. T. Rife. He was born February 10, 1876 and deceased this life December 5, 1949. He was united in marriage to Chole Rife October 29, 1896, and to this union was born ten children, two of whom preceded him in death. Those left to mourn his loss are Mrs. Zella Vance, Mrs. Garnet Vance, Mrs. Myrtle Curry, Mrs. Georgia Ferguson, Mrs. Bessie Canterbury, Zula Rife, Ballard Rife and Clarence Rife. Also four Sisters Mrs. Amanda Morgan, Mrs Margaret England, Mrs. Maryann Hale, and Miss Martha Rife. Besides a host of friends and relatives to mourn his loss.

Father joined the Regular Baptist Church about twenty-five years ago and was baptized by the hands of Elder W. A. Hurley and was Ordained to the Ministry about one year later.

Written by his Daughter, Mrs. Bessie Cantebury.

George W. Bevins

On Friday morning June 30, 1950 at 12:55 A.M. George W. Bevins answered the summons, come up higher. George W. Bevins, son of T. J. and Sallie Burris Bevins. Born in the year of 1887, he was united in marriage to Mary Smith on March 10, 1904. To this union was born eight children, five boys and three girls, namely: Willie Bevins, James Thomas Bevins, Mrs. Finis Elkins, Mrs. Ida Louise Gilliam and Jonah Bevins, Jr.. Brother Bevins joined the Regular Baptist Church June 27, 1934 and was baptized by the hands of Elders A. J. Case and Jonah Bevins and placed his membership with the Pilgrim Home Church, where he remained a faithful member and served as Deacon of the Church from the fourth Saturday of December, 1934, until death.

Brother George was in ill health for about two years, but he seemed to bare his suffering with much patience, always calling for his brethren to come into his home and preach for him. He requested his brother, Elder Jonah Bevins to write cut his request after his decease, which came to him June 30, 1950. His request was carried out by his family. He leaves beside his wife and children two brothers Elders Jonah and Harrison Bevins, four half brothers: Joe Bogar, Willie Bevins and T. J. Bevins, Jr., two sisters, Mrs. Ibby Cox, Mrs. Ida Gaines and one half sister Mrs. Mary Runyon besides a host of friends and relatives the entire membership of the Pilgram Home Church.

On Sunday, July 2, by request George's body was taken to the Pilgrim Home Church and Elders Brother Willis Blackburn, Ester Hopkins and Emmette Case attended to his funeral according to brother's request. His body was laid to rest in the Smith cemetery ear his home.

Written by his humble brother, Elder Jonah Bevins.

Elon Octavia Harrison

It is by request of the family, and with much sadness in my heart, that I make an effort to write the obituary of a sister whom I dearly loved, and also a relative of mine. By the help of the Lord, and to the best of my ability, I'll try to outline the life of Sister Elon Octavia (Varney) Harrison, a daughter of Lark and Delilah (Francis) Varney, born March 9, 1881, at Varney, KY., deceased this life, December 19, 1949, being 68 years old at time of death

She was united in marriage to J. G. Harrison in the year of 1896, and to this union were born seven children, one daughter, Emogene preceded her in Death, she leaves her husband and six children as follows: Mrs. Trinnie Trivette, Mrs. Claudia Hellier, Mrs J. L. Stratton, Charles Harrison, Mrs. Robert L. Clayton and Mrs. Thomas Ratliff, with the entire membership of the Churches she attended, and a great host of friends and relatives, to mourn her passing.

Sister Octavia joined the Regular Baptist Church, February 18, 1934, and was Baptized into the fellowship of the Pilgrim Home Church, by the hands of Elders Hi Maynard and Willis Blackburn, where she remained a faithful member until some two years ago, when she was dismissed by letter, and placed her membership with the Bent Branch Church.

Written as requested, By Troy T. Francis.

James Varney

It is by request of the family, with much sadness in my heart, that I write an obituary of my beloved brother in the flesh and in the Lord, Brother James Varney, a son of Vicy Varney McCoy, born October the 29, 1889, departed this life April the 8, 1950, age 60 years, 6 months, and 8 days old.

He was married to Hester Payne in the year of 1913, and to this union was born three children, Alvin Varney of Fairview, WV; James Varney, of Turkey Creek, KY, and Betty Marie Varney of Washington, D. C. The children together with their mother and a host of friends and relatives are left to mourn his loss, but we feel our loss is his eternal gain, brother James was widely known throughout this country, and was loved by all who knew him.

Written by his brother, Elder Ken Varney

Ellen Patrie

It has fallen my unworthy lot to write a short sketch of the life of a dear sister, to wit, Sister Ellen Patric, a daughter of Martin and Emma Scott, born September 15, 1883 and departed this life November 28, 1949. She professed a hope in Christ the first Sunday in August 1949 and was Baptized by Elder Willie Stanley and placed her membership with the Narrows Branch Church, although she was unable to attend church very often by reason of her health.

Written by, Elder Lewis Smith.

Octavia Varney

With a broken and contrite spirit, and be request, I will try to write the obituary of a precious and loving mother, Octavia (Harris) Varney. She was the daughter of J. B. (Bud) and Nancy Jane (Lowe) Harris, born July 27, 1882, departed this life July 12, 1950, being 68 years and 15 days old at death.

She was married to John B. Varney in the year of 1902, and to this union was born two sons. One son and the Father preceded her in death, one son Burgess Varney, is still living. He is left to mourn the loss of a precious mother. July the first, 1944, in her sick and feeble body she called for the ministers to come to her sick bedside to pray and preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

She was converted and obeyed the word of Jesus Christ, which by the Gospel is preached to all people, and at the close of the service she made a confession that she believed that Jesus Christ was the son of God, and was Baptized by the hands of Elder Ester Hopkins and B. H. Bevins, into the fellowship of the Salem Church of Regular Baptist.

Written by a brother in hope, Elder Jonah Bevins.

Pearl Varney

Sister Pearl Varney was born October 1, 1892, the daughter of Floyd and Pricey (Bevins) Smith. She was united in marriage in 1909 to A. J. Varney, and to this union were born, six children, four boys and two girl. One of the girls Bessie Marie Varney, preceded her in death about thirty years ago. Sister Pearl deceased this life Wednesday morning, October 5, 1949 about 9 O'clock, for 57 years and four days she brightened the life of those about her, and we believe by reason of the hope which she left that Sister Pearl will be a bright Angel around the throne of God forever and forever.

She leaves four sons, Fred Varney, of South Williamson, Floyd Varney of Canada, KY.; Ken and Harry Varney, also of Canada, KY.; one daughter, Hazel Joyce Varney, of Canada, KY; her husband Alfred Varney; her Father Floyd Smith; two brothers, William and Thomas Smith, and a sister Mrs. Ruth Varney all of Canada, KY; seven grandchildren, besides a host of friends and relatives who are left to mourn her loss.

But we believe that our loss is her eternal gain. She professed a hope in Christ and was Baptized into the Church the second Sunday in June, 1944, at the hands of Elder Jonah Bevins. She remained a devoted and much loved member until death took her from our midst, but we believe that her soul is with God who gave it and is awaiting the resurrection when her body will come forth out of the grave and both soul and body shall live forever in heaven.

Written by James Montgomery.

Francis Victoria Elkins

By request of the family, I will attempt to write a short obituary of Sister Frances Victoria (Lowe) Elkins. Born January 23, 1874, deceased this life April 23, 1948. Age 72 years and three months old at death. She was a daughter of Arion and Mary Jane Lowe.

United in marriage to John B. Elkins April 8, 1897, and to this union were born six children, the husband and three children preceded her in death, three children are left to mourn the loss of their mother. Those living are Landon and Charlie Elkins, and Mrs. Lucy Walters. She also leaves eight grandchildren, besides a host of friends and relatives to mourn her passing.

Sister Elkins joined the Regular Baptist Church around twenty years ago and was Baptized by Elder Jonah Bevins.

Written as requested, By Elder Emmette Case

Asa Smith

By request of the family it has become my sad duty to write the Obituary of Brother Asa Smith. He was a son of Bud and Armida Smith. Born May 7, 1891, deceased this life June 21, 1950, being 59 years, 2 months and 14 days old at time of death.

Brother Asa professed a hope in Christ in November, 1935 and was baptized by the hands of Elders Hi Maynard and Ester Hopkins, and placed his membership with the Narrows Branch Church, where he remained a faithful member until Death called him from our midst. He seemed to fall into many temptations but always overcame them with much patience, and I feel when our Lord comes again riding on the clouds of his Glory, he will bring my brother back with him.

Written by his Brother, Elder Lewis Smith

Noah Bowling

By request I will write an obituary of one of our Brothers, to wit; Noah Bowling. He was the son of Eli and Sophia (Thompson) Bowling and was united in Matrimony to Flora (Smith) Bowling.

He joined the Regular Baptist Church August 31, 1941 and was Baptized into the fellowship of the Pilgrims Home Church by the hands of Elder Emmette Case and Brother Rudolph Sesco. Brother Bowling was afflicted for several years and was not permitted on account of his health to fill his seat in the old Church.

He was born December 16, 1885. Deceased this life June 6, 1950. Making his stay here on earth 64 years. He is survived by his wife and the following children; John Morgan, of Chattaroy, WV., Mrs May Meade of Holden, WV., Nick of Chattaroy, WV., Lois, Marilyn, Lola and Magnolin at home and Julis in the U.S. Army. He also leaves two Brothers, Andy and Cornelius of Thacker, WV. One sister Mrs. John Maynard of Johns Creek, KY. Two Half Brothers, John Thompson of Road Fork, KY. and Sam Maynard of Williamson WV.

Written by Request, Troy T. Francis.

Mary Columbia Runyon

Mary Columbia Runyon, the Daughter of Calahan and Jennie (Varney) Runyon, was born December 23, 1872, and deceased this life November 5, 1948, age 76 years, 9 months and 18 days.

She was married to Paul Runyon, and to this union was born nine children as follows: Mrs. Jimmie Walker, Troy Runyon, Mrs. Rebecca Adams, Mrs. Tennessee Prince, Marion Runyon, Mrs. Sarah Tackett, W. B. Runyon, Frank Runyon, Columbia Runyon, Mrs. Mary Evans, and Lattie Runyon who preceded her in death. She also left fifty grandchildren and twenty-three great grandchildren together with a host of other relatives and friends to mourn her loss.

She became a member of the Rebecca Church of Regular Baptist in early life, was a patient, hard working mother and during the twenty-five years or so that the writer was acquainted with her was very faithful to fill her seat at Church meeting times.

Written by request of her Daughter, Delphia Runyon, By Elder W. C. Hay.

Sarah Ann Hankins

It is with much sadness that I write the Obituary of our dear grandmother, and if not mistaken in ourselves, our beloved Sister in Christ.

Sarah Ann Hankins was born September 12, 1863, the daughter of Jonathan Gannon and Policie Williamson Gannon. She married A. P. or "Uncle" Andy Hankins, as everybody loved to call him in his later years, in the year of 1883, and to this union was born ten Children. Two of whom, James and Perry preceded their Mother and Father in death.

Grandpa deceased this life on March 13, 1945, and grandma has seemed very lonely since that time even though the children have done all they could to be of comfort to her. The Children who are left to mourn Mother's loss are Mrs. Martha Crigger, Willie Hankins, Mrs. Anna Edmonds, Mrs. Lizzie Smith, Tom Hankins, George Hankins, Mrs. Ida Smith and Carl Hankins.

She leaves one brother, W. B. Gannon, three sisters, Mrs. Plina Keen, Easter Gannon and Sophia Phillips. Grandma leaves a large number of her relatives and friends to mourn her loss, but we feel confident that our loss is her eternal gain.

She passed away quietly and peacefully just as she had lived on the morning of August 25, 1950, apparently dying while asleep. She joined the Regular Baptist Church in 1923 and placed her membership with the Dix Fork Church, where she lived a faithful member until death.

Written by a Grandson whom she dearly loved, Elder Harold Edmonds.

Elon Varney

It is by request of the Husband and Children of Sister Varney, that I write the Obituary of her life and if God will Bless me with inspiration and guidance I will try to write a short sketch of her life. She was the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. B. Baisden, born March 27, 1894, deceased this life March 9, 1950, age 53 years, 11 months and 20 days at time of death.

She was united in marriage to Rell Varney in the year of 1909 and to this union was born ten children, four of whom preceded her in death, six are still living, namely, Ace Varney, of Falls Branch, Verdie Slater of Turkey Creek, Vicie Preece of Turkey Creek, Bill, Reecie and Franklin D., all at home.

Sister Varney leaves beside her husband and children a host of friends and relatives and the entire membership of the Turkey Creek Church to mourn her loss. She was Baptized into the fellowship of the Turkey Creek Church some few years ago, where she remained a faithful member as long as her health permitted her to go.

Written as requested, By Elon Francis.

Everett Williams

It is with a sad heart that I will try to write an Obituary of my dear Husband, Everett Williams. He was born August 14, 1891, departed this life May 30, 1950.

He was married to Rinda Maynaard, in the year of 1929, and to this union was born no children. He joined the Regular Baptist Church in the year of 1934, and lived a faithful life until death called him home.

He was Baptized into the fellowship of the Apple Orchard Church, by the hands of Elder Ernie Runyon and some few years later was dismissed by letter to the Turkey Creek Church.

Besides his wife he leaves a Father, Lewis Williams, and four nephews, Clay, Loyd, Estel and Elmer Williams, and a host of friends and relatives with the entire membership of the Turkey Creek Church, to mourn his loss, but we deeply feel our loss is his eternal gain.

Written by his Wife, Rinda Williams.