TOMBERLIN AND RELATED FAMILIES IN SOUTHERN GEORGIA

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Abba, Georgia

October 5, 1929

New Mt. Zion Church

In Memory of Brother John A. Tomberlin

(1843-1929)

It is with sympathy that we record the death of one that has meant so much to us, our community, church, and Sunday school.

As we realize his weakness in his last days, so do we realize his strength in earlier days.

Now, let us pass upon a review of Brother John A. Tomberlin’s career in this life and learn if some cannot profit by him.

Brother Tomberlin was born February 20, 1843 in Wilcox County. Enlisted in the Civil War, served four years and was converted during this period and in a short time after his arrival home he joined Spectacle Baptist Church.

He was married to Elizabeth Wilcox November 9, 1865 and to them was born four children, Abbie, Nancy, Betsey, and James W. This wife and mother died February 1875. March 7, 1875 he married to Lucy Player and to them was born five children, George, Wright, Lewis, Martha, and Franky, and on February 3, 1916 she passed away. A few years later he married Missouri Harrell, and to them was born one son, David. This wife and son survive him.

Brother Tomberlin was made a Mason in 1880. He served his home county (Wilcox) in an official capacity for eight years. Was clerk of his church and later made a deacon.

He moved to Florida in 1885 and returned to Georgia, Irwin County in 1886, and settled here and helped to constitute Ocala Baptist Church in 1888. Three years later this church disbanded and helped to organize Reedy Creek Baptist Church; now Mystic Baptist Church.

He was ordained a minister in 1892 and helped to organize New Mt. Zion Church in 1893. He brought his letter to this church in 1895 where it remained until his death.

He served the following churches:

New Mt. Zion, as pastor eight years; was superintendent of the Sunday School nine years.

Chiney Grove, Englewood, Pinetta, and Salem.

After retiring from the ministry he continued to help his community. He would lay aside his business when called on and go to the aid of those who needed him. He loved peace among all men.

During his illness of fifteen weeks he enjoyed the many relatives and friend who visited him; and said that he cherished their love for him more than anything else they might have done.

His last days were spent in the home of his son, R. L. Tomberlin

There comes a day, how sweet the thought,

When all who have with patience wrought,

Shall gain the crown laid up for those

Who’ve overcome their tempting foes.

When we who have been saved by grace

Shall see our Master face to face.

What will it matter then?

Let us bow in humble submission to the will of Him who doth all things well.

Prayer by Brother Walker

Song: Entitled, Sweet By and By

Mrs. Y. S. Gibbs, Chairman

S. J. Walker

Mrs. A. D. Smith