Mrs. Irene L. Flowers died on the eighth of September, 1895, near Jackson, Louisiana. The daughter of Mr. Simeon Gibson, she was born in Pine Ridge neighborhood, near Natchez, Miss., June 23, 1854. Here parents were earnest Methodists, and taught her the way of life. At eighteen years of age she united with our church, and experienced conversion in the act of joining. Whether service was held in the Methodist or Presbyterian Church in the neighborhood, she was always present when practicable. On the eleventh of January, 1887, at the residence of her brother-in-law, Mr. George Clarke, near Kingston, she was happily married to Rev. A. C. Flowers, of the Mississippi Conference, who was then pastor on the circuit embracing her home. Both parents had been called to the heavenly home. She proved an helpmate indeed to the dear brother, who is now left sorrowing with one dear little girl to cheer and stimulate him to high and noble living. The other little one, a bright boy of above five years (Albert, Jr.) had died a few days before the mother went. This sore affliction, finding her already nearly exhausted with sickness proved more than she could endure. She seemed to see the fair young hand beckoning her away to the better land, and with patient resignation she said from her heart, "Even so, Lord Jesus, come quickly." She had suffered much and with the utmost patience, seeming more deeply concerned in her earnest prayers for those around her than for herself. She was truly an unselfish and devoted friend and companion. The day preceding her death Bro. H. R. Singleton kindly visited her. She expressed to him the fullest confidence in the blessed Savior and his wondrous, redeeming love. She asked those about to sing, "How firm a foundation" responding to these precious promises with hearty, "Amens!" Her great delight had been to read God's word, and to transcribe many of its most helpful verses for easy and frequent reference. Two of her favorite golden texts were: "He knoweth the secrets of the heart," and "Our help is in the name of the Lord, who made heaven and earth." Her conversation was highly and sweetly seasoned with such quotations. Ah! This world is poorer far by her removal, but our real home is richer. God alone can truly comfort the widower and orphaned hearts. May the fullness of his compelling grace be their portion! A former pastor, J. P. Drake. (printed in the New Orleans Christian Advocate 2/13/1896)
Mrs. Irene L. Flowers died on the eighth of September, 1895, near Jackson, Louisiana. The daughter of Mr. Simeon Gibson, she was born in Pine Ridge neighborhood, near Natchez, Miss., June 23, 1854. Here parents were earnest Methodists, and taught her the way of life. At eighteen years of age she united with our church, and experienced conversion in the act of joining. Whether service was held in the Methodist or Presbyterian Church in the neighborhood, she was always present when practicable. On the eleventh of January, 1887, at the residence of her brother-in-law, Mr. George Clarke, near Kingston, she was happily married to Rev. A. C. Flowers, of the Mississippi Conference, who was then pastor on the circuit embracing her home. Both parents had been called to the heavenly home. She proved an helpmate indeed to the dear brother, who is now left sorrowing with one dear little girl to cheer and stimulate him to high and noble living. The other little one, a bright boy of above five years (Albert, Jr.) had died a few days before the mother went. This sore affliction, finding her already nearly exhausted with sickness proved more than she could endure. She seemed to see the fair young hand beckoning her away to the better land, and with patient resignation she said from her heart, "Even so, Lord Jesus, come quickly." She had suffered much and with the utmost patience, seeming more deeply concerned in her earnest prayers for those around her than for herself. She was truly an unselfish and devoted friend and companion. The day preceding her death Bro. H. R. Singleton kindly visited her. She expressed to him the fullest confidence in the blessed Savior and his wondrous, redeeming love. She asked those about to sing, "How firm a foundation" responding to these precious promises with hearty, "Amens!" Her great delight had been to read God's word, and to transcribe many of its most helpful verses for easy and frequent reference. Two of her favorite golden texts were: "He knoweth the secrets of the heart," and "Our help is in the name of the Lord, who made heaven and earth." Her conversation was highly and sweetly seasoned with such quotations. Ah! This world is poorer far by her removal, but our real home is richer. God alone can truly comfort the widower and orphaned hearts. May the fullness of his compelling grace be their portion! A former pastor, J. P. Drake. (printed in the New Orleans Christian Advocate 2/13/1896)
