Obituary

Jennie Nancy Rainy was born in Marion County, Ill., February 11, 1862, and died July 6, 1904, at her home in Union Township, Scotland County, Missouri, aged 42 years, 4 months and 25 days. She died from blood poisoning produced by heavy lifting. She was married to Henry G. Merritt, Sr. May 13, 1878. To this union were born twelve children, of whom eleven still survive, six girls and five boys. Nine of these still remain at home, Mae F., John William, Henry G., Jr., Nellie Gray, Charles E., Willie L., George B., Grace B., and Eugene. Two daughters, Mrs. Maud McGee and Mrs. Clauda Brown, are married and reside in Iowa. Three stepchildren also survive to mourn her early departure, Bert, Henry and Carrie, who now reside in the west. She joined the 2nd Congressional Church of Orange, Ill., in 1888, and was an active member in the same where her membership still remained until death. She was also a member and an energetic worker in the Orange Relief Corps. In February 1889, she came with her husband and family to near Brock, Mo., where she resided until called to her last home. Her life here has been one of exceptional devotion to home, husband and children. She loved her children dearly and no sacrifice on her part being too great if her loved ones required it. Her helpful tact and tender sympathy were ever ready for her large family. Her forceful character and kindly heart made friends of strangers in her new home. Among her neighbors and friends, none needed help in trouble or in sorrow, but her willing hand and helpful sympathy was theirs. The church also has lost a hearty helper and loyal supporter. While as friends and neighbors we feel our loss can never be replaces, the loss to the stricken family is infinitely greater and every heart aches in sympathy and turns to God beseeching him in infinite mercy to comfort the husband’s and children’s hearts and consecrate this grief to them for good. Funeral services were conducted by Rev. Hodson, pastor of the M. E. Memphis Circuit at Brock, Saturday, July 9, 1904, at 3 p.m. The immense gathering and the floral tributes spoke appreciation and sympathy. The body was laid to rest in the Brock Cemetery.

Thanks to Linda Brown for sharing this obituary.