Last Rites Tuesday
For Mary McClendon
Mrs. Mary E. McClendon passed away last Monday night at the hospital in Plainview, and the news of her sudden death was a great shock to everyone.
Following her fall on the street in Silverton about two weeks ago, she entered the hospital for treatment of a badly fractured limb, and every indication seemed favorable for her normal recovery. On Monday night, with her usual brave smile in the face of adversity, she was making light of her suffering and the plaster cast, and asked that no medicine be given her to induce rest, as the nurses turned to leave the room, she became unconscious before they reached her door, and she was gone within a few minutes. The diagnosis was, that a blood clot from a torn muscle or ligament had reached her heart or brain; and nothing known to medical science could bring relief.
It is hard to realize that her busy, ministering hands are folded in eternal rest, that her motherly heart will beat no more in loving sympathy for her loved ones. Hers was a spirit of "perpetual youth" manifested outwardly in her twinkling, undimmed eyes, her clear resonant voice, and firm young step. Her mind was above the average woman's in its quick grasp and clear insight; and she was widely informed in state,national, and world affairs of various lines. Loyal to her home and family, she discharged her duties there in faithful service, yet she found time to help her neighbors in their hours of need, to work for progressive things in the local community, and to keep abreast of the times in a world-wide sense.
Her ancestry was of the fearless, stern Colonial families, and from them she inherited a strong, fine character that made her hold to an exalted sense of justice and integrity. She met the hardships of pioneer days in this county, with no less courage and steadfastness than her forbears three centuries ago in the Atlantic wildernesses. She live a Christian life and was a member of the Church of Christ to which she was converted in 1896 in Silverton.
Mrs. Mary E. McClendon was born in Hunt County, Texas, February 21, 1867 and died September 28, 1936.
She was married to J. H. McClendon, March 24, 1886 in Stephens County, Texas and came to Briscoe County in its earliest days.
She leaves to mourn her departure from this life, her husband, J. H. McClendon of Silverton; a brother, A. J. Askey, Silverton; the following children: Mrs. Johnnie McDonald, Amarillo; Mrs. Andrew Payne, Hensdale, Montana; Mrs. Clay Fowler, Mrs. John Folley, Ivor McClendon, Hugh McClendon, Haynes McClendon, all of Silverton; Johnnie McClendon, San Angelo; and her eighteen grandchildren.
The funeral rites were held in the Methodist church at Silverton, on Tuesday, September 29 at three o'clock. The Rev. Warwick Aiken, of St. Mark's Episcopal Church, of Plainview; and Rev. L. E. Kent of the Silverton First Baptist Church conducted the services. Interment was made in the Silverton cemetery with the Silverton Undertaking Co. in charge.
Her close friends, Mrs. Newman, Mrs. Ruby, Mrs. George Lee, Mrs. W. W. Martin, Mrs. Will Dunn and Mrs. Ida Schaffer carried the beautiful flowers that were sweet symbols of the love and esteem of her hosts of friends and bespoke the last tributes from the family.
The pall bearers were J. E. Wheelock. Stanton Crow, Guy MacWilliams, Bill Bingham, Will Newman, Arthur Arnold, T. L. Anderson and C. D. Wright.
Out of town relatives were Mr. and Mrs. Johnnie McClendon, San Angelo; Mrs. Johnnie McDonald and four daughters, and Mr. H. P. Hackler, Amarillo; and Mr. and Mrs. Henry McClendon, Dalhart; and Mrs. Delia Kellar, Plainview.
The entire town and community extends its empathy to the bereaved ones.