A Tribute to Elmer and Josie Smith Wilson written by Terrill A. Wilson. (This particular letter was in my mother's keepsake box). What a wonderful tribute and what a sad event to loose your parents one week apart.

RUSSELL COUNTY BANNER. FEBRUARY, 1937
Mr. and Mrs. Elmer Wilson
Jabez, Kentucky

The Lord knoweth all things and He knows that which is best, but it often appears to us earthly beings why He does things as He does. My heart is so burdened and my troubles are so great that I will be unable to express myself as I really feel, but many of you as you read this may know my feelings from the way you feel.

I have just opened a letter from my father and as I read, the tears roll from my eyes and my heart aches from grief, to hear of the death of Rev. Elmer Wilson, who only a few days prior had been left a widower with 10 children. We all realize that death must come even to Kings of earth. As Gray so well stated, "The paths of glory lead but to the grave". But people, is it not beyond our comprehension as to why the mother and father would be called away leaving their home, their little infant children and their great needed service to their children and to the unchristianized people. It is my sincere and honest desire that, these little children will find homes in which, to spend their youthful days as pleasant as that home had been which they will have to vacate. I well know these little fellows, (6 boys and 4 girls) seven of these have attended my school, and I can say beyond any doubt whatsoever that these little children have had, not only splendid training as far as social life is concerned, but also courageous advice and spiritual admonition an well. I have been in their home and I have seen manifestations of their dear father's and their good mother's teachings.

Mr. and Mrs. Wilson have for several years been our neighbors. They spent their lives trying not only to impart service to their immediate family, but also to the neighborhood. Both Mr. Wilson and Mrs. Wilson were true and unblemished Christians, because as the scripture says. "By their fruits ye shall know them".

I can't use words, dear children (Delno, Orpha. Lecta, Elma Lois, Floyd, Lowell, Russell and the babies to tell you how much my heart aches and how grieved I am, because of your being left without either a father or a mother to lead and direct your lives. I can to a small extent realize your unfortunate condition from experience, as my mother died the day I was ten, but dear children I've had a good father and a kind and good step-
mother to encourage and console me.

Children, I'm in sympathy with you almost beyond my power to soberly control. You know how I feel and I'm sure that my expressions will answer for many. If there is anything that I can ever do or say that will help even the least, I'll rejoice not because you are needy, but because I am privileged to help you, "Small service is true service while it lasts". I'm not financially able to aid you much. but the Lord only knows how I'd
like to prepare a home for all of you in order that you might not be separated. It touches my heart to know that you will be unable to remain together as a family of fatherless and motherless children. Children, you that are older, be truthful, be honest, be kind and remember the advice that your wonderfully good father and mother had given you and
then some day you will rest in love, peace and joy with them.
Your mother and your father who have; just passed away are---I honestly believe gone to a better home, you too, can go there. It might be represented like this--a mother sheep has crossed the bridge over the river and. is there tied. It is unable to return for its little
lamb but the lamb can walk the bridge along its mother's path and there
be with her. You too may cross the bridge of life to walk with your mother and father,
if you but live in obedience to the word of God.

Terrill A. Wilson