p. 687 | Obituary by Mrs. F. B. Bragg

International Tract and Missionary Society · Oakland, Cal. · Nov 11, 1886

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 12, No. 43.

Obituary.

By Mrs. F. B. Bragg

NEEDHAM.—Died July 13, 1886, at the home of her son, Wm. B. Needham, in Gilbert Station, Iowa, my sister, Mary Needham, in the seventy-third year of her age. My sister was born in Vergennes, Vt. After the death of her husband and eldest son, she moved with her son and his family to California, whence she came to Iowa to spend her remaining years. Although for years she had suffered from a complication of diseases, yet she was so unselfish and active in life's duties, that she forgot her own wants in her thoughtfulness for others. In the year 1835 she listened to lectures by Father Miller, and soon afterward joined the Baptist Church by baptism. In 1873, while visiting at our home in Potterville, Mich., she heard a few sermons by Elder A. S. Hutchins. She formed an attachment for our faith, and always afterward shed her influence, by example and precept, in favor of present truth. She never made any marked demonstration of her religion; but the Christian graces shone forth in her daily life. She was as the sunshine in her home, where she is greatly missed by all. Her thoughtfulness was manifested to us after her death, when many of her personal effects were found addressed as she wished them divided. In a letter to her children as to her wishes concerning her burial services, she said at the last:—

"The trump of God will soon sound, and the precious gems that lie beneath the clods of the valley, the hill, and the plain, will come forth, from north, from south, from east, from west, to meet in the earth made new. Those found worthy will be crowned with glory, honor, and immortal life. Happy day to those who are prepared, whether asleep or awake! May you, my dear children, one and all, be found ready to enter to the marriage supper of the Lamb."

According to her request, the funeral services were held at the house, and conducted by the Baptist minister, from 1 Cor. 15. MRS. F. B. BRAGG.