Mrs Ethel Alexander went to be with the Lord on 18th January, aged 88. She was saved on 18th July, 1950. Afterwards she was baptised and received into the assembly at Donaghcloney, and as long as she was able she was a faithful attender, given to hospitality, and sought to be guided by the Word of God which she adorned. She will be greatly missed by her husband James, to whom she was married for sixty-eight years, and also by her two sons and grandchildren. Prayer would be valued for the family circle. The services were taken by W J Nesbitt and B Glendinning.
Mrs (Nell) Ambrose, Portavogie, was called home on 9th January in her 86th year. She was saved as a teenager and displayed the nobility of heavenly birth in her bearing and demeanour. She was marked by that meek and quiet spirit that is greatly valued in heaven. She and her late husband, John, gave themselves to the service of the Lord and His assembly and their home was a consistent spiritual oasis for the Lord's people. Her presence and prayers will be greatly missed by the family, the assembly, and the work of God. A large gathering heard the gospel at her funeral services, which were conducted by B Currie and J Paterson (Sen) in the Gospel Hall, and W J Nesbitt and J Palmer at the graveside.
Mrs Mary Sarah Boyd, on 25th December, aged 86 years. Our sister was in Christ for forty-four years and was in fellowship in Lisachrin Assembly. A reserved Christian who loved the Lord and appreciated salvation. She had the joy of seeing a number of her family saved and in assembly fellowship. Words of comfort and gospel were spoken at her funeral to a large audience by John Stewart and Jack Lennox with others sharing. Prayer requested for some family members not yet saved.
Mr John Fulton. Our beloved brother was called home to be with the Lord on 16th December, aged 74. He was saved in 1967, and later baptised and received into fellowship in the Donemana Assembly. He was exercised to serve the Lord in Southern Ireland and was heartily commended to the Lord's Work in April, 1971. He was a founder member of the Assembly in Longford, where he continued in happy fellowship for over thirty years, being much respected, and was present and active in all the assembly gatherings. He had a sound knowledge of the Scriptures and his teaching and contributions in Bible Readings was highly valued in his local and surrounding assemblies over the years. John continued faithfully in gospel and open-air work along with personal visitation, much of which was done amongst children in Longford, Cavan and Leitrim. His good testimony and work was appreciated in the large attendance at the funeral services in Longford and Co Fermanagh. Prayer is requested for his wife Eunice.
Mrs Jessie Bella Marshall passed peacefully into the presence of the Lord on 1st December, aged 95 years. Our sister was saved in her teens. Following baptism a little later, she was received into fellowship in the Portessie assembly. There she remained for seventy years, a faithful consistent sister and, without doubt, a succourer of many. Her home was ever open to the Lord's people. Along with other sisters in the assembly, she took a practical interest in missionary work. She was totally committed to helping others. Not only was she marked by commitment, she was also marked by contentment - she never complained. She was a widow for thirty-four years. Advancing age left her very deaf, but her bright and cheery personality remained unchanged. She was so happy that her mind and memory were as clear as ever. Her daughters Nett and Sylvia cared for her with great devotion in her own home in Portessie during her declining years. She settled quickly and happily in the Lythe Home, Cullen when ill-health overtook both Nett and Sylvia. There she endeared herself with her pleasant manner and words of encouragement. The large company in attendance at the funeral was a real testimony to the high esteem in which she was held. Fitting tributes were paid by S Matthews and A Lewis. Nett sadly pre-deceased her mother, and Sylvia's health remains uncertain. Prayers requested for both families.
Mrs Caroline Skelly was called home to be with her Lord on 18th January, aged 89. Our sister was saved in the winter of 1954 attending gospel meetings conducted by Mr Flemming at Shanaghan Gospel Hall. Shortly afterwards she was baptised and received into assembly fellowship where she continued steadfastly, and was found at every assembly gathering. She also faithfully attended gospel meetings in the surrounding district until ill health prevented her. We can truly say that when she was visited in the home or hospital our sister had a bright and cheerful spirit and always spoke of the well-being of the assembly and the saints. She was much loved by her family and the large funeral was evident of her testimony. Mr M Radcliffe spoke in the home, and Mr John Rodgers preached the gospel at the graveside which is what our sister would have desired. Prayer is valued for the family circle.
