Mrs Eleanor Curran, aged 85, was called home on 31st May. She was saved as a girl of 16. She later went with her husband Sam and family to serve the Lord in Brazil where they saw Gods hand in blessing in many areas of Rio Grande do Sul. Ellie showed great fortitude in the many trials that came her way over the years, not least in the loss of two of her sons within a year in 1977, and also, in 1987, the sudden death of her devoted husband Sam. A woman of outstanding courage and integrity, she was greatly appreciated by all who knew her both in Northern Ireland and Brazil. She and Sam made their home in Glengormley after they returned to the UK, and she was held in great affection by the saints there, where she was in happy fellowship until moving to Faith House a few years ago. Her large funeral, which bore witness to the esteem in which she was held, was shared by brethren Tom Meekin, William Moore, and Ivan Gordon, with tributes also from her son Sam and her grandson David. She is survived by her son Sam and daughter Carolyn, who, with their families, will miss her greatly.
Mrs Mabel McKibbin, aged 72, was called home on 11th June. Our dear sister was saved at meetings conducted by Mr R Cousins in July, 1955, and was baptised in Newcastle Gospel Hall. Afterwards she was received into the Annalong Assembly where she remained steadfast until her homecall. Our sister loved the Lord, and His people. She had a keen interest in the spread of the gospel, and was given to hospitality. She was very highly respected by all who knew her. Mabel suffered from cancer for quite a few years but it never dulled her spirit, although it finally overcame her. She had the joy of seeing her family saved and in assembly fellowship. The funeral service was conducted by Mr Roland Pickering assisted by Mr Jonathan Bingham and Mr Sam Thompson. She will be missed by all. Prayer is requested for her husband Joseph who suffers from Myeloma and who received undivided attention from his dear wife until about two weeks before her homecall.
Mr Jonathan Quarhie, aged 75, was called home on 11th June. He was a senior conductor on British Rail from which he retired due to ill health. Jonathan was a well-liked brother. He played an active part at Hope Hall, Queens Park. Due to his illness of depression, he was unable to attend the gatherings in recent years, yet Jonathans seat always remained empty, in the hope that he would recover from his illness. On 9th June, Jonathan suffered heart failure, and on 11th June the Lord called him home to be in the presence of his Saviour. He leaves a dear wife as well as a wonderful son. Approximately 200 people attended his funeral at Hope Hall, with some coming as far afield as the USA, Canada, and the West Indies. The gospel was preached in the hall and at the graveside.
Mr John Herbert Storey, aged 90, on 4th July. Saved in 1946 at meetings conducted by Messrs Stewart and Wallace, he had earlier been convicted at Mr Whitmores meetings in Apsley Street Hall. He was for a short time in Bloomfield Assembly and later with his wife in Kingsbridge Assembly. She passed away in 1991. Only God knows the prayer, exercise, and the efforts he put into the work and welfare of the assembly. The funeral service was from Dunmurry Gospel Hall, which was filled to capacity. J G Hutchinson and A Thompson gave acceptable words, with J Wilkinson, T Wilson, A Reid, C McDowell, and W Ainley, sharing in hymns, tribute, and prayer.
Mr Sam Thomson, aged 84, on 12th May. After suffering a massive stroke, our dear brother Sam was called home to be with his Lord. Brought up from childhood in the assembly at Forth, Sam moved with his work to Armadale then to Blackburn where he remained for 30 years and was greatly respected both as an elder in the assembly and the presenter of the praise. After retirement, Sam played a leading role in the weekly coffee mornings held in the Gospel Hall there, and both he and his wife Colleen were much appreciated by all who attended. Four years ago his dear wife was called home and Sam moved to live in Innellan when he was received into fellowship at the assembly meeting in Bethany Hall, Gourock where he again endeared himself to the saints. Wherever he lived Sam maintained a good testimony before his neighbours. Over recent years, our brother had several spells in hospital and bore his illnesses with quiet fortitude. In the words of 1 Peter 5.12, Sam was truly "a faithful brother".