Mrs Molly Hanna, aged 81 years, was called home to be with the Lord on 18th January. Our sister was saved and baptised in her early teenage years. On her marriage to her late husband Gordon, both were received into the Bloomfield assembly. Her next assembly was Whitehouse, then Cloughfern assembly followed by Dromore, and she finally spent her last years in the Ballyclare assembly. Pray for her son, daughter and grandchildren and the unbelievers present at the funeral service which was conducted by A McMillan and J Todd, assisted by other local brethren.
Mrs Bessie Henderson (née Thomson), aged 94, passed into the presence of her Lord and Saviour on 2nd February. She was saved at the age of 16 under the preaching of the late Willie Hagan of Ireland, and later received into the assembly in Kilbirnie in 1936. She had a cheery disposition and loved to speak of the bright hope she had. Our sister will be missed by the saints in Kilbirnie where she was faithful in her attendance until failing health prevented her from being so. Her last two years were spent in a nursing home in Beith. Her funeral service was conducted by Willie Ewing assisted by J Smith and R Kerr with E McKee having responsibility at the graveside. Prayer is requested for her family members at this time.
Mr William Redmond, aged 80, departed to be with Christ on 1st February. William was saved as a boy of 15, 1 Corinthians 15.3 being the Scripture used by the Spirit to bring peace to his troubled soul. His conversion took place during the 10th week of meetings in Shanaghan Gospel Hall conducted by William Bunting. Shortly after his conversion, he was baptised and received into fellowship at Shanaghan. William was a diligent reader, one who loved the Scriptures, and had tremendous care and love for all the saints which he led and taught until his homecall. A fervent and faithful supporter of the gospel, he had a most consistent testimony in the district and was highly thought of by both believers and unbelievers. His family was very dear to him and they in turn cared for William until it pleased the Lord to lay him down gently and take him home. His very large funeral, with many unsaved attending, was a reflection of the very high esteem in which our dear brother was held. Clear and comforting messages were preached by D Gilliland and M Radcliffe assisted by R Reynolds and J Rogers.
Mrs Norah T Shaw, aged 94, went to be with her Lord on 23rd December. Norah was saved as a young woman. She was received into fellowship in the assembly at Cregagh Street Gospel Hall, Belfast, on 16th June, 1940, about the same time as her husband Tom, who predeceased her in March, 1971. For 73 years Norah was in happy fellowship in Cregagh Street, showing her love in caring for others, visiting the sick and house-bound, and working tirelessly, knitting for missionary work. Laterly, Norah had to give up her home and she spent her remaining years in Residential and Nursing Homes, always to be found reading her Bible, witnessing to others, and thanking God for His goodness and love. Her funeral service was conducted by T Adamson and P McCauley. Prayer would be appreciated for Norah's brother and his wife, and her nephews and niece and their families.
Mrs Joyce Watterson, aged 75, passed into the presence of her Lord on 28th November, after a long illness patiently borne. Joyce was saved as a young girl of 16 years while attending tent meetings in Londonderry conducted by the late Jim Hutchinson and his father. Shortly thereafter she was baptized and received into fellowship in the Limavady assembly where she remained until moving to Portrush in 1958 to marry her husband Reggie. She remained there until her homecall and was much appreciated by the assembly where she will be greatly missed. Joyce was given to much hospitality, and many of the Christians and Lord's servants stayed with them in Beulah Guest House, and latterly, on their retirement, in their own home. She was a faithful attender and helper at all the assembly activities and her quiet godly disposition endeared her to all. She will always be remembered by her warm welcoming smile. Joyce will be sorely missed by Reggie, her loving faithful husband of 55 years, and by her daughter Caroline, sons Derek (wife Olena), and Alan (wife Gina) and grandchildren James, Jude, Aimee and Ellie. Her very large funeral, which was conducted by M McKillen, S Wells and E Fairfield, showed the highest esteem in which she was held. Prayer is requested for the family.
