Mr Alex Curran, aged 90, on 7th April. Our brother was a son of the late Mr Robert Curran, Evangelist, and brother of the late Mr Sam Curran of Brazil. Saved in 1938 when J Stewart and F Bingham preached in Banbridge, he was received into the assembly there. On moving to live in Tandragee he and his wife then joined the assembly at Ahorey where they enjoyed happy fellowship, Alex being a respected elder for many years. Advancing years, together with the death of his younger son Ian, and of his wife Mary, eventually caused him to move to Faith House residential home where he enjoyed the fellowship of the assemblies at Wallace Avenue, Lisburn and later at Bethany Hall, Finaghy. He is survived by his son Alex, daughter-in-law Roberta, his brother William in Banbridge and his brother Joseph in Newbury, also by a widening family circle for whom your prayers would be appreciated. His large funeral was from Banbridge Gospel Hall, at his own request, the services being conducted by Jim Wishart and David Radcliff.
Miss Jean McBride, aged 89, was called home on 24th March into the presence of her Lord and Saviour whom she loved for almost 80 years. She was saved as a girl shortly before her 10th birthday. Later she was baptized and received into the assembly at Tassagh, where she served the Lord faithfully for over 75 years. She was a diligent student of the Scriptures and her exemplary, consistent character bore eloquent testimony to her deep, spiritual convictions. She maintained a real interest in the furtherance of the gospel and truly adorned the doctrine by her quiet, contented life. Due to increasing bodily infirmities, she spent the remaining 4 years of her life in Faith House, where she was lovingly cared for. The large gathering for her funeral was evidence of the high esteem in which she was held, both in the local community and among the Lord's people. The funeral services were conducted by W J Nesbitt, R J Smyth, T W Wright, B Glendinning, N Fleck, and J Rogers. Her prayers and godly influence will be greatly missed. Prayer is requested for her only remaining brother, Samuel (evangelist) and his wife, and for the wider family circle.
Mr Walter Maguire, aged 89, was called home on 20th March. Our brother was saved as a young man. He came into the fellowship of the Portadown assembly in 1978 where he himself said he found his spiritual home. He was faithful at the assembly gatherings even in declining health. Although confined to Nursing Care, Walter enjoyed the comfort of the Scriptures and even when memory was failing would quote from them. His funeral service was shared by local brethren. Our brother is survived by his son Walter and daughter Priscilla, their spouses, and his grandchildren.
Miss Janet Paton, aged 99, was called home on 21st February. Jenny, as she was known to family and friends, was the eldest of four children of James and Christina Paton who were in fellowship in the assembly in Airdrie. She was saved in her teens during a gospel campaign in Coatdyke, baptised and received into fellowship. Jenny was a faithful Christian and a Sunday school teacher in the assembly at Baillieston. In her work as a cashier she was both capable and diligent. The family moved to Peterhead in 1958 not long after which her father died. Jenny and her sister cared faithfully for their mother especially in her later years. Jenny was a quiet and dignified sister, consistent in her attendance of assembly gatherings initially at Prince Street Hall and then at York Street. Up to her 99th year she was still cooking and managing the home despite being registered blind with macular degeneration. She is greatly missed by Grace her sister-in-law, and by her nieces and nephews but particularly by her sister Christabel. They had been lifelong companions, who had both grown up, and grown old together.
Mrs Elizabeth (Betsy) Proctor, on 3rd April. Our sister was brought up near Moy, Co Tyrone where her parents were in fellowship in Tullyroan assembly. She was saved under the preaching of Mr Charles Fleming at Annaghmore and was later received into the assembly at Tullyroan. Upon her marriage she joined the Armagh assembly where her husband was in fellowship, and they have been consistent and valued members for many years. Our sister is survived by her devoted husband John, her son Allen and daughter-in-law Kim (also in fellowship in Armagh), her daughter Janice and son-in-law Jim, together with her four grandchildren, as well as her four sisters and a wide family circle many of whom are in assembly fellowship while some remain unsaved. Her large funeral was from Ahorey Gospel Hall, the services being conducted by J Wishart, with brethren T Kells, J Johnston, M Bartley and R Lester from the Armagh assembly assisting with hymns and prayer.
Mr William (Bill) Russell, aged 79, was called home to be with his Saviour on 6th April. Bill in early life was gripped by the power of alcohol for many years, often lying out in haysheds hopelessly drunk, but on 10th January, 1968 the power of God delivered him and saved him. Bill had been attending gospel meetings at Tandragee (Co Armagh) when the preachers were S McBride and G Marshall. A friend called George Sommerville who also had been gloriously saved in September, 1966, had taken Bill in to his home. That night Bill began to sing; they thought he was drunk but it was a new song of deliverance - Psalm 40.3. All was changed as his life and testimony in the whole district burned brightly for his Lord, and it did so right until the end. To all he met, Bill witnessed about his Saviour, never missing an opportunity. He was ever helping people, caring for and praying with people, generous and kind to all no matter what their religion or creed. The assemblies at Scotch Street and Teaguy will miss him so much, especially the little company at Teaguy where he was a faithful, active member for many years. His funeral was large with many people gathering out of genuine love and respect for such an outstanding character whose "Amens" and "Hallelujahs" were heard in just about every meeting he attended over the years. The memory and testimony of this man who never married will live on for many years in the countryside where he lived just outside Portadown. Sharing in his funeral services were J Wishart, T Stothers and R Pickering when words of comfort, tribute and gospel were given.
