Originally published in The Smithfield Herald, Friday Morning, June 22, 1928. Copy provided by Edna Wood Smith.
April 9 was a very sad day for those who loved Mrs. Nancy Eldridge, for on that day grandmother was laid "in the narrow bed, forever waiting, forever welcoming, and forever holding" those dear to us all. After suffering for more than three years from a leaking heart, her life's toils came to a close on Easter Sunday at three o'clock in the afternoon.
Grandmother was blessed to live a ripe old age being the 86th year of her life. She was twice married, first to Mr. Harry Lee, who died in the Civil War. Later, she married Mr. W. S. Eldridge, who preceded her to the grave over twenty-one years ago. She is survived by one sister, Mrs. Rebecca Frazier of Rocky Mount, five children, Mr. Julius Eldridge of Winston-Salem; Mrs. Minnie Lee, Mrs. J. A. Tart, Mrs I. E. Smith and Mrs. Willie Eldridge, all of Meadow township; twenty-two grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.
After grandfather's death, grandmother, being an industrious woman, took up the troubles and trials of life alone and carried on her life's toils bravely and cheerfully. Her friends were numbered by her acquaintances and she was held in the highest esteem by all. She was a kind, considerate neighbor and a tender, loving mother and grandmother. Oh, how we all enjoyed going to grandmother's and how glad she always seemed to welcome us into her home.
Grandmother never united with any church, but was a believer of the Primitive Baptist faith. I often heard her speak of the Lord and say "His will must be done." She was honest and upright in all ways and strove to do her best in all things. Her life was Christian-like and what a sweet hope she gave us all when she said that she was ready to go, but dreaded to leave her children.
The funeral services were conducted at her home by the Rev. L. A. Johnson assisted by the Rev. Mr. Kirk of Benson. The granddaughters acting as flower-bearers followed the remains to its last resting place.
| MINNIE N. LEE |
