Death of Mrs. Tabitha Jane Scarborough

Written by: Daughter, Anna Rebecca (Scarborough) Shackelford

On the 8th of November ,1937, 16 minutes till 12:00 o’clock the immortal spirit of our precious mother bade farewell to all earthly cares and sorrows, and is now asleep in Jesus from which none ever awakes to weep. On November 9 she was laid to rest in the cemetery at Old Ogden Church in the presence of a large number of relatives and friends. Brother Williams of Flora, Brother Jones of Satartia, and Brother Sullivan of Phoenix, officiated.

She was married to E. H. Scarborough September 12,1872, and to this union were born 11 children. Her husband and 5 children preceded her to the grave. If she had lived until February 5th, she would have been 87 years old. She leaves to mourn her passing 6 children: 2 girls, Mrs.E. A.Holt, Satartia, Mrs. A.L.Shackelford, West Monroe,LA.; 4 boys, Messrs. J. E. Scarborough,S.C. Scarborough and L.D. Scarborough, all of Bentonia, and J.M. Scarborough, Vaughan; 33 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren, and 2 sisters, Mrs. Bettie Wall, Phoenix, Mrs. J.R. Bradshaw, Bentonia, 2 brothers, John Hancock, Phoenix, G. W. Hancock, Bentonia, and a host of friends and other relatives.

She gave her heart to God when she was 18 years old and lived true to Him until her death. She was a true and faithful friend, a kind and devoted mother and an affectionate wife. Se was loved by all who knew her and our loss is Heaven’s gain.

She was here during the Civil War helping to bear the hardships and sent 2 sons overseas in the World War. (this is a reference to World War I) Both came back and comforted her until she died. Her life and character was an example worthy of imitation.

She told us all that she was going home and had us sing “Promised Land”, and tried to join in the chorus, she was bound for the Promised Land. We sang two more hymns just before she went to her reward.

Brave and heroically she bore her pain and sorrow, as she took her place among the illustrious names of those who have taught our poor fallen nature how to suffer. We sorrowing stricken ones are not the only ones whom she taught how to suffer, but her church and friends claim a part of her heritage, yea the Kingdom of God is richer for an example like hers.

Oh, how our hearts ache for a glimpse of that sweet face, and a sound of that precious voice that is silent and as the days go by we will still miss her. It was God’s will not mine, and as we look around and see the vacant place our hearts are filled with emotion.

(A precious one from us has gone, a voice we loved is still.

A place is vacant in our home.

That never can be filled.

The Golden Gate was open.

A Gentle voice said, “Come”.

And with a farewell unspoken.

She calmly entered home.

Sleep on dear mother and take thy rest.

It was God that called – He knoweth best.)

Her devoted child,

West Monroe, Louisiana

(This was written by Tabitha Jane Scarborough's daughter, Anna Rebecca (Scarborough)Shackelford in West Monroe, Louisiana. Anna Rebecca was Alice Jeroline (Flynt) Handfield’s grandmother. Alice Jeroline hand copied this from the newspaper clipping that Anna Rebecca had. She still has the torn clipping.)

This info received on 12/11/1998. by Laurie Lynch, wife of Ken Lynch, Pastor of Parkview Church of God Laurie was Laurie Anne Handfield daughter of Alice Jeroline Flynt daughter of Anna Laura Shackelford,daughter of Anna Rebecca Scarborough. Ken & Laurie have been at Parkview Church for about two years. They moved here from Arkansas. I think Laurie teaches art at Manchester Academy.

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Tabitha Jane Hancock, My Great Grandmother, born 2/4/1850 died 11/9/1938

married 9/12/1872 

My Great Grandfather Edward Howie Scarborough born 3/13/1843 died 12/3/1923

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and Druea Naomi Scarborough, My grandmother born 5/31/1885 died 5/28/1931

married 1905, Satartia, MS-Yazoo County 

my Grandfather George Washington Williams born 2/14/1884 died 8/15/1955

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Thanks Harvey Williams