Mrs. Serena D. Munford

 
The Courant American
Cartersville, Georgia
September 13, 1888, Page 8
 
Transcribed by 2006
 

Memorial.

Mrs. Serena D. Munford was born in South Carolina, April 25th, 1820, and died at the residence of her son, Mr. L. S. Munford, in Bartow county, Georgia, August 20th, 1888.

She came to Georgia when about eighteen years of age, and was, for forty years before her death, a member of the Cassville Methodist church.  In early life she married L. D. Munford, Esq., who preceded her to the land of rest in the summer of 1870.

The subject of this memorial had lived well nigh the allotted three score years and ten; and while, doubtless, in the language of the Psalmist, these years of her pilgrimage were interspersed with labor and sorrow; yet, there were many flashes of sunshine and gladness through which she walked, blessed with the comforts of the Christian religion.  For a few years past she had been suffering with an affliction of the heart, which, the physicians said, might carry her off at any moment. In conversations with her friends and family she frequently alluded to the fact that her hold on life was uncertain, and expressed a willingness and readiness to go whenever the Master should call.  Frequent severe paroxysms she had experienced and passed safely through them; but, on the night of the 20th of August last, while alone in the house with her daughter-in-law and grandchildren, the summons came. After about an hour’s suffering she passed away.

Standing, as she did for several years, almost within the shadow of death and knowing that his dart was uplifted, and it was but a question of time when the fatal blow would be given, she gave evidence in unmistakable language that she was prepared for death and the judgment; but, had no further testimony of her readiness been given, a life of devotion to Christ and the church, and many years in the service of her Lord, were proofs stronger than any words, that she did not live in vain, and that she now enjoys “the rest that remaineth for the people of God.”

Many of the friends of her youth and middle life had preceded her to the grave.  In fact few of those with whom she mingled in the sweet intercourse of friendship, in and around old Cassville, remain. She was one of the last to be called.  She left surviving her six children, to whom the memory of her precious Christian life is the richest legacy that earth can bestow.

On the day after her death she was buried beside her departed husband in the Cassville cemetery.  But it is not there she sleeps; she dwells forever with the Lord. Those of her loved ones who are left on earth mourn not as those who have no hope.

It is natural for us to expect the death of the aged; and yet we are illy prepared for the shock when it comes.  The grief is hard at any time, but in the present case, piercing the poignancy of sorrow as sunshine breaks through the rifts in the clouds, are precious memories of the beloved dead; her cheerful disposition, her pleasant greetings to friends and loved ones, her unflagging industry, her unfailing courtesy to all, her strong common sense and quick intelligence, her tender affection for those of her own household, her faith, her patience, her piety – the remembrance of these and many kindred virtues and graces are sweet as the dews that fall upon Hermon.

Life’s long eventful day was drawing to a close.  The shadow of death drew near.  Her sun set, but not in hopeless gloom.  Back across the sky of 68 years of life was reflected, on clouds of Christian faith and good works, the mellow glory of the Christian’s death.

--John W. Akin.

 

GO TO: Text Site Map
 
CONTACT US
archives@bartowhistorymuseum.org
770-382-3818 ext. 6283
13 N Wall Street
Cartersville, Georgia 30120

Home
Bartow GenWeb Coordinator: Trey Gaines   
Georgia GenWeb State Coordinator: Linda Blum-Barton

          ©2002 - 2019 Bartow History Museum

Last modified:  September 17, 2006