Evans - Mary Epperson - Montgomery InGenWeb Project

Died—Mrs. Mary Evans, daughter of Mr. Wm M. Epperson, after a lingering sickness of some months, died of hemorrhage of the lungs, Sunday morning, June 1, at about 2 o’clock.

Seven years ago last winter she sought and obtained the pardon of her sins and united with the Methodist Episcopal Church. She had been for years a faithful Sunday school scholar. Her conversion was clear, and her testimony to the cleansing power of the blood of Jesus was convincing. She was a lady of the highest type, possessing a clear and well cultivated mind, stored with useful knowledge, and of the most refined views and feelings, and amiable in disposition, and a devoted friend; she was admired and loved by all who knew her. Something over four years ago, she married Mr. T. C. Evans, a brother of Professor Evans, of Lane Seminary, who is left an afflicted and bereaved husband to travel the remainder of life’s journey alone. She was devotedly attached to her husband in his afflictions, and expressed great anxiety that he should recover his health, little thinking perhaps then, that the fell destroyer would claim her for his victim first. Her sufferings were protracted and at times severe, but she bore them with Christian patience and resignation. Indeed she was one of the most patient, resigned, happy sufferer we ever knew. The religion of our Lord Jesus Christ comforted her. His grace sustained her. And when death approached he was divested of his terror. In answer to the question, “Do you feel that the Savior is with you?” she said, “Though I am walking through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil. Jesus is with me, His rod and His staff, they comfort me.” “Do you suffer much pain?” “O, no, Jesus bears it all.” She said, “Pray for the young people that their steps be guided aright, and tell them it is easy to die when Jesus is present to lean upon.”

Other of her utterances was, “God’s will be done,” “I am only waiting,” “Meet me in heaven,” I am almost home.” A short time before her death she saw angels in her rooms and seemed surprised that all could not see them. Her last words were, “I see Jesus face to face.” Thus passed away from earth this beautiful sweet spirited child of God. She was ready when the summons came, and taking her leave of earth, she turned her face toward her native skies and with a firm and steady tread walked through the valley of death, while joyful hopes and smiles sat undisturbed upon her seraphic brow. – kbz