McCOY, Essie Mae Wright - Putnam

In the midst of life we meet death in many unexpected places, these are solemn words of warning: we have been brought to a full realization of them by the tragedy which, on May 19, 1938, took two friends from our midst.  One of these, Essie Mae, the second child of Bedial James Hunt and Franklin Pierce Wright was born in Hendricks County, Indiana on Nov 12, 1877.  Two brothers are living, William Wyly Wright of Alva Oklahoma and Franklin Ora Wright of Ringwood, Oklahoma.  Another brother died in infancy. On Sept 1, 1897 she was united in marriage to John McCoy.  To this union were born 8 children: Cleo, wife of John O’Conner of Cloverdale; Donnie Belle, wife of Max Smith; Dora D; Edna G; wife of William Alexander; Earl A, all four of Floyd Township and Nora E, wife of Aubrey Collett of Huntingburg, Indiana.  Two sons, Glendon Ora and Robert Donald have preceded her in death.  With the exception of a few years of her childhood when the Wright family lived in Missouri and Kansas, her entire life was spent near Coatesville and Fillmore. She never had her name on any church record but was a believer of God as the Ruler of the Universe.  Her life was truly a life of service; she was always ready to help anyone in need.  To her it mattered not that what she was asked to do was beyond her strength – she went where and when she was needed.  During a great part of her married life, she had in her home her husband’s mother.  She did for this mother at all times and through the mother’s last illness which lasted 11 months cared for her as an only daughter should care for a mother.  In the later years, some of her happiest days were those which her little grandchildren spent with her.  Only the day before her passing she took flowers to the traves of her two sons: to those with her she said, “I  don’t see why anyone dreads to be  brought here  when my time comes I’m ready to go.”  We feel if Essie could speak to her loved ones she would borrow the words of the poet to say: “She not too many tears when I shall leave, be brave enough to smile: it will not shorten howe’er you Grieve.  Your loneliness, the while I would not have you sorrowful and sad, but joyously recall the glorious companionship we’ve had.  And thank God for it all. Don’t let your face grow tear streaked, pale and want.  Have heart for mirth and song.  Rejoice tho for a little I’ve gone.  That I was here so long.  For, if I thought your faith would Fail you so, And leave you so distressed.  That sobbing to my grave you’d go; my spirit could not rest.

Her husband, these six children, one daughter-in-law, Eva, Earl’s wifewho came into this home last October and was received as an own daughter, four sons-in-laws, 9 grandchildren, two brothers, other relatives and friends and neighbors.  Thus end the earthly existence of one who had lived 60 years 6 months and 7 days.  Sunset and evening star And one clear call for me!  And may there beno moaning at the Bar – when I put out to sea,

For though from out our bourne of Time and Place, the flood may bear me far, I hope to see my pilot face to face  - when I have crossed the bar.  

Card of Thanks – we wish to thank all who have helped us through our recent tragic loss.  Especially do we thank Mr. and Mrs. Rector, the pallbearers, the singers, Rev. William Day for his beautiful message and our loyal neighbors. . . John McCoy and family. –--kbz