MRS. MARTHA A. RAND
Wife of P. N. G. Rand

TO THE CROSS I CLING.
MRS. P. N. G. RAND Nov. 4, 1907

Tread softly, she sleepeth, and her rest is well.

     As the quiet Sabbath passed away, and the day dawned on another week of toil, the spirit of Mrs. Martha Rand passed into the great Beyond. Her death was like her life---peaceful in the extreme, the life of a little child who leans upon the arms of the loved ones so ready to help.
     As she drew near to the brink of the silent stream, the eye of faith could see her as she met the triumphant Savior who holds the keys of life and death and bore her away to one of his many mansions.
    Sleep on thou gentle one, thou hast crossed the river "Lethe" and though the cares of life made furrows on thy brow, thou has merged on the other side in the bloom of eternal youth.
     The dear ones left behind will miss thy mother love, and they fain would have you come back

"From the echoless shore,
And take them again to your heart as of yore.
For over the heart in the days that are flown,
No love like mother love ever has shone,
No other worship abides and endures
Faithful, unselfish and patient like yours."

     The faithful companion of thy life, who lingers he awhile, sees thee a guiding star and waits to hear your song of welcome when he too shall sweep within the gate.

FAREWELL        A FRIEND.

OBITUARY

     Mrs. Martha A. Rand (nee Smith) was born near Leighton, Ala., June 26, 1834, and died at her home in Leighton, Nov. 4, 1907.
     She was married to Capt. P. N. G. Rand Feb. 8, 1850. Of this union seven children were born---two girls and five boys. Her husband and six children are left to mourn her loss one son---J. Boose Rand---having died in his early manhood.
     Sister Rand was converted in early life and joined the Methodist church, in which she lived a devoted and consistent member until she was called to her reward.
     She lived a beautiful, devoted and unselfish life. She was a true wife and a devoted mother.
     Her home and her children bear the marks of the good influence of her beautiful life.
     She was kind and gentle in her disposition always considerate for the happiness and welfare of others.
     For some years before her death she had not been able to attend church on account of failing health but was a constant reader of the Bible and other good books. She kept in close touch with God in her private devotions until her spirit was translated to the home of the soul where there is rest for the weary.
     She was patient in her suffering until the end came and died as peacefully as a child goes to sleep in its mother's arms. She died surrounded by her husband and children who did for her all that loving hearts and hands could do. The funeral was conducted in the church of which she was a member by her pastor and her remains were laid to rest in the cemetery at Tuscumbia, Ala. The service at the grave was read by Rev. G. W. Read.
     The great multitude that came to pay their last respect to her remains and the floral contributions that were placed upon her grave attest the loyalty of her friends. We have parted with her but for a season, for we shall meet her again in the house of many mansions where Jesus Christ shall wipe all tears from our eyes and we will never say good-bye.
     Let us trust God who was her strength through life and comfort in death. Let us cherish the sentiment of the beautiful song sung at the grave, "There is rest for the weary."
L. F. STANSELL.

[SOURCE: The Leighton News, Friday, 8 Nov 1907. page 1]

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