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Sentinel Fayetteville, Washington Co. Arkansas July 30, 1914 MRS. J. S. BATES ----- Lela Ellis Bates, daughter of G. W. and Lucy J. Ellis, was born near Lafayette, Ga., December 17, 1870, died at her home near Lincoln, Ark. June 21, 1914. When she was eleven months old, her family moved to Corsicana, Tex. (Navarro County) where they resided until June, 1882, when they moved to Washington county, Arkansas, east of Fayetteville, where they lived until they came into the city. She received her education in the Fayetteville public schools and the University of Arkansas. She was united in marriage to Mr. J. S. Bates May 3, 1899. To them were born two children, Russell Ellis, aged 13, and Lucile Dyer, aged 8. These two children, with the husband, mother and brothers and sisters survive her. Mrs. Bates confessed her faith in Christ and united with the Central Presbyterian Church of this city, under the ministry of the Rev. R. E. Morris D. D. when she was twelve years old and to the time of her death, led a beautiful, devoted, Christian life. She recided in this city untl five years ago, and the church had no more devoted, consistent member. After her removal to the farm she at once identified herself with the little Sabbath School in that community. As superintendent and as teacher, she served as only an intelligent, beautiful Christian can. That community will always be the richer because those five sweet years of her life, go full of good works, were spent there. For more than a year she had been in failing health, having gone to the celebrated surgeons, the Mayo Bros. for an operation last year, but that dread malady, cancer had made too much progress to be overcome, and finally ended her life. On the Sabbath day before her death she summoned her physician and asked him to tell her what her exact condition was and what to expect. The kindly man told her she had no hope to live but a few days. Those about her bedside testify that it was one of the most beautiful scenes they ever witnessed. She talked to them of her gong to be with her Lord and cheered them with Christian comfort. She sent for her Sunday School class and gave each of them a message that they will never forget. To husband, children and friends, she left a parting message. She summoned her friends to sing for her the sweet songs of Zion, and anxiously looked forward to her departure to be with Christ until the end came when she went to sleep as peacefully as a babe on its mother's breast. How sweet and beautiful was her life! How peaceful her death! "Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His saints." |
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