To the Memory of Mrs. Phillips, Who Died at Her Home, in Galveston, on Sunday, August 6th, 1882.
Mrs. S. A. Phillips was born on the 13th of December, 1840, near Madison, Ga., moved to Texas in the year 1857, and settled in Wharton county. She was the adopted daughter of Mr. David Stevens, and was married to Mr. W. J. Phillips the 23d of December, 1858. Joined the Baptist Church in 1859, living and dying in that faith. By her own request she was buried in Wharton, by the side of her two children, who had preceded her.
She has gone to drink of that beautiful stream, That flows through the Father's land, Whose waters gleam bright, in the Heavenly light, and ripple o'er golden sand.
In the prime of beautiful womanhood, adorned by every virtue are in the gentleness of her disposition, she has gone from the arms a kind and affectionate husband, an only child, a son, whom her heart with all its eternal fondness clung with such tenacity; and not, even in the pangs of death, forget to admonish that father and husband "to rear my child for Heaven, teach him to be a Christian," and from friends who knew her but to love her. The happy fleeting months gave no warning that they were bearing her so near to the end. Life was in its charming maturity when her Father called her home; its pleasures were many, yet with her they were second to a consistent obedience to her religion. Bright and happy as her life had been, yet her lamp was always kept burning, and when the swift-winged messenger came he bore away in his arms a soul fitted to mingle in the throng that worship around the throng. To him whose life has been made desolate, and the son who has lost God's best gift to man - a noble mother - I can only say the Hand that gave the wound can pour the healing balm. Hope has gone to light her path across the river, but will soon return to comfort you, and keep alive in your hearts the sacred memories of her that cluster so thickly there, and prepare you to join her in that land where partings is not known.
Harp strings touched by angel fingers, Ever murmur in my raptured ear, Ever more their sweet song lingers, We shall know each other there.
-A FRIEND.
GALVESTON, August 13, 1882
Source: The Galveston Daily News, Galveston, Texas, Tuesday, August 15, 1882; Pg. 2, Column 5
NOTE: William J. Phillips md. Sarah A. Boone, 23 Dec. 1858, Wharton Co. TX.
