Julia A. May--Walker

Julia A. May was born in this county near Salem nearly three 
quarters of a century ago, February 9, 1836.  She was married 
to Thomas Walker September 15, 1857 with whom she lived 
most happily until the grim reaper bore her away August 6, 1906.

For many years the family has lived in Franklin Township near the
Conoway Methodist church with whose membership she has been
associated for more than forty years.

To Thomas and Julia Walker were born eleven children, eight of
whom have lived to become highly respected and useful men and
women.  They are Harvey C., of New Albany; Charles O.;
Bedford; Mrs. Lizzie McClellan, Salem;  Mrs. Laura Snyder,
Jeffersonville; Thomas J. who has always lived with his parents;
Mrs. Lula Howell, Salem; Mrs. Viola Voyles, Oolitic and Mrs.
Flora Elrod of near Pekin.  Besides her own children she found
time to care for three orphan children who have grown to be an
honor to her labors.  They are Mrs. Mary True McClellan,
Samuel Mitchell and Miss Lola Taylor.

She was laid away in the Conoway cemetery.  Her pastor, Rev.
Ketcham, delivered a most fitting sermon over her remains,
paying just tribute to her christian character.  Rev. Applegate
spoke feelingly of her as a neighbor and in his few words
expressed the gratitude of years for the service she had been 
to his family.

While we stood by the loved ones she had and viewed for the last
time - for awhile - the face that bore that sweet smile - the certain
evidence of a heart at rest, a soul at peace; how different we knew
must be the sorrow of those who have an eternal faith and those
who sorrow without hope.  Deep in the hearts of all who knew and
loved her there were upwells a stream of truest joy in feeling that
by her life of christian faithfulness and charity she has left a
glorious evidence of the blessed reward accorded those who follow 
the Master.

To know her life and watch her passing brings us so near to the heart
of things that so closely affect the destiny of us all that we can see
how near is life eternal and we are made to know with a thrill of joy
that Heaven - after all - is not far away.  That that roaring torrent
is "but a little brook after all".  Our faith is strengthened, our hopes
brightened and our desire to follow closer more resolute.  She
lives yet today in the hearts of those with whom she lived and labored.
Neither mound in the church yard nor carved marble slab shall say
to us that she is gone for "even though she be dead yet shall she live"
and the monument she has builded to the hearts of her neighbors
by a long life of service with hand and heart is the greatest evidence
that she shall never die.

Angels swing the gates wide open,
Open wide the shining door,
Let the beams of light forever,
Flame across the other shore.

Angels bring the snow white mantel,
Bring the harp and crown of gold;
And the books with music written
Where the love of Christ is told.

Angels bring the books recorded
With the Law and deeds of life;
Guardian let the seals be broken,
That will end the mortal strife.

Angels lead her to the Saviour,
He above the Bar looks down;
While He speaks in holy accents
"Welcome to the robe and crown".

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Copyright© by Antoinette, February 28, 1999