Mary Lavinia Boston Stovall Obituary

Submitted by: David Webb

Source: Tupelo Journal, October 2, 1903; page 1

Mrs. Mary Lavinia Boston Stovall was born of John and Sarah L. Boston,  Oct. 29, 1839, near Salisbury, N.C., and immigrated with her father to Mississippi in early childhood; professed faith in Christ at about 15 years of age and joined Unity Presbyterian church; was married to J. P.  Stovall Feb. 15, 1863; departed this life Sept. 18, 1903, to dwell with the Lord forever in the endless realms of bliss where there shall be no pain, no sorrow, no sickness, no trouble, but all in peace and happiness forever.

These few points cover a long life of usefulness and value, both in the home circle and the community in which she lived.  Those who knew her best loved her most and appreciated most the loveliness of her character.  It could be truly said of her that she opened her mouth with wisdom and in her tongue dwelt the law of kindness.  She looked well to the ways of her household and her children rise up and call her blessed.  She was a safe counsellor and her husband could safely trust in her.  Her excellent judgment, gentle and equable temperament, firm adherence to principle, unselfish thoughtfulness for the feeling of others and kindness to all, more especially to the poor, made her's a character of the highest order of christianity.  How pleasant to her must have been the transition, when we reflect on the past, that for thirty-seven years she had been afflicted and a constant victim of pain, and for nearly two years prostrate upon the bed; we wonder not at the pleasant smile when Jesus took her aboard the old ship of Zion to transport her over Jordan's stormy waves to the everlasting home in glory.  Yet it leaves sadness in the home and hearts of a devoted husband and two sons and two daughters and other relatives and friends:  but they mourn not as those who have no hope.  In her death and gain  our loss is a true and devoted wife, a loving and careful mother, a kind and sympathetic neighbor and a shining light in the church.  "Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord; they do rest from their labor and their works do follow them."
-HUSBAND