Original Source: The Warren, Bradley Co., AR newspaper, July 1896

Copied from ``Lee Family History'', compiled by Virginia Witherington

Mrs. Josias Lee

After many months of illness, Mrs. Josias Lee departed this life at her home near Lamark, this county, at 1:30 AM, Thursday, July 16, 1896 age 70 years, 1 month and 10 days. The death of Grandma Lee, (as she was called by the entire community) was not unlooked for at any time the past few months as she was in declining health and sorely afflicted with dropsy. Death came to this good woman as a happy release from great bodily suffering, and death to her was but the gateway of entrance to that happy life for which her gently Christian spirit had made full preparation while it dwelt here in the flesh during the long years of a well spent life.

The deceased was Mary Tabitha daughter of Britton and Nancy Jones and was born in South Carolina, June 6, 1826. She moved with her parents to Pike County, Alabama in 1830 where she resided until she was married to Mr. Josias Lee, January 11, 1844 and with him came to Arkansas in 1845, settling in Bradley County where she resided continuously until her death.

Her husband Esquire Josias Lee with whom she lived in holy wedlock 50 years, 7 months and 5 days, survives her. She leaves 6 children all of whom were born and reared in this county, and each of whom have families. Five of her children, Sheriff Lee, J. A. Lee, Mrs. W. L. Higgason, Mrs.G. W. Rice and Mrs. Z. H. Wall live in this county and were present at her bedside when she died. The only absent member of the family is a son, C. E. Lee who lived at Hillsboro, Texas.

The deceased was a most exemplary Christian woman, good wife, a devoted mother and a kind neighbor. Her life has been one of consecrated love and devotion to her home and family. She was a member of the Primitive Baptist Church and led a humble consistent Christian life.

She knew of the approaching end, call all of her children around her; told them of the joys of The Christian's Hope - the peace of mind it brought to her, not that she was called to walk through the shadows of the valleys of death, and in loving words poured out to them a Mother's heart, beseeching them to so live this life that they would be ready to meet her in Heaven when the call for them to leave this world.

Deep sympathy is felt for the old gentleman in the taking away of his wife who for more than a half century has shared his joys and sorrows. Also to the bereaved children and other relations, sympathy is extended them by a large circle of friends.