The hand of sorrow has again been laid upon us. That unwelcome guest, death has come and laid claim to one of our dear loved ones and the sweet, gentle spitit of Fern Norris Gilliland passed to the Great Beyond, freed from her long illness and suffering. She went to her loved ones who had gone on before and to await the coming of her loved ones.

Fern Norris, daughter of the late Judge {?} D. and Druzie Gilbert Norris, was born in Jefferson County Ill., Sept. 21, 1890. and was 45 years and 13 days of age at the time of her demise. Her father passed away 14 years ago and she leaves an aged mother who has been separated from her during her married life.

She was united in marriage to Charles {?} Gilliland of Attalla, Ala., March 16, 1918, at Pinckneyville, Ill. To this union one daughter was born. Freida Louise, who is left to mourn the loss of her good mother and to console, sustain and cheer her father who is passing through a trouble sorrow that of being benefit of a dear, wife and a loving father who died the day before.

She leaves two brothers, Dr. Claud Norris of Eureka, California, and D. Clarence Norris, of Arthur, Ill. One brother Waymon Norris, and an infant sister preceded her in death several years ago. Three nephews and one niece are left to mourn her dparture.

Early in life she trusted implicity in Jesus and became a faithful member of the Universalist church. Fern was a talented musician and was the church and Sunday school pianist since she was nine years old. She was invariably called on to supervise the music at most all occassions in the town. which she gladly and willingly offered her services. she was always expected to play and sing at the funerals at her church and she also taught a class in Sunday school for several years. Without wavering and with loyalty and zeal she was a valiant soldier of the cross.

Everything that loving hands and medical skill could do was done but all to no avail. Her sufferings were intense but no murmur or complaint came from her. she said "If it's the good Lord's will I be ready." The Lord was her Shepherd he led her safely through the dark valley of sickness and suffering and as the sun of life was sinking in the west we believe she heard the Master's call. "It is {?}, come home." and with a song of victory her spirit winged its flight through {?} gates ajar into that haven of rest. {?} was thus with Mr. Gilliland who passes across the invisible boundary Friday morning, Oct. 4, 1935, at Mt. Vernon hospital where she had been for several days there is much grief today in the hearts of her loved ones who called her friend and there sorrows must be soothed by the thoughts of what she has done and the certainty of her reward. Her death comes {?} only as a shock to her own household and to her many friends who knew and {?} her best. It has been remarked that Fern and her mother were more like sisters than mother and daughter. as they {?} each much concerned in the others welfare.

We bow to a great sorrow and bring {?} choicest of affection that our words can express. With great faith in God we simplysay "Farewell Fern until we come to the morning of mornings of that {?} Sabbath day of rest." Tis strange that the curtain descended to soon on her work yet undone: Tis strange that the night with its shadows came down ere the morning was gone. Life's noon day for her ever brightened And sunset lent a bright afterglow For our Father sent the summons Ere half of life's milestone were told. We weep not for her passing but rather for our sad on-going alone for she rests safe from all pain and sorrow With God in His heavenly home.

Funeral services conducted at Universalist church of Waltonville, Ill,. Sunday 2 p.m. by Rev. Wm. D. Harrington of Metropolis, Ill., and Rev. D. A. Phelps, with interment at Knob Prairie cemetary.

Submitted by: Cindy Ford