Mrs. Hallie Prather Smith, 39 years old, wife of T. W. Smith, passed away at the Cottage hospital in Galesburg, Saturday evening, shortly after five o’clock, after little more than a week’s illness following childbirth.
While it was known that her condition was considered critical, it was hoped that she would be able to rally when the crisis came, and the people of Astoria as well as the surrounding vicinity were saddened deeply by the news of her death. She went to the hospital a few weeks ago, where, on May 10, she gave birth to a son, her first child; the babe lived only a few days.
Hallie, daughter of Preston and Augusta Prather, was born May 15, 1883 and departed this life Saturday, May 27, at the age of 39 years and 12 days, having resided in Astoria and vicinity her entire life time.
She was united in marriage to T. W. Smith, July 23, 1905. Besides her husband, she leaves to mourn her death, her parents, one brother, Orley Prather, four sisters, Mrs. Lem Davis, Mrs. George Hartley, Mrs. Dave Thomas and Mrs. Jay Wilson, together with a number of other relatives and a host of friends.
She professed her faith in Christ, uniting with the United Brethren church when she was about eleven years of age, and remained a true Christian worker to the end. She was always willing and ready to help others when they were in sickness or sorrow.
A noble work was hers to do,
She sought to find the way;
She followed Christ the best she knew,
Lived close to him each day.
Deceased began teaching school when she was eighteen years of age and taught twenty school years and three months. Her last term was taught at Sheldon’s Grove, closing April 7, 1922. She never stopped for sickness or weather, but was always active and happy.
Mrs. Smith and her husband had built a beautiful house the past year, and when her little son was placed in her arms, she said, “My, won’t we have a happy home now?” But she was never permitted to return to her earthly home. Her husband is bereft of a loving wife; the family, a very dear daughter and sister and the community of a good neighbor and helpful friend.
By the beautiful gate I am waiting for you,
With a welcoming hand when you come
To the mansion of love, which our Father has built,
There we’ll all be happy at home.
Funeral services were held at 2 o’clock this afternoon at the United Brethren church, with the pastor, Rev. Ella Niswonger in charge, assisted by Rev. John Davis. Interment in the Astoria cemetery.
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Mrs. Hallie Smith, one of the most widely known school teachers in the county, died Sunday in a Galesburg hospital, aged about forty years. Mrs. Smith’s death was due to childbirth.
Current Obituaries in the Astoria South Fulton Argus