Subj: Florence McNeill Reid's Obituary
Date: 12/18/2002 8:25:44 PM Central Standard Time
From: jpurcell@volcano.net
Mr. James:
Attached is the obituary for Florence M. Reid from 6/7/1914 Laredo Morning Times. Since the newspaper so old the paper copy we printed out is not clear. If you need this copy, please call us at 956-795-2400. Thanks.
MRS. FLORENCE M. REID DEAD
Good and noble woman passed to her eternal reward at her home in the city last evening.
The Angel of Death entered a home last evening and took therefrom a good and noble woman and with her soul took his flight to that realm where the faithful and san....... had eternal rest: where the deeds of goodness performed in this transitory vale are recorded in the book of life and where the Omnipotent Father bids his sentinels usher forth the pure and best of his children to appear before his throne. When on last evening the soul of this good and philanthropic woman left its citadel of pain and suffering and on subtle wings took its flight to the happy home above, tears of anguish at her departure, grief for her absence, and heartthrobs for the lips that were still were manifest.
When on last evening when at 7:50 o'clock Mrs. Florence McNeil Reid closed her eyes in eternal slumber and the lips which had always spoken of words of cheer and encouragement were sealed, the hands that were never slow to assist the needy and the heart that pulsated with sympathy for the unfortunate had ceased their work, a good and noble woman, mother and true philanthropist passed to her reward. For two years Mrs. Reid had been in impaired health, but was able to be about, and as Principal of the Central School she was able to fill her position up to the close of the session two weeks ago. Beloved by those under her supervision at the school, her cheerful smile and kindly words of greeting will be missed as likewise in the home and family circle.
The subject of this sketch, Mrs. Florence McNeil Reid, was born in Columbus, Texas on November 5, 1845, being in her 69th year at the time of her demise. In November, 1866, she was married in San Antonio to Oliver P. Reid. In 1878 Mr. and Mrs. Reid moved to Laredo and for the past 36 years have made their home in this city. The husband preceeding the good wife to the grave about two years ago. For a number of years Mrs. Reid was a teacher in the Laredo Public Schools, a portion of the time filling the position of Principal of the Central School, in which latter capacity she was acting when the last session terminated.
Deceased is survived by one brother, T. P. McNell of live Oak county; one daughter, Mrs. E. J. Wiggins, of Monterey, who was here when the end came; a niece, Mrs. M.E. Pinder, and a number of grandchildren and other relatives. To all these go the sympathy of the community in their sad bereavement.
Deceased was a devout member of the Episcopal church and the funeral will take place from the home, 712 Lincoln street, to the Episcopal church this afternoon at 5:30 o'clock, with interment in the family burial plot by the side of the late husband.
My Notes: Mrs. E. J. Wiggins was Florence Agnes Roark "Reid." She was daughter of James Roark and Eliza Byrn, who had been adopted and raised by Florence from a baby when her mother died of Cholera. Mrs. M. E. Pinder was Mettilyne E. McNeill Pinder, daughter of Marvel McNeill and Permelia Wilborn. T. P. McNeill was Toliver Perry McNeill, her only surviving sibling. I should add that Florence was also the adoptive mother of at least two Mexican girls: Nania "Narcisa" Cardenas and Alijandra Cardenas. Kevin