Mary Leath, daughter of Bluford and Martha Jones, was born December 27, 1858. She was married to Jim Leath, April 25, 1875. To them were born 8 children, three boys and five girls. She professed faith in Christ in early life and later joined the Baptist church at Ebenezer, and lived a true and faithful member until death.

Her husband died in 1936. She died June 27, 1945, aged 87 years and six months. Her children are: Mrs. Martha Patterson, Nashville, Tenn., Mrs. Letha Gammon, Bowling Green, Ky., Ella Porter, Lafayette, Tenn., Della Gregory, Lafayette, Tenn., Johnie Leath of R. 1, Pleasant Shade, Tenn., Charlie Leath of Gallatin, Tenn., Willie Leath died many years ago. Ellie Smith died in 1938. Her grandchildren are 38 living and 9 dead. Great-grandchildren, 85 living and 15 dead. Nine great-great-grandchildren living and 2 dead. One brother, Bud Jones, of Pleasant Shade, is among the survivors.

She had lived with her daughter, Mrs. Della Gregory for 14 years and died there. She had done all for her that could be done, but it pleased the Lord to carry her home to rest from her labors. She lived to a ripe old age and was  full of good deeds and strong faith and will have a great  reward. She was a noble and good wife, a kind, loving mother and grandmother, and really loved her large family. She was delighted with the off-springs of her and her husband. She was a good neighbor and loyal Baptist and a true Christian well beloved by those who knew her.

There are 8 children, forty-seven grandchildren, 100 great-grandchildren and 11 great-great-grandchildren, making a total of 166 in the family. She leaves to mourn their loss an aged brother, 6 children and 132 grandchildren. She died in the triumph of a living faith, the angels carried her spirit home to live with God and those who had gone before.

We mourn not as those who have no hope. We expect to meet her again in that country where the weary are at rest and trouble never comes. It was her request for Elder J. E. McDonald to hold her funeral. What a comforting thing it is when this toilsome life is over, that we can meet in that world of peace and love and live forever where sorrow never comes!

Bye and Bye
Down the stream, where the tide is clearer,
Farther on, where the shores are fair,
Are the gracious forms we would fain be nearer,
The names we breathe in the voice of prayer;
Be the voyage longer, they will be dearer,
When after awhile we shall greet them there,
Farther on, where the tide is clearer,
Down the stream, where the shores are fair.
Bye and Bye, when the sun is shining,
After awhile, when the skies are blue,
When the clouds unfold their silver lining,
And the peaceful isles drift into view,
We shall free our tongues from dull repining,
And our hearts with the joy of youth renew,
After awhile, when the sun is shining–
Bye and bye, we’ll meet you beyond the blue.

Source: Macon County Times – Lafayette, TN – Thursday July 12, 1945 – Page 3

Submitted By: Bill Patterson, email is: BplusM@aol.com