The Shells of Pigeon Creek Genealogy Web Site
The ancestors, descendants, and cousins of the Shells of Pigeon Creek, Alabama.
Notes for Martha Adaline Parker
Greenville Advocate (Alabama), September 25, 1912
Death of Mrs. Martha A. Shell
Mrs. Martha Adaline Shell was taken ill on the 14th day of June, stricken with paralysis, and a second stroke proved fatal after lingering until early Saturday morning at one o'clock, when she fell asleep in Jesus. On the following Sunday at eleven at Sardis, her pastor, Rev. A.C. Shell, conducted the funeral services. His text was "I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith; henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the Righteous Judge, shall give me on that day and not only unto me but unto all them also that love his appearance." -2 Tim., 4 Chap., 7 and 8 v.
Just at noon she was buried in the old graveyard at Sardis. There were about four hundred friends present to do her their last sad duty. The longest funeral procession followed the body from her home to the church that was ever seen here. Many beautiful flowers covered the casket.
Mrs. Shell was born in Spaulding County, Georgia on Oct. 22nd, 1826, making her almost 86 years old. She was Miss Martha Parker, a daughter of Rev. and Mrs. G.P. Parker. Her father was a Methodist preacher and one of the early settlers of Georgia. She joined her father's church in early girlhood and remained a devout member of that church until in August of 1873 she joined the Missionary Baptist Church at Sardis. She was baptised by the late Rev. W.C. Avant, and she remained in this faith until her death. She was happily married Oct. 30, 1844 to Thos. B. Shell and of this union were born seven boys and one girl, G.D., Robert C., Thomas M., Wade F., R. Asbury, Charles W. Shell and Miss Sallie A. Shell. There are nineteen grandchildren and thirty four great grandchildren now living, all of whom rise up and call her blessed.
In 1856 she and her husband moved from Georgia and settled in Butler County.
The war between the states broke out. After serving several years her husband came home sick and died the next day, Feb. 11, 1865, leaving her with eight small children to feed and educate. But she had faith in prayer.
Everyone who knew her loved her. If she had an enemy it was not known. Her home was a house of prayer and family prayer was held both night and morning. Often she would go to her closet at noon and pray for her children in secret.
She lived the life of a true Christian and in her last illness would shout and say "There is glory in my soul. Jesus, I put my trust in thee." She leaned upon the everlasting arms and is now with Jesus calling for her loved ones to come higher. Let us follow the good life she led before us.
Among some of the relatives who were present at the funeral from a distance were Wade Shell of Birmingham and Robert Shell of Georgiana, Mis., Ellery Rigsby of Shell, and a host of other relatives and friends.
One Who Loved Her
Oct 9, 1912 Pigeon Creek
In the notice of the death of Mrs. Shell, you left out the date of her death, which was the 14th of September, and the name of her second son, Rufus D. Shell, was also omitted.
by reporter
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