IN MEMORIAM

Emily Jane McGraw was born October 19, 1844 at Westernport, Maryland. She departed this life August 31, 1938, at the age of 93 years, 10 months and 12 days. She was the daughter of Thomas and Elizabeth (Warwick) Wilt. She was married three times.

First to Marshall Glaze in 1860 at which time they moved to Roane County where she spent the remainder of her life. To this union was born two daughters, Mollie (now deceased) who married Rev. H. K Riffe and Henrietta who married the late George Hess of Spencer. Mr. Glaze was killed during the Civil War in 1863.

In 1866 she was married to James Epling. To this union was born five children as follows: G.M. Epling of Ivydale; Mrs. W.F. Valentine of Spencer; F.J. Epling of Otto; W.J. Epling of Looneyville and J.D. Epling of Camden-on-Gauley.

Mr. Epling died in 1877 and in 1887 she was married to Thompson McGraw and to this union was born one daughter, Mrs. H. J. Young of near Reedy, with whom she made her home at the time of her death.

Mr. McGraw preceded her in death 16 years ago. She confessed Christian conversion in early childhood and joined the M.P. Church. And in after years she with her husband, Thompson McGraw joined the Advent Christian church from which she was a loyal and faithful member until God called her away. She was not permitted to attend church, as she desired to due to old age. We like to think of her not only as a Christian but also a loving and devoted mother and one who always loved her children. She lived in the Sunflower community for several years and will be sadly missed among her neighbors and friends. Surviving are seven children, some step children, forty two grandchildren, forty three great grandchildren and eight great-great-grandchildren.

Funeral services were conducted at the Pleasant Grove church in the presence of a large congregation of sorrowing relatives and friends. Rev. E.S. Warren and Rev. J. D. Cumberledge officiated after which the body laid to rest in a nearby cemetery.

Through we have tried not to worry nor grieve for one so dear to us, for we feel she is safe in the arms of Jesus. Still we are so lonely, when the shades of night gather and the busy days are over. ?Tis then we think of her so dear who has gone from us. Mother not dead, she is just asleep in Jesus.

On the Resurrection morn, she will come fourth to meet us. Someday, we will meet mother inside the pearly gates.

Thy glorious warfare is past. The battle fought, the race is won. And thou art crowned at last.

(Submitted by Donna J. Walbrown)
For more information on Emily Jane Wilt, see this page in the family history sction.