Luzany F. Shirell

SHIRELL, L.F. STAPLES - {Near Illinois Chapel, Washington county,
Ark., Dec. 18, 1886) Fell “asleep in Jesus,” Mrs. L.F. Shirell nee Staples,
wife of E.Z. Shirell, aged 56 years. Sister Shirell was born July 6th, 1830 in
Buckingham county, Va. She was converted at the age of fifteen at Cedar
Springs camp ground, McMinn county, Tenn. and joined the Methodist
Church, South in which she lived until her death. Sister Shirell was a good
mother, a kind neighbor and a true friend. She was decided in her convictions
and candid in her utterances, yet pleasant and courteous to all. Her chief
delight was with her family. She was what St. Paul called a “chaste keeper
at home,” one whom “her children arise up and call her blessed. Her
neighbors pronounced the greatest eulogy given to mortals, “She was a
good woman.” For weeks she was subject to great bodily amiction which
she bore with fortitude and uncomplaining patience. Her suffering ensued
in a calm, peaceful death; as soft as the sleep of an infant was the precursor
of the last foe. There was a large concourse of people at church in Prairie
Grove, Ark. when the writer preached her funeral, after which the remains
were laid away to rest in the beautiful cemetery near by,. May God bless
the grief-stricken husband and bereaved children. P.B. Hopkins. Prairie
Grove, Ark. [Fayetteville Democrat 1/7/1887]