Mr David James Buchanan, aged 83, was called home to be with his Lord on 13th January. Our brother came into the Omagh district when he was a young man, and was employed by assembly people. He was invited to gospel meetings in Omagh Gospel Hall, conducted by late brethren McCracken and McShane. There he learned his need of salvation, and was saved on 4th January, 1947 through the words, "Because the sinless Saviour died, my sinful soul is counted free". Soon afterwards he was baptised and received into fellowship with the assembly at Dunmullan, and later was an overseer for many years. He and his dear wife loved the Lord, His Word and His people, their home being open to many of the Lord's people and servants. They had the joy of seeing their daughter and two sons saved. The very large funeral was a token of the respect he had in the area. The funeral service in the home was taken by Thomas McNeill, speaking words of comfort and gospel, and at the graveside Robin McKeown spoke likewise. Other local brethren shared with hymns and prayer. Prayer valued for the widow and family, and also the small assembly at Dunmullan.
Mrs Kathleen Howard, aged 88 years, was called home on 23rd February after being incapacitated for a number of years. She was born in Bangor, and in her teens learned of her need as a sinner from her aunt. She was saved in her early twenties. She married her husband, Norman, who predeceased her 25 years ago. They were both in Ebenezer assembly, Belfast. Owing to her husband's job she was in a number of assemblies in the Province ending in Lurgan where she was in fellowship for many years. Her funeral was from Lurgan Gospel Hall where three local brethren took part. Prayer is requested for her only daughter Lynn and her family that the circle be unbroken in the sky, bye and bye.
Mrs Adelaide Jennings, aged 93, went to be with the Lord on 9th February. She was the devoted wife and helper of our highly esteemed brother Rowan who pre-deceased her in 1986. Shortly after his homecall she was commended from Windsor assembly to Laganvale Gospel Hall, also in Belfast, and was greatly respected and loved by all. Latterly she spent some time in nursing care where her condition deteriorated until she knew nobody. What a glorious experience when she suddenly awoke in the presence of her Lord! Her very large funeral was conducted in Laganvale by N Emerson who also bore personal testimony to Adelaide's deep, encouraging friendship through the years. Prayer would be greatly valued for her affectionate family circle including her daughter Betty, sons Thomas, who is deeply involved with Ministry for Europe Trust, and Rowan who serves the Lord in Canada.
Mrs Elizabeth (Betsy) Jennings (1930-2014). Our beloved sister was saved as a result of her first gospel meeting, which was conducted by Harold Paisley in Ballyhackamore in 1948. She was received into the Lower Windsor assembly in Belfast in 1949, where she met Samuel Jennings and they were married in 1954. Eventually they came to the assembly in Glenburn Gospel Hall from whence they were commended to the grace of God for the work in 1969. From 1972-2003 they were in fellowship in Central Avenue, Bangor, until they moved to Kingsmoss assembly. Betsy was a kind, considerate and perceptive woman who always brought words of encouragement to the saints. She travelled extensively with her husband Sam, even to the West Indies, and was a true helpmeet to him, being a role model for younger sisters as she was adorned with a "meek and quiet spirit". Her last few years were marked by increasing weakness, borne uncomplainingly. She went to be with her Lord on 3rd February. The large funeral in Central Avenue was conducted by her nephew, Thomas, who gave a tribute, B Currie spoke from the Scriptures, G Ewing spoke at the graveside, and these were assisted by local brethren. Prayer is requested for Sam, his two daughters, and the family circle.
Mrs Dorothy Little, age 88, passed into the Lord's presence on 16th February after spending 5 years in a Care Home. She was saved in the early fifties. Her husband, Alex, predeceased her a number of years ago. Both were in fellowship in the Malcolm Road assembly, Lurgan. Our sister was unassuming and of a quiet disposition. She adorned the Doctrine in all things "having a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price". Her funeral was from her daughter's residence and conducted by local brethren. Prayer is requested for the family circle.
Mr Walter Maguire, aged 89, was called home on 20th March. Our brother was saved as a young man. He came into the fellowship of the Portadown assembly in 1978 where he himself said he found his spiritual home. He was faithful at the assembly gatherings even in declining health. Although confined to Nursing Care, Walter enjoyed the comfort of the Scriptures and even when memory was failing would quote from them. His funeral service was shared by local brethren. Our brother is survived by his son Walter and daughter Priscilla, their spouses and grandchildren.
Mrs Jean McKnight passed into the presence of her saviour, on 25th March, after some months of suffering which she bore with great dignity and courage. Jean was saved in her late teens while attending meetings in School Road, Rathfriland, conducted by U Usher and the late W Jennings, 1 Peter 2.24 being the text that brought relief to her burdened soul. She was a much valued and esteemed sister gathered with the saints in Banbridge for almost 40 years where she will be greatly missed and remembered for her consistent attendance as well as her happy smile which endeared her to all who knew her. She was devoted to her husband Eric for almost 40 years for whom prayer would be valued as he seeks to adjust to these changing circumstances. Her large funeral conducted by D Radcliffe, S Dawson, A Petrie and J Rogers was testimony to the esteem in which our dear sister was held.
Mrs Edith Thompson (1917-2014). Our beloved sister was born on 16th June, the year her father was killed during the 1917 Passchendaele campaign in WW1. Her mother was left with 10 children, all under working age. She married Joseph Thompson in January, 1937, and was saved on 31st August, 1940. Despite the opposition of her husband, she was received to the Dromore, Co Down, assembly on 4th May, 1941. That evening, due to a most remarkable turn of events, her husband attended the gospel meeting and was saved before the morning. In July, 1961 the family moved home and came to the assembly in Dunmurry, where she and her husband continued steadfastly throughout their lives. Her husband predeceased her in 1996. She was a good, godly woman with strong convictions about gathering to the Lord's name outside the camp. Only advancing years restricted her attendance at the assembly meetings, and she was called home on 27th March. Our dear sister was a role model to all and we can say, "whose faith follow" (Heb 13.7). B Currie conducted the funeral services, assisted by T Wilson and G Gracey. Prayer is requested for the family circle, some of whom are not saved.
