Death of Mrs. J. W. Harris, Jr.

No event of recent occurrence has cast such a gloom over our community as the death of the amiable and lovely wife of our friend, Hon. J. W. Harris, Jr., which sad event occurred on Saturday night last, after a painful illness of several days.  During her last illness the anxious inquiry was whispered from house to house and along the streets of the city, until the last hour came, when mellowed with the tears of love and friendship the answer was given, “she is dead!”

On Monday morning, at ten o’clock, the Episcopal church was crowded to its utmost capacity, and many could not find room inside to witness and participate in the last sad service of loving devotion to the departed.  The solemn, and yet beautiful funeral ceremony of that church was conducted by Bishop Beckwith, whose tender heart was greatly moved as he officiated in this last service over one whom he had before met as the beautiful young bride, and by his own words pronounced a wife.  The bishop was assisted in the service by Rev. Byron Holly, rector of St. Phillips church, Atlanta.  Then a large concourse followed the remains to their last resting place.

Though devoted to her home and interesting little family, and much of the time necessarily closely confined, the sweet disposition and amiable qualities of Mrs. Harris drew to her a large circle of devoted friends.  She was a consistent and devoted member of the Episcopal church, and the little church here had been the object of her care and attention.

Four bright little children are  left motherless by this sad dispensation of Providence, a devoted husband is heartbroken over his terrible loss, and the fond, tender parents turn to Heaven for consolation in this dark hour.  All hearts go out in sympathy to warm-hearted, friendly Wat Harris and the tender birdlings of his once bright, happy home, and many a sincere prayer ascends for comfort in his great trial, and the keeping of the little ones in the hollow of the Lord’s hand.