St. Clair County Obits

MELISSA E. DUCKWORTH BURCHETT

St. Clair County Democrat
3 May 1923
Melissa E. Duckworth passed away Sunday evening April 22, 1923, at the home of her daughter, Mr. J.I. Meredith. Deceased was born near Collins January 12, 1849, being 74 years, 8 months and 10 days of age.

She was married to Lafayette Burchett August 15, 1866. To this union five daughters were born: three daughters and her companion having preceded her to the Great Beyond. Two daughters, Mrs. Alice Meredith of Collins, Mo., Mrs. Ora Buzzard of Excelsior Springs, Mo., one brother, W.R. Duckworth of Vista, Mo., five granddaughters and two great grandchildren remain to mourn their loss.

The greater part of her life has been spent in Missouri, having lived in Collins the past 36 years.

She united with the Coon Creek Baptist church about 35 years ago, and always lived a true and faithful member.

She had been a remarkably strong woman until the last few months which she spent with her daughter, where all that loving hands could do was done. She was a quiet sufferer. Her gentle forbearance and patience never gave way to hard suffering. She was a loving mother, a kinds helpful neighbor. She will be greatly missed by her loved ones and friends but their loss will be her eternal gain. She goes to meet loved ones gone before.

Funeral services were conducted by the Rev. W.S. Birdsong at the Baptist church.