Miami Union
22 March 1900
The body of Mrs. Sarah Conrey so lately tenanted by her ole soul, was laid in repose, Tuesday afternoon, March 20, in the cemetery at Wyoming, near Cincinnati.
At 4:10 o'clock, Sunday afternoon -- the day of all the week the best -- she passed out of the cloud into the light, out of the weariness into rest, as quietly as a little child goes to sleep, without a struggle or a sign of bodily suffering, she entered into death's mystery and into the glory beyond.
Mrs. Conrey, the daughter of Daniel and Mary Vorhees Brewer, was born in Harrodsburg, Ky., April 6, 1806, and had she lived nineteen days longer would have reached the rare age of ninety-four.
At the age of eighteen she was married to Mr. Peter M. Conrey; and near Glendale, this state, the new home was made, which is now the old homestead. In this home, nine children were born, only three of whom, J. R. Conrey, G. W. Conrey, and Mrs. William M. Pearson, survive; and 44 years ago her husband died, so that sorrow and many tears, anxiety and responsibility have been a portion of her life. For the last twenty-three years she has made her home with her daughter in this city.
From early childhood she was under religious training, her parents being members of the Presbyterian church; but shortly after her marriage, she, with her husband, unites with the Methodist society, after a remarkable religious experience. She was a communicant in the Methodist church seventy-three years. On coming to Troy, she united by letter with the Mulberry Street M. E. church, of which she has been a most faithful and consistent member ever since; she was a constant attendant upon all its public services, and in the meetings for prayer and testimony she manifested wonderful earnestness and spiritual power, and she an originality of expression, and a freedom from self-consciousness which broke all criticism and icy formality, whenever she took part her testimonies and prayers being supported by a life in perfect harmony with her professions and giving them double power to help those who heard her.
Next to her family and her church perhaps her dearest earthly affection was for the W. C. T. U. She was a crusader in the days when the wonderful evangelistic temperance movement swept over Ohio and neighboring states. She, with others, knelt in the street services and lifted her voice and heart in earnest prayer for the removal of the curse of intemperance and its cause. She always wore upon her dress the little white ribbon bow, the badge of the society. For many years, she had been honorary first vice president of the Troy Union, which delighted to honor her in ever possible way, observing her birthdays with a special reception , whenever her health would permit. The funeral services were held Tuesday morning, at the Presbyterian church. Many friends were present to pay the last tribute of respect and affection. The W. C. T. U. attended in a body. Hymns were sung that she loved and sang in years gone by, "I would not live always," "Rock of Ages," and "Asleep in Jesus." Rev. Charles Herron read the scripture lesson and offered prayer. Rev. Royal gave an interesting account of her life.
The key note of Mrs. Conrey's nature was unselfishness. She pleased God by her unfaltering faith and after a long life of devoted to service she was crowned with good works.
She has entered into that rest that remaineth for the people of God.
Of all the thoughts of God that are
Borne inward into souls afar
Along the Palmist's music deep,
Now tell me if there any is
For gift or grace, surpassing this;
"He giveth His beloved sleep."
And friends, dear friends, when it shall be
That this low breath is gone from me,
And 'round my bier ye come and weep,
Let one most loving of you all,
Say, "Not a tear must o'er her fall!
He giveth His beloved sleep."
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