Anna White 1859-1902

WHITE, PENROSE

Posted By: Sharon Elijah (email)
Date: 11/23/2018 at 10:03:04

17 April 1902 - West Branch Times

Anna M. Penrose was born in Chesterfield, Ohio, A.D., 1859, October 24th. In early childhood she moved with the family to Cedar county, Ia., where she grew to womanhood. Here, on an October day in 1882, she plighted her faith and love in a beautiful marriage to Clinton A. White. The home foundations that day laid, have resulted in a domestic structure that has been not only approved of God and admired by men, but will bless all coming years with its influence of cheer and love.

Four years after marriage the new home was transplanted to California, and here for sixteen years this helpful family have given their thought and life. Two daughters blessed this happy union; one proving to be but an angel visitor who looked in upon them for a little while, and went back to the Father's house where but two days ago it welcomed the mother-heart. To Coila (strong in young womanhood) together with her father, is given the holy privilege of completing the sacred plans of this home chapter of life, and then some day to join the circle around Heaven's throne.

Of the old childhood home-life, three sisters (all of our own city life) remain and are here today, and whose tender ministrations have sweetened the last days and lessened the pain.

Mrs. White has long been a queen of suffering. For years she has struggled against burdens of pain and a less brave soul would have yielded to them; since last July she has known but little respite from the shadow of affliction. Christmas day last ushered in the beginning of the end. Rapidly since that day has she grown weaker and less able to cope with the foe of health. Her strong will, together with her love for neighbor-friends, asserted itself two weeks ago last Wednesday night and she attended a wedding reception--her last public appearance. A battle royal came to the close at the twilight hour on last Friday evening and a glorious victory and blessed triumph came to this princess of God, for the Father said, "Daughter of mine, thou hast suffered enough; thou hast been faithful, come up higher--enter into the joys of thy Lord." O, what a blessed translation! Truly, "O Death, where is they sting? O Grave, where is thy victory?"

Since 1887 Mrs. White has been connected with the Methodist church, and the record shows her union with our Riverside association to be February, 1880. I feel it unneedful to speak at length today of the character of her Christian life. Well do you know her devotion to the church of her choice. She was loyal, but far more than that, she believed it to be a school room for Heaven's duties and life. Its teacher, Christ and His law, she loved. Personally, this quiet woman made an impress on my heart. She was one of the very first to greet me ten months ago when a stranger among you. She took my hand and with a heart cheer, said, "My pastor." I feel I owe it to his humble woman-friend, friend of yours, of mine and friend of God, (as we stand today about her bier,) to gather up the fragments of her bravely helpful life. I owe it to God; as pastor I owe it to this stricken husband and much loved daughter, to these sisters who lives since childhood's happy days have twined and intertwined with hers; I owe it to this church she loved and served; I owe the duty and sacred privilege of taking this chapter of human life and analyzing its teachings.