Sarah O’Brien
( maiden name Simmons) was born Sept. 15, 1840. Died March 12th,
1915. She professed faith in Christ at the age of 15 and united
with Friendship Baptist Church and was baptized by Elder Joel
Johnson in 1855 and remained there two or three years, then for
convenience moved her membership to County Line Church where her
fellowship remained until she obeyed the summons and took her
flight to the eternal world. Sarah was married to Elias C. Gilbert
May 2, 1859, to which union three children were born-only one
living, Janie Snider of Mo. Mr. Gilbert died in the Civil War
July 21, 1864. She was married second time to J. C. Simmons, Nov.
14, 1865. To this union seven children were born and only three
living at present. Cynthia Guinn, of Mo., Monroe Simmons, of Elgin,
Ill., and Martha Grant of Herrin, Ill. Mr. Simmons died May 9,
1878. She again remarried this time to Jerry O’Brien, March
25, 1880. To this union one girl was born, Rebecca Simmons with
whom they lived at the time of her departure. She had thirty-three
grandchildren, thirteen great-grandchildren.
Aunt Sarah, as she is better known lived
a faithful Christian life and never giving up the struggle often
remarked at church she never tired of being a Christian and always
rejoiced that she was able to live and work for the Master. She
was a faithful wife and mother, bearing her many sufferings and
long illness patiently apparently remaining in proper mind until
the end requesting some singing and seemingly dropped off to sleep.
Only two of her children present, Rebecca and Martha with husband
and friends. Aunt Sarah leaves husband (Elder J.J.O’Brien),
a soldier of the Civil War, one son, four daughters, one sister,
Catherine Simmons, also the church and a host of relatives and
friends to mourn her departure. Funeral services were conducted
by Eld. J.R.Tucker at her home March 13 at 10 o’clock a.m.
in presence of a large crowd, to whom the Brother preached an
excellent sermon; then she was buried a natural body in Kerley
cemetery to sleep until resurrection morn, to rise a spiritual
body. So we submit, believing our loss here is her eternal gain.
W. C. Simmons