Mary Melissa Abbott

Mary Melissa Sistler, the daughter of William and Mollie Sistler, was born near Hodgeville, in Pope County, Illinois, on November 12, 1866.
In early girlhood was married to James L. Alpin and this union two sons were born, George who preceded her in death and James L. of Los Angeles, Calif.
After the death of her companion she was united in marriage to W. L. Cox in 1901 and two sons and one daughter blessed this happy family, Carl of Grantsburg, Ill., John L., of Brownfield, Ill., and Mendoza Kilpatrick of Dixon Springs, Ill., with whom she made her home and where she quietly entered into her long, well-earned sleep on July 17, 1952. She also was a loving mother to two stepsons, Cleo and Clarence Cox of Moline, Ill.
Again she entered the state of matrimony with P. G. Abbott who also preceded her in death. She mothered three step- children, Ott, Loren and Lucy. Her immediate family also included twelve grandchildren, several nieces and nephews and a wide circle of friends and endearing neighbors. One brother, Sam Sistler of Rock, Ill., also survives.
All through her life her thoughts often turned to God and His teachings. Although she did not affiliate herself with any one church, she, by her early life as a Christian mother proved a child of God and heir to her Heavenly Home.
Life's race well run
Life's work well done
Life's crown well won
Now comes Rest.
Funeral services were conducted on Sunday, July 20, at Dixon Springs Baptist Church, with Rev. Joe A. Baker, officiating. Songs were furnished by members of the church choir.
Burial was in the Cox Cemetery.
Serving as pallbearers were Claude Parks, Collie Sherrells, Phillip Schoetlle, Festus Martin, Howard Sistler, John Eskew, Edgar Anthis.
Rottman Funeral Home, Golconda, had charge of arrangements.

Copied from Herald-Enterprise, Golconda, IL, 24 July 1952.