First among the first, leader of leaders,
In the front ranks of life she found her place;
A student of books, at home with readers,
In household duties well up in the race.
In social life a bright ornament,
Pleasant and cheerful, quick witted and wise,
Graceful in manners, not prone to dissent,
Respecting custom and family ties.
Sincere in religion, true to her church,
A Christian by rule, a Christian at heart,
Liberal, diligent, full of research,
Ever and always found acting her part.
Active and foremost in charity’s work,
Helping the poor, her heart full of pity,
From mercy’s appeals she never would shirk,
Nor stay her hands at bounds of the city.
Grand was her example in cheerfulness,
Courteous alike to the proud and humble,
Casting off sunbeams of sweet loveliness,
Honoring a name time will not crumble.
Kind as a neighbor and true as a friend,
Strong hearted and brave when sorrow prevailed,
Ready to assist and willing to lend,
And quick with relief when sickness assailed.
Devoted and kind, a dutiful wife,
Ready to labor and ready to share,
With her good husband the burdens of life,
And lighten his load of worry and care.
In his ambitions helping with good will,
To grand achievements of honor and fame,
Working with courage, genius and skill,
To raise and uphold the family name.
But as a mother her best work was done,
She gave her children the tenderest love,
And taught them the way their lives must be run,
To reach a haven in the realms above.
Each childish sorrow appealed to her heart,
And sweet soothing words soon washed it away,
In her children’s plans she took active part,
And led them wisely in study and play.