L is for Lydia. Her End of Life was Like the Close of a Summer Day. (A–Z)

Such a Death is Like the Close of a Summer Day, Mellow and Peaceful the Heart Though in Tears Utters No Protest and Says "All is Well"

I think you can see in the shadow-laden image at right, the tombstone (in the style of a ledger marker) for Lydia Beavers is quite unremarkable.  The words engraved, and repeated above, are what struck me so.  The rest of Lydia's epitaph and obituary follow, providing a small glimpse into her life story.

Sacred to the Memory of
Lydia Reid Beavers -
Born in Greene County, Georgia 2 May 1802. The Daughter of Henry Martin Reid and Edith Harrison. Married James Beavers in 1818 in Greene County, Georgia. They had Thirteen Children. He was Born in Georgia 14 September 1797, Died in Coweta County, Georgia 26 November 1842. Buried in Unmarked Grave [at] Welcome Community, West of Newnan. She Departed this Life 24 June 1890 After a Long Pilgrimage of 88 Years.

Since Lydia's stone is a relatively new one, I think it's interesting the similarity between the epitaph and obituary.  Furthermore, the end of her obituary relays a legacy wider than I would have ever imagined.

Herald and Advertiser (Newnan, Georgia)
1 August 1890, pg. 7

In Memory of Mrs. Lydia Beavers.
When the full measure of one's years has been attained, it is time to die.  The weary, worn form needs rest.  It is best that it should fall asleep, if it be in hope of a bright and eternal morrow.  Such a death is like the close of a summer day – mellow and peaceful.  Against it the heart, though in tears, utters no protest.  It says, "It is well."

On June 24th, 1890, a "mother in Israel," sister Lydia Beavers, passed from earthly service to her heavenly rest.

She was born May 2d, 1802.  A long pilgrimage is 88 years! She was married to James Beavers in 1818.

Sister Beavers had been a member of the Baptist church for 72 years.  Few are permitted to witness so long for Christ on earth.  "Blessed are the dead that die in the Lord."

Deceased leaves 11 children, 90 grandchildren, 105 great-grandchildren, and 10 great-great-grandchildren.  Of these 216 are living.
H.
Newnan, Ga., July 30th, 1890.

Are you wondering what's up with all the "letter" posts? I am participating in the Blogging from A to Z Challenge (links to official page). This challenge lasts through the month of April, with Sundays off.  Each day follows a different letter prompt, in order, from A to Z.  Click here to see all my letter posts on one page (in reverse order). This blog as a whole is one of my themes – telling the tales of tombstones, primarily from those found in the Southern United States and usually the State of Georgia.  You may follow along with me by email and other social media platforms listed at the top of the sidebar.  I and other bloggers in the challenge on Twitter will also be using #atozchallenge.

Though this is my second year in the challenge, it's my first with two blogs.  I am also participating with Lincecum Lineage.  Though it is a one name study blog, my theme there is "kinfolk direct." These genealogy and family history posts all involve a direct relative.

Are you participating in the challenge, too? Please leave a link to your blog in the comments, I'd love to pay you a visit.  Good luck to all involved!