Joe C. Vann

 

14 Jan 1874 - 17 Mar 1900
Buried Centerville Cemetery, Leon Co., TX
Son of Joseph Jackson Vann and Joyce Adeline (Long) Vann

"Then shall the dust return to the earth as it was and the spirit shall return until God who gave it."

Shortly after 5 o'clock Saturday afternoon the spirit of Joe Vann winged its flight into 'the land that is fairer than day."

So sad it seems to us who are left behind, that one so young, just in the prime of his youth and manhood, should perish, but death is no respecter of persons, and he takes his victims ere they are aware "all season are thine own, O Death!"

Joe was one of our best boys, leading a pure, religious life dearly beloved by his many friends here where he died and in other portions of the county where he had taught school.

His illness was the result of an attack of measles which developed into pneumonia, and after two weeks of suffering, which he patiently endured, he is now where there is "no variableness, neither shadow or turning.

His death was one grand victory, he being so pleased to go, so happy in the love of Christ.

Shortly before he died, he called his relatives and friends who were with him around his bed and talked to each of them, telling them how happy he was to see his Savior's face, comforting them and telling them not to grieve, but to meet him in Heaven.  He kissed them one all farewell, eternal kiss of deepest love and began singing "in the sweet bye and bye" and continued singing it until his voice grew fainter and fainter, till without struggle, his soul took its flight trustingly as a little child.

To the boys of our ton, he sent a loving message, telling them to live better lives.  Oh may this dying message of love from one of their number live always in the memories of those to whom it was sent.

Rev. C. M. Thompson conducted the funeral services and a large number of his relatives and friends were present to pay their last tribute of respect to one whose stay on earth was so brief.

Weep not, loved ones, for wo would call him back knowing that he is today walking the streets of New Jerusalem, clothed in his snow white garments of righteousness, reaping the happy reward of those who died in the Lord "Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his Saints."

Submitted by Pat Keenan, June 13, 2008