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