Bengtson, Mollie Kenton (Mrs. W.H.)
1/16/1974
1903-1974 |
|
| A Christian, a mother, a wife, a teacher, a leader, a Methodist, she fulfilled these and many more vocations with enthusiasm, vigor and loyalty. Mollie, as she was known to all near her, was born June 25, 1903, the third child of William and Annie Kenton, who lived at Winnsboro in Franklin Parish, Louisiana. She received her Bachelor of Arts degree from Louisiana Polytechnic Institute in Ruston and for many years taught in the public school system. She was married to George A. Wiggers of Winnsboro and of their union was born one daughter, Carrie Mae (now Mrs. John Rayford, Jr. of Slidell). Always an active and resourceful person, Mollie was secretary of the Sunday School, member of the choir, and Communion Steward of the First United Methodist Church in Winnsboro while living there. A member of the Eastern Star, she served as Worthy Matron of the Winnsboro Chapter. She was widowed January 9, 1961 and later was married to the Reverend W. H. Bengtson, who was then pastor of the First United Methodist Church of Many. In the parsonage she served her husband and church well, always entertaining in her home. For five years she served as President of United Methodist Women of Many and for the last two years of her life served as District President of the same organization. It was in the District and Conference level she shared her leadership ability and was instrumental in forming the Natchitoches District into a working unit of the church. As her pastor, we attended District Council meetings together and helped carry out plans such as welcoming our new Bishop, Finis A. Crutchfield, to our Conference and to the District on several occasions. Along with her leadership in the church, I think of Mollie’s devotion to her husband. Many have told me it was her encouragement and patient assistance which helped the Reverend Bengston almost completely recover from a serious stroke in 1971. Mollie suffered a major heart attack on January 15, 1974, and the next day we transferred her membership from the kingdom of the earthly to the kingdom of the heavenly, with services conducted by her pastor, the Reverend W. V. Sirman, and the Reverend E. R. Thomas. Interment was in the Old Winnsboro Cemetery January 16 with services conducted there by Reverend Clyde Frazier and the Reverend Glen Messer. |
|
| Source: Journal Louisiana Conference, 1974; p. 152 By William V. Sirman | |
