McKisson, Ethel May (Mrs. Theron T.)
12/19/1970
1903-1970 |
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| Mrs. Ethel May Beight McKisson was born in East Palestine, Ohio, on December 15, 1903. She was the daughter of Leroy and Olive Beight. At an early age she showed an interest in music and learned to play the piano. Her inter-est in music deepened and she learned to play the organ and the guitar. She graduated from East Palestine High School in East Palestine, Ohio. She met Rev. Theron T. McKisson while he was a student at the University of Cincinnati. They were married on June 8, 1923, at Cincinnati, Ohio. She shared his life while he was a stu-dent on the campus. In 1934 she began to use her talents as a musician in the churches of the Locust Grove Circuit in Oklahoma. The sound of the instrument that she played and of her voice as she sang echoed the chords of praise to God in many churches in Oklahoma, Arkansas and Louisiana for more than thirty years. She was the mother of four sons and four daughters who have been the source of great pleasure to her and to her husband through the years. When crises occurred in their lives, she was with her children, as she was needed to show her motherly care and love. This often meant driving great distances in a car. Her devotion and love for her husband supported and inspired him as he served the cir-cuits and churches for many years. She supported him by being with him as they served God through the years. Many hours of loving care were shared by them as they prepared to welcome the children home for Christmas by making each of them a gift and the other little things that make a homecoming pleasurable, but this privilege will have to wait for the calling of all her children and her husband home to God. Her last active day was characteristic of her—doing for others, whether it be her grandchildren, her children and in-laws, the parishioners of her United Methodist Minister husband’s parish, or for her beloved husband, Theron. Ethel Mae McKisson was truly a minister’s wife who effectively undergirded her husband’s role, whether it was in some responsibility at the church, such as pianist, or in being the loving companion in the home. Hers was a self-effacing contribution to her loved ones and the Kingdom. She died on December 19, 1970, in the Franklin Parish Hospital in Winnsboro, Louisi-ana after a brief illness, but as she was dying her love for her husband, Rev. Theron McKisson, was reflected when she asked that the writer not leave him alone. She knew she was meeting her Master face to face. Funeral services were held in the First United Methodist Church of Winnsboro, Louisi-ana, by Rev. Robert R. Miller who was assisted by Rev. W. D. Boddie. Her body was interred in the Boeuf Prairie Cemetery. The dedication and love of her family and of her Lord follow her to the throne of Grace where God has welcomed her home. Mrs. McKisson is survived by her husband, the Reverend Theron T. McKisson, pastor of the Baskin United Methodist Church, and retired member of the Louisiana Annual Conference; four sons: Theron T. McKisson, Jr., James L., Orvil R., John M.; four daughters: Mrs. D. B. Daniel, Mrs. B. C. Smith, Mrs. David Peters, Mrs. A. Clay Kelly; 22 grandchildren, and six great grandchildren. |
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| Source: Journal Louisiana Conference, 1971; p. 198 By Robert R. Miller | |
