Dring, Sibbie Smith (Mrs. J.F.)
6/19/1965
MRS. J. F. DRING
January 5, 1890-June 19, 1965
Mrs. Sibbie Smith Dring was born January 5, 1890 in the Antioch community near Simsboro, La. in Lincoln Parish, and passed to her eternal reward June 19, 1965 at the age of 75 years and some months. Funeral services were conducted at Antioch Methodist Church on Simsboro Charge June 21, 1965 by her pastor, Rev. W. P. Cassels, with interment following in the Russell cemetery in the same community. At the time of her death Mrs. Dring was making her home with her daughter, Mrs. Lillie Mae McKibben, and was a member of Antioch Methodist Church in the community.
Mrs. Dring was married to the late Rev. J. F. Dring January 5, 1904, and to this union were born four sons and four daughters, seven of whom survive as follows: three sons: Arvil Frank, Armand O., Justin Grady Dring; four daughters: Mrs. Lillie Mae McKibben, Mrs. A. L. New, Mrs. W. W. Byars and Mrs. G. A. Jones.
My District Superintendent asked me to write this memoir for the Conference Journal, which was fitting and appropriate as I was serving as Mrs. Dring’s pastor at the time of her passing. But I have a finer reason for feeling that I am honored and am uniquely privileged to write this memoir. I would like to share this experience with all of you.
Quite a few years before I entered the full time pastoral ministry I had the joy of association with the J. F. Dring family. Bro. John Dring was my pastor for several years and I led the singing for him in many revivals through the years; for this reason I was in their home many times and shared that fellowship. During this time Bro. Dring performed the wedding ceremony for my wife and me and gave us wise counsel for that relationship.
Because of this personal and rich association with this family, I feel that it was indeed a rare privilege to have been the pastor of Mrs. Dring for these past six years. She has been in failing health for all of these years, and a number of times as she has been in and out of the hospital, She has been so critically ill that no one, even her doctors, felt that she could pull through.
In spite of her illness she has been an inspiration to her pastor and others because of her faith in God, and submission to His will. She was always expressing her interest and concern for others who weren’t living as they should or other distresses. She would ask for prayers in their behalf.
I consider it a rich privilege to have had this experience and an honor to be asked to write this memoir to the life of Mrs. Sibbie Smith Dring. We are lonely because of the passing of one dear, but rejoice in our hearts because we cherish the memory of a wonderful mother and dear friend.
Source: Journal Louisiana Conference, 1966; p. 229 By W. P. Cassels
