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Emma Palmer the beloved wife of Webb W. Seeley, died at her home in Pontiac, March the tenth, of peritonitis, after an illness of several days. The news of her death brought the deepest of sorrow, not only to her relatives, but to her large circle of friends. It seemed God needed her in heaven and out of his infinite mercy, for those who importuned for her life, he took her thus suddenly to himself.
Those most deeply enshrined in her heart, and who miss her most are her devoted husband, two little sons, Glenn and Stewart; her aged father, two sisters, a brother, and last but not least, the father and mother of her husband, for whom she had the most tender love. Her young life was spent at the home of her father in the house in which she passed away.
She graduated from the Pontiac High School in 1883, and is the first one of a class of twenty-three to be taken. This fact was beautifully symbolized in a floral design of a wheel, composed of white roses, one spoke of which was broken. The wheel rested on a magnificent pillow of flowers at the head of her casket. In 1887, after four years passed as a teacher, she was united in marriage to Mr. Seeley of North Farmington, where they resided for several years. Their wedded life has been one of perfect confidence and love. By her death a husband has been deprived of one who has been with him in joy and sorrow, and with whom he has taken sweet counsel. As teacher and Sunday school teacher many children have been blessed by her influence. In her last hours, when not conscious of those around her, her thoughts were of the little children, as she sang sweet little hymns. It was her request that none should grieve for her.
For now dear friends, my work is done,
Life’s battles fought, life’s victories won:
Then do not weep for me I pray,
But look into my coffined bed
That love hath made, and stroked my head
With tenderest touch, as there I lay.
The funeral was held at the family residence, Sunday afternoon, Rev. Allen, her pastor, and Rev. Aldrich of Ypsilanti, conducted the services. The male quartet of Pontiac, sang “Abide With Me,” and other beautiful hymns. The floral tributes from her church, Sabbath school, Literary and Missionary Societies, and personal friends told the high place Mrs. Seeley held in the affection of all with whom she was associated.
“And they said, how fair she is;
And they said, how dear she is,”
but it was only the form, the spirit had flown. May the sweet consolation of Christ comfort the hearts of the stricken ones, may the influence of her sweet life draw heavenward all who knew her.
Ruth Riley Cooper.
Published about March 13, 1899 in unidentified newspaper
[Wife of grandson of SGS # 1967 - William Webb; John Voorheis; Harvey H. (# 1967); John (# 611); Hezekiah; Nathaniel; Nathaniel; Nathaniel; Nathaniel; Robert]
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