In Memory of Anna Jo Pippins
Unknown Newspaper
September 1937
The most tragic even in the history of Forney was flashed from home early Monday morning, Sept. 13, when it was learned that Miss Anna Jo Pippins, daughter of Mr. and Mrs.John Pippins, had been seriously injured in an automobile accident near Rockwall a few hours earlier. Her frail little body, so perfect in form and loveliness lay in the Forney hospital so broken and mangled with the Drs. voices ringing throughout the corridors “She can’t live.” Each housewife, each young woman and man, each school boy and girl, each business man, all paused in their activities and murmured a prayer, “Oh God not this.” But despite skilled physicians, specialists, nurses and hundreds of friends and relatives, who constantly waited and administered, God called this beautiful young lady to reign in his palace Wednesday, Sept. 15, at 5:00 o’clock.
The funeral services were held in the First Christian Church Friday morning at 10:00 o’clock, Sept. 17, Dr. W.C. Morro of Ft. Worth and Dr. C.E. Chambers of Clarksville officiated. The body was laid to rest in the Hillcrest Cemetery – active pallbearers were four uncles, Paul, Johnnie, Phillip and Chester Clarkson, all of Forney; Perry Whitten, Dallas and Albert Mitchell of Fort Worth. The Honorary pallbearers were all of Anna Jo’s young high school and college friends.
Anna Jo Pippins was born Jan. 9, 1915 in Rockwall Co. A few years later the family moved to Forney. She was graduated from Forney High School in 1932. The following fall Anna Jo entered N.T.S.T.C. at Denton, Texas where she completed four years successful work. Last year she was an efficient teacher at Coats school and was re-elected to that position for this year.
On Easter Sunday, 1930, Anna Jo confessed Christ and joined the Christian Church. On that day began a friendship that has so enriched the lives and added to the effectiveness of her services to the church that all can sincerely say they owe to her more than words can express. The sweet tender years of her Christian life is a great inspiration to others. Even a casual friend could say as much for her. Anna Jo accepted without complaint as part of her beloved work, whatever she encountered and it became an adventure with her. No journey was too difficult, no accommodations too uncomfortable and no task too trying if any one could profit by her presence. She adopted herself to fit any occasion. At a tea party where there were women of culture and refinement, easily and with grace she became one of them. In a rural group no one had reason to feel that she, above them. If visiting in a home she could capably don an apron and become an efficient helper, but most of all she loved everybody. Their interests and problems became hers and love and understand. Anna Jo is merely retiring from her Forney work to do greater and nobler things but the rich heritage she leaves behind is an effective and lasting monument of her sweet life and every hour will continue to appreciate and love her memory.
The hundreds of friends and relatives who thronged the church and the streets every hour was evidence of her alluring personality and their desire to pay homage to one who meant so much in their lives. The huge floral offerings that banked the pulpit and every available space in the church, the hundreds of telegrams, cards and letters, that have come continue to speak of the merits of this young lady and all feel deeply her going.
Anna Jo is survived by her father and mother, Mr. and Mrs. John Pippins; one brother, Jack and a sister, Marie, a host of relatives and friends throughout Texas. Forney’s loss is Heaven’s gain and all we can say is, “Mother, Dad, Thank God, for giving us such an adorable gift; for her short stay meant much in our lives.”
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A Little Memoir
Last week another dark cloud of sorrow came over our family. We were not expecting it, but it came, suddenly, like it has often come to us before – this time it took away from us our sweet, loving and precious Anna Jo – from the first the Doctor’s said there was no hope – but we kept on hoping, hope against hope – then suddenly the cloud grew dark. She was gone, and for a few moments it seemed as if hope too was dead, but love stood by our side and fanned the flickering flame and would not let it die – So we still hope, and in the garden of our memory we have another beautiful flower which we will tend and cherish till in some brighter sphere we meet again and perhaps understand all about the mystery of life and death.
Her Grandpa – to whom she was always so thoughtful, kind and sweet.
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To Our Friends
We extend our greatest appreciation and thanks to you, who so beautifully expressed your love and sympathy during our recent bereavement. May God’s richest blessings rest upon you.
Mr. and Mrs. John Pippins and family
Note: Anna Jo Pippins is buried at Hillcrest Cemetery.
