Widow of Major W.F. Schenck Dies. . . Mrs. Lucretia Lattimore-Schenck, One of the County’s Noblest and Best Beloved Women Buried
Mrs. Lucretia Lattimore-Schenck, widow of the late Major H.F. Schenck, died Saturday morning at 3 o’clock at her home at Lawndale following a contracted illness which had been serious since last Tuesday. Mrs. Schenck was 90 years, one month and 19 days old and was born in Upper Cleveland. She married Frank Schenck in 1857 and to this union five children were born, one daughter and one son dying in childhood from scarlet fever. Mrs. Schenck is survived by three children, Mrs. Tom Ramseur of Lincoln county, Mrs. J.C. Osborne of Umatilla, Fla., and John F. Schenck of Lawndale, one brother, Capt. John Lattimore who is conductor on the Lawndale railroad, 17 grand-children and 23 great-grandchildren.
Mrs. Schenck joined New Bethel church in girlhood and was baptized by the late Rev. Thomas Dixon. Twenty-five years ago, she moved her membership to Lawndale. Her devoted husband, Major Schenck, a pioneer cotton manufacturer, beloved officer in the Confederate army and one of the county’s most esteemed citizens, died September 1915 and was buried in a vault in the Schenck yard at Lawndale. His faithful companion was interred by his side Sunday afternoon at 3 o’clock, the funeral being conducted by Rev. John W. Suttle, assisted by Rev. J.V. Devenny and Rev. Mr. Morgan, people from all walks of life and in such numbers that the house and yard were overflowed to pay a tribute of respect to her sweet life.
Mrs. Schenck was one of the country’s most beloved women. She possessed a most sympathetic and unselfish nature and her thoughts were always of others. Although success had crowned life struggles of her distinguished family, her sympathies went out to the less fortunate and her thoughts were always of those who had not been so blessed with this world’s goods. She was most democratic in her habits and the humblest woman found comfort in her companionship. It was her wish that the 121st Psalm be read at her funeral, the first words of which read “I will lift up mine eyes” which truly expressed her vision of life. She was affectionately known in later years as “granny” Schenck and her eyes were always uplifted to the future. She loved the play and laughter of children and all felt free to run into her home at their own will. Many of the employees at the Schenck mill had been there since the mill was erected and the most intimate sort of relationship and fondest friendship existed between them and Mrs. Schenck. All her life she was industrious and generous-hearted, a fitting companion and helpmate to the Major. Her life was not self-centered, but radiated with love, cheer and encouragement to others and her passing takes one who will be missed, not only by her immediate family but by the thousands who knew and loved her for her beautiful character and her life of service. Even “Shelton,” the negro man-servant who has been faithful in the Schenck home for a quarter of a century realizes that his best friend is gone. When the Major died Shelton was broken-hearted and now that “Granny” has passed over the river to a happier land, the old servant is completely lost. Her grandsons served as pallbearers.
From the front page of The Cleveland Star, Shelby, N.C., Tuesday, March 24, 1925
newspapers.digitalnc.org/lccn/sn97064509/1925-03-24/ed-1/seq-1/#words=MARCH+24%2C+1925
