Welcome to the Rankin County, Mississippi Project on the US GenWeb.

Thanks to Ed Thomas for sharing the following information. Mr. Thomas writes:
The following obituary was found between the pages of my great-grandfather's Bible when the Bible was being re-bound recently. My great-grandfather was George Washington Farlow (1833-~1882 in Westville, Simpson Co., MS), and so far as I know, the subject of the obituary was no relation, but evidently a friend. Perhaps the obituary (source unknown) will be of interest to STEEN/JOHNSTON researchers.
Died on Thursday, November the 8th, 1888, Mrs. Ximena Johnston, wife of Eld. J.R. Johnston, and daughter of C.J. & M.S. Steen, of Rankin County, Miss. The subject of this sketch was born May 22nd. 1862, near Steens Creek, Rankin county, Miss., and was 25 years, 5 months, and 18 days, of age when she was removed from the stage of time by the hand of death. She was warm-hearted, amiable, and kind; of a sweet and gentle disposition. She won the love and esteem of all who knew her. She was married on the 19th day of March 1885, to the man of her choice, and never did a young couple set out with brighter prospects of a long and happy life. But alas! how vain are human expectations. The cruel monster Death with his cold and icy fingers, has plucked from the parent stem, the fair young flower which had been given a faithful and loving husband. Mrs. Johnston attached herself to the Cato Baptist church at the age of 16 years, and died in full hope of a blissful eternity. She was all that a preacher's wife could be, and sad indeed it is for relatives and friends to give up such a bright star; but true it is that death loves a shining mark, and God lendeth, and when He knows best, He calls His own back to His fold. On November 10th., her remains was (sic) deposited in its last resting place. Many sorrowing friends were present to behold the last of her that could be seen on earth. Though she has passed away, her virtues and Christian example will long survive the memory of a large circle of relatives and friends. She leaves a husband, one sweet little boy, father, mother, brother, sisters, and a host of friends to mourn their loss.

It was hard for us to give her up;
But our Father deemed it best;
He sent His sweet messengers down
And took her home to rest.