Collett, Elizabeth (nee Spooner, nee Cushing) (1844-1908)

Transcription of Obituary published in the Primitive Methodist Magazine by Arthur Fawcett

The Streatham Church has sustained a very great loss in the death of Mrs. Elizabeth Collett who passed away on December 15th, after an illness borne with fortitude and patience.

Born at Fakenham, she was the daughter of George Cushing, the well-known City Missionary of Norwich. In 1875 she was married to the Rev. Jesse Spooner, whose promising ministry was interrupted by his death in Reading, at the early age of thirty-one. A few years later she was married to Mr. John Collett, a farmer in the County of Hunts. But some ten years later, she was left a widow for a second time. Settling in Norwich, Mrs. Collett associated herself with the Dereham Road Church, where she rendered very fine service as class leader and Sunday School teacher.

In the year 1902 she removed to Streatham, where our little church has profited exceedingly through her strenuous toil and beautiful character. Through the years so marked by sorrow and change, she lived for her three children and for our Church to whose ministries she gave herself without stint.

Beyond the pale of home and church she did earnest work in connection with the B.W.T.A. Always a bright and happy soul, Mrs. Collett was particularly successful in dealing with young people. Her life was rich in redeeming influences. Her days were filled with noble endeavour and beautiful sacrifice. She has been called to a well-earned rest and an exceeding great reward.

Her mortal remains were interred in the West Norwood Cemetery, the ceremony being conducted by the Rev. Arthur Fawcett, assisted by the Rev. F.H. Clark.

Family

Elizabeth was born abt1844 at Fakenham, Norfolk, to parents George and Alice.

Before her first marriage Elizabeth was a schoolmistress with 74 scholars at Cranworth, Norfolk (1871).

She married Jesse Spooner (1846-1878), a PM minister, in the summer of 1874 (not 1875 as given in the obituary) at Norwich, Norfolk. Census returns identify one child.

• William Cushing (abt1876-1931) – a drug store manager (1911)

She married John Collett (1847-1891), a farmer, in early 1882 at Norwich, Norfolk.

• Mabel Cushing (1882-1973) – a pupil teacher (1901); married Albert Ernest Delph, a schoolmaster (1911), and later a manager textile research (1939), in 1909
• John (1886-1942) – a chemists assistant (1911)

Elizabeth died on 15 December 1908 at Streatham, Surrey.

References

Primitive Methodist Magazine 1909/244

Census Returns and Births, Marriages & Deaths Registers