Sunley, Mary Isabella (nee Hedley) (1867-1912)

zoom

Transcription of obituary published in the Primitive Methodist Magazine

The Houghton-le-Spring Church and Circuit has sustained a great loss in the death of Mrs. Sunley, who departed this life December 15th, 1912, aged forty-four years. In early life she became a member of the Primitive Methodist Church, and a minister who had intimate knowledge of her says, “She was one of the most consistent Christians I have ever known.” 

A woman of strong character, intensely interested in all work that related to her Church and deeply beloved by all who knew her, she was amiable and generous, and counted no sacrifice too great by which some one was comforted or some hungry and naked one fed and clad. Connected with the Y.P.S.C.E. from its inception, she manifested unusual interest in the junior department, of which she was a most efficient president for many years. She possessed exceptional gifts as a singer, and for many years was a valuable member of the choir. 

On December 19th, after a service in the Houghton Church conducted by Revs. T.J. Watson and A.J. Chessum, her body, was laid in the Houghton-le-Spring Cemetery.

Family

Mary was born in 1867  at West Moor, Northumberland, to parents Christopher Hedley and Margaret Steel. She was baptised on 4 August 1867 at Longbenton.

She married James Sunley (1863-1944), a coal miner (1911), in late 1889 at Houghton le Spring, Co. Durham

Mary died on 15 December 1912 at Houghton le Spring, Co. Durham.

James married Hannah Dixon in late 1913.

References

Primitive Methodist Magazine 1913/411

Census Returns and Births, Marriages & Deaths Registers