Thubron, Mary (nee Douthwaite) (1851-1911)

Transcription of obituary published in the Primitive Methodist Magazine by H. Pratt

We deeply regret to record the passing away of Mary Thubron, wife of our esteemed friend and co-worker Alderman John Thubron, J.P., of Gateshead. The interest of Mr. and Mrs. Thubron and family in the cause of African missions is well known throughout the Sunderland and Newcastle District, and it was in connection with our missionary work that her end came so suddenly. On Saturday afternoon, Oct. 28th, 1911, Mrs. Thubron, having prepared the cash for her late daughter Elsie’s missionary work, went upstairs and, without warning, was stricken down, and in two hours had passed into the eternal presence. 

The Rev. W. Christie, from Southern Nigeria, preached at our Victoria Road Church on Sunday evening, October 29th, and in the course of his sermon observed that it was a singular coincidence that he should be preaching in the church where he had expected to see the lady who had kept one black boy in West Africa straight. Benny Showel received a letter from Mrs. Thubron every fortnight, and the magazines each month and those letters put him on his honour, and that black boy felt that for the sake of the English lady he must play the man, and now that lady had gone home to God.

Mrs. Thubron was a large-hearted, generous soul, and would deny herself for the sake of others. Her kindness to the poor living in the Teams; will not readily be forgotten, and her presence will be sorely missed. Mrs. Thubron was a great worker in connection with our Victoria Road Church for over thirty years, and loyally assisted her husband in every good work, rendering invaluable service to our Church. 

The funeral was largely attended by members of the Town Council, and the various public bodies were represented. A quiet service was conducted in the house; the Rev. F.P. Ellis, an old friend of the family, read the lesson, and the Rev. W. Barton offered a tender and touching prayer. Revs. H. Pratt and A. Longstaff, Circuit ministers, officiated at the graveside.

Family

Mary was born in 1851 at Gosforth, Northumberland, to parents Thomas, an engine wright (1851), and Ann.

She married John Thubron (1856-1933), an oil merchant (1901), in late 1877 in the Merthyr Tydfil Registration District, Glamorgan. Census returns identify two children.

• Thomas Douthwaite (1884-1968) – an oil merchant’s clerk (1911)
• Elsie Mary (1887-1911)   

Mary died on 28 October 1911 at Gateshead, Co. Durham.

References

Primitive Methodist Magazine 1912/328

Census Returns and Births, Marriages & Deaths Registers