MABEL ARTHUR SOUTHERLAND

Mabel Arthur Southerland We announce the celebration of the life of Mabel Arthur Southerland who went home to the Lord, joining her husband James E. Southerland, on August 26, 2012, in Dothan, Alabama. Mabel was reared in Orlando, Florida, and attended Stetson University. She was 94 and enjoyed every minute of life. She loved spreading joy to all she met and especially building new Sunday School classes. Many are forever thankful for her seeking them out and encouraging them in their Christian growth and family nurturing. "Ms. Mabel" was a Southern Baptist Minister's wife for 60 years and proud of it. She was a true partner with her husband in his ministry as President of Baptist Bible Institute (Baptist College of Florida), Graceville, Florida, in the 1950's - 70's. Many students and their family's will lovingly remember her for her guidance, encouragement and zest of life as a minister's wife. Anyone who ever met Mabel, loved her immediately, as she did they, and never forgot her beautiful smile, spirit and love of life. She loved her caregivers at Wesley Manor whose loving attention to her is deeply and forever appreciated by her family. Her family rejoices in her life! Her children are Carol and David Knight, Dothan, Alabama; David and Mary Lynn Southerland, Tallahassee, Florida; Becky and Mike Barr, Dothan, Alabama. She was so proud of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren: Anne, Jud, Blake and Kyle Reasons; Cari, Ti, Han, Wen and Kai Zhang, Shelley, Carianne, and Colin White; Shane, Janelle, Spencer and Stewart Southerland, Cheryl and Jamie McCrary; Robyn Barr; Nathan, Stephanie and Henry Barr, Caroline, George, Gracie and Emma Merritt. They loved her dearly. Ethelind Prescott, Wauchula, Florida, a sister-in-law, was as precious to her as a true sister. Memorials can be made to the James E. and Mabel Southerland Scholarship Fund, Baptist College of Florida, Graceville, Florida. Williams Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Visitation for family and friends will be held on Friday, August 31, 2012, at 10 A.M. at the First Baptist Church in Graceville, Florida. Funeral services will begin at 11 A.M., with David Southerland officiating. Burial will follow at the Marvin Chapel Cemetery. Williams Funeral Home of Graceville, FL, (850) 263-5116, is in charge of arrangements. Condolences may be expressed at www.williamsfuneralhomeservice.comSign the guest book at www.dothaneagle.com.