As the shades of evening fell on the holy Sabbath, which she always held sacred, the spirit of that Godly woman, Mrs. Norene Bateman, quietly winged its way to the Great Beyond; that "promised land" toward which she had joyously traveled by the Master's side through years of Christian service. Mrs. Bateman, aged 66 years and 10 months, wife and beloved companion of J. L. Bateman, Sr., during 44 years of married life, passed to her reward on July 3, after about five years of total invalidism and several years of ill health previous to that. Born and reared in Tangipahoa Parish, she came at the age of 18 with her mother, Mrs. Bahm, to Washington Parish where she later married Mr. Bateman and together they reared five children to reach maturity before death broke the family circle. Then two sons, the eldest, Rev. Joe Bateman, and the youngest, Noel, died within three months of each other at the time the only remaining son, J. Fred Bateman was doing over seas duty in the world war. The weight of these successive blows fell heavily upon the stricken parents, but they bore up bravely and with Christian fortitude this unselfish mother continued her sweet duties and service to her family, her neighbors and her church. As long as she was physically able she was faithful in attendance at all church and missionary meetings in both of which she was an active member. Her passing was sweet and peaceful---a merciful release from the pains and sufferings of this world to join the heavenly band. Funeral services were held from the Baptist church Monday at 10 a.m. by the pastor, Rev. J. H. Smith assisted by Revs. Hutson, McLean and Miller, interment following in Ellis cemetery. Deceased is survived by her husband, J. L. Bateman and two daughters, Mrs. John Pigott and Mrs. Herman Foil of Bogalusa, and also five grandchildren. A good woman has gone to her reward.
