LOIS, IV

Hugo McCord

I am spoiled I know, but, after 67 years with one I called my first, current, last, and favorite wife, I know this fourth review of Lois’ life will be both edifying and encouraging to every reader.

1. Earl West

Earl West (1754 Triton Cove, Germantown, TN 38139), restoration historian, knew Lois for 65 years (1935-2000). He writes: “[S]he was ever animated, bubbling, smiling and glowing. She never formed the habit of complaining, perhaps because she possessed so little and found no reason to expect more, so she was contented, seeing only the bright side of everything “ (THE ENCHANTED KNIGHT, p. 24).

2. Madge Masters

Madge Masters, wife of Walter Masters, an elder of the Hillview Terrace congregation (Box 785, Moundsville, WV 26041-0785), on hearing of Lois’ death (7-13-2000), wrote: “28 years ago, when Ken Burton was our located minister, you held a meeting for us. Lois helped us organize and execute our first Ladies’ Day. She was such a lovely, talented, and spirited lady. Her enthusiasm was catching. I remember standing before the audience of women and delivering my first public prayer. Through Lois’ guidance, the day was quite successful and I well remember her for it always.”

3, Scott Little

Scott Little, a student of Oklahoma Christian College, whose widowed well-to-do mother paid the expenses for a threesome trip (Scott, Hugo, Lois) throughout the Bible lands, on hearing of the passing of Lois, wrote to her son Charles: “Your mother was such a great lady and teacher to me. I learned more from her than from your dad.” To the grieving widower Scott wrote: “When people saw Lois they saw a life that was dead to all things save the life of Christ revealed.... I do not know how to tell you what a great vessel for Christ that your Lois was. A great and bright light for Christ and a beacon of great influence on so many and, thanks be to God, upon me.”

4. King McCarver

King McCarver, the pulpit preacher for the Beech Hill congregation (890 Hwy. 4, Ripley, MS 38663) writes: “Beech Hill members well remember sister McCord. She was not only an ideal companion and coworker with her husband, but she was a talented teacher of children and of women. Sister McCord was known for her knowledge of God’s word and for her devotion to the Lord’s work.”

5. Kirk Castleman

Kirk Castleman, the pulpit preacher for the Lake Houston congregation (8003 Farmingham, Humble, TX 77346), after first meeting Lois in 1968, writes: “I never knew, until years later, that this godly woman had a great vision of what Bible study and preaching ought to be, but could see out of only one eye! I wasn’t aware at the time of their family trials or that Lois had suffered with TB--all I heard was a vivacious, enthusiastic smile that literally radiated from her into every person who was present! She had heard of many great preachers, but she made me understand the wonder of Bible study and the profound joy of preaching!

“And what a marvelous cook she was! We still own proudly a ‘cooker’ that she used for who knows how many functions: feeding visiting preachers, working for Oklahoma Christian College, or just entertaining at a holiday season!

“Don’t say a woman cannot teach a man; Lois taught me and yes, even gently corrected me on occasion (Acts 18:26). But she always complimented and encouraged my efforts when Hugo and Lois were in the audience, but I never received anything but a blessing and positive encouragement. Lois told me several times how much she enjoyed a new insight! One time I made a point in Ladies Bible Class... that she disagreed with! We got into a ‘friendly,’ ‘mother-to-son’ discussion and she said, “Just let me call Hugo and he can tell you the verse,” which she felt would settle the discussion! She called Hugo and came back from the phone and said, ‘Now I disagree with both of you!’ Later she said, “You and Hugo were right,” which as one can imagine, thrills one’s soul! .... Thank you, God, for the life, love and encouragement of a truly great Christian woman! AMEN!”

6. LaVera McCord

LaVera McCord, wife of Charles and a registered nurse, after they asked us to move into their home, took care of Lois day and night. LaVera writes about her mother-in-law: “We moved Lois into a care home in hopes that through therapy she would recover and be able to return home. But this was not to be. However, her mind still put the Lord first and she talked of church work to every visitor, thinking every day was Sunday. And she loved visitors. She was always cheerful and smiling. One visitor said, ‘I went to see Lois to encourage her, but I left being encouraged.’ At the end, Lois couldn’t speak. But the day before, her last words were ‘I love you.’” Somewhere LaVera found this anonymous poem:

God saw she was getting tired.

And a cure was not to be.

So He put his arms around her,

And whispered,

“Come with me.”

With tearful eyes

We watched her suffer,

And we saw her fade away.

Although we loved her dearly,

We could not make her stay.

A golden heart stopped beating,

Hard working hands to rest.

God took her from this earth

to prove ... .

He Only Takes the Best.

7. Hugo

God said, “It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper (`ezer) for him, one meeting his needs” (Genesis 2:18). Lois was Hugo’s helper for 67 years, day and night, and her 89 year old body showed the strain.

7-30-2000