Bell Dershem Dies in Florida

Servant of God, well done!

Thy glorious warfare’s past; The battle’s fought, the race is won, And thou art crowned at last. - Charles Wesley

Bell Irene Brown Dershem has heard these words from the lips of God. Thanks be to God who blessed her with 91 years among us and now holds her to His bosom.

Mrs. Dershem lived around Liberty Center over 70 years and was a member of the Methodist Church here more than 50 years.

The daughter of Malina C. Woodward and Justin F. Brown, Bell was married to Oliver C. Dershem Jan. 1, 1890. They moved to Liberty Center from Sandusky County in November of 1895. Four children were born to them. The twin girls died in infancy. Ferris and his sister, now Mrs. Jack Quail, were raised near Liberty Center. Later, Mr. and Mrs. Dershem lived in the house just back of the Methodist Church where our parking lot is now located.

Sister Dershem was an active worker in the Sunday School, Church and WSCS. After the death of Mr. Dershem 19 years ago, she went to live with her daughter in Toledo.

Mrs. Dershem’s son, Ferris, was called by God in 1955. Then Mrs. Dershem moved to St. Petersburg, Fla., with her daughter sixteen years ago, where she lived until this hour. She attended the Seminole Methodist Church there until illness confined her to her home.

Her daughter Mrs. Jack Quail and a brother Irvin Brown of St. Petersburg, Fla; a sister, Mrs. Irma Brecheisen of Defiance; three grandchildren, seven great grandchildren -- all are gathered here with friends to give honor to the life of Bell Irene Dershem.