Mexborough & Swinton Times – Saturday 12 November 1910
Death of Mrs. W. H. Chambers, of Conisbro’
Villagers in Mourning
We deeply regret to have to record the death which took place on Thursday night last, of Mrs W.H Chambers of “The Dale,”Conisboro” wife of Mr. W. H. Chambers, managing director of the Denaby and Cadeby Collieries, Ltd.
The deceased lady had been in failing health for some years, but recently her illness took a more serious turn. The end, therefore, was not altogether unexpected. With Mr W.H. Chambers, the husband the deepest sympathy in felt in his bereavement.
Mrs Chambers, who came of an old Chesterfield family, was married about thirty years ago, Mr Chambers coming to Denaby a little later. Owing to her ill-health she was unable, of late, to take part in the social world, but encouraged her husband in all h efforts for the betterment of the district and the uplifting of the inhabitants. By all who had the pleasure of her acquaintance her death in deeply regretted.
It was a mournful week-end in Denaby. The bereavement at the Dale seemed to have dampened everyone’s spirits, and on Monday afternoon, when the interment took place, there were many evidence of the local sorrow. All the shops were closed, and on the route from The Dale to the Denaby cemetery the blinds of all homes were drawn. Men in the street wore black neckties.
The funeral arrangements were of a private character, but this fact, notwithstanding, there was large attendance of the general public, all the prominent residents of Denaby and Conisboro’ being present. The Parish Church of All Saints, Denaby, where the first portion of the last rites took piece, was well filled by a congregation mostly composed of men. Outside the church and on the way to the cemetery there were hundreds of women and children.
The service in the church was all the more impressive because of its simple character. The organ was silent, and the only hymn was “Shepherd Divine, our wants relieve,” which was quietly sung by the kneeling congregation. The burial service was read by the Vicar (Rev. S. V. Hawkes), who was assisted by the Curate (Rev. J. Tunnicliffe).
At the graveside, the committal service was read by the Vicar, and the plain oak coffin bearing the simple inscription:
Annie Elizabeth Chambers,
Died November 3rd. 1910,
64 years