Mrs. Martha Emma Bias, 75, died at her home in Versailles July 23, 1971.  she was born at Gravois Mills October 6, 1895, the daughter of the late Mahlon and Amanda Butcher James.  On October 13, 1917 she was married to Ralph Emerson Bias who preceded her in death on October 1, 1967.  she was also preceded in death by her parents, 2 sons: Clark and an infant son ; a brother: Sam James and 2 sisters: Mrs. Minnie Orton and Levina James.  She was a member of the Assembly of God Church of Versailles.  Surviving are 3 children: Myron Bias, Mrs. Phineas Silvey and Boyd Drury, all of Versailles; a brother John James of Hughesvile; 3 sisters: Mrs. Jessie Dunn, Mrs. Ida Witherell of Gravois Mills and Mrs. Ola Shockley of St. Louis; 9 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren.
   Funeral services were held at the Kidwell Funeral Home on July 25 with the Rev. Gerald Marshnall officiating.  Mrs. Blain Silvey sang with Mrs. Rachel Boatright at the organ.  Pallbearers: Howard Hikey, Sonny Dunn, Archie Garrison, Roy Holst, Harmon Humphrey and Orley Campbell. Interment in the Versailles cemetery.

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