AN ACCOUNT OF THE DEATH OF ALMA MAY'S HUSBAND
November, 1948
A knock at the door! There stood Cap Barham, my husband’s lawyer friend. He said, "Alma May, Truett had a little heart attack while giving the final argument of the legal case he was on at the court house. He is in the hospital in Shreveport. I’m here to drive you over (75 miles from Ruston, LA)."
Our pastor, G. Avery Lee, and Ann, his wife, called, stating they were going with me. Was it that serious? I was sure it was minor, but the speed we made caused me to wonder.
The heart attack turned out 5to be a cerebral hemorrhage with the damaging part two days later. Truett died the following day without realizing his condition.
Having been married for only two years, it was indeed a shock. Truett had three children: Elizabeth (13), Dorothy (11), and Truett Lee (7). We had a little girl, Lynn (10 mos.). Suddenly the four were mine to rear without a father. I had to depend on God. Who else could help me?
The church, family, and community offered full support. They gave their love so freely, affirmation and assistance coming day by day. Two days after the funeral a doctor’s checkup revealed that I was pregnant (which I had suspicioned). Seven months later, Clark arrived. The people rejoiced with us.
A woeful surprise came. Louisiana law declared the three children’s grandfather as tutor of the children. This would cause a breakup of the family. Much interaction occurred trying to keep the family together. Finally I said, "Lord, I give up. I’ve tried everything I know. It is in you8r hands." The next day the grandfather gave the tutorship to me. It was a great Thanksgiving time.
I accepted the half-time position as director of the First Baptist Church Nursery-Kindergarten weekday program, which lasted for five years. It was enough until the last child was ready to enter first grade. I had prayed for a full-time position as we were running out of money. My prayer was answered when I was selected as the editor of Nursery-Beginner materials in the Training Department, Baptist Sunday School Board, Nashville, TN. It seemed like a miracle. It was not an easy decision nor easy work. I was trained in preschool education, but not in journalism so there was much to learn. How God strengthened me during those years—new friends, new work, new house, new church, and the children’s adjustments.
Some time after my husband’s death, I read an article about Ruth Graham who arose at 5 o’clock each day and from five to six would read her Bible, meditate, and pray. It worked miracles for me. I still continue to value the early morning hours.
God has endowed me with great friends, supportive family, good health, and challenging work. I try to encourage others as they grow. I have discovered that joys and sorrows continue through life, one following the other. To be strengthened by sorrow and to feel bountiful joys has made life worth living. I find great joy in following Christ’s way day by day. I look forward to each new day and praise God for opening doors, and for his unconditional love and abounding grace.
(written by Alma May January 20, 1992, with help of a friend)
My mother went from being a young, beautiful, single lady in 1946 to just 2 years later a widow with 5 children (3 from Truett's previous marriage, daughter Betty Lynn, and Clark to come 7 months, 3 weeks later). Most people would be crushed by such a set of calamitous events. Most would cry, "Why me Lord?" Mother took it, and made it the basis of her joyous life. --Clark