Willms, Abram (1901-1964)

Mennonite Brethren Herald obituary: 1965 Feb 12 p. 19

Birth date: 1901 Jul 21

text of obituary:

ABRAM WILLMS

Abram Willms was born to Abraham H. Willms on July 21, 1901, in Russia. His first twenty-five years were spent in Russia. During these years he received all the formal education which he enjoyed. In 1924 while attending a prayer meeting he became a Christian by accepting Jesus as his Saviour. He was baptized into the Mennonite Brethren Church in the same year by Rev. Isaac Braun and remained a faithful member and active worker until his death.

In 1925 he was happily married to Marie Unger. To this marriage were born three sons and four daughters. The year following the marriage they recognized the leading of the Lord to leave Russia and come to Canada. Such decisions, even small details when making purchases, were always made a matter of prayer.

Brother Willms, however, always found help and guidance in the Lord. They settled down in the Flowing Well area in Saskatchewan and lived there for twenty years. For many years they drove ten miles to church with horses. Brother Willms loved to be in church regularly as well as punctually.

In 1947, they moved to British Columbia and settled down in their present location. Here buildings had to be built and land had to be cleared.

Mr. Willms was always a hard worker. He was appreciated in the mill as well as in the church. He matured in his faith in the Lord and came to enjoy the assurance that his blood cleanses us regardless of our condition.

The Kennedy Heights Mennonite Brethren Church realized the call of the Lord and ordained Brother and Sister Willms as deacons of the church in 1956. Many visits have been made since then in homes and hospitals.

Mr. Willms enjoyed physical health during his lifetime except in April of 1958 when he suffered his first heart attack from which he recovered fully in three months.

Mr. Willms gave his last report on Saturday, December 5, at the annual church meeting. The following Sunday morning he took ill.

He died on Tuesday morning at 7:55. All of his children were able to see him before he passed away.

The day before his passing he spoke his farewell words to his dear wife: "I had two attacks a night. I was so near to death if you had not prayed so hard, I would no longer be here. I was so glad and ready to go. In fact, I wish I had gone."

On December 8, 1964, at the age of 3 years, he left to be with his Saviour. He leaves to mourn his passing his dear wife, three sons, Abe, Henry, Albert, and four daughters, Mary (Mrs. Elmer Voth), Helen, Olga, Linda, two brothers and two sisters.

The family wishes to express their appreciation for all the love and sympathy shown to them in their time of bereavement.