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MISSIONARY MYRTLE BEATRICE TYSON BATTLE, our beloved mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend, is now safely in the arms of Jesus Christ. She answered her Lord’s call and took her heavenly flight on Saturday, October 7, 2017. We are confident that she heard those glorious words, “Well done, thou good and faithful servant...enter thou into the joy of thy Lord” (Matthew 25:21). Missionary Battle was born at Ballards Crossroads on March 5, 1933 to the late Ernest Tyson and Sarah Wooten Tyson Dupree. She married James Edward Battle, who preceded her in death on December 11, 1971. Missionary Battle was educated in the Pitt County Schools and spent her entire life in Pitt County. She was a hard worker, and she loved to excel in her work. Following several domestic jobs and employment at local tobacco factories, she became employed at Burroughs Wellcome Company, where she worked for twenty-three years with a perfect attendance record. Missionary Battle was a faithful and participatory member of Mt. Calvary Free Will Baptist (FWB) Church and joined this ministry at the age of 14. In 1998, the late Dr. Elmer Jackson, Jr., former Pastor of Mt. Calvary FWB Church, observed her mission-driven work and subsequently appointed her as a Missionary. Given her God-given talents and love for singing, she joined the Mt. Calvary Senior Choir where she sang for many years. She later sang with the Ruth Hill Gospel Chorus and with the United Voices of Calvary. One of her favorite songs was “This Little Light Of Mine.” We thank God that she is now singing in the ultimate choir in Heaven. Missionary Battle taught new beginners Bible Study at Mt. Calvary FWB Church in the early nineties and many of her students are now Mothers, Deacons and Ministers of the Gospel in the church. Over the years, she fellowshipped with Faith and Victory (now Reimage Church), Wells Chapel COGIC, The Church of God Prophecy and the former Arlington Boulevard Baptist Church. Missionary Battle had a heart for service and outreach. She volunteered for many years at the local nursing homes; visited hospitals and assisted living facilities to share the good news of Jesus Christ with the elderly and the distressed populations. Also, she volunteered for the Salvation Army and rang bells during the Christmas holidays to raise philanthropic support for the economically-disadvantaged. We are grateful for the many introductions to Jesus Christ that she facilitated with unyielding zeal. As a part of her weekly routine, she purchased, distributed and ministered biblical tracks and other biblical literature, passionately promoting a life in Jesus Christ. Around the local Piggly Wiggly grocery store, she was known as the “track lady.” Missionary Battle lived her life with zest and purpose, possessing a sweet and caring spirit combined with a sincere love of sharing God’s Plan of Salvation. Missionary Battle had several passions in addition to her relationship with Jesus Christ and the work in the ministry. Playing the piano and sharing that gift with the residents of various care facilities filled her heart with joy. Another passion was beautifying and maintaining a well-manicured yard. She thoroughly enjoyed working with the Board of Elections, (#6 Precinct). Finally, she loved to fish and was always successful in her endeavors. In the midst of these joys, her greatest delight was being surrounded by her children, grandchildren, and other family members. Family was very important to her, and there was nothing more precious to Missionary Battle than her seven children. Her children were the pride of her life, and thanks be unto God for the blessings, godly wisdom and the Word of God that she instilled in them. As her caretakers over the past twelve years, she would convey her unwavering love to her children through hugs and by saying “thank you.” Her battle with dementia was fought with courage, love, strong faith, and an unwavering support system from family and friends. Missionary Battle was also very proud of her fifteen grandchildren and their educational pursuits and life accomplishments. She will be missed greatly and remembered affectionately for her unconditional love. However, we are comforted in knowing that she is home to live eternally with her Heavenly Father. While illness robbed Missionary Battle of her ability to communicate effectively in later years, she would still call on the name of Jesus Christ. Missionary Battle’s legacy and fondest memories are left with her children, a son: Pastor William L. Battle (Ann), Garner, NC; six daughters, Mary B. Baker, Pike Road, AL, Reverend Sadie B. Atkinson (Robert) Clinton, MD, Annie Richardson, Suitland, MD, Betty Hines (Donnie), Missionary Carolyn Parker (Superintendent Parker), and Brenda Battle-Simms (George), all of Greenville, NC. Fifteen grandchildren: Dalvin Keith Worthington (Erica), Frazier Lavell Atkinson (Evette), Joycelyn Dacyl Ward, Maurice Hines, Beatrice Shontel Parker (Roderick), Eric Hines, Angel Parker, Corey Atkinson, Naomi Parker, Derek Hines, K. Nicole Parker, Crystal Hines, A.J. Parker, Jr., Brittany Battle (Wilson) and Brianna Battle; ten great grandchildren. Two sisters,Ernestine Tyson Smith and Shirley Ebron-Rountree (Jerry), Greenville, NC and a cousin, Minister Sereda Palmer, Smithfield, NC, who was just like a sister. “Ma” or “Mamma”, as she was affectionately called, was shown much love by and accepted the following as her “surrogate” children and extended family: Eula Younger, Stephanie Boyd (Willie), Stephanie Grate (James), Jim and Rene Cairns, William Knight, Jackie and Norma Barrett, Dorothy Richardson, Elder Dennis and Sylvia Purvis. She thoroughly enjoyed the friendship of Ms. Dorothy Marsh, who was more than a friend. She also leaves her legacy of love to many neighborhood youth, cousins, other relatives and friends. Thank You Mom Your smiles could brighten any moment, Your hugs put joy in all our days, Your love will stay with us forever, And touch our life in precious ways... The values you've taught, the care you've given, and the wonderful love you've shown, have enriched our lives in more ways than we can count. Loving you and already missing you. Your Seven Heartbeats Mae, Sadie, Joyce, Jean, Cal, Bren and Vone

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Missionary Myrtle Beatrice Tyson Battle

March 5, 1933 - October 8, 2017