“These lines from one of James Montgomery’s best know hymns came vividly to mind when, on Monday morning, the news sped quickly of the passing of Sister Carrie Beard Horton, who had made for herself many friends during the sixty years of residence in the Old Salem Community.
     But the day before, she had found great enjoyment in being in the out-of-doors with its warmth of sunshine the beauty of its autumnal colorings.  She was feeling reasonably well and happy over the experience.
    How quickly these changes may come.  How needful the prayer of the Psalmist: “Lord make me to know my end and the measure of my days, what it is; that I may know how frail I am.”
     Our sister and friend was the daughter of  J. W. and Susan Phillips Beard of Kernersville and was born on August 1, 1879.  Her early years were spent in that community, during which period she was not only prepared for college entrance, but also made her profession of faith in Christ as her Saviour and united with the Methodist Episcopal church of which per parents were members.
     Her college education was gained at Greensboro College and in August 1899 she was united in marriage with Dr. Phin E. Horton of Winston-Salem, in which community they established their home and soon found for themselves opportunity for service both in the church and community.
     On November 12, 1899, the young wife transferred her membership to the Home Moravian Church with which her husband’s family had had connection for several generations back.  And, for a period of years, she was a very successful teacher in the Sunday School, in addition to other service with the Women’s organizations.
     On April 14, 1940, deep sorrow came to her in the passing of her husband, still in the prime of his life and useful in his service.  Since that time she lived as a member of her son’s Phin E. Jr’s. family, being loved and cared for with affectionate and patient interest and assisted too with her own undertakings.
     Our sister was a rarely gifted woman, keen of intellect, well educated and of a friendly spirit, trained for efficient service and her community interests were wide.  Through the years of service which stand to her credit, two lines of effort should be given special mention - Assistance in organization of the Milk and Ice Fund begun with the interest of little children and of aged citizens in the heated summer season.  This effort was the forerunner of the Community Chest and later the United Fund.  She was a member of the Mary Symington Book Club in which she not only found great enjoyment and profit for herself, but was of service to others.
     These twenty years of our Sister’s widowhood were by no means free from trial and difficulty.   There were seasons of doubt and depression, of sickness, sometimes of suffering.  But in the goodness and mercy of God and with the never failing care of members of the family and friends, she was helped to a goodly age.
     For her the call came suddenly on October 31, 1960.  The great Sovereign Ruler of Life called her and she passed into His presence and the life that lies beyond.
     As we say our earthly “Farewell” we commit her soul into the care and keeping of the God who loved her, gave His beloved Son for her redemption and whose judgment is ever just and right.”