Grayson County TXGenWeb

Van Alstyne Leader
February 14, 1934
pg.6

YOUNG COLORED WOMAN DIES
The friends among the white citizens of this community of Mun Stinnett and his wife, both well known and worthy colored citizens, regretted sincerely to learn of the death of their daughter, Ellie, at Denton, on the night of February 8. She was 23 years of age at the time of her death, which was self-inflicted.
Authentic reports are to the effect that the young woman was married on April 23, 1932, to James McGriff, the marriage being kept secret. At the time, she was teaching in the colored school at Denton, and at the close of the term returned to Van Alstyne and spent the vacation period at the home of her parents, East of Van Alstyne. She was re-elected as a teacher for the current term, and returned to Denton at the opening of the school, performing her duties in the class room until the day of her death. Her marriage was known only to herself, her husband and the people with whom she boarded in Denton, Jack Lambert and wife. At the time of her death, only Lambert and another woman who lived with them were in the home, Lambert's wife being absent.
The body was brought to Van Alstyne, and funeral services were held at the colored Methodist church
on Tuesday, February 12. The services were largely attended. Interment was had at the local cemetery.
Mun Stinnett and his family are amonth the best of the colored citizens of this community, and he stands very high with all of the white people who know him. Their many friends of both races will sympathize most sincerely with Stinnett, his wife and his family in their bereavement.