Obituaries from
Navarro County, Texas


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Louie W. Cole
 Jan 24, 1893 - Sept 1, 1936

L. W. Cole, Superintendent of Corsicana Division, Dies of Heart Attack on Sept 1 [1936]

Death closed a long and successful career in the natural gas industry for Louie W. Cole, 43, superintendent of tmhe Corsicana division of Community Natural Gas Company, on Sept 1, when he died of a heart attack suffered in his automobile as he was returning to his home in Corsicana.  Alone in his car, Mr. Cole was stricken on the highway between Chatfield and Corsicana.  He was able to to drive the vehicle to the side of the road but could not turn off the ignition switch before death came.

Mr. Cole was at the height of a career that began March 1911 at Wichita Falls as assistant clerk for the Clayco Oil and Pipe Line Company.  A short time later he started his services with the North Texas Gas Company and from that time on until his untimely death the years recorded a constant and almost yearly rise.

Named Superintendent in 1935

In 1912, he was bookkeeper in the local office at Corsicana, changing to the general ofice in 1913.  He was sent to Denison as local manager in 1915 and when the general office was moved to that city he was again made bookkeeper.  In 1920 he was elected assistant secretary and assistant treasurer of the company, continuing in these positions in 1922 when North Texas Gas Company was succeeded by Municipal Gas Company.  In 1928 he was elected secretary, still holding the position of assistant treasurer.

When Municipal Gas Company was taken over by Community Natural Aug. 1, 1935, Mr. Cole was transferred from Dallas to Corsicana as superintendent of the Corsicana division.  His territory included ninety-one North-Central and East Texas towns and cities.  Some of the larger towns under his supervision were Corsicana, Cleburne, Hillsboro, Itasca, Italy, Handley, Terrell, Garland, Waxahachie, Ennis and Mexia.

Native of Corsicana

Mr. Cole was born Jan 24, 1893, at Corsicana.  He attended Corsicana High School and Meridian College.  He was a member of Munger Place Methodist Church in Dallas, residing in that city seventeen years.

Funeral services for Mr. Cole were held at the First Methodist Church in Corsicana on the Morning of Sept 3, with the Rev. T. Edgar Neal officiating.  The body was brought to Dallas and burial was in Hillcrest Memorial Park with the Rev. W. Harrison Baker in charge of the service.

Active pallbearers were Chester L. May, L. B. Denning, Jr., G. B. Hillyer, Don E. West of of Dallas, and Dr. Opie Wills of Corsicana, and Byron A. Mitchell of Dennison.

Honorary pallbearers were D. L. Cobb, H. T. McLaughlin, Woodward Martin, John Davis, Fred Richardson, John L. White, all of Dallas, and H. J. Robbins, Raymond Chunn, J. N. Garrity and J. P. Garrity, Corsicana, and Melvin Bradford of Greenville, and E. L. Buelow of Hillsboro.

Surviving are his wife, Corsicana, three daughters, Mrs. Donald Erskine, Dallas; Mrs Gene Talbot, Dallas; Miss Caroline Cole, Corsicana; mother, Mrs. Sarah Cole, Wortham; a brother Aubrey Cole, Wortham; two sisters, Mrs. John Monroe, Wortham, and Mrs. Anabel Morse of California.

Notes:

  • Clipping appears in the March 2004 Navarro Leaves and Branches

Ruby Juanita (Cottongame) Widener
Jul 15, 1921 - Mar 8, 2004

Ruby Juanita Widener, 82, of Corsicana passed away Monday, March 8, 2004, in Corsicana.

Visitation will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. today at Corley Funeral Home.

Services will be 2 p.m. Wednesday at Corley Funeral Chapel with Dr. David Hale officiating. Interment will follow at Dawson Cemetery.

Mrs. Widener was born July 15, 1921, in Navarro County.

Survivors include her husband, Virgle Widener of Corsicana; sons and daughters-in-law, James and Rita Widener and Johnny and Debbie Widener, all of Corsicana; daughter, Bonnie Stover of Corsicana; sister, Bessie Ivie of Kennedale; grandson, James Michael Widener, Shane Widener and Josh Widener, all of Corsicana; granddaughters, Nicole Widener of Corsicana, Kris Widener, Kimberly Cobb and Missy Drees, all of Dallas; four great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild.

Memorials may be made to Alzheimer research.

Arrangements by Corley Funeral Home.

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James R. 'Big Jim' Otto
Feb 5, 1956 - Mar 5, 2004

James R. "Big Jim" Otto died Friday, March 5, 2004, of complications following surgery. He was born to Herman and Jeanette Goers Otto on Feb. 5, 1956, in Appleton, Wis. He graduated from Euless High School in Euless, Texas in 1974. Jim had an exceptional career in the airline food service industry and was currently working in Corsicana as a project consultant and advisor for Dickey's Barbecue.

He is survived by his sister, Ranette Carter of Phoenix, Ariz.; his niece, Katherine Carter of Philadelphia, Pa.; his nephew, Vincent Carter of Corsicana; as well as aunts, uncles and cousins in Texas, Wisconsin and Illinois. Jim had also lived in Wisconsin, Illinois, New York, Alaska, Boston, Detroit and Las Vegas and made many lifelong friends. He is loved and will be missed by all.

Services will be held at 3 p.m. today at Faith Lutheran Church, 3824 W. State Highway 22, Corsicana.

In lieu of flowers, please make contributions to House of Refuge, 627 W. Collin St., Corsicana, TX 75110.

Arrangements by Sanders Funeral Home, Lubbock.

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James Roland Simmons

James Roland Simmons, 75, of Streetman passed away Friday, March 5, 2004, in Streetman. Graveside services were held at 2 p.m. Saturday at Lake Chapel Cemetery with John Simmons officiating. Arrangements by Capps Memorial Chapel, Fairfield.

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Bettie Marie (Renfro) Washington
Dec 1, 1950 - Mar 7, 2004

Bettie Marie Renfro Washington

Bettie Marie Renfro Washington, 53, of Corsicana passed away Sunday, March 7, 2004 at Kindred Hospital in Fort Worth.

Services will be 1 p.m. today at First Baptist Church with Pastor Ricky Walter officiating. Interment will follow at Woodland Memorial Park.

Mrs. Washington was born Dec. 1, 1950 in Corsicana.

Survivors include husband, Elder Donald R. Washington Sr. of Corsicana; daughter LaKesha Moore (Fred) of Fort Worth; sons Donald R. Washington II (Kim) of Dallas, and Jeffrey Washington and Cedric Washington, both of Corsicana; grandchildren, including Cameron, whom she raised as a son, Donald Washington III, Reci Washington, Katrina Washington, LaKenya Washington and Jorden Moore; sisters Alice Boyd (Israel), Ruthie Nell Kelly (Billy), Mary Jo Dixon (John), Omega Kelly (David), Helen Grant and Diann Jennings (John), all of Corsicana, and Gustavia Kelly of El Paso; brothers J.C. Renfro (Lizzie) of Fort Worth and Porter Renfro (Althea) of Houston; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Arrangements by Ross and Johnson Mortuary.

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Ethel Haney

Ethel Haney, 100, of Corsicana passed away Saturday, March 6, 2004, at Mel-Haven Convalescent Center. Services will be 1 p.m. today at Kelly's Temple Church of God in Christ, 501 N. Third St., with the Rev. H.D. Haney officiating. Interment will follow at Woodland Memorial Park. Arrangements by Ross and Johnson Mortuary.

Notes:


Blasa B. Gonzales

Blasa B. Gonzales, 78, of Corsicana passed away Monday, March 8, 2004, in Corsicana. Rosary and visitation will be held at 7 p.m. today at Corley Funeral Home. Services will be 10 a.m. Wednesday at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church with the Rev. Danilo Ramos officiating. Interment will follow at Calvary Cemetery. Arrangements by Corley Funeral Home.

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Mary Joan (Redden) Loftis
Sep 21, 1931 - Mar 8, 2004

Mary Joan Loftis, age 72, a resident of Grand Prairie passed away Monday, March 8, 2004. She was born Sept. 21, 1931, in Corsicana. She was preceded in death by her husband, Vernon Loftis.

Survivors include her son, David Loftis and wife Lisa; daughters, Karen Smith and husband Eddie, Joan Smith and husband Marlin, and Patricia Henry and husband Gordon; 10 grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; and sister, Claudette Hackbarth.

Memorials may be made to American Cancer Society, NCICFUL, P.O. Box 102454, Atlanta, GA 30368-2454.

Graveside services were scheduled for noon today at Hamilton-Beeman Cemetery in Retreat.

Arrangements by Bean-Massey-Burge Funeral Home, Grand Prairie.

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Rosie Lee (Hollifield) Conger
May 22, 1914 - Mar 9, 2004

Rosie Conger

Rosie Conger, 89, of Corsicana passed away Tuesday, March 9, 2004, at Navarro Regional Hospital.

Visitation will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. today at Griffin-Roughton Funeral Home.

Services will be 2 p.m. Thursday at Griffin-Roughton Chapel with Dr. David Hale officiating. Interment will follow at Mankin Cemetery.

Mrs. Conger was born May 22, 1914, in Henderson County to John and Pearl Ruth Hollifield. She was a member of Northside Baptist Church.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Weldon Conger; son, Allen Ray Conger; parents; brothers, Ansel Hollifield, Bruce Hollifield and J.T. Hollifield; and sisters, Marie Abbott and Bertha Abbott.

Survivors include her son and daughter-in-law, Bill and Sue Conger; two very special little girls, Sarah and Megan Sullivan; numerous nieces and nephews and many friends.

Arrangements by Griffin-Roughton Funeral Home.

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Ola Faye (Knight) Jamison

Ola Faye Jamison

Ola Faye Jamison, 86, of Roane passed away Wednesday, March 10, 2004, in Corsicana following a struggle with cancer.

Visitation will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. today at Corley Funeral Home.

Services will be 2 p.m. Friday at Corley Funeral Chapel with the Rev. Clayton Smith officiating. Interment will follow at Oakwood Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be Wayne Rose, Jim Parker, C. W. McClendon, Dan Kent, Scott Watkins, Gregory Platt and Dean Hollingsworth.

Mrs. Jamison was born Oct. 6, 1917, in Streetman to O. W. and Dora Knight. She had two younger sisters, Lillian and Olean, both deceased. Her husband, Allen Jamison, a local farmer, died in 1981. Her great-grandson, Austin Platt in 2000, also preceded her in death.

Ola Faye was an amazing woman. She graduated from Powell High School in 1936 and became a hard-working farmer's wife that same year. She raised two children, Sonny Jamison of College Station and Janice Flanagan of Corsicana. She worked in the Navarro County Courthouse from 1960 to 1981. After her husband died, she took over his cattle operation and ran it with great pride until late 2003. She was always in great physical condition. Ola Faye enjoyed working hard and absolutely loved being with her cattle. On Saturdays, she enjoyed dressing up and dancing in Ennis. On Sundays, she attended the Powell Baptist Church. Ola Faye was a member of the Business and Professional Women's Club and was an active member of the Southwestern Cattle Raiser's Association. She was a member of Powell Baptist Church.

Ola Faye is survived by two children, Sonny Jamison and Janice Flanagan; six grandchildren, Rick Jamison, Joni Hollingsworth, Janet Randle, Jeri Watkins, Paul Flanagan and Paula Platt; and 12 great-grandchildren, Jordan Jamison, Kristan Jamison, Tara Hollingsworth, Tifani Hollingsworth, Ashley Randle, Meagan Randle, McKenna Watkins, Caleb Watkins, Cheyan Flanagan, Presley Platt, Alec Platt and Logan Platt.

Arrangements by Corley Funeral Home.

Notes:

  • Corsicana Daily Sun - Mar 11, 2004
  • Ola Faye (Knight) Jamison w/o Allen Jamison; d/o Oscar William Knight & Dora Jenny (Lewis) Knight

Elzie Lee (Russell) Brown
abt 1919 - March 10, 2004


Elzie Lee (Russell) Brown, age 85, of Red Oak died Wednesday, March, 10, 2004, at Red Oak Health & Rehabilitation Center. She was formerly of Corsicana.

She is survived by her husband, Lester E. Brown of Red Oak; one daughter, Linda G. Grissom of Ferris; one son, Russell E. Brown of Bandera; two sisters, Louise Drain of Tyler and Edna Earl Gray of Corsicana; five grandchildren, Billinda Longino of Ferris, Mitzie Bledsue of Bristol, Sean Brown of Carrollton, Stephanie Miller of Georgetown and Danielle Brown of Bandera; and nine great-grandchildren.

Family visitation will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. today at Green Funeral Home in Ferris.

Services will be 11 a.m. Friday at the Joyce Graham Hale Memorial Chapel at Northside Baptist Church with Dr. David Hale officiating. Interment will follow at Resthaven Memorial Park in Corsicana.

Arrangements by Green Funeral Home, Ferris.

Notes:


Leonard Coy Jr.

Leonard Coy Jr., 61, of Corsicana passed away Thursday, March 4, 2004, at Corsicana Health Care & Rehab. Services will be 11 a.m. Saturday, March 13, at Ross and Johnson Mortuary Chapel with the Rev. Jerry L. Bailey Sr. officiating. Interment will follow at Woodland Memorial Park. Arrangements by Ross and Johnson Mortuary.

Notes:


Irene Garrett

Irene Garrett, 81, of Corsicana passed away Tuesday, March 9, 2004, at Mel-Haven Convalescent Home. Services will be 4:30 p.m. Saturday at Mount Olive Baptist Church with Pastor Alfred Cox Jr. officiating. Interment will follow at Woodland Memorial Park.

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Abbie B. Margrave
Nov 18, 1906 - Aug 2, 2003

CORPUS CHRISTI, TX — Abbie Belle Margrave, 96, passed away August 2, 2003 in Corpus Christi, Texas. She was born November 18, 1906 in Corsicana, Texas to John and Belle Grant.

Mrs. Margrave was a licensed vocational nurse; she worked at Valley Baptist Hospital in Harlingen during World War II and later for Dr. Ashcraft, Dr. Davidson, and Dr. Harrop.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Clifford Margrave and her son, Donald Margrave.

Mrs. Margrave is survived by her daughters, Maxine (Curtis) Boykin of Dallas, Texas and Dora (Dell) Sibley of Corpus Christi, Texas; grandchildren, Frank, Sherry, Glen, Mark, John, Donnie, and Deena; great grandchildren, Kim, Jamie, Stephanie, Mitchell, Corey, Lindsey, Christopher, Michael, Courtney, John, and Nicole; great great grandchildren, Braven, Kennedy, Brett, and Dax.

Graveside services will be held at 2 p.m., Wednesday, August 6, 2003 at Restlawn Memorial Park in La Feria, Texas.

In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to a charity of your choice.

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Cage-Mills Funeral Home. (361) 854-3282.


Emma Jean (Gregory) Taylor
Oct 26, 1930 - Mar 12, 2004

Emma Jean Taylor

Emma Jean Taylor, 73 of Corsicana, beloved wife, mother, mother-in-law, grandmother, sister, and friend passed away on Friday March 12, 2004, at her home after a long, valiant fight with Parkinson's.

Funeral services will be 2 p.m. Monday, March 15 at Corley Funeral Home in Corsicana with Rev. B.F. Risinger and Rev. Clayton Smith officiating. Interment will follow at Resthaven Memorial Park. The family will receive friends from 5 to 8 p.m. Sunday March 14 at Corley Funeral Home.

Jean was born October 26, 1930 in Winkler, TX to Emma and J. P. Gregory. She cared for her family at the very early age of 10 when she lost her mother to illness. She married the love of her life A. J. Taylor of Corsicana at the Roane Baptist Church. They settled down and started their family, where Jean worked for Corsicana ISD and later Adams Hats. She was a loving, caring person that showed no anger. If you needed help she was always there for you. She was also the best mother-in-law that any woman was grateful to call Mom.

She is survived by her husband of 46 years, A. J. Taylor of Corsicana; sons and daughters-in-law, Jay and Gina Taylor of Mexia and Kenneth and Monica Taylor of Ennis; and one brother and sister-in-law, James and Juanelle Gregory of Granbury; and a daughter-in-law, Wanda Taylor. She was beloved "Grammy" to three grandchildren: Kayla, Meg, and Austin Taylor. She leaves behind a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and other relatives and friends. Jean was a wonderful person who will be greatly missed, but never forgotten.

The family wishes to thank Hospice of Cedar Creek Lake nursing staff, especially Pam, for making Jean's journey home a little easier.

Arrangements by Corley Funeral Home.

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Booker T. Averheart Jr.
Mar 20, 1932 - Mar 11, 2004

Booker T. Averheart Jr., 71, of Dallas, formerly of Streetman and Corsicana, passed away Thursday, March 11, 2004 following a two-year battle with cancer in Dallas.

Services will be 11 a.m. Monday at St. Anthony Catholic Church on Myrtle and Romine Avenue in Dallas with Father Tim Gollob officiating. Interment will follow at Laurel Land Cemetery in Dallas.

Pallbearers will be friends of the family.

Mr. Averheart was born March 20, 1932 in Richland. He attended G. W. Jackson High School and enlisted in the U.S. Army, serving in France and Germany, for which he received an Honorable Discharge after two years of military service. Then he resided in Dallas, where he attended Booker T. Washington School of Business. As an entrepreneur, he owned and operated Averheart's Motel in South Dallas off Silkwood Street. He also attended Meechum Airport Aviation School in Fort Worth, where he received his aviation pilot certification as VFR pilot in 1979. He was an accomplished musician where he received royalties and recognition for his musical talents and abilities. Booker T. also was involved in the business of promotions, promoting performances of several celebrity artist. Last but not least he was a philanthropist giving back to the community and individuals in need.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Booker Averheart Sr. and Pearl Averheart, and sisters Cleo, Helen and Betty.

Survivors include daughters Yvonne Renee Averheart and Celesta Riles Kamau of Stafford; granddaughter Thema Kamau of Stafford; niece Sherry L. Rubbell of Corsicana; great-niece Deborah A. Sims of Corsicana; great-nephew Adrian Sims of Jacksonville, Fla.; god children Rosalind McGill, Shalamine and Tramine Miller of Dallas; devoted friends in his final days Joyce Adkins, Ella Judie, Nina Newborn, Annie Bratton, Ural Portlock and Dr. Joseph Glicksman, along with a great host of cousins, church family and good friends.

Arrangements by Evergreen Memorial Funeral Home, Dallas.

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Karen Barton
d. Mar 11, 2004

Karen Lee Barton, 28, of Purdon passed away at her home on Thursday, March 11, 2004.

Funeral services will be 9 a.m. Monday at First United Methodist Church in Dawson with the Rev. Brad Brittain officiating. Graveside services will follow at 3:30 p.m. at Red Lick Cemetery near Texarkana with the Rev. Brenda Lucas, pastor of Chapelwood United Methodist Church officiating.

The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. today at Wade Funeral Home in Hubbard. The family will also be at 109 Earnest Road in Texarkana.

Karen was preceded in death by her grandparents, Mozelle and Charles Whitmer of Marshall and Charles Clark of Texarkana; and by her stepfather Cloyce Floyd of Dawson.

Survivors include husband Jeffrey Price of Purdon; parents, Robert Barton of Marshall and Wanda Floyd of Texarkana; twin brother, John Barton of Marshall; a dear sister, Donna Currier and brother-in-law, Bobby Currier of Pasadena; grandmother, Florence Clark of Texarkana; brother-in-law, Joel Price of Purdon; parents-in-law, Sara and Dwight Price of Purdon; daughter, Brittany Nicole Barton and infant son, Dwight Robert Price; and several aunts, uncles and cousins.

Memorials may be made to the Red Lick Cemetery Association, c/o Bob Akin, 3303 North FM 2148, Texarkana, TX 75503.

Arrangements by Wade Funeral Home, Hubbard.

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Don Earl Crofut
Nov 2, 1960 -Mar 12, 2004

Don Crofut, 43, of Kerens passed away Friday, March 12, 2004 at Baylor Hospital.

Visitation will be 6 to 8 p.m. Monday at Paschal Funeral Home.

Services will be 2 p.m. Tuesday at Paschal Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Wes Johnson officiating. Interment will follow at Prairie Point Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be Bryan Ainsworth, Terry Perry, Trey May, Duane Downes, Russell Lynch and Dave Commiato.

Mr. Crofut was born Nov. 2, 1960 in San Saba, Texas.

He is survived by his wife, Rexann Crofut of Kerens; son, Richard E. Crofut of Louisiana; stepsons, Charles Black of Lousiana and Steve Baxter Jr. of Athens; stepdaughter, Beverly McQuary of Kerens; parents, Sonny and Ella Ruth Crofut of Kerens; sisters, Teresa Jennings of Kerens and Peggy Lane of Keller; grandmother, Lucille Scogin of Kerens; and mother-in-law, Ellen Tanner of Kerens.

Arrangements by Paschal Funeral Home, Kerens.

Notes:

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3/18/2004 Kerens man dies from wreck injuries


From Staff Reports

A 43 year-old Kerens man died last Friday at Baylor Medical Center as a result of a one vehicle rollover that happened on March 5 on South U.S. Highway 287, about nine miles south of Mildred.

Don Crofut was traveling south on 287 when his vehicle ran off the westside of the roadway, according to a Texas Department of Public Safety Report, approximately 75 yards into the grass before crossing a concrete drainage ditch and turning over.

The vehicle rolled over one and a half times, DPS said in the report, coming to a rest on the passenger side of the vehicle. Crofut was ejected from his red 2000 Ford pickup and was found lying on the ground.

Trooper Jeff Taylor, Texas Highway Patrol, Corsicana, investigated the accident scene. Members of the Navarro County Sheriffs Office, Kerens Police Department, Corsicana Fire Department, several Volunteer Fire Departments and residents assisted at the scene of the accident.

Crofut had been transported to Baylor Medical Center from the scene.


Rosie Alma (Turner) Weeks
Jul 30, 1938 - Mar 10, 2004

Rosie Alma Weeks

Memorial services for Rosie Alma Weeks, 65, Corsicana, are scheduled for today, March 13 at 5 p.m. at New Faith Tabernacle Church with Rev. Clifford Williams and Rev. James Ragsdale officiating.

Burial will be in Old Bethal Cemetery. Local arrangements are with Hilliard Funeral Home, Van.

Mrs. Weeks died March 10 in Corsicana.

Rosie Alma Weeks was born July 30, 1938 in Canton to the late Robert Porter Turner and Ethel Mae Green Turner. She was retired from Homehealth Care where she worked for 26 years and was a member of New Faith Tabernacle Church. She is preceded in death by her parents and one brother.

Survivors include a son, Stanley Weeks, Chatfield; two daughters, Vonda Butler-Williams, Eureka and Nannette Nation, Grandview; two sisters, Mary Ruth Angel, Antlers, Okla. and Dorothy Wooten, Collinston, La.; two brothers, Nolan Wilson, Athens and Kenneth Wilson, Eustace; and two grandchildren.

Everyone is invited to a covered dish meal that will be served immediately following the memorial services at the church.

Notes:


Addie Laura (Stribling) Warthan
 Jun 8, 1917 - Mar 11, 2004

Addie Laura Stribling Warthan, 86, died at Navarro Regional Hospital in Corsicana March 11, 2004. She was preceded in death by her husband, Lin Warthan, one daughter, Jo Anne Warthan Johnson, and one sister, Florence Perkins.

She is survived by one daughter, Patricia Warthan Hudson and husband Harry Hudson of Corsicana, and one son-in-law, Rev. Don Johnson of Tulsa, Okla. She is also survived by one brother, Joe Stribling, of Riverside, Calif., and one sister, Lucia Simmons and husband Royce Simmons of Texarkana. She was the beloved "Nannie" to five grandchildren, Laurie Hudson Franklin and husband Travis of Waco, Elizabeth Hudson of Dallas, Russell Hudson of Corsicana, Todd Johnson and wife Kellye Johnson of Tulsa, and Kristin Johnson of Stillwater, Okla. She also leaves behind six great-grandchildren, Michael Franklin, Brittney Franklin, Hunter Johnson, Hannah Johnson, Hayden Johnson and Hallye Johnson, and many nephews and nieces.

Addie Laura was the administrative secretary for the Chamber of Commerce in Marshall before moving to Corsicana, and then held the same position at the Corsicana Chamber of Commerce for 18 years, until her retirement. She was a faithful Sunday School class member and UMW member at First United Methodist Church in Corsicana for 53 years, and looks forward to a new place of service.

She was born June 8, 1917 in Wilcox, Ariz.

Services will be held at Corley Funeral Home at 10:30 a.m. today, March 13, with burial in the Warthan Cemetery near Annona, Texas, later that afternoon. Pallbearers will be David Hawk, Robert Keathley, Liston Herod, Steve Terry, Billy Hoyt Moore and Joe Nussbaum.

Arrangements by Corley Funeral Home.

Notes:


Patsy Ruth (Fair) Ray
Aug 12, 1934 - Mar 10, 2004

Patsy Ray

Patsy Ruth Fair Ray, 69, of Navarro Mills, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister and friend passed away on Wednesday, March 10, 2004 at a Corsicana hospital after a long, valiant fight with cancer. Funeral services will be 2 p.m. today, March 13 at Wade Funeral Chapel in Hubbard with Rev. Bob Reid and Rev. Richard Ham officiating. Interment will follow at Dawson Cemetery.

Pat was born Aug. 12, 1934 in Mer Rouge, La. to Lyda Shockey and W. E. Fair. She graduated from high school in Bastrop, La. and married the love of her life, high school sweetheart Charles G. Ray on Sept. 15, 1952 at 1st Assembly of God Church in Bastrop. Early in their marriage, they lived in several places in Louisiana and Texas before settling down in Lumberton in the late 1960s, where Pat worked for the Lumberton ISD tax office. It was in Lumberton that the family began its love of camping and motorcycle riding. Upon Charlie's retirement in the 1990s, Charlie and Pat hit the road for good in the big, comfortable RV they took all over the United States where they made friends all across the country. Pat loved to travel and loved music and could play and sing with the best of them. She and Charlie were active in the churches they visited along their travels and her musical talent was always in demand.

She is survived by her husband of 51 years, Charles G. Ray of Navarro Mills; sons Michael Ray and wife Joan of Waxahachie, and Tommy Ray and wife Paula of China Spring; sister Sylvia Corgey and husband Nelbert of Houston; brothers Eddie Fair and wife Dottie of Bastrop, La, and Norman Fair and wife Ila of Woodward, Okla.; brother-in-law Jimmy Ray of Mission; three grandchildren; two step-grandchilren; and eight nieces and nephews.

Pallbearers will be Ronnie Slater, Frank McDonald, Johnny Fortenberry, Bill Ford, Jerry Jordan and Billy Joe McCullough.

The family wishes to thank the second floor nursing staff of Navarro Regional Hospital and especially Dr. Kent Rogers and his staff, the Navarro Mills Baptist Church family, and all the friends who visited and prayed for the family.

Arrangements by Wade Funeral Home, Hubbard.

Notes:


Ruth Vespers (Sykes) Lee
Mar 30, 1913 - Mar 10, 2004

Ruth Vespers Sykes Lee, 90, of Corsicana passed away Wednesday, March 10, 2004 in Corsicana.

Graveside services will be 1 p.m. today at Dresden Cemetery with Rev. James Williams officiating.

Mrs. Sykes was born March 30, 1913 to Wheeler Sykes and Gaily Wilson Sykes in Dawson. She was the middle child of five girls. All of her family has passed away except Clearcy Shoemaker. She married George Lee in 1933. There were no children born to them, and Lee passed away in 1976. They moved to California during World War II. She worked in a shipyard, worked as an electrician, and in her spare time she worked at the USO under the leadership of Dorothy Lamore in feeding and entertaining our troops. After the war they moved to Mesa, Ariz., where they were in the construction business. In 1991, she moved back to Corsicana, where she and her sister Clearcy moved into a house together. She was a loving, caring person who showed no anger to anyone. If you needed help she was there for you. She found Christ when she was 12 years old, and was baptized a Baptist. Clearcy said there were times when Ruth would just put a hundred dollar bill in an envelope and mail it to a church, not giving her name. She liked to watch services on TV the last few years.

She was preceded in death by her husband, George Wayne Lee.

Survivors include sister Clearcy Shoemaker of Corsicana; nephew Phillip W. Shoemaker of Corsicana; nieces Ruby Andrews of Corsicana and Betty Gressett of Conroe; and numerous great-nieces and great-nephews.

Arrangements by Corley Funeral Home.

Notes:


Lula Mae (Baker) Smith
Jun 14, 1920 - Mar 14, 2004

Lula Mae Baker Smith, 83, of Corsicana passed away Sunday, March 14, 2004 in Corsicana.

Visitation will be 6 to 8 p.m. today at Griffin-Roughton Funeral Home.

Services will be 2 p.m. Tuesday at Griffin-Roughton Funeral Home Chapel with Steve Orbison and Ferman Carpenter officiating. Interment will follow at Hamilton-Beeman Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be Billy Baker, Alfred Baker, Bill Southard, Calvin Baker, James Johnston, Steve Neville, Calvin Baker Jr. and Ed Neville.

Lula Mae was born June 14, 1920 in Emhouse. Lula Mae graduated from Emhouse High School as salutatorian of her class. She worked as a salesperson, with her husband Steve Smith, at Dietz Memorials until her health forced her into retirement at age 81. Lula Mae was a member of the Church of Christ and taught Bible classes for many years. She fed many preachers at her table over the years, as well as others, and sheltered many in need in her home. Lula Mae practiced what she preached and spoke ill of no one. She was a blessing and an inspiration to her family and all who knew her. She was one fine lady. She will be greatly missed.

Lula Mae is survived by daughter, Gloria Barnett of Lufkin; daughter and son-in-law, Dionne and Chuck Stringer of Corsicana; granddaughter and husband, Cindy and Tommie Crenshaw of Roane; granddaughter, Misty Fields of Corsicana; great-grandsons, Stormy and Zachary of Corsicana; brothers and wives, Middie and Mary Baker of Richardson and Jerry and Margie Baker of Irving; and many relatives, friends and loved ones.

Arrangements by Griffin-Roughton Funeral Home.

Notes:


Ima Lee (Hemby) Combs
Feb 15, 1919 - Mar 14, 2004

Ima Lee Combs

Ima Lee Combs, 85, of Corsicana passed away Sunday, March 14, 2004, at her residence.

Visitation will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. today at Griffin-Roughton Funeral Home.

Services will be 2 p.m. Wednesday at Griffin-Roughton Chapel with Brother Bobby Jock officiating. Interment will follow at Kerens City Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be Sammy Combs, Cleveland Combs, Bobby Lee Jock, Charlie Padier, David Jock, Randy Jock, Dale Holder and Charles Dennis.

Mrs. Combs was born Feb. 15, 1919, in Mankin, Henderson County. She worked for Texas Miller Hats for 18 years. She was a lifetime member of the Ladies Auxiliary at the Corsicana VFW.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Earl D. Combs; son, Ronald Lynn Combs; mother, Minnie Whiteside; father, James Edward Hemby; sisters, Nannie Bea Jock and Nettie Lou Bing; brothers, Hubert Jock and Jack Hemby; and granddaughter, Shelia Ann Fitch.

Survivors include her sons, David Combs and wife Brenda of Corsicana and Arnold Combs of Emory; daughters, Marie Holder and husband Dale of Buffalo, Charlene Dennis and husband Charlie Ray of Corsicana, Vernell Farmer of Corsicana, Joann Padier and husband Buddy of Bastrop; grandchildren, Ronald Dabney, Tracy Woodall, Donald Fitch, Chad Combs, Josh Combs, Danny Holder, Donna Holder, Sharon West, Charles Padier, Mark Padier, Valerie Welsh, Carolyn Combs, Kimberly Combs and Gary Combs; 15 great-grandchildren and five great-great-grandchildren.

Arrangements by Griffin-Roughton Funeral Home.

Notes:


Frances (Andres) Divine
Nov 23, 1916 - Mar 15, 2004

Frances A. Divine

Frances A. Divine, 87, of Cleveland, Tenn., passed away Monday, March 15, 2004.

Services will be 11 a.m. Thursday at Faith Lutheran Church in Corsicana with Pastor Peter Kolb officiating. Interment will follow at Oakwood Cemetery.

Mrs. Divine was born Nov. 23, 1916, in San Saba, and had lived in Corsicana until moving to Cleveland, Tenn., to be near her daughter. She was a member of Faith Lutheran Church of Corsicana.

She was preceded in death by her husband, F. L. Divine; parents, O. S. and Christine Andres; brother, Norbert Andres; and sisters, Louise Trainham and Ruby Andrews.

Survivors include her daughter and son-in-law, Lois and Gerald Crawford of Cleveland, Tenn.; grandchildren, Holly and Dennis Hauck of Charlotte, N.C., Chad Melton of Knoxville, Tenn., Eva and Rob Van Hook of Cleveland, Tenn., and Gerald and Ginger Crawford of Chattanooga, Tenn.; and great-grandchildren, Peyton and Riley Van Hook and Grace Crawford.

Arrangements by Griffin-Roughton Funeral Home.

Notes:


Josephene Ferrell (Keathley) Speer
Oct 29, 1916 - Mar 15, 2004

Josephene Ferrell Speer, 87, of Frost passed away Monday, March 15, 2004, at Baylor Medical Center of Dallas.

Visitation will be held from 6 to 7:30 p.m. today at Griffin-Roughton Funeral Chapel in Blooming Grove.

Services will be 10 a.m. Wednesday at Frost Methodist Church with Rev. Nancy Schusler and Rev. Sharon Bell officiating. Interment will follow at Frost Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be Billy Hargrove, Buddy Ross, William Brown, Dwayne Speer, Alan Speer and Jeremy Woods.

Mrs. Speer was born October 29, 1916.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Lamar Speer.

Survivors include her sons and daughter-in-laws Woody and Lois Speer of Frost, Keith and Brenda Speer of Frost; grandchildren, Dwayne and Belinda Speer of Kerens, Alan and Laura Speer of Forney, Elaine and Jeremy Woods of Frost; great-grandchildren, Russ Kincaid of Washingon State, Brandi Kincaid of Corsicana; great-great-grandson, Skylar Dutton of Corsicana; brother-in-law, F. H. Scott of Dallas; sister-in-laws, Wanda Williams of Mt. Juliet, Tennessee, Mary Davidson of Odessa.

Arrangements by Griffin-Roughton Funeral Home.

Notes:

  • Corsicana Daily Sun - March 16, 2004
  • Graduate of Frost High School 1934
  • Wife of Woody Lamar Speer; Daughter of Hershell James Keathley & Ora Mabel (Jones) Keathley

Virgie (Bradford) Featherston
May 21, 1903 - Mar 16, 2004

Virgie Bradford Featherston, 100, of Arlington, went home to be with her Lord on March 16, 2004, at Arbrook Plaza Nursing Home in Arlington. She was a former resident of Corsicana, and a member of That Church in Corsicana, an Assembly of God Church. She was born May 21, 1903, near Edom. She was the faithful wife of John A. Featherston, who preceded her in death in 1968. She was the loving mother of six children. She was preceded in death by three of her sons, Claude W. Featherston in 1935, Ernest B. Featherston in 1998, and Raymon D. Featherston in 2000.

She is survived by one daughter, Lucille Holloway of Arlington; sons, John E. Featherston Sr. of Arlington and Bobby W. Featherston Sr. of Dallas; 11 grandchildren, 21 great-grandchildren and six great-great-grandchildren.

Visitation will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. today at Corley Funeral Home.

Funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday at Corley Funeral Chapel with the Rev. J. Scott Holmes officiating. Graveside will be held at 4 p.m. Thursday at Myrtle Cemetery in Ennis.

Pallbearers will be Jerry Holloway, Steve Featherston, John E. Featherston Jr., Bobby W. Featherston Jr., Gary Lee Watson Sr. and Gary Gober.

Arrangements by Corley Funeral Home.

Notes:


Lessie Jewell Richards
 Jan 20, 1917 - Mar 17, 2004

Less J. Richards, 87, of Corsicana passed away Wednesday, March 17, 2004, in Corsicana.

Visitation will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday at Corley Funeral Home.

Services will be 2 p.m. Saturday at Calvary Worship Center with Dr. Gary W. Johnson officiating. Interment will follow at Hamilton-Beeman Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be David Richards, Mike Richards, Billy Kohutek, Jeff McGlaun, Dustin Oden and Jed Elliott.

Mr. Richards was born Jan. 20, 1917, in Denison.

Survivors include his wife, Beatrice Richards of Corsicana; daughter, Reba Orand of Angleton; son and daughter-in-law, James and Tina Richards of Athens; grandchildren, Kelly and Bill Kohutek, David Richards, Karen Richards, Becky and Jeff McGlaun, Mike and Ann Richards, Jason Bendy and Amy and Jed Elliott; and great-grandchildren, Kaci Oden, Stacie Kohutek and Tyler McGlaun.

Arrangements by Corley Funeral Home.

Notes:


Floyd Madison
Apr 29, 1913 - Mar 16, 2004

Floyd Madison, 90, of Corsicana passed away Tuesday, March 16, 2004 at Navarro Regional Hospital.

Visitation will be 4 to 8 p.m. today at Ross and Johnson Mortuary and 9:30 to 11 a.m. Friday at Sixth Avenue Baptist Church.

Services will be 11 a.m. Friday at Sixth Avenue Baptist Church with Pastor K. D. Davis officiating. Interment will follow at Woodland Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be Robert Madison, Douglas Madison, Samuel Madison, Willie Jackson Jr., W. C. Langston Jr. and Marx Madison.

Honorary pallbearers will be Deacons of Sixth Avenue Baptist Church.

Mr. Madison was born April 29, 1913 in Rice. He was a member of Sixth Avenue Baptist Church. He served in the U.S. Army during World War II from 1943 to '45. He was a retired, self-employed contractor.

He was preceded in death by her husband, Effie Bennetta Langston Madison.

Survivors include children Robert Louis Madison (Patricia) of Roanoke, Douglas Amzie Madison and Shirley Ann Polk, both of Los Angeles, Patricia Louise Madison of Chatfield, Samuel Rochelle Madison (Laura) of Midland and Marx Cornell Madison (Donna) of Corsicana; 19 grandchildren; 12-great-grandchildren; sisters Erma Lee McGruder of Los Angeles and Elizabeth Madison of Ardmore, Okla.; brother Charles Madison of Los Angeles; and a host of other relatives and friends.

Arrangements by Ross and Johnson Mortuary.

Notes:


Clifford Leo Gourley
May 6, 1915 - Mar 16, 2004

Clifford Leo Gourley, 88, passed away Tuesday, March 16, 2004, in Manassas, Va.

Leo, a long-time resident of Corsicana, was born in Piggott, Ark., and raised in the State Orphans Home in Corsicana. He attended Mary Hardin College (now called the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor) as a campus boy where he milked cows and did chores in exchange for tuition.

In 1943, he married Mary Frances Clowe, and together they had one daughter, Janet. Mary Frances died of bulbar polio in 1948. In 1950, Leo married Hallie Elizabeth McClure and they had one daughter, Betsy. Elizabeth died of leukemia in 1999 after 48 years of marriage.

Leo worked in navy shipyards in Massachusetts and California as a civilian during World War II, then returned to Corsicana to work for Bethlehem Steel in Corsicana. When the Bethlehem plant closed down in 1959, Leo was the only employee given an opportunity to stay with the company and was relocated to Johnstown, Pa. The closing of the steel plants in Johnstown sent him back to his beloved Texas where he worked as a mechanical engineer, industrial engineer, and tool designer at General Dynamics and Drilco. These job changes took him to Arlington, Midland, San Angelo, and Houston. From Houston, he and Elizabeth retired to Athens.

In Athens, Leo assisted with Elizabeth her volunteer activities in the Republican Women's Club and the Athens Food Pantry, often writing political speeches for the Republican meetings. His love of classical music would often finding him taking Elizabeth to the opera in Dallas or the symphony in Tyler. In his spare time, he would maintain beautiful flower and vegetable gardens on his acre property.

After Elizabeth's death, Leo moved to Virginia to live near his youngest daughter. He was a life member of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers and 32nd Degree Knight Templar. He was the a consummate southern gentleman, a loving husband and father, and a beloved grandfather who will truly be missed by all who knew him.

He is survived by his daughter, Betsy Chesky, of Centreville, Va.; son-in-law, Peter; grandchildren Jon, Jason, Jenny, and Megan; another daughter, Janet Engquist, of Houston; son-in-law, Bob, and grandchildren Ryan, Martin, Martin's wife Amanda; and one great-grandson, Hayden Christopher.

Visitation will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday, March 22, 2004, at Griffin-Roughton Funeral Home in Corsicana. Graveside services will follow at 3 p.m. at Oakwood Cemetery in Corsicana.

Arrangements by Griffin-Roughton Funeral Home.

Notes:


Elizabeth Ladelle Gillispie

See Biography

Notes:


Donald Barton
Aug 19, 1934 - Mar 19, 2004

Donald Barton, 69, of Corsicana, beloved husband, father, brother, uncle, friend and coach, left this earth to be with his heavenly Father after a courageous battle with cancer. He died Friday, March 19, 2004, in Corsicana.

Services will be 2 p.m. today at Griffin-Roughton Chapel with Dr. Clifford Lee, president of Lon Morris College in Jacksonville, officiating and Donnie Denbow giving the eulogy. Interment will follow at Oakwood Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be Donnie Denbow, Jerry Smith, Dale Dotson, Jimmy Dawson, Tom Wilson and Bob McElroy. Honorary pallbearers will be CHS Tiger linebackers, 1980 to 1990.

Don was born Aug. 19, 1934, in Thorpe Springs to George and Mattie Barton, the ninth of 10 children. He was raised in and around Granbury. He graduated from Granbury High School in 1953, then attended Baylor University receiving a degree in education in 1957. Don felt his calling in his life was to serve young people, so upon graduation he began a career as a teacher, coach and administrator that would span over 40 years and serve many communities throughout Texas. Don accepted his first job in Weatherford in 1957. It was here that he would meet the love of his life, the former Miss Sharon Blackwell. Together, they would begin a journey that would influence and touch so many people they encountered. After Weatherford, Don held positions at McKinney High School, Mesquite High School, Sherman High School, Ennis High School, Bridgeport High School, Dumas High School, Corsicana High School, Navarro College in Corsicana and Lon Morris College in Jacksonville. Don was fortunate to have been a part of many championship teams, and to have coached many individual champions as well. He coached in the Texas High School All-Star game and served a term on the Texas High School Coaches Association Board of Directors, but Don's greatest accomplishment as a teacher and coach came when a young person would simply say, "Thanks Coach, you made a difference." Don was rewarded daily by the young people he taught and coached, but his life was truly blessed by the influence that young people had on him.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Cecil Barton, Fred Barton and George "Junior" Barton; and sister, Emma Lee Barton.

Survivors include his beautiful, loving and supportive wife of 45 years, Sharon Blackwell Barton; son and daughter-in-law, Brad and Julie; brothers, Dale Barton and Charles Barton; sisters, Mary Allen, Mildred Hunter and Peggy Gillam; numerous nieces, nephews and an extended family of close and loving friends. He will be forever missed, never forgotten and always loved.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Cancer Society.

Arrangements by Griffin-Roughton Funeral Home.

Notes:


Louis C. Grant
Jan 27, 1913 - Mar 16, 2004

Louis C. Grant, 90, of Corsicana passed away Tuesday, March 16, 2004, at Navarro Regional Hospital.

Services will be 1 p.m. today at First Independent Baptist Church with the Rev. L.L. Polk officiating. Interment will follow at Pleasant Hall Cemetery in Winkler.

Mr. Grant was born Jan. 27, 1913, in Freestone County. He was a retired farmer and retired from the Wolf Brand Chili plant. He was a member of Second Mission Baptist Church.

He was preceded in death by his parents, four sisters, three brothers; four sons, Edward James, Leroy, Benjamin and John L. Grant; and grandson, Little Eddie Chambers.

Survivors include his wife, Pearlie Mae; seven daughters, Doris (George) of Fort Worth, Gladys (Curtis), Catherine (B.T.), Alice (Mike), and Diann (Elbert), all of Corsicana, Tommie Jean (Nolon) of Clarksville, and Mary Grant Sheppard of Dallas; two sons, Bennie Ray Grant and Fred Grant, both of Corsicana; daughter-in-law, Helen Grant of Corsicana; one brother, Edward Grant (Mary) of Streetman; 30 grandchildren; and a host of great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews and other relatives.

Arrangements by Ross and Johnson Mortuary.

Notes:


Toy Sheppard

Toy Sheppard, 86, of Kerens passed away Thursday, March 18, 2004, at his residence. Graveside services will be 10 a.m. today at Kerens Cemetery. Arrangements by Paschal Funeral Home, Kerens.

Notes:


Yolanda Michelle (Collins) Person
Dec 22, 1968 - Mar 20, 2004

Yolanda Michelle Collins Person, 35, of Dallas passed away Saturday, March 20, 2004, at her residence.

Services will be 2 p.m. Saturday at Calvary Full Gospel Baptist Church, 308 E. 11th Ave., with Pastor Erma Young officiating. Interment will follow at Brushie Prairie Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be Cedric Hood, Brandon Fulton, Maurice Bryant, Tyrone Hood, Andre Simmons and Terrence Brown. Honorary pallbearers will be Victor Duncan, Eddie Fulton, Aujwon James and Alondro King.

Mrs. Person was born Dec. 22, 1968, in Dallas. She was a 1987 graduate of Corsicana High School and was an employee at Baylor Hospital in Dallas.

Survivors include three children, Syki Jones, Jeremiah Blair and Satori Blair, all of Dallas; mother, Priscilla Jones of Corsicana; father, Alvin Collins Jr. of Charlotte, N.C.; two sisters, Chnekra (Nikki) Jones of Dallas and Ann M. Jones of Albany, Ga.; half-brother, Alvin C. Collins III; two nephews; four nieces; several aunts and uncles; stepfather, Charles Jones of Corsicana; step-grandmother, Lillie Mae Jones of Chicago, Ill.; mother-in-law, Marsha K. Brutton of Corsicana; grandmother-in-law, Laverne Livingston of Corsicana; and a host of other relatives and friends.

Arrangements by Ross and Johnson Mortuary.

Notes:


Alice Faye (Barree) Ballard
Feb 18, 1943 - Mar 18, 2004

Alice Faye Barree Ballard, 61, of Corsicana passed away Thursday, March 18, 2004, in Pasadena.

Services will be 1 p.m. Saturday, March 27, at Lifeline Fellowship Family Church, West State Highway 31, Corsicana, with Pastor Ricky Walter officiating. Interment will follow at Cedar Grove Cemetery in Streetman.

Pallbearers will be Albert Carter, Eric Davis, Donald Davis, Rodney Thomas, Sterling Williams, Courtney Holmes, Dominic Ballard, LaBrent Lee, Ira Barree III and Sebastian Barree.

Mrs. Ballard was born Feb. 18, 1943, in Streetman. She was a member of Lifeline Fellowship Family Church. She received her education at Dogan High School in Fairfield, and served as a board member of the NAACP.

She was preceded in death by her brother, Ira Barree Jr.; and husband, Sterling Ballard Sr.

Survivors include four daughters, Myrlnette Ballard, Vanesia Betts, Tessa Ballard and Crystal Ballard Davis; three sons, Booker T. Ballard, Anthony Ballard and Sterling Ballard Jr.; mother, Ethel Barree; one brother, the Rev. Aubrey Barree; 18 grandchildren, two great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews and other relatives.

Arrangements by Scott Funeral Home.

Notes:


Edna Grace (Hood) Nichols
Nov 29, 1909 - Mar 25, 2004

Edna Grace (Hood) Nichols, 94, of Friendswood died at 10 a.m. Thursday, March 25, 2004.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday at Corley Funeral Chapel with the Rev. B.F. Risinger Jr. officiating. Burial will be at Cade Cemetery.

Mrs. Nichols was born Nov. 29, 1909, in Axtell, near Waco. She was a resident of Corsicana for 35 years and a member of First Baptist Church. She taught Sunday school for a number of years. She was an active member of both the Joyful Servants Sunday School Class and WMU. Mrs. Nichols was a 50-year member of Eastern Star, Chapter 118 in Corsicana.

During her lifetime, she owned and operated beauty shops in Dallas and Streetman. At the time of her death, Mrs. Nichols was living with her niece, Patty Copeland, and was a member of First Baptist Church and the Joy Sunday School Class, where she assisted Huis Egge in organizing the WMU and loved witnessing for the Lord and serving as a prayer warrior.

Survivors include the following: Patty and Frank Copeland of Friendswood, Joyce and Wayne Posey of DeSoto, Grace Holland and Earl Meddli of Dallas, Carolyn and Jerry Marshall of Terrell, Mary Ann and James E. Leister of Mineola, Carolyn Ann and Jack Wahlstrom of Friendswood, Cathy Sue Copeland of Austin, David and Corie Posey of Costa Mesa, Calif., Marc Lynn Cox of Corsicana and Reed Posey of Austin.

Arrangements by Corley Funeral Home.

Notes:


Dorothy Aline (Sawyer) Petty-Gammon
Sep 21, 1921 - Mar 23, 2004

Dorothy Sawyer Gammon

Dorothy Sawyer Gammon, 82, of Houston passed away Tuesday, March 23, 2004, in Humble.

Visitation will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. today at Corley Funeral Home.

Services will be 2 p.m. Saturday at Corley Funeral Chapel with the Rev. Richard Hale officiating. Interment will follow at Richland Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be Joe Hudson, Brandon Stewart, Jerry Rodriguiz, Curt Petty, Ron Petty and Ralph Kinsey.

Mrs. Gammon was born Sept. 21, 1921, in Navarro County.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Melvin Gammon; parents, Don M. and Willie Sawyer; brother, Ralph Sawyer; and sisters, Opal Ward and Mildred Willey.

Survivors include her son and daughter-in-law, Donnie and Judy Petty of Houston; daughter and son-in-law, Donna Kay and Gerald Whaley of Cibola; grandsons, Skip Petty and wife Shawni and Ron Petty and wife Mandy, all of Splendora, and Curt Petty of Porter; granddaughters, Donna Kinsey and husband Ralph of Sugar Land, Rachel Whaley of Cibola, Shelia Whaley of San Antonio and Crystal K. Petty of Humble; 11 great-grandchildren; three great-grandchildren.

Arrangements by Corley Funeral Home.

Notes:

  • Corsicana Daily Sun - March 26, 2004
  • Wife of Elmer E. Petty & Melvin S. Gammon; Daughter of Don Mayo Sawyer & Willie Rachel (Brown) Sawyer

Amada (Pecina) Ocon
Sep 3, 1929 - Mar 25, 2004

Amada Pecina Ocon, 74, of Corsicana passed away Thursday, March 25, 2004, at Dr. Health Care Nursing Home in Dallas.

Visitation will be held from 2 to 4 p.m. today at Griffin-Roughton Funeral Home.

Services will be 9 a.m. Saturday at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church with the Rev. Danilo Ramos officiating. Interment will follow at Calvary Catholic Cemetery.

Mrs. Ocon was born Sept. 3, 1929, in Corsicana to Cresencio and Juana Pecina. She was a homemaker.

Survivors include her sons, Mike Ramirez and Louis Ramirez, both of Corsicana; brothers, Pete Pecina and wife Elizabeth of Dallas, Joe Pecina and wife Gloria of Fort Worth, Richard Luna of Houston and Elic Luna of California; sister, Frances Gonzalez and husband Angel of Dallas; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Arrangements by Griffin-Roughton Funeral Home.

Notes:


Tracy Person
1974 - Mar 20, 2004

Tracy Person, 30, of Dallas passed away Saturday, March 20, 2004, at his residence. Services will be 11 a.m. Saturday, March 27, at Wilgo Baptist Church, 621 E. First Ave., with the Rev. William Kurney officiating. Interment will follow at Woodland Cemetery. Arrangements by Ross and Johnson Mortuary.

Notes:


Marian L. (Shuttlesworth) Sheppard
Mar 13, 1901 - Mar 17, 2004

Marian L. Sheppard

Marian L. Sheppard, 103, of Washington, Kan., and formerly of Corsicana, passed away Wednesday, March 17, 2004, at Homestead Nursing Home in Washington, Kan.

Services were 10:30 a.m. March 19 at Ward Funeral Home in Washington, Kan., with Pastor Paul Hutchison officiating. Interment followed at Hollenberg City Cemetery in Hollenberg, Kan.

Mrs. Sheppard was born March 13, 1901, in Navarro County to Marion Columbus Shuttlesworth and May Ellen Johnston Shuttlesworth. She married Carl C. Sheppard on Nov. 22, 1928, in Corsicana. She was a homemaker and a member of First Baptist Church in Washington, Kan.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Carl C. Sheppard on Feb. 7, 1987; father, Marion C. Shuttlesworth; mother, May E. Shuttlesworth; daughter, Martha Elizabeth Sheppard; brothers, Grayson Shuttlesworth, Jimmy Shuttlesworth, Lawrence Shuttlesworth and Martin Shuttlesworth; and sister, Lena B. Shuttlesworth.

Survivors include her daughter, Mary Ellen Parker Graham and husband J.A. of Tyler and Joe Sheppard and wife June of Washington, Kan.; three grandchildren, six great-grandchildren, one great-great-grandchild and numerous nieces and nephews.

Memorials may be made to First Baptist Church in Washington, Kan.

Arrangements by Ward Funeral Home, Washington, Kan.

Notes:


Helen (Schmidt) Cagle
Sep 9, 1948 - Mar 22, 2004

Helen Cagle

Helen Cagle, 55, of Frost passed away Monday, March 22, 2004, at her residence.

Visitation will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. today at Griffin-Roughton Funeral Chapel in Blooming Grove.

Services will be 2 p.m. Thursday at Griffin-Roughton Funeral Chapel in Blooming Grove with Barron Harris officiating. Interment will follow at Frost Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be nephews.

Mrs. Cagle was born Sept. 9, 1948, in Dallas. She was a homemaker and a 30-year resident of Frost.

Survivors include her husband of 32 years, Jerry Cagle Sr. of Frost; sons, Jerry Cagle Jr. and wife Melanie of Blooming Grove, Richard Cagle and wife Kendra of Frost and Darrell Cagle of Frost; daughter, Linda Glover and husband Randy of Burleson; parents, Cecil and Juanita (Insco) Pelton of Duncanville; grandchildren, Ashley Barajas, Jessica Cagle, Randy Glover Jr., Nick Barajas, Haley Cagle, Randy Cagle, Jeffrey Cagle, Hunter Cagle, Ashley Martinez, Justin Cagle and Hannah Cagle; great-grandson, Ryan Cagle; brothers, Robert Schmidt of McKinney, Jimmy Pelton of Malone and Carl Pelton of Duncanville.

Arrangements by Griffin-Roughton Funeral Chapel, Blooming Grove.

Notes:


Robbie Edna (Lackey) Houston
Dec 23, 1910 - Mar 22, 2004

Robbie Edna Houston, 93, of Mesquite passed away Monday, March 22, 2004, at her residence. Services will be 2 p.m. today at Corley Funeral Chapel with the Rev. Algie Lee Kilgore and the Rev. Norene Bailey officiating. Interment will follow at Hamilton-Beeman Cemetery. Arrangements by Corley Funeral Home.

Notes:


Norma Lee (Hale) Burns
Feb 11, 1933 - Mar 7, 2004

Norma Lee Hale-Burns

Norma Lee Hale-Burns, 71, of Palestine, a retired educator, passed away Sunday, March 7, 2004, at a Fort Worth nursing home. Mrs. Burns was born in Dallas on Feb. 11, 1933, and is preceded in death by her parents, George LeRoy Hale and Ruth Scrimshire Hale McClatchy.

Mrs. Burns spent most of her life in North Texas, residing in Dallas, Balch Springs, Blooming Grove, Corsicana, and Palestine. She also lived in Southern California in the late 1950s, and she resided in Denver, Colo., from 1964 to 1967. She attended Adamson High School in Oak Cliff, and she completed her undergraduate work in government and education at Southern Methodist University and North Texas State University. She earned a master's in special education from Texas Woman's University and a doctorate in special education from the University of Denver in 1974. Mrs. Burns was certified by the State of Texas as an educational diagnostician and as a teacher for all grades and all subjects.

From 1967 to 1978, Mrs. Burns owned and operated the McDonald Developmental Home. The facility for physically and mentally handicapped children was located in Balch Springs, and later relocated to Blooming Grove. It was recognized by state officials as one of the leading facilities of its kind in Texas, and it was profiled in several media pieces in the 1970s, including articles in The Dallas Morning News and Dallas Times Herald. Mrs. Burns later taught special needs inmates with the Texas Department of Corrections in several units in East Texas.

Mrs. Burns had a lifelong love of working with children and the less fortunate. She also enjoyed caring for animals, particularly horses. She enjoyed living in the country and owned many animals throughout her life, including miniature horses, cats, dogs, llamas, poultry and other various livestock. She also enjoyed playing piano and cello.

She is survived by her husband, Troy Burns, of Palestine; her brother, William J. Hale and his wife, Natalie, of Cedar Hill; her sons, Marc McDonald of Fort Worth and Tim McDonald and his wife, Cynthia, of Richardson; her two daughters, Shelley McDonald, of Fort Worth, and Kathryn Price, of Huntsville; and by her three grandchildren, Timothy McDonald, Rebecca McDonald and Christopher McDonald, all of Richardson.

Funeral services were held March 10, 2004, at Laurel Land Memorial Park in Dallas with Joseph B. Christopherson, senior pastor of King's Brook Church, officiating. A mass is scheduled for Mrs. Burns at 12:05 p.m., Oct. 8, 2004 at St. Patrick Cathedral, in downtown Fort Worth.

Notes:


Gladys (Cheney) Tindall
Dec 15, 1913 - Mar 25, 2004

Gladys Cheney Tindall, 90, of Denmark, S.C. died Thursday, March 25, 2004, at Regional Medical Center in Orangeburg, S.C.

Mrs. Tindall was born Dec. 15, 1913, in Corsicana, a daughter of the late Byron Cheney and the late Gladys Shaw Cheney.

After graduating from Baylor University in Waco, she received her master's degree from Columbia University in New York City. Prior to her marriage to the late James Francis Tindall on July 3, 1940, she taught English at a school on a Cherokee Indian reservation in Oklahoma.

Before retirement, she worked with family-owned newspapers and publishing companies in Southwest Virginia and Upstate New York. Additionally, she taught English at Marion Junior College in Marion, Va., for several years.

She was a member of Christ Episcopal Church in Denmark, S.C., and a former member of St. Michael's Episcopal Church in Charleston, S.C., where she was a member of the Altar Guild and assisted with the Meals on Wheels program.

Mrs. Tindall also served as a tour guide for historic St. Michael's.

Survivors include a son and daughter-in-law, Byron and Anne Tindall of Denmark, S.C.; grandson and granddaughter-in-law, James and Maria Tindall of Plano; granddaughter, Christine Balch of Bamberg, S.C.; granddaughter and grandson-in-law, Sara and Patrick Ghazal of Atlanta, Ga.; five great-granddaughters, Adrienne Tindall of Las Vegas, Nev., Talbot and Cheney Balch of Bamberg, S.C., Liza Tindall of Plano and Isabel Ghazal of Atlanta, Ga.; and two great-grandsons, Connor and Jimmy Tindall of Plano.

Her daughter, Jane Frances Tindall, died in 2001.

A memorial service will be held at 3:30 p.m. Sunday, March 28, at Christ Church with the Rev. Richard I.H. Besler, rector of St. Michael's, officiating. Interment will follow at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials be made to Christ Episcopal Church, P.O. Box 237, Denmark, SC 29042; The Carter Center, One Copenhill, 453 Freedom Parkway, Atlanta, GA 30307; or the charity of one's choice.

Arrangements by Mercer Funeral Home, Denmark, S.C.

Notes:


Jo Ann (Adams) Farmer
Feb 8, 1935 - Mar 26, 2004

Jo Ann Farmer

Jo Ann Farmer, 69, of Corsicana passed away Friday, March 26, 2004, at Navarro Regional Hospital.

Services will be 2 p.m. Monday at Griffin-Roughton Chapel. Interment will follow at Resthaven Memorial Park.

Mrs. Farmer was born Feb. 8, 1935.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Bill Adams and Thelma Adams.

Survivors include her husband, Jackie Farmer of Corsicana; brothers, Don Adams of Tatum, N.M., Dan Adams of Duncanville and Karinell Tucker of Bellmead; sisters, Linda Tanner of Corsicana and Joyce Campbell of Thornton; a number of nieces and nephews; and sisters-in-law, Daphene Thompson of Fort Worth, Dorothy Pierce of Burleson, Darlene Pruitt of Dallas, Pat Smith of Navarro Mills, Sue Reaves and husband Homer of Dallas, Peggy Farmer and husband Dwayne of Tyler and Sue Farmer of Houston.

Arrangements by Griffin-Roughton Funeral Home.

Notes:


Alma V. (Bonnett) Reathaford
Apr 4, 1906 - Mar 26, 2004

Alma V. Reathaford

Alma V. Reathaford, 97, of Corsicana, beloved mother, memaw, aunt and friend went to be with her Lord and Savior on Friday, March 26, 2004.

Graveside services will be 1 p.m. today at Oakhill Cemetery in McAlester, Okla., with Pastor Robert Herzig officiating.

She was born April 4, 1906, in Indian Territory of what is now McAlester, Okla. She attended First United Methodist Church of Corsicana and was a 36-year member of the Grand Avenue Methodist church in McAlester. From 1955 to 1968, she and her husband owned and operated White's Auto Store in Mexia. A very friendly person by nature, she always loved a good conversation. She cherished every opportunity to visit or spend time with her loving family and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, William and Maggie Deel Bonnett; her husband of 52 years, Russ Reathaford; and sisters, Willie Hawkins and Ruby Hudelson, all of McAlester.

She is survived by her daughter, Linda Cutrer and husband Richard of Corsicana; her grandchildren, Richey Cutrer and wife Margaret of Groesbeck, Hollye Usery and husband Michael of Corpus Christi, and Suzanne Cutrer of Corsicana; great-grandchildren, Cameron Cutrer, and Brody, Jack and Hannah Usery; nieces, Jerry James of Krebs, Okla., DeLoyce Patterson and husband Tommy of McAlester; nephews, Rusty Hudelson and wife Schahara of Levelland, and Aaron Smith of Missouri; her loving and caring special friends, Phrink Reagan and Ruby Jennings, both of Corsicana; and furry companion, her baby kitty.

Arrangements by Griffin-Roughton Funeral Home.

Notes:


Richard M Varnell
May 7, 1848 - Sep 19, 1915

R. M. VARNELL DEAD

Well known citizen passed away suddenly. Was leading member of First Baptist Church.

R. M. Varnell, one of the best known and most highly respected citizens of Cleveland and Bradley County, died suddenly at his home on Worth Street Sunday a few minutes past noon. Mr. Varnell had just returned on Friday from a visit of two weeks in Texas with his brother and three sisters. He had also been there looking after a fine farm which he owned there. He had complained for several days, it is said, with a pain in his chest, but had not thought much of it, as it had given him little annoyance. Sunday about noon he was sitting on the porch reading. He put down his book or paper, walked into the sitting room and lay down on a couch. Without a word or struggle his life passed out within ten minutes from the time he lay down.

Mr. Varnell's life was a beautiful one of devotion to his home, his church, and his country. There was no better man in the community and no more loyal man to righteousness and good citizenship. He was a man of few words but he always said the right thing at the right time and never for a single moment wavered in what he considered the right. Mr. Varnell was a native of Murray County Georgia. He married Miss Mattie Freeman of Dalton in the year 1883. Deceased is survived by his widow and by one brother and three sisters all of whom reside in Barry, Texas. Funeral
will occur Tuesday a. m. at 10 o'clock at the First Baptist Church.

Notes:

  • This obit was in the 20 September 1915 Cleveland, Tennessee newspaper.
  • Richard was born 7 May 1848 in Red Clay, Murray County, Georgia and died 19 September 1915 in Cleveand, Bradley County, Tennessee.
  • Mr. Varnell was survived by his wife, Mattie C. Freeman Varnell; one brother, John James Varnell, married Theodocia Williams. Three sisters, Nancy Jane, married Andrew Marion Griffin; Sarah Elizabeth married George Lewis Fagala; Anne E. married McKenzie C. Reed. One brother, who preceded him in death, William McGee, married Harriet Jane Creswell. All lived in Barry, Navarro County, Texas except Ann E. who lived in Clarendon, Donley County, Texas. He was also preceded in death by a son,
    Jesse A. Varnell, who died as a young child.
  • Submitted by Ann Walton Wilson

Margaret McClung
Dec 17, 1911 - Mar 27, 2004

Margaret McClung, 92, of Corsicana passed away Saturday, March 27, 2004 at Heritage Oaks Retirement Village.

Visitation will be 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at Paschal Funeral Home in Kerens.

Services will be 10 a.m. Wednesday at the Paschal Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Cathy Mordecai officiating. Interment will follow at Kerens Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be Lary Reed, Danny Reed, Scott Reed, Jim Reed, James Reed and Jerry Chandler.

Mrs. McClung was born Dec. 17, 1911 in Corsicana.

Survivors include nieces Patsy Chandler of Ferris, Marilyn Patton of Denton and Mary Ann Porter of Huntsville; nephews Lary Reed and Jim Reed, both of Corsicana, Mathew McClung of Spring; cousins June Archer and Mary Francis Humphries, both of Corsicana; and brother-in-law Alton McClung of The Woodlands.

Arrangements by Paschal Funeral Home, Kerens.

Notes:


John Alfred Coleman
Dec 9, 1912 - Mar 27, 2004

John Alfred Coleman, 91, of Kirvin passed away Saturday, March 27, 2004 in Mexia. Services will be 10 a.m. Monday at Capps Memorial Chapel in Fairfield. Interment will follow at Woodland Cemetery.

Notes:

------

John Alfred Coleman

John Alfred Coleman, 91, of Kirvin passed away Saturday, March 27, 2004 in Mexia.

Services will be 10 a.m. Monday at Capps Memorial Chapel in Fairfield.

Interment will follow at
Woodland Cemetery.

Notes:


Rosa Lee (Sawyer) Follis
Jan 3, 1921 - Mar 29, 2004

Rosa Lee Follis

Rosa Lee Follis, 83, of Mexia and formerly of Corsicana, passed away Monday, March 29, 2004, at Haven Nursing Home.

Graveside services will be 11 a.m. Wednesday at Hamilton-Beeman Cemetery with Russell Bankes officiating.

Mrs. Follis was born Jan. 3, 1921, in Fairfield to Carlie and Lulie (Bohanna) Sawyer. She was a homemaker.

Survivors include her brother, Carlie Sawyer of Wortham; sister, Opal Rogers of Mexia; nieces and nephews, Mablelene Curry of Thornton, Opal Jean Jackson of Mesquite, Peggy Huckabee of Mesquite, Vickie Beard of Tehuacana, Suseann Henderson of Corsicana, Clyde Ray Sawyer of Prairie Hill, Jackie Lee Stanley of Vension and Mary Ellen Stanley of Mabank.

Arrangements by Griffin-Roughton Funeral Home.

Notes:


Brandon Michael Joyner
May 3, 1986 - Mar 29, 2004

Brandon Michael Joyner, 17, of Groesbeck and formerly of Corsicana, passed away Sunday, March 28, 2004.

Visitation will be 6 to 8 p.m. today at Porter Funeral Home in Mexia.

Services will be 2 p.m. Wednesday at the First Baptist Church in Groesbeck with Brother Cliff Jones officiating. Interment will follow at Lost Prairie Cemetery.

Brandon was born in 1986 in LaGrange.

Survivors include his parents Paul and Sandy Joyner; his sister and brother-in-law Demeka (Rogers) Birdwell and D. J. Birdwell; and nephew Dylan.

Arrangements by Porter Funeral Home.

Notes:

  • Corsicana Daily Sun - March 30, 2004
  • Photo not part of the obituary
  • Lost Prairie Cemetery, Groesbeck, Limestone Co., TX

Horace Henry Collins
Oct 12, 1920 - Mar 30, 2004

Horace Henry Collins, 83, of Irving passed away Tuesday, March 30, 2004, in Irving.

Visitation will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. today at Corley Funeral Home.

Services will be 2 p.m. Friday at Corley Funeral Chapel with Don Hatch officiating. Interment will follow at Hamilton-Beeman Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be John Ross, Randall Ross, Jody Trent, Jerry Trent, Jay McKey and Blaine Tapley.

Mr. Collins was born Oct. 12, 1920, in Kerens. He was a former resident of Corsicana for 53 years.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Alva Hill and Mary Adline (Shue) Collins; daughter, Barbara Jo Collins; grandson, Joel Tapley; and granddaughter, Anita Jo Tapley.

Survivors include his wife of 64 years, Louise Collins of Irving; daughter and son-in-law, Beverly and Jerry McKey of Irving; grandsons, Jay McKey and wife Irene of Irving and Blaine Tapley of Newton; granddaughter, Melissa Allen and husband Darrell of Irving; nine great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild.

Arrangements by Corley Funeral Home.

Notes:


Edward Raymonmd Mitchell
Oct 13, 1934 - Mar 31, 2004

Coach Ed Mitchell of Dawson passed away Wednesday, March 31, 2004, at Hillcrest Baptist Medical Center in Waco at the age of 69. He was born Oct. 13, 1934, in San Antonio to William Wilson Mitchell and Minta Louise Guess Mitchell.

Visitation will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. today at Griffin-Roughton Funeral Home in Corsicana.

Funeral services will be 10 a.m. Friday, April 2, 2004, at Mitchell Field in Dawson with the Rev. Chuck Wallace officiating. Burial will follow at Dawson Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be Jimmy Dawson, David Haden, Kenneth Murray, Randy Boley, Ronald Ray, Ronnie Woodall, David Jacobs, Tommy Roberson, and Billy Porter. Honorary pallbearers will be Bill Humbert, Pete Chasteen, Collin Bumpers, Clarence Hollingsworth, former athletes, students, teachers and administrators that he coached, taught, and worked with.

Coach Mitchell was a member of First Baptist Church in Dawson, Dawson Lions Club, Dawson Ex-students Association, 20-year member of Texas High School Coaching Association No. 612. He had 47 years in teaching, coaching, and as principal. His teams won 27 district championships in football, boys and girls basketball, boys and girls tennis, baseball, boys and girls track. He coached in Lorenzo, Evant, Dawson, Poteet, Belton, and returned to Dawson where he retired.

He is survived by his son and daughter-in-law, Curtis and Belinda Mitchell of Corsicana; granddaughters that he idolized, Miranda, Leeza, and Mikala; niece and husband, Donna and Luke Grubb of Austin; great-nephews, Garret and Jacob; and brother William Franklin Mitchell of San Antonio.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Dawson Ex-Students Association or a charity of your choice.

Arrangements by Griffin-Roughton Funeral Home, Corsicana
.

Notes:


Irene (Hughes) Ellis
abt 1918 - Mar 28, 2004

Irene Ellis, 89, of Corsicana passed away Sunday, March 28, 2004, at Mel-Haven Convalescent Home. Services will be 11 a.m. Saturday at Taylor Memorial Church of God in Christ, 1600 E. Fifth Ave., with Elder Otis Byrd officiating and Elder Willie D. Taylor as eulogist. Interment will follow at Woodland Cemetery.

Notes:


James Kelton Inmon Sr. 
Aug 9, 1954 - Apr 2, 2004

James Kelton Inmon Sr., died Friday morning, April 2, 2004, at his residence after a nine-year battle with cancer. James was born Aug. 9, 1954, in Corsicana, to Jasper James "Sonny" Inmon Jr. and Johnnie Dean Wright Inmon. He is survived by his wife of 28 years, Jymie Carol; his father and stepmother, Sonny and Betty Inmon of Malakoff; sister, Donna Burton and husband Carl of Mont Belvieu; son, James K. Inmon Jr. and wife Teri of Kerens; daughter, Jillian Reaves and husband David of Kerens; Jennifer Inmon of College Station; daughter, Jamie Kay Woodall and husband Josh of College Station; and a host of extended family and friends. James was preceded in death by his mother.

James was reared in the Cayuga area and graduated from Cayuga High School in 1972. He attended Navarro College and Henderson County Junior College before completing his bachelor of science in agricultural education at Tarleton State University in Stephenville. He met his wife in Stephenville and they married in 1976. He taught school in Tampa, Fla., at Sligh Junior High, worked for Nipak Plastics in Corsicana as a quality control engineer, and taught vocational classes for Henderson County Junior College (now Trinity Valley Community College) for over 25 years. He taught off-campus at the Coffield, Michaels and Beto units of the Texas Department of Corrections in Tennessee Colony. James was a Christian and was a member of First Baptist Church of Kerens.

Visitation will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. today at Paschal Funeral Home. Service will be 3 p.m. Sunday at First Baptist Church in Kerens. Burial will follow at Long Prairie Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be Paul Duff, G.L. Thomas, Jerry Jordan, Rexanne Crofut, Rita Fields and Kelly Kilcrease. Honorary pallbearers will be Bert Kilcrease, Kenny Kilcrease, Kenneth Kilcrease and James McCarter.

Memorials may be made to Texas Baptist Children's Home in Round Rock or to the Rachel Wright Memorial Scholarship Fund at First Baptist Church of Kerens.

Arrangements by Paschal Funeral Home, Kerens.

Notes:


Raymond Boyd

Mr. Raymond Boyd of Corsicana, TX formerly of Atlanta, GA, the husband of Mrs. Emma Jean Boyd passed Thursday, April 1, 2004. Funeral Services will be announced by Donald Trimble Mortuary, Inc. 1876 Second Ave. Decatur, (404) 371-0772-3.
Published in The Atlanta Journal-Constitution on 4/3/2004


Flora Lee Price (b. 3 Jun 1934, d. 26 Jan 2004)
Note: Flora Lee Price, 69, of Pukalani, died Jan. 26, 2004, at Maui Memorial Medical Center. Private family services will be held. Borthwick Norman's Mortuary is assisting with the arrangements. Ms. Price was born June 3, 1934, in Corsicana, Texas.
Ref: 022204MN
Given Name: Flora Lee Death: 26 Jan 2004 Hawaii

Kevin Barnett
Sep 30, 1961 - Apr 2, 2004

Kevin Barnett, 42, of Kerens passed away Friday, April 2, 2004 at his residence.

Visitation will be 6 to 8 p.m. today at Paschal Funeral Home.

Graveside services will be 10 a.m. Monday at Oak Grove Cemetery with the Rev. Steve Darden officiating.

Mr. Barnett was born Sept. 30, 1961 in Athens.

He is survived by a daughter, Whitney Lynn Barnett of Powell; parents, Billy and Margaret Barnett of Kerens; brother and sister-in-law, Kyle and D'Ann Barnett of Powell; sister, Krissie Barnett of Frisco; sister and brother-in-law, Kelly and Britt Thornhill of Abilene; and a number of aunts, uncles, cousins and a host of friends.

Arrangements by Paschal Funeral Home, Kerens.

Notes:


Jimmie Allene (McConnico) Evans
Oct 28, 1907 - Apr 2, 2004

Allene McConnico Evans, 96, of Sulphur Springs will be held at 2 p.m. today at Birdston Cemetery in Streetman with the Rev. Wayne Mahoney officiating. Mrs. Evans' nephews will be serving as pallbearers. No formal visitation will be held.

Mrs. Evans passed away at 1:35 a.m. Friday, April 2, 2004 at Sulphur Springs Health and Rehab. She was born in Streetman on Oct. 28, 1907 to C.J. and Velma Ellis McConnico. She married J. Clair Evans in Streetman in 1927. He preceded her in death in 1974. Mrs. Evans was a retired executive for Russell Stover Candy Company. She was a member of First Baptist Church in Streetman and was a sunday school teacher and superintendent. She was a member of the Order of Eastern Store for 50 years.

Survivors include: two nieces, Mary Ann O'Neal of Sulpher Springs and Kathy Stickel of Pacific Palisades, CA; five nephews, Steve McConnico of Austin, Kit McConnico of Hurst, Ken McConnico of Seabrook, Gary McConnico of Streetman and Chris McConnico of Purdon.

She was preceded in death by three brothers, Robert D. McConnico, Charlie McConnico, and Billy McConnico; one sister, Mattie Lou Sims; and one nephew, Bob McConnico.

Memorials may be made to Buckner Baptist Benevolences.

Arrangements by Murray-Orwosky Funeral Home.

Notes:


Rev. Alvin Leeroy Steen
Jan 18, 1921 - Apr 3, 2004

The Rev. Alvin L. Steen, 83, a Baptist minister who retired after 46 years, died Saturday, April 3, 2004, in Granbury.

Funeral: 2 p.m. Wednesday at Wiley Funeral Home. Burial: Granbury Cemetery. Visitation: 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home.

The Rev. Alvin Steen was born Jan. 18, 1921, in Hemphill County to James F. and Clara Wootten Steen. He married Georgia Lee Hodge in 1943 in Sulphur, Okla. He was a WW II Army Air Force veteran and pastored at Central Baptist Church in Corsicana for 27 years. He was preceded in death by his parents and six brothers.

Survivors: The love of his life for 61 years, wife, Georgia Steen; daughter, DeeAnn Kerulis and husband, John of Granbury; sons, Harold Steen and wife, Fredia and Bobby Steen and wife, Tracie, all of Corsicana; grandchildren, Misty, Colt, Kellie and Tyler; brothers, Wesley Steen of Wheeler and Archie Steen of Porum, Okla.; and several nieces and nephews.

Arrangements by Wiley Funeral Home, Granbury.

Notes:


Juanita Jo (Littlejohn) Bower
Mar 28, 1922 - Apr 4, 2004

Juanita Jo Bower

Juanita Jo Bower, 82, of Corsicana passed away Sunday, April 4, 2004 at Navarro Regional Hospital.

Juanita was born March 28, 1922 in Cryer Creek. Affectionately known as "Red," Juanita was a regular sight to patrons of George's Grill and was a 35-year employee of Adams Hat Factory. Juanita was also a 50-year member of Memorial Baptist Church where she was an active member of the "Willing Workers" class.

Juanita is survived by her husband Rex Bower Jr.; sister, Orieda Welch; brother-in-law, Elmer Wagner; and four children and their spouses: B.D. and Martha Watkins, Pat and Larry Warren, Rex Bower II, and Ray and Jessie Bower.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Gus and Eliza Littlejohn; sister, Omega Wagner; and granddaughter, Kami.

Services will be held Wednesday, April 7, 2004 at 4 p.m. at Griffin-Roughton Funeral Home Chapel. Burial will follow at Oakwood Cemetery.

Juanita touched many lives with her winning smile and caring ways. She never met a stranger or turned away from a person in need. She was a rare soul; with the endless ability to exhibit unconditional love for everyone around her. We will miss her dearly.

Arrangements by Griffin-Roughton Funeral Home, Corsicana.

Notes:


Betty Jean (Daniel) Wylie
Oct 17, 1952 - Apr 4, 2004

Betty Daniel Wylie ended her fifteen-year plus battle with cancer on Sunday, April 4, 2004. Betty was dubbed "Momma Scott" by her grandson, Christopher, early on and granddaughters, Alison and Haley followed suit and the name stuck. She was Momma Scott to everyone.

She was born in Blooming Grove, Texas to W.R. and Mattie Ethel Daniel on Oct. 17, 1952. Soon after the family moved to the Navarro area, she attended school there and graduated from Mildred High School. She was a 36-year employee with the Corsicana Independent School District having begun her career at Drane as a Teacher's Aid in Reading. Eventually, moving to the High School as the PEIMS Coordinator where she spent the next 30-plus years. Betty worked at the High School until she saw all her "kids" graduate.

Betty was preceded in death by W.R. "Blackie" Daniel and Mattie Ethel Daniel; a sister, Mildred Burneston; and a granddaughter, Sara Wylie.

She is survived by her children, sons and daughters-in-law: Ronnie and Mary Jane Wylie, Scott and Debra Wylie, and Robin Wylie and beloved pet, Princess; one grandson, Christopher and wife, Julie Wylie; two granddaughters, Alison Wylie and Haley Wylie; three sisters, Joann Hand, Pat and Vic Howell, Dorothy and Jake Anschutz; and numerous nieces and nephews and her special friends of the "Bridge Club."

Services will be Tuesday, April 6, 2004 at 4 p.m. at Griffin-Roughton Funeral Home Chapel with Bro. Clayton Smith officiating. Burial will follow at Oakwood Cemetery. Visitation, Monday, April 5, 2004 from 6 to 8 p.m.

Pallbearers are Jay Payne, Jason Payne, Ryan Payne, Donnie Denbow, Paul Ross and David Hand. Honorary pallbearers are Vic Howell, Dennis Redden and Bennie Hand.

The family asks that contributions be made to the American Cancer Society in lieu of flowers.

Arrangements by Griffin-Roughton Funeral Home, Corsicana.

Notes:


Michael Allen Baker
Oct 10, 1958 - Apr 4, 2004

Michael Allen Baker, 45, of Corsicana passed away Sunday, April 4, 2004, in Corsicana.

Services will be 10 a.m. Thursday at Corley Funeral Chapel with the Rev. Lonnie Keele officiating. Interment will follow at Oakwood Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be Otto Baker, David Reutherford, John Byrd and James Thomas.

Mr. Baker was born Oct. 10, 1958, in Fort Rucker, Ala.

Survivors include his daughter, Erica Cheyenne Baker of Corsicana; sister, Debbie Baker of Galveston; brother, Clovis Baker of Navarro Mills; mother, Yoko Baker of Corsicana; uncles, Otto Baker of Corsicana, David Reutherford of Corsicana, John Byrd of Kerens and James Thomas of Duncanville; aunt, Joyce Distell of Athens; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

Arrangements by Corley Funeral Home.

Notes:


Arol Dene Owens
Mar 31, 1930 - Apr 6, 2004

Dene Owens, 74, of Corsicana passed away Tuesday, April 6, 2004, in Athens.

Visitation will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. today at Corley Funeral Home.

Services will be 2 p.m. Friday at Corley Funeral Chapel with the Rev. Horace Cobb and the Rev. Harold Scott officiating. Interment will follow at Eureka Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be Robert Owens, Chuck Owens, Bubba Owens, Fred Cheek, Tony Waller and Joe Brewer. Honorary pallbearers will be Billy Kuykendall and Dusty Owens.

Mr. Owens was born March 31, 1930, in Eureka.

He was preceded in death by his parents, George and Ruby Mae Owens.

Survivors include his wife, Marie Owens of Corsicana; sons, Jimmy Dene Owens and wife Marsha of Blooming Grove, Robbie Owens of Corsicana, and Donnie Owens and wife Mary of Streetman; daughters, Deena Owens, Christy Kuykendall and husband Billy, and Felicia Owens, all of Corsicana; eight grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; brothers, Danny Owens and wife Linda of Corsicana, Glenn Owens of Malakoff, and Ronnie Owens and wife Vicki of Chatfield; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Arrangements by Corley Funeral Home.

Notes:


Nora (Garrett) Smith
Jun 6, 1912 - Apr 7, 2004

Nora Garrett Smith, 91, of Corsicana passed away Wednesday, April 7, 2004, in Corsicana.

Visitation will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. today at Corley Funeral Home.

Graveside services will be 3 p.m. Friday at Resthaven Memorial Park with Dick James officiating.

Mrs. Smith was born June 6, 1912, in Currie.

She was preceded in death by her son, Alton Roberts.

Survivors include her husband, Fred Smith of Corsicana; son and daughter-in-law, William S. and Trish Smith of Midway, Ga.; daughter and son-in-law, Faye and Rick Ramsey of Corsicana; grandsons and wives, Mike and Billie Crockett of Fairfield and Doug and Christie Roberts of Garland; granddaughters and husbands, Michele and Vernon McGuyer of Corsicana and Glenda and Monty Dile of Garland; seven great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.

Memorials may be made to Fosters Home for Children, Stephenville, Texas.

Arrangements by Corley Funeral Home.

Notes:


Vernia Helen (Oliver) Turner
Dec 28, 1935 - Apr 2, 2004

Vernia Helen Oliver Turner, 68, of Corsicana passed away Friday, April 2, 2004, in Fort Worth.

Visitation will be held from noon to 8 p.m. today at M. R. Smith Parlor for Funerals.

Services will be 1 p.m. Friday at Church of the Living God in Corsicana with Overseer Robert Newsome officiating and Bishop Annell Castille Haney as eulogist. Interment will follow at Resthaven Memorial Park in Corsicana.

Mrs. Turner was born Dec. 28, 1935, in Kerens. She was a licensed vocational nurse and a member of Church of the Living God in Malakoff.

She was preceded in death by her father.

Survivors include her mother, Minnie L. Vanibuls; daughters, Dementria L. Goode and husband John of Fort Worth and Rea Marie Dirks of Euless; four grandsons, Kameron K. Williams of Corsicana, Jamal A. Goode, Justin L. Simpkins and Jerrel A. Goode of Fort Worth; and many other relatives and friends.

Arrangements by M.R. Smith Parlor for Funerals.

Notes:


Louis Frances Stallings
Jul 7, 1949 - Apr 6, 2004

Louis Frances Stallings, 54, of Mount Calm, formerly of Corsicana, passed away Tuesday, April 6, 2004, at his residence with his family by his side after a courageous fight with cancer.

Visitation will held from 6 to 8 p.m. today at Griffin-Roughton Funeral Home.

Services will be noon Friday at Griffin-Roughton Chapel with the Rev. Al Smirl of Heavenly Days Country Holiness Church of Richland officiating.

Honorary pallbearers will be Henry Owen, Ray Luna, Wayne Brown, Gene Carver, Bobby McClendon and Clayton Carver.

Mr. Stallings was born July 7, 1949, in Corsicana to Louis Earl and Jessie Alma (Glasgow) Stallings. He attended school in Corsicana and spent most of his life there, being known to many as "Little Louis." Louis was a man who was devoted to his family and was very proud of his children. He loved his grandchildren dearly and spent most of his time with them enjoying the outdoors through gardening, planting flowers, caring for birds, chickens and driving his tractor. He is fondly remembered for his unique concrete creations.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and sister, Shirley Prestidge.

Survivors include his wife of 37 years, Sandra "Hey" Stallings of Mount Calm; sons and daughters-in-law, Louis Earl and Sherri Stallings of Corsicana and Kenneth Wayne and Shelly Stallings of Lebanon, Mo.; daughter and son-in-law, Connie Frances and Chuck Livingston of Corsicana; nine precious grandchildren, Nicky Stallings, Kensley Stallings, Brittany Stallings, Kenny Stallings, Cheyanne Livingston, Justin Livingston, Logan Stallings, Cole Stallings, and Brittany McRae; brothers, Donnie Gene Stallings of Richland and Jimmy Earl Stallings of Beaumont; sisters, Louise Bromonski of Richland, Betty Smith and Sue Mathis, both of Corsicana; several nieces, nephews, and numerous nieces.

Arrangements by Griffin-Roughton Funeral Home.

Notes:


Louis Earl Stallings
Jun 28, 1973 - Apr 8, 2004

Louis Earl Stallings, 30, of Corsicana passed away Thursday, April 8, 2004 in Corsicana.

Visitation will be 6 to 8 p.m. Sunday at Griffin-Roughton Funeral Home.

Services will be noon at Griffin-Roughton Funeral Chapel with the Rev. Al Smirl of the Heavenly Days Country Holiness Church of Richland officiating.

Mr. Stallings was born June 28, 1973 in Corsicana to Louis and Sandra Gonzales Stallings. He was a self-employed contractor.

He was preceded in death by his father, Louis Francis Stallins; and aunt, Shirley Prestidge.

Mr. Stallings is survived by his wife, Sherri Stallings of Corsicana; sons, Cole Stallings and Logan Stallings, both of Corsicana; mother, Sandra Stallings of Mount Calm; brother and sister-in-law, Kenneth and Shelly Stallings of Lebanon, MO; sister and brother-in-law, Connie and Chuck Livingston of Corsicana; mother-in-law, Paula Coppock and husband Kenneth; father-in-law, Richard (Gene) Martin and wife Judy; and several nieces and nephews.

Arrangements by Griffin-Roughton Funeral Home, Corsicana.

Notes:

----

4/10/2003 - Corsicana Daily Sun
Corsicana man killed in one-car accident

Staff reports

A one-vehicle accident claimed the life of a Corsicana resident late Thursday night between Corsicana and Emhouse.

Louis Earl Stallings, 30, lost control of his 1992 Ford pickup approximately four miles northwest of Corsicana.

According to Department of Public Safety reports, Stallings was traveling northbound on Farm-to-Market 1839 when he entered a double curve at an unsafe speed.

He drove into the southbound lane edging off the westside of the roadway.

He then tried to correct his vehicle, but crossed the roadway off of the eastside of the road when his truck flipped several times before coming to a rest on its top.
Stallings was ejected from his vehicle during the accident.

Navarro County Precinct No. 3 Justice of the Peace Donna Murray was called to the scene, and held an inquest at 10:02 p.m.

The accident caused law enforcement officials to shut down part of FM 1839 for nearly three hours.

First responders from the Navarro County Sheriff's Department, Corsicana Fire/EMS, Barry VFD, and DPS troopers assisted at the scene.

Texas Department of Public Safety Trooper Matt McGinnis investigated the accident.

No seatbelt was worn.

Notes:


Eura (Davis) Elmore
Dec 25, 1913 - Apr 9, 2004

Eura Davis Elmore

Eura Davis Elmore, 90, of Corsicana passed away Friday, April 9, 2004 in Corsicana.

Visitation will be 6 to 8 p.m. Sunday at Corley Funeral Home.

Services will be 11 a.m. Monday at Corley Funeral Home with Dr. David Hale and the Rev. Gregory Paul Griffin officiating. Interment will follow at Resthaven Memorial Park.

Pallbearers will be nephews.

Mrs. Elmore was born Dec. 25, 1913 in Henderson County. She worked many years at the Miller Hat Factory and retired after working many more years as a house parent at the State Home.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Aurben Elmore.

Mrs. Elmore is survived by sons and daughters-in-law, A. B. and Mary Anita Elmore of Barry and John Michael and Patsy Elmore of Conroe; daughter and son-in-law, Darlene and Jarrell Griffin of San Antonio; sisters, Velma Runnels of Orange and Wilma Starks; grandsons and granddaughters-in-law, Gregory Paul and Sharon Griffin of Kansas City, MO, Jeffery Elmore and Melissa Griffin of San Antonio, Matthew and Kristi Elmore of Corsicana, and Jeramy and Anna Elmore of Conroe; granddaughters and grandsons-in-law, Melody and Van Shaw of San Antonio, Jennifer and Danny Lindamood of Chickasha, OK, and Hillary and Jason Shepperd of Conroe; eight great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Memorials may be made to Alzheimer's research.

Arrangements by Corley Funeral Home.

Notes:


Troy Earl Milner Sr.
Jun 9, 1962 - Apr 2, 2004

Troy Earl Milner Sr., 41, of Brazoria passed away Friday, April 2, 2004, in Lake Jackson.

Visitation will be held from 4 to 8 p.m. today at Baker Funeral Home in West Columbia.

Mr. Milner was born June 9, 1962, in Beaumont.

Survivors include his wife, Linda Milner of Brazoria; mother, Bobbie Joyce Long of Minneapolis, Minn.; father, Ronnie T. Milner Sr. of Brazoria; son, Troy Milner Jr. of Dawson; stepson, Jonathan Blake of Brazoria; daughters, Pamela Milner of Brenham, and Kimberley Milner and Jessica Milner, both of Dawson; stepdaughter, Elizabeth Dansby of Brazoria; brothers, Ronnie Milner Jr. and wife Donna of Angleton, and Michael Milner and Clyde Milner, both of Wills Point; sisters, Paula Milner of Oyster Creek and Tina Azbell and husband Robert of Brazoria; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Arrangements by Baker Funeral Home, West Columbia.

Notes:


Betty Jean (Mock) Cooper
Sep 12, 1934 - Apr 5, 2004
 
Betty Jean (Mock) Cooper, 69, of Dallas passed away Monday, April 5, 2004, in Dallas.

Visitation will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. today at Corley Funeral Home.

Graveside services will be 1 p.m. Thursday at Eureka Cemetery with Brother Bill Honea officiating.

Mrs. Cooper was born Sept. 12, 1934, in Eureka.

Survivors include her husband, Dan Cooper of Dallas; brother, John Mock of Dallas; mother-in-law, Ola Cooper of Corsicana; brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Albert and Elsie Follis of Corsicana; sister-in-law, Lillian Borden of Fairfield; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Arrangements by Corley Funeral Home.

Notes:


Lorraine Richardson

Lorraine Richardson, 70, of Corsicana passed away Tuesday, April 6, 2004, at Mel-Haven Convalescent Home. Services were 11 a.m. today at Ross and Johnson Mortuary Chapel with the Rev. H.D. Haney officiating. Interment followed at Woodland Memorial Park. Arrangements by Ross and Johnson Mortuary.

Notes:


David Crockett Woods, V
Dec 5, 1960 - Apr 7, 2004

David C. 'Paw Pa' Woods

David C. "Paw Pa" Woods, 43, of Corsicana passed away Wednesday, April 7, 2004, at Las Colinas Medical Center.

Visitation will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. today at Griffin-Roughton Funeral Home.

Services will be 2 p.m. Saturday at Griffin-Roughton Chapel with Harold Scott and David McGee officiating. Interment will follow at Hamilton-Beeman Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be Raymond Shaw, Blake Lucas, Russel Jackson, Wade Lucas, Mike Gipson, Danny Wilkinson and Eddie Wilkinson. Honorary pallbearer will be A.J. Lazzader.

Mr. Woods was born Dec. 5, 1960, in Wichita Falls to David C. Woods IV and Lola (Walker) Woods. He was a graduate of Big Sandy High School and had friends from all over Texas. He was a paint contractor.

He was preceded in death by his father; and nephew, David Paul Balliett.

Survivors include his wife, Sandra Woods of Corsicana; daughters, Richille Chiles and husband Tom of Corsicana, Stephanie Bivins of Teague, and Tonya Adams and husband Ray of Midlothian; six grandchildren, Amber Scott, Brandon Scott, Cody Johnson, Riley Chiles, Rikki Chiles and Austin Adams; mother, Lola Woods of Big Sandy; sister and brother-in-law, Tammy and Cliff Roberts of Big Sandy; grandmother, Yvonne Sells of Palestine; nieces and nephew, Sarai Roberts of Big Sandy, Miranda Mitchell, Leeza Mitchell, Mikale Mitchell and Dillon Brown, all of Corsicana; several aunts, uncles and many cousins.

Arrangements by Griffin-Roughton Funeral Home.

 

Notes:


Marilyn Yvonne (Williams) Hood
Feb 05, 1955 - April 05, 2004

Marilyn Yvonne Williams Hood, 49, of Blooming Grove passed away Monday, April 5, 2004, at her residence. Services will be 2:30 p.m. Saturday, April 10, at Tyree Chapel AME Church in Blooming Grove. Interment will follow at Brushie Prairie Cemetery, in Brushie Prairie. Arrangements by Ross and Johnson Mortuary.

Notes:

 

OBITUARY
Mrs. Marilyn Yvonne Williams Hood was born February 5, 1955 in Blooming Grove, Texas to the parentage of Pastor Rufus C. Williams and the late Ms. Doris H. Melton.
She received her formal education in the Blooming Grove Elementary and High School. She professed her faith in Christ at an early age and united with the Tyree Chapel A.M.E. Church until her health failed.
She met and married John H. Hood, Sr. and to this union three sons were born, Cedric, Keith and John.
Marilyn was employed  at Big Lot, Inc., in Waxahachie, Texas until her health failed, and she resided in Blooming Grove, Texas until her demise.
The Angel of Silence entered into her life April 5, 2004.
Survivors: 3 sons; Cedric Lee Hood, Keith Tyrone Hood both of Corsicana, Texas, and Jon H. Hood, Jr., of Auburnh Alabama; 8 grandchildren; Father, Pastor R. C. Williams and stepmother, Lillian Williams of Ft. Worth, Texas; 5 sisters, Minister Priscilla Jones, Corsicana, Texas, Rosetta Hoods and Virginia Williams of Dallas, Texas, Tammy Peters, Rheta Baker of Ft. Worth, Texas; 4 brothers, Robert Lee Melton of Amarillo, Texas, Carlos Lee Davis, Keith Bernard Johnson both of Dallas, Texas, Shelvin Williams, Ft. Worth, Texas; Longtime good friend; Wanda Hargers; a host of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

 

FUNERAL PROGRAM

Page 1 | Page 2 | Page 3 | Page 4 | Page 5 | Page 6 | Page 7 | Page 8

 

Notes:


Vera Mae (Jackson) Griggs
May 27, 1940 - Apr 1, 2004

Vera Mae Jackson Griggs, 63, of Dallas passed away last Thursday, April 1, 2004, at Methodist Hospital in Dallas. Services will be 11 a.m. Saturday, April 10, at Taylor Memorial COGIC with Elder Willie Brown officiating. Interment will follow at Chatfield Cemetery, in Chatfield. Arrangements by Ross and Johnson Mortuary.

Notes:


Minnie Marie (UNKNOWN) Elkins
Oct 29, 1913 - Apr 8, 2004

Minnie Marie Elkins, 90, of Leesville, La., passed away Thursday, April 8, 2004, at Byrd Regional Hospital. Graveside services will be 3 p.m. today at Richland Cemetery. Arrangements by Corley Funeral Home.

Notes:


Christine (Irvin) Alberson
Aug 27, 1913 - Apr 8, 2004

Christine Irvin Alberson, 90, of Corsicana passed away Thursday, April 8, 2004, at Twilight Home.

Visitation will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. today at Griffin-Roughton Funeral Home.

Graveside services will be 4 p.m. Saturday at Pattison Cemetery with Brother Grady Cashion and Roy Harris officiating.

Mrs. Alberson was born Aug. 27, 1913, in Sycamore, Ga., to John and Harrison (Smith) Irvin. She had polio at the age of 5. She married Hubert Alberson on Nov. 22, 1947. She was a homemaker.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; stepson, Loyce Alberson; stepdaughter, Shirley Smith; brothers, John Irvin, Arthur Irvin and Rigsby Irvin; and sisters, Bernalyn Fletcher, Ann Webb and Lyrell Jean Irvin.

Survivors include her daughter and son-in-law, Jane and Roy Harris of Corsicana; stepsons, Bobby Alberson and wife Virginia and John Alberson and wife Katherine, all of Georgia; stepdaughter, Ruby Wynn of Florida; grandchildren, Amanda Wilson, Royleane Allen, Dorinda Harris, Landon Alberson, Keith Alberson, Jerry Alberson, Faye Thornhill, Margaret Griffis, Debra Hardy, Barbara Kane, Linda Wynn, Ralph Wynn, Darrell Wynn, Wilda Wynn, Harold Wynn, Helen Andrews and Dorothy Hurd; sister, Betty Adkins of Florida; brother, George Irvin of Florida; great-grandchildren, Lauren Rucks, Noah Rucks, Coleman Allen, Sara Alberson, Andrew Alberson, Dan Alberson, Ben Alberson, Sheila Alberson, Carrie Alberson and Teresa Andrews.

Arrangements by Griffin-Roughton Funeral Home.

Notes:


William Samuel Price
Jan 8, 1861 - Dec 1, 1956

Funeral services were held at Kerens for W. S. Price, 95, who died at his home there. He was an uncle of Mrs. J. C. Hallum of Athens and Wade Price of Kerens, who is employed in Athens.
Mr. Price was born on January 8, 1861 in Palestine and went to Bazette in Navarro Co., when he was six years of age. He was one of the founders of Kerens when it was organized in 1882 when the Cotton Belt Railroad was built from East Texas to Corsicana.
He was chairman of the board of directors of the First National Bank at Kerens and was engaged in the mercantile, farming and pecan culture business for many years. He served several terms as commission in Precinct 2 in the 1920's.
Other survivors are one son, Will Sidney Price of Kerens, one daughter, Mrs. Hallie Horan of Los Angeles, California, and five grandchild and three great grandchildren.


Notes:

  • William S. Price was the son of Sarah Gray and Waymon Adair Price who are buried in the Prairie Point Cemetery. He was married on February 17, 1886 to Florence L. Coulson, who died August 2, 1892. She is also buried in the Prairie Point Cemetery. He remarried a second time to an unknown wife. Children of the marriage to Florence L. Coulson were Hallie Price Horan and a son who died in infancy and is buried in the Prairie Point Cem. by Florence. Children of the second marriage were William Sidney Price, Jr. and Robert Eben Price who was deceased by 1956.
  • Submitted by Jan Wallace, Apr 2004
     

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Sunday Services For W. S. Price

KERENS, Dec. 3.—(Spl.)—Funeral services for W. S. Price, 95, business and civic leader of this area were held from the Inmon Chapel Sunday at 2 p.m.

The rites were conducted by Rev. Frank Gillham, pastor of the Baptist church of which he was a long-time member. Burial was in the Kerens cemetery.

A native of Palestine, Texas, he came to Bazette when six years of age and was one of the founders of Kerens in 1882 when the Cotton Belt railroad was constructed from East Texas to Corsicana. He was born, January 8, 1861.

Price was one of the founders and co-owners of the Daniel, Price and Company mercantile establishment, and served many years as chairman of the board of directors of the First National Bank.

An authority on pecan ------and cultivation, he established one of the largest and finest pecan orchards in this area many years ago.

Price was a county commissioner from Precinct 2 for several terms in the 1920s.

Surviving area son, Will Sidney Price, Kerens; a daughter, Mrs. Hallie Horan, Los Angeles, Calif.; five grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

Pallbearers were Luther Westbrook, Earl Seale, R. P. Walker, R. H. Hilliard, R. D. Mabry and Willard Sullivan.

Notes:


Ollie Mae (Bays) Andruss
Apr 29, 1912 - Apr 10, 2004

Ollie Mae Andruss

Ollie Mae Andruss, of Corsicana, passed away Saturday, April 10, 2004, after a lengthy illness. She was born in Bremond, April 29, 1912, the daughter of John W. and Margaret Bays. Mrs. Andruss was preceded in death by her parents, her husband of 57 years, George Rowland Andruss, a brother, J.W. Bays Jr., two sisters, Martha Wise and Berta Sue Tatum. During her marriage, she resided in Mexia and Houma, La. for 26 years, and retired with her late husband in Corsicana in 1966. She was a member of the First United Methodist Church of Corsicana, The Willing Workers Sunday School Class, The WYO Group and a past member of Colonial Dames, Daughters of the American Revolution and Kinslow House.

Mrs. Andruss is survived by two daughters, Barbara Trotter of Houston, Cathryn Hall of Monroe, La., two sons-in-law, Michael Trotter and P. R. Hall, M.D.; four grandchildren, Laura Trotter of Mora, N.M., Michael Trotter Jr. of Houston, Jason Hall of Monroe, La. and Cara Hall of Brooklyn, N.Y.; great-granddaughter, Kaitlyn of Conroe; sister-in-law Jo Bays of Corpus Christi; niece Martha Sue Wylie of Houston; nephews Bob Tatum of Bryan and Rocky Bays of Corpus Christi.

The family expresses its thanks to Kent Rogers M.D. and the nursing staff at Navarro Regional Hospital and dedicated caregivers Aza Qubty and Shamaki Mathis.

Funeral arrangements will be conducted by Corley Funeral Home. Visitation will be at the funeral home between 5 and 7 p.m. Tuesday. Graveside services will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday at Oakwood Cemetery with Rev. Mike Alexander, Senior Pastor of First United Methodist Church, officiating.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may me made to the First United Methodist Church, 320 N. 15th St., Corsicana, TX, 75110 or the Parkinson's Disease Foundation, 710 West 168th St., New York, NY, 10032, or the charity of your choice.

Arrangements by Corley Funeral Home.

Notes:

------------------

Ollie Andruss

Ollie Mae Andruss, 91, a native of Bremond, Texas, a former Houma resident and current resident of Corsicana, Texas, died Saturday, April 10, 2004.

Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Tuesday at the Corley Funeral Home in Corsicana. Graveside services and burial will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday.

She is survived by two daughters, Barbara Trotter of Houston, Texas, and Cathryn Hall of Monroe; and four grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, John W. and Margaret Bays; her husband, George Rowland Andruss; one brother, J.W. Bays Jr.; and two sisters, Martha Wise and Berta Sue Tatum.

She is a former member of the First United Methodist Church in Houma, a member of the First United Methodist Church of Corsicana, The Willing Workers Sunday School class, the WYO Group and a past member of Colonial Dames, Daughters of the American Revolution and Kinslow House.

Notes:

  • Houma Louisiana Paper

Harriet (Parrish) Blue
Aug 29, 1921 - Apr 9, 2004

Harriet "Kitty" Blue

Harriet "Kitty" Blue of Austin, formerly of Corsicana, passed away April 9, 2004.

Kitty was born Aug. 29, 1921, to Ora and the Rev. E. N. Parrish in Dallas.

Kitty was a graduate of Highland Park High School, Dallas, where she also did post graduate work at Southern Methodist University. She was an avid Dallas Cowboys fan and enjoyed visiting her children, many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

After moving to Austin from Corsicana, she quickly adjusted to the Austin scene and enjoyed dining out, shopping and listening to live music. She loved to garden and nurture all things growIng.

Kitty will be remembered by family and friends for her kindness and selfless giving. She supported many charities, including the Red Cross, Farley Home for Boys, United Way, American Cancer Society, American Heart Association and the March of Dimes. She was a member of St. Luke United Methodist Church in Corsicana.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Bill Blue; brother, J. B. Parrish; and her grandson, Brian Policky.

She is survived by her brother, E. N. Parrish and his wife, Sharon; daughter, Lynda Mattman and her husband, Ray; son, Daniel Blue and his wife, Sandra; and son Robert Blue and his wife, Caron.

Services were held at 10 a.m. today at Harrell Funeral Home Chapel in Austin. Burial will follow at 4 p.m. today at Resthaven Memorial Park in Corsicana.

Arrangements by Harrell Funeral Home, Austin.

Notes:

  • Corsicana Daily Sun - Apr 13, 2004
  • Published in the Austin American-Statesman on 4/12/2004
     

Willie Opal (Owen) Ragan
Oct 26, 1907 - Apr 11, 2004

Willie Opal Owen Ragan, 96, of Barry passed away Sunday, April 11, 2004, in Corsicana.

Visitation will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. today at Corley Funeral Home.

Services will be 2 p.m. Wednesday at Corley Funeral Chapel with the Rev. Gene Gipson officiating. Interment will follow at Dresden Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be James Luther, Carroll Boswell, Joe Parks, John Braly, Bill Owen and Donald Butler.

Mrs. Ragan was born Oct. 26, 1907, in Choudrant, La., to John Thadeus Owen and Tula Judson Owen. She came to Texas with her parents as a young girl and settled in Navarro County, where she lived ever since. She met and married William Braxton Ragan in 1925. She lived and raised her family in Barry and the surrounding areas.

She was preceded in death by her parents, John and Tula Owen; husband, William Braxton Ragan; six brothers, two sisters and two grandsons.

Survivors include her son, Bill Ragan and wife Mickey of Houston; daughters, Jane Taylor of Austin, Joyce Fields and husband Ramsey of Barry, and Diane Kirk and husband Joe of Katy; five granddaughters, 10 great-grandchildren, three great-great-grandchildren, numerous nieces and nephews, and Sheila Smith, her caregiver for her final year.

Arrangements by Corley Funeral Home.

Notes:


Vara Lee (Hodge) Chandler 
Aug 3, 1912 - Apr 11, 2004

Vara Lee 'sister' Chandler

Vara Lee "Sister" (Hodge) Chandler was born Aug. 3, 1912, in Sweetwater, the first child of Forrest Lee and Eva (Sipes) Hodge. Mrs. Chandler passed away April 11, 2004, after a long Illness. She was 91.

She attended high school In the Providence community and was the valedictorian of her graduating class in 1930. She was offered a full scholarship to Tarleton Agricultural College, but opted to wed W. C. "Curt" Chandler July 11, 1931. The couple settled in Eureka where they were livestock producers. In the 1970s, oil was discovered in the area and the Chandlers retired from ranching at that time.

The Eureka community was dear to Mrs. Chandler. She and her husband, who preceded her in death in February 1979, worked for several years as trustees on behalf of the Eureka Cemetery Association to maintain the historical site. Mrs. Chandler worked closely with the Texas State Historical Commission and the Navarro County Historical Commission in researching data necessary to designate the area as historically important. In August 1985 an official historical marker was erected on the site thanks to Mrs. Chandler's painstaking work.

Mrs. Chandler was a longtime member of Mildred Baptist Church and attended regularly until her move to the Twilight Home nursing home in Corsicana in 2001. She kept up many friendships with members of her Sunday school class there.

During her retirement Mrs. Chandler was a member of the crafts club in the Eureka community where she enjoyed making crafts projects to give to friends and to sell for the benefit of the club. She was an excellent seamstress and taught several of her sisters and nieces the art. Quilts were her particular specialty. Several of her creations have been given to members of her family.

She enjoyed traveling with the PALS Club that meets at Navarro College. Her extensive travels included Canada, Europe and many destinations in the United States. She, especially, enjoyed the Wisconsin Dells and the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. She spoke often and with affection of the people with whom she shared these adventures.

A sister, Ruby Pyeatt of Livingston, and a brother, Frank Hodge of Arlington, preceded "Sister," as everyone knew her, in death. Surviving siblings Include Ray Hodge of Houston, W. D. Hodge of Corsicana, Mary Lambert of Corsicana, Mildred Whitacre of Kemp, Dorothy Whittington of Kemp, Scott Hodge of Dallas, Bill Hodge of Canton and David Hodge of Shelbyville. Many nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews also survive Mrs. Chandler.

Nephews will act as pallbearers. Services will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, April 14, 2004, at the Griffin-Roughton Funeral Chapel in Corsicana with the Rev. Tony Neal of Mildred Baptist Church presiding. Graveside services will follow at the Eureka Cemetery. Visitation with the family will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. today at Griffin-Roughton Funeral Home.

Arrangements by Griffin-Roughton Funeral Home.

Notes:


Mitchell Prowell Jr.
Apr 15, 1930 - Apr 11, 2004

Mitchell Prowell Jr., 73, of Corsicana passed away Sunday, April 11, 2004, at Navarro Regional Hospital.

Visitation will be held from 1 to 3 p.m. Wednesday at Griffin-Roughton Funeral Home.

No services are planned.

Mr. Prowell was born April 15, 1930, in McKinney, to Mitchell Prowell Sr. and Iola Fowler Prowell. He worked for Golden Circle Construction as a heavy equipment operator. He served in the United States Army.

He was preceded in death by his daughter, Catherine Fancher.

Survivors include his children, Donald Ray Prowell of Ennis, Mitchell Prowell III and wife Debra of Barry, Mary Ann and Donnie Owens of Streetman and Margaret Prowell of Lovana, Ga.; 16 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; brothers and sisters, Doris Campbell of McKinney, Tom Prowell of Damal, Lee Prowell of Ben Wheeler and Donna King of Frisco.

Arrangements by Griffin-Roughton Funeral Home.

Notes:


Vinson Biddy, Sr.
Jun 10, 1920 - Apr 12, 2004

Vinson 'Pops' Biddy Sr.

Vinson "Pops" Biddy Sr., 83, of Purdon passed away Monday, April 12, 2004, at East Texas Medical Center in Tyler.

Visitation will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. today at Griffin-Roughton Funeral Home.

Graveside services will be 3 p.m. Wednesday at Eureka Cemetery.

Mr. Biddy was born June 10, 1920, in Lampasas to George Henry Biddy and Lorena Johnson Biddy. He was retired from the military where he served in the United States Army serving in World War II, Korea and Vietnam.

Survivors include his wife, Billie Whitfield Biddy of Purdon; children, Vinson Biddy Jr. and wife Connie of Gila Bend, Ariz., Billie Marie McKenzie and husband Roger of Hatchechubbee, Ala., Etta Georgia Meccariello and husband Clemente of Blooming Grove, James William Biddy and wife Charlotte of Kerens; grandchildren, Vinson Biddy III, Connie Etta Biddy and Kristen Dianne Biddy; and sisters, Margaret Gowen and Francis Kirk.

Arrangements by Griffin-Roughton Funeral Home.

Notes:


Sam Holloway

Sam Holloway, 66, of Seagoville passed away Friday, April 9, 2004, at Charleton Methodist Hospital. No services are planned at this time. Arrangements by Griffin-Roughton Funeral Home.

Notes:


William Eric "Chewy" Gomez

William Eric "Chewy" Gomez, 30, of Corsicana passed away Sunday, April 11, 2004, in Richland. Graveside services will be 3 p.m. today at Hamilton-Beeman Cemetery with Billy Beaird and Bruce Davis officiating. Arrangements by Corley Funeral Home.

Notes:


Cameron Willingham

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