Obituaries from
Navarro County, Texas


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Tillman Autz
abt 1824 - Feb 1918

February 4, 1918
Autz - Corsicana, Texas. Feb 4. - Tillman Autz, who would have been 94 years old on May 1, next, was found dead in his bed this morning about 8 o'clock. The deceased is survived by two children, R. J. Autz of Corsicana, and a daughter living in Dallas County.

Notes:


Jim Ferguson
abt 1916 - Mar 1933

March 17, 1933
Streetman Boy Dies
CORSICANA, Texas. March 17. - Jim Ferguson, 17, son of Mrs. C. K. Ferguson of Streetman, died Thursday night and the funeral was held from the Streetman Baptist Church Friday afternoon, with burial in the Birdston Cemetery. The services were conducted by the Rev. J. L. Shaddix.

Notes:


Walter Lee Jackson
Died Jan 1942

Jan 25, 1942
JACKSON - Corsicana, Texas. Jan. 25. - Funeral was held at Big Hill Sunday for Walter Lee Jackson, 38, of Corsicana, who was killed in an auto accident near Kilgore early Saturday. Surviving are his mother, Mrs. Cora Jackson, Corsicana; a brother, Tommy Jackson, Houston; five sisters, Mrs. H. J. Howisn, Long Beach, Calif.; Miss Ellen Jackson, Corsicana; Mrs. Roy Nash, Calvert; Mrs. Jay Wilkins, Franklin, and Mrs. Katheryn Wright, Corsicana.

Notes:


Walter C. Jackson
abt 1898 - Apr 1934

Apr 15, 1934
CORSICANA, Texas, April 15 (AP). - Walter C. Jackson Dies
Walter C. Jackson, 36, independent oil operator, died suddenly Sunday night. Funeral services have been arranged for Tuesday. He is survived by his wife and a daughter, both living in Corsicana. Before coming here Jackson was connected with the Marland and the Phillips Petroleum Companies.

April 16, 1934, Dallas, Texas
Operator Drops Dead
Well known as an operator and a former scout, Walter Jackson of Corsicana dropped dead there Sunday night, it was learned here Monday.
Mr. Jackson had a number of friends among Dallas oil men.

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Douglas Wilburn Jeffress
Mar 15, 1912 - Sep 14, 1927

Sep 16, 1927
Douglas William Jeffress, 15-year-old son of Mrs. A. C. Jeffress, 209 North Thirteenth street, died at the family home. The funeral was held Friday at Oakwood Cemetery, where burial was made. The services were conducted by the Rev. J. Howard Williams, pastor of the First Baptist Church. Members of the Corsicana De Molay Chapter were pallbearers.
Surviving are his mother, father, several brothers and sisters.

Notes:

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Douglas Wilburn Jeffress

In Memory of Douglas Jeffress.

Sometimes at eve, when the tide is low,
I shall slip my moorings and sail away
With no response to the friendly hall.
In the silent bush of the twilight pale,
When the night steps down to embrace the day,
And the voices call in the waters flow—
Some time at eve, when the water is low,
I shall slip my mooring and sail away,
Through the purple shadows that darkly trail
O’er the ebbing tide to the unknown son,
And a ripple of waters will tell the tale.
Of a lonely voyager sailing away,
To the mystic isles, where at anchor lay,
The craft of those who have sailed before
O’er the unknown sea, to the unknown shore.
A few who have watched me sail away.
Will miss my craft from the busy day.
Some friendly barks that were anchored near,
Some living soul that my heart holds dear
In silent sorrow will drop a tear;
But I shall have peacefully furled my sail,
In the mooring sheltered from storm and gale,
And be greeting the friends that have sailed before
O’er the unknown sea, to the unknown shore.

Douglas was peacefully laid to rest on Friday morning, Sep. 16 among many sorrowing fri3ends, and beautiful flowers, which spoke the silent esteem of many friends that he had made during his short time on this earth.

Many will miss his foot-steps and smiles on this earth, but with the sweet consolation of John 3:16 it will be much easier for loved ones and friends to bear.

BY A FRIEND.

Notes:

  • The Corsicana Daily Sun - Wednesday, Sep 21, 1927
  • Submitted by Diane Richards
  • s/o Alvin Clement Jeffress & Bertha Pauline (Joiner) Jeffress (Bertha is buried in Restland Abbey, Dallas, Tx.)

Barbara E. (Roberts) Truelove-Jeffers
July 29, 1861   Dec 9, 1941

December 11, 1941
JEFFERS. - Corsicana, Texas, Dec. 11. - Mrs. Barbara E. Jeffers, 80, resident of Navarro County more than fifty years, died in a local hospital Tuesday night. Funeral rites were held at Blooming Grove Wednesday afternoon. Surviving are a son, T. E. Truelove, Corsicana, and a number of nieces and nephews. A nephew, Buell Clouch, Christian minister of Grand Prairie, conducted the rites.

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MRS. B. E. JEFFERS DIED TUESDAY NIGHT IN LOCAL HOSPITAL

Mrs. Barbara E. Jeffers, aged 80 years, 629 North Commerce street, died at the P. and S. Hospital Tuesday night following a short illness.

Funeral services were held Wednesday afternoon at 3 o'clock From the Christian church in Blooming Grove with the rites conducted by a nephew, Buell Clounch of Grand Prairie, minister. Interment was in Rose Hill cemetery at Blooming Grove.

A native of Louisiana, Mrs. Jeffers had resided in Navarro county more than a half century and in Corsicana 22 years.

Surviving are a son, Ed Truelove, Corsicana, a granddaughter, and a number of nieces and nephews.

Corley Funeral Home directed arrangements.

Notes:


Jehudi J. Jacobs
Died Aug 1902

Aug 6, 1902
JACOBS - Corsicana, Tex., Aug. 6 - J. J. Jacobs died at his home on East Fifth avenue yesterday afternoon.

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Mrs. L. W. James
abt 1890 - Sep 1913

Sep 9, 1913, Dallas, TX
James. - Mrs. L. W. James, aged 23 years, of Electra, Tex., died at St. Paul's Sanitarium at 6:30 yesterday morning, following an operation of appendicitis. Mrs. James was born in Corsicana and resided there until May 18 of this year, when she married to Mr. James and moved to Electra.
She was a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. E. G. Call of Corsicana, where Mr. Call is a prominent attorney. Mrs. James' mother Mrs. Call, Misses Oenda Roderick, Pansey Peck and Emily Johnson of Corsicana and Mrs. J. Castellar of Ennis came to Dallas and accompanied the body to Corsicana, the body being sent to that city by Undertaker Loudermilk at 7 o'clock last evening. The funeral will be held from the residence of S. A. Pace in Corsicana this morning and burial will take place in the Purdon Cemetery.

Notes:


Roy Jasper Jenkins
Feb 10, 1918 - Feb 9, 1950

Feb 10, 1950
Roy J. Jenkins Dies
CORSICANA, Texas, Feb. 10. - Roy Jasper Jenkins, 32, died in a clinic Thursday afternoon. Surviving are his wife, a son, Roy Jenkins Jr., Corsicana; parents, Mr. and Mrs.
Albert T. Jenkins, Athens; two brothers, Charlie Jenkins, Dallas, and John Jenkins, Athens; two sisters, Mrs. E. D. Pierce and Mrs. T. W. Kelly, both of Dallas.

Notes:

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Roy J. Jenkins Funeral Rites Held Saturday
Funeral services for Roy Jasper Jenkins, 32, Zion's Rest, who died in the Navarro Clinic Thursday were held Saturday afternoon at the Post Oak cemetery south of Malakoff.
Surviving are his wife, a son, Roy Jenkins, both of Corsicana; parents, Mr. and Mrs. Albert T. Jenkins, Athens; two brothers, Charlie Jenkins, Dallas, and John Jenkins, Athens; two sisters, Mrs. E. D. Pierce and Mrs. T. W. Kelly, both of Dallas.

Notes:


Pulaski Lance Jennings
Oct 25, 1845 - Sep 29, 1919

September 29, 1919
Jennings - Corsicana, Texs, Sept. 29. - P. L. Jennings, 74 years old, for many years a resident of Corsicana, died at his home, 827 West First avenue, at 12:30 o'clock. The Rev. B. W. Vining officiated. His wife and the following children survive: Grove C. Jennings, J. M. Jennings, Miss Sallie Jennings and Mrs. D. W. Ray of Corsicana, B. J. Jennings of Hubbard, T. C. Jennings of Tyler and Wiley McKee of Henrietta.

Notes:

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CONFEDERATE VETERAN DIES.

Passed Away at Ripe Old Age and Was Highly Esteemed.

P. L. Jennings, aged seventy-four years, and for many years a resident of Corsicana, died at his home, 728 West First avenue, at 12:30 o’clock last night after a lingering illness, and the remains were interred in Oakwood cemetery this afternoon at 4:30 o’clock. Rev. B. W. Vining officiated. The last sad rites were largely attended and there were many beautiful floral offerings. The wife and the following children survive: Grover C. Jennings J. M. Jennings, Miss Sallie Jennings and Mrs. D. W. Ray of Corsicana; B. J. Jennings of Hubbard, T. C. Jennings of Tyler and Wiley McKee of Henrietta, Texas.

The deceased was highly esteemed by all who knew him and the family have the sympathy of many friends in their bereavement.

Notes:

  • The Corsicana Daily Sun - Monday, Sep 29, 1919
  • Submitted by Diane Richards
  • CSA Co. C. 24th Reg. Miss. Infantry
  • h/o Permelia Margaret (Crowley) Sturgis-Jennings married Oct. 25, 1867 s/o Robert Jennings and Sarah “Sallie” (Blair) Jennings

Mary Ann "Mollie" (Walling) Jackson
Apr 19, 1854 - Apr 11, 1923

April 12, 1923
Corsicana Woman Dies
CORSICANA, Texas, April 11. - Mrs. Mary J. Jackson suddenly became ill at her home here Tuesday night, following supper, with a severe headache, and died shortly afterwards.
She was 69 years old and had been a resident of Corsicana for many years. She is survived by a daughter, Mrs. Will Noris of Corsicana, and a brother, John Walling, also of Corsicana, but who is now attending the Confederate reunion in New Orleans. Funeral arrangements will be announced later.

Notes:

Remains Interred Today.

The funeral for the remains of the late Mrs. M. J. Jackson, widow of Martin Jackson, who died at her home here Tuesday night, took place this afternoon in Oakwood with Rev. C. G. Vinson, officiating. A large number of friends attended, and there were many beautiful floral offerings.

Notes:


Leven Jester  
Feb 11, 1892 - Jul 1951

July 16, 1951, Dallas, TX
Leven Jester, 59, Dies; Once Prominent in Dallas
Leven Jester, 59, former Dallas estate man and sportsman, died Sunday at his home in Long Beach, Calif.
He had been living in Long Beach since 1934. He was a first cousin of the late Gov. Bauford Jester.
He served as president of the Idlewild Social Club in 1920 and won several tennis titles in the middle twenties. Playing for the Dallas Tennis Club, he was Texas and Southwestern champion in singles and doubles and with Mayor J. B. Adoue Jr., in 1925, he won the Gulf States title at Fort Worth. He also was a member of the Dallas County Club and Brook Hollow County Club at that time.
Jester was born Feb. 11, 1892, in Tyler. He was graduated from Yale in 1913. During World War I he was an ensign with the United States Navy, doing convoy duty.
After the war he moved to Dallas and entered the real estate business with the firm of Flippen & Prather. He was with that company until he went to California.
Surviving are three brothers, Herbert W. Jester and John C. Jester of Dallas and Ralph K. Jester of Los Angeles, Calif.
Funeral arrangements had not been completed Sunday night. Burial will be in Corsicana.

July 18, 1951, Dallas, Texas
Leven Jester Services Set
Funeral services for Leven Jester, former Dallas real estate man and tennis champion will be held Thursday at 2 p.m. at the McCammon Funeral Home in Corsicana.
Jester, a first cousin of the late Gov. Beauford Jester, died Sunday at his home in Long Beach, Calif., where he had resided since 1934.
The Rev. Chet Henson will conduct funeral services. Burial will be in Oakwood Cemetery, Corsicana. Pallbearers will be Ballard Burgher, Marshall Matson, Robert Maxwell, J. C. Tenison, A. L. Exline and James Ruth.
Jester is survived by three brothers, Herbert W. Jester, and John C. Jester, both of Dallas, and Ralph K. Jester, Los Angeles, Calif.

Notes:


Francis Paine "Fannie" (Gordon) Jester
Apr 21, 1861 - Oct 3, 1953

Mrs. George T. Jester
Died Oct 1953

Oct 4, 1953
Mother of Late Governor Jester Dies in Corsicana
CORSICANA, Texas. - Mrs. George T. Jester, 93, pioneer Corsicana resident and mother of the late Gov. Beauford H. Jester, died in her home here Saturday afternoon after an extended illness.
Mrs. Jester also was the widow of the late Lt. Gov. George T. Jester who served from 1894 to 1898.
Born in Aberdeen, Miss., Mrs. Jester came to Corsicana as a teen-age girl. Prominent in all circles of the First Methodist Church, she had taught an adult women's class for seventy-three years.
Surviving are a daughter, Mrs. Clay Johnson, Fort Worth; seven grandchildren, several great-grandchildren and other relatives.
Funeral services will be held Monday at 10:30 a.m. from the First Methodist Church. Burial will be in Oakwood Cemetery.

Notes:

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Late Governor's Mother Dies at 93
CORSICANA, Oct 3 (AP) - Mrs. George T. Jester, 93, mother of the late Gov. Beauford H. Jester, died today at her home here after an extended illness.
Beauford Jester died in 1949 while serving as Governor.
Mrs. Jester, a pioneer Corsicana resident, also was the widow of the late Lt. Gov. George T. Jester, who served from 1894 to 1898.
Survivors are a daughter, Mrs. Clay Johnson, Fort Worth; seven grandchildren, and several great-grandchildren. Funeral services will be at 10:30 a.m. Monday from First Methodist Church here. Burial will be here.

Notes:

  • View Obituary Clipping
  • Wichita Daily Times - Oct 4, 1953
  • d/o William Joshua Gordon, Sr. & Helen Amanda (Halbert) Gordon

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Funeral Services Are Held Monday For Mrs. Jester

Mrs. George T. Jester, 93, Corsicana pioneer, died at her home 1501 Sycamore, Saturday at 4:30 p.m. following an extended illness.

Funeral services were held from the First Methodist church Monday at 10:30 a.m. Burial was in
Oakwood Cemetery in the Jester family plot.

The rites were conducted by Rev. John Wesley Ford, pastor of the church.

’47 Mother of Year
In 1947, Mrs. Jester was selected as the Texas Mother of the year by the American Mothers’ committee of the golden Rule Foundation of New York.

Mrs. Jester had been an active Methodist since childhood, and had taught a women’s class in the First Methodist church here for 73 years.

She was the widow of the late George T. Jester of Corsicana who served as lieutenant governor of Texas from 1894 to 1898, and was the mother of the late Beauford H. Jester of Corsicana, who died in 1949 while serving his second term as governor of Texas.

Mississippi Native
A native of Aberdeen, Miss., Mrs. Jester came to Corsicana as a teen-age girl.

Mrs. Jester was intensely interested in the political fortunes of her husband and her son, and took active part in their campaigns.

Surviving are a daughter, Mrs. Clay Johnson, Fort Worth; seven grandchildren, several great-grandchildren, and other relatives.

Pallbearers were Dr. J. Wilson David, F. C. Paul, H. R. Stroube, Dick Everett, Allyn Lang, Dr. W. R. Sneed, J. M. Dyer, Dr. W. K. Logsdon and Joe E. Butler.

McCammon directed.

Notes:


Levi Leven Jester
Jan 6, 1851 - Mar 11, 1938

March 12, 1938, Dallas, TX
L. Leven Jester Funeral Services Set for Sunday Deal in Hides Started Business Career of Veteran Texas Banker Funeral services for Levi Leven Jester, 87, resident of Texas for eighty years and prominent in banking circles for more than half a century, who died at his home, 3900 Lexington, Friday morning, will be held at the First Methodist Church, South, at 2 p.m. Sunday.
Dr. W. C. Martin will officiate. Burial will be at Corsicana.
Founder of banks at Corsicana, Tyler, Houston and Dallas, Mr. Jester, with his parents and four other children, came from Illinois in 1858 to Texas where the Indians still roamed and buffalo hides were one of the State's principal items of trade. The family traveled by steamboat down the Mississippi to Gaines Landing, Ark., and then by wagon to Corsicana, then a village of a few hundred.
"The country was all open and covered with cattle and horses and there was little farming," Mr. Jester recalled shortly before his death.
"Houston was the nearest railroad point and nearly all supplies were brought by wagon from there or Jefferson or Shreveport. The only regular connection with the outside world was through the stage line."
Public Schools Unknown
Public schools then were unknown and Mr. Jester received his primary education at the hands of private tutors.
He started his business career by working for his board as an employee of a mercantile firm at Bryan in 1869. Later returning to Corsicana, Mr.
Jester got an idea which started him off in business for himself.
Hearing that a garrison of troops at Corsicana was to be transferred to Fort Belknap, he reasoned that the wagons needed to haul the soldiers would be empty on the return trip. So he accompanied the military party on its march through wholly uninhabited regions on horseback. At his destination, Mr. Jester bought all the hides available, brought them back to Corsicana and cleared a nice profit.
In 1872 he entered Trinity University, then located at Tehuacana.
Married in 1881
In 1881 he was married to Miss Minnie Cain of Tyler, sister of the late Ben Cain of Dallas, and in the same year with his brothers, C. W. Jester and George T. Jester, organized the private bank of Jester Brothers at Corsicana. In 1889 he moved to Houston and founded the Houston National Bank and the same year was elected secretary of the Texas Bankers'
Association.
In 1892 Mr. Jester moved to Tyler and organized the Jester National Bank which he operated for twenty years. He came to Dallas in 1912 and organized the Merchants National Bank. Because of ill health he retired from business in 1915, but subsequently served as assistant agent of the Federal Reserve Bank.
Since retiring Mr. Jester and his wife have traveled extensively, visiting many countries, including Australia and South and Central America. The couple celebrated its fifty-sixth wedding anniversary on Dec. 15.
Mr. Jester also is survived by four sons, Herbert W. Jester and John C. Jester, Dallas and Leven Jester and Ralph K. Jester, Los Angeles, Calif., and two grandchildren, Mrs. George B. Rice and Herbert W. Jester Jr., Dallas.
Mr. Jester was the son of Levi Jester and Diadema McKinney Jester. He was born at Waverly, Ill., in 1851.

March 12, 1938, Dallas, TX
Levi Leven Jester, age 87, died at the residence, 3900 Lexington, Friday. Surviving are his wife; four sons, Herbert W. and John C., both of Dallas; Leven and Ralph K., both of Los Angeles; two grandchildren, Mrs. George B. Rice and Herbert W. Jester Jr.; both of Dallas. Services
2 p.m. Sunday at First Methodist Church, Dr. W. C. Martin, Bishop John M. Moore, Dr. C. C. Selecman officiating, after which the remains taken overland to Corsicana, Texas, for interment. Pallbearers: C. L. Jester, Dr. Homer Jester, Beauford Jester, Guy Hamilton, Lowry Martin, Robert Bates, all nephews of Corsicana. Honorary pallbearers: Members of the board of stewarts and Brotherhood Sunday School Class of First Methodist Church. Arrangements with the George A. Brewer Funeral Chapel.

Notes:

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L. L. JESTER TO BE BURIED HERE ON SUNDAY AFTERNOON

Funeral services for Levi Levin Jester, age 87 years, pioneer Texas banker and former Corsicanan, who died at his home, 3900 Lexington, Dallas, Friday morning, will be held from the First Methodist Church, South, in Dallas Sunday afternoon at 2 o’clock with burial in
Oakwood cemetery in Corsicana. Dr. W. C. Martin will conduct the rites.

Mr. Jester was born in Waverly, Ill., in January, 1851. He came to Navarro county with his family in 1858. After working at Bryan, Mr. Jester later attended Trinity University at Tehuacana and was married to Miss Minnie Cane of Tyler in 1881. After organizing the Jester Brothers Bank here, with his late brothers, Charles and George T. Jester, he went to Houston where he was one of the organizers of the Houston National Bank and served as secretary of the Texas Bankers Association. In 1892, he moved to Tyler and organized the Jester National Bank which he conducted for 20 years. He moved to Dallas in 1913 and organized the Merchants National Bank. Mr. Jester retired from active business in 1915 because of ill health, but later served as assistant agent of the Federal Reserve bank.

Since his retirement, Mr. and Mrs. Jester have traveled extensively. The couple celebrated their fifty-sixth wedding anniversary, Dec. 15.

Surviving are four sons, Herbert W. Jester and John C. Jester, both of Dallas, and Lavin Jester and Ralph K. Jester, both of Los Angeles; two grandchildren, Mrs. George B. Rice and Herbert W. Jester, Jr., both of Dallas, and a number of other relatives.

The body was brought overland, arriving here about 4 o’clock this afternoon, following the service in Dallas at 2 o’clock. Sutherland-McCammon, Corsicana funeral directors had charge of the arrangements for interment here.

Notes:

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LEVIN L. JESTER BURIED IN OAKWOOD SUNDAY AFTERNOON

Funeral services for Levi Leven Jester, aged 87 years, who died at his home in Dallas Friday, were held Sunday afternoon at 2 o’clock from the First Methodist Church in Dallas with interment in Oakwood cemetery here. The rites were conducted by Rev. W. C. Martin, Bishop John M. Moore and Dr. C. C. Sclecman, president of Southern Methodist University. The body was brought overland to Corsicana.

A native of Waverly, Ill., Mr. Jester came to Texas and Navarro county in 1858. After attending Trinity University at Tehuacana and being engaged in business for a time, he organized banks at Corsicana, Houston, Tyler and Dallas. He retired a number of years ago and traveled extensively.

Surviving are his wife, Mrs. Minnie Cain Jester, Dallas; four sons, Herbert W. Jester and John C. Jester, both of Dallas, and Leven Jester and Ralph K. Jester both of Los Angeles; two grandchildren, Mrs. George B. Rice and Herbert W. Jester, Jr., both of Dallas, and other relatives.

Active pallbearers were C. L. Jester, Beauford H. Jester, Dr. H. B. Jester, Guy Hamilton, Lowry Martin and R. P. Bates, nephews, all of Corsicana.

Honorary pallbearers were members of the board of stewards and the Brotherhood Sunday School class of the First Methodist church in Dallas.

Sutherland-McCammon Funeral Home directed the local arrangements.

Notes:

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Rites Thursday For Leven Jester

Funeral rites for Leven Jester, 59, who died in Long Beach, Calif., Sunday following an extended illness, are to be held at 2 p.m. Thursday from the McCammon Chapel.

The rites are to be conducted by Dr. Chet C. Henson, pastor of the First Methodist church. Burial will be in Oakwood cemetery. The body arrives in Corsicana Wednesday.

Jester, a native of Tyler was a prominent real estate operator in Dallas prior to moving to California in 1934. In the 1920’s he was a tennis star and teamed with J. B. Adou, Jr., Dallas mayor, won the state and southwestern tennis championship and also was singles champion in 1925 while representing the Dallas Tennis club.

Surviving are three brothers, Herbert W. and John C. Jester, both of Dallas and Ralph K. Jester, Los Angeles, and other relatives.

A graduate of Yale, he was an ensign in the U. S. Navy during World War I.

Notes:


Homer Bates Jester, Sr. Dr., Major
Dec 31, 1876 - Jan 26, 1943

Jan 27, 1943
Dr. H. B. Jester Dies; Funeral Set Thursday
CORSICANA, Texas, Jan. 27. - Funeral services will be held at 3 p.m. Thursday for Dr. Homer B. Jester, who died Tuesday midnight following a brief illness. Dr. P. E.Riley, former pastor of the First Methodist Church, and the Rev. E. F.Bomfalk, present pastor of the church, will conduct the rites. Burial will be in Oakwood Cemetery.
A native of Corsicana, Dr. Jester has been connected with the Navarro clinic since its organization June 5, 1927, and was practicing physician here prior to that time. He was president of the Central Texas District Medical Society. He served in the Medical Corps of the United States Army in World War I, and held the rank of major. He was a member of the board of directors of the State National Bank.
Dr. Jester took an active interest in civic and business affairs.
Surviving are his wife, Corsicana; a son, Lieut. Homer B. Jester Jr., United States Army Air Forces, Tampa, Fla.; a daughter, Mrs. Andrew Long Chilton, California; two sisters, Mrs. Lowry Martin an Mrs. J. L. Halbert, both of Corsicana.

Notes:

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FUNERAL SERVICES DR. HOMER B. JESTER BE HELD THURSDAY

PROMINENT CORSICANA PHYSICIAN DIED SUDDENLY TUESDAY NIGHT.

Dr. Homer B. Jester died at his home here Tuesday night following a brief illness. Funeral services will be held Thursday afternoon at 3 o’clock from the Chapel of the Sutherland-McCammon Funeral Home; Dr. P. E. Riley, former pastor of the First Methodist Church, and Rev. E. F. Bohmfalk, pastor of the First Methodist Church, will conduct the rites. Burial will be in
Oakwood Cemetery.

A native of Corsicana, Dr. Jester had been active in medical circles in this section for many years. He had been a member of the Navarro Clinic since the organization on June 5, 1927, and was a practicing physician here prior to that time. He was president of the Navarro County Medical Society at the time of his death and had previously filled that position. He is also past president of the Central Texas District Medical Society. He served in the Medical Corps of the U. S. Army in World War One and held the rank of major.

Dr. Jester also took an active interest in the civic and business affairs of the city. He contributed generously of his time and means for the betterment of this community. He was a member of the board of directors of the State National Bank for a number of years and was serving in that capacity at the time of his death.

Surviving are his wife, Corsicana; a son Lieut. Homer B. Jester, Jr., U. S. Army Air Forces, Tampa, Fla.; a daughter, Mrs. Andrew Long Chilton, Hanford, Cal., two sisters, Mrs. Lowry Martin, Corsicana; Mrs. J. L. Halbert, Corsicana and other relatives.

Pallbearers will be Elmer Butler, Ed M. Polk, Jr., Dr. E. H. Newton, Dr. Wilson David, Dr. Opie Wills, Bobbie Cocke, N. Suttle Roberts, Allan Hamilton, R. H. Montgomery, and A. G. Elliott. Honorary pallbearers will be members of the Navarro County Medical Society and members of the board of directors of the State National Bank.

Notes:

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RITES WERE HELD THURSDAY AFTERNOON FOR DR. H. B. JESTER

Funeral services for Dr. Homer B. Jester, who died suddenly at his home here Tuesday night, were held from the chapel of the Sutherland-McCammon Funeral Home Thursday afternoon at 3 o’clock. Rev. P. E. Riley and Rev. E. F. Bomfalk, officiated. Burial was in
Oakwood Cemetery.

Dr. Jester was active in medical circles in this section of the state for a number of years. He was serving as president of the Navarro County Medical Society at the time of his death and he was past president of the Central Texas District Medical Society. He had been connected with the Navarro Clinic since it organization. He was also active in the civic and business affairs of the city. He was a director of the State National Bank.

Surviving are his wife, a son, a daughter, two sisters and other relatives.

Notes:


George E. Jester
Oct 14, 1869 - Oct 22, 1935

Oct 22, 1935
Corsicana Financial, Church Leader Dies
George E. Jester, Kin of Corsicana Founder, Is Dead Banker, Church Worker and Pioneers' Descendant Dies at His Home George E. Jester, 66, great-grandson of the founder of Corsicana and himself a native of the city, died Tuesday at his home. He was a leader in financial and church activities many years.
Funeral services will be held at the First Methodist Church, of which he was a lifelong member, Wednesday at 3 p.m.
Jester, descendant of Hampton McKinney, who built the first house in Corsicana in 1846, and of other pioneers of Navarro County, was educated at Corsicana High School and Staunton (Va.) Military Academy. He became connected with the Corsicana National Bank forty years ago and later became associated with the First State Bank of Corsicana, of which he was president before its consolidation with the State National Bank in 1931. He was vice-president of the latter at his death.
For a number of years Jest was treasurer of the Central Texas Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church.
Surviving are his wife; two daughters, Mrs. William Quinn of Dallas and Miss Kathryn Jester of Corsicana; two brothers, Judge C. L. Jester and Dr. Homer B. Jester, and two sisters, Mrs. J. L. Halbert and Mrs. Lowry Martin, all of Corsicana.

Notes:


Claude W. Jester
1873 - Feb 1952

February 17, 1952
Late Governor's Brother Is Buried
CORSICANA, Texas, Feb. 17. - Funeral services were held here Tuesday for Claude Jester, Corsicana native but a resident of New York City fifty-four years, who died in New York.
He was a brother of the late Beauford H. Jester, former Governor of Texas, and a son of the late George T. Jester, Corsicana, onetime Lieutenant Governor of Texas.
Surviving are his mother, Mrs. George T. Jester, Corsicana, and a sister, Mrs. Clay Johnson, Fort Worth.
Burial was in Oakwood Cemetery. The rites were conducted by Dr. Chet C. Henson, pastor of the First Methodist Church.

Notes:

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C. W. JESTER DEAD.

One of Corsicana's Best Citizens Answers the Final Sermon

Mr. C. W. Jester died at his home, corner Ninth avenue and Fifteenth street, this afternoon at 12.12 o'clock, and one of Corslcana's best and most prominent citizens has gone to his final reward. It is not exaggeration to say that the city is in mourning and that over the entire county there will be felt deep sorrow as the information of his death is received. He was a popular man. More, he was a good man. Although frugal habits and conservative business principles employed from youth had fructified into the
accumulation of much of this world's goods, he was always a plain citizen and his heart beat in warm sympathy for his people. He was a man who was easily approached and made no distinction of classes. A man with him was a man to whom he ever extended a hearty hand-clasp, a cordial greeting and succor when needed. A member of the First Methodist church and one of its official family, he contributed of his time, talent and money to the widening of the church's influence and to its constant upbuilding. He was a Christian gentleman whom all respected and whose companionship was constantly sought, yet he was a man of few words and wholly free from ostentatious show.
The vain pomp and glory of the world were as sounding brass and tinkling cymbals to him. He loved and adhered to the plain walks of life and died In the full confidence of his people. With it all he was a man of fine sense, well read and of deep convictions and sound judgment. His advice was always on the side of right, just as was his life, and he left an example which to follow means to receive the rewards of this world and the blessings of the eternal hereafter.
Those who are in a position to know speak of his life at home as being ideal. A gentle, considerate, affectionate husband, and noble father, whose home-coming was daily heralded with pleasure by his children, sums up the home life of this truly good man.  The visitor who crossed the threshold of that home found him a courtly, genial gentleman who, without effort, but because of being
a gentleman born, dispensed hospitality with a grace and ease that was charming. That these are not words of extravagant praise hundreds of friends will bear willing testimony.
Mr. Jester was born April 3d, 1841, In Madison county, Illinois, and was the eldest of a family of six children.
His father died when this son was only ten years of age, leaving the family in other than affluent circumstances. Therefore the burdens of life fell upon him early, but with the aid of his two younger brothers, he took up the struggle and together they worked their way to success.
At the age of 17 years Mr. Jester came with the other members of the family to Texas, arriving in Corsicana in 1868, where he has resided since.
Many hardships were encountered but he met them in that calmly determined spirit which was one of his chief characteristics and overcame them.
For some time he was engaged in the saddle and harness business and there, as wherever his field of labor lay, friends were made and his popularly grew. In 1898 he became president of the Corsicana National Bank which position of trust and honor he held at the time of his death. Besides his connection with the bank he is also largely Interested in other enterprises and has considerable interests in Northeastern Texas.
Mr. Jester leaves a wife and six children, viz.: George B., Judge C. L., Miss Ida, Dr. Homer B, Hugh and Miss Llla. He has two brothers and one sister who survive him, they being Mrs. R. P. Bates of Corsicana, L. L, Jester, President of the Jester National Bank of Tyler, and Gov. Geo. T. Jester of this city. Numerous other relatives also survive him in Corsicana and also [this part of paper is torn]

It will be observed that tomorrow, April 3d will be Mr. Jester's Birthday.
For that reason the funeral is being deferred to Sunday, it being the wish of the family that he be not burled on his natal day.
Mr. Jester's death will be a doubly severe shock to many of his friends, as only yesterday the cheering news came from his bedside that he was not then considered seriously ill . He was stricken with pneumonia one week ago today.

Notes:

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 C. W. JesterBuried Sunday Afternoon.

Tho mortal remains of the late C. W. Jester were laid to rest in the family lot In Oakwood yesterday afternoon. The funeral procession formed at the home at 3:30 and went to the First Methodist church, where Rev. James Campbell, pastor of the
church, read the burial service and Rev. Horace Bishop made an impressive talk on the life and character of the deceased.
The church was filled to overflowing and many [unreadable] about the building till the services were over and the procession to the cemetery was reformed. The procession was one of the largest ever seen in Corsicana and the-floral designs were profuse and of the rarest and most -beautiful. At the conclusion of the services at the grave the mound was literally hidden beneath these rare
and beautiful flowers, and the graves of the two little daughters of the deceased who were taken many years ago were also covered by loving friends with floral offerings.

The following gentlemen were pall bearers: Active—J, L. Halbert, W. M. Tatum, C. H. Allyn, T. P. Kerr, J. M, Bartlett of Rice, Fred Flemmlng of Dallas, J. E. Whlteselle and Ab Haslam.  Honorary—James Garitty, F. N Drane, J. A. Thompson, S. W. Johnson, E.E. Dunn, F. Y. Doke, E. W. Johnson, W. N. Kenner, J. M. Blandlng, John Duren, S. A. Pace, Travis Holland, C. R. Terry, R. Q. Mills, A. Fox and Louis Cerf. There many people in the procession from the surrounding country who had known the deceased for years and came from their homes In he quietude of the Sabbath day to pay their last respects to one whom they respected and loved in life.

In addition to those were a number of colored people, some old and others young, who had been In the employ of the family at various times, and who were grieved at the taking off of their former employer and benefactor and wanted in their humble
way to give expression to their sorrow.

Notes:

  • Corsicana Daily Sun - Monday, Apr 5, 1909

  • Submitted by Karen Rost


Achilles Jasper
1856 - Mar 21, 1935

March 22, 1935
Dallas County Native Is Buried at Denton
CORSICANA, Texas, March 22. - Funeral services were held at the Church of Christ at Denton Friday for A. Jasper, 78, native of Dallas County, who died Thursday at the home of his daughter, Mrs. Sallie Jackson, here.
Jasper, who was born the year the city of Dallas was incorporated, was the son of the late T. A. Jasper, pioneer Texas minister. Surviving are his wife, four daughters, Mrs. Nellie Talliaferro of Dallas, Mrs. G. E. Allen of Clarendon, Mrs. Jackson and Mrs. A. Atchison of Altus, Ok.; one son, Terrel Jasper of Seattle, Wash.; fourteen grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

Notes:


Joseph Alfred Jarrell
Jun 15, 1867 - Oct 20, 1939

October 24, 1939, Dallas, Texas
Pioneer Merchant From Corsicana Dies At Residence in Dallas Joseph Alfred Jarrell, 72, dry goods merchant at Corsicana for a quarter of a century, will be buried in Restland Memorial Park Tuesday.
Mr. Jarrell, a former executive in the Graham Combination Stores which operated in sixteen cities of North and Central Texas, died Sunday at 6226 Richmond, where he had been living since he moved here from Corsicana a year ago.
Dr. Floyd Poe will conduct funeral services at the George A. Brewer Funeral Chapel Tuesday at 4 p.m.
A native of Lebanon, Tenn., Mr. Jarrell was 7 years old when his parents moved to Texas and settled in Denton County. There he farmed until 1896 when an uncle, A. E. Graham of Denton, who founded the combination stores and an elder brother, influenced him to go into the dry goods business in Georgetown.
In 1898 the first of the Texas oil fields was opened in Corsicana and the first of the state's refineries was under way. The Jarrells closed the store in Georgetown and moved to Corsicana with the boom. Mr. Jarrell operated the store there until he retired in 1924.
He was an officer in the Third Avenue Presbyterian Church in Corsicana for almost forty years before he moved to Dallas. His membership was transferred to the City Temple Presbyterian Church, but deacons and elders of his old church will be pallbearers at the funeral.
Survivors are his wife, Mrs. Alma Stader Jarrell; a son, L. O. Jarrell of Houston, and two daughters, Miss Eddie and Miss Joe Jarrell, both of Dallas.

Notes:


Barbara Louise (Cook) Gilliam
Feb 26, 1925 - Feb 11, 2006

Barbara Louise Gilliam went to be with the Lord on Feb. 11, 2006. She was born on Feb. 26, 1925 in Bridgeport. She was the co-owner of Pat and Bab’s Dress Shoppe in Corsicana.

Barbara is survived by her husband Bill Gilliam of Corsicana; daughter and son-in-law Tish and Gary Schutte; son and daughter-in-law Paul and Cindy Gilliam; granddaughter and husband Christy and Shawn Powers; grandson and wife Kevin and Mendi Schutte; grandson and wife Tim and Dina Gilliam; granddaughters Anna and Amanda Gilliam; grandson Randy Flach; granddaughter Karin Flach and six great grandchildren. She is also survived by her sister and brother-in-law Patsy and Kenneth Wylie.

Funeral services will be held at the First Baptist Church of Corsicana at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 15 with Rev. B.F. Risinger Jr. officiating.

Visitation will be held at Corley Funeral Home from 6 to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 14.

Arrangements by Corley Funeral Home.

Notes:

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Barbara Louise Gilliam went to be with the Lord on February 11, 2006.

Barbara was born on February 26, 1925, in Bridgeport, Texas. She was the co-owner of Pat & Bab's Dress Shoppe in Corsicana.

She is survived by her husband Bill Gilliam of Corsicana, her Daughter and Son-in-Law Tish and Gary Schutte, her Son and Daughter-in-Law Paul and Cindy Gilliam. Her Granddaughter & her husband Christy and Shawn Powers, her Grandson and his wife Kevin and Mendi Schutte, her Grandson and his wife Tim and Dina Gilliam, her Granddaughters Anna and Amanda Gilliam, her Grandson Randy Flach, and her Granddaughter Karin Flach, and Six Great Grandchildren. She is also survived by her Sister and Brother-in-Law Patsy and Kenneth Wylie.

A Funeral Service will be held at the First Baptist Church of Corsicana on Wednesday, February 15, 2006 at 2:00 P.M. Rev. B.F. Risinger, Jr. will officiate.

Visitation will be held at Corley Funeral Home on Tuesday, February 14, 2006 from 6:00 - 8:00 P.M.

Notes:


Dexter Ragan
Oct 6, 1915 - Feb 14, 2006

Mr. Dexter Ragan, 90, of Corsicana passed away on Tuesday, February 14, 2006 in Corsicana. He was born on October 6, 1915 in Corsicana, Texas. Visitation will be held from 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. on Friday, February 17, 2006 at the funeral home. Funeral Services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, February 18, 2006 at the Corley Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Dan Rogers officiating. Interment will follow in the Hamilton-Beeman Cemetery. He was preceded in death by a Daughter, Debra Ragan & a Brother, Johnny Ragan. He is survived by his Wife, Malline Ragan of Corsicana, TX., Daughters, Cindy Ragan of Fort Worth, TX. & Carol Ragan of Dallas, TX., Sons, Ray Lee Ragan of Kemp, TX., Ricky Ragan of Corsicana, TX., Gary Ragan of Grand Prairie, TX., Danny Ragan of Roby, TX., Jimmie Ragan of Bridgeport, TX., Brother, Ray Ragan of Corsicana, TX., Sister Ruth Lucas of Orange, TX.

Notes:

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Dexter Ragan

Dexter Ragan, 90, of Corsicana passed away Tuesday, Feb. 14, 2006, 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 Corley Funeral Chapel with the Rev. Dan Rogers officiating. Interment will follow at Hamilton-Beeman Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be Harold Chandler, Rick Riggs, Robert Overton and Carl Sweeney Jr. Honorary pallbearers will be Carl Sweeney, Jimmy Sweeney and Eulan Jones.

Mr. Ragan was born Oct. 6, 1915, in Corsicana.

He was preceded in death by his daughter, Debra Ragan; and brother, Johnny Ragan.

Survivors include his wife, Malline Ragan of Corsicana; daughters, Cindy Ragan of Fort Worth and Carol Ragan of Dallas; sons, Ray Lee Ragan of Kemp, Ricky Ragan of Corsicana, Gary Ragan of Grand Prairie, Danny Ragan of Roby and Jimmie Ragan of Bridgeport; brother, Ray Ragan of Corsicana; and sister, Ruth Lucas of Orange


Justin Wesley Atchley
Nov 24, 2005 - Feb 13, 2006

Infant Justin Wesley Atchley, 2 Months & 20 Days of Rice, Texas passed away on Monday, February 13, 2006 at Children's Medical Center in Dallas, Texas. He was born on November 24, 2005 in Corsicana, Texas. Graveside Services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, February 16, 2006 at the Rice Cemetery with the Rev. John Barber officiating. Pallbearer will be his loving Father, James Wayde Atchley, Jr. He was preceded in death by a Paternal Great Grandfather, J.W. Atchley. He is survived by his Father, James Wayde Atchley, Jr. of Rice, TX., Mother, Danielle Marie Ponder of Rice, TX., Sister, Kaylee Marie Ponder Atchley of Rice, TX., Paternal Grandparents, James & Trina Atchley, Sr. of Rice, TX., & Janice Daniel & Chris Cowsert of Rice, TX., Maternal Grandparents, Brad & Linda Ponder of Rice, TX., Paternal Great Grandmothers, Betty Atchley & Maudie Brown of Rice, TX., Maternal Great Grandparents, Don & Linda Brown of Eustace, TX. & Bruce & Judy Ponder of Rowlett, TX., Paternal Great Great Grandparents, Mr. & Mrs. R. L. Cooley of Ennis, TX., Aunts & Uncles, Mykal Joyner of Wylie, TX, Amanda & Josh Cheek of Rice, TX., Christopher Atchley of Rice, TX, Heather Kimbrell of Rice, TX., Meagan Parks of Austin, TX, Julie Ponder of Rice, Tx., Jeff Ponder of Cedar Hill, Tx., & Jason Ponder of DeSoto, TX., a Cousin, Zachary Ponder of DeSoto, TX. and numerous other Great Aunts, Uncles & Cousins. Friends desiring to do so may make Memorial Contributions to Children's Medical Center of Dallas for SIDS Research, 1935 Motor Street, Dallas, Texas 75235.

Rice Knox
Jan 29, 1854 - May 1, 1936

May 1, 1936, Frost, Texas
Dr. Rice Knox, Frost Physician, Is Dead
FROST, Navarro Co., Texas, May 1. - Funeral services for Dr. Rice Knox, 82, pioneer physician and resident of this community, who died at 1:20 Friday morning, were held from the Methodist Church Friday afternoon with burial in the local cemetery. He had resided here for the last fifty-six years and was an extensive property-owner.
Dr. Knox was the oldest physician in Navarro County.
Surviving are a number of nieces and nephews, including Mrs. J. M. Tullos, Corsicana; Knox Doyle, Dallas; Irvin Westlake, Huntsville, Mo.; John Knox, Clifton Hill, Mo., and Archie Knox, Denver, Colo.

Notes:



PROMINENT NAVARRO COUNTY PHYSICIAN BURIEDAT FROST

PIONEER RESIDENT DIED FOLLOWING SEVERAL YEARS FAILING HEALTH
FROST, May 2.—(Spl.)—Funeral rites for Dr. Rice Knox. aged 82 years, pioneer physician of this community, who died Friday morning at 1:20 o'clock after several years falling health, were held from the Methodist church Friday afternoon at 4 o'clock with interment in the local cemetery.
The services were conducted by Rev. J. D. Huckabee, pastor of the Methodist church here, assisted by Rev. D. K. Robinson, close personal friend of Dr. Knox.
Surviving are several nieces and nephews, including Mrs. J. M. Tullos of Corsicana and Knox Doyle of Dallas.
Following are portions of a story written several years ago by J. E. Laney, editor of the Frost Enterprise, a close personal friend of the deceased: "One of more versatile pen than
the writer might weave a colorful story of romance and adventure around the life of this retired physician, Born in Missouri.
"Born in Roanoke, Missouri, the youngest of a family of seven, he learned early in life the lesson of self-reliance and self-discipline, and naturally built around himself a wall of reserve and independence, which has been interpreted by acquaintances as indifference,
or probably, harshness. But those of his friends who know him best, those to whom ho has ministered in the sick room, know that underneath that brusque manner beats a heart warm in sympathy and understanding, especially for those who have come up through the school of hard knocks.
"He prepared himself for his lifes’ work in some of the leading universities of the country: Bellevue University. N. Y.; Jefferson Medical College, Philadelphia; Harvard University, Cambridge.
Mass.; receiving his Bachelor of Medical Science Degree from University of Missouri.
Taught School.
"For a short time he taught school in Missouri and then headed to Texas and the wide open spaces.
"He landed at Crossroads, hung out his shingle and was soon a full-fledged country doctor. Many and interesting are the incidents recounted by Dr. Knox, which filled those early years, years in which he began to amass what was later to become a comfortable fortune, and it is to his credit that a substantial portion of his first earnings went back to his mother at the old Home at Roanoke, Missouri; the home from which he had gone as a boy of 18
with $13 in his pocket with which to get an education.
"In I887 Dr. Knox made his entrance into Frost.   For many years, his sister, Mrs. Doyle, and her four children made their home with him, only two of the family surviving now, Mrs. Pete Tullos of Corsicana, and Knox Doyle of Dallas,   One seldom meets a better informed man than Dr. Knox. His reading has been supplemented by extensive travel.
In 1909 he spent four months touring Europe, visiting Russia, France, Germany, England, Ireland, Holland and many ether places."

Notes:


Malvin Finley Keathley, Sr.
Jan 19, 1883 - Sep 1933

September 22, 1933
KEATHLEY - Corsicana. Texas. Sept 22. - Funeral services for Malvin Finley Keathley, 50, who died at his home in Frost Thursday night, will be held at the First Methodist Church there Saturday afternoon at 3:30 o'clock. Burial will be in the Frost Cemetery. Mr. Keathley was born Jan. 19, 1883, near Irene in Hill County and had lived in Navarro County practically all of his life. He married Miss Della Scott Nov. 29, 1905. Surviving are his wife, four children, Mrs. Joe Worsham, Barry; Mrs. Claude Wilson, Milford; Malvin Keathley Jr. and Mrs. Cloe Keathley of Frost; four brothers and one sister.

Notes:


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