Obituaries from
Navarro County, Texas


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William Roy Pressly
Dec 16, 1867 - Feb 9, 1953

W. R. Pressly Dies Monday Morning

W. R. Pressly, 86, long-time Corsicana resident, died at his home, 712 South Sixteenth street Monday morning.

Native of Elizaville, Ind., he had resided in Corsicana since 1898. He formerly was in the sawmill business and was a locksmith for a number of years before his retirement.

Surviving are his wife of Corsicana; two sons, Guy Aubrey Pressly, Farmersville, and Ray Edwin Pressly, Bunert; two grandchildren, Mary Ann Pressly, Waco, and Ray E. Pressly, Jr., Bunert; a half-brother, Emmett Pressly, Kansas City, Mo., and other relatives, including a nephew, Fred Pressly, who was reared in his uncle's home.

Funeral services will be held from Westminister Presbyterian church of which he was a member, Tuesday at 2 p.m.

The rites will be conducted by Dr. M. H. Arnold, pastor. Burial will be in Oakwood cemetery.

He was an elder of the Third Avenue Presbyterian church for years.

McCammon will direct.

Notes:

Zenobia (Robinson) Pressly
Mar 3, 1873 - Jul 25, 1955

Wednesday Rites For Mrs. Presley

Mrs. W. R. Presley, 82, died at her home, 712 South Sixteenth street, late Monday afternoon.

A native of Arkansas, Mrs. Presley had resided in Corsicana since 1904.

Surviving are two sons, Aubrey Presley, Farmersville, and Ray Presley, Burnett; two grandchildren, Mary Ann Curington, Farmersville, and Ray Presley, Jr., Burnett; a nephew whom she reared, Fred Presley, Corsicana, and other relatives.

Mrs. Presly had been a longtime active member of the Westminister Presbyterian church.

Funeral services will be held Wednesday at 10 a.m. from the Westminister Presbyterian church with burial in Oakwood cemetery.

The rites will be conducted by Dr. Matthew H. Arnold, pastor.

Pallbearers will be Ralph Stell, King Elliott, Joel Trimble, Derwood Robinson, J. W. McCammon and Howard Allen.

McCammon directs.

Notes:

Charles Sterling Wood
Jan 3, 1869 - Jul 3, 1953

Charles S. Wood Fatally Stricken On Friday Night

Charles Sterling Wood, 84, cotton buyer and well-known Navarro countian, died of a heart attack Friday about 9 p.m. at the home of a brother-in-law, L. B. Hosch, 1704 West Tenth avenue.

Funeral arrangements are pending the contacting of a son, F. E. Wood, Houston, en route to California, but the rites will be held from the Corley Chapel Sunday or Monday with burial in Oakwood cemetery.

He was a member of the Church of Christ.

Native of Georgia
A native of Georgia, Wood came to Navarro county more than 60 years ago after going to California. He farmed at Petty's Chapel, Powell and Roane before moving to Corsicana in 1912 to his present home 1530 West Seventh avenue. He had bought cotton here several years in the fall before moving here.

Wood was active in political and other circles, and for many years assisted in the holding of elections and serving as presiding judge on many occasions.

Only 30 Minutes
Hosch said his brother-in-law had walked from his home and was sitting on the porch of the Hosch residence when he asked for a glass of water and complained of being excessively tired. He laid down on a bed and died within 30 minutes after becoming ill.

Surviving are four sons, Hugh Wood, Texas City; F. E. Wood, Houston; J. B. Wood, Corsicana, and R. B. Wood, Beaumont; a daughter, Mrs. W. E. Kellum, Longview; 14 grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; two brothers, R. L. Wood, Gainesville, Ga., and Sam Wood, Madison, Ga.; a sister, Mrs. Mattie Alexander, Jefferson, Ga., and other relatives.

Notes:

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Charles S. Wood Services Tuesday

Funeral services for Charles Sterling Wood, 84, long-time cotton buyer and prominent in political and other circles, will be held from the Corley Chapel, Tuesday at 2:30 p.m. Burial will be in Oakwood cemetery. The rites will be conducted by Claude B. Holcomb, minister of the Fifth Avenue Church of Christ. He died of a heart attack Friday night.

Wood was a member of the Church of Christ.

A native of Georgia, Wood had resided in Navarro county more than 60 years. He farmed at Powell, Roane and Petty's Chapel prior to moving to Corsicana in 1912. He has been a cotton buyer since moving here and bought cotton several falls before leaving the farm.

He had been an election official for many years.

Surviving are four sons, Hugh Wood, Texas City; F. E. Wood, Houston; J. B. Wood, Corsicana, and R. B. Wood, Beaumont; a daughter, Mrs. W. E. Kellum, Longview; 14 grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; two brothers, R. L. Wood, Gainesville, Ga., and Sam Wood, Madison, Ga.; a sister, Mrs. Mattie Alexander, Jefferson, Ga., and other relatives.

Pallbearers will be Edwin Goodwin, Glen Curry, Pope Estes, Dave Wiley, Roy Harrison, William Harwell, Amos Harwell and L. M. Warren.

Notes:

Alice Faye Holleman
B&D Jul 13, 1953

Holliman Infant Rites Wednesday

Funeral services for the infant daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Jack Holleman, 673 North Fourteenth street, who died in Memorial hospital early Tuesday afternoon, will be held from the Corley Chapel Wednesday at 4 p.m.

The rites will be conducted by Rev. Jack Goff, pastor of the West Side Baptist church. Burial will be in Oakwood cemetery.

Surviving are the parents, three sisters, Mary Sue, Sonji Jo and Kathline Holliman, all of Corsicana, and a grandfather, John Beamon, Houston.

Notes:

  • The Corsicana Daily Sun - Wed., Jul 15, 1953
  • Submitted by Diane Richards
  • d/o Jack Rudolph Holleman buried in Hamilton Beeman cemetery & Jo Ellen (Beamon) Holleman buried in Long Prairie cemetery

Annie Olive (Seale) Reeves
Feb 24, 1907 - May 16, 1961

Mrs. O. F. Reeves Dies Tuesday

Mrs. O. F. Reeves, 53, died in Memorial Hospital Tuesday afternoon.

Funeral services will be held Thursday at 2 p.m. from the Fifth Avenue Church of Christ.

The rites will be conducted by Claude B. Holcomb, minister. Burial will be in Oakwood cemetery.

Mrs. Reeves was a native of Falls county.

Surviving are her husband of Corsicana; two sons, O. F. Reeves, Jr., and J. E. Reeves, both of Kilgore; a daughter, Mrs. Clay Fluker, Jr., Corsicana; seven grandchildren, two sisters, Mrs. R. E. Blackwell, Waco, and Mrs. J. J. Holley, Grapevine and other relatives.

Corley will direct.

Notes:

Benjamin Franklin Reeves
Jul 5, 1872 - Jul 14, 1953

Rites Wednesday For B. F. Reeves

Funeral services for B. F. Reeves, 81, native Texan, who died at the Memorial Hospital early Tuesday, were held Wednesday at 2 p.m. from the McCammon Chapel.

The rites were conducted by Rev. Ray of the Pentecostal church. Burial was in Oakwood cemetery.

Surviving are two brothers, J. P. and Thomas Jamison, both of Corsicana, and other relatives.

Pallbearers were Albert Jamison, Allen Jamison, Gussie Jamison, A. B. Hollewell, Huey Libhart and Cleo Ford.

Notes:

Maggie (Green) Henson-Jamison
Jan 12, 1884 - Sep 27, 1960

Mrs. Jamison Rites Thursday

Funeral services for Mrs. Maggie Jamison, 76, were held Thursday at 2 p.m. from the Corley Chapel, Rev. B. W. Johnson, pastor of the Pentecostal Church of God, officiated. Interment was in Oakwood cemetery.

A long-time resident of Corsicana, Mrs. Jamison died late Tuesday at her home.

Surviving are her husband, Thomas Jamison, Corsicana; three sons, Harry Driver, Ontario, Calif.; Joel Henson, Teague, and L. R. Henson, Corsicana; four daughters, Mrs. Joeree Morris, Palestine; Mrs. Ethel Anderson, Sweeney; Mrs. Bertha Jamison, Corsicana; and Mrs. Emma Montia, Waco; 16 grandchildren; 23 great-grandchildren; two brothers, J. O Green, Pursley, and Levy Green, Joplin, Mo.; and one sister, Mrs. Bettie Free, Los Angeles, Calif.

Grandsons were pallbearers.

Notes:

Ossie Ellis Mesker
Oct 28, 1912 - Mar 26, 1956

O. E. Mesker, Father Of 14, Train Victim

O. E. Mesker, 43, oil field worker and father of 14 children, was instantly killed early Monday morning when his automobile is reported to have struck a Burlington-Rock Island Lines freight train at a farm-market crossing on the Camp Wanica road. This is the third traffic fatality in Navarro county during 1956.

Officers Investigate
Sheriff Rufus Pevehouse said Mesker, an employe of Coffield and Guthrie, was traveling east and the freight train was proceeding in a southerly direction when the 24th car of the train was struck. The impact is reported to have hurled the car against a highway sign, knocking it down, Mesker was crushed and the car demolished. The train, it was reported was not damaged and proceeded after officers arrived and conducted the investigation.

Highway Patrolman Ralph Reaves also investigated the mishap.

Sheriff Pevehouse said the train's engineer was H. G. Hippie of Teague, George L. Hendon, Jr., of Teague was conductor, Pevehouse said.

Trying To Stop
The sheriff quoted Tim Brown, the rear brakeman, as saying he saw the impact and that Mesker apparently was trying to stop the car at the time. The vehicle skidded about 40 steps, Pevehouse reported.

A native of Kentucky, Mesker, had resided in this area for more than 30 years.

Funeral arrangements were incomplete at the Corley Funeral Home shortly after noon Monday.

Surviving are his wife, Eureka; nine sons, James Ellis Mesker, Corsicana; Oliver Mesker, Daingerfield; Monroe, Jimmy Don, Charles Ellis, J. L., Gary Wayne, David Allen, and an unnamed son born Sunday morning in the Corsicana Hospital and Clinic, all of Route 1, Eureka; five daughters, a married daughter in Arizona; Ersie Lee, Carolyn Sue, Mary Ellen and Brenda Kaye Mesker, all of Eureka; a grandson; mother, Mrs. Hattie Carver, Eureka; eight brothers, John H. Mesker, Angus; Harrison Mesker, Big Spring; Jesse Mesker, Dallas; Odell Mesker, California; George, Willie and Noah Mesker, all of Scottsville, Ky., and Richard Carver, Corsicana; six sisters, Mrs. Mamie Buckley, Mrs. Mert Foster and two married sisters whose married names are unavailable, and Becky Jane Carver, all of Scottsville, Ky., and Mrs. E. W. Willingham, Granger, and other relatives.

Notes:

  • The Corsicana Daily Sun - Mon., Mar 26, 1956
  • Submitted by Diane Richards
  • Oakwood cemetery
  • 1st wife Eltra Inez (King) Mesker 2nd wife Oleta Marie (McKeefer) Mesker s/o John Harlin Mesker buried in Modrall cemetery & Hattie Mae (Rigdon) Mesker-Carver buried in Hamilton Beeman cemetery

----

Wednesday Rites For O. E. Mesker

Funeral services for O. E. Mesker, 43, father of 14 children, fatally injured in a car-train accident early Monday, will be held from the Corley Chapel Wednesday at 2 p.m. Burial will be in Oakwood cemetery.

The rites will be conducted by Rev. H. M. Bailey, pastor of the Patterson Memorial Presbyterian Church at Eureka, and Rev. R. M. Cheek, pastor of the Northside Baptist Church.

Mesker's death is the third traffic fatality in Navarro County for 1956.

His automobile collided with a southbound Burlington-Rock Island Lines freight train at the farm-market road crossing on the road from Highway 287 to Camp Wanica at 12:40 a.m. the car was demolished.

Highway Patrolman Ralph Reaves and Sheriff Rufus Pevehouse conducted an investigation the train was allowed to proceed after the investigation was completed. Mesker, an employe of Coffield and Guthrie, was driving in an easterly direction at the time of the mishap.

His wife is in the Corsicana Hospital and Clinic following the birth of a son Sunday.

Surviving are his wife, Route 1, Eureka; nine sons, Oliver Mesker, Daingerfield; James Ellis Mesker, Corsicana; Monroe, Jimmy Don, Charles Ellis, J. L., Gary Wayne, David Allen and O. E. Mesker, all of Route 1, Eureka; five daughters, Mrs. Wanda Lynn Jordan, Arizona; Ersie Lee, Carolyn Sue, Mary Ellen and Brenda Kaye Mesker, all of Eureka, Route 1; mother, Mrs. Hattie Carver, Eureka; eight brothers, six sisters, and other relatives.

Pallbearers will be Paul Schultz, Tony Simmons, E. L. Drain, Merrill Bowwn, James Reeves and Percy Ledwell.

Corley will direct.

Notes:

Sarah Elizabeth �Lizey� (Sheets) Kessinger
Mar 25, 1860 - Dec 22, 1953

Mrs. S. E. Kessinger Rites Wednesday

Funeral services for Mrs. Sarah Elizabeth Kesinger, 93, who died in Dallas Tuesday morning, were held from the Griffin chapel Wednesday at 10 a.m.

The rites were conducted by Rev. Kenneth M. Hav, pastor of the Lakeview Christian church in Dallas. Burial was in Oakwood cemetery.

Surviving are five daughters, Mrs. Harvey Steely and Mrs. Paul Robinson, both of Dallas; Mrs. Henry Clements and Mrs. Tom Sutherland, both of Corsicana, and Mrs. Charles Jatsaros, Chicago; three grandchildren, Carol Ann Robinson, Dallas; John Paul Robinson, Jr., Houston, and Mrs. Homer A. Hunter, Dallas; two great-grandchildren, Gary Paul Robinson, Houston, and Freddie Hunter, Dallas; a brother, Ed Sheets, Corsicana; two sisters, Mrs. Johnny Parker, Florida and Mrs. Tom Brennan, Little Rock, Ark., and other relatives.

Pallbearers were Fred Kesinger, Will Hashop, W. B. Robinson, Homer Hunter, John Paul Robinson, Robert Frederick Hunter, and Doyle Farmer.

Notes:

Nettie May (Kessinger) Clements
Jul 22, 1882 - Dec 23, 1960

Mrs. Clements Rites Saturday

Graveside rites for Mrs. Nettie May Clements, 78, were conducted Saturday at 2 p.m. at Oakwood cemetery with Dr. Floyd Johnson, First Methodist pastor, officiating.

A native of Chatfield, Mrs. Clements died early Friday at Paulyne's Convalescent Home following an extended illness. She was born July 22, 1882. Mrs. Clements was a member of the First Methodist church here.

Survivors include her husband, Henry Clements, Corsicana; four sisters, Mrs. Tom Sutherland, Corsicana; Mrs. Harvey F. Steely, Dallas; Mrs. Anthony Katsaros, Chicago, Ill., and Mrs. Paul Robinson, Corsicana, and a number of nieces, nephews and other relatives.

Pallbearers were Paul Robinson, Homer Hunter, J. L. Stubbs, Richard Parker, Fred Kessinger, Sr., and Fred Kesinger, Jr., and Fred Hunter.

Griffin directed.

Notes:

Annie L. (Heller) Patterson
Jul 4, 1878 - Oct 12, 1961

Mrs. Paterson Dies Thursday

Mrs. A. L. Patterson, 83, 1320 West Tenth avenue, widow of the late A. L. Patterson, died in Memorial Hospital Thursday night.

Rosary will be recited Friday at 8 p.m. at the Corley Chapel, Requiem mass will be held at the Church of the Immaculate Conception Saturday at 10 a.m.

The rites will be conducted by Rev. A. J. Merkel, pastor. Burial will be in Oakwood cemetery.

Mrs. Patterson was a native of Weimar, Texas.

Surviving are a sister, Mrs. Josephine Boeker, Weimar, and a number of nieces, nephews, and other relatives.

Notes:

  • The Corsicana Daily Sun - Fri., Oct 13, 1961
  • Submitted by Diane Richards
  • w/o David Leslie �Dave� Patterson; d/o Henry Heller & Josephine (Learch) Heller buried in Saint Michael Catholic Cemetery, Weimar, Tx.

Martha Helen (Blair) Goodman
Mar 8, 1868 - Jul 7, 1955

Mrs. M. Goodman Services Sunday

Funeral services for Mrs. Martha Goodman, 87, who died in El Paso, Friday morning, will be held at Oakwood cemetery here Sunday at 3 p.m. The rites will be conducted by Dr. Matthew H. Arnold, pastor of the Westminister Presbyterian Church.

Mrs. Goodman resided in Corsicana prior to moving to El Paso 31 years ago. She was the widow of the late Joseph R. Goodman of Corsicana.

Surviving are the three daughters, Mrs. Sam D. Young, Mrs. Abner Lipscomb and Mrs. Dean A. Herman, and a son, Robert B. Goodman, all of El Paso; four grandchildren, and a niece, Mrs. M. E. Woodrow, Corsicana.

McCammon will direct.

Notes:

Jewell Woodrow �Woodie� Wilson
Apr 28, 1913 - Dec 20, 1972

J. W. Wilson

Funeral services are set for 10 a.m. Friday at the Tottens Funeral Home in Electra, Tex., for J. W. (Woody) Wilson, 59; native of Corsicana and resident of Electra, who died Thursday morning at a hospital in Electra.

Graveside services will be at 4 p.m. Friday at Oakwood Cemetery in Corsicana.

Survivors include his widow, Helen Wilson of Electra; a daughter, Mrs. Dianne Moor of Wichita Falls; and a son, Bill Wilson of Electra.

Members of the Corsicana Masonic Lodge No. 174 will be pallbearers.

Griffin Funeral Home will direct.

Notes:

Jacob Buckner �Jake� Jones
Apr 14, 1866 - Feb 22, 1953

Barry Resident Expires Sunday

Jacob B. (Uncle Jake) Jones, 86, died at his home in Barry Sunday afternoon following an extended illness.

A native of Toones, Tenn., he came to Texas in the late 1889s and was married to Mary O'Rena Gay, Dec. 24, 1893. He had resided at Barry 59 years.

Funeral services will be held from the Barry Methodist church Tuesday at 3 p.m., with burial in Oakwood Cemetery. The rites will be conducted by Rev. Don Hazelwood pastor of the church, and Rev. Ray O. Brooks, Baptist minister.

Surviving are his wife of Barry; a son, J. Frank Jones, Mineral Wells; five daughters, Mrs. Bessie Mims, Bryan; Mrs. Ruth Henderson, Barry; Mrs. Irene Powell, Dallas; Mrs. Myrtle Collier, Navarro, and Mrs. Louise Weems, Rantong, Ill; eight grandchildren, and a number of nieces and nephews.

Pallbearers will be George Mitchell, Marshall Massengale, William Henderson, Lowell Reed, Ray Posey and Loyd Simpson.

Notes:

Patricia Ann Taylor
Oct 1, 1953 - Oct 3, 1953

Taylor Infant Rites Saturday

The infant daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Jim Taylor died at Memorial Hospital Saturday morning.

Funeral services were held from the McCammon Chapel Saturday at 4:30 p.m. Burial was in Oakwood Cemetery.

The rites were conducted by Rev. J. W. Ford, pastor of the First Methodist church.

Surviving are the parents, and a sister, Teresa Ann Taylor, all of Corsicana.

Notes:

Robert Lee Blankenship
Jun 22, 1886 - Mar 5, 1953

R. L. Blankenship Services Friday

Funeral services for Robert L. Blankenship, 66, who died in the Veterans Hospital At Marlin early Thursday, were held from the Corley Chapel Friday at 3:30 p.m.

The rites were conducted by Rev. Riley E. Dale, pastor of the Missionary Baptist Church.

A veteran of World War I, Blankenship had resided at 910 South Eighteenth street for a number of years.

Surviving are a son, Walter James and a granddaughter, Kathy Sue James, both of Austin, and other relatives.

Pallbearers were C. C. Sapp, L. C. Clark, Owen Pickering, Hoyt Blackman, E. T. Wyrick and F. C. Paul.

Notes:

Calvin Allen Wright
Nov 23, 1910 - May 27, 1937

VICTIM DAM BREAK IN NEW MEXICO IS BURIED CORSICANA

Funeral services for Calvin Wright, aged 26 years, who was drowned Thursday when a dam at Conchas Dam, near Tucumcari, N.M., gave way, were held at Oakwood Cemetery Monday afternoon at 4 o'clock where interment was made. The rites were conducted by Leslie G. Thomas, minister of the Church of Christ.

The body arrived in Corsicana at a late hour Sunday night. It was reported here that Wright's automobile was on the dam when it gave way, sweeping the automobile and Wright down-stream. The body was recovered Saturday.

Surviving are his widow, three small children, Tucumcari, N. M.; mother, Mrs. Americus Wright, near Lubbock; and a sister, Annie Burns Wright, Lubbock, and other relatives.

Sutherland-McCammon Funeral Home directed the arrangements.

Notes:

  • The Corsicana Daily Sun - Mon., May 31, 1937
  • Submitted by Diane Richards
  • h/o Lorene (Dozier) Wright-O'Dell buried in Dresden cemetery; s/o Americus Vespucious Wright & Maude Elizabeth (Glass) Wright

John Fountain Wright, Sr.
Dec 6, 1888 - Apr 5, 1955

Henderson Man Services Here

J. Fountain Wright of Henderson, Texas, died in Memorial Hospital in Houston Tuesday.

Funeral services will be held at Henderson Thursday at 10 a.m. with graveside services at Oakwood cemetery here Thursday at 2 p.m.

Mrs. Wright is the former Miss Hattie Cobb, daughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. Tom Cobb, pioneer residents of Corsicana.

Surviving are his wife, and one son, Paul Brown Wright, both of Henderson.

McCammon will direct.

Notes:

Ada (Lasley) Hardin
Jul 18, 1882 - Sep 24, 1952

Mrs. Ada Hardin Dies A Pursley

Mrs. Ada Hardin, 70, died at the family home in the Pursley community Wednesday afternoon.

Funeral services are to be held at 4 p.m. Thursday from the family home with burial in the Ward cemetery.

The rites will be conducted by Claude B. Holcomb, minister of the Fifth Avenue Church of Christ.

Grandsons will be pallbearers.

A native of Kaufman county, Mrs. Hardin had resided in the Pursley community since nine years of age.

Surviving are her husband, M. L. Hardin, Pursley; four sons, J. W., W. H., R. L, and A. B. Hardin, all of Corsicana; four daughters, Mrs. A. H. Ganze and Mrs. J. C. Flynn, both of Corsicana; Mrs. M. A. Murray, Pursley and Mrs. James W. Barnes, Dallas; 18 grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; two sisters, Mrs. O. T. Nutt, Pursley and Mrs. W. V. Taliferro, Denton, and other relatives.

Corley directs.

Notes:

Marion Lucian/Lushen �Lush� Hardin
Mar 11, 1876 - Dec 13, 1959

M. L. Hardin Rites Tuesday

Funeral services for M. L. Hardin, 83-year-old life-long farmer-cattleman of Pursley were held Tuesday at 2:30 p.m. from the Pursley Church of Christ.

The rites were conducted by Claude B. Holcomb, minister of the Fifth Avenue Church of Christ. Burial was in the Ward cemetery.

Hardin died suddenly Sunday morning at his home in the Pursley community.

Surviving are three sons, J. W., R. L. and A. B. Hardin, all of Corsicana; four daughters, Mrs. A. H. Ganze, Corsicana; Mrs. M. A. Murray, Pursley; Mrs. J. C. Flynn, Abilene, and Mrs. James W. Barnes, Dallas; a brother, Roger Hardin, Brownwood; five sisters, Mrs. H. H. Franklin, Corsicana; Mrs. Chester Henson, Pea Ridge, Ark.; Mrs. Ella Stevens and Mrs. Louis Valentine, both of Abilene; 20 grandchildren, 26 great-grandchildren and other relatives.

Grandsons were pallbearers.

Corley directed.

Notes:

Odious Theodore Nutt
Jun 17, 1879 - Sep 3, 1965

Sunday Rites For O. T. Nutt

Funeral services for O. T. Nutt, 86, retired farmer, who died at his home in Pursley Friday, will be held from the Corley Chapel Sunday at 2 p.m. Burial will be in the Ward cemetery. The rites will be conducted by Syd Wyatt, minister of the Westside Church of Christ.

Nutt was a life-long resident of the Pursley community.

Surviving are his wife of Pursley and a number of nieces and nephews - Ferma C. Stewart, Maco Stewart and Miss Winona Stewart, all of Corsicana; Miss Ina Read and J. C. Read, both of Dallas; Robert Read, Bangs; Autrey Read, Wichita Falls; Otis Read, Bishop; Olen Bennett, Ingleside and Mrs. Alton McGaughey, Harlingen.

Pallbearers will be Ferma C. Stewart, Maco Stewart, Leland Stewart, August Ganze, J. C. Read, Ruby Owen, Weaver Owen and Charles Copeland.

Notes:

Nancy Teresa Alice (Scogin) Roberts
Aug 4, 1872 - Sep 11, 1956

Pursley Native Dies At Waco

Mrs. Alice Roberts, a native of Pursley, died early Friday in Waco.

Services will be held from the Connally Funeral Home Chapel in Waco at 2 p.m. Saturday. Burial will be in the Ward cemetery, Pursley at 4 p.m.

Mrs. Roberts is survived by four sons, Aaron and Ross Roberts, both of Gatesville; Arthur and Jim Roberts, both of Corpus Christi; three daughters, Mrs. Leecy Bunch, Fort Worth; Mrs. Josie York, Waco, and Mrs. Edna Hackney, Roosevelt, Okla., and other relatives.

Corley will handle local arrangements.

Notes:

Eunice Louise (Freeman) Gentsch
Oct 22, 1896 - Dec 16, 1969

Mrs. Gentsch Rites Slated

Final rites for Mrs. Eunice L. Gentsch, 73, who lived at 106 Hardy Ave. will be held Wednesday at 2 p.m. at Griffin Funeral Home Chapel.

Mrs. Gentsch died late Monday night at the Hilliard Home.

The Rev. J. B. Hardy of Longview will officiate at the service and interment will be in Resthaven Memorial Park.

Surviving are her husband, E. S. Gentsch of Corsicana; a brother, Clayton Freeman of Corsicana; and three nieces.

Pallbearers will be H. L. Hardgrove, Clint Washburn, F. H. Washburn, Albert Gorman, Dick Brown and Fred Gray.

Notes:

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Gentsch Rites

Funeral services for Mrs. Eunice L. Gentsch were held Wednesday at 2 p.m. at the Griffin Chapel. The rites were conducted by the Rev. J. B. Hardy with interment in Resthaven Memorial Park.

She is survived by her husband, one brother, and a number of other relatives.

Notes:

Sadie Beulah (Williams) Thompson
Aug 31, 1885 - Jan 9, 1972

Mrs. Thompson

Funeral services for Mrs. Beulah Thompson, 86, who died Sunday in Dallas, will be Tuesday at 2 p.m. at the Westminister Presbyterian Church, with burial in Resthaven Memorial Park under the direction of Corley Funeral Home

Mrs. Thompson is survived by two sons, L. S. Thompson, Fort Worth and L. W. Thompson of Dallas; four grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; and two brothers, Floyd Williams of Corsicana and Jim Williams of Frost.

Notes:

  • The Corsicana Daily Sun - Mon., Jan 10, 1972
  • Submitted by Diane Richards
  • w/o Worth Burkett Thompson; d/o James Richard Williams, Sr. & Laura L. (Moore) Williams buried in Oakwood cemetery

-----

Mrs. Thompson

Funeral services were to be Tuesday at 2 p.m. at Westminister Presbyterian Church for Mrs. Beulah Thompson, 86, who died Sunday in Dallas. Burial was to be in Resthaven Memorial Park. The Rev. Eugene E. Wood was to officiate.

Surviving are two sons, four grandchildren, two great-grandchildren, and two brothers.

Grandsons were to be pallbearers.

Notes:

Worth Burkett Thompson
Nov 1, 1885 - Apr 1, 1958

W. B. Thompson Rites Thursday

Funeral rites for W. B. Thompson, 72, of Hart, who died in a Fort Worth hospital Tuesday evening, were held from the Corley Chapel Thursday at 2 p.m. from the Corley Chapel Thursday at 2 p.m. with burial in the Resthaven Memorial Park.

The services were conducted by Rev. William Everheart of Amarillo, Masonic graveside services were held.

Thompson was a prominent rancher-farmer and resided at Kerens prior to 1945 when he moved to Hart.

Surviving are his wife, Mrs. Beulah Thompson, Hart; two sons, L. S. Thompson, Fort Worth, and Leonard W. Thompson, Amarillo; three brothers, Andrew S. Thompson, Blooming Grove; John P. Thompson, Dallas; four sisters, Mrs. Ida Bacon, Katy; Mrs. R. C. McSween, Denton; Mrs. Robert L. Casey, Fort Worth, and Mrs. Andrew Eckelman, Corsicana; four grandchildren and other relatives.

Pallbearers were S. E. Jenkins, Campbell McDowell, Edwin McDowell, Leroy Hackler, L. W. Rudd and W. W. Cox.

Notes:

  • The Corsicana Daily Sun - Thurs., Apr 3, 1958
  • Submitted by Diane Richards
  • h/o Sadie Beulah (Williams) Thompson; s/o David Franklin �Dave� Thompson & Margaret Catherine (Miller) Thompson buried in Black Hills cemetery

James R "Jim" Richards
Jan 17, 1889 - Jan 11, 1972

Jim Richards

Services are set for 4 p.m. Wednesday for Jim Richards, 82, who died Jan. 11, in Mel-Haven Convalescent Home.

Rev. James E. McKee will officiate, with burial in Resthaven Cemetery.

He was a native of Water Valley, Miss., and had lived in Corsicana since 1936.

A member of the Baptist Church, he was a textile worker for the Corsicana Cotton Mill.

Survivors include his widow; three sons, Jessie Richards and Less Richards, both of Corsicana; an Carlton Richards, Fort Worth; one daughter, Mrs. L. G. Clarkson of Corsicana; nine grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren.

Pallbearers are to include James Richards, Dicky Orand, Irvin Richards, Bob Blackstock, George Scott and Lee Lambert.

Notes:

  • The Corsicana Daily Sun - Tues., Jan 11, 1972
  • Submitted by Diane Richards
  • h/o James Willie (Wheeler) Richards married Jun. 26, 1910; s/o Mathew Richards, Jr. and Harriet A. (Sanders) Richards

James Willie (Wheeler) Richards
Mar 31, 1892 - Apr 16, 1972

Mrs. Richards

Funeral services for Mrs. Willie Richards, 80, who died Sunday at Memorial Hospital, will be Monday at 3:30 p.m. at the Corley Chapel, with the Rev. James McKee officiating. Burial will be in Resthaven Memorial Park.

A native of Athens, Ga., Mrs. Richards had lived in Corsicana since 1936. She was a retired employe of the Corsicana Cotton Mill and a member of Emmanuel Baptist Church. She was married to Jim R. Richards, June 26, 1910 at Water Valley, Miss.

She is survived by three sons, Jessie and Less Richards of Corsicana and Carlton Richards of Houston; one daughter, Mrs. Lovella Clarkson of Corsicana; nine grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; one sister, Mrs. Eula Bilbrow of Waco; and a number of nieces and nephews.

Pallbearers will be James Richards, Billy Clarkson, Erwin Richards, Dick Orand, John Hensley, Bob Blackstock and Bruce Grosshans.

Notes:

Harold Joe Tekell
Sep 4, 1925 - Sep 7, 2007

Harold Tekell, 82, of Hillsboro died Friday, Sept. 7, 2007, at the V.A. Medical Center in Waco. Funeral services will be 10 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 12, at Marshall & Marshall Funeral Directors Chapel in Hillsboro with the Rev. Reed Justus officiating. Interment will follow at Hillcrest Garden of Memory near Hillsboro. Visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home.

Harold was born in Norton, Texas, to the late Newton and Ruby (Ivy) Tekell. As a child, his family moved to Central Texas and lived in Hill County most of his life. He joined the U.S. Army on Sept. 1, 1944, and was honorably discharged on July 24, 1946. On June 14, 1947, he married Jean Blissett in Hillsboro. A lifelong farmer, he also served as a City Councilman and Mayor Pro-tem in Hillsboro for many years. In addition, he worked with other leaders to secure the construction of Lake Aquilla. Harold was a member of First United Methodist Church in Hillsboro, American Legion, past Master of Hillsboro Masonic Lodge #196, a member of the Shrine and was a York Rite Mason.

Preceding him in death was a brother, Adron Tekell.

He is survived by his wife, Jean Tekell, of Hillsboro; children, Larry Tekell and wife, Candy, of Itasca, Cindy Young and husband, Andy, of West, Jay Tekell and wife, Lou Nan, of Waxahachie and Jill Martin and husband, Jeff, of Flower Mound; grandchildren, Dee Tekell, Kalen Tekell, Mac Tekell, Jett Tekell, Benjamin Martin and Katherine Martin; brothers, Melvin Tekell and wife, Faye, of Hillsboro, Charles Tekell and wife, Becky, of Itasca and Jerry Tekell, of Italy; sisters, Joyce Boyd and husband, Zippy and Dorothy Duncan, all of Hillsboro; sister-in-law, Jo Tekell, of Bynum; and a number of nieces and nephews.

Waco Tribune-Herald: 9/10/2007

Notes:

  • WWII Biography
  • h/o Della Jean (Blissett) Tekell; s/o Newton Columbus Tekell & Ruby Willie (Ivy) Tekell

Clarence "Tommy" Thomerson, Jr.
Nov 14, 1932 - Aug 9, 2016

Wynell "Nell" (Dale) Thomerson
Dec. 27, 1935 - May 22, 2020

Wynell "Nell" Thomerson, 84, of Corsicana, Texas, died peacefully at home on May 22, 2020. Her husband, Clarence "Tommy" Thomerson, Jr., 83, preceded her in death on September 9, 2016, also peacefully at home.

Nell was born in Irene, Texas, on December 27, 1935, to Rosa (Sheppard) and Clyde Dale. She attended Waco High School and graduated in 1954. She married Tommy Thomerson in Waco on October 15, 1954.

She was a wife, mother of two, and a homemaker. She was a longtime member of Northside Baptist Church and a frequent volunteer at the church's Care Center. Nell loved to collect antiques, buy shoes, read mysteries, talk, help people, and make friends wherever she went. She lovingly welcomed all visitors to her home.

Tommy was born in Hart County, Kentucky, on November 14, 1932, to Alma (Jones) and Clarence Thomerson, Sr. He attended New Albany High School, Indiana, and graduated in 1950. He attended Texas Christian University and University of Texas at Arlington. He was a mechanical engineer and a vice president at Regal Tool and Rubber (now Regal International). He held several patents and was proudest of his drill pipe protector. Tommy enjoyed auto repair, carpentry, renovation, and solitude, and he had an engineer's appreciation for precision. A Korean War veteran, he served in the U.S. Air Force and also was a member of the Commemorative Air Force.

They are survived by their children, son Markus Thomerson and his wife Valerie, and daughter Kelli Thomerson; sister-in-law Dolores Dale; two grandchildren, Kevin Briscoe and Laura Rose Briscoe; numerous nieces and nephews; and several grand- and great-grandnieces and nephews. Wynell was predeceased by her parents; sister Freda McGaha; and brother M. Sheppard Dale. Tommy was predeceased by his parents and is survived by his sister LaVerne Slider of La Grange, Illinois.

According to their wishes, the couple's cremated remains will be buried together in a private graveside service at Rose Hill Cemetery in Blooming Grove. No public observances are planned as per their request, but all who knew them are encouraged to remember their love in their own special way. Memorials may be made to Northside Baptist Church Care Center or to your local library or animal shelter.

The family wishes to thank Christi Woods and Jessica Watson for their help and care of their loved ones.

Notes:

Nettie Colonia (Madden) Andrus
Nov 8, 1883 - Jan 9, 1976

Mrs. Andrus

Funeral services will be held at 3:30 p.m. Sunday in the Corley Funeral Chapel for Mrs. Nettie C. Andrus, 92, who died Friday in Lancaster. Rev. Maurice McLeroy will officiate and burial will be in Oakwood cemetery.

Mrs. Andrus was a resident of Hutchins. She is survived by three sons, Oliver Andrus and Norman Andrus, both of Dallas, and Ike Andrus of Mesquite; five daughters, Mrs. Ethyl Anderson of Hutchins, Mrs. Ben Olsen of Mesquite, Mrs. I. W. Rives, Mrs. Harold Ashley and Mrs. Eley Shepps, all of Dallas; a number of grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren; and one brother, Ben Madden, Franklin.

Grandsons will be pallbearers.

 Notes:

Edward Bethea Harllee
Mar 22, 1887 - Nov 15, 1952

Rites Wednesday For Ed Harllee

Funeral services for Edward Bethea Harllee, 65, native Texan, who died in San Jose, Calif., Saturday, will be held from the McCammon Chapel Wednesday at 3 p.m.

The rites will be conducted by Rev. W. M. Shamburger, pastor of the First Baptist church. Burial will be on the family plot in Oakwood cemetery.

Born in Georgetown, Williamson county, Texas, he came to Corsicana in 1903 with his parents, the late Mr. and Mrs. James B. Harllee, and resided here a number of years.

Services were held in California Tuesday morning, and the body will be flown to Dallas, arriving at 6:55 a.m. Wednesday.

Surviving are his wife, Mrs. Charlotte Harllee, San Jose, Calif.; a son, Edward LeRoy Harllee, Dallas; a daughter, Capt. Frances E. Harllee, WAC, Tokyo, Japan; a granddaughter, Sara Elisbeth Harllee, Dallas; six brothers, Frank, Charles and Thomas Harllee, all of Corsicana; Wallace Harllee, Coleman; LeRoy Harllee, El Paso, and Marion Harllee, Fort Worth; three sisters, Miss Elizabeth Harllee and Mrs. John C. Calhoun, both of Corsicana, and Mrs. T. M. Hart, Dallas, and other relatives.

Pallbearers will be Thomas George, III; B. C. Wright, Wade Abernathy, Marion Martin, Harry Clowe, K. L. Klutts, Paul Moore and H. P. Phillips.

 Notes:

  • The Corsicana Daily Sun - Tues., Nov 18, 1952
  • submitted by Diane Richards
  • 1st wife Roxie Lee (Tyree) Harllee 2nd wife Charlotte (UNKNOWN) Harllee; s/o James Shackelford Harllee & Frances Susan (Rogers) Harlee

James Shackelford Harllee
Jun 9, 1857 - Sep 10, 1935

Funeral services for James S. Harllee, 78, former public official in Corsicana and Georgetown, resident of Corsicana for more than 30 years, who died in the Corsicana Hospital and Clinic Tuesday night shortly after 11 o'clock, were held Wednesday afternoon at 5 o'clock from the family home, 617 West Park avenue, with burial in Oakwood cemetery. The rites were conducted by Rev. E. T. Miller, pastor of the First Baptist church. A large crowd of friends attended the rites.

Born in Marion county, S. C., June 9, 1857, son of General William Wallace Harllee and Martha Shackleford Harllee, Mr. Harllee was educated in Carolina Military Academy, Charlotte, N. C., 1872�1874, and came to Texas in 1876. His father was a distinguished soldier, statesman and counsellor.

After residing in Austin for several years, Mr. Harllee moved to Georgetown where he was tax assessor and collector for some time, being re-elected without opposition. He came to Corsicana in 1903 and was deputy in the district clerk's office until his election as district clerk in 1920. He retired after two terms, but kept abreast of the times by constant reading and observation and was recognized as one of the best posted men in the county on political, current and other events. Despite his advancing years, he kept in close contact with daily events and was one of the best-known and liked men in public office.

Surviving are his wife, seven sons, Frank Harllee, Corsicana; Edward Harllee, Tucson, Ariz.; Wallace Harllee, Coleman; Charlie Harllee, Corsicana; Leroy Harllee, Overton; Marion Harllee, McCamey; and Tom Harllee, Corsicana; three daughters, Miss Lizzie Harllee, Corsicana; Mrs. John C. Calhoun, Corsicana, and Mrs. Tom Hart, Dallas; nine grandchildren and son [one] sister, Miss Lizzie Harllee, aged 84 years, Florence, S. C., and other relatives.

Pallbearers were Doyle Pevehouse, Marion Martin, Henry Walker, W. A. Mowlan, H. A. Clowe, Arris E. Foster, Harry Hart, Joe E. Butler and Dr. W. T. Shell.

Honorary pallbearers were friends of the family.

Notes:

  • The Corsicana Semi-Weekly Light - Sep 13, 1935
  • Submitted by Diane Richards
  • s/o William Wallace Harllee & Martha Susan (Shackelford) Harllee

Charles Ernest Harllee
Apr 13, 1891 - Dec 20, 1969

Charles Harllee Services Sunday

Charles E. Harllee, 78, resident of Corsicana more than 50 years, died Saturday. He was a member of the Baptist church.

Funeral services are scheduled today at 3:30 p.m. in the Corley chapel with the Rev. Robert Potts officiating. Interment will be in Oakwood cemetery.

He is survived by a brother, Marion Harllee of Fort Worth; three sisters, Mrs. John C. Calhoun, Miss Elizabeth Harllee and Mrs. T. M. Hart, all of Corsicana; and a number of nieces and nephews.

Pallbearers will be Harry Hudson, Harry Clowe, W. V. Mowlam, T. M. George, III, Wallace Harlee, Jr., Calvin Calhoun, Edward Harllee.

 Notes:

Martha Elizabeth �Lizzie� Harllee, Miss
Jul 6, 1882 - Nov 10, 1970

Miss Elizabeth Harllee Services Set Thursday

Miss Elizabeth Harllee, 88, retired telephone company chief operator, died Tuesday in Memorial Hospital following a heart attack. She was affectionally known in Corsicana as �Miss Lizzie.�

She retired in 1947 as chief operator after a career spanning 39 years. She was honored with a retirement party at the Navarro Hotel at which she received a congratulatory telegram from her lifelong friend Gov. Beauford H. Jester, Corsicana native.

Born, reared and educated at Georgetown, Miss Harllee taught school for two years while attending Southwestern University before moving here with her family where she clerked for a while in a dry goods store.

She began work in 1905 here with the Independent Telephone Co., and three years later went with Southwestern Bell, and was transferred to Mineral Wells. After a succession of posts in other cities, she returned to Corsicana in 1931 whree she remained until her retirement.

Miss Harllee was a Baptist, a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution, United Daughters of the Confederacy, the American Legion Auxillary, the B&PW., and was a member of the Telephone Pioneers of America, having been a lifetime member of the organization upon retirement.

Funeral services will be held Thursday at 3:30 p.m. at Corley Funeral Chapel. The Rev. Robert Potts will officiate. Burial will be in Oakwood cemetery.

She is survived by two sisters, Mrs. John C. Calhoun and Mrs. T. M. Hart, both of Corsicana; one brother, Marion Harllee of Fort Worth; a number of nephews and nieces and great nieces.

Pallbearers will be Ralph Brown, Paul Moore, W. V. Mowlam, Clifton Pickering, Harry Clowe, Harry Hudson, George Hudson, Stephen George, Joe E. Butler, all of Corsicana and J. L. Klutts of Dallas.

Notes:

-----

Harllee Rites

Funeral services were held for Miss Elizabeth Harllee, 88, Thursday at 3:30 p.m. at the Corley Funeral Chapel with Rev. Robert Potts officiating. Burial was in Oakwood cemetery.

The retired telephone company chief operator died Tuesday in Memorial Hospital after a heart attack. Her retirement in 1947 followed a 39-year career as a telephone operator most of that time with the Bell Telephone system.

She is survived by two sisters, one brother and a number of nieces and nephews and great-nieces and nephews.

 Notes:

Robert Leroy Harllee
Feb 2, 1896 - Jun 6, 1962

Leroy Harllee Dies Wednesday, Rites Saturday

Leroy Harllee, 66, died in the Veterans Administration Hospital in Big Spring Wednesday following a several weeks illness and major surgery. He was reared in Corsicana.

Funeral services will be held from the McCammon Chapel Saturday at 10 a.m. with burial in Oakwood cemetery. The rites will be conducted by Rev. Robert Wooddy, pastor of the First Baptist church.

Harllee was a veteran of World War I, Baptist, Mason and Elk.

The body will arrive in Corsicana Friday morning on the Rock Island Lines passenger train.

Surviving are his wife, Mrs. Verda Harllee, Big Spring; a daughter, Mrs. Bill Marple, Los Angeles; three grandchildren; five brothers, Wallace Harllee, Coleman, Marion Harllee, Fort Worth, Frank, Tom and Charlie Harlee, all of Corsicana; three sisters, Miss Lizzie Harllee, Mrs. John C. Calhoun and Mrs. T. M. Hart, all of Corsicana and other relatives.

Pallbearers will be Hubert Wooley, John Garner, George Bush, C. H. Allen, C. V. Roughton, George Kirvin, M. K. Riley and Wade Abernathy.

 Notes:

-----

Leroy Harllee Services Set

Funeral services for Leroy Harllee, 66, will be conducted at McCammon Chapel Saturday at 10 a.m. with burial in Oakwood cemetery. The Rev. Robert Wooddy, pastor of First Baptist church, will officiate.

Harllee died in the Veterans Hospital in Big Spring Wednesday following an illness of several weeks and major surgery.

He was reared in Corsicana. He was the son of the late Mr. and Mrs. J. S. Harllee of Corsicana. The father was Navarro county district clerk in the early 1920's.

Harllee was a Baptist, a Mason and an Elk. He also was a veteran of World War I.

Surviving are his wife, Mrs. Verda Harllee, Big Spring; a daughter, Mrs. Bill Marple, Los Angeles; three grandchildren; five brothers, Wallace Harllee, Coleman, Marion Harllee, Fort Worth, Frank, Tom and Charlie Harlee, all of Corsicana; three sisters, Miss Lizzie Harllee, Mrs. John C. Calhoun and Mrs. T. M. Hart, all of Corsicana and other relatives.

Pallbearers will be Hubert Wooley, John Garner, George Bush, C. H. Allen, C. V. Roughton, George Kirvin, M. K. Riley and Wade Abernathy.

 Notes:

-----

Services For Leroy Harllee Held Saturday

Saturday morning funeral rites were conducted from the McCammon chapel for Leroy Harllee, 66, who died in the Veterans Hospital in Big Spring Wednesday, following major surgery and several weeks of illness.

Burial was in Oakwood cemetery, with Rev. Robert Wooddy, pastor of the First Baptist Church, officiating. Masons had charge of graveside rites.

Harllee was reared in Corsicana, being the son of the late Mr. and Mrs. J. S. Harllee. His father was Navarro county district clerk in the early 1920's.

A veteran of World War I, Harllee was a Baptist, a Mason and an Elk.

He is survived by his wife, Mrs. Verda Harllee, Big Spring; a daughter, Mrs. Bill Marple, Los Angeles; three grandchildren; five brothers, Wallace Harllee, Coleman, Marion Harllee, Fort Worth, Frank, Tom and Charlie Harlee, all of Corsicana; three sisters, Miss Lizzie Harllee, Mrs. John C. Calhoun and Mrs. T. M. Hart, all of Corsicana and other relatives.

Pallbearers were Hubert Wooley, John Garner, George Bush, C. H. Allen, C. V. Roughton, George Kirvin, M. K. Riley and Wade Abernathy.

 Notes:

Thomas Peyre Harllee
Jul 5, 1901 - 1964

Tom Harllee Dies Thursday

Tom Harllee, 62, retired post office employe, native of Corsicana, died in the Veterans Hospital Dallas (Lisbon) Thursday noon.

Funeral arrangements are pending at McCammon's.

Harllee served in the U. S. Navy during World War II.

Surviving are a daughter, Mrs. James Halliburton, Dallas; two grandchildren; four brothers, Wallace Harllee, Coleman; Marion Harllee, Fort Worth; Frank and Charlie Harllee, both of Corsicana; three sisters, Mrs. John C. Calhoun, Mrs. Tom Hart and Miss Lizzie Harllee, all of Corsicana; and a number of other relatives.

 Notes:

-----

Tom Harllee Rites Friday

Funeral services for Tom Harllee, 62, who died in the Veterans Administration hospital in Dallas (Lisbon) Thursday noon, were held Friday at 3 p.m. from the McCammon Chapel.

The rites were conducted by Rev. Robert Wooddy, pastor of the First Baptist church. Burial was in Oakwood cemetery.

Native of Corsicana, a retired postal employee and veteran of the U. S. Navy in World War II, he was the son of the District Clerk and Mrs. J. S. Harllee of Corsicana.

Surviving are a daughter, Mrs. James Halliburton, Dallas; two grandchildren; four brothers, Wallace Harllee, Coleman; Marion Harllee, Fort Worth; Frank and Charlie Harllee, both of Corsicana; three sisters, Mrs. John C. Calhoun, Mrs. Tom Hart and Miss Lizzie Harllee, all of Corsicana; and a number of other relatives.

Pallbearers were Dr. Will Miller, Basil Coe, E. P. French, Frank Stanley, J. C. Dillard and Willie Harmon.

 Notes:

Mary Belle (Webb) Williams-Cole
May 5, 1873 - Dec 12, 1957

Saturday Rites For Mrs. Cole

Funeral services for Mrs. W. G. Cole, 83, who died at Alma Thursday, were held from the Corley Chapel Saturday at 2 p.m. with burial in the Marshall cemetery. The rites were conducted by Rev. W. C. Taylor, pastor of the North Corsicana Methodist church.

Surviving are two sons, J. A. Williams, Corpus Christi, and George Williams, Lubbock; two daughters, Mrs. Claude Harrison, Alma, and Mrs. Clyde Blakesley, Denton; a sister, Mrs. W. G. Godwin, California; two brothers, Frank and Jess Webb, both of Houston; 12 grandchildren and other relatives.

Grandsons were pallbearers.

Notes:

  • The Corsicana Daily Sun - Sat., Dec 14, 1957
  • Submitted by Diane Richards
  • 1st husband William Sewell Williams 2nd husband William Galford Cole married Jan 18, 1922; d/o J. A. Webb & Nancy (Eubanks) Webb

Joe (Wilson) Coley
Nov 19, 1895 - Oct 5, 1958

Mrs. T. F. Coley Rites Monday

Mrs. T. F. (Frank) Coley, Sr., 62, native of Hill County, 124 S. Thirty-Fourth street, died in Memorial Hospital Sunday morning.

Funeral services were held Monday at 2 p.m. from the Corley Chapel with burial in the Marshall cemetery.

The rites were conducted by Rev. Jack N. Bell, pastor of the Bethel Missionary Baptist church, and Rev. Reginal King, pastor of the Emmanuel Baptist church.

The family had resided here 14 years.

Surviving are six sons, Truman Coley, U.S. Air Force; Charles Coley, Las Vegas, Nev.; Doyle L., Howard, Newton and Kenneth Coley, all of Corsicana; two daughters, Mrs. John Burns, Dallas, and Mrs. Sam Szenasy, Tulsa Okla.; 11 grandchildren, a brother, Herman Wilson, Houston; a sister, Mrs. Wm. F. May, Mooreland, Okla., and other relatives.

Pallbearers were Ray Alderman, Maynard Phillips, O. L. Geddy, Wayne Moore, Joe Libal, Tracey Lord.

Notes:

Truman Francis �Frank� Coley, Sr.
Sep 15, 1891 - Apr 17, 1958

Sunday Services For T. F. Coley

Funeral services for Truman F. Coley, Sr., 66, retired carpenter, were held from the Griffin Chapel Sunday at 2 p.m. the rites were conducted by Rev. J. N. Bell, pastor of the Bethel Missionary Baptist church, and Rev. A. M. Stone, pastor of the Memorial Baptist church.

Burial was in the Marshall cemetery.

Coley died Thursday night in Memorial Hospital.

Surviving are his wife, Corsicana; six sons, Truman F. Coley, Jr. USAF, Rantoul, Ill.; Charles E. Coley, Las Vegas, Nev.; Newton Coley, Bedford, Ohio; Doyle, Howard and Kenneth Coley, all of Corsicana; two daughters, Mrs. John Burns, Dallas, and Mrs. Sam Szenasy, Tulsa, Okla.; three sisters, Mrs. George Knight, Corsicana; Mrs. Fannie Bolen and Mrs. Ora Rea, both of Kerens; 11 grandchildren and other relatives.

Pallbearers were Claude Moore, Fred Bone, Eugene Roberts, Ray Alderman, Preston Inman and Joe Libal.

Notes:

Marcus Stewart Crouch
Oct 9, 1881 - Jul 4, 1964

Sunday Rites For M. S. Crouch

M. S. Crouch, 83, of 901 South Twenty-ninth street, died in Memorial hospital Saturday afternoon.

Funeral services were held from McCammon Funeral Chapel Sunday at 3 p.m. with burial in the Marshall cemetery. The rites were conducted by C. B. Holcomb, minister of the Fifth Avenue Church of Christ.

Native Texan, Crouch, a retired Rock Island Railroad Lines employe, had resided in Corsicana most of his life.

Surviving are his wife of Corsicana; two sisters, Mrs. Pearl Bryant, Oklahoma, and Mrs. Myrtle Ketchener, Lubbock; four brothers, Jess Crouch, Dallas; Ernest Bryant, Lubbock; Rufus Bryant, Hollis, N.M., and other relatives.

Pallbearers were J. A. Lennon, Royce Owen, W. H. Tipton, Fred Nutt, George Nokes, Sr. and Sims Hagler.

Notes:

Nancie Jane �Nannie� (Brown) Crouch
Sep 9, 1883 - Feb 8, 1976

Mrs. Crouch

Services were to be at 2 p.m. Monday at the Corley Funeral Home Chapel for Mrs. Nancie J. Crouch, 92, resident of Corsicana, who died Sunday in Twilight Home. The Rev. Kenneth C. Haley was to officiate, with burial following at Marshall Cemetery.

She was a native of Mississippi and had lived in Corsicana 77 years.

Survivors include three sisters, Mrs. Minnie L. Gordon of Corsicana, Mrs. Willie Gathright of Teague and Mrs. Ethel Gathright of Fort Worth and several nieces and nephews.

Pallbearers included Bill Gathright, Billy Gathright, D. M. Gathright, Grant Lake, Rudolph Lake and Sam Nagy.

Notes:

Clayton Rowlin Kirk
Apr 16, 1929 - May 20, 2014

VICTORIA - Clayton R. Kirk of Victoria passed away on Tuesday, May 20, 2014, at the age of 85. He was born April 16, 1929 in Bazette, TX, to the late Conner and Rebecca Ann Albritton Kirk. Mr. Kirk retired after 40 years with Central Power and Light as Senior Vice President.

Survivors include his daughter, Connie Cleveland (Will) of Victoria; son, Steven Kirk of Victoria; sister, Polly Ray of College Station; six grandchildren and six great grandchildren.

In addition to his parents, Mr. Kirk is preceded in death by his wife, Geneva Ruth Kirk.

Graveside services will be held on Thursday, May 22, 2014 at 2 PM at the Prairie Point Cemetery in Bazette, TX, near Kerens, TX.

Memorials may be made to the Alzheimer's Association.

Notes:

  • Victoria Advocate
  • Submitted by Diane Richards
  • h/o Geneva Ruth (Broom) Kirk; s/o Conner Kirk & Annie Roberta (Albritton) Kirk

Polly Josephine (Kirk) Ray
Feb 9, 1925 - Jan 19, 2019

Polly J. (Kirk) Ray passed from this life on January 19, 2019. She was 93 years old.

Polly is survived by her sons, John Ray and wife Bernice of College Station, TX and Stan Ray and wife Susan of Topeka, KS; grandchildren, Brian Ray (Rebekah), Lisa Davis (Tony), Michael Ray (Melissa Arthur), Kevin Ray (Amanda), and Kathryn Ray (Noah Jordan); one great-granddaughter, Mia Jordan; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

Polly was preceded in death by her infant daughter, Bonnie Joyce Ray, and her husband Bill Ray.

The family will receive friends during a visitation from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, January 24, 2019 at Penwell-Gabel Mid-Town Chapel, 1321 SW 10th Avenue, Topeka.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, January 26, 2019 at the Church of Christ, 105 SW 3rd Street, Kerens, TX.

Memorial contributions may be made to the charity of donor's choice.

Notes:

Joseph Prato �Joe� Henderson
Aug 4, 1860 - May 27, 1951

J. P. Henderson Dies At Kerens

KERENS, May 28.�(Spl.)�Joe P. Henderson, 81, long-time resident, died Sunday night following a short illness.

Funeral services were to be held from the First Methodist church Monday at 4 p.m. with burial in the Long Prairie cemetery. The rites are to be conducted by Rev. Carroll Thompson, pastor of the church.

Henderson was a member of the Methodist church.

Surviving are a sister, Mrs. C. W. Glass; a brother, Tom Henderson, both of Kerens, and several nieces and nephews.

Nephews were pallbearers.

Inmon Funeral Home directed.

Notes:

Julia Harriett (Vaughan) Bruner-Henderson
Oct 1, 1872 - Dec 21, 1961

Mrs. Henderson Rites Saturday

KERENS, Dec. 22 (Spl.)�Mrs. Julia Henderson, 89, formerly of the Rural Shade community, died Thursday night at the home of a daughters, Mrs. Lena Moore, 1517 Windsor avenue, in Waco, after an extended illness.

Funeral services will be held Saturday at 10 a.m. from the First Methodist church with burial in the Long Prairie cemetery.

The rites will be conducted by Rev. A. Myers, Waco, and Rev. Burt Gillis, pastor of the local church.

Mrs. Henderson was a Methodist. She was a native of this area and moved to Waco five years ago. She was the widow of the late Tom Henderson of Rural Shade.

Surviving are her daughter, two sisters, Mrs. Ella Holmes, Fairfield and Mrs. Grace McIlvsen, Littleton, Col.; four grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren and other relatives.

Inmon will direct.

Notes:

  • The Corsicana Daily Sun - Fri., Dec 22, 1961
  • Submitted by Diane Richards
  • 1st husband Julius Relliford Bruner married Nov. 26, 1889 2nd husband Thomas Sterling �Tom� Henderson married Feb. 18, 1900; d/o James Peyton �Jim� Vaughan & Mary Jane (Hudson) Vaughan

Thomas Sterling �Tom� Henderson
Jun 20, 1874 - Apr 13, 1956

Tom Henderson Rites Saturday

KERENS, April 14�(Spl.)�Tom S. Henderson, 81, long-time farmer of the Rural Shade community, died at his home Friday morning following an extended illness. He was a Methodist.

Funeral services will be held from the First Baptist church Saturday at 4 p.m. because of repairs at the First Methodist.

The rites will be conducted by Rev. D. R. McCauley, pastor of the First Methodist church; Rev. Hearn, Fort Worth Methodist pastor, and Rev. Frank Gilham, pastor of the First Baptist church. Burial will be in the Long Prairie cemetery.

A native of Kentucky, Henderson had resided in Texas since early childhood.

Surviving are his wife of Rural Shade; a daughter, Mrs. Lena Moore, Waco; a sister, Mrs. C. W. Glass, Kerens; four grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren and other relatives.

Pallbearers will be grandsons and nephews.

Inmon will direct.

Notes:

  • The Corsicana Daily Sun - Sat., Apr 14, 1956
  • Submitted by Diane Richards
  • h/o Julia Harriett (Vaughan) Bruner-Henderson married Feb 18, 1900; s/o Milton Henderson & Margaret M. �Maggie� (Hall) Henderson

John Lina Williams
Jun 20, 1873 - Apr 14, 1951

John Williams Rites Monday

KERENS, April 16 - (Spl) - John Williams, 78, Kerens resident, died in a Rusk Hospital last Saturday night after a short illness.

Funeral services were held Monday at 2 p.m. from the Inmon Funeral Home. Rev. Carroll Thompson, pastor of the First Methodist church of Kerens, officiated.

Burial was in the Long Prairie Cemetery.

Surviving are four sisters: Mrs. Edna Cunningham and Mrs. T. G. Green, both of Kerens: Mrs. W. P. Finch of Houston, and Mrs. R. L. Pridgen of Grapeland: a number of nieces and nephews.

Notes:

Beulah Gertrude (Anderson) Allen-Thompson
Sep 19, 1898 - Feb 26, 1973

Mrs. Thompson

Funeral services are set for 1 p.m. Wednesday at Corley Funeral Home Chapel for Mrs. W. H. (Beulah) Anderson Thompson, 76, of Corsicana, who died Monday at 9 p.m. at Memorial Hospital. The Rev. Cecil Thompson of Dallas, her son, will officiate, with Rev. Charles Pringle, Westside Baptist Church pastor, assisting. Burial will be at the Birdston Cemetery in Streetman.

Survivors include four sons, Wade Allen of San Antonio, Alton Thompson of Fort Worth, Rev. Cecil Thompson of Dallas, Carlton Thompson, of Irving; two daughters, Mrs. E. L. Gipson of Bay City and Mrs. G. R. Sheffield of Corsicana; a sister, Mrs. Eula Tieman of Bay Town, Tex.; 18 grandchildren; and nine great-grandchildren.

She was born in Freestone County and was a resident of Navarro County for over 55 years. She was preceded in death by her husband, W. H. (Will) Thompson in 1955.

Pallbearers will be Ricky Sheffield, Mark Sheffield, Rodney Sheffield, Mike Thompson, Jackie Sheffield and Ray Milligan.

Notes:

  • The Corsicana Daily Sun - Tues., Feb 27, 1973
  • Submitted by Diane Richards
  • 1st husband Joseph Grayson Allen 2nd husband William Henry Thompson; d/o Samuel Houston Anderson & Ella Elizabeth (Anderson) Epps-Anderson

-----

Mrs. Thompson

Funeral services were at 1 p.m. Wednesday at the Corley Funeral Home Chapel for Mrs. W. H. (Beulah) Anderson Thompson, 76 of Corsicana, who died Monday at Memorial Hospital.

Rev. Cecil Thompson and Rev. Charles Pringle officiated and burial was at Birdston Cemetery in Streetman.

Survivors include four sons, two daughters, a sister, 16 grandchildren, and nine great-grandchildren.

Notes:

Lula Bell (Bressie) Cole
Jan 22, 1885 - May 4, 1953

Mrs. Clyde Cole Rites Wednesday

Funeral services for Mrs. Lula Bell Cole of Streetman who died at the Navarro Clinic Monday, were held Wednesday at 3 p.m. from the First Baptist church in Streetman.

The rites were conducted by Rev. M. O. Southerland, pastor of the Powell Baptist church, formerly of Streetman; Rev. Hubert Keefer, pastor, and Rev. J. L. Shaddix, Baptist minister. Burial was in the Birdston cemetery.

Surviving are her husband, Clyde Cole, president of the First National Bank of Streetman; two sons, Robert Cole, Dallas, and Jerry B. Cole, Palestine; six sisters, Mrs. Eugene Highnote, Mrs. Jennie Harwell and Mrs. Joe C. Allen, all of Corsicana; Mrs. Etheline Roxborough, Houston and Mrs. J. B. Allen, Salt Lake City, Utah; two brothers, Jack Bressie, Navarro and Wesley Bressie, Corsicana; three grandchildren and a number of nieces and nephews.

Pallbearers were John L. Bonner, Melvin Henderson, Alf Milligan, John Shaddix, Harry Glen Bonner, Elmer Purifoy, Gene Highnote, John Webb, and nephews.

McCammon Directed.

Notes:

Stephen Madison Cole
May 30, 1893 - Jan 19, 1961

Stephen Cole Heart Victim

Graveside services in Birdston cemetery, Streetman are scheduled Wednesday at 3 p.m. for Stephen M. Cole, 68, a resident of Mansfield, Texas, who died suddenly at his home Monday afternoon of a heart attack.

Wednesday morning services are at 11 o'clock in the Moore Funeral Home Chapel in Arlington, with Rev. James Glisson and Rev. Tilmon officiating.

Cole operated a grocery store in the Webb community for thirteen years, and sold it two months ago. He was a native of Greenville, and was a member of the Webb Baptist church.

Surviving are his wife; a son, Sammy of Arlington; a daughter, Mrs. Robert Allen, Sundance, Wyoming; two grandchildren; three brothers, John, Dallas; H. B., of Fairfield; and R. C. of Streetman; four sisters, Mrs. H. B. Stubbs, Wortham, Mrs. Ed Crotty and Mrs. J. K. Webb, both of Tyler; and Mrs. O. R. McCrary of Beaumont.

Notes:

Priscilla Dean (Williams) Parret-Walker
Mar 18, 1947 - Jul 14, 2019

Priscilla Dean Williams-Walker was born March 18, 1947 in Blooming Grove, Texas. She passed away July 14, 2019 at Tomball Hospital. A memorial service will be held at Life Path Church at 17703 West Little York Road in Houston on Saturday, September 21 at 11 a.m. A graveside service will be held at Grange Hall Cemetery in Navarro County on Monday, September 23 at noon. She is survived by brothers, James D. Williams of Houston, and Glenn D. Williams of Corpus Christi; plus many nieces, nephews, step-children, and other family members.

Arrangements by Klein Funeral Home.

Notes:

Ester Dora (Fannin) Blackburn
Jul 3, 1903 - Nov 29, 1956

Mrs. Blackburn Dies Thursday

KERENS, Nov. 30�(Spl)�Mrs. Joe Blackburn, 54, of Trinidad, formerly of Kerens, died at her home Thursday night following a short illness. She was a native of Gilmer.

Funeral services will be held from the Church of Christ church here Saturday at 1 p.m. with burial in the Long Prairie cemetery. The rites will be conducted by Ned Cox, minister of the church.

Surviving are her husband of Trinidad; mother, Mrs. Ada Fannin, Gilmer; three sons, Everett Blackburn, Liberty; Joe Calvin Blackburn, Jr., Sweetwater, and Floyd Blackburn, Trinidad; two daughters, Mrs. Ila Rea Harris, and Mrs. Ruby Radney, both of Sweetwater; five brothers, Hurman, Floyd and Everette Fannin, all of Gilmer; Lawrence Fannin, Bridgeport, and Olin Fannin, San Antonio; two sisters, Mrs. Ruby Reynolds, Gilmer, and another married sister, who resides in El Paso; six grandchildren and other relatives.

Inmon Funeral Home will direct.

Notes:

  • The Corsicana Daily Sun - Fri., Nov 30, 1956
  • Submitted by Diane Richards
  • w/o Joseph Calvin Blackburn, Sr. d/o Joseph B. �Joe� Fannin & Ada Lillie (Stracener) Fannin buried in Oak Hill cemetery, Upshur county, Tx.

Shirley Faye Townley
Dec 14 1949 - Oct 2, 1951

Townley Child Rites Wednesday

Funeral services for Shirley Faye Townley, 21-montsh-old daughter of Mr. and Mrs. L. G. Townley, 111 West Thirteenth avenue, who died Tuesday morning at the family home, were held at 2 p.m. Wednesday from the Corley Chapel.

The rites were conducted by Rev. G. L. Johnson, pastor of the Assembly of God church. Burial was in the Alligator cemetery.

Surviving are the parents, six sisters, a brother and a grandmother, Mrs. Lula Lynch, all of Corsicana and other relatives.

Notes:

Mary Ann (McElvany) Woodward
Jan 27, 1889 - Dec 04, 1951

Mrs. Woodward Rites Wednesday

KERENS, Dec. 4.�(Spl.)�Mrs. Mary Anne Woodward, 62, widow of the late W. J. Woodward, died at her home in the Rural Shade community Tuesday morning.

Mrs. Woodward had resided in Rural Shade most of her life. She was a member of the Baptist church.

Funeral services will be held from the Rural Shade Baptist church at 2 p.m. Wednesday. Burial will be in the Long Prairie cemetery.

The rites will be conducted by Rev. T. R. Vaughn, Baptist minister of Trinidad.

Surviving are a son, W. J. Woodward, Rusk; five daughters, Mrs. Wilson Howell and Mrs. Herman Howell, both of Kerens; Mrs. J. C. Price, Rusk; Mrs. Ross Harris, Troup, and Mrs. Dave Harris, Mineral Wells; three sisters, Mrs. H. H. Trent, Kerens; Mrs. Elbert Goodwin, Bardwell, and Mrs. Lillie Washburn, Tulsa, Okla.; a brother, Ben McElvaney, Houston; 25 grandchildren, and a number of great-grandchildren and other relatives.

Grandsons will be pallbearers.

Inmon Funeral Home directs.

Notes:

Arlis Euzeda (Woodward) Harris
Aug 5, 1895 - Aug 16, 1971

Harris

KERENS (Spl.)�Funeral rites were at 2 p.m. Tuesday at the First Baptist Church here for Mrs. D. B. (Arlis) Harris, 76, Mineral Wells, former resident of Rural Shade. The pastor, the Rev. Ralph Stovall, officiated. Burial was in the Long Prairie Cemetery under direction of Paschal Funeral Home.

She is survived by two sons, Raymond Harris, Roscoe, Texas, and Ballard Harris, Mineral Wells; one step-son, Ross Harris, Troop; a daughter, Mrs. Robert Howell, Mineral Wells; a step-daughters, Mrs. W. L. Bruner, Kerens; four sisters, Mrs. Herman Howell, Kerens; Mrs. J. C. Price and Mrs. Wilson Howell of Dallas and Mrs. Ross Harris of Troop; one brother, W. J. Woodward, Waco; and a number of grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Notes:

  • The Corsicana Daily Sun - Tues., Aug 17, 1971
  • Submitted by Diane Richards
  • w/o David Bullard Harris; d/o William James �Dub� Woodward, Sr. & Adelia A. �Delia/Lillie� (Bass) Woodward (Adelia is buried in White Church cemetery, Blooming Grove)

Susan Laura �Susie� (Norris) Glasgow
Nov 22, 1871 - Nov 19, 1959

Mrs. Glasgow Rites Friday

Mrs. Susie Glasgow, 88, died Thursday at the family residence, 2012 West Fourteenth avenue, following an extended illness. She had resided in Corsicana 82 years.

Funeral services will be held Friday at 3:30 p.m. from the Corley Chapel with burial in the Prairie Point cemetery. The rites will be conducted by Rev. A. M. Stone, pastor of Memorial Baptist church.

Surviving are two sons, J. C. Glasgow, Kansas City, Mo., and J. T. Glasgow, Corsicana; four daughters, Mrs. Rosie Henson, Mrs. W. T. Portwood and Mrs. L. E. Stallings, all of Corsicana, and Mrs. Ella Blackmon, Kilgore; nine grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren and other relatives.

Pallbearers will be Lonnie Blakney, D. W. Barnes, E. C. Whittenburg, T. P. Penney, H. E. Simmons and E. H. Richards.

Notes:

Katherine Gertrude (Glasgow) Burns-Hunter-Niles
Mar 16, 1894 - Aug 1, 1956

Mrs. Katy Niles Dies In Dallas

Mrs. Katy Niles, 6o, former Bazette resident, died in Parkland Hospital in Dallas Wednesday morning.

Graveside services will be held at the Prairie Point cemetery Thursday at 4 p.m. with a nephew Rev. Melvin R. Ray, Corsicana Baptist minister, in charge. She was an aunt of John Martin Glasgow, 17, of Purdon, fatally injured when a car fell on him Tuesday, who was also buried Thursday afternoon in the same cemetery.

Mrs. Niles was the daughter of the late Uncle Bob and Aunt Sarah Glasgow of Bazette.

Surviving are her husband, Tom Niles, Dallas; two sons, William and Walter Hunter, both of Dallas; a brother, Sam Glasgow, Kerens; a sister, Mrs. Jack Mann, New London, and a number of nieces, nephews and other relatives.

McClough Funeral Home of Mesquite directed.

Notes:

  • The Corsicana Daily Sun - Thurs., Aug. 2, 1956
  • Submitted by Diane Richards
  • 1st husband C. L. Burns 2nd husband Roland Silas Hunter 3rd husband Tom Niles; d/o Robert Sanders Glasgow & Sarah Catherine (Underwood) Glasgow

James Allan Mills
Jul 27, 1970 - Apr 6, 2015
 
James Allan Mills, of Payne Springs, TX, was born on July 27, 1970 in Dallas, Texas to parents Paul Goodwin Mills and Wanda Beth Tramel Hayes and entered into eternal rest on April 6, 2015 at the age of 44. James was strong in his faith and his family. He loved cars of all facets and loved history; the American Revolution and politics. James enjoyed teaching about the Bible. He worked for Auto Zone for 11 years. His store was #1 for inventory and customer service. James was a Christian man and was an Associate Pastor. He was a very loving and caring man who will be missed by his family and friends. Especially his loving wife Norma. James was preceded in death by his father. He is survived by his wife Norma Salinas Mills of Mabank, daughter Natalie Amelia Cannon and husband Brandon of Athens, son Matthew William Mills of Eustace, daughter Nicole Calletana Moreno White and husband Dylan of Athens, Monica Beth Mills Reeves and husband Gary of Athens, son Paul Thomas Mills of Mabank, grandchildren; Emma Ysabella Cannon of Athens and Abigail Callentana White of Athens, mother Wanda Hayes and husband Thomas of Balch Springs, brother Kevin Walter Mills of Balch Springs, other loving family and many more friends.
 

Notes:

  • Eubank Cedar Creek Funeral Home & Memorial Park
  • Prairie Point cemetery
  • Submitted by Diane Richards
  • h/o Norma (Salinas) Mills; s/o Paul Goodwin Mills & Wanda Beth (Tramel) Mills-Hayes

Nellie Mae Mills
Dec 7, 1890 - May 19, 1970

Nellie Mills Rites Pending

Funeral services are pending at the Paschal Funeral Home in Kerens for Nellie Mae Mills, who died Tuesday in Memorial Hospital in Corsicana. She was a resident of Kerens and a member of the Methodist church.

The funeral services will be conducted by the Rev. Ellis Holden, with interment in Prairie Point Cemetery.

Survivors include one sister, Jessie L. Richer of Kerens and one nephew George Richer of Kerens.

The Corsicana Daily Sun - Wed., May 20, 1970 - submitted by Diane Richards

Mills Rites

KERENS (Spl.)�Funeral services will be held Friday at 10 a.m. at the Paschal Funeral Chapel for Nellie Mae Mills who died Tuesday. The Rev. Ellis Holden will officiate. Burial will be in the Prairie Point Cemetery.

Surviving are a sister and a nephew, both of Kerens.

Notes:

Linda Kay (Green) Qualls
Jan 25, 1955 - Jun 13, 2018
 
Linda Kay Qualls, 63 from Corsicana passed in peace during the early hours of Wednesday, June 13, 2018 in Dallas. She will always be cherished and remembered by her fianc� Ricky Robinson and her loving son Joshua Qualls and step daughter Brandy Robinson.

Linda is survived in life by her mother Polly Green Smith; brother Johnnie Green and wife Debbie Green; her fianc� Ricky Robinson; her son Joshua Qualls and wife Heather with grandchildren, Tanner Qualls, Bailey and Cason; step daughter, Brandy Robinson and fianc� John Larson with grandchildren Christopher and Destiny; niece, Candice Tippens; nephew, Justin Green and numerous other family members and friends. Linda was preceded in death by her father, Johnnie M. Green.

Linda devoted her entire life helping those around her. She was a nurse for 40 plus years and a very intelligent woman. Her nursing career was everything to her as well as her son.

Visitation will be Monday, June 18th from 5:00-8:00pm at Griffin-Roughton Funeral Home. Graveside service will be 10:00 am Tuesday, June 19th at Long Prairie Cemetery.

Notes:

  • Griffin Roughton Funeral Home
  • Submitted by Diane Richards
  • w/o Jimmy Don Qualls; d/o Johnnie Monroe Green & Polly Lucile (Jenkins) Green-Smith

Mattie Lee (Pierce) Burleson
Oct 13, 1871 - Jun 24, 1953

Thursday Rites For Mrs. Burleson

KERENS, June 25�(Spl.)�Funeral service for Mrs. A. A. Burleson, 81, who died at the home of her daughter, Mrs. W. A. Duncan, Wednesday, will be held at 4:30 p.m. Thursday from the Inmon Funeral Home with burial in the Long Prairie cemetery.

The services will be conducted by the Rev. W. F. Smith, Whitney, former pastor of the Kerens Methodist church.

A native of Cherokee county, Mrs. Burleson had been a resident of Kerens 40 years.

Survivors include 4 daughters, Mrs. Duncan and Mrs. Fred Matlock, both of Kerens; Mrs. George Bradley, Corsicana; Mrs. Carl Wyatt, Sweeney; seven grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren.

Pall bearers will be B. E. Conner, Pete Paschal, W. G. Johnson, Clifton Curington, E. K. Howell and V. D. Bruner.

Notes:

INFANT SON Jones
B&D Apr 1, 1953

Rites Thursday For Jones Infant

Funeral services for the infant son of Mr. and Mrs. Elton Jones of Kerens, who died at Memorial Hospital Wednesday morning, were held Thursday at 11 a.m. at Long Prairie cemetery where interment was made.

The rites were conducted by Lavell Layfield, Kerens Church of Christ minister.

Surviving are the parents, a sister, Alma Jones, and grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Seth Jones and Mr. and Mrs. Robert Green, all of Kerens.

McCammon directed.

Notes:

Brandy Nicole Smith
Apr 4, 1988 - Jul 5, 2020
 
Brandy Nicole Smith, 32, of Corsicana, Texas, passed away on Sunday, July 5th, 2020 at United Regional Hospital in Wichita Falls, Texas, surrounded by her immediate family.

She was always known to be the life of the party, her smile and outgoing attitude won her over many friends in her lifetime. With her headstrong approach to life and willingness to live each day on her terms, Brandy was most certainly a one of a kind person.

She is preceded in death by her maternal grandparents, George E. Wren and Billie Wren, and her paternal grandfather Claude S. Smith.

She is survived by her parents, Joseph D. Smith of Corsicana and Patricia Wren Foster, her paternal grandmother, Patricia A. Smith, her brother, Christopher Allen Smith of Corsicana, her son, Joey Danny Rogers of Corsicana and her niece, Kaybree Jane Smith of Electra, Texas.

Visitation is scheduled for Friday, July 10, 2020 from 8:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. at Corley Funeral Home in Corsicana, TX. Graveside services are scheduled for Saturday, July 11, 2020 at 9:00 A.M. at Dresden Cemetery in Dresden, TX with Pastor Steven Smith officiating. Masks will be required and social distancing will be observed.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial contributions can be made to the family to assist with funeral costs. Contributions can be made via PayPal, Zelle or Venmo: [email protected] (be sure to send as friends and family and put "Brandy" in the notes).

Notes:

  • Submitted by Karen Rost
  • d/o Joseph D. Smith & Patricia (Wren) Smith-Foster

Clinton James "Jim" George
Apr 23, 1943 - May 17, 2020
 
Clinton James George - AKA - Jim, Dad, Pops, age 77 of Frost, Texas was born April 23,1943 and passed away May 17, 2020

Jim is survived by his Daughters: Kim Churchwell, Charlotte Davis, Tricia Malone, Kristi Brannam; Sons: Russel Monk, & Michael Hammonds. Many loving Grandchildren, Great Grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and extended family. He was a loving father, grandfather and friend.

He worked as an OTR driver (Trucker), which he loved, for over 50 years until he was forced to give it up, due to his health. He was a simple man. His loves included FISHING, The Dallas Cowboys, COFFEE first thing in the morning, RICE-n-GRAVY, and CHEE-TOS! Ah,.... and lets not forget, WOMEN.... :-)

He will forever be missed!

To my family,

I've finished life's chores. No more trips shall I take. So put me in a boat and send me out on the lake. Please send along my fishing pole for I've been called home to the GOLDEN FISHINGHOLE. Don't feel bad for me, for I'm fishing with the MASTER you see.... We'll be together again one day. Until then, just think of me as 'gone fishin' in May.

DAD

(There will be no services) If condolences are to be sent, they can be mailed to:
7275 Silverwood Lane Beaumont, Texas 77708
Care of: Charlotte Davis

Notes:

Gerald Loyd Armstrong
Oct 31, 1938 - Jun 3, 2020

Gerald Loyd Armstrong passed away June 3, 2020. Gerald was born Oct. 31, 1938. He was preceded in death by two brothers, Jerry Armstrong, William V. Smith and by two sons: Bradley Curtis Armstrong and James Loyd Armstrong. His wish was to be cremated, ashes scattered on family acreage. There will be no service.

Notes:

Charles Franklin Irvine
Dec 19, 1951 - Jun 1, 2020
 
Charles Franklin Irvine was born on December 19, 1951, in Navarro County to Robert Earl Irvine and Margaret (Peggy) Lillian Shema Irvine. Charles (Charlie) was from Eureka and in his early years attended school in Mildred, Texas. He moved to Palisade, Colorado and graduated from the Palisade High School in 1970.

He then attended Navarro College and Sam Houston State University where he graduated in December 1974 with a Bachelor of Business Administration degree. He was a Certified Public Accountant and had an office in the Bank of America building (formerly First National Bank building.)

Community boards and service organizations that Charlie served on include the First State Bank of Dawson, Family Services, Navarro County Crime Stoppers, Navarro County Lake Planning & Zoning Board, Camp of the Rising Sun, volunteer with CASA, Meals on Wheels, Navarro County Child Protective Services, and the Navarro County Central Appraisal Board. Charlie was on the YMCA Board of Directors starting in 1993. He served as YMCA President in 1995, 2004, and 2009. He served on several YMCA committees, including the Finance, Endowment, and Investment Committee. Charlie was the nineteenth recipient of the C. V. Breithaupt, Jr. Service Award in 2005 for his commitment to the YMCA of Corsicana and service to his community.

In 2010 Charlie married Cyndi Bilbo, and they lived in Cryer Creek until his death. Together they founded the Charles Irvine Christian Foundation in 2017 to provide grants to support Navarro County churches and Christian organizations. After death the Charles Irvine Christian Foundation serves as his legacy to continue to assist in achieving the Great Commission of Christ. He is survived by his wife Cyndi Irvine, daughter Demi Pawzun, and granddaughter Elliana Pawzun.

Celebration of life services were held at Corley Funeral Home at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, June 6, 2020. In lieu of flowers, donations to The Charles Irvine Christian Foundation via VeraBank 400 W. Collin Corsicana, Texas 75110 or a charity of your choice benefitting children.

Notes:

Patricia Jane (Wright) Johnson
Aug 26, 1934 - Jun 10, 2020

After a valiant twenty year struggle with heart disease, Patricia Jane Johnson passed away June 10, 2020 in hospice care at Cape Canaveral Hospital, just across the bridge from her home in Merritt Island, Florida. The Space Coast was not her first home however. Patricia was born in Houston, Texas on August 26, 1934 to Amanda Jane Patterson and Rufus Mac Wright. She had only dim memories of her father, as she was quite young when her parents divorced and her father moved back to Mississippi.

Growing up, her mother, Jane, was the guiding light in her life, but Patricia was also blessed with the love of her grandparents Eugene and Pearl (Deal) Patterson, her Uncle Edward W. Patterson and family, and many Deal family relations. When Patricia was a teenager, her mother married Edd T. Burleson of Streetman, Texas, who became her surrogate, much loved, father.

After graduating from Austin High School in 1953, Patricia went to work for Houston Power and Light, where she met girlfriends Jackie, Eloise and Peggy. The following year, Patricia crossed paths with her future husband, John H. Johnson, a newly commissioned 2nd Lt. in the Air Force who came from southern Utah. They were married in 1955 at James Connally A.F.B. in Waco, Texas, then proceeded on to Valdosta, Georgia for further training, and then to John's assignment with a fighter/interceptor squadron in Presque Isle, Maine. While there, Patricia became lifelong friends with Emily Joy and James Roland Dupree, one of John's fellow navigators. After John completed his military obligation, they returned to Houston where their two children, Cynthia Lynne Johnson and Edward Burleson Johnson, were born 7 years apart. John maintained his reserve status in the Air Force while working first as a forester, then as an insurance adjuster, while Patricia concentrated on raising their children in a creative and loving home in the new southeast Houston suburb of Beverly Hills.

Patricia was active in the Meador Elementary PTA and was a room mother.
She supported Cynthia's Girl Scout troop, was Cookie Sales Coordinator, and though she was clearly out of her element, she even camped overnight with the Scouts once, in order to help out her neighbor, friend, and Scout leader, Trudy Melvin. Patricia was a booster for Edward's Little League teams, the Astros and the Expos, making sure they had a sponsor, uniforms, and a large team sign. She stretched her monthly income to take her children to museums, plays, ballets, symphonies, and make weekend trips out of town, giving them the opportunity to experience cultural events and visit places she didn't have the chance to do as a child during the Depression and WWll.

Patricia was a leader with the Beverly Hills Civic Club, and helped convince the Houston Parks and Recreation Department to build a community center in the neighborhood. She was also appointed by County Commissioner Kyle Chapman to serve a term on the Houston Galveston Area Council along with her good friend Joyce Hopkins.

In 1968, at the height of the Vietnam War, John was recalled to Active Duty and shipped out overseas. Patricia managed everything on the home front during John's long absences. Then in 1976, the year Cynthia left for college, John, Patricia and Edward moved to the Florida Space Coast where John worked at Patrick Air Force Base and Cape Canaveral Air Force Station until his retirement. They eventually bought a house on Merritt Island, where Edward graduated from high school and pursued college and his own career in the defense/space industry. Patricia was active with Edward's Boy Scout troop for several years, helping to make many a memorable Court of Honor for the boys and while forming lasting friendships with their parents.
Patricia followed politics closely and always voted for the candidate she thought brought the most personal integrity and commitment to the needs of the community. Usually that was a Democrat, but on occasion a Republican. She was always a woman with an inquiring mind and an independent will, whether in politics, or religion, or other matters, and she encouraged the same qualities in her children. She was quietly spiritual, secure in her faith, but content to care for her family, friends and acquaintances, and to live by the Golden Rule.

Patricia enjoyed conversations with family, friends and total strangers, who by conversation's end were strangers no longer. She enjoyed a good story and sharing a good laugh, and she never met anyone she couldn't find something new, interesting, curious, or thought provoking to talk with about. She enjoyed cooking, but kept her own schedule, often interrupted by competing interests and ongoing conversations. Dinner might be late some nights, but it was always worth waiting for, especially when followed up with chocolate lava cake and Blue Bell ice cream.

That Patricia did not like flying is an understatement, but she loved long, leisurely car trips. Her favorite places included Wimberly and Fredricksburg, and the surrounding Texas Hill Country, the Riverwalk and Mi Tierra Caf� & Bakery in San Antonio, the French Quarters and Caf� Du Monde in New Orleans, Mesa Verde National Park and the cliff dwellings of the Pueblo people in Colorado, and the Georgia/North Carolina mountains, especially when the leaves began to turn in the early fall.
She also loved the small towns and gently rolling farm and cattle country of central Texas, and was most delighted when the wild dewberries were ripe and ready to pick and eat right off the vine.
Patricia was always eager to pull off the road for an inviting fruit stand, antique mall, historical marker, beautiful vista or field of flowers. Basically, she lived her life the same way she travelled, enjoying the journey and appreciating those who journeyed with her.

Patricia Jane Johnson will be buried beside her mother, step-father, and husband at the Birdston Cemetery, Streetman, Texas, near the Burleson family homestead, and just across the highway from Big Hill where many of her Deal relatives lived and are buried. Patricia is coming home again, this time for an everlasting rest under the stars in her beloved Texas. She will be greatly missed, but will always be remembered with love and gratitude by her children Cynthia and Edward, who survive her, and remain devoted to her.

Notes:

  • Submitted by Karen Rost
  • w/o John H. Johnson - d/o Rufus Mac Wright and Amanda Jane (Patterson) Wright

Betty Jean (Marsh) Johnston
Nov 28, 1927 - Jun 18, 2020

Betty Jean Marsh Johnston was born to Mamie and Sam Marsh in Navarro, Texas on November 28,1927 and passed away on June 18, 2020 at Baylor Medical Center Dallas. She was married to Roy R. (Buck) Johnston for almost 50 years before he died in 1998. She was also preceded in death by her sister, Mary Lou and her brothers; Joe Pete and Sammy Marsh.

Betty was a gentle little lady and was kind to everyone she met. She graduated from Mildred High School in 1944 and attended many of their reunions. She worked for many years for Cabell Ice Cream until her retirement.
Betty is survived by many Johnston family members � Ed and Lou, Charlotte, Evelyn, Weldon, Beverly, Doug, Stephen, Amy � and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. She is also survived by her step-daughter, Sharon

Crowell and husband Philip, her cousins; Jane McWatters, Bobby Whitefield, the family of Ann Smith, Tracy Smith and her special friend Gene Hobdy.

Betty was a long-time member of First Baptist Church in Corsicana. She received many cards and Marilyn Schmidt delivered lots of flowers from the church to her after she became homebound.

Betty will be remembered for her devotion to her church, her friends and family. Her friends and family members have many �Betty� stories. She had a great sense of humor and was fun to be around. She will be greatly missed.

Special thanks for the excellent care of friends and caregivers, Connie Richter, Janice Southard and Nancy Miller.

Visitation with the family will be held on Monday, June 22, 2020 from 10:00 to 11:00 am with graveside service following at 11:30am at Resthaven Memorial Park in Corsicana with Dr. Danny P. Reeves officiating.

Notes:

Mary Nell (Wray) Biggers
Jun 8, 1928 - Jun 6, 2020

Mary Nell Wray Biggers' blessing to this world began on June 8, 1928 and ended peacefully on June 6, 2020. She was born and raised on a farm in rural Mississippi near the small town of Kilmichael.

Mary married Glen Biggers on August 2nd, 1947 and together they raised two sons and a daughter. After they made their way to Texas, she decided to take on the duties for the United States Postal Service.

She became Postmaster in Streetman, Trinidad and finished out her career as Postmaster in Powell, Texas. After 28 years of dedicated service, Mary retired in 2003.

Retirement from the Postal Service did not signify retirement from service to her fellow citizens. Mary was a volunteer at Navarro Regional Hospital. She loved gardening, quilting, sewing and enjoyed spending time with friends and family. She was especially fond of taking care and spreading wisdom to her grandchildren and great grandchildren. She answered to "Mimi," "Meems," and "Tot" a great deal more than her given name of Mary.

Mary was a devoted Christian with a beautiful set of values and was an active member of St. John's Episcopal Church. One of her favorite verses was Romans 8:38-39 which states, "For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present or the future, nor any powers, neither height or depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Jesus Christ our Lord,"

Mary or "Mimi" was a walking, talking personification of spreading God's love and the privilege of being in her presence allowed one to realize the value of simply looking on the bright side.

Mary is preceded in death by her parents Mary Eiland Wray and James Monroe Wray, brothers Lamar Wray and Wayne Wray, husband Robert Glen Biggers and son Brian Duke Biggers.

She is survived by son Robert Glen Biggers, Jr., daughter Susan Smith and husband Jeff, grandchildren Glen Smith and wife Lindsay, Gayle Williams and husband Chuck, Brooke Sanchez and husband James, great grandchildren, Avery, Finley and Drew Williams, Brian and Kendall Sanchez, and sister, Christine Garrett. Mary is also survived by many friends and extended family.

Memorials can be made to the American Heart Association, American Cancer Society or the charity of choice.

Notes:

Meesha Laurel Toms
Jan 8, 1973 - Jun 6, 2020

Meesha Toms, 47, of Corsicana, TX, passed away June 6, 2020. Visitation will be held at Corley Funeral Home on Friday, June 12, 2020 from 6:00-8:00p.m. followed by cremation.

Meesha was born in Corsicana, TX to Donnie and Sharon Toms. She graduated from Corsicana High School in 1991 and completed her Bachelor of Applied Arts and Sciences in 2016 from A&M Commerce. Meesha spent over ten years working for Dr. Pepper and recently left her position of scheduler at Morgan Corporation.

Meesha was a loving mother, friend, and coworker. Her friendly nature and outgoing personality made her loved by many, and she was always the first one to lend a helping hand. Meesha was selfless, strong, courageous, and ambitious. She never met a challenge she could not conquer and was always cheering on her loved ones. Meesha enjoyed fishing, camping, and traveling. She will be remembered as the most kind, altruistic friend and mother who always had a smile. There are not enough words to describe the love, joy, and happiness Meesha provided to all who met her. Her vivacious spirit and caring heart are among the top attributes that will be missed, but when remembering Meesha, there are too many qualities to list. Meesha never dwelled on the past, and always worked to better the future. She never complained and encouraged those around her to never look back. Meesha truly was one in a million, and those who were fortunate enough to know and love her will continue to carry on her legacy of love, generosity, and kindness.

Meesha is preceded in death by her parents Sharon and Donnie Toms; stepmother, Mary Toms; grandparents Loleete and John Reed.

She is survived by her daughter Peyton Briggs; sister, Amanda Motley; nephew, Hagen Holloway and wife Chelsea Ward; great niece and nephew, Addison and Waylon Holloway; uncle, Chet Williams; grandfather, Lee Toms, and best friend; Rae J Beckham.

Notes:

Claude Slaughter, Jr.
Mar 27, 1927 - Apr 26, 1991

Claude Slaughter Jr., 63, of Corsicana, died April 26, 1991, at Navarro Regional Hospital.

Graveside services are 2:30 p.m. Sunday in Hopewell Cemetery, with the Rev. John Alexander officiating. Griffin-Roughton Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. The funeral procession will begin at 1:45 p.m..

Survivors include his wife, Jimmie Ruth Slaughter of Corsicana; and two sisters, Joyce Livingston of Corsicana and Jerry Greenhaw of Fort Worth.

Pallbearers will be James Stringer, Billy Williams, Tim Ott, Rudy DeLa Garza, Mike Daniels and Melvin Sullivan.

Notes:

  • The Corsicana Daily Sun - Fri., Apr. 26, 1991
  • Submitted by Karen Rost
  • From the collection of the Liz Gillespie Genealogy Dept. - Corsicana Library
  • h/o Jimmie Ruth (Farmer) Slaughter; s/o Claude Slaughter, Sr. & Alva (Smith) Slaughter

Kathryn (Archer) Bruton
Sep 1916 - Apr 23, 1991

Kathryn A. Bruton, 74, of Corsicana, died April 23, 1991, at Navarro Regional Hospital, following a lengthy illness.

Services are 10 a.m. Friday at Westminster Presbyterian Church, with the Rev. Carl Utley officiating. Burial will be in Resthaven Memorial Park. Corley Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

She was born Sept. 10, 1916, in Corsicana, to Henry Clay Archer and Mattie Harvin Archer. Her great-grandparents were some of the first settlers in Navarro County. She and her aunt, Ossie Martin, were instrumental in promoting China painting in this area. She was a member of three China painting clubs, including Cedar Creek Porcelain and Arts. She and her cousin, Lena Rose Harvin, demonstrated China painting at area schools for Warehouse Living Arts Week. She was a member of Westminster Presbyterian Church and was active in Church Circle, Meals on Wheels and other activities.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Harry Bruton, in 1977.

Survivors include one son and daughter-in-law, Jerry and Joyce Bruton of Corsicana; one daughter and son-in-law, Judy and Vernon Hogue of Rockwall; one sister, June Archer of Corsicana; one brother, Elbert Archer of Fort Stockton; seven grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; and a number of nieces, nephews and cousins.

Pallbearers will be Hal Bunch, John Varley, Bob Parrish, W.H. Allison, Bill Bradford, Dick Pollark and Walter Hanan.

Notes:

  • The Corsicana Daily Sun - Thurs., Apr 25, 1991
  • Submitted by Karen Rost
  • From the collection of the Liz Gillespie Genealogy Dept. - Corsicana Library
  • w/o Harry Ervin Bruton; d/o Henry Clay Archer & Mattie (Harvin) Archer

Elma Rowena (Roberts) Skinner
Jul 31, 1895 - Apr 29, 1991

Elma Roberta Skinner, 95, of Corsicana, died April 29, 1991, at Twilight Nursing Home.

Services are 2 p.m. Wednesday at Griffin-Roughton Funeral Home, with Russell Bankes officiating. Burial will be in Resthaven Memorial Park.

Survivors include one son, Dan R. Skinner of Corsicana; one daughter, Bettie Morris of Corsicana; four grandchildren; and 10 great-grandchildren.

Pallbearers will be Maco Stewart, Ferma C. Stewart, Melba Bower, Robert Bower, Dick James and Harrison Sloan.

Notes:

  • The Corsicana Daily Sun - Tues., Apr 30, 1991
  • Submitted by Karen Rost
  • From the collection of the Liz Gillespie Genealogy Dept. - Corsicana Library
  • w/o Samuel Spurgeon Skinner; d/o Moses Warden "Mose" Roberts & Elizabeth (Owen) Roberts buried in Dawson Cem.

Alice Cam "A.C." Hightower
Sep 15, 1927 - Apr 29, 1991

US ARMY WWII

Alice Cam (A.C.) Hightower, 63, of Corsicana, died April 29, 1991, at Mel Haven Convalescent Center.

Wake services will be from 7 to 8 p.m. Thursday at Ross and Johnson Mortuary Chapel. Services will be 2 p.m. Friday at Resthaven Memorial Park Mausoleum, with the Rev. Bruce Bradford officiating. Burial will be in Resthaven Memorial Park under direction of Ross and Johnson Mortuary.

He was a veteran of World War II.

Survivors include three daughters, Linda J. Hightower, Carol J. Hightower and Marcia A. Hightower, all of Fort Worth; two sons, Darrell W. Hightower of Washington, D.C., and Alvin J. Hightower of Brooklyn, New York; five grandchildren; one brother, Lee A. Hightower of Carson, Calif.; and two sisters, Lerline McDonald and Dorothy Bradford, both of Corsicana.

Sons, nephews and friends will serve as pallbearers.

Notes:

  • The Corsicana Daily Sun - Wed., May 1, 1991
  • Submitted by Karen Rost
  • From the collection of the Liz Gillespie Genealogy Dept. - Corsicana Library
  • h/o Lorene Carolyn (Layne) Hightower; s/o Alice (Booker) Hightower & Cam Hightower

Margaret Ann (Mitchell) Carter
Dec. 2, 1942 - June 22, 2020

Mrs. Margaret Ann (Mitchell) Carter, age 77, of Corsicana, passed peacefully away Monday evening, June 22, 2020, at her home and surrounded by her loved ones.

She was born December 2, 1942, in Dallas, Texas. A daughter of the late Elvin Dewitt Mitchell and Alice Virginia (Allbritton) Mitchell.

Margaret has been reunited in Heaven and preceded in death by her father and mother Elvin and Alice Mitchell; brother, Paul Ray Mitchell; brother, Elvin David Mitchell; and son-in-law Bryan Emmett, Sr.

She was a Christian, loving wife, mother, grandmother, and great grandmother. She had a servant's heart and always loved having someone to cook for and take care of. She had a contagious smile and loved to make everyone laugh. She enjoyed her family, friends and spending time with her children and grandchildren.

Margaret is survived by her husband and love of her life Herman Carter; son, Kenneth Herman Carter; daughter Kimberly Ann Emmett; grandson, Joshua Carter and his wife Kristi; granddaughter, Anna Ogden and her husband Drew; granddaughter, Kristin Hollingsworth and her husband Derek; granddaughter Emily Carter; grandson, Derek Emmett; and grandson, Bryan Emmett, Jr.; great-grandchildren, Michaela, Abbie, Carter, Jack, Caden, Bryan, Matthew, Liam, Lillie, Anniston, and Wyatt; brother, Billy J. Mitchell; sister, Pearl Hathcox and her husband Harvey; sister, Joyce Rodgers; brother, Donald Mitchell and his wife June; sister, Fay Collins and her husband Bob; sister, Marilyn Pinkerton; sister, Mary Andrews; sister, Ruby Starcher and her husband Tom; brother, Richard Mitchell and his wife Diane; sister, Sarah Covert and her husband Chuck, all of whom she loved very much.

She also leaves many other family members and friends who will sadly miss her, and she loved with all her heart.

Visitation is from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday, June 25th, 2020 at Corley Funeral Home.Funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. Friday, June 26th, 2020, at Corley Funeral Home in Corsicana. Burial will follow at Hamilton-Beeman Cemetery in Retreat with Steve Martinez officiating. Serving as pallbearers will be Don Wofford, Eric Minnear, Mitchell Bancroft, Bryan Mitchell, Don Cope, and Aaron Tunnell.

Notes:

  • Submitted by Karen Rost
  • w/o Herman Carter; d/o Elvin Dewitt Mitchell & Alice Virginia (Allbritton) Mitchell

Lavita (Love) Story
Oct 22, 1924 - Jun 15, 2020

Mrs. Lavita Love Story, 95, of Corsicana passed away on Monday June 15, 2020 at Legacy West Nursing Facility. Visitation with the family will be held on Friday, June 19, 2020 from 6 - 8 p.m. at Corley Funeral Home. Graveside services will be held at 10 a.m. on Saturday, June 20, 2020 at Hamilton-Beeman Cemetery in Retreat, Texas with Father Edward Monk officiating. Social distancing will be observed.
The Corsicana Daily Sun - Fri., June 19, 2020
Submitted by Karen Rost
Lavita Love Story, age 95, of Corsicana passed away peacefully on Monday, June 15, 2020 at Legacy West Nursing Facility in Corsicana. She was born on October 22, 1924 in Tyler, Texas. She was the only child of Roy C. Love and Bertha Claire Lovett Love, lifelong residents of Corsicana.

Lavita's life was one that most girls only dream of. She had parents that worshipped her and fulfilled her every need. She had the best education; after attending schools in Corsicana, she went to Hockaday Preparatory School in Dallas, then on to Southern Methodist University where she was a member of Pi Beta Phi sorority and finally she studied at Juilliard School of Music Conservatory in New York City where she studied voice. Her professor wanted Lavita to sing at the Met. She chose to leave New York and return home to Corsicana. Even though Lavita chose to return to Corsicana she always loved her music. She would spend hours at the piano playing and singing, after the girls were born they would all gather around the piano and sing songs while Lavita played. In later years when she was unable to play, visitors would hear the stereo playing those tunes on the stereo that Lavita loved.

She loved all animals, especially horses and dogs. During her youth many family vacations were spent at a dude ranch in Cowles, New Mexico where she was able to enjoy spending days with the horse she so loved.

Lavita also spent many summers with her two aunts in Carlsbad, N. M. Later she went on many trips with the V.V. friends (her group of best friends ever) and loved every minute of the time spent together.

Lavita's love of her life was Daniel A. Story. When Lavita returned to Corsicana after New York, Dan was attending Texas A & M University where he was pulled into the Army Air Corp pilot training program. He became a pilot of the B-24 Bomber and while serving on his last mission out of North Africa on a bombing run his plane received extensive damage and he was forced to crash land at first landfall. He and his crew were captured by the Germans and he was held in a German prison camp for 26 months. Upon Dan's returning home to Corsicana, he and Lavita were married in her parents home on July 28, 1945.

Lavita and Dan stayed in the Air Force for 20 years before retiring and settling down in Corsicana with their three daughters. Lavita was the best of military wives and she loved meeting new people and always had her beautiful smile and gracious ways with everyone she met. She never left the house without her hair fixed, her makeup perfected, a fine fitting suit and of course her high heels. She greeted everyone with �Hi, how are you? Good to see you.� and meant it from her heart.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, and her special V.V's friends.

Lavita is survived by her daughters; Alicia Barnebee of Alva, Florida, Stephenie Story Gruver and husband John of Corsicana, Texas and Margo Love Story of Anna Marie, Florida: her grandchildren; Chris Barnabee and wife Janice of Naples, Florida, Elizabeth Barnebee of Ft. Myers, Florida, Brian Keith Gruver of Corsicana and Jacqueline Story Long of Monterrey, California and her great-grandchildren; Christopher, Brianna, Danny and Matthew Barnebee of Florida and Logan, Bradley, Mason and Aliana Gruver of Texas.

The family wishes to thank Lavita's loving caregivers; Carolyn, Delores, Mary and Lena and the wonderful staff of Legacy West Nursing Facility for the love and care that they each gave to Lavita.

Memorials may be made to the Alzheimer's Association at www.act.alz.org or St. John's Episcopal Church at 101 N. 14th Street, Corsicana, Texas 75110.

Visitation with the family will be held on Friday, June 19, 2020 from 6:00 to 8:00 PM at Corley Funeral Home. Graveside services will be held on Saturday, June 20, 2020 at 10:00 AM at Hamilton-Beeman Cemetery in Retreat, Texas with Father Edward Monk officiating. Social distancing will be enforced.

Notes:

  • Submitted by Karen Rost
  • w/o Daniel A. "Dan" Story; d/o Roy C. Love & Bertha Claire (Lovett) Love

Billy Wayne Wood
Sep 29, 1937 - Jul 1, 2020

Mr. Billy Wayne Wood, 82, of Corsicana passed away Wednesday, July 1, 2020 at Fairview Healthcare Residence in Fairfield, Texas. Graveside services are scheduled for Wednesday, July 8, 2020 at Oakwood Cemetery at 10:30 a.m. with Mr. Bobby McCollum officiating. Face masks are required and social distancing will be observed.
 

Notes:

Mr. Billy Wayne Wood, age 82, of Corsicana, passed away in Fairfield on July 1, 2020.

He was born September 29, 1937 in Corsicana to Joe Bailey and Mina Mozelle (Chambers) Wood.

Billy graduated from Corsicana Senior High School in 1956. He worked at the Piggly Wiggly grocery store and later went to Corsicana Grader where he spent many years.

Billy was preceded in death by his parents.

He is survived by his brothers Doyle Wood and his wife Jeannie, and Jimmy B. Wood all of Corsicana; sisters Martha Jean Warren of Corsicana, Virginia Jolly and her husband Bud of Garland, Texas; nieces Janet Lynn Williams of Wylie, Texas and Kimberly Ann Portier of Corsicana; nephews Wesley D. Wood of Columbiana, Alabama, Stephen W. Warren of Corsicana; and numerous great-nieces and great-nephews.

A graveside service for Billy will be held on Wednesday, July 8, 2020 at 10:30 A.M. at Oakwood Cemetery in Corsicana with Mr. Bobby McCollum officiating.

Notes:

Joe Bob Tekell
Aug 30, 1923 - Jul 5, 2020

Joe Bob Tekell, family patriarch, loving husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather passed away on Sunday, July 5, 2020 at Brookdale assisted living facility in Corsicana. He was born on August 30, 1923 in Corsicana, Texas to Marvin Alexander and Gladys Stella Tekell.

Joe Bob grew up in Corsicana, Texas where he was a graduate of Corsicana High School. A draft notice for the United States Army Calvary in March of 1943 interrupted his education at Texas A&M University and sent him to Army basic training. He later transferred into the Army Air Corps flying P-40 and P-47 fighter aircraft until his final discharge from the Air Force Reserves in 1961. Joe Bob met his wife June during his military training, married on June 28, 1945, and returned to Corsicana in 1946. He was the co-owner of Tekell Furniture Co. with his brother Don until he retired from the store's daily routine in 1985.

Joe Bob loved the Lord with all of his heart and served as a deacon, Sunday school teacher, and a devout member of First Baptist Church. He showed his love for his neighbors as a Meals on Wheels volunteer, Good News Caf� worker until age 93, and missionary work from his home town to Europe and South America.

Joe Bob was preceded in death by his parents, wife; June Elizabeth Tekell of Corsicana, and sons; Peter Alexander Tekell of Corsicana, Texas, and Mark Mattson Tekell of Norman, Oklahoma.

Joe Bob is survived by his sons; LTC Scott Tekell, USA, Retired and wife, Jodi of Azle, Texas; Brad Tekell and wife, Janet of Corsicana, Texas. His grandchildren include Kyle Tekell and wife, Rebecca of Savannah, Georgia; Kristen Tekell of Sonoma, California; Mary Beth Zimmermann and husband, Eric of Ft. Worth, Texas; Dr. Emmy Lou Dagnan and husband, Derrick of Brentwood, Tennessee; Major John Paul Tekell and wife, Audra of Niceville, Florida; Andrew Tekell of Edmond, Oklahoma; Betsy Carroll and husband, Dan of San Jose, California, and Erik Tekell and wife, Kenya of Norman, Oklahoma. Joe Bob's great grandchildren are Sydney and Nora Tekell of Savannah, Georgia; Madeline and Carlton Dagnan of Brentwood, Tennessee; Everhett and Benjamin Tekell of Niceville, Florida; Stella and Camilla Carroll of San Jose, California. He is also survived by his brother, Don Tekell and wife, Lynda of Corsicana, Texas.

Come and go visitation with the family will be from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Thursday, July 9, 2020 at Corley Funeral Home. Funeral services are scheduled for 10:00 A.M. on Friday, July 10, 2020 at First Baptist Church in Corsicana with Dr. Danny P. Reeves officiating. Pallbearers are Andrew Tekell, Erik Tekell, John Paul Tekell, Derrick Dagnan, Eric Zimmermann, and Dan Bittner. Honorary pallbearers are the First Baptist Church Adult IV Sunday School Class.

Memorial contributions may be made to First Baptist Building Fund at 510 W. Collin, Corsicana, Texas 75110.

Notes:

Royal Hunter Kay, Jr.
Apr 30, 1948 - Jun 16, 2020

Hunter Kay, a man born only grudgingly into the 20th century and temperamentally suited to an earlier era, departed this life without warning but apparently at peace on June 16, 2020, at the age of 72.

Royal Hunter Kay, Jr. described himself as �a Native Texian� on Facebook, proclaiming: �I dig in the dirt and drink whiskey.� He did both of those things exceptionally well. Friends spanning generations will treasure memories of touring the sprawling, ambitious gardens he cultivated around his home on Williamson County's Backbone Ridge, often with a pewter julep cup of W.L. Weller's Special Reserve, neat or on ice, at hand. The late Sewanee novelist Andrew Lytle, one of several mentors to Hunter, had prescribed prior to a visit in 1983: �Don't bring me Jack Daniel's. They've ruined that stuff. Bring me Weller.�

Hunter lived a life of letters. An afternoon bull session, on the porch of the home he built with his own hands in the deep woods of Middle Tennessee, would always feature passionate advocacy of his latest read. He might punctuate the conversation with an apt recitation, from memory, of T.S. Eliot, Flannery O'Connor or Victor Hugo. And there would be tales�ribald, raucous and often deeply moving�from his life experiences and those of his Texas forebears. A traditionalist par excellence, Hunter often seemed in his stories to channel the spirits of the long-ago departed.

The one work of fiction Hunter published during his lifetime was a spectacular success. �The Fifth Generation,� a short story about an effete suburban youth who sets out to remake himself in the Louisiana oil fields, appeared in The Sewanee Review in 1973, soon after he submitted it and a collection of other stories as his M.A. thesis at Vanderbilt. In 1977, the editors of the Penguin anthology Stories of the Modern South included Hunter's story alongside works by the likes of Truman Capote, Robert Penn Warren, Alice Walker, William Faulkner and Ernest Gaines. A later anthology, Stories from Tennessee, also included �The Fifth Generation.�

The bio of Hunter in Stories of the Modern South quotes him as saying, �I have promised everyone from God on down that if I ever finish the house, I will start writing again.� (The house did not yet have running water or electricity.) He started incubating another work of fiction in the last weeks of his life. On May 31, Hunter described to visiting friends the plot of a post-Civil War-era novel he planned to write. The story moved him to tears. A few days later, he again contacted friends: �Had trouble sleeping last night as scenes from the book idea I told you about �played' in my head!�

Hunter was an antiques dealer for many years. He went through phases of enthusiasm in which he would learn all that could be learned about coin silver, medieval liturgical pages, antique maps, 19th-century landscape paintings and more. When the bottom dropped out of the antiques market, he reinvented himself as an art dealer. �I just love beauty,� he often said.

That love extended to the natural beauty with which Hunter surrounded the home he and friend Larry Taylor shared. He labored to transform the landscape around him for decades, and he freely shared bulbs and seedlings with friends. He felt that Middle Tennessee's moderate spring weather in 2020 had helped yield the most beautiful gardens of his more than 40 years living in �the bee-loud glade.�

A 1966 graduate of Palestine High School in East Texas, Hunter maintained many hometown friendships over the years. Former classmates remembered him as a talented actor and singer who played lead roles in school productions of �South Pacific,� �Oklahoma� and �The Music Man.�

Preceding him in passing were his father, Dr. Royal Hunter Kay, and mother, Elizabeth Tippitt Kay Rogers, as well as his sister, Elizabeth Tippitt Kay Stites. Surviving him, in addition to Larry Taylor, are brother-in-law Bill Stites, sister-in-law Kathy Stites, and nieces Elizabeth Stites Mitchell (Jay) and Susan Stites Shappell (Michael), as well as great-nieces Molly Lane and Libby Mitchell and great-nephew William Mitchell. Other survivors include cousins L. Francis Kay and Tana Clayton Kay, Allison Kay Jarvis and David Jarvis, Clayton Hunter Kay, Sarah Isabelle Jarvis, and Ransom Hunter Jarvis, who was a godson of Hunter. He was also a godfather to Anne Pauline Couteaud, Henry James Long, Vincent Leo Long III, Henry William Robinson, Hunter Claire Rogers and Jessica Ruth Staler.

The family requests that in lieu of flowers, those who loved Hunter make contributions toward the maintenance of the Bettie Kay Rogers Memorial Rose Garden at the historic Carnton home in Franklin, Tenn. The body will be interred in the family plot at Oakwood Cemetery, Corsicana, Texas on Saturday, June 27, 2020 at 1:00pm with Father Ted Welty officiating.

On the wall of his library, Hunter stenciled words from �A Dialogue of Self and Soul� by the Irish poet William Butler Yeats. He would want to be remembered in this tenor:

We must laugh and we must sing,
We are blest by everything,
Everything we look upon is blest.

Notes:

  • s/o Royal Hunter Kay, Sr. & Elizabeth (Tippitt) Kay-Rogers

Hazel Marie (Stewart) Stallings-Mesker
Jun 24, 1926 - Apr 23, 1991

Hazel Mesker, 64, of Corsicana, died April 23, 1991, in Dallas.
Graveside services will be 2 p.m. Thursday in Oakwood Cemetery, with the Rev. Wayne Mahoney officiating. Corley Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
She was born June 24, 1926, in Corsicana. She was a member of the Baptist Church.
Survivors include her husband, Jessie Mesker of Corsicana; one son, Homer Earl Stallings of Houston; two daughters, Nita Kay Jordan of Houston and Anita Marie Mesker of Corsicana; and one sister, Juanita Gilcrease of Corsicana.

Notes:

Annie Laura (Clowe) Hudson
Mar 3, 1901 - Apr 25, 1991

Mrs. G.T. "Annie Clowe" Hudson, 90, of Corsicana, died April 25, 1991, at Twilight Home.
Services are 11 a.m. Saturday at Corley Funeral Chapel, with Dr. Charles Rice officiating. Burial wilsl be in Oakwood Cemetery.
She was born March 3, 1901, in Corsicana. She was a retired owner of Clowe Floral Shop and was a member of First United Methodist Church.
Survivors include one son, Harry E. Hudson of Corsicana; one grandson, Russell Hudson of Dallas; two granddaughters, Laurie Franklin of Winters and Betsy Hudson of Dallas; one brother, Harry Clowe Jr., of Corsicana; one sister, Margaret Hambelton of Enterprise, Ore.; and a number of nieces and nephews.
Pallbearers are Liston Herod, Robert Keathley, Bobby Fluker, Alton Fluker, Glenn Langford and Bruce Bryson.

Notes:

Clark Simons
Jun 25, 1902 - Apr 29, 1991

Clark Simons, 88, of Corsicana, died April 29, 1991, at the Twilight Home.
Services will be 10 a.m. Wednesday at the Corley Funeral Chapel, with the Rev. Don M. Pike and the Rev. Jim Jones officiating. Burial will be Oakwood Cemetery.
He was born June 25, 1902, in Elkton, Ky., and had resided in Corsicana for 60 years. He was a retired farmer and a member of the Methodist Church.
He is survived by his wife, Cedelia Pike Simons of Corsicana; and a nephew and niece-in-law, Don M. and Joyce Pike of Arlington.
Pallbearers will be Jack McCann, Stokes Armstrong, Bobby Armstrong, Gary Armstrong, Ben Collins and Dale Alexander.

Notes:

Mildred Marie "Babe" (Scogin) Roberts
Apr 5, 1918 - Apr 29, 1991

Mildred "Babe" Scoggin Roberts, 73, of Kerens, died April 29, 1991, in Bedford.
Services will be 2 p.m. Wednesday at Corley Funeral Home, with the Rev. Chuck Biscoe officiating. Burial will be in Oakwood Cemetery.
She was born April 5, 1918, in Drane, and had lived in Kerens for seven years. She was a retired librarian and secretary, and a member of the Baptist Church.
Survivors include one daughter, Gatha Jane Roberts Singleton of Arlington; one son, Ben Loyd Roberts of Houston; four grandchildren; three sisters, Stella Murray of Purdon, Kary Scoggin of Houston and Bessie Brubaker of Port Lavaca; and two brothers, Everett Scoggin of Houston and Edwin Scoggin of Kerens.
Pallbearers will be Glen Singleton, Gary Singleton, Eugene Murray, A.C. Murray, Kenneth Murray and Billy Barnes. Honorary pallbearer will be Mark roberts.

Notes:

  • The Corsicana Daily Sun - Mon., Apr 29, 1991
  • Submitted by Karen Rost
  • w/o Lloyd William Roberts; d/o Matthew Jackson Scogin & Mamie (Roman) Scogin
  • From the collection of the Liz Gillespie Genealogy Dept. - Corsicana Library
  • Most records and her headstone show her maiden name as Scogin

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