Obituaries from
Navarro County, Texas


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James Elmer Brown
Feb 14, 1949 - Jul 3, 2002

James Elmer Brown, 54, of Corsicana, passed away Thursday, July 3, 2003, in his residence.

Visitation will be from 1 to 8 p.m. Monday at Ross and Johnson Mortuary.

Services will be at 11 a.m. Tuesday at the Love Chapel Baptist Church with Rev. Kalvin Townsel officiating and Elder Albert Smith as eulogist.

Interment will follow at Resthaven Memorial Park.

Pallbearers will be Verdell McDaniel, Johnny Harris, Ocie Henry, Ernest Henderson, Rodney Brown and Mack Heard. Honorary pallbearers are brothers Sanford Brown, Edward Earl Brown, Frank Brown, Rod Arthur Adams Jr. and Charles Adams.

Mr. Brown was born on Feb. 14, 1949, in Drane.

Survivors include daughters Shalisa Brown of Corsicana and Stephanie Brown of Lancaster; sons James E. Brown Jr. of Coolidge and Rico Brown; mother Mrs. Ceola Brown Wheeler of Corsicana; brothers Frank Brown, Sanford Brown and Edward Earl Brown all of Corsicana, Rod Arthur Adams Jr. of Arlington and Charles Adams of Garland; sisters Mary Crawford, Denice Adams Brewer and Vergie Adams Brown all of Corsicana and other relatives.

Arrangements by Ross and Johnson Mortuary

Notes:


Louise (Goodman) Freeze
Jan 22, 1923 - Jul 4, 2003

Louise G. Freeze

Louise G. Freeze, 80, of Corsicana, passed away Friday, July 4, 2003, in Corsicana.

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

Services will be at 10 a.m. Monday at Griffin-Roughton Funeral Home with Bro. Bob Reid of Navarro Mills Baptist Church officiating.

Interment will follow at Dresden Cemetery with nephews and friends of the family as pallbearers.

Mrs. Freeze was born on Jan. 22, 1923, to Bennie and Mattie Reeves Goodman in Frost. She was a member of the Navarro Mills Baptist Church.

She was preceded in death by husband Levie B. Freeze, two brothers and one sister.

Survivors include brothers N.J. Goodman and Olan Goodman, both of Stanford and several nieces and nephews.

Arrangements by Griffin-Roughton Funeral Home.

Notes:


Clayton Walter Libhart
Dec 18, 1962 - Jul 2, 2003

Clayton Walter Libhart, 40, of Corsicana, passed away Wednesday, July 2, 2003, in Mexia.

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

Services will be at 1 p.m. Tuesday at Griffin-Roughton Funeral Home Chapel with James Vannoy, an elder of Northwood Church of Christ, officiating.

Interment will follow at Hamilton-Beeman Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be Steve Ramsey, Steve Lackey, Julio Rodriguez Jr., Julio Rodriguez Sr., Mike Jones and Mike Davis.

Mr. Libhart was born on Dec. 18, 1962, in Corsicana.

Survivors include two sons Jeremiah Libhart and Charles (Chuck) Libhart of Corsicana.

Arrangements by Griffin-Roughton Funeral Home.

Notes:


Joe Kelton Wells
Dec 15, 1909 - Jul 5, 2003

Joe K. Wells

Joe Kelton Wells, age 93, died Saturday, July 5, 2003 after a long and extraordinarily happy and fulfilling life.

Joe was born in Corsicana, Texas where he graduated from high school in 1927. He began his career by earning a bachelor of law degree from the University of Texas in 1936 while serving in the Texas House of Representatives for Navarro County from 1933 to 1936. Joe was a confidant and advisor to the late Gov. Allan Shivers and was honored in 1999 when Pete Laney introduced him as the senior member of the House of Representatives and the only surviving member of the 44th Legislature.

After leaving the House of Representatives he became the general counsel and chief of insurance for the Texas Employment Commission and served in that capacity for 20 years. Never content to sit on the sidelines, Joe entered the banking business in 1956 as vice president and assistant to the president of Austin National Bank. He was gregarious and well loved and was named Austin Jaycee Boss of the Year in 1961.

In 1975 Joe became a valued member of the staff of Cook-Walden Funeral Home where he served as public relations director and president of the cemetery board. His presence was sorely missed when he retired. His wife of 62 years, Marjorie, preceded him in death, Oct. 25, 2002.

He served as an elder for the Westminster Presbyterian Church where he and Marjorie were charter members. Joe was a member of the first Diaconate.

Another area of his life that was uppermost to him was the Masonic Lodge. He was a member of Lodge No. 12 A.F. & A.M.; Scottish Rite Bodies of Austin, 33 Degree I.G.H.; Ben Hur Shrine Temple, Potentate in 1956; York Rite Bodies, Knight Templar; member and past director of the Royal Order of Jesters, Austin Court #35; chairman of the board of trustees of Ben Hur Shrine; and past president and member of Ben Hur Shrine Chanters.

Joe was a tireless public servant as evidenced by his participation in many civic activities. He was a past president and life member of the Texas Lung Association and on the board of directors of the American Lung Association. He was proud to have been associated with the Austin Chamber of Commerce and was its president in 1963. Active in the Austin Aqua Festival since its conception, he was commodore in 1967, president in 1968, and a member of the Admiral's Club. He was also a member of the Downtown Rotary Club for many years.

Joe is survived by his son, Joe K. Wells Jr. and his wife, Mary Margaret; by his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, Jennifer Wells Childers and her husband, Cecil, and their children Claire and Ben, Dr. Joe K. Wells III and his wife, Becky, and their children Caroline and Sarah, and John Barcus Wells and his wife, Debra, and their children Samuel, Anna Kate, Brittany Rocha, and Jacob Rocha.

The funeral service will be held at 1 p.m. today in the Colonial Chapel of Cook-Walden Funeral Home with the Rev. Roy Sherrod assisted by Don Long. Interment will follow at the Texas State Cemetery. Honoring Mr. Wells as active pallbearers Dr. Joe K. Wells, III, John Barcus Wells, Cecil A. Childers, James R. White, G. William Fowler and Charles Walden and honorary pallbearers are Leon Stone, John Sheffield, Harry Balagia, Cecil Nobles, David A. Curry.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the following organizations: Galveston Burns Hospital, 815 Market Street, Galveston, TX 77550; Texas Scottish Rites Children's Hospital, 2222 Welborn Street #4, Dallas, TX 75219; Guide Dogs of Texas, Box 691582, San Antonio, TX 78269-1582.

Special thanks to Dr. Mark Clark, the emergency room staff and Karen, Tom and Lisa in ICU at Seton Hospital for their concern and care during his brief stay.

Graveside services under auspices of Austin Lodge #12 A.F. & A.M.

Arrangements by Cook-Walden Funeral Home, Austin.

Notes:


William J. 'Bill' Primo
Sep 9, 1929 - Jul 10, 2003

Funeral mass for William J. "Bill" Primo will be held at 1 p.m. Thursday, July 10, 2003, at The Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Tyler with Monsignor Milam J. Joseph officiating. Burial will follow at Rose Hill Cemetery [Tyler] under the direction of Lloyd James Funeral Home.

Mr. Primo died July 8 in a Tyler hospital with his family around him.

He was born Sept. 9, 1929, in Okmulgee to Robert L. and Genevieve Primo. He moved to Tyler in 1934. He graduated from Tyler High School and Tyler Junior College. He was in the beauty supply business for 52 years and was owner of Primo Beauty Supply. In 1958, he received the outstanding salesman award for the beauty industry for the United States.

He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Dee Primo; son and daughter-in-law, Vince and Kathy Primo of Whitehouse; daughter, Brenda Primo of Whitehouse; daughter and son-in-law, Belinda and Mike Farris of Pearland; four granddaughters, Kimberly and Amanda Farris of Pearland and Chelsea and Kyleigh Primo of Whitehouse; sister and brother-in-law, Gloria and Gene Killian of Carrollton; sister and brother-in-law, Billie and Ed Andrews of Baton Rouge, La.; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Pallbearers will be Joe Primo, Don Garrett, Fred Garrett, William Holt, Garry Wimberly and William Downs. Honorary pallbearers are Donny Haire, Irving Waghalter, Richard Collins, Don Fenton, Dean Jolly, Danny Lara, Bill Downs and Wilmer Cox.

A rosary service is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. today at Lloyd James Funeral Chapel with the Rev. Bill Palmer officiating with a visitation to follow.

Memorials may be made to Shriner's Hospital for Children, 3100 Samford Ave., Shreveport, LA 71103.

Arrangements by Lloyd James Funeral Home, Tyler.

Notes:


Steven Jack McFerran
Nov 14, 1954 - Jul 4, 2003

Steven McFerran

Steven Jack McFerran, 48, of Eddy, went to live in God's house July 4, 2003. Memorial services were held at 4 p.m. Tuesday, July 8, at Waco Memorial Funeral Home with the Rev. Wayne Stork officiating. Reception followed at Bruceville-Eddy United Methodist Church.

Steven J. McFerran was born Nov. 14, 1954 in Gainesville and married Claire (Balcom) McFerran May 21, 1977. He graduated from Corsicana High School and Texas Tech University with degrees in finance and accounting. He worked at Citizens National Bank and owned his own business, E-Z Pack in Waco, before he found his life's calling of teaching Bible study.

His mother, Mary Sue McFerran, preceded him in death.

He leaves behind his wife, Claire of Eddy; two sons, Bill McFerran and Russ McFerran of Eddy; father and stepmother, Jack McFerran and Billie Love McFerran of Corsicana; and sister, Judi Robertson of The Bluffs, La.

Honored friends and family are Troop 412 chartered by Austin Avenue United Methodist Church and Boy Scouts everywhere, Crossroads Bible Study at the cottages of Oak Springs, and all members of his extended family. He will be remembered by a host of children and youth for his Bible stories and mission trips.

Memorials may be made to Bruceville-Eddy EMS, Bruceville-Eddy Methodist Church and Boy Scouts of America, or the charity of your choice.

Arrangements by Waco Memorial Funeral Home, Waco.

Notes:


David Neal Anderson
Nov 8, 1933 - Jul 8, 2003

David Neal Anderson, 69, of Texas City, passed away peacefully Tuesday, July 8, 2003, at his residence.

Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Friday, July 11, at Emken-Linton Funeral Home in Texas City. A graveside service will be conducted at 3 p.m. Friday at Richland Cemetery in Richland. Visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home.

Mr. Anderson was born Nov. 8, 1933, in Richland. He was a retired teacher. He taught at Roosevelt Wilson Elementary, Blocker Middle School and Fry Intermediate School in Texas City. He was a member of the Mainland Church of Christ and had served his country in the U.S. Army.

Survivors include his wife, Rosie Anderson of Texas City; daughter, Anne Elizabeth Catching of Texas City; grandchildren, Eric Moss, Alex Lemmonds, Makenzie Catching and Lindsey Catching; sisters-in-law, Louise Koalchuk of Decatur, Ala., Mary Wallace and husband Billy of Franklin, and Ruth Ward of Lake Nettie, Mich.; aunt, Oleta Allen of Houston; and uncle, Andrew J. Allen of Arivaca, Ariz.; and numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a hospice program.

Arrangements by Emken-Linton Funeral Home, Texas City.

Notes:


William 'Bill' Deen Allen Jr.
Jun 5, 1947 - Jul 8, 2003

William Deen Allen Jr., age 56, of Corsicana passed away July 8, 2003, at Baylor Hospital in Dallas. He graduated from Corsicana High School in 1965 and later earned his bachelor's degree in political science from East Texas State University in 1969. In 1968 he married his high school sweetheart, Lou Ann Bellringer, and enjoyed 35 years of marriage. He returned to Corsicana in 1977 where he and his wife successfully started up their own printing company, Law Enforcement Systems, Inc., in which he served as CEO for 25 years.

Bill is survived by his wife, Lou Ann Allen; his daughter, Maggie Allen Bomberger, and son-in-law, Chris, and their children, Bethany, Skylar and Joshua of Aubrey; and his son, Matthew Deen Allen of Corsicana.

His father, William Deen Allen, and mother, Patricia Loney, preceded him in death.

Visitation with the family will be from 6 to 8 p.m. today at Corley Funeral Home. The funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Friday at St. John's Episcopal Church followed a graveside service at Oakwood Cemetery. Honoring Mr. Allen as active pallbearers are Jerry Davis, John Lewis, Harris Ryan, Steve Huffman, Jeff Nelson and Mike Ballew and the honorary pallbearer is Euin Frank.

Special thanks to the Corsicana Fire Department, Navarro Regional Hospital staff and Baylor Hospital for their care and concern during his final days.

Arrangements by Corley Funeral Home.

Notes:


Bertha Mae (Green) Rogers
Dec 13, 1914 - Jul 8, 2003

Bertha Mae Rogers

Bertha Mae Rogers, 88, of Ennis passed away Tuesday, July 8, 2003, in Ennis.

Graveside services were 10 a.m. today at Oakwood Cemetery with the Rev. B.F. Risinger Jr. officiating.

She was born Dec. 13, 1914, in Limestone County.

She was preceded in death by her parents, William and Omie Green; sons, Glenn C. Williams and Walter E. Williams; grandson, Michael Cary Williams; two brothers and one sister.

Survivors include her daughter-in-law, Christine Williams of Corsicana; brother, W.T. Green of Arkansas; sisters, Eleanor Bower and Alene Surber; granddaughters, Cindy Williams of Lake Dallas and Cheryl Johnson of Corsicana; grandsons, Michael Williams of Los Angeles and Danny Harris of Beckville; nine great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.

Memorials may be made to Rebekah Lodge No. 128.

Arrangements by Corley Funeral Home.

Notes:


Clifford A. Coleman
abt 1925 - Jul 4, 2003
 

Clifford A. Coleman, 78, of Dawson passed away Friday, July 4, 2003, at Navarro Regional Hospital. Services will be 1 p.m. Saturday, July 11, at House of Refuge Church of God in Christ in Dawson, with the Rev. Paul Puckett, pastor, officiating. Interment will follow at Dawson Community Cemetery. Arrangements by M. R. Smith Parlor for Funerals.

Notes:


Tommye Lorene (Nelson) Hicks
Sep 16, 1921 - Nov 21, 1974

Graveside Rites Held for Bazette Native, Mrs. Lorene Hicks

Graveside services and burial in the Prairie Point Cemetery were held last Saturday afternoon for Mrs. Tommye Lorene (Nelson) Hicks, age 53, of Fort Worth.  She died last Thursday, November 21st, in Fort Worth.

Mrs. Hicks was a native of Bazette and attended school in Corsicana and Mildred.  She was a graduate of Adamson High School in Dallas.

She is the daughter of Mrs. Lorene (Lincoln) Nelson of Duncanville and the late George Thomas (Tom) Nelson of Navarro County.  Other survivors include two sons, Dwight Hicks and Hoyt Hicks, both of Fort Worth; a grandson, Chris Hicks of Fort Worth; two brothers, LCDR Glenn T. Nelson of Memphis, Tenn., and Fred E. Nelson of Raleigh, North Carolina; two aunts, Mrs. Hester (Nelson) Bailey of Corsicana and Mrs. Lois (Lincoln) Robinson of Dallas; two uncles, Jim H. Nelson of Vernon and Joe B. Nelson of Corsicana; one nephew, George T. Nelson of Memphis, Tenn.; five nieces, Mrs. Kelly Lee Kincaid and Miss Tracye Nelson, both of Dallas, Miss Amy Nelson of Memphis, Tenn., and Misses Kathy and Meredith Nelson, both of Raleigh, North Carolina; and a number of cousins and other relatives and a host of friends.

Notes:

  • The above obituary appeared in the Corsicana Light (probably) during the week of November 25th, 1974.

  • Tommye Lorene Nelson Hicks was born September 16, 1921, near Bazette, Texas.  She was the daughter of George Thomas and Lorene Alice (Lincoln) Nelson, both natives of Navarro County.  She died November 21, 1974.
  • Submitted by  Ron Nelson - Jul 2003

James O. 'Ollie' Milner
Oct 18, 1930 - Jul 9, 2003

James O. 'Ollie' Milner

James O. "Ollie" Milner, 72, of Dallas, passed away July 9, 2003, in Dallas. A memorial service will be held at 10 a.m. Monday at Charles W. Smith & Sons Funeral Home Chapel, Fifth Street at Highway 78, Sachse.

Mr. Milner died on July 9, 2003, at his home in Dallas with his closest family by his side. Oliver was diagnosed with advanced colon cancer in September 2002. He was born October 18, 1930, in Mt. Pleasant to the late James Cooper Milner and Mattie Hunter Milner.

He proudly served in the Army National Guard, Company D. 143rd Infantry Regiment, 36th Infantry Division. T.N.G. Summer Field Training from June 28, 1953, to July 12, 1953, prevented him from being present at the birth of his daughter in Corsicana, as his patriotic duty took precedence.

Employed with Texas Power & Light Co. and later TXU Electric, Mr. Molner began his 38-year career following graduation from Corsicana State Home. After the family of four lived a short period of years in Taylor, he was transferred by TP & L to Waco and in 1959 to Dallas. He enjoyed a very long, productive and successful tenure in the Computer Systems Programming groups, as TP & L first started using computers. One of his greatest projects for computer programming design was the Comanche Peak Nuclear Power Plant in Glen Rose. In 1998, upon visiting the Comanche Peak site, Mr. Milner's daughter was in great awe at the operation of this magnanimous project her father had been so dedicated to for most of her and her brother's adolescent years.

Mr. Milner's enthusiasm for CB and hamm radio introduced him to thoughtful friends around the world, who added spice of life to his later years. He also greatly enjoyed and benefited from his many trips to his deer lease in Luckenbach, where it seemed he was at his most peaceful resolve with everyone, including himself and with everything nature had to offer.

Following the death in 1981 of his beloved State Home sweetheart, Dorothy Louise Edwards, Mr. Milner continued to live and work in Dallas until his retirement from TXU in 1987. He then spent the next 13 years gardening, "piddling" and reflecting, mostly in solitude at his "Mickey Mouse" farm in Cash. His grandchildren visited him there often, and they all hold many wonderful memories of those fun days with the man they call "Granddaddy."

Ollie was preceded in death in 1995 by his only sibling, Shirrel Dean Milner of Pueblo, Colo.

Ollie is survived by his son James Bruce Milner of Dallas; daughter and son-in-law Jack and Brenda Milner Love of Sachse; and endearing sister-in-law Jan Milner of Denver, Colo. His eight loving grandchildren are: Damien and Heather Kuykendall of Forney, James Clinton Kuykendall of Murphy, Rick and Brandy Kuykendall Higginbotham of Mesquite, Krystal Kirby of DeSoto, Michelle Jordan of Lancaster, Jessica Milner O'Neill of Euless, Amanda Milner of Lancaster and Kellie Walker of Lancaster. There are also nine great-grandchildren.

Arrangements by Charles W. Smith & Sons Funeral Home, Sachse.

Notes:


William M. 'Red' Forshaw 
Dec 2, 1929 - Jul 8, 2003

W. M. "Red" Forshaw

W. M. "Red" Forshaw, 73, died Tuesday, July 8, 2003, at his home in Graham. A graveside funeral was held at 3 p.m. Friday, July 11, 2003, in the Dallas-Fort Worth National Cemetery in Dallas, Texas.

Mr. Forshaw was born Dec. 2, 1929 in Purdon, Texas to Walter Edward and Autavia Vietta (Ellis) Forshaw. Red was a veteran of the U.S. Army serving in the Korean War. He married Pat Hogan July 31, 1981, in Cedar Hill, Texas. He moved to Graham in 1991 from East Texas. Red retired from the General Motors Plant in Arlington, Texas in 1983. He was a member of the Eastside Church of Christ, Men's Golf Association at the Graham Country Club, VFW Post 8567, and a lifetime member of the Auto Workers Union.

Survivors include his wife, Pat of Graham; four daughters, Amy Henderson of Cedar Hill, Ann Ford and husband Johnny of Graham, Dawna Whitner and husband Mike of Mansfield, Denise Jones and husband Bobby of Ocala, Florida; fifteen grandchildren and nine great grandchildren.

Red was preceded in death by two sons, Wesley Michael Forshaw in 1996 and Joel Keith Smith in 2003.

Memorials may be made to Graham Regional Hospice, 523 Elm Street, Graham, TX 76450.

Arrangements by Morrison Funeral Home, Graham.

Notes:


Joyce Mae (Necessary) Clay
Oct 5, 1928 - Jul 11, 2003

Joyce Mae Necessary Clay, 74, of Mabank passed away Friday, July 11, 2003, in Corsicana.

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

Services will be 2 p.m. Sunday at Corley Funeral Chapel with the Rev. Harold Scott officiating. Interment will follow at Oakwood Cemetery.

Mrs. Clay was born Oct. 5, 1928, in Pasadena, Texas. She spent her childhood days in the Cottage Grove area of Houston. She was a member of Payne Springs Methodist Church and the VFW Auxiliary No. 3366 in Corsicana, and currently made her home in Bushwacker Peninsula on Cedar Creek Lake.

She was preceded in death by her parents, James and Lillian Necessary; and sister, Alvena Wenzel.

Survivors include her husband, Chester R. Clay of Mabank; daughters and sons-in-law, Barbara and Billy Cole Sr. of Roane and Donna and Lewis Picone of Corsicana; brother and sister-in-law, Harril and Margie Necessary of Magnolia; grandson, Billy Cole Jr. and wife, Donna, of Corsicana; granddaughters, Brandi White and husband, Tommy, of Sedalia, Mo., and Jaclyn Randall and husband, Rusty, of Purdon; eight great-grandchildren; and a number of nieces and nephews.

Arrangements by Corley Funeral Home.

Notes:


Tommie Lee (Chandler) Yates 
Mar 28, 1920 - Jul 8, 2003

Tommie Lee Chandler Yates, 83, of Houston passed away Tuesday, July 8, 2003 in Houston.

Services will be 1 p.m. today at Corley Funeral Chapel with the Rev. Jimmy D. Capehart officiating. Interment will follow at Eureka Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be friends of the family.

Mrs. Yates was born March 28, 1920, in Navarro County.

Survivors include her son, Gary Yates of Houston; sister and brother-in-law, Durnice and Bill Stewart of Plantersville; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Arrangements by Corley Funeral Home.

Notes:


Lowell Russell "Sonny" Estes Jr. 
Jul 26, 1924 - Jul 12, 2003

Lowell Russell (Sonny) Estes Jr., 78, of Corsicana, passed away Saturday, July 12, 2003, in Corsicana.

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

Services will be at 2 p.m. Tuesday at Corley Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Bob Dixon officiating.

Interment will follow at Oakwood Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be Billy Humphries, Jimmy Barkley, Jimmy Barkley Jr., Cary Isom, Donnie Allen and Neal Estes.

Mr. Estes was born on July 26, 1924, in Corsicana. He was a member of First Baptist Church in Rice. Mr. Estes worked at Oil City Iron Works for nine years and later enjoyed farming and ranching, and taking care of his cows.

He was preceded in death by parents Lowell R. and Anna Ellen (Johnston) Estes.

Survivors include wife Edith Estes of Corsicana; step-daughters Brenda Allen of Ennis, Linda Maggard of Emhouse, Barbara Molidor of Whitney, Ladonna Powell of Waxahachie, Joan Jenson of Retreat, Loretta Wiese of Emhouse and Rita Isom of Retreat; step-sons Billy Newland of Blooming Grove, V. J. Newland of Emhouse, Danny Newland of Emhouse and Davie Newland of Blooming Grove.

Arrangements by Corley Funeral Home

Notes:


Marie (Dennis) Rash
Aug 29, 1929 - Jul 11, 2003

Marie Rash,

Marie Rash, 73, of Corsicana, passed away Friday, July 11, 2003, in Corsicana.

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

Services will be at 10 a.m. Monday at Corley Funeral Home Chapel with Brother Bill Honea officiating. Interment will follow at Oakwood Cemetery.

Ms. Rash was born on August 29, 1929, in Navarro County. She was a sales clerk at Wal-Mart Department Store.

She was preceded in death by husband Milton Dewayne Rash, parents Homer and Dolly Dennis, Stepmother Hallie Dennis and brothers E. W. Dennis and Homer "Little Son" Dennis.

Survivors include son and daughter-in-law Lowell and Rita Rash of Carrollton; son Rayburn Rash of Denton; daughter and son-in-law Brenda and James Teer of Mexia; son and daughter-in-law Darrell and Jolene Rash of Corsicana; brother and sister-in-law Danny and Carolyn Dennis of Corsicana; sister Faye Wilson of Livingston; sister and brother-in-law Evelyn and Marlin Neagle of Alba; brother Billy Mack Dennis of Livingston; grandchildren Mark Rash, Mandy Rash and Buddy Rash of Carrollton, Michael Shimonek of Carrollton, Joseph Ruiz of Carrollton, Joseph Ruiz of Carrollton, Jennifer and Jessica Rash of Mexia and Ashley and Justin Rash of Corsicana; granddaughter and husband Jamie and Brandon Shepard of Denton; grandson and wife Jeremy and Tericca Rash of Corsicana; and five great-grandchildren.

Arrangements by Corley Funeral Home.

Notes:

  • Corsicana Daily Sun - Jul 13, 2003
  • w/o Milton Dwane Rash; d/o Homer Sidney Dennis & Dollie (Perry) Dennis

Lula Mae Riggins
Apr 11, 1910 - Jul 10, 2003

Lula Mae Riggins, 93, of Frost, passed away Thursday, July 10, 2003, at Heritage Oaks West. Services will be 2:30 p.m. today at Griffin-Roughton Chapel with the Rev. Bob Reid of Navarro Mills Baptist Church officiating. Interment will follow at Brushie Prairie Cemetery.  Arrangements by Griffin-Roughton Chapel, Blooming Grove.

Notes:


Lazinia L. "PeeWee" (McGriff) Eldridge
Aug 13, 1932 - Jul 9, 2003

Lazinia L. Eldridge, 70, of Corsicana passed away Wednesday, July 9, 2003, at Kindred Hospital in Dallas. Wake service will be 7 p.m. Monday at Ross and Johnson Chapel. Funeral service will be 11 a.m. Tuesday at 13th Avenue Christian Church with the Rev. L.B. Crowder officiating. Interment will follow at Woodland Cemetery. Arrangements by Ross and Johnson Mortuary.

Notes:


Malry C. (Red) Currington
Sep 14, 1901 - Jul 13, 2003

Malry C. (Red) Currington, 101, of Corsicana, passed away Sunday, July 13, 2003, in Corsicana.

Services will be at 2 p.m. Wednesday at Corley Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Jim Anderson and Rev. Troy Sanders officiating. Interment will follow at Fairview Cemetery.

Mr. Currington's grandsons will serve as pallbearers.

Mr. Currington was born on Sept. 14, 1901, in Waxahachie. He worked for the Falstaff Brewery Company in Galveston, retiring after 26 years of service and later enjoyed farming and gardening. He married Ethel Ruth Hunsucker on January 19, 1922, and they were blessed with 11 children. He was a very hardworking and humble man who enjoyed providing for and taking care of his family that he loved very much. He was a member of the Baptist church.

He was preceded in death by wife Ethel Ruth Currington, sons George Currington and Delbert Ray Currington, daughter Rose Wright and one infant daughter.

Survivors include daughters Dessie Nichols, Marie Ross and Marie Wade all of Corsicana and Doris Spence of Palestine; sons Kenneth Currington of Bossier City, La., James Currington of La Marque and Larry Currington of Bremen, Ken.; sister Nettie Kite of Mineral Wells; 135 grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren, and great-great-great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.

Arrangements by Corley Funeral Home.

Notes:


John Watson Jr.
Aug 15, 1951 - Jul 10, 2003

John Watson Jr., 51, of Ft. Worth, passed away Thursday, July 10, 2003, in Tennessee Colony.

Wake service will be 7 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at Ross and Johnson Mortuary.

Services will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday at Renfro Memorial Church of God in Christ with Elder William Lewis officiating and Elder David Thompson as eulogist. Interment will follow at Woodland Cemetery in Corsicana.

Mr. Watson was born on August 15, 1951. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army, serving in Vietnam.

He was preceded in death by father John Alix Watson Sr., mother Alma Watson and one brother.

Survivors include wife Armantha Watson of Ft. Worth; daughter Tammy Berry of Cedar Hill; two grandchildren Veronica Bonner and Tibitha Witherspoon both of Cedar Hill; four sisters Daisey Sanders (Troy) of Corsicana, Nancy Green of Athens, Vanessa Skinner (Vernon) of Dallas and Ruby Brown (Lewis) of Ft. Worth; four brothers Willie Jackson, Henry Jackson (Michelle), Larry Watson and Jeffery Watson (Joyce) all of Corsicana; one great aunt C.J. Lewis of Oklahoma City, Okla.; four aunts Francis Carter of Corsicana, Mattie Thompson of DeSoto, Sarah Bledsoe of Houston and Rosetta Kelly (Elvin) of Ft. Worth; two uncles Lee Shannon Jackson (Ophelia) of Corsicana and Walter Jackson (Rowena) of Houston and other relatives.

Arrangements by Ross and Johnson Mortuary.

Notes:


Winnie (Tinkle) Eastland 
Dec 22, 1908 - Jul 12, 2003

Winnie Tinkle Eastland, 94, of Mexia, passed away Saturday, July 12, 2003, in Mexia.

Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. today at Corley Funeral Home.

Graveside services will be at 2 p.m. Tuesday at Pattison Cemetery.

Mrs. Eastland was born on Dec. 22, 1908, in Emhouse.

She was preceded in death by husband L. M. "Slim" Eastland, daughter Wanda Barrett and Jeannine Pope.

Survivors include daughter Nancy Robinson of Mexia, sons Jerry Eastland of Corsicana and Fred Eastland of Creed, Colo., 14 grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren.

Arrangements by Corley Funeral Home.

Notes:

  • Corsicana Daily Sun - Jul 14, 2003
  • Wife of Lee Mahon "Slim" Eastland (1904 - 1959)
  • Daughter of Albert Jenkins Tinkle & Lizzie Emma (Turner) Tinkle

Mary Evelyn (Dunn) Putman
Apr 1, 1929 - Jul 14, 2003

Mary Evelyn Dunn Putman, 74, of Hubbard passed away Monday, July 14, 2003, in a Hubbard nursing center. Graveside services were 10 a.m. today at Fairview Cemetery in Hubbard. Arrangements by Wade Funeral Home, Hubbard.

Notes:


Velma (Overton) Ford

Velma Overton Ford, 87, of Dallas and formerly of Corsicana, passed away Thursday, July 10, 2003, at Medical Center in Dallas. Services will be 1 p.m. today at Calvary Full Gospel Baptist Church with the Rev. Clifford Young, pastor, officiating and the Rev. J. R. Mosley as eulogist. Arrangements by Scott Funeral Home.

Notes:


David Paul Lake
Jul 24, 1926 - Jul 15 2003

D. Paul Lake, 76, passed away Tuesday, July 15, 2003. Mr. Lake was a funeral director for over 50 years, serving Earthman Funeral Directors for over 30 years.

He is survived by his wife, Beth Lake; daughter, Lela Nickel; granddaughters, Samantha and Katy Nickel; stepson, Richard Jackson; sisters, Lois Bush and Doris Bonner; and numerous other relatives and friends.

Visitation will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, July 17, 2003, at Earthman Resthaven Funeral Home, 13102 North Freeway, Houston. Funeral service will be held at 10 a.m. Friday, July 18, at Trinity Episcopal in The Woodlands. Graveside service will be 3 p.m. Friday, July 18, at Oakwood Cemetery in Corsicana.

Arrangements by Earthman Resthaven Funeral Home, Houston

Notes:


Trew Dunklee
2003 - Jul 13, 2003

Trew Dunklee, infant, passed away Sunday, July 13, 2003, at Arlington Medical Center in Arlington. Graveside services will be 11 a.m. Saturday at Birdston Cemetery. Arrangements by Corley Funeral Home.

Notes:


John Lee Conkle
Oct 25, 1947 - Jul 14, 2003

7/16/2003 One dead in single-car accident

By MICAH CHAPLIN/Daily Sun Staff

A one-vehicle accident on State Highway 31, just east of Corsicana, resulted in the death of one of its five passengers Monday.

At 6:27 p.m., Texas Highway Patrol reached the scene, where they found the 1990 silver Chevrolet Lumina at rest facing east. The vehicle had been traveling eastbound when it traveled off the north side of the roadway, then back south, striking a concrete culvert. The vehicle then slid around the right before coming to rest.

The vehicle's owner, John Conkle, 55, of Balch Springs, was a passenger in the front of the car and was pronounced dead at 7:14 p.m. at Navarro Regional Hospital.

John Arender, 18, of Corsicana, was the driver of the Lumina, and was transported to Navarro Regional Hospital for blunt force injuries. Trooper Carlon Stapleton reported that Arender was not a licensed driver.

Both were wearing their seatbelts.

Two other passengers were also transported to NRH for blunt force injuries, including Josh Fira, 15, of Corsicana and Charles Arender, 13, of Purdon. A third passenger, Jody Clay, 15, of Corsicana, was CareFlited to Harris Methodist in Dallas, for blunt force injuries.

All five men were riding in the backseat and were not wearing any seat belts. According to the law, backseat riders under 17 are required to wear seat belts.

The Arenders are said to be Conkle's nephews, according to Stapleton, and it is unclear why they left the roadway. The accident remains under investigation.

Stapleton was assisted by Trooper Nichols of THP, the Corsicana Fire Department and the Navarro County Sheriff's Office

Notes:


Monnie Ruth (Compton) Mims
Sep 20, 1922 - Jul 15, 2003

Monnie Ruth Compton Mims, wife, mother, grandmother and friend, passed from this life after a brief illness on July 15, 2003.

She was born Sept. 20, 1922, as the fifth child to the late Jesse and Mary Ann Compton in Purdon, a small Texas town. She remained on the farm until a young Air Force pilot swept her away to become his wartime bride in 1943.

She is survived by her loving husband of 60 years, John M. Mims. As a couple, their marriage stands as an inspiration and model for many people. She moved to North Carolina in 1968 when John accepted a position at the newly opened General Electric Plant in Wilmington. Her love of handcrafts and involvement in the Seagate Home Extension Club produced heirloom afghans, quilts and other numerous treasures. Upon retirement, they established a second home in the mountains of the state near Canton where she could experience cool summers. With relatives and close friends all over the United States, she was always on the road. Their travels in the last few years allowed her to visit the beautiful sites of Russia, Canada, Hawaii and the Panama Canal.

She is also survived by three children and their spouses, LuAnn Mims and Allen Randall, John F. and Brenda Mims, Paula and Scott Odom; as well as nine grandchildren, Britt, Corey, Molly and Cole McCulloch, Ethan and Ally Odom, Anthony Mims, Chris Wells and Siobhan Randall; her sister, Laura Middleswart of California, along with an assortment of nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Friday, July 18, 2003, at United Advent Christian Church by the Rev. Adrian Shepard. Interment will follow in Oleander Memorial Gardens.

The family will receive friends from 7 to 8 p.m. today at Andrews Mortuary Valley Chapel.

All who have been told -- "Don't Mess With Texas" -- will fondly remember her spicy personality.

Memorial donations may be made in her name to the Lower Cape Fear Hospice Care Center, 1406 Physicians Drive, Wilmington, NC 28401.

Arrangements by Andrews Mortuary Valley Chapel, Wilmington, N.C.

Notes:


William James Ponting
Dec 23, 2002 - July 15, 2003

William James Ponting, 6 months, of Corsicana passed away Tuesday, July 15, 2003, at Navarro Regional Hospital.

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

Graveside services will be 10 a.m. Friday at Resthaven Memorial Park with Ferman Carpenter officiating.

William James Ponting was born Dec. 23, 2002, in Fresno, Calif.

Survivors include his parents, Randy and Vanessa Ponting of Corsicana; grandparents, great-grandparents and great-great-grandparents, Michael and Anna Martinez of Corsicana, Beverly and Bobby Heim of Wortham, Retina Heim of Louisiana, Ruben and Consule Contreras of Mildred, Ruth and Curtis Cook of Corsicana, Juana Enciso of Mexico and Jose Sanchez of Mexico; and a number of aunts and uncles.

Arrangements by Griffin-Roughton Funeral Home.

Notes:


Harvey Dean Cummins
abt 1944 - Jul 10, 2003

Harvey Dean Cummins, 59, of Corsicana passed away July 10, 2003, at Navarro Regional Hospital. Services will be 11 a.m. Saturday, July 19, at First Independent Baptist Church, 703 E. Fifth Ave., with the Rev. Donald Lacey officiating. Interment will follow at Woodland Cemetery in Corsicana. Arrangements by Ross and Johnson Mortuary.

Notes:


Jerry Lawrence Holland
Oct 4, 1942 - May 31, 2003

HOLLAND
JERRY LAWRENCE, 60, passed away on May 31, 2003 in Garland, Texas.  Mr. Holland was born on October 4, 1942 in Corsicana, Texas.  Mr. Holland was retired from Roadway Trucking Co. and had been a volunteer baseball and softball coach for many years.  He is survived by his wife of 34 years; Paula Holland of Garland, TX., Dau: Laurie Cordell of Dallas, TX, Dau: Tammy Davis of Irving, TX., Son: Jerry Wayne Holland of Little Rock, AR., Son: Gary Holland of Garland, TX., Son: James Holland of Grand Prairie, TX, 12 Grand Children, 1 Great Grand Child, Sister Barbara Stark of Celina, TX., Sister: Nancy Hill of Irving, TX., Brother Frank Holland of Grand Prairie, TX., and Brother Jeff Holland of Irving, TX.  Funeral Services will be held on Wednesday, June 4, 2003 at 11:00 a.m. at Calvary Funeral Home Chapel.  Interment will follow at Laurel Land Memorial Park in Dallas.  Rev Byron Jackson officiating.

Leonard L. Walker
1926 - Apr 25, 2003

WALKER,
LEONDARD L., 77, died Friday afternoon at the Baylor Medical Center in Dallas.  Mr. Walker was married to Joyce Wrinkle of Chatfield, Texas on March 5, 1947.  After their marriage they made their home in Ennis and Dallas.  Mrs. Joyce Walker preceded him in death on December 20, 1974.  Mr. Walker worked for Proctor and Gamble Co. in Dallas in the soap mfg. department as a technician for 43 years retiring in January of 1987.  Mr. Walker married Joan Haskovec of Ennis on October 4, 1986.  After their marriage they made their home in Ennis.  Mr. Walker is survived by his wife Joan Walker of Ennis; two sons Monty and his wife Donna Walker of Mesquite and Milton Walker of Mesquite; one step-son Albert Haskovec Jr. of Ennis; one step-daughter Regina and her husband Wayne Whaley of Ennis; two sisters, Thelma and her husband Leo Singleton of Ennis, Bobbie Hill of Waxahachie.  Also surviving are 10 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren.  Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Monday in the Keever Chapel with the Rev. Larry Porch officiating.  Entombment will in St. Joseph Mausoleum under the direction of J. E. Keever Mortuary.  Family will receive friends at the Keever Chapel on Sunday from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.


Paul Panter
Jan 7, 1926 - Jul 18, 2003

Paul Panter, 77, of Corsicana passed away Friday, July 18, 2003 in Corsicana.

Services will be 4 p.m. Sunday at Corley Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Dave Alexander officiating. Interment will follow at Hamilton-Beeman Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be Perry Scrimshire, Hollis Scrimshire, Max Scrimshire, Robbie Panter, Rob Brady, Jeff Brady, and Sloan McCain.

Mr. Panter was born Jan. 7, 1926 in Roby, Texas. He was a veteran of the armed forces and a member of the Baptist church.

He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Robie Panter; brothers, Kenneth Panter and Larry Panter; and stepson, Gene Joffee.

Mr. Panter is survived by his wife, Loreta Panter of Corsicana; son and daughter-in-law, Ricky and Teres Panter of Caddo Mills; stepson, Jody Joffee of Red Oak; stepson and wife, Mickey and Camille McCain of Corsicana; stepdaughter and husband, Shelia and Bobby Brady of Corsicana; brother, Johnny Panter of Farmers Branch; sisters and brother-in-law, Maxine and Jim Scrimshire of Tool and Jean Jones of Snyder; four grandchildren; five stepgrandchildren; and four great-stepgrandchildren.

Arrangements by Corley Funeral Home

Notes:


Fronie Person
abt 1908 - Jul 16, 2003

Fronie Person, 95, of Houston, formerly of Corsicana, passed away Wednesday, July 16, 2003 in Houston. Services will be 1 p.m. Wednesday, July 23, 2003 at Greater Renfro Church of God in Christ with Elder Wm. Lewis officiating. Arrangements by Scott Funeral Home.

Notes:


M. C. "Tommy" Thompson
abt 1924 - Jul 18, 2003

M. C. "Tommy" Thompson, 79, of Sherman passed away Friday, July 18, 2003 at Post Oak Rehabilitation Center. Visitation will be 7 to 8 p.m. Monday, July 21, 2003 at Dannel Funeral Home in Sherman. Services will be 10 a.m. Tuesday, July 22, 2003 at West Sherman Baptist Church with the Rev. Danny Wood officiating. Interment will follow at 3 p.m. at Resthaven Memorial Park in Corsicana. Arrangements by Dannel Funeral Home.

Notes:


Ruth Elizabeth (Harris) Ayers
Jan 28, 1926 - Jul 19, 2003

Ruth Elizabeth Harris Ayers, age 77, passed away on Saturday, July 19, 2003 at Navarro Regional Hospital in Corsicana. A worship and praise service will be held in the sanctuary of First Baptist Church on Tuesday, July 11 at 2 p.m. with the Rev. B. F. Risinger officiating. It will be preceded by a private graveside service. Friends are invited to join the family in the Fellowship Hall prior to the worship service, or on Monday afternoon between 5 and 7 p.m. at Corley Funeral Home.

Mrs. Ayers was born on January 28, 1926 in Corsicana, to William W. and Ruth Miller Harris. Following graduation from Baylor University, she marries John Thomas Ayers of Gerard, Texas on August 28, 1946. He pastored churches in Hubbard, Goldthwaite, Gatesville and Brownwood before moving to Corsicana in 1969 as Director of Missions for the Central Texas Baptist Area, with offices in Corsicana; she was his helpmate in each endeavor.

Mrs. Ayers is survived by her husband of 56 years, Dr. J. T. Ayers of Corsicana; two daughters, Annette Gibson of Georgetown and Judy Simpson and husband Rick of Hammond, Louis.; three grandchildren, David L. Gibson Jr. and John To. Gibson of Waco and Saralynn Simpson of Hammond; two brothers, Murray L. Harris of Tyler and Marion M. Harris and wife Eleanor of Jefferson; one sister, JoAnn Means and husband Tery of Fort Worth; and one sister-in-law, Julia Ben Majors Harris of Dallas; along with numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her brother, William Wesley Harris of Dallas and her sister-in-law, Ruth Reavley Harris of Tyler.

Elizabeth Ayers never retired. She exercised her chosen vocation in her home and her church until her death, teaching Sunday School at First Baptist Church and participating in the WMU and its auxiliary organizations. She was a selfless caregiver and servant to all who knew her.

Arrangements by Corley Funeral Home.

Notes:


Vernett Hicks
Feb. 2, 1925 - Jul 19, 2003

Vernett Hicks began his life on Feb. 2, 1925, in Cheneyboro, Texas, a small community outside Corsicana, Texas. He was the first of two children born to Earl Henry and Mable Hicks. He ended his life's journey at his home on Saturday, July 19, 2003, when his maker just simply decided to let his heart be at rest.

Visitation will be held from noon to 5 p.m. today at Ross and Johnson Mortuary. A memorial service will be held from 7 to 8:30 p.m. today at St. Andrew's United Methodist Church, 1205 E. 10th Ave.

Pre-service viewing will be held from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesday at First Independent Baptist Church, 703 E. Fifth Ave. Funeral service will be at 1 p.m. Wednesday at First Independent Baptist Church with the Rev. George Procter-Smith officiating. Interment will follow at Resthaven Memorial Park.

Pallbearers will be Greg Watson, Curtis Burke, Sanford Brown, Greg Smith, Courney Hicks and Larry Davis. Honorary pallbearers will be the administration council of St. Andrew's United Methodist Church and ex-students.

"Hicks," as he was called by many of his friends, entered the United States Navy after graduating from Jackson High School in Corsicana. He rose to the rank of 2nd Class Petty Officer in the Navy and was honorably discharged. Following his tour of duty in the Navy, he went on to earn a bachelor of arts degree in social studies from Wiley College in Marshall, Texas, and a master's in psychology from Prairie View A&M University in Prairie View, Texas.

The field of education always appealed to him, and he took his first position at Dunbar High School in Mexia, Texas. At Dunbar, he served as head football coach from 1948 to 1957, and his team won five district championships during his tenure. Hicks would also "win" in another aspect of his life during this time frame, for it was then that he would meet and later marry the former Vivian Bratcher on Nov. 30, 1955. She remained his devoted and faithful wife for over 47 years.

The next assignment he accepted was as head of testing for the Port Arthur Independent Schools. However, he longed to return to his native Corsicana and soon thereafter accepted an assignment as an elementary school teacher at Jackson Elementary School. He would later hold teaching positions at Lincoln Elementary and Jackson High. By the mid-1960s, his career would be impacted by desegregation in Texas public schools and he would become the first African-American to hold a position at Collins Junior High (1966-1968) and the first African-American social studies instructor at Corsicana High School (1968-1972). Before retiring in 1988, he also held principal positions at Lincoln (1972-1976) and Travis (1976-1987) Elementary schools and in administration with the Corsicana Independent School District (1987-1988).

To say that Hicks retired in 1988 is somewhat misleading, as both he and his spouse would continue serving the community in a number of ways after their education careers ended. He fulfilled his entrepreneurial instincts by getting involved in businesses focused on ranching, rental real estate, and house moving. He also became the first African-American to hold the office of constable for Navarro County.

Alongside his other accomplishments, Hicks and his wife were devoted members of St. Andrew's United Methodist Church. Together they were instrumental in seeing this institution through its recent efforts to build a new sanctuary and were acknowledged for their efforts just a few short months ago.

Left behind to cherish his memories are his beloved wife, Vivian; his son, Melvin Joe Hicks of Corsicana, Texas; a half-sister, Ada Brunson of West Covina, Calif.; aunts, Myrtle Padgett Davis and Jettie B. Watson of Corsicana, Texas; two special cousins, Bobby and Curtis Sparks of Corsicana, Texas; and a host of grandchildren, sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Arrangements by Ross and Johnson Mortuary

Notes:


Mae (Park) Goswick
Jun 22, 1902 - Jul 22, 2003

Mae Goswick

Mae Goswick, 101, of Corsicana, who lived her entire life in Navarro County, passed away Tuesday, July 22, 2003, at Navarro Regional Hospital.

Visitation will be held from 6 to 9 p.m. today at Griffin-Roughton Funeral Home.

Services will be 11 a.m. Thursday at Griffin-Roughton Chapel with Ferman Carpenter officiating. Interment will follow at Oakwood Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be grandsons and great-grandsons, Jeff Garrison, Eli French, Ricky Jennings, Brian Jennings, Kyle Brewer and Drew Cain.

Mrs. Goswick was born June 22, 1902, in Barry to J. R. Park and Leona Murphy Park. She married Ewell Goswick Dec. 9, 1922. They celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary 24 days before his death on Jan. 2, 1973. Mae was the oldest member of Westhill Church of Christ. She attended worship services on her 101st birthday. Mae saw many changes in ways of transportation in her lifetime. One day she had a problem in her Model T and Raymond Hamilton, notorious gangster, stopped to help her. Ewell and Mae traveled a lot by train; their longest trip was to San Diego, Calif., in May 1953. She made her first airplane trip at the age of 89 to be at the bedside of her daughter, Nila Jean Sinclair in Albuquerque, N.M. Mae was a homemaker. After the death of her husband, she enjoyed oil painting, china painting and crafts. She was a resident of Friendship Towers prior to moving to Heritage Oaks Retirement Village in 1996. She loved her family and had a great memory.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Ewell Goswick; daughter, Nila Jean Sinclair; grandsons, Milton and Donnie Haynie; sons-in-law, Louis Haynie, Eddie Garrison and Neilan French; sister, Sally Fulton; and brother, J. R. Park.

Survivors include her daughters, Eula Mae Haynie of Corsicana, Wynell Garrison of Kaufman and Ellene French of Corsicana; son-in-law, Bobby Sinclair of Albuquerque, N.M.; 11 grandchildren, 24 great-grandchildren and three great-great-grandchildren.

Arrangements by Griffin-Roughton Funeral Home

Notes:


Bobby Joe Wilson
Jan 1, 1934 - Jul 23, 2003

Bobby Joe Wilson, 69, of Corsicana passed away July 23, 2003, at Navarro Regional Hospital.

Wake services will be 7 p.m. Monday at Ross and Johnson Mortuary Chapel.

Funeral services will be 2 p.m. Tuesday at Straight Way Missionary Baptist Church, 400 S. 15th St., with Minister David E. Wilson officiating. Interment will follow at Woodland Memorial Park.

Pallbearers will be Rodney Brown, Marcus Felton, Robin Keith Wilson, Henry Wilson, DeAndrea Johnson and David Wilson.

Mr. Wilson was born Jan. 1, 1934, in Corsicana. In his early life, he united with Wilgo Baptist Church where he served as a Sunday school teacher and choir member.

He was preceded in death by his father, James Wilson Sr.

Survivors include his wife of 36 years, Ruthie "Pat" Wilson of Corsicana; sons, Bobby Joe Wilson Jr. and Christopher Wilson, both of Corsicana, and Carlos Wilson of Dallas; daughter, Debra Kelley of Dallas; 11 grandchildren, Carmeshia Wilson, Calae Wilson and Christopher Wilson II, all of Corsicana, Cayiana Wilson and Sharan Wilson, both of Dallas, Misty Wilson Curry, Michael Wilson, Bryson Alexander, Jaquilla Wilson, Jessica Wilson, and Alexis Baston; mother, Eula Mae Wilson of Corsicana; sisters, Priscilla Brooks (Stanley) of Waco and Patricia Herron (William) of Corsicana; brothers, David Earl Wilson (Sharron D.) and James Wilson Jr. (Dora), all of Corsicana, and Henry Wilson (LeEsther) of Cleburne; and several aunts, uncles, other relatives and many friends.

Arrangements by Ross and Johnson Mortuary.

Notes:


Floyd Ficklin
Apr 22, 1933 - Jul 24, 2003

Floyd Ficklin of Forney passed away on July 24, 2003 in Richardson. He was born on April 22, 1933 to the late Frank and Blanche Strange Ficklin in Powell, Texas. Floyd worked over 35 years in managing the construction of commercial buildings in the Dallas area. He served in the United States Army during the Korean Conflict.

Floyd was preceded in death by his brother, Jesse D. Ficklin and sister, Willie B. Hines.

He is survived by his wife, Dolores Ficklin of Forney; sons, Craig Ficklin of Forney and Keith Ficklin and his wife Jan of Plano; granddaughter, Melissa Mullins and her husband Chris of Seattle, Wash.; brother, L. E. Ficklin and his wife Margaret of Gun Barrel City; sister, Glenda Ficklin of Malakoff; and several nieces, nephews and other relatives.

Services will be held at 2 p.m., Monday, July 28, 2003 at Anderson-Clayton Bros. Chapel in Forney. Interment will follow at Hillcrest Cemetery. Family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m., Sunday, July 27, 2003 at Anderson-Clayton Bros. Funeral Home in Forney.

Memorials may be made to the American Diabetes Association, 12850 Spurling Road, Suite 100, Dallas, Texas 75230.

Arrangements by Anderson-Clayton Bros., Forney.

Notes:


Juanita (McGraw) Johnson
Dec 24, 1920 - Jul 23, 2003

Juanita McGraw Johnson, 82, of Corsicana passed away Wednesday, July 23, 2003, at Health Care and Rehab of Corsicana.

Visitation will be held from 3 to 6 p.m. Sunday at Ross and Johnson Mortuary. Wake services will be from 7 to 9 p.m. Sunday at Johnson Memorial Church of God in Christ, 1700 S. Business 45.

Funeral service will be 11 a.m. Monday at Kelly's Temple Church of God in Christ, 501 N. Third St., with Elder William Lewis Jr. officiating and Elder Vernon Jessie as eulogist. Interment will follow at Woodland Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be grandsons, Quinton Johnson, Gary Johnson, Patrick Johnson, Kernell Brown, Joseph Johnson Jr., Fisher Johnson III, Lonnie Stewart, Edward Solomon, and Curtis R. Johnson Jr.

Mrs. Johnson was born Dec. 24, 1920, in Cass County. In 1987, she retired from Navarro Regional Hospital as a nursing attendant with 26 years of service working mostly on the obstetrics floor. She was a faithful member of Johnson Memorial Church of God in Christ.

She was preceded in death by her parents; several siblings; and children, Margie, the Rev. Johnny Johnson, Jacqueline Johnson and Robert Johnson.

Survivors include her husband of 67 years, Fisher Johnson Sr.; daughter, Katie Wilson of Corsicana and Mamie L. Brown of Los Angeles, Calif.; sons, Fisher Johnson Sr., Jim Johnson, and Elder Joseph Johnson Sr. (Charlene), all of Corsicana, and Elder Curtis R. Johnson Sr. (Mary) of Cedar Hill; a host of grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren; sister, Lizzie Renfro of Fort Worth; and other relatives.

Arrangements by Ross and Johnson Mortuary.

Notes:


Frankie Mae (Pope) Johnson
Feb 15, 1920 - Jul 25, 2003

Frankie Mae Johnson

Frankie Mae Johnson, 83, of Corsicana passed away Friday, July 25, 2003 in Corsicana.

Services will be 3:30 p.m. today at Corley Funeral Chapel with Mr. Russell Bankes officiating. Interment will follow at Oakwood Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be Gene Cain, Joe Starks, Greg Miller, Brian Johnson, Randy Starks and Manual Flores.

Mrs. Johnson was born Feb. 15, 1920 in Powell.

She was preceded in death by husband L. L. Johnson, brother Truman Pope and sister Faye Weeks.

Survivors include son Bill Johnson of Corsicana; grandsons Brian Johnson of Carrollton and Terry Johnson of Beaumont; and sister Sue Starks of Houston.

Arrangements by Corley Funeral Home.

Notes:


Nellie (Luna) Ruiz
Jul 15, 1942 - Jul 25, 2003

Nellie Ruiz

Nellie Ruiz, 61, of Corsicana passed away Friday, July 25, 2003 in Dallas.

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

Services will be 10 a.m. Wednesday at Corley Funeral Chapel. Interment will follow at Oakwood Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be Gene Lusk, Edward Munoz, Jesse De La Rosa, Paul DeLaCorte, Luis Castillo and Ciaudio Amador.

Mrs. Ruiz was born July 15, 1942 in Corsicana.

She was preceded in death by parents Solomon and Nellie Luna and brother George Luna.

Survivors include husband Miguel Ruiz of Corsicana; daughters and son-in-law Laura and Rafael Renteria of Corsicana; sons and daughters-in-law Miguel Jr. and Norma Ruiz and William and Sina Ruiz, all of Corsicana; grandchildren Desiree DeLaCorte, Paul DeLaCorte, Gabriel DeLaCorte, Dameion Ruiz, Triston Sanders, L. J. de Cherong, Abriana Ruiz and Daryn Ruiz; brothers Solomon Luna Jr. and Cruz Guerro of Corsicana; and sisters Luz De La Rosa of Dallas and Frances Rodriguez and Dorothy Bell, both of Corsicana.

Arrangements by Corley Funeral Home.

Notes:


Evelyn Marie (Spitler) Gifford
Sep 7, 1942 - Jul 25, 2003

Evelyn Marie Gifford

Evelyn Marie Gifford, 60, of Brownwood and formerly of Corsicana, died Friday, July 25, 2003, at a Brownwood nursing home following a lengthy illness.

Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. Tuesday at Corley Funeral Home in Corsicana with Rev. Mike Alexander officiating. Cremation will follow.

Family visitation will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. Monday at the funeral home.

She was born Sept. 7, 1942 in Jamaica, N.Y., the daughter of the late Harry B. and Edna M. Schult Spitler. She worked as a customer service representative in the communications industry. She was married to Bruce a Gifford on Dec. 22, 1974 in New York. She had lived in Brownwood for the past two months, moving from Quapaw, Okla. and had formerly lived in Corsicana for many years. She was a member of the First United Methodist Church of Corsicana and had been active in the Girl Scout program.

She is survived by sons Edward Borter and wife Terri of Kirvin and Brian Borter and fiancee Kristi Martin of Quapaw, Okla.; stepdaughter-in-law Colleen Gifford of Rockford, Ill.; daughters Kimberly Gifford and fiance James Dorris of Neck City, Mo. and Jodia Gifford of Cedar Hill; brother Allan Spitler and wife Kathy of Brownwood; 12 grandchildren; and a great-grandchild.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, stepson Brian Gifford and grandson Cody Borter.

Arrangements by Corley Funeral Home.

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