Etta Deboran (Tramel) Brown
Feb. 17, 1916 - Oct 3, 2010

Etta Tramel Brown, 94, of Powell, passed away Sunday, Oct 3., 2010, at East Texas Medical Center in Athens after a long illness She was born in the Wilson Community near Bazette on Feb. 17, 1916, to William Jasper and Sarah Beatrice "Bedie" Deskin) Tramel.  She graduated from Kerens High School and married Roy P. Brown in 1933. Visitation will be 5 to 7 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 9, 2010, at Paschal Funeral Home, Kerens. Funeral Services will be held 2 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 10, 2010, at Pashcal Funeral Home in Kerens with her grandson, the Rev. Jason Huffman officiating. Interment will follow in Prairie Point Cemetery in Bazette. Etta loved to find out about her family and she spent 30 years working on her family history. When she was 85 years old, she and her daughters traveled through 16 states researching ancestors. Etta was preceded in death by her husband Roy Brown; parents, Jasper and Bedie Tramel; granddaughter, Debbie Brown Thurman; sister, Vennie Tramel Nelson; brothers, John Elijah Tramel, Bill Tramel, and Foy Brown; niece, Nelda Tramel Lowery; and nephews, William Joel "Billy" Tramel, Anthony Brown, and Edward Nelson. Survivors include her six children, Melba Brown Love of Powell, Judy Brown Frey of Van, Roy Brown and wife Martha of Canton, Don Brown of Big Sandy, Rick Brown and wife Phyllis of Kerens, and Rob Brown and wife Nancy of College Station; 13 grandchildren, Steve Brown and wife Lori, Joel Brown, Suzann Edling and husband Dan, Laura Squires and husband Richard, Scott Frey and wife Dayna, Lee Frey and wife Kim, Chris Frey and wife Angie, Cinty Huffman and husband Jason, Sharie Withers and husband Alex, Shawna Tucker and husband Bryan, WIll Brown, Sarah Brown, and Laura Brown; 18 great grandchildren, Justin Brown, Nikki Brown, Zach Brown, Cody Brown, Sam Thurman, Sarah Thurman, Jill Edling, Chris Edling, Brett Squires, Brynn Squires, Elliot Frey, Ashlynn Frey, Olivia Frey, J. C. Frey, Petyon Huffman, Dillon Myrick, Shayanne Jennings, and Shayden Jennings; 8 step grandchildren, Michael Perkins, Ashley Perkins, Cameron Squires, Allie Withers, Scott Withers, Megan Withers, Ricky Tucker and Taylor Tucker, 3 sisters, Leolar Warren, Mildred Warren and husband Squire, and Betty Mann and husband Bob; 2 sisters-in-law, Esther Brown Baker and Harriet Brown Ray; special ex-daughter-in-law, Peggy Anderson Brown Scneider; she is also survived by many beloved nieces and nephews. Pallbearers will be grandsons, Steve Brown, Joel Brown, Will Brown, Dan Edling, Richard Squires, Scott Frey, Chris Frey, Bryan Tucker, Alex Withers, and Lee Frey. Honorary pallbearers will be great grandchildren, Justin Brown, Dillon Myrick, Nikki Brown, Chris Edling, Zach Brown, Cody Brown, and Shyanne Jennings. Arrangements by Pashcal Funeral Home.

Notes:

• Submitted by: Melba (Brown) Love
• View Obituary Clipping

Michael Emile "Mick" Holtzheuser
Jan 16, 1892 - Dec 5, 1973

HOLTZHEUSER, Michael E. 1428 Dale Place, Irving.  Survived by daughters, Mrs. Evelyn Richardson, Irving; Mrs. Catherine Clayton, Ridgefield, Connecticut; four grandchildren, four great-grandchildren, brothers; Henry Holzheuser, Galveston; George Holzheuser, Burkburnette Texas; sister, Mrs. Annie Heinroth, Port Lavaca, Texas; several nieces and nephews.  Chapel services 10 a.m. Friday, Rev. Henry Kincaid officiating.  Graveside services 1:30 p.m., Rose Hill Cemetery, Blooming Grove, Texas.  DUDLEY M. HUGHES funeral home, 400 E. Jefferson  946-5133.

Notes:

• Dallas Morning News - Dec 7, 1973

• Submitted by Karen Rost

Doris Inez (DuBose) Burns
Nov. 11, 1922 - March 14, 2011

Doris Inez (DuBose) Burns, 88, of Corsicana, formerly of Austin, passed away on Monday, March 14, 2011, at Heritage Oaks Retirement Village in Corsicana. Doris was born Nov. 11, 1922, to Grover Wilson DuBose and Lillie Mae (Malone) DuBose in Pearsall. She graduated from Somerset High School in 1940. Doris was employed by the Austin National Bank as a mail teller from 1960 to 1967; at Tracor, Inc. as a senior personnel clerk from 1967 to 1972; and at Bergstrom Air Force Base as personnel clerk from 1972 to 1974. Doris was a member of First Baptist Church. She loved fishing, cooking, and Texas Rangers baseball. Doris was a loving mother, mother-in-law, grandmother, and aunt. She was famous for her homemade Swedish bread and light lemon cheese cake. Most of all she cherished her family and her faith. Doris is preceded in death by her parents, Grover and Lillie DuBose; and by her husband Wilson R. Burns. Survivors include her sons, Jack Burns and wife Phyllis of Bastrop, and Chuck Burns Sr., and wife Pam of Corsicana; grandson, Jack Burns II of Bastrop, Tom Burns and wife Sylvia of Austin, Tim Burns and wife Amy of Cypress, and Chuck Burns and wife Lisa of Corsicana; granddaughters, Kristi Garcia and husband David of Corsicana, and Kim Allen and husband Paul of Conroe; 14 great-grandchildren; one great great grandchild; brother, Leslie E. DuBose of Alturas, Calif.; she is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews. Visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, March 15, 2011, at Corley Funeral Home in Corsicana. Graveside services will be at 11:15 a.m. on Wednesday, March 16, 2011, at Dallas - Fort Worth National Cemetery in Dallas, with the Rev. Danny Reeves and the Rev. B. F. Risinger Jr., officiating. Pallbearers will be Jack Burns, Chuck Burns Jr., Tom Burns, Tim Burns, Paul Allen, and David Garcia. Contributions may be made to First Baptist Church, 510 W. Collin St., Corsicana, TX 75110 or to a charity of choice. Arrangements by Corley Funeral Home, Corsicana.

Notes:

• The Corsicana Daily Sun - Mon Mar 14, 2011

Daisy Jewel (Jones) Beggs
June 19, 1932 - March 12, 2011

Daisy Jewel Jones Beggs, 78, of Corsicana, passed away on Saturday, March 12, 2011 at her residence. She was born on June 19, 1932 in Corsicana to James Allen Jones and Mabel Langridge Jones. Daisy married J.D. Beggs on Oct. 11, 1963. She was a member of the Westhill Church of Christ and volunteered as a Pink Lady at Navarro Regional Hospital serving as President of the Auxiliary for two terms. She loved to travel with her sisters and play cards with her friends. Daisy was preceded in death by her parents and a brother Alton Jones. Left to cherish her memory is her husband of 47 years, J.D. Beggs; her sons Randy Short of Corsicana and Kenneth Short and wife Kathie of Cleburne; grandson, Jeremy Short of Cleburne; sisters, Darrell Skirlock of Wylie, Wanda Parker of Mississippi, June Gourley of Fort Worth, Janie Jones of Corsicana and Fayrene Rash of Arkansas; sisters-in-law, Deen Jones of Florida, Jane Seabolt of Odessa, Betty Maddox of Dallas, and a host of nieces and nephews. Visitation will be 6 to 8 p.m. Monday, March 14, 2011, at Griffin-Roughton Funeral Home. Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. Tuesday, March 15, 2011, in the Chapel at Griffin-Roughton Funeral Home with Sam Dilbeck of Westhill Church of Christ officiating. Interment will follow at Hamilton-Beeman Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Navarro Regional Hospital Auxiliary. Arrangements by Griffin-Roughton Funeral Home, Corsicana.

Notes:

• The Corsicana Daily Sun - Sat Mar 12, 2011

Felicia Devon Waites
June 28, 1972 - March 8, 2011

Felicia Devon Waites, 38, was born June 28, 1972, in Corsicana to the parentage of Darrell W. Waites and Debra Louise Moffett Woods. She attended schools in the Corsicana School District and was a 1990 graduate of Corsicana High School. She attended Navarro College. She also attended ITT Technology graduating with honors with an Associate's Degree in Electronics. She accepted Christ in her life at an early age and united with the Love Chapel Baptist Church in Corsicana. She was a beautiful loving person, devoted mother, daughter and sister. Felicia was employed at the Kohl's Call Center where she loved doing her job. She volunteered in the community, on her job or wherever she was needed, and could be used. She also loved sports, games and traveling. She departed this life on March 8, 2011. Survivors include two sons, Desmond D. White and Devin X. White, students at Tyler Junior College; mother, Debra L. Woods; father and step-mother, Darrell W. Waites (Erma), all of Corsicana; four brothers, Zerick “Sedrick” C. Waites of Oakland, Calif., Marcus J. Smith, Darrell Rayshawn Waites (Tracy) and Darrin Waites; step-brother, Clifford M. Young Jr. (Ella), all of Corsicana; six nieces; one nephew; four aunts, Augustine Warren of Fort Worth, Alice Young (Cary) of Corsicana, Hazel Dumas of San Diego, Calif., Dorothy Proctor of Inglewood, Calif.; a host of other relatives and many friends. Wake services will be held at 6 p.m. Monday, March 14, 2011, at the Ross and Johnson Chapel. Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. Tuesday, March 15, 2011, at Lifeline Fellowship Church, located at 5301 West Highway 31 in Corsicana, with Pastor Joseph Johnson Sr. officiating. Interment will follow at Woodland Memorial Park. Arrangements by Ross and Johnson Mortuary, Corsicana.

Notes:

• The Corsicana Daily Sun - Sat Mar 12, 2011

Annie Mae Jessie
Oct 2, 1922 - March 9, 2011

Annie Mae Jessie, 88, of Corsicana, passed away Wednesday, March 9, 2011, at Heritage Oaks West Nursing Center. She was born Oct. 2,1922, in Kemp, to the parentage of J.C. and Nursie Smith. Annie received her education in Pelham and provided domestic assistance in homes until her retirement in 1983. She met and married Vernon Jessie on June 16,1956. Annie professed faith in Christ early in life in Irene and later united with the Renfro Chapel C.O.G.I.C. under the pastorage of the late Eld. P.R. Renfro. She remained a faithful member of the church until her husband was called to pastor at St. Paul Church of God in Christ in Teague. She was a faithful member there until her death. Annie was preceded in death by her her parents; one brother, Cedell Johnson; and one sister, Helen Walker. Survivors include her husband of 54 years, Vernon Jessie of Corsicana; daughter, Erma Bartee and husband Richard of Corsicana; three grandchildren, Regina Henderson and husband Darryl of San Marcos, Richard C. Bartee and wife Leslie of Dallas, and Aimee Ballard and husband Larry of Lewisville.; great-grandchildren, Taylor and Jarrett Henderson of San Marcos, Catherine and Chris Bartee of Dallas, Richard C. Ivan Bartee of Dallas, Kennedy Haylee, and Cassidy Ballard all of Lewisville; one brother-in-law, Lucion Jessie; sister-in-laws, Gussie Jessie of Corsicana, Louise Alexander of Dallas; numerous nieces and nephews; loyal cousin, Bessie Bell of Corsicana; she is also survived by a host of relatives and friends. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, March 16, 2011, at Mount Olive Baptist Church with Supt. L.J. Manning officiating. Interment will follow at Woodland Memorial Park. Arrangements by Ross and Johnson Mortuary, Corsicana.

Notes:

• The Corsicana Daily Sun - Sat Mar 12, 2011

Richard Emmett Dunlap
Feb 11, 1932 - March 11, 2011

Richard Emmett Dunlap, 79, of Corsicana passed away on Friday, March 11, 2011 at his residence in Corsicana. He was born on Feb. 11, 1932, in Corsicana to parents JD and Thelma Dunlap. He was a veteran having proudly served his country in the U.S. Air Force. He was preceded in death by his parents, JD and Thelma Dunlap, and a brother, Glenn Dunlap. Survivors include his daughter, Cindy Cantu and husband Roy of Corsicana; son, Chris Dunlap of Pueblo, Colo.;  granddaughter, Contessa Cantu of Corsicana; grandson, Christopher Dunlap of Pueblo, Colo.; granddaughters, Melinda Dunlap of Dallas and Amber Dunlap of Carthage; great grandson, Zachary Dunlap of Carthage; great granddaughter, Aubrey Dunlap of Carthage; brothers, Jackie Dunlap and wife Helen, Kenneth Dunlap and wife Sallie, Anthony Collard and wife Martha; sisters, Sarah Mulligan and husband Alvin, and Cherlyn Collard, all of Corsicana; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. Visitation will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. on Sunday, March 13, 2011, at Corley Funeral Home. Graveside services will be held at 10 a.m. Monday, March 14, 2011, at the Hamilton-Beeman Cemetery. Interment will follow in the Hamilton-Beeman Cemetery. Arrangements by Corley Funeral Home, Corsicana.

Notes:

• The Corsicana Daily Sun - Sat Mar 12, 2011

Lonnie Dimas Jr.
April 4, 1941 - April, 21, 2010

Lonnie Dimas Jr., passed from this world into the presence of God on April, 21, 2010, at Landmark Rehabilitation Hospital in Joplin, Mo. He was born on April 4, 1941, to Longino “Lonnie” Dimas and Maria “Mary” Palos Dimas. Lonnie is preceded in death by both parents; two brothers, Juan and Jesse Dimas; one sister, Octavia “Tava” Dimas Pinales. Survivors include his sister, Ramona Dimas Teeden of Tampa, Fla.; he is also survived by many cousins, nieces, and nephews. A memorial service to honor his life of 69 years will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, March 19, 2011, at First Baptist Church of Blooming Grove, with Grady Cashion and the Rev. Lewis Palos officiating. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Southeast Kansas Area Agency on Aging, 3003 N. Joplin, PO Box 343, Pittsburgh  KS 66762.

Notes:

• The Corsicana Daily Sun - Sat Mar 12, 2011

Bobby Gene Blissett, 70, of Blooming Grove, passed away at 6:30 p.m. on March 8, 2011, after a long fought battle with C.O.P.D.   He worked as a heavy equipment operator and mechanic for most of his life. Bobby loved being outdoors and he loved his kids, grandkids, and great grandkids with all of his heart. He had a passion for all children and riding the back roads. He was preceded in death by his father, Buck Blissett and his mother Juanita Blissett; sister, Charlene; brother, James; and great granddaughter, Breely.   Survivors include his wife Melba Blissett of Blooming Grove; daughters, Tammy Holder of Dawson, and Teena Blissett of Blooming Grove; son, Terry Blissett of Blooming Grove; grandchildren, Brent Bowling and wife Sherri of Mildred, Jeremy Bruton and wife Jennifer of Blooming Grove, Justin Blissett and wife Sonia of Huntsville, Tiffany Putman and husband B.C. of Barry, and April Wagoner and husband David of Corsicana; 10 great grandchildren, Madison, Brody, Brennon, Brooke, Brittany, Brittaney, Payton, Tori, Jaci, and Carlee Jo; Bobby is also survived by a brother Jerry Blissett and wife Cilla of Malone, and a sister Patsy Blissett. Visitation will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. on Friday, March 11, 2011, at Griffin-Roughton Funeral Home.   A memorial gathering will be held from 1 to 4 p.m. at the family home on Sunday, March 13, 2011, south of Blooming Grove on FM 55. A benefit fund has been set up at Citizens National Bank in Corsicana. For donation information, contact April Wagoner at (903) 641-7751. Arrangements by Griffin-Roughton Funeral Home, Corsicana.

Notes:

• The Corsicana Daily Sun

Betty"Mama Betty" Bell Miller
abt 1929 - Mar 12, 2011

Betty"Mama Betty" Bell Miller, 82, of Corsicana, passed away March 8, 2011, at the Twilight Home.
Funeral services will be at noon, Saturday, March 12, 2011, at the Bethel AME Church with the Rev. Calvin Bell as Eulogist. Interment will follow at Woodland Memorial Park. Arrangements by Ross and Johnson Mortuary.

Notes:

• The Corsicana Daily Sun - Thu Mar 10, 2011
• Mother of Raymond Odell Bell

Alvin J. Murra
Oct. 5, 1935 - March 3, 2011

Notes:

• The Corsicana Daily Sun - Tue Mar 08, 2011
• Dallas-Fort Worth National Cemetery; Section 16B; Site 261
• SSGT US Air Force Vietnam

Mildred (Cannon) Lathrop
Feb 27, 1930 - Mar 5, 2011

Mildred Cannon Lathrop Funeral service will be held on March 10, 2011 at Trinity Church of God with Rev. Jack Black officiating. Burial will follow in Trinity Cedar Grove Cemetery. Family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. at Trinity Church of God on Wednesday. Mildred was born in Pearson Chapel, Houston County, on February 27, 1930. Passed away in Corsicana on Saturday, March 5, 2011.   Preceded in death by: Father David Daniel Cannon, Mother Mae Bell Dixon Cannon. husband Henry Edward Lathrop, daughter Linda Gail Lathrop Lacoste sister Florence Clara Cannon Blackmon,  Survived by: Children: Danny Edward Lathrop and wife, Mary; Gary Eugene Lathrop and wife, Pat.Grandchildren: Roger Dale Lacoste and wife, JoAnn; Renee Lacoste; Asher Daniel Lathrop; Kim Magras and husband, Justin. Great-Grandchildren: Blaze Edward Lacoste; Kalah Mae Lacoste; Madison Lacoste; Baylee Faith Lathrop. Brothers and Sisters: David Paul Cannon and wife, Mary; Robert Thurman Cannon and wife, Sylvia; Eugene Lamoin Cannon and wife, Shelby; Jeanette Cannon Scott and husband, John Numerous nieces and nephews. Waller-Thornton Funeral Home in charge of arrangements

Notes:

• The Corsicana Daily Sun - Mon Mar 07, 2011

Sandra Ann (Dorton) Johnston
March 18, 1950 - March 5, 2011

Notes:

• The Corsicana Daily Sun - Mar 07, 2011

Mary Beth (Tarkington) Autry Gerard
July 12, 1947 - Mar 30, 2011

Mary Beth Autry Gerard Mary Beth Autry Gerard, 63, of Blooming Grove passed away Wednesday, March 30, 2011, at her residence. She was born July 12, 1947, in Kerens, to Lester Earl and Eula Mae Tarkington. Mrs. Gerard began her career as an elementary teacher with the Mildred School District and was there for numerous years. She then taught at Ennis ISD for several years before moving on to the Dawson Elementary School, where she taught third grade for the past 10 years. She was a well respected teacher, loved by both students and faculty, and is a great loss to the education system. She will be sorely missed. She is preceded in death by her parents; brothers, Les Tarkington and Steven Tarkington; daughter, Sandra Edwards; and late husband, Dr. Frank Autry. Survivors include her husband, Jerry Gerard of Blooming Grove; daughter, Beth Horner and husband Lance of Corsicana; son, Larry Edwards and wife Angela of Enid, Okla.; sisters, Mae Silva, and Linda Fricker and husband Ken; grandchildren, Wayne Cope, Daniel Cope, Madison Strebeck, Dalton Fraser, Zachary Fraser, Dalton Horner, Caleb Horner, Brendan Horner, Curtis Kessler, Hannah Edwards, and Brianna Edwards; she is also survived by numerous cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends. Visitation will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. on Saturday, April 2, 2011, at Corley Funeral Home. Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. Sunday, April 3, 2011, at Corley Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Rodney Bancroft officiating. Interment will follow at Prairie Point Cemetery in Bazette. Pallbearers will be Daniel Cope, Wayne Cope, Mike Conger, Dalton Horner, Bobby Douglas, and Daniel Dunahoo. Arrangements by Corley Funeral Home, Corsicana.

----

NCSO investigating apparent murder/suicide near Blooming Grove
From Staff Reports
Corsicana Daily Sun
The Navarro County Sheriff's Office has confirmed it is investigating an apparent murder/suicide near Blooming Grove.
In a press release issued Thursday, Chief Deputy Mike Cox said:
During the late evening hours of Wednesday, March 30, Navarro County Sheriff's Deputies were called to the Gerard residence at 8445 NW County Road 4470 just west of the City of Blooming Grove in reference to a welfare concern. The daughter of Mary Beth Autry stated she was unable to contact her mother. Upon arrival at the residence Deputy Casey Gaston found a 16-year-old male lying unconscious the apparent victim of a self inflicted gunshot wound. The juvenile male was transported by PHI air ambulance to Parkland Hospital in Dallas. He later died at the hospital, Cox said Thursday.

Additional deputies and investigators arrived at the scene and during a search of the property Deputy Keith Lewis located the missing Mrs. Autry lying in the grass about 100 yards from the residence also the apparent victim of a fatal gunshot wound.

Justice of the Peace Connie Hickman was called to the scene for an inquest. Detectives of the Navarro County Sheriff's office are continuing their investigation into this tragedy which appears at this time to be a murder/suicide.

March 31, 2011
Apparent murder, suicide rocks county
Stepson believed to have shot stepmother, then self
By Bob Belcher
Corsicana Daily Sun
BLOOMING GROVE - Faculty and staff at two Navarro County schools were faced with a double tragedy Thursday in the aftermath of what is being called a murder/suicide involving a popular Dawson third grade teacher and her stepson, a student at Blooming Grove High School.

Grief counselors were on duty at both Dawson Elementary School and Blooming Grove High School Thursday after Dawson teacher Mary Beth Autry, 63, was found dead Wednesday night by sheriff's deputies investigating a call concerning her welfare. Her 16-year-old stepson, Eric Lee Gerard, a freshman at Blooming Grove High School, was found as well, suffering from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound. He died early Thursday morning at Parkland Hospital in Dallas.

Investigators don't know why Gerard apparently shot himself, nor has the exact cause of death been determined in the death of his stepmother Autry, but their probe is continuing.

Navarro County Sheriff's Deputies were called to Autry's home Wednesday night after her daughter called them to say she hadn't been able to reach her mother by telephone. Deputy Casey Gaston was first on the scene, and found Gerard in the home, seriously wounded by what investigators believe to be a self-inflicted gunshot wound. The body of his stepmother, Autry, was found about 100 yards from the home. She was pronounced dead at the scene by Navarro County Justice of the Peace Connie Hickman.

Gerard was taken by air ambulance to Parkland Hospital in Dallas, where he died at about 2:30 a.m. Thursday, Hickman said.

Hickman ordered an autopsy on Autry, and forensic analysis on two weapons found at the scene.

Capt. Elmer Tanner said Thursday they don't believe there was anyone else involved in the deaths of the two.

"Based on evidence obtained in our investigation at the scene, and in talking with people during our investigation, we are not looking at any other suspects at this time," Tanner said Thursday.

He said the case is being treated as a "homicide/suicide."

Autry had been a teacher in Dawson for 10 years, said Arvel Rotan, superintendent of the Dawson ISD. She had also spent eight years teaching in the Mildred ISD, and a year in the Ennis ISD.

"She was a good one," Rotan said Thursday morning. "It's a big loss."

Rotan said counselors from the Education Service Center and Special Ed Co-op were at the campus to provide support and counseling. He said that students who wished to leave the campus because of the tragedy were released to parents. He said no other operations at the district were affected.

Mike Baldree, superintendent of Blooming Grove ISD, said similar measures were taken at Blooming Grove High School, where Gerard was a student.

"We had an administrative meeting this morning, and talked with the counselors,"Baldree said. "There will counseling available for (the students) if they need it."

March 31, 2011
Apparent murder, suicide rocks county
Stepson believed to have shot stepmother, then self
By Bob Belcher
Corsicana Daily Sun
Corsicana - Two Blooming Grove residents are dead in what investigators are calling a murder/suicide, after the body of a popular Dawson Elementary School teacher was found Thursday along with her 16-year-old stepson, who was apparently the victim of a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

Grief counselors were on duty at both Dawson Elementary School and Blooming Grove High School Thursday after Dawson teacher Mary Beth Autry, 63, was found dead Wednesday night by sheriff's deputies investigating a call concerning her welfare. Her 16-year-old stepson, Eric Lee Gerard, a freshman at Blooming Grove High School, was found as well, suffering from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound. He died early Thursday morning at Parkland Hospital in Dallas.

Investigators don't know why Gerard apparently shot himself, nor has the exact cause of death been determined in the death of his stepmother Autry, but their probe is continuing.

Sheriff Les Cotten provided some insight into what deputies and investigators encountered Wednesday night at Autry's home on NWCR 4470 near Blooming Grove.

Cotten said Autry's daughter and son-in-law had gone to the home around 10 p.m. Wednesday after being unable to reach her by telephone for several hours. Autry's husband, Jerry Gerard, had called the daughter to ask her to check on Autry, Cotten said.

"When they got there, the stepson was in the house playing a video game," Cotten said. "They asked him where (Autry) was and he said she was in the bedroom."

"They went to the bedroom and it looked like the door had been forced open and they noticed a gun cabinet had been forced open ... there were a couple of guns missing," Cotten said. That's when deputies were called to the scene, he said.

Cotten said Autry's daughter met arriving deputies at the property's gate and led them back to the house.

"As the deputies pulled up, the son-in-law came out and said, "He just shot himself! He shot himself," Cotten said.

Deputies found the 16-year-old Gerard still alive on the living room floor with a .22 rifle laying on his body, Cotten said.

Gerard was taken by air ambulance to Parkland Hospital in Dallas, where he died at about 2:30 a.m. Thursday.

Investigators began to search the rural property near Blooming Grove and found Autry's body about 100 yards from the home. Cotten said it appeared the body had been moved there.

"It looked like fresh tire prints going down to where the body was at," Cotten said. "We believe he probably tied onto (the body) with the car and drug her down there."

Autry was pronounced dead at the scene by Navarro County Justice of the Peace Connie Hickman. Hickman ordered an autopsy on Autry, and forensic analysis on two weapons found at the scene.

Capt. Elmer Tanner said Thursday they don't believe there was anyone else involved in the deaths of the two.

"Based on evidence obtained in our investigation at the scene, and in talking with people during our investigation, we are not looking at any other suspects at this time," Tanner said Thursday.

He said the case is being treated as a "homicide/suicide."
Autry had been a teacher in Dawson for 10 years, said Arvel Rotan, superintendent of the Dawson ISD. She had also spent eight years teaching in the Mildred ISD, and a year in the Ennis ISD.

"She was a good one," Rotan said Thursday morning. It's a big loss."

Rotan said counselors from the Education Service Center and Special Ed Co-op were at the campus to provide support and counseling. He said that students who wished to leave the campus because of the tragedy were released to parents. He said no other operations at the district were affected.

Mike Baldree, superintendent of Blooming Grove ISD, said similar measures were taken at Blooming Grove High School, where Gerard was a student.

"We had an administrative meeting this morning, and talked with the counselors," Baldree said. "There will counseling available for (the students) if they need it."

Funeral services for Autry are scheduled for 2 p.m. Sunday at Corley Funeral Home in Corsicana. Services for Gerard were pending at press time Thursday.

April 4, 2011
Sheriff's deputies still looking into Autry-Gerard case
By Janet Jacobs
Corsicana Daily Sun
Corsicana - Eric Gerard of Blooming Grove was buried Monday afternoon in Fairfield following a graveside service. The 16-year-old is the focus in a case that's being labeled murder-suicide by local investigators.

Gerard is believed to have shot himself in the head Wednesday night. Gerard died early Thursday morning at Parkland Hospital in Dallas.

Shortly after he shot himself, the body of Gerards stepmother, Dawson Elementary School teacher Mary Beth Autry, 63, was found about 100 yards from the house.

Deputies were responding to a call from Gerard's sister, who had gone over to the house in rural Western Navarro County to check on the teen and his stepmother. They found the ninth grader playing video games and no sign of Autry. However, a gun case had been broken into, which is why the sister called police.

When deputies arrived, the boy's brother-in-law came running out of the house screaming that Gerard had shot himself.

The initial ruling was murder-suicide, but Navarro County Chief Deputy Mike Cox said nothing is being ruled out.

It's still an open investigation and will be for several weeks as we complete forensics analysis of all the evidence," Cox said Monday morning. It'll be on-going for at least six weeks. We're not taking anything as an assumption. We're doing a complete investigation of the whole thing."

Autry had been a teacher in Dawson for 10 years, and had taught for eight years in Mildred. Her funeral was Sunday. She was buried at Prairie Point Cemetery in Bazette.

Kathleen (Kent) Tramel
Mar 6, 1928 - Mar 29, 2011

Kathleen Tramel, 83, of Tyler passed away on Tuesday, March 29, 2011, in Tyler. She was born on March 6, 1928, in Powell, to the late George and Mattie Kent. Mrs. Tramel moved to Tyler in 2007 from Good Spring. She was a member of Southside Baptist Church for the past three years and formerly a longtime member of the First Baptist Church in Reklaw, where she was active in the WMU. She loved crafts of all kinds and was especially talented in china painting. In addition to her parents, Mrs. Tramel is preceded in death by her husband, Joe Tramel; and by her brother, Lloyd Kent. Survivors of her loving family include her son, Robert “Bob” Tramel and wife Donna of Tyler; daughter, Kathy Jacobs and husband Larry of West Tawakoni; brother, Bobby Kent and wife Linda of Kerens; three grandchildren; she is also survived by five great-grandchildren. Visitation is scheduled from 6 to 8 p.m. for Thursday, March 31, 2011, at Stewart Family Funeral Home, 7525 Old Jacksonville Highway, in Tyler. Funeral services will be held at 1:30 p.m. Friday, April 1, 2011, in the chapel of Stewart Family Funeral Home with Bro. Jerry Walles and the Rev. Mark Price officiating. Graveside services will be held at 3:30 PM at Bazette Prairie Point Cemetery in Bazette. Memorials in honor of Kathleen Tramel may be made to Southside Baptist Church, 8875 Old Jacksonville Highway, Tyler, Texas 75703, or First Baptist Church, Reklaw, Texas 75784. Arrangements by Stewart Family Funeral Home

Joan (Statham) Baxter
Jan 10, 1938 - Mar 27, 2011

Joan Baxter, 73, of Kerens, passed away Sunday, March 27, 2011.

She was born Jan. 10, 1938, in Mt. Calm and grew up in Powell. Joan was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother and sister. The family expresses heartfelt thanks to Dr. John Updegrove, his staff, and Home Health Services of Corsicana.

She is preceded in death by her father, Forrest W. Statham; mother, Gladys Armstrong Statham; and sister, Valerie Holmes.

Survivors include her husband of 43 years, Don M. Baxter of Kerens; daughter, Kellye Elizabeth Cook Thompson and husband Tommy, and grandson, Taylor all of Castroville; brothers, Olin Statham of Kerens and Bill Statham and wife Eleanor of Pursley; sister-in-law, Janis Blissett and husband Bubba of Kerens; numerous nieces, nephews and extended family; she is also survived by life long friends Peggy Harwell of Roane and Dorothy Standfield of Charlotte.

Graveside services will be at 11 a.m. Friday, April 1, 2011, in the Kerens Cemetery with the Rev. Wes Johnson officiating.

Arrangement by Paschal Funeral Home.

Freddie Byron Smith
Aug 12, 1915 - Mar 26, 2011

Freddie B. Smith, 95, of Corsicana passed away on Saturday, March 26, 2011, in Corsicana. He was born on Aug. 12, 1915, in Corsicana. Freddie was a member of the Westhill Church of Christ and had a great love for his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. He was employed as a lineman with TP&L Company, retiring after 36 years of service. He is preceded in death by his wife of 52 years, Nora Smith; son, Doyle Smith; parents, William and Emma Smith; brother, Aubrey Smith; and a sister, Calara Rascoe. Survivors include his daughter, Faye Ramsey and husband Rick of Corsicana; son, Shelby Smith and wife Trish of Midway, Ga.; grandsons, Michael Crockett and wife Wendy of Butler; and Doug Roberts and wife Christie of Grand Prairie; granddaughters, Michele McGuyer and husband Vernon of Corsicana; Glenda Dile and husband Monty of Grand Prairie; seven great-grandchildren; he is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. Visitation will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. on Wednesday, March 30, 2011, at Corley Funeral Home. Graveside services will be held at 10 a.m. on Thursday, March 31, 2011, at Resthaven Memorial Park with Mr. Sam Dilbeck officiating. Interment will follow in Resthaven Memorial Park. Memorial contributions may be made to either the Foster Children's Home, P.O. Box 978, Stephenville, Texas 76401, or to The Salvation Army, 212 E. First Ave., Corsicana, Texas 75110. Arrangements by Corley Funeral Home, Corsicana.

Carrie L. (Black) Powell
Mar 24, 1915 - Mar 31, 2011

Mrs. Carrie L. Black Powell passed away on Thursday, March 31, 2011. She was surrounded by her loving family and had just enjoyed her 96th birthday on March 24th. Mrs. Powell was one of nine children born to Carrie (Plunkett) and Frank Black of Murchison, Texas. Carrie was married to Edward Talmadge Powell for 53 years before his passing in 1986. They were blessed with three children. Ms. Carrie was a member of Missionary Baptist Church for many years. She loved her back yard filled with blooming plants and cooking delicious foods for her family and friends. She also enjoyed making many quilts for her grandchildren and liked to crochet. Those waiting with open arms include her parents, Carrie and Frank Black; her husband, Talmadge Powell; sisters, Myrtle Edwards and Thelma Graham; brothers, James Robert “Jim Bob” Black and Carey “Bub” Black. She is survived by sisters, Florence Peabody, Doris Hansen, Katie Nowlin, and Mary Anderson; children, Barbara Warfield and husband Frank of Round Rock, Texas, A. T. Powell and wife Cheryl of Salado, Texas, and Mark Powell and wife Cindy of Corsicana. She will be greatly missed by her six loving grand-children and their spouses, Bryan Warfield of Plano, Texas, Stephanie Sallis and husband Chris of Nashville, Tennessee, Wendy Cook and husband Todd of Arlington, Texas, Michael Powell and wife Kelly of Murphy, Texas, Emily Glidewell and husband Jeff of Corsicana, and Alan Powell of Waxahachie; and her first great-granddaughter, Lillian Star Glidewell. She is also survived by many nieces, nephews and cousins that love her dearly. Visitation with the family will be 6:00-8:00 PM on Saturday, April 2, 2011 at Corley Funeral Home. Services will be held at 4:30 PM on Sunday, April 3, 2011 at Corley Funeral Home Chapel with Pastor Curtis Gilbert officiating. Burial will follow at Hamilton-Beeman Cemetery. Pallbearers are Fred Drew, Billy Don Watkins, Michael Black, Mark Hansen, Doug Hansen, and Terry Anderson.

Faye (Carr) Stegall
Dec 19, 1919 - Mar 31, 2011

Mrs. Faye Stegall, 91, of Corsicana, passed away on Thursday, March 31, 2011 at Navarro Regional Hospital. She was born December 19, 1919 in Kemp, Texas to Ada Eugenia and Charles Franklin Carr. She was a resident of Corsicana for most of her life. She was preceded in death by her husband, Garner E. Stegall, her parents, and two sisters, Hazel Ray and Dorothy Pike. She is survived by son, Gary Stegall and wife Joye; granddaughter, Nicole Davidoff and husband Scott; great-grandsons, Jake Davidoff and Evan Davidoff; and several nieces and nephews. Visitation with the family will be 6:00-8:00 PM Monday, April 4, 2011 at Corley Funeral Home. Services will be held at 2:00 PM on Tuesday, April 5, 2011 at Corley Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Otis Lee Conner officiating. Burial will follow at Oakwood Cemetery. Pallbearers are Scott Davidoff, Larry Pike, David Pike, Cary Pike, Jim Griffin and Gene Rash. The family requests memorial contributions be made to the Humane Society of Navarro County at P.O. Box 1734, Corsicana, Texas 75151.

Clyde Scott Stroud, Sr
Jun 19, 1886 - Jan 19, 1961

C.S. Stroud, 74
Dies Thursday;
Rites Saturday

Clyde S. Stroud, 74, church business and civic leader became suddenly ill at his home 1708 West Third Avenue Thursday night and died in Memorial Hospital a short time later.

Funeral Services will be held Saturday at 2 p.m. from the First Methodist church, of which he was a trustee and steward. The rites will be conducted by Dr Floyd E. Johnson, pastor. Burial will be in Oakwood Cemetery.

A native of Georgia, born June 19, 1886, Stroud came to Texas with his parents to Hillsboro. The family moved to Corsicana in 1900/ He was with the Stroud-Dockum Wholesale Grocery company for many years and later headed the Stroud Stell company., successor of Stroud-Dockum as president a post he held at his death.

A Lion, he was also a member of the Carnegie Library board, director of the First National Bank and a trustee of the Garitty Charity Association. He headed the Corsicana Citizens Athletic Committee during the 1920's and 1930's and was an active member of the Corsicana Country Club.

Surviving are his wife, Mrs Emily Wills Stroud, Corsicana a daughter, Mrs Halsey (Emy Neill) Settle; a son, Dr Clyde Stroud, U. S. Navy, Camp LeJeune, N. C. and five grandchildren.

Pallbearers will be, Ralph Stell, H. R. Stroube, Sr.; Ralph R. Brown, W. A. Lang, J. F. Adams, J. N. Garrity, John P Mayfield, George Baus, G. C. Hudson, Hugh Drang, E. L Sanders and J. F. Smith.

McCammon directs

Notes:

• Corsicana Daily Sun - Friday, Jan 20., 1961

A note about the above, there is a birth or Christening record in Navarro Co for Clyde

Name: Clyde Scott Stroud

Gender: Male
Baptism/Christening Date:
Baptism/Christening Place:
Birth Date: 19 Jun 1886
Birthplace: , Navarro, Texas
Race: White
Father's Name: Napolean Stroud:
Mother's Name: Lillie Lee Scott
Indexing Project (Batch) Number: C00679-9 System Origin: Texas-EASy Source Film Number: 1516373 Reference Number: vol 1, page 44
Collection: Texas Births and Christenings, 1840-1981 

Emily McNeill (Wills) Stroud
Feb 18, 1888 – Jul 10, 1971

STROUD

Mrs. Emily Wills Stroud, the widow of the Late Clyde S. Stroud, died after a short illness Saturday afternoon.

She was a life long resident (d of Dr John M. V.  and Julia Lacy Wills) and a member of the First Methodist Church.

Services are scheduled for Sunday at 4 p. m. at the first Methodist Church, Dr H. Lively Brown officiating. Interment will be in Oakwood Cemetery, with Griffin Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.

She is survived by her son, Dr Clyde S. Stroud, Jr. of Corsicana, her daughter Mrs H. M. (Emy Neill) Settle Jr. of Corsicana; five grandchildren; two great grandchildren; one brother Allister Wills of Tyler; and two sisters, Mrs Fannie Hilliard of Hobbs N. M. and Mrs George R (Elizabeth) Lord of Clearwater Fla.

Pallbearers will be Luther A. Johnson, Jr, Dr Happy Settle, James Stroud, Abe Stroud, Dick Haney, Robert Hamilton, Ben Sloan, Ralph Brown, George Baum and H. R. Stoube

Notes:

• The Corsicana Daily Sun - Sunday, Jul 11, 1971
• Submitted by Eliz Hanebury

Julia Lacy (McNeill) Wills
Nov 23, 1860 - Sep 20, 1942

DIED EARLY SUNDAY
BURIAL ON MONDAY

Mrs. J. M. V (John Murphy Vaughn) (Julia Lacy) Wills, resident of Corsicana for half a century, died at the family home 211 South Fifteenth st, Sunday morning after only a few hours of illness. A Native of Mississippi, Mrs Wills was the widow of the Late Dr. J. M. V Wills, well-known Corsicana resident. Mrs Wills was a life long member of the Methodist Church.

Surviving are two sons, Dr Opie Wills, Corsicana; and Allister Wills, Illinois; four daughters, Mrs C. S. (Emily) Stroud, Corsicana; Mrs Dubart (Cora) Miller, Corsicana; Mrs Will (Frances) Hilliard, Hobbs N.M.; and Mrs George (Elizabeth) Lord, New York City; two sisters, Miss Tommie Lacy, Corsicana and Mrs Lee (Cora) Neblett, Waco; a brother Glenn Lacy, Mississippi, six grandchildren and three great grandchildren.

The funeral rites were held from the Sutherland-McCammon Chapel at 3 o'clock Monday afternoon with burial in Oakwood Cemetery. The rites were conducted by Dr P.E. Riley, pastor of the First Methodist Church.

Pallbearers were Roger Neblett, Dr Dubart Miller, C. S. Stroud, Wilmet Townsend, Robert Davidson and Chas. H. Allen.

Notes:

• Submitted by Eliz Hanebury

Thomas Opie Wills
Feb 28, 1895 - 1956

DR T. O. WILLS DIES SATURDAY
SERVICES MONDAY

Funeral services for Dr T. O. Wills, 59, who died of a heart attack Saturday afternoon while quail hunting, were held from the First Methodist church Monday at 3 p.m.

The rites were conducted by Rev John Wesley Ford, pastor of the church  and Dr Matthew H. Arnold, pastor of the Westminster Presbyterian church. Burial was in Oakwood Cemetery. Dr Wills was a member of the First Methodist church and the Navarro County Medical Society.

A native of Corsicana, Dr Wills was graduated from the University of Texas medical school in Galveston and had been a practicing physician here for many years. He had been with the Navarro Clinic since its construction in 1929.

E. S. Allen, justice of the peace at Richland, conducted an inquest and returned a coroner's verdict of death of natural causes. He was stricken while hunting on the W. P. Brown Farm near Richland with Loyd Morton of Dresden, a long time hunting friend.

Surviving are his wife, a daughter Mrs Jack Burke, two grandchildren, all of Corsicana; a brother Allister Wills, Tyler; four sisters Mrs C.

C. Stroud and Mrs Dubart Miller, both of Corsicana; Mrs Fannie Hilliard, Hobbs, N. M. and Mrs George Lord, Clearwater Fla and other relatives.

Pall bearers were Loyd Morton, Buck Montgomery, John N Wheelock, Jr; Afton Burke, J. N. Garitty, Homer Knotts, Angus Kent McGilvary, Halsey Settle and Charles H Allen.

Honorary pallbearers were members of the Navarro County Medical Society and friends of the the family.

McCammon directed.

Notes:

• The Corsicana Daily Sun  Jan 16, 1956

• b. Feb 28, 1895 in Corsicana, Navarro Co., TX

• His mother Julia Lacy Wills was born  23 Nov 1860  in Mississippi  and died 20 Sep 1942 at home in Corsicana

• Submitted by Eliz Hanebury

Cora Wills Miller
Jul 24, 1898 - Nov 17, 1964

MRS D. MILLER DIES TUESDAY, RITES THURSDAY

Mrs Cora Wills Miller, native of Corsicana, died at her home 2311 Park Row, Thursday afternoon following an extended illness.

Surviving are her husband, Dr Dubart Miller, Corsicana; three sisters, Mrs C. S. Stroud, Corsicana; Mrs W. C. Hillard, Hobbs N. M., and Mrs George Lord, Clearwater Fla., a brother Allister Will, Tyler and a number of other nieces and nephews and other relatives.

Funeral Services will be held from the McCammon Chapel Thursday at 10 a.m. with burial in Oakwood Cemetery.

The rites will be conducted by Rev Homer Cox, pastor of the Eleventh Avenue Methodist church, assisted by C. B. Holcomb, minister of the Fifth Avenue Church of Christ.

Pall Bearers will be Halsey Settle, Paul Miller, Dr Will Miller, J. W.

McCammon, Buck Varnell and Ray Samsel.

Notes:

• The Corsicana Daily Sun  Nov 18 1964

• Submitted by Eliz Hanebury

Frances (Wills) Hillard
Jan 8, 1890 - Dec 4, 1972

MRS HILLIARD

Funeral services are scheduled at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday at Griffin Funeral Home Chapel for Mrs Frances Wills Hillard 83, of Corsicana and former resident of Hobbs, N. M., who died Monday at the Twilight Convalescent Home.

Dr Carl Rholfs will officiate and burial will be at Oakwood Cemetery.

She was the daughter of the late Dr and Mrs J. M. V. Wills. Her husband, W. C. Hilliard, preceded her in death. Survivors include a sister, Mrs George R. Lord of Clearwater Fla.; four nieces, Mrs H. M.

(Emy Neill Stroud) Settle of Corsicana, Mrs Norwood (Frances Weems) Parramore, of Abilene, Mrs Robert (Elizabeth Lord) Davis of Birchrunville, Penna., and Mrs Jack Burke (Helen Sue Wills) of Dallas; and two nephews, Dr C. S. Stroud of Corsicana and George R Lord, Jr. of Whispering Pines, N. C.

Pallbearers will be Halsey Settle Jr., Dr C. S. Stroud Jr., John B. Stroud, Richard Haney, Norwood Parramore, Jack Burke.

Notes:

• The Corsicana Daily Sun - Dec 25, 1972

• Submitted by Eliz Hanebury

John S. Carrington

The remains of Dr. John S. Carrington were brought here to-day from Abilene and interred in Oakwood cemetery.  The deceased was eminent in his profession and had a large circle of friends in Texas, Arkansas and Colorado.

Notes:

• The Dallas Morning News - October 14, 1885

Andrew Nelson White
Feb 23, 1866 - Sep 16, 1928

Frost Man Found Dead

FROST. Navarro Co., Texas, Sep. 17. - Nelson White, 62, was found dead in his barn. Funeral services were held Monday from the residence the Rev. N. L. Range conducting the services with burial in the Frost Cemetery. Heart failure was given as the cause of his death. He is survived by three sisters and one brother.

Notes:

• The Dallas Morning News - Sep 18, 1928
• View Obituary Clipping

--

FROST RESIDENT FOUND DEAD SUNDAY MORNING IN BARN
FROST, Sept. 17.—(Spl.)—Nelson White, aged 62, was found dead in his barn about 8 o’clock Sunday morning and funeral services were held from the residence at 11 o'clock Monday morning, with Rev. N. L. Range conducting the rites. Interment was in the Frost cemetery.

The deceased had been in ill health for several months and heart failure was given as the cause of his death.

He had been a resident of Frost for more than thirty years and is survived by three sisters, one brother and other relatives.

Notes:

• The Corsicana Daily Sun - Monday, September 17, 1928
• Submitted by Diane Richards

Jessie Mitchel Sharp
Dec 11, 1855 - Oct 17, 1930

SHARP - Corsicana, Texas. Oct. 19. - Jess M. Sharp, 75, native Texan ad pioneer resident of Navarro County, died Sunday and the funeral was held at the Frost Cemetery where burial was made. Mr. Sharp had been making his home here for some time. He had resided in the Frost community for forty years and recently lived in Dallas. He was one of the best known residents of West Navarro County. The funeral services were conducted by the Rev. P. Martin Baker, pastor of the Third Avenue Presbyterian Church. Surviving are two daughters, Mrs. Durwood Robinson of Corsicana and Mrs. John Walston of Dallas; a stepson, George McFadden of Austin.

The Dallas Morning News - October 20, 1931
View Obituary Clipping

----

PIONEER RESIDENT FROST COMMUNITY DIED HERE SUNDAY

Jess M. Sharp, aged 75 years, native Texas, and pioneer resident of Navarro county, died at the P. & S. Hospital at 1:30 o’clock Sunday morning, following an operation and the funeral was held at the Frost Cemetery Sunday afternoon at 4:30 o’clock, where interment was made.

Mr. Sharp had been making his home here for some time. He had resided in the Frost community for 40 years and recently lived in Dallas. He was one of the best-known residents of West Navarro county.

The funeral services were conducted by Rev. P. Martin Baker, pastor of the Third Avenue Presbyterian church.

Surviving are two daughters, Mrs. Durwood Robinson, Corsicana, and Mrs. John Walston, Dallas; a step-son, George McFadden, Austin, and other relatives, including several brothers who reside in Oklahoma.

The funeral was directed by the Sutherland Funeral Home.

Notes:

• The Corsicana Daily Sun - Monday, Oct, 19, 1931
• Submitted by Diane Richards

George Walter Cray, Sr.
Nov 2, 1853 - Dec 26, 1932

Grandsons Pallbearers At Corsicana Funeral

CORSICANA, Texas, Dec. 27. - George W. Cray, 79, died at the home of his daughter, Mrs. J. V. Heflin, Monday and the funeral was held on Tuesday morning from the Heflin home, with burial in the Frost Cemetery. The funeral services were conducted by the Rev. Mr. Adams, pastor of the Eleventh Avenue Methodist Church.
Mr. Cray was a native of Florida but had resided in Texas since 7 years of age.
Surviving are two sons, C. T. Gray of Tyler and H. C. Cray of Dallas; two daughters, Mrs. Cora Aston of Corsicana and Mrs. Heflin of Corsicana; twenty-one grandchildren, seventeen great-grandchildren and a brother, C. A. Bray of Bellevue.
Pallbearers were the following grandsons: O. E. Barker, R. T. Cray, L. I. Bass, Forrest McLeon, E. D. Cray and Dan C. Aston.

Notes:

• The Dallas Morning News - Dec 28, 1932
• View Obituary Clipping

Mattie H. (Spencer) Sharp-Griggs
Oct 4, 1865 - Feb 18, 1935

Mrs. J. W. Griggs, Italy, Dies at Daughter's Home

ITALY, Texas, Feb. 19. - Mrs. J. W. Griggs, 69, died at the home of her daughter, Mrs. J. C. Pittman, in the Slay community, Monday night after an illness of three weeks. Mrs. Griggs was the daughter of the late Dr. Spencer of Frost and was first married to the late William Sharp. After her first husband's death she was married to J. W. Griggs. She is survived by the following children: J. E. Sharp, Frost; Mrs. A. J. Jordon, Slay; J. W. Sharp, Lamesa; J. C. Sharp, Delano, Cal.; Sam Sharp, Italy Bernard Griggs, Italy; Mrs. J. C. Pittman, Italy; Willis Griggs, Slay; Earl Griggs, Slay, and Mrs. William Rowan, Italy.
She was a member of the First Christian Church at Italy. Funeral services will be held Wednesday afternoon at Frost with burial in the Frost Cemetery.

Notes:

• The Dallas Morning News - Feb 20, 1935

Bruce Gillean

Obituary moved to Bruce Edgar Gillean

Robbie Kyra (English) Kelley
May 18, 1914 - Oct 24, 1954

Mrs. Kelly Dies in Ellis County

ITALY, Texas - Mrs. Alton Kelly, 40, a native of Ellis County, died Sunday at her home near Italy.
Funeral services will be held at 2:30 p.m. Monday at Saxon-Boze-Mitchell funeral chapel here with Leon Frederick, minister of the Italy church of Christ, officiating. Burial will be in the Frost Cemetery.
Mrs. Kelly was a member of the Italy Church of Christ and the Eastern Star.
Surviving are her husband, two daughters, Kyra Kelly and Jane Kelly, both of Italy; parents, Mr. and MRs R. O. English of Frost; three brothers, R. O. English, Jr. of Burkburnett, Wichita County, Carl English of Bynum and Jack English of Hutchins, and four sisters, Mrs. Paul Means and Mrs. E. A. Ruff, both of Dallas, Mrs. J. C. Eddleman of Fort Worth and Mrs. Bob Quaine of Detroit, Mich.

Notes:

• The Dallas Morning News - Oct 25, 1954

---

Mrs. Alton Kelly Expires Sunday
Mrs. Alton Kelly, 40, of Italy died at the home of her parents, Mr. and Mrs. R. O. English, at Frost Sunday following a year's illness.

Funeral services were held from the Italy Church of Christ Monday at 2:30 p.m. with burial in the Frost cemetery. The rites were conducted by Leon Frederick, minister of the Italy Church of Christ of which Mrs. Kelly was a member.

Mrs. Kelly was active in PTA circles, was a Sunday School teacher until ill health required her to give up the class. She was a member of the Frost chapter of the Eastern Star.

Mrs. Kelly was a native of Frost and graduated from Frost High School. She resided in Frost, Milford and Italy communities, and was active in the Home Demonstration Club at Italy.

Surviving are her husband and two daughters, Kyra and Jane Kelly all of Italy; parents, Mr. and Mrs. English, Frost; three brothers, R. O. English, Jr., Burkburnett; Carl English, Bynum, and Jack English, Hutchins; four sisters, Mrs. Paul Means and Mrs. E. A. Ruff, both of Dallas; Mrs. J. C. Eddlemon, Fort Worth, and Mrs. Bob Quaine, Detroit, Mich., and other relatives.

Palllbearers were Doug Commons, Dub Meharg, Marvin Knight, Buck Cockerham and S. H. Fletcher, all of Italy, and Clyde Wilson, Frost.
Saxon-Boze-Mitchell Funeral Home of Italy directed.

Notes:

• The Corsicana Daily Sun - Monday, Oct 25, 1954
• Submitted by Diane Richards

Evelyn (Lynge) Gay
Dec 5, 1919 - Apr 5, 2011

Evelyn Lynge Gay, 91, of Corsicana passed away on Tuesday, April 5, 2011, at Heritage Oaks Retirement Village in Corsicana. She was born on Dec. 5, 1919, in Allen, to Nels and Ettie Morrow Lynge. Evelyn graduated from Plano High School in 1937 and North Texas University in 1941. She taught in Barry, Celina, Emhouse, The State Home, and then in Corsicana at Fannin, Collins, and Drane; retiring in 1984. Evelyn served on the board of Central Texas Teachers Credit Union, and was active in all school organizations. She was a member of Delta Kappa Gamma; retired teachers. Evelyn was preceded in death by her husband of 58 years, Tommie F. Gay. Survivors include Grady and Belinda Hicks and their children, Austin, Mason, and Brianna of Arlington; Doris Lynge and Ron Halverson, and Eric and Aimee Halverson, and their children Hannah and Delainey of Madison, Wis.; Ann and Todd Christian and their children, Austin and Dylan of San Jose, Calf.; John and Joan Morrow and their children, Nicolle, Julie, Megan, and Virginia of Panama City, Fla.; Beth Nickerson and her children Mason and Caroline of Scottsdale, Ariz. Visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m. on Friday, April 8, 2011, at Corley Funeral Home. Graveside services will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, April 9, 2011, in the Garden of Devotion at Restland Memorial Park in Dallas, with the Rev. Don Stockford officiating. Arrangements by Corley Funeral Home, Corsicana.

Notes:

• Corsicana Daily Sun - April 7, 2011

Ronnie Gene Capps
Mar 1, 1955 - Apr 4, 2011

Ronnie Gene Capps, 56, of Richland, passed away Monday, April 4, 2011, at his residence. He was born March 1, 1955, in Corsicana to Jack H. and Mary Lou Capps. Survivors include his wife, Zenaida Capps of Richland; mother, Mary Lou Capps of Richland; son, Jack Capps and wife Noelita of San Diego, Calif.; step-sons, Karlo and Christian; he is also survived by granddaughter, Jackielin Capps. Visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday and Friday at Griffin-Roughton Funeral Home. Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. Saturday, April 9, 2011, at Griffin-Roughton Funeral Home Chapel with Bro. Jeff White officiating. Interment will follow at Richland Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Larry Parr, John Thomas, Tommy Fluker, Larry Dyess, Billy Dyess, and Robert Bruce Baird. Arrangements by Griffin-Roughton Funeral Home, Corsicana.

Notes:

• Corsicana Daily Sun - April 7, 2011

Curtis Eugene Brock
Sep 2, 1943 - Apr 6, 2011

Notes:

• Corsicana Daily Sun - April 7, 2011
• Curtis was the oldest of three children born to Eugene and Jennie Brock. Born while his dad was stationed in San Deigo, Cal. during WWII. After the war, the family moved back to Texas.
  During his high school years, he participated in FFA Rodeos and the football teams. Curtis served in the US Navy during the Vietnam War. He served several Naval Tours in the South China Sea, and North Pacific Ocean.
  Curtis was a heavy equipment contractor for many years, retiring in 2002. He loved his family, nature, travel, and livelong fan of football.
  He is survived by by his son & daughter-in-law, Michael and Tristin Brock of Austin; sister, Linda Brock of Trinidad.

Bettie Mae Davis Burrell
d Apr 2, 2011

Corsicana — Bettie Mae Davis Burrell, 88, formal resident of Corsicana, passed away Saturday, April 2, 2011, at the Balch Springs Nursing Home in Balch Springs. Funeral services will be at 3 p.m. Friday, April 8, 2011, at Grace Temple A.M.E. Church with Pastor Michael Donaldson officiating. Interment will follow at Woodland Memorial Park. Arrangements by Ross and Johnson Mortuary.

Karen Sue (Whitlock) Hoffman
Jul 7, 1948 - Apr 3, 2011

Karen Sue "Mama Sue" Whitlock Hoffman, beloved mother to Robbie, Roni and Nick, passed away at 62-years-of-age at a local hospital at 8:20 a.m. on Sunday, April 3, 2011, due to complications from surgery. Sue's career and passion as a teacher began after she graduated from Tarleton State University and continued until her recent retirement from Lockheed Martin. “Mama Sue” was the most cherished mother, sister, daughter, aunt, and friend. She lived a life of selfless service to her family and friends and sacrificed her life to better the lives of her children. "Sweet Sue" was known to be everyone's best friend and she will be missed greatly by everyone that knew her. Survivors include her children, Robbie and Jennifer Hoffman, Roni and Heath Sechrist, and Nick Hoffman; grandchildren, Caden, Logan and Presley Sechrist, and Brayden and Madison Hoffman; sister, Sandra Whitlock Reeves; brother, Jack Coggins; she is also survived by nieces, Shelia Bentley and Lisa Burch. Visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m. on Wednesday, April 6, 2011, at Greenwood Funeral Home. Funeral services will be at 9:30 a.m. on Thursday, April 7, 2011, at Greenwood Chapel. Interment will follow in Corsicana at Hamilton-Beeman Cemetery. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to The Memorial Fund in Honor of Karen Sue Hoffman at Wells Fargo Bank. This memorial will be used to set up a college fund for her five grandchildren. Arrangements by Greenwood Funeral Home, Fort Worth

Notes:

• Corsicana Daily Sun - April 5, 2011

John Sidney Moore
June 6, 1920 - Apr 3, 2011

John Sidney Moore, 90, was born the oldest of 10 children on June 6, 1920, to Stanford and Dora Moore. He passed away on Sunday, April 3, 2011, at his home. Sidney attended Bryan and Blooming Grove Schools, where he was a star basketball player. He was a proud World War II Veteran. He enlisted in the Army on Jan. 28, 1942, and fought in the Fighting 69th Infantry Division. He was a machine gunner in the Battle of the Bulge and received several medals, including a Bronze Star for bravery. On Nov. 1, 1957, he showed his bravery in another way when he married the love of his life, Ruth Whitener, and acquired three children. Sidney was a true cowboy and only worked at that one vocation all his life. He taught his kids how to hunt, fish, tend cows and play basketball. He faithfully attended Westhill Church of Christ for approximately 53 years. In his later years he kept himself busy tooling around town in his PT Cruiser, picking up pecans, tending his garden and flowers, and collecting old coins and any old antique thing he could find. He was an avid fan of the Dallas Cowboys, Dallas Mavericks, and Texas Rangers and watched them until his last days on the earth. He was an amazing husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, brother, uncle, friend and neighbor to many. He is preceded in death by his parents, Stanford and Dora Moore; brother James; sister, Iva; daughter, Linda Mershawn; and son, Don Whitener. Survivors include his wife of 53 years, Ruth Moore; son, Ray Whitener and wife Nita; grandsons and granddaughters, Jon and Chris Mershawn, Chris Whitener and Jennifer Vailes, Haley Wilson, and Amanda and Zack Carver, and Hillary and Chris Hutto; great-grandsons, Mikey, William, and Matt; brothers and sisters, Alvin Moore, Lewis Moore and wife Barbara, Mary Johnson, Fay Steen, Margaret Jenkins and Stringer, Frances and Rufus Whitener, Molly and Kenneth Southard; he is also survived by a host of nieces and nephews. Visitation will be from 10 a.m. to noon on Wednesday, April 6, 2011, at Griffin-Roughton Funeral Home. Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. Wednesday, April 6, 2011, at Griffin-Roughton Funeral Home Chapel, with Sam Dilbeck officiating. Interment will follow at Dresden Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Jon Mershawn, Chris Whitener, Zack Carver, Eddie Moore, Wayne Price, Stan Jenkins, Teddy Ray Southard. Honorary pallbearers will be Tillman Farrell, Marshall Mahoney, Elwood Farrell, Jimmy Bess, Robert Bess, James Moore, James Chapman, Marvin Price and his nephews. Arrangements by Griffin-Roughton Funeral Home, Corsicana.

Notes:

• Corsicana Daily Sun
• Men and Women in WWII
• WWII Newspaper Clippings
• 1939 BGHS Graduate

Percy Bennamin "Earl" Nowell
Feb 16, 1930 - Apr 1, 2011

Ben E. Nowell, 81, of Corsicana, passed away on Friday, April 1, 2011, at Heritage Oaks Retirement Village surrounded by loved ones. Ben was born on Feb. 16, 1930, in Corsicana to Bennie and Percy Nowell. He graduated from Corsicana High School in 1948, and from Navarro College in 1950. In 1952, Ben received a Bachelor of Science degree in Education from the University of Texas at Austin. He taught history and government for Dallas ISD for 39 years, commuting to Dallas from his hometown of Corsicana where he and his wife raised their two children, Janice and Cindy. In 1968, he completed a Master of Education degree from East Texas State University at Commerce. Mr. Nowell's hobbies included working in his woodshop, gardening, reading, and watching his beloved Texas Longhorns play sports (Hook ‘Em Horns!). He was of Baptist faith and active in the Democratic party. He is preceded in death by his daughter, Janice; his parents; and his sister, Thelma Hayden. Survivors include his loving wife of 58 years, Imogene; daughter, Cindy Nowell and son-in-law Tom Fillio of California; a number of wonderful nieces and nephews; many friends and admirers; he is also survived by his dear pets, Baby, Mama Kitty, Tabby, and Bevo. Visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, April 5, 2011, at Corley Funeral Home. Services will be held at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, April 6, 2011, at Corley funeral Home Chapel with Dr. Gary Johnson officiating. Interment will follow at Oakwood Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Roy Bullock, Robert Keele, Lee Keele, Tracy Keele, Ben Hayden, and Tom Fillio. Arrangements by Corley Funeral Home, Corsicana.

Notes:

• Corsicana Daily Sun - Apr 4, 2011

Edwin Allan Knight
Jan 27, 1936 - April 2, 2011

Mr. Edwin Allan Knight, 75, of Rockdale, passed away Saturday, April 2, 2011, at his residence.  

He was born Jan. 27, 1936, in Streetman to Erlene and Allan Knight. He was a member of Meadowbrook Baptist Church in Rockdale and a member of Winkler Masonic Lodge #826. He was also a lifetime member of the VFW, having served in the U.S. Navy during the Korean War.

Survivors include his wife, Mary A. Knight; sons, James Allan Knight, and Carl Glenn Knight and wife Sandra; daughter, Deborah Knight Curry; grandchildren, Misti Dawn Bush, James Allan Knight Jr., Austin Glenn Knight, Sarah Jane Knight, and Heather Knight; great-grandchildren, Elizabeth Ashley Shelton, Deanah Bush, and Railey Edwin Bush; brothers, Richard C. Knight and wife Ruthie, and Jimmy Knight and wife Charm; she is also survived by a sister, Sarah Jane Knight.

Graveside services were held at 2 p.m. Monday, April 4, 2011, at Birdston Cemetery in Streetman with Dr. Elton McCann officiating.

Pallbearers were Richard Knight, Terry Knight, Kelly Knight, Charles Knight, Bud Minze and Benny Pillans.

The family requests that memorials be made to Meadowbrook Baptist Church at 1401 Colorado Ave., Rockdale, TX 76567; Landmark Missionary Baptist Church at S. Wilcox St., Rockdale, TX 76567; or Winkler Masonic Lodge #826, Winkler, TX.

Arrangements by Corley Funeral Home, Corsicana.

Notes:

• Corsicana Daily Sun - Apr 4, 2011

James Dwain Berry
Oct 22, 1926 - Apr 7, 2011

James Dwain Berry, 84 of Mineral Wells, passed away Thursday, April 7, 2011 at Palo Pinto Nursing and Rehab in Mineral Wells. He was born October 22, 1926 in Dawson. He was a member of the Church of Christ and was retired from the Postal Service.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Mary Beth Berry; parents, Horace and Lurine Lyles Berry; and sister, Bernice Berry.

Mr. Berry is survived by his son Mark Berry and wife Cheryl of Mineral Wells; daughter Jera Chaney and husband Mickey of New Braunfels; sister, Joyce Westbrook of Irving; and brother Clint Berry and wife Jean of Waldorf, Maryland; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held from 6:00 to 8:00 PM Saturday, April 9, 2011 at Corley Funeral Home. Graveside services will be at 2:30 PM on Sunday, April 10, 2011 at Dawson Cemetery with Mr. Brian Reagan officiating.

Edward Bozzell Lowrey, MD
April 25, 1869 - Sep 10, 1952

Dr. E. B. Lowrey, Blooming Grove, Is Fatally Shot

BLOOMING GROVE, Sept. 10—(Spl.)—Dr. E. B. Lowery, 83, prominent retired physician, was found dead in his home here Wednesday shortly before 11 a. m.

A charge from a .410 gauge pistol had entered above the left ear. Judge J. W. Sheppard of Corsicana, said, and a gun was found in his hand.

The coroner returned a verdict of "death from gunshot wounds self-inflicted." Judge Sheppard said the doctor was lying on the floor of a bedroom with a pillow under his head.

Surviving are his wife of Blooming Grove and several children step-children and other relatives.

Funeral arrangements were incomplete early Wednesday after noon, but the rites will be held at the Methodist church here Thursday afternoon with burial in Oakwood cemetery in Corsicana.

McCormick Funeral Service will direct.

Notes:

• The Corsicana Daily Sun - Wednesday, September 10, 1952

• Submitted by Diane Richards

--

Dr. E. B. Lowery Funeral Rites Held Thursday

Funeral services for Dr. E. B. Lowery, 83, prominent retired physician, who was found dead at his home in Blooming Grove Wednesday, were held from the First Methodist church in Blooming Grove Thursday at 2 p.m.

The rites were conducted by Rev. Pat Brown, pastor. Burial was in Oakwood cemetery in Corsicana.

A native of Mississippi, Dr. Lowery was the son of a minister-physician. He had resided in Texas since six years of age and began the practice of medicine in Navarro County more than a half century ago. He practiced medicine in Roane, Bazette, Corsicana and Blooming Grove prior to his retirement a number of years ago.

Judge J. W. Sheppard of Corsicana returned a coroner's verdict of “death from gunshot wounds, self-inflicted.”

Surviving are his wife of Blooming Grove, Two daughters, Mrs. George Blankinship, Gardena, Cal., and Mrs. Rom Ransom, Dallas; a son, Aubrey Lowery, Pennsylvania; six grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren and other relatives.

Pallbearers were T. M. Sewell, Miller Reid, Clyde Hollingsworth, R. C. Smith, W. A. Crawford, Gordon Page and Arthur Garrison, all of Blooming Grove; Bert Sissom, Corsicana and Pope Estes, Roane.

McCormick Funeral Service directed.

Notes:

• The Corsicana Daily Sun - Thurs., Sep. 11, 1952
• Submitted by Diane Richards

Emily (Parrish) Bacon-Polley-Odom
Oct 15, 1917 - Apr 7, 2011

Corsicana — Emily Parrish Odom, 93, of Dawson, went to be with her Lord  on Thursday, April 7, 2011, at a Waco hospital.  Funeral services were held at 1 p.m. on Saturday, April 9, 2011, at First Baptist Church of Dawson with the Rev. Les Mantonya officiating. Interment followed at Dawson Cemetery.  Arrangements by Wade Funeral Home, Hubbard.

Notes:

• The Corsicana Daily Sun - Saturday, Apr 9, 2011
• Submitted by Diane Richards

Benjamin Franklin Dozier
Oct 5, 1868 - Jun 28, 1911

TOOK HIS OWN LIFE.

      _______________

B. F. Dozier, a Prosperous Blooming Grove Farmer, Commits Rash Act

About 8 o'clock Wednesday morning Ben F. Dozier, who lived two miles north of Blooming Grove, drank an ounce of carbolic acid and was dead in twelve minutes.

The deceased sent to Blooming Grove the day before and got the drug, saying that  he wanted to sprinkle it about his room. Mr. Dozier's health had not been good for some weeks, and he had been confined to his home most of that time. On the morning named and at the hour stated, breakfast was announced, and the deceased insisted that the family go to breakfast, saying that he wished to be alone. As soon as all were out of the room he sprang from his bed and drank every drop of the deadly drug. Hearing an unusual noise in the room the family rushed in and instantly discovered the empty bottle. They endeavored to get the unfortunate man to take an antidote, but he fought the family from him; and in twelve minutes fell dead.

The deceased was one of the most substantial men in that section, owning three or four good farms. He was about forty years old and leaves a wife and four children. The remains were interred in the neighborhood cemetery yesterday and the tragic deed has cast a gloom over the entire community.

Notes:

• The Corsicana Daily Sun - Friday, June 30, 1911

• Submitted by Diane Richards

• Lone Oak Cemetery, Blooming Grove, Navarro Co., TX

Amanda Texana (Barnett) Germany
Aug 13, 1854  -  Apr 30, 1916

Died In Blooming Grove.

Mrs. Germany, widow of the late Fate Germany, died in Blooming Grove yesterday and the remains were interred at Frost this afternoon. The deceased was 65 years of age and is survived by two sons, Joe B. Germany of the Grove, and Sam Germany of Frost.

Notes:

• The Corsicana Daily Sun - Monday, May 1, 1916

• Submitted by Diane Richards
• Frost Cemetery, Frost, Navarro Co., TX

Melba (Moseley) Wilbanks
July 5, 1925 - Apr 10, 2011

Melba Moseley Wilbanks,  85, of Trinidad went to be with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Sunday, April 10, 2011, at the East Texas Medical Center of Athens. She was born on July 5, 1925 in Henderson County to parents, Owen and Annie Moseley. Melba was a faithful and loving wife, mother, and grandmother, who will greatly missed! She served by her husband's side serving the Lord through their pastorate of many churches throughout Texas for more than 60 years, her singing and piano talents were a great part of her ministry. Melba was a longtime member of Calvary Baptist Church of Trinidad. She is preceded in death by her youngest son, James Hardy Wilbanks in 1970, who gave his life protecting the freedoms of this country which we still enjoy today; parents, Owen and Annie Moseley; and brothers, Billy Charles and T.C. Moseley. Survivors include her husband of sixty-eight years, the Rev. Joe Wilbanks of Trinidad; sons, Billy Joe Wilbanks and his wife Shelia of Trinidad, and Jerry Wilbanks and his wife Jan of Dallas; she was blessed with seven grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; six great-great grandchildren; sister-in-law, Margaret Moseley; she is also survived by many nieces, nephews, cousins, and a host of friends. Visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, April 12, 2011, at Corley Funeral Home. Graveside services in celebration of Melba's life will be held at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, April 13, 2011, at Oakwood Cemetery with the Rev. Charlie E. Woodard and the Rev. Jim Bob Farmer officiating. Memorial contributions may be made to either Jacksonville College, 105 B.J. Albritton Drive, Jacksonville, TX  75766, the American Heart Association, or the Alzheimer's Foundation. Arrangements by Corley Funeral Home, Corsicana.

• The The Corsicana Daily Sun - Tuesday, April 12, 2010
• Submitted by Karen Rost

Sarah Lucy “Sallie” (Pruitt) Wood-Seale
May 1, 1886 - Mar 21, 1975

Mrs. Seale

BLOOMING GROVE - Funeral services were held Saturday at Bradley Funeral Home for Mrs. Sallie Seale, 90, with burial in Rose Hill Cemetery here.

Surviving are one son and one daughter.

Notes:

• The Corsicana Daily Sun - Sunday, March 23, 1975

• Submitted by Diane Richards

Jennie May “Babe” (Wood) Bell
Sep 9, 1903 - Oct 10, 1959

Mrs. Bell Of Emhouse Dies
Mrs. Claude Bell, 56, of Emhouse, died in the Navarro Clinic Saturday night.
Funeral services were held Monday at 2 p.m. from the First Baptist church in Emhouse with burial in the Pattison cemetery.
The rites were conducted by Rev. C. Roy Watson, pastor.
Surviving are her husband of Emhouse; mother, Mrs. Sallie Seale, Kerens; two brothers, Earl Wood, Rosenberg, and Joe F. Wood, U. S. Army; two sisters, Mrs. A. J. Kelly, Refugio and Mrs. Ellen Thompson, Victoria.
Pallbearers were Frank Seely, Frank Seely, Jr.; Lee Mahoney, Tate Brown, Billy Bell and Horace McAdams.
Corley directed.

• Notes:
  
  The Corsicana Daily Sun - Monday, October 12, 1959
• Submitted by Diane Richards

Syble Merlene (Smith) Harris
May 24, 1932 - April 10, 2011

Syble Merlene Harris, 78, of Corsicana passed away Sunday, April 10, 2011.

She was born May 24, 1932 in Paris, Texas to Wesley Smith and Clara Jetton Smith. Syble is preceded in death by her parents, Wesley and Clara Smith; brothers, Ralph Smith, Joe Smith, Billy Smith and Jack Smith; sisters, Orvil Hibben and Mae Caviness; and by his sons, Tim Smith and Mark Smith and grandson, Tim Smith Jr.

Survivors include her husband Clint Harris of Corsicana; children, Roger (Dugan) Smith and wife Pat of Waxahachie, James Weldon Smith and Diane of Dallas, Terry Don Smith and wife Pat of Midlothian, Tommy Harris and wife Laura of North Carolina and Teressa Turner and husband Roscoe of Rockett; 15 grandchildren; 15 great grandchildren; brothers, Charles Ray Smith of Waxahachie and Jimmy Smith of Dallas; sisters, Bobby Robins of Irving, Louise Feazell of Euless and Janice Moreland of Plano; and plenty to love for too many nieces and nephews to count.

Visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, April 12, 2011, at Griffin-Roughton Funeral Home.

Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday, April 13, 2011, at Griffin-Roughton Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Tony Neal officiating. Interment will follow at Hopewell Cemetery, Navarro. Pallbearers will be Chad Smith of Dallas, James Smith of Dallas, Wess Smith of College Station, Steven Smith of Dallas, Rene' Barcenas of Kerens, Casey Praytor of Cedar Creek, and Brent Hooper of Alabama.

Arrangements by Griffin-Roughton Funeral Home, Corsicana.
 

Notes:

• The Corsicana Daily Sun - Tuesday, April 12, 2011
• Submitted by Diane Richards

Harliee Beldin
Died March 13, 2011

Loved forever and never forgotten, Harliee Beldin, 5, was a sweet precious angel. She left to be with the Lord on Sunday, March 13, 2011. Harliee will always have a special place in our hearts. She has left behind a big family that will miss her dearly. Survivors include her mother and step-father, Brandi Beldin and T.J. Bennett; father and step-mother, Clayton Beldin and Megan Brown; maternal grandparents, Donald and Tammi Lamb, and Todd and Vicky Bennett; paternal grandparents, Robert and Vicky Lee; five sisters, Autumn Furtek, Skylar Furtek, Madison Beldin, Chloe Beldin, and Nirvanna Bennett; four brothers, Lance Beldin, Jordon Livingston, Kevin Beldin, and Robert Beldin; eight uncles, Richard Wiese, Robert Hollaway, Derek Lamb, Brandon Hollaway, Travis Beldin, Tommy Horn, Scott Beldin, and Gregory Jarmin; six aunts, Brandi Wiese, Heather Lamb, Lisa Hollaway, Carrie Hollaway, April Horn, and Jessica Horn; she is also survived by numerous cousins, and other family members. Harliee Beldin will always be loved and missed forever. Visitation was held from 7 to 9 p.m. on Friday, March 18, 2011, at Ross and Johnson Mortuary. Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, March 19, 2011, at the Calvary Worship Center with Pastor Gary Johnson officiating. Interment followed at the Hamilton-Beeman Cemetery. Pallbearers were Robert Holloway, Derrick Lamb, Tommy Horn, and Gregory Jarman. Arrangements by Ross and Johnson Mortuary.

Notes:

• The Corsicana Daily Sun - Saturday, March 19, 2011
• Submitted by Karen Rost
   

Dana Rose (Arnett) Elliott-Bonner
Nov 25, 1926 - March 15, 2011
 

Dana Arnett Elliott Bonner, 84, of Corsicana, passed away peacefully at her home surrounded by her daughters, on Tuesday, March 15, 2011. She was born on Nov. 25, 1926, to Frank and Lena Arnett in Corsicana. After graduating from Corsicana High School in 1943, Dana was employed with Southwestern Bell Telephone Company. In 1945 she married Nathan Elliott in Corsicana. To this union three daughters were born. The family lived in Carthage and Grapeland where many lifelong friendships were made. Nathan passed away in 1963 and Dana returned to Corsicana with her young daughters and later continued her employment with Southwestern Bell. In 1975, she married Lowell Bonner. After their retirement they enjoyed spending time with their grandchildren and great grandchildren. As Lowell's health began to fail, she cared for him until his death in 2007. Dana was affectionately know as “Memaw.” She was a talented seamstress and homemaker and enjoyed watching the Texas Rangers. Her home was always a gathering place for friends and family. She was a longtime member of St. Luke's United Methodist Church. She is preceded in death by her first husband, Nathan Elliott, and second husband, Lowell Bonner; sister, Oleta Raney; brother, James Arnett; and granddaughter, Laurie Pillans Horn. Survivors include her daughter and son in law, Carolyn and Gary M. Pillans of Corsicana; daughter, Georgia Elliott of Corsicana; daughter, Tina Carroll of Savannah, Tenn.; grandchildren, Cindy Pillans Pair, Brian Pillans and wife Danielle, all of Corsicana, Leslie Carroll, Natalie Carroll and Bradie Carroll of Waco; great grandchildren, Holly, Brooke, Nate, Drew and Riley Pair; Ryan and Hunter Pillans, Addison Burk Pillans, all of Corsicana; Hannah Carroll and Landon Oliver of Waco, and Ashley Horn and Tommy Horn of Corsicana; sister and best friend, Joann Tomlin of Corsicana; brother and sister in law, Roy and Jeanie Arnett of Corsicana; sister-in-laws, Frances Perry of Corsicana and Roberta Johnson of Des Moines, Iowa; special cousins, Doris Bonner, Norma Watkins, Margaret Arnett, Sandra Johnson and Linda Prewitt; numerous nieces and nephews. The family would like to give a special thanks to caregiver and friend Regina Brookins, Angels At Home and Hospice of Cedar Lake. Visitation was held Thursday, March 17, 2011, at Griffin-Roughton Funeral Home. Services will be 11 a.m. Friday, March 18, 2011, at Griffin-Roughton Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Bruce Carpenter of Saint Luke's United Methodist Church officiating. Interment will follow at Hamilton-Beeman Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Benny Pillans, James Gary Pillans, Ken Authier, Bob McConnell, David Fondren and Michael Whisenant. Arrangements by Griffin-Roughton Funeral Home, Corsicana.

Notes:

• The Corsicana Daily Sun - Thursday, Mar 17, 2011
• w/o Nathan Elliott and Lowell Bonner; d/o Frank Arnett & Lena Arnett

Norman Timothy "Tim" Niles
May 31, 1953 - Mar 15, 2011

Norman Timothy Niles, 57, of Corsicana, passed away March 15, 2011. He was born May 31, 1953, in Waco to Kenneth and Enelda Niles. Survivors include his wife, Marla D. Niles of Corsicana; parents, Kenneth and Enelda Niles of Waco; children, Elizabeth Niles Massey of Fort Worth, Kathryn Niles Reynolds and husband Kerry of Saginaw, John H. Niles and wife Jennifer of North Richland Hills; step children, Billy Meskimen and wife Mikah of Frost, Marcus Meskimen and wife Elizabeth of Waco; sisters, Jamie Rogers of Morgan, Debbie Golden and husband David of Waco; brother, Ken Niles and wife Candy of Baytown; grandchildren, Christopher Reynolds, Kaylee Reynolds, Kourtney Reynolds, Ashlyn Massey, Joshua Massey; step grandchildren, Elizabeth Meskiman, Aiden Meskimen, Marcus Meskimen Jr.; numerous nieces, nephews and great nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by a brother-in-law, Ross Rogers. Visitation will be 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, March 18, 2011, at Griffin-Roughton Funeral Home. Services will be 10 a.m. Saturday, March 19, 2011, at Griffin-Roughton Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Donald Hintzee officiating. Interment will follow at Frost Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Randall Rogers, Charles Golden, Scott Stafford, James Orr, Rusty Steed, and John Lyman. Honorary pallbearers will be Ken Niles, David Golden, Kevin Robinson, Bob Lyman, and Alvin Smith. Arrangements by Griffin-Roughton Funeral Home, Corsicana.

Notes:

• h/o Marla Dee (Meador) Meskimen-Niles - s/o Kenneth Niles & Enelda Niles
• The Corsicana Daily Sun - Thursday, March 17, 2011