August 2007 Obituary

Cherokee County, Texas

OBITUARIES AUGUST 2007

August 1, 2007

Virginia Inez “Ginger” Barber

Graveside services for Virginia Inez “Ginger” Barber, 86, of Jacksonville, will be held at 10 a.m. Wednesday, Aug. 1, 2007 with the Rev. Michael Lewis officiating under the direction of Autry Funeral Home, Jacksonville. Burial will be held at Resthaven Memorial Park.

Mrs. Barber died Sunday, July 29, 2007 in Jacksonville. She was born Dec. 29, 1920 in Cameron. She spent most of her adult life as a homemaker and a legal secretary. She was a member of First Christian Church and was the churches first woman Elder.

She was a dedicated member of the PTA, Pink Ladies Auxillary of ETMC and the Hyperion Study Club.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Owen Dewey and Louisa Kuhn Weems; husband, Lincoln Barber, Jr.; son, Lincoln Barber III; daughter, Ginny Barber Dumond; grandson, David Barber; and sister, Marjorie Weems.

Survivors include her sons and daughters-in-law, Bruce and Brenda Barber of Bullard, Steve and Kathi Barber of Arlington and Craig and Lana Barber of Jacksonville; 10 grandchildren and their spouses, Grant and Afton Barber, Jennifer and Chad Long, Brandi and Anthony Katagas, Rick and Stephanie Lundrum, Lance and Michelle Morton, Casey and Clayton Kennington, Leigh and Charles Christie, Lincoln Barber IV, Matthew Dumond, Stacey and Bill Anderson; eight great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.

Honorary pallbearers will include Grant Barber, Chad Long, Anthony Katagas, Rick Lundrum, Lance Morton, Clayton Kennington, Charles Christie, Lincoln Barber IV, Matthew Dumond and Bill Anderson.

Visitation will be held Tuesday, July 31, 2007 from 6-7:30 p.m. at Autry Funeral Home. Memorials may be sent to The First Christian Church, 1920 Beaumont Street, Jacksonville, Tx. 75766.

Deboria Hinton

Funeral Services for Deboria Hinton, 52, of Dallas, formerly of Jacksonville, will be held at 1 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 2 in Sweet Union Baptist Church with Bishop Ezra O’neal officiating under the direction of Mercy-McGowan Funeral Home. Burial will be at Larissa Cemetery.

Viewing will be Wednesday from 10 a.m. until 7 p.m. The family will receive friends from 7-8 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home.

Services for Loudene Williamson, 85, of Jacksonville, are pending with Autry Funeral Home of Jacksonville. Ms. Williamson died Tuesday, July 31, 2007, in Jacksonville.

Gladys Moffett

Services for Gladys Moffett, 77, of Amarillo, will be held at 4 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 2 at Salem Cemetery in Rusk.

Moffett died Tuesday, July 31, 2007.

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August 2, 2007

Collin Carroll

Funeral services for Collin Carroll, 21, of Rusk have been set for Saturday, Aug. 4, 2007, at the First Baptist Church in Rusk with Rev. Lee Welch and Rev. Jim Goforth officiating. Burial will follow in Cedar Hill cemetery under the direction of Autry Funeral Home.

Mr. Carroll was born in Tyler on Aug. 1, 1985. He died in Liberia on July 29, 2007. He was a dental coordinator with Mercy Ships International, a member of the First Baptist Church in Rusk, a 2003 graduate of Rusk High School, a 2006 graduate of Texas A & M University and a member of the 12th Man Alumni of A & M. He was preceded in death by his grandfathers, Paul Meador and Arlon Carroll.

Survivors include his parents, Jeff and Sandy Carroll of Rusk; sister, Carmen Carroll of Rusk, sister and brother-in-law, Courtney and Stephen Brooks of Bullard; nephew Jeffrey Carter Brooks; grandmothers Ruth Meador and Loma Carroll both of Rusk.

Visitation will begin on Friday, Aug. 3, 2007, with family receiving friends from 6 to 8 p.m. at the First Baptist Church in Rusk.

Loudene “Mickey” Lee Williamson

Funeral services for Loudene “Mickey” Lee Williamson, 85, of Jacksonville will be held Friday, Aug. 3, 2007 at 10 a.m. at Autry Funeral Home Chapel with John Cole officiating. Burial will follow at Jarratt Cemetery.

Mrs. Williamson died Tuesday, July 31, 2007 in Jacksonville. She was born on Aug. 26, 1921 in Cherokee County.

She retired from the Beall’s General office where she worked in the accounting department. She was a member of the Agape Christian Fellowship Church.

Mrs. Williamson was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Everet Eugene “Geno” Williamson; and Sisters Helen Henderson and Jimmie Danner.

Survivors include daughter and son-in-law Leslie “Cris” and Shannon R. McManus; son and daughter-in-law, Tomas and Linda Manchaca; sisters and brothers-in-law, Nan “Ruth” Pierce, Preston “Annie” and Bill Lacey, Nola “Bitsy” and Gerald Choate; grandchildren, Joyce Manchaca and Jasen Ben Manchaca; adopted son, Mark Stephen “John” Hayes; a very special friend in her heart, Daryl Whitehead; numerous nieces and nephews.

Pallbearers will be Jimmy Dean Weatherly, Jim Hamblet, Shannon Murphrey, Don McManus, Scott Turner, and Tracey Turner. Honorary pallbearers will be Curtis Hudson, Stephen Weatherly, and Eric Murphrey.

Visitation will begin on Thursday, Aug. 2, 2007 with family receiving friends from 6-8 p.m. at the funeral home.

Obituaries for August 1, 2007

Virginia Inez “Ginger” Barber

Services for Gladys Moffett, 77, of Amarillo, will be held at 4 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 2 at Salem Cemetery in Rusk.

Moffett died Tuesday, July 31, 2007.

Obituaries for August 2, 2007

Collin Carroll

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August 3, 2007

Kate Herring Durrett

Funeral services for Kate Herring Durrett, 99, of Jacksonville are set for Saturday, August 4, 2007 at 10 a.m. at Autry Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. James Blaylock officiating. Burial will follow at Mount Comfort Cemetery.

Mrs. Durrett was born on July 21, 1908 in New Hope, she passed away on August 1, 2007 in Jacksonville.

She was a homemaker and a Baptist.

Mrs. Durrett was preceded in death by her parents Joseph and Ella Davis Herring, her husband Carl Durrett, daughter Glynn Tankersley, three sons-in-law Gene Tankersley, David Josey and Charles Lowe, grandsons and Rusty and Edward Durrett, four sisters and five brothers.

Survivors include one son and daughter-in-law Jerry and Eva Durrett of Wills Point, two daughters and son-in-law; Janice Lowe, Cypress and Betty and Ralph Sayers, Anahuac, Il., 11 grandchildren, Danny Josey, Kevin Tankersley, Chyrl Lowe Brhlik, David Lowe, Deborah Vandel, Kathy Chambliss, Randy, Ralph and Scott Sayers, Sandra Messer and Keith Durrett; 23 great-grandchildren and 9 great-great-grandchildren, two sisters-in-law; Eddie Jowel, Jacksonville and Geri Herring, Tyler and several nieces and nephews.

Pallbearers will be grandsons.

Visitation will begin on Friday, August 3, 2007 with family receiving friends from 6-8 p.m. at the funeral home.

Mable Yancey

Services for Mable Yancey, 92, of Kilgore will be at 10 a.m., Saturday, August 4, 2007 at the Rader Funeral Home Chapel with the Reverend David Hampton and Reverend Kelly Brian officiating. Burial will follow in the Tecula Cemetery, north of Jacksonville, Texas. Mrs. Yancey died Wednesday, August 1, 2007 in Tyler.

She was born November 23, 1914 in Jacksonville, Texas. Mrs. Yancey grew up in the Tecula area. She and her husband moved to Kilgore in 1936. Mrs. Yancey was a homemaker and took pride in her canning abilities. She enjoyed fishing, gardening and quilting. Mrs. Yancey was a pleasant person who always had a smile regardless of the conditions. Mrs. Yancey is survived by two daughters, Freda Mitchell of Liberty City and Kathy Stewart of Kilgore; three sons, Kenneth Yancey of Kilgore, Dennis Yancey of Kilgore, Delwyn Yancey of Norman, Oklahoma; one brother, Homer White of Tecula, Texas; 13 grandchildren; 21 great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.

The family will receive friends at Rader Funeral Home Friday evening between 6-8 p.m.

Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of East Texas, 4111 University Boulevard, Tyler, Texas 75701.

Please leave online condolences www.raderfuneralhome.com

Earnest Lum Dennis

Services for Earnest Lum Dennis, 64, of Dallas, formerly of Jacksonville, will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 4, at Sweet Union Baptist Church, with the Rev. Michael Hollie, the Rev. Ray Baker and the Rev. Royce Dennis officiating.

Burial will be at Pine Grove Cemetery, under the direction of Community Funeral Home of Jacksonville.

Mr. Dennis died Wednesday, Aug. 1, at a Dallas hospital. He was born May 21, 1943, in Jacksonville. He attended JISD and trade school. He also attended New Generation AME Church. He was a laborer and a truck driver.

The family will receive friends and visitors at the funeral home from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday, Aug. 3.

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August 5, 2007

Jewel McGaha

Services for Jewel McGaha, 93, of Jacksonville, will be 2 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 5, at Sweet Union Baptist Church, with the Rev. William Earl Franklin officiating. Burial will be at Jacksonville City Cemetery, under the direction of Williams Funeral Home.

Mrs. McGaha died Wednesday, Aug. 1, 2007, in Jacksonville. She was born June 8, 1914, in Cherokee County. She attended Green Chapel Public School and Rock Hill Baptist Church of Cuney.

Allen Bentle

Funeral services for Allen Bentle, 47, of Frankston were held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 4, 2007 at Hilltop Baptist Church, Berryville, with the Rev. Shane Morgan and Rev. Ron Ivy officiating under the direction of Thompson Funeral Home, Frankston. Burial was held at Liberty Hill Cemetery, Frankston.

Mr. Bentle died Monday, July 30, 2007 at his residence. He was born Dec. 11, 1959 in Eunice, New Mexico.

Visitation was Friday Aug. 3, 2007, from 6-8 p.m. in the funeral home.

Obituaries for August 6, 2007 Jacksonville Progress

Helen Hollard Kelsay

Funeral services for Helen Holland Kelsay, 95, of Jacksonville, are pending at Thompson Funeral Home, Jacksonville. Burial will be held at Resthaven Memorial Park, Jacksonville. Mrs. Kelsay died Aug. 4, 2007 in Pittsburg, Tx.

Elena Rivera de Duran

Funeral Mass for Elena Rivera de Duran, 87, of Jacksonville, will be held at 2 p.m. Tuesday Aug. 7, 2007 at Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic Church, Jacksonville with Father Freddy C. Penaloza officiating under the direction of Thompson Funeral Home, Jacksonville. Burial will be held at Meador Cemetery, Jacksonville.

Mrs. Duran died Aug. 4, 2007 at the Hospice of East Texas, Tyler. She was born Sept. 28, 1919 in Barcelona, Durango, Mexico.

She was a homemaker and committed Catholic.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Macedonio Duran and son, Adolfo Duran.

Survivors include her sons, Daniel Duran of Mexico and Roberto Duran of Jacksonville; daughters, Maria de Jesus Ortiz of Jacksonville and Rosalinda Duran also of Jacksonville; 22 grandchildren and numerous great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren.

Visitation will be held from 6-8 p.m. with a Rosary at 7 p.m. at the funeral home in Jacksonville.

Pamela Hollard Meek

Pamela Lynn Meek, 41, of Rockwall, passed away Aug. 4, 2007. She was born Nov. 8, 1965, in Austin to Jerry and Virginia (Glass) Meek. Pamela was a member of First Presbyterian Church in Tyler.

She is survived by her mother and stepfather, Virginia and Billy Hagen of Rockwall; father, Jerry L. Meek and wife Paula of Austin; sister, Julie Smirl and husband Cody; brother, David Meek and wife Jenice; grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. S.J. Richey of Tyler; three nieces and one nephew. She was preceded in death by grandparents Everett and Marguerite Glass and grandfather William Meek.

The family will receive friends at Rest Haven Funeral Home-Rockwall Chapel Monday evening from 6-8 p.m. Funeral services will be held 2 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 7, 2007, at Autry Funeral Home in Jacksonville. Dr. Stuart Baskin will officiate. Interment will be in Union Grove Cemetery in Jacksonville. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Diabetes Association.

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August 7, 2007

Helen Holland Kelsay

Funeral services for Helen Holland Kelsay, 95, of Jacksonville, will be held at 10 a.m. Wednesday, Aug. 8, 2007 at Thompson Funeral Home Chapel, Jacksonville, with Phil Smith, Jack Holland, and Vicki Ford officiating. Burial will follow at Resthaven Memorial Park, Jacksonville.

Mrs. Kelsay died Saturday, Aug. 4, 2007 in Pittsburg, Texas. She was born May 4, 1912 in El Paso. She was a homemaker and member of Central Baptist Church, Jacksonville.

Mrs. Kelsay was a charter member of Thaddeus Beall Chapter of the National Society of Daughters of the American Revolution, a member of the Jacksonville Garden Club, Embroidery Guild, and graduate of Okenobo O’Hara School of Japanese Flower Arranging.

She was preceded in death by her husband Col. J. D. Kelsay whom she married in 1936. Survivors include son Andrew Jack Kelsay and wife Marion of Winnsboro; one granddaughter, Jana S. Stephenson of Midlothian, Virginia; four great grandchildren; two step grandchildren Vincent Cremeans of Carrollton and Leanne Cremeans of Emory; niece Jan Salvato of South Carolina and many loved cousins.

Pallbearers and honorary pallbearers are Jack Holland, Bill DeWeese, Max Odom, Jack Kelsay, Vincent Cremeans, Ben Sage, Bill Ingram, and Wade Stephenson.

Visitation will be from 9 a.m. until service time Wednesday, Aug. 8, 2007 at Thompson Funeral Home, Jacksonville.

Willie Edmundson

Funeral services for Willie Edmundson, 71, of Jacksonville are set for Wednesday, Aug. 8, 2007 at 10 a.m. at Autry Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Ron Hart officiating. Burial will follow at Pierces Chapel Cemetery.

Mrs. Edmundson was born on Feb. 24, 1936 in Jacksonville. She passed away on Aug. 5, 2007 in Jacksonville.

She was a an LVN and retired from Birmingham Nursing Home in Rusk, and she attended New Life Church, Sacul.

Mrs. Edmundson was preceded in death her husband, Alfred “Snook” Edmundson; son, Terry Lee Edmundson; granddaughter, Melinda Edmundson; sister, Linda Smith; and father, William Martin Seeton.

Survivors include her mother, Alice Patterson Seeton; two sons and a daughter-in-law, Harold and Judith Edmundson, Chino, California, and Martin Edmundson, Eureka, California; five grandchildren and one great-grandson; four brothers and two sisters-in-law, Roger and Becky Seeton of Jacksonville, Larry Seeton of Texas City, Richard and Linda Seeton of Houston and Ronnie Seeton of Arlington; four sisters and a brother-in-law; Lucille Herrington, Jo Ann Pollock, Patsy Smith all of Jacksonville and Connie and Donald Klyng, Lamarque of Texas; several nieces and nephews including nephew and spouse, Kevin and Jennifer Herrington and great-nephew, George Herrington.

Pallbearers will be David Edmundson, Mike Edmundson, Seeton Pollock, Trevor Seeton, Chris Marshall and Donnie Klyng. Honorary pallbearer will be Mike Smith.

Visitation will begin on Tuesday, Aug. 7, 2007 with family receiving friends from 6-8 p.m. at the funeral home.

Eva Mae Cummins

Memorial services for Eva Mae Cummins, 89, of Rusk are scheduled for a later date.

Mrs. Cummins died Aug., 2007 in a Rusk nursing home. She was born May 12, 1918 in Salado, Arkansas to the late Earl and Zenobia Pearce Reichardt.

She was a resident of Rusk since the 1970s. She was a Baptist and a homemaker.

She is preceded in death by her husband Ezra Cummins in 2001. Survivors include her son Michael Cummins and wife Melinda Moses of Houston; three grandchildren, Michael Cummins Jr., Bonita Cummins, Bryon Cummins and three great grandchildren.

Judge James Long

Services will be held at 3 p.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 8, 2007, at Rusk First United Methodist Church for Judge James Long, 89, a native of Rusk who passed away at his home on Saturday, Aug. 5. The Rev. Michael Caldwell will officiate, with graveside services following at Cedar Hill Cemetery in Rusk.

James Barley Long was born on July 12, 1918 and was preceded in death by his loving and caring wife of 68 years, Edith Lynn Martin Long who died on Sept. 22, 2006; parents, James Howell and Edna Barley Long; an infant son, James Lynn, and his sister Lucille Long Heard.

He is survived by son, Martin Duane Long and wife Roberta of Fulshear; grandsons, Robert Duane Long and wife Julie of Fulshear; and Ronald Bryan Long of St. Pete Beach, Florida; great-grandson Travis Bennett Long of Fulshear; nephew Dan Howell Heard of Richardson and niece Kahlan Heard Farrell of Lago Vista.

James grew up on a farm south of Rusk in the depression years and then went on to become a member of the “greatest generation” with service in the U S. Navy during World War II. He served as a chief petty officer in the South Pacific theater, participating in several campaigns including the invasion of Okinawa in April, 1945. James had a successful career in the construction business for almost 35 years before retiring and returning to his hometown of Rusk in the early 1980s. After his retirement he served the community as Mayor of Rusk for six years, and was most recently serving as Rusk Municipal Court Judge, a position he held for the past 12 years.

James was a member of Rusk First United Methodist Church. He was Master Mason in Euclid No. 45 Lodge and a member of the Scottish Rite for over 50 years.

The family will welcome visitors from 6-8 p.m., Tuesday, Aug. 7, at Wallace-Thompson Funeral Home in Rusk.

Pallbearers are Duane Long, Robert Long and son Travis, Ron Long, Neill Holcomb, David Long, Larry Long, Ronny Miller and Dusty Lee. Honorary pallbearers are Dan Howell Heard, Eldon Farrell, Johnny McKay, James Polk Richards, Lewis McCrary, Raymond Vermillion, J. W. (Dub) Isaacs, David Black, Jim Townsend, Judge Brenda Dominy, the Rusk Police Department, Rusk Fire Department and the entire staff of the City of Rusk. The family will be forever grateful to Neill Holcomb for his love and concern for both James and Edith.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Rusk First United Methodist Church, P. O. Box 99, Rusk, Texas 75785.

Garland Watts Fletcher

Funeral services for Garland Watts Fletcher, 74, of Rusk are scheduled for 11 a.m. Wednesday, Aug. 8, 2007 in Wallace-Thompson Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Don Copeland officiating. Interment will be in Salem Cemetery under the direction of Wallace-Thompson Funeral Home in Rusk.

Mr. Fletcher died Aug. 4, 2007 in a Lufkin Hospice Facility. He was born Feb. 6, 1933 to the late Wiltz Watts and Ruth Goodwin Fletcher.

He was a resident of Rusk for seven years and formerly lived in Montgomery County. He grew up in Hamlin. He was a member of Honea Baptist Church in Montgomery, Texas.

He was a member of Pipefitters Local 211 in Pasadena, Texas.

He is preceded in death by his wife Lila Fletcher, who passed away on Aug. 4, 2004; mother-in-law, Mildred Williams, who died on Nov. 8, 2006; and son Jason Fletcher, October 14, 1988. He is survived by a son and daughter-in-law, David Scott and Rebecca Fletcher of Rusk; three bothers and sister-in-law, Lane and Beth Fletcher of Hamlin, Robert Fletcher of Hamlin, Mark Fletcher of Nebraska; sister and brother-in-law, Patsy and Bo Newland of Hamlin; numerous nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Pallbearers will include Shawn Powers, Chris Gibson, James Boykin, Keith Clements, Tom Gann, and James Thompson Jr. Honorary pallbearers will be Frank Taylor, James Armstrong, Chip Harris, Bo Newland, Milburn Newland, Lane Fletcher, Robert Fletcher, Mark Fletcher, Jimmy Boykin, and Michael Boykin.

Family will receive friends from 6-9 p.m., Tuesday, Aug. 7, 2007 at the funeral home. The family wishes to express their thanks to Dr. Todd, Dr. Fuentes, and the fifth floor Nurses at Lufkin Memorial Hospital. Also special thanks to Hospice in the Pines for their special care of our loved one.

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August 8, 2007

Kenneth Earl Acker

Kenneth Earl Acker, 70, of Jacksonville peacefully passed away, Aug. 7, 2007 at the Hospice of East Texas facility in Tyler. He was born Nov. 18, 1936 in Maydelle. He attended school from grade school to high school in Maydelle and later attended Stephen F. Austin University for two years.

Visitation will be Wednesday, Aug. 8, 2007 from 6-8 p.m. at the Thompson Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held at the funeral home on Thursday, Aug. 9, 2007 at 2 p.m. with Bro. George Folinar officiating and Bro. Ken McEachern assisting. Burial will follow at Providence Cemetery.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Willie and Ruby Acker and brothers, Dean Acker and C. Nathan Acker.

He served over 35 years as an East Texas law enforcement officer, working for Jacksonville Police Department, Polk County Sheriff's Department and Cherokee County Sheriff's Department.

He was married to Marva Ault on April 13, 1957 and they had celebrated 50 years together on April 13, 2007.

Survivors included his wife, Marva Acker of Jacksonville; brother Harold Acker, Sr. and sister-in-law, Sylvia Acker of Jacksonville; Sister-in-law, Linda Acker of Jacksonville; son, Douglas Acker of Jacksonville; daughters, Donna Prasatik and husband, Mitchell Prasatik of Grapeland, Debbie Price and husband, Bill Price of Bonham; grandchildren, Kasey Bobbltt and husband, Ryan Bobbitt of Grapeland, Mandy Prasatik and Tanner Prasatilc of Grapeland; great-grand children, Justin Bobbltt and Jason Bobbitt, of Grapeland; nieces and nephews and numerous cousins.

Pallbearers will be Harold Acker, Jr., Marvin Acker, Nathan Acker, Jr., Leland Acker, Jr. Ault and J. T. Lewis. Honorary pallbearers: Texas law enforcement officers.

In lieu of flowers, the family requested that donations be made to the Hospice of East Texas, 4111 University Blvd., Tyler, TX 75701.

Martha Ray Holcomb

Funeral services for Martha Ray Holcomb, age 80, of Rusk are scheduled for 10 a.m., Thursday, August 9, 2007 in Wallace-Thompson Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Charles Nunnally officiating.

Interment will be in Holcomb Cemetery under the direction of Wallace-Thompson Funeral Home in Rusk.

Mrs. Holcomb died Monday, August 6, 2007 in a Jacksonville Hospital. She was born May 4, 1927 in Alto, TX to the late Harrison and Verna Black.

She was a homemaker. She was a resident of the Bulah Community for 63 years. She was a graduate of Alto High School. She was a member of Adams Chapel Methodist Church.

She is survived by her husband of 63 years, Emmett Holcomb of Bulah Community, two sons and daughters-in-law, Richard and Sherry Holcomb of Rusk, Robert and Elizabeth Holcomb of Rusk, daughter and son-in-law, Susan and Johnnie Richey of Ennis, TX, two sisters, Dorothy McClure of Alto, Alva Joy Jones of Alto, brother and sister-in-law, Harrison Holcomb and Sheryl Black of Alto, five granddaughters, Missy Holcomb Adams of Rusk, Cindy Rainey of Jacksonville, Heather Nichols of Nacogdoches, Holly Gresham of Rusk, Tara Richey of Ennis, two grandsons, Heath Holcomb of College Station, TX, Jonathan Richey of Lansing, Michigan, and twelve great grandchildren. Pallbearers will include Neill Holcomb, Chuck Hinton, Charles Dear, Kenny McClure, Stacy Black, Ty Black, David Miller and Matt Miller.

Honorary pallbearers will be G.M. Berry, Tom Theodore, Tim Theodore, Hal Theodore, Johnny McClure, Dewayne McClure, Walter Cowart, Tim Cowart, and Bob Jones.

Family will receive friends from 5 to 7 p.m., Wednesday, August 8, 2007 at the funeral home. If desired, memorials may be made to the Adams Chapel Methodist Church in care of Butch Holcomb, Rt. 1 Box 1771, Rusk, TX 75785.

Richard “Dick” Dabney Asher, Sr.

Memorial services for Richard “Dick” Dabney Asher, Sr., 80, of Berryville, will be held at 10 a.m. Thursday, August 9, 2007 at Thompson Funeral Home Chapel, Frankston, TX. with Bro. Doug Howell officiating.

Mr. Asher died Tuesday, August 7, 2007 in Tyler.

He was born November 14, 1926.

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August 9, 2007

Graveside services for Mary Nell Norman, 76, of Rusk are scheduled for 10 a.m., Friday, Aug. 10, 2007 in Lowes Chapel Cemetery with Robby Arrington officiating under the direction of Wallace-Thompson Funeral Home in Rusk.

Mrs. Norman died Aug. 7, 2007 in a Jacksonville hospital. She was born Nov. 19, 1930 to the late William Watters and Lela Elmina Beard Singletary.

She was a lifelong resident of Rusk. She was a member of Rusk Church of Christ. She retired from Rusk State Hospital on March 31, 1987 after 38 years of service.

She is preceded in death by her husband, W.C. “Spooks” Norman Nov. 12, 2000 and a daughter, Susan Norman. She is survived by two daughters and sons-in-law, Nancy and John Curtis of Rusk, Kay and Stanley Gresham of Rusk; brother and sister-in-law, William Watters Jr. and Gerry Singletary of Calgary, Alberta, Canada; sister and brother-in-law, Emily and Jack Quinn of Rusk; sisters-in-law, Finniegene Norwood of San Antonio and Wanda Norman of Rusk; four grandchildren, Ryan and Cami Curtis of Rusk, Tori and Kinsey Gresham of Rusk; two step grandchildren, Jeffrey and wife Leslie Curtis, Josh Curtis of Alto; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Family will receive friends from 6-8 p.m., Thursday, Aug. 9, 2007 at the funeral home. If desired, memorials may be made to Rusk Church of Christ Building Fund 397 South Main St., Rusk, Texas. 75785, and Rusk Volunteer Fire Department, 408 N. Main, Rusk, Texas 75785.

Gertie Bell Mullican

Services for Gertie Bell Mullican, 98, of Troup, are pending with Autry Funeral Home, Jacksonville. Burial will be held at Providence Cemetery.

Mullican died Tuesday, Aug. 7, 2007 in Troup. She was born Nov. 11, 1908 in Mount Enterprise.

She was a retired dietician with Rusk State Hospital and a Methodist.

Visitation will be Friday, Aug.10, 2007 from 6-8 p.m. at the funeral home.

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August 10, 2007

Gertie Mullican

Funeral services for Gertie Mullican, 98, of Troup are set for Saturday, August 11, 2007 at 10 a.m.. at Autry Funeral Home Chapel with Brother Don Chandler officiating. Burial will follow at Providence Cemetery.

Mrs. Mulllican was born on November 11, 1908 in Mount Enterprise to Ed Holleman and Arrie Fussell Holleman. She passed away on August 7, 2007 in Troup.

She was a Dietitian and retired from Rusk State Hospital after 15 years, and she was a Methodist.

Mrs. Mullican was preceded in death by parents; her husbands; Hollis Overall and Delton Mullican and a son, Virgil Overall.

Survivors include four daughters and spouses; Helen Odom and husband Jesse of Troup; Evelyn Barnett Kinnamon and husband Murlin of Jacksonville; Ruth Snelling of The Woodlands; Dottie Mullican and husband Charles of Jacksonville; 11 grandchildren, 18 great-grandchildren and 11 great-great-grandchildren; two sisters, Vera Jones, Rusk, and Beaulah Campbell, Tyler; one step-son, Charles Mullican of Jacksonville and one step-daughter, Mary Meyers, Clarendon, TX.

Pallbearers will be Tommy Welch, Doug Lee, Troy McFarland, Ricky Mullican, Gregg Guynn and Mickey Snelling.

Honorary pallbearers are Ronny Mullican and Don Chandler.

Visitation will begin on Friday, August 10, 2007 with family receiving friends from 6-8 p.m. at the funeral home.

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August 12, 2007

Elmer Leroy Burran

Graveside services with full military honors for Elmer Leroy Burran, 79, of Rusk are scheduled for 2 p.m. Monday, August 13, 2007 in Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery in Killeen, Texas under the direction of Wallace-Thompson Funeral Home in Rusk.

Mr. Burran died August 10, 2007 in a Tyler hospital

He was born November 18, 1927 in Weches, Texas to the late John and Lila Henley Burran.

He was a resident of Rusk for 20 years, formerly of Louisiana. Mr. Burran was Baptist. Mr. Burran retired from the U.S. Army after 21 years in the service as Seargeant First Class. He served in the Korean and Vietnam conflicts and was a combat engineer serving in Germany.

Preceded in death by his wife, Martha Lee Burran; brothers, J.W. and Leon Burran and a sister, Wanda Faye Burran.

He is survived by a son and daughter-in-law, Les and Judy Burran of Denver, Colorado; daughter Karen Harrington of Denton, Texas; sister-in-law Roseanne Burran of Rusk; grandson and his wife Troy and Jennifer Burran of Baltimore, Maryland, grandson Daniel Dillon of Denver, Colorado; grandson Brian Dillon of Phoenix, Arizona; three great-grandchildren, numerous nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews.

Family will receive friends from 6-8 p.m. Saturday, August 11, 2007 at the funeral home.

Gracie M. Binford

Services for Gracie M. Binford, Lindale, are pending at Mercy/McGowan Funeral Home.

Ms. Binford died Aug. 11, 2007 at East Texas Medical Center-Tyler.

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August 13, 2007

Ruth Brown

Funeral services for Ruth Brown, 89, of Jacksonville, are pending with Autry Funeral Home in Jacksonville.

Brown died Sunday, Aug. 12, 2007 in Tyler.

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August 14, 2007

Elaine Margaret Sirkin

Elaine Margaret Sirkin, 57, of Wilkes-Barre, Pa., died Tuesday, Aug. 7, 2007 at Wilkes-Barre General Hospital.

Born Jan. 22, 1950 in Boston, Ma., Elaine was the daughter of the late Clarence William Douglas of Jacksonville and the late Yvonne Lois (Anderson) Guthrie of Denver, Co.

Previously residing in Denver, New York, N.Y., and Jacksonville, Elaine attended Jacksonville High School, later moving to Las Vegas, N.V. where she was employed at the Las Vegas Review Journal and MGM Grand hotel. She had since resided in Pennsylvania for many years.

Elaine is survived by her daughter Holly Sirkin of Washington, D.C.; sister and brother-in-law Patricia and Don Lowery; brothers and sisters-in-law Jack and Jeannine Douglas of Jacksonville, Stanley and Kathryn Douglas of Belton, Mo. and Peter and Sherry Douglas of Denver.

Memorial services were held in private.

Arrangements are by Hugh P. Boyle and Son Funeral Home Inc., 416 Wyoming Ave., Kingston, Pa.

William J. “Junior” Bobbitt

Services for William J. “Junior” Bobbitt, 85, of Bullard, are scheduled for 2 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 15, 2007, at Stewart Family Funeral Home with the Rev. C.L. Taylor officiating. Burial will follow in the Bullard Cemetery.

Mr. Bobbitt died Aug. 12, 2007, at Hospice Homeplace in Tyler. He was born Oct. 5, 1921, in Ponta, to the late William J. and Ludie Tipton Bobbitt. He was a member of Harvest Time Church in Gresham. Mr. Bobbitt served in the United States Army. He was a veteran of World War II and a former member of the Disabled American Veterans. He was a self-employed exterminator for 40 years. He and his wife, Margaret, were avid musicians and belong to country and western bands for many years.

Visitation is scheduled from 6-8 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 14, 2007, at Stewart Family Funeral Home, 7525 Old Jacksonville Hwy., Tyler, Texas 75703.

If desired, memorials may be made to Hospice of East Texas, 4111 University Blvd., Tyler, Texas 75701.

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August 15, 2007

Ruth Anice Boyd Brown

Memorial services for Ruth Anice Boyd Brown, 89, of Tyler (formerly of Nederland) will be held on Thursday, August 16, 2007 at 4 p.m. at Atria Willow Park, Tyler.

Mrs. Brown was born on December 13, 1917 to the Rev. James Cleveland and Isla Mae Splawn Boyd in Mercedes, Texas , and she passed away on August 12, 2007 at Hospice Home Place in Tyler .

Ruth was a teacher, graduating from Texas Women’s University. She taught in several schools in Southeast Texas, worked in the lab at Pure Oil Refinery during WWII, and later worked for Meco Security in Nederland.

Ruth was also a homemaker, a volunteer in the Nederland Independent School District and a Pink Lady at Mid-Jefferson County Hospital. She was a longtime member of Wesley United Methodist Church in Nederland where she was a member of United Methodist Women, member of the choir and an honorary member of the Administrative Board.

Due to her many hours of volunteer work and service to the community, June 19, 2005 was declared “Ruth Brown Day” by the City of Nederland.

Mrs. Brown was preceded in death by her husband, Maurice L. Brown.

Survivors include her son and daughter-in-law; Jim and Mary Brown of Jacksonville , daughter and son-in-law, Mary Madelyn B. and Hector Medina of Miami, Florida; four grandchildren and one great-grandchild. She is also survived by two sisters, Isla Lucile Boyd of Tyler and Elizabeth Carr of Centennial, Colorado, along with several nieces and nephews.

If desired, memorials may be made to Hospice of East Texas, 4111 University Blvd., Tyler, 75701.

Gonzalo Rojas Hernandez

Services for Gonzalo Rojas Hernandez, 56, of Mexico, are pending at Autry Funeral Home.

Mr. Hernandez died Aug. 14, 2007 in Jacksonville.

He was born Jan. 10, 1951.

William P. “Bill” “Pappaw” Harris

Graveside services for William P. “Bill” “Pappaw” Harris, age 87, of Rusk are scheduled for 10 a.m., Thursday, August 16, 2007 in Salem Cemetery with Rev. Don Copeland officiating under the direction of Wallace-Thompson Funeral Home in Rusk.

Mr. Harris died August 13, 2007 in a Rusk nursing home.

Mr. Harris was born April 3, 1920 in Rochester, TX to the late Charlie and Pliney Wood Harris. He lived in Cherokee County for 68 years. He served in World War II in the United States Army Infantry. He was self- employed most of his life as a welder. He also enjoyed hunting and fishing. He was a Baptist.

Proceeded in death by his wife, Mary Virginia Allen Harris.

He is survived by daughters and sons-in-law, Barbara and A.C. Teer of Rusk, Judy and Rex Harrell of Lovelady, TX, sons and daughters-in-law, James and Becky Harris of Chandler, TX, Alfred and Linda Harris of Rusk, granddaughters, Shelia and Karen Teer of Rusk, Teresa Spain of Bullard, TX, Kandice Harris of Rusk, grandsons, Michael Harris of Tampa, Florida, Brent Harrell of Colorado Springs, Colorado, four great granddaughters, and one great grandson, special friend, Pearl Johnson. Family will receive friends from 5 to 8 p.m., Wednesday, August 15, 2007 at the funeral home.

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August 16, 2007

Bessie W. Bullock

Bessie W. Bullock was an exceptional lady. She was born Aug. 26, 1908 in Baylor County, Texas, to Frances Christine Blume Worsham and William Henry Worsham.

Bessie went to her heavenly home on Tuesday, Aug. 14, 2007, at Hospice of East Texas in Tyler. She was preceded in death by her husband of 58 years, Edwin E. Bullock; her mother, Fanny and her dad which she always referred to as “Papa.” Also leaving this earth for a heavenly home was her daughter, Elizabeth Jane Tracy and numerous brothers and sisters.

Bessie is survived by her son, Ed Bullock of Houston; daughter, Carolyn Bullock Dean of Temple; sister, Dorothy Ruth Putman of Vider; sister-in-laws, Galeatha Cobb Worsham of Ingram and Allie Dell Bullock Cawley of Waco; grandchildren, Henry Tracy and wife Janet, Michael Dale Bullock and wife Maria, Kathleen Roshong and husband Tim, Tim Tracy and wife Kathy, Melissa Bullock Fulks and husband Rick, Robin Bullock Steely and husband Mike, Nile James Dean and wife Misti, Tammy Dean Lewis and husband Jonathan, Edwin Lee Bullock and wife Margo, Tina Lea Dean Barrineau and husband Ricky, Katrina Tracy Siske and husband Blaine, Robert Weaver and wife Rachel and Richard Weaver. The legacy goes on with lots of great-grandchildren and great great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.

Bessie grew up in the Bryan College Station area in the Alexandria community. She attended local schools and graduated highest in her class at 16 years of age. She then met and married Edwin E. Bullock on July 13, 1925, and started her new life as a wife. She worked in the dean’s office at Texas A&M College while her husband was attending classes there. She was one of the first women allowed to audit classes in the all-male school. As they settled into married life together after about four years they had their first child, a son, Edwin E. Bullock Jr. Three years rolled along as they grew as a couple and then their beautiful, blue-eyed little girl, Elizabeth Jane, was born. After this time they felt the need to move to Houston so they could expand their vocations. Bessie and Edwin took up fields in the building trade. Bessie attended classes in interior design. She worked in this field for several years, but then Bessie had to take a time off. For, much to she and Edwin’s dismay after 23 years of marriage there came another girl, Frances Carolyn. This put the couple back into the diaper, daycare and P.T.A. routine, which lasted for another 17 years. In that time she went back to school again. While she was going to school and keeping her business going, she was president of the Houston Business Women’s Federation. She was a past mother advisor of the Rainbow Girls Chapter No. 109 in Houston and worked for Cook Paint and Varnish Co. in Houston for 17 years. Finally, in 1973, the couple started thinking about retiring.

Bessie and Edwin built a new home and life in Jacksonville. After working at Cook’s paint and running several of their stores for so many years, it was hard for Bessie to sit still. Many years earlier she had studied and obtained her certification as a vocational nurse. Although she had never used it, she decided to take a refresher course and go back to work, this time as a nurse. Miss Bessie worked at Newburn and Nan Travis hospitals and did private duty for numerous families with homebound family members.

Funeral services for Bessie W. Bullock will be held Saturday, Aug. 18, 2007, at the Renfro Memorial Chapel at Boren-Conner Funeral Home in Jacksonville, at 11 a.m. with Bro. Vernon Lee officiating. Burial will follow at the Resthaven Memorial Park Cemetery, under the direction of Boren-Conner Funeral Home. Members of the Jacksonville Masonic Lodge will serve as pallbearers. Visitation will be Friday evening from 6-8 p.m. at the funeral home in Jacksonville.

Gonzalo Rojas Hernandez

Funeral services for Gonzalo Rojas Hernandez, 56, of Jacksonville, will be held on Friday, Aug. 17, 2007 at 10 a.m. at Autry Funeral Home Chapel with Juan Martinez officiating. Burial will be in Still Waters Memorial Gardens.

Mr. Hernandez was born on Jan. 10, 1951 to Alfredo Rojas Tamez and Enriqueta Hernandez Cortez, in Monterrey, Mexico. He passed away on Aug. 14, 2007 in Jacksonville. He was a Chemical Analyst for FIQUSA and was a member of the Assembly of God Church.

Mr. Hernandez was preceded in death by his parents.

Survivors include his wife, Rosalinda Gonzalez De Rojas; sons, Ricardo J. and Miguel Rojas of Monterrey, Mexico; daughters, Adriana P. Rojas of Monterrey, Mexico, Alejandra Rojas of Crossville, Alabama, and Nancy A. Rojas of Monterrey, Mexico; four sisters, Ruth Gonzalez and Rosa Marines of Jacksonville, Blanca Rodriquez of McAllen and Beatrice Cerezo of Clearwater, Florida; four grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.

Pallbearers will be Ricardo Rojas, Miguel Rojas, Alberto Montoya, Daniel Vasquez, Omar Gonzalez and Juan Gonzalez.

The family will receive visitors and friends on Thursday, Aug. 16, at 7 p.m. in the Chapel at Autry Funeral Home.

William M. Smith, Jr., 84

Funeral services for William M. Smith, Jr., 84, of Poynor, will be held at 11a.m. Saturday, Aug. 18, 2007 at First Baptist Church, Poynor with Rev. Jim Boyte officiating. Interment will follow at Poynor Cemetery. Services are under the direction of Thompson Funeral Home, Frankston.

Mr. Smith died Friday, Aug. 10, 2007 at a Frankston nursing home. He was born May 30, 1923.

Viewing will take place from 12 – 8 p.m. Friday, Aug. 17, 2007 at the funeral home. Visitation will be held at First Baptist Church, Poynor on Saturday, Aug. 18, 2007 after the interment.

Memorials may be made to the Hospice of East Texas, 4111 University Blvd. Tyler, Texas 75701 or to First Baptist Church of Poynor.

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August 17, 2007

Hazel Griffith Hamby

Services for Hazel Griffith Hamby, 93, of Palestine, will be at 3 p.m. Saturday, with the Rev. Donnie Howard and the Rev. Bill Gernenz officiating. Burial will follow in Ferguson Cemetery. Arrangements are under the direction of Bailey & Foster Funeral Home of Palestine.

Mrs. Hamby died Thursday morning at Palestine Regional Medical Center. She was born June 10, 1914, in Camp County to R.C. and Maggie Laney Griffith. Mrs. Hamby was a homemaker. She was a member of the Pilgrim’s Home Demonstration Club.

Mrs. Hamby was preceded in death by her parents, husband, Jessie Hamby in 1999; sons, Charles Richard Hamby, Ricky Hamby, and Gary Hamby; sisters, Faye Honeycutt and Christine Dancer; brothers, Earl Griffith and Albert Griffith; and a grandson, Michael Allen Hamby. She is survived by her daughter, Susie Blackmon; and husband, Craig Caldwell of Rusk; son, James Hamby of Elkhart; sisters, Mildred Boyer and Dorothy Gentry both of Palestine; numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Pallbearers will be Billy Hamby, Gary Hamby, Rusty Hamby, Scott Blackmon, Pat Blackmon, Scott Frazier, Jason Ives and James Eckard Hamby.

Condolence calls will be received from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday at Bailey & Foster Funeral Home in Palestine.

Services for Aunt Gracie, 104, of Lindale, will be 1 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 18, at St. Mary’s Baptist Church in Lindale, with the Rev. Jame Curtis officiating, under the direction of Mercy-McGowan Funeral Home. Burial will be at St. Mary’s Cemetery. Viewing will be 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. at the church.

Elizabeth J. Berry

Services for Elizabeth J. Berry, of Jacksonville, will be held 1 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 19, 2007, at North Bolton Christian Church, with Minister Marshall Johnson officiating, under the direction of Mercy-McGowan Funeral Home. Burial will be at Resthaven Cemetery. Visitation will be 6-8 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 18, at the funeral home.

Michael Lewis Wall

Graveside services for Michael Lewis Wall, 63, of Jacksonville will be held on Saturday, Aug. 18, 2007 at 2 p.m. at Resthaven Memorial Park.

Mr. Wall was born on Sept. 30, 1943 in Jacksonville, to Lewis and Lora Mae Durham Wall and he passed away on Aug. 16, 2007 in Jacksonville.

Mr. Wall served in the U.S. Air Force, worked as a dental assistant at the Dallas VA Hospital and was a Baptist.

Mr. Wall was preceded in death by his father, Lewis Wall and brother, Jerry Wall.

Survivors include his mother, Lora Wall of Jacksonville; daughter, Michele Rodgers of Haltom, City; three grandchildren and one great-granddaughter; brother and sister-in-law, Larry and Laurie Wall of Colleyville and a sister and brother-in-law, Karen and Bill Casey of Cypress Mill, Texas

The family will receive friends and family on Friday evening, Aug. 17 from 6-8 p.m. at Autry Funeral Home.

Richard Lee Johnson

Services for Richard Lee Johnson, 53, of Jacksonville, will be held 4 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 19, 2007, at North Bolton Christian Church, with Minister Marshall Johnson officiating, under the direction of Mercy-McGowan Funeral Home. Burial will be at Jacksonville City Cemetery. Visitation will be 6-8 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 18. at the funeral home.

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August 19, 2007

Dorothy Estelle “Deason” Williams

Graveside services for Dorothy Estelle “Deason” Williams, 83, of Jacksonville are scheduled for 2 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 19, 2007, at Rocky Springs Cemetery with the Rev. James Blaylock officiating, under the direction of Thompson Funeral Home of Jacksonville.

Mrs. Williams died Aug. 17, 2007, at a local hospital. She was born Sept. 20, 1923, in Cherokee County. She was a restaurant owner. She was a Presbyterian.

Visitation will be 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. at the funeral home.

Skip Carpenter

Graveside services for Skip Carpenter, 31, of Jacksonville, will be held at 10 a.m. Tuesday, Aug. 21, 2007, at Gossett’s Chapel Cemetery in Jacksonville, with the Rev. Rudy Bond officiating, under the direction of Boren-Conner Funeral Home of Jacksonville.

Skip was born Dec. 23, 1975, in Jacksonville, to Preston Lee Carpenter and Billie Bush Carpenter. Skip was killed in a car wreck in Longview on Thursday afternoon, Aug. 16, 2007. He was preceded in death by his mother, Billie; and grandmother, Thelma Carpenter.

Skip is survived by his father and step-mother, Preston Lee and Carolyn Carpenter of Jacksonville; grandfather, Buddy Carpenter of Corsicana; brothers, Rickey Cawthon and his daughter Brittney Cawthon of Jacksonville; Scotty Cawthon and wife Tamela of Anatone, Wash. and his children Miranda and Bruce Cawthon; step-brother, Neal Mayo of Jacksonville; step-sisters, Sherry Carpenter and Billie Stinson of Jacksonville; nieces, nephews, other family members and many, many friends.

Honorary pallbearers will be David Little, Nick Gilbert, Emmitt Waller, Kevin Chambless, Zach McDaniel and Zach Taylor.

Visitation will be 6-8 p.m. Monday, Aug. 20, 2007, at Boren-Conner Funeral Home.

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August 20, 2007

Helen Blow Nance

Funeral services for Helen Blow Nance, 82, of Bullard, will be held at 2 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 21 at Bullard Church of Christ with Homer Harris and Randy Marion officiating under the direction of Autry Funeral Home, Jacksonville. Burial will be in Bullard Memorial Cemetery.

Mrs. Nance died Saturday, Aug. 18, 2007 in Tyler. She was born Feb. 22, 1925 in Bullard.

She was a retired secretary at NASA and Gulf Atlantic Distributions. She worshiped at Bullard Church of Christ.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Cecil Ray Nance on Aug. 30, 2002. Survivors include her son, Neil Nance of Bullard; daughter and son-in-law Nan and Steve Hatten of Bullard; brother, Melvin Blow of Tyler; sister, Marvis Stripling of Bullard; five grandchildren. Christina, Daniel, B.J., and Isiah Hatten and Macie Roberts and 16 great-grand-children.

Pallbearers will be Daniel, B.J. and Isiah Hatten, Charles Ray and Tony Foster. The honorary pallbearer will be Claude Stephensen.

Visitation will be held Monday, Aug. 20 2007 with the family receiving friends from 6-8 p.m.

Memorial may be made out to Hospice Home Place, 4111 University Blvd., Tyler, Texas 75701.

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August 21, 2007

James Keon Jordan

Funeral services for James Keon Jordan are pending with Mercy-McGowan funeral home. Mr. Jordan died Sunday, Aug. 19 in Shady Grove.

Jess Norris Campbell

Funeral services for Jess Norris Campbell, 77, of Rusk are scheduled for 2 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 22, 2007 in Wallace-Thompson Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Don Copeland officiating. Interment will be in Resthaven Cemetery under the direction of Wallace-Thompson Funeral Home in Rusk.

Mr. Campbell died Aug. 19, 2007 in a Tyler Hospice. He was born March 3, 1930 in Ringling, Oklahoma to the late Jess Davis and Era Josephine Hall Campbell.

He was a resident of Rusk for 63 years. He was a member of Bethel Baptist Church in Jacksonville. He retired in 1994 after forty years as owner and operator of Campbell Auto Supply in Rusk. He also served in the National Guard.

He is preceded in death by his wife, Shirley Tate Campbell in 2000; son, Jimi Campbell in 1994; brother, Grady Campbell in 2002. He is survived by his son, John David Campbell of Rusk; sister Marguerite Crane of Jacksonville; nephew, Bob Campbell and wife Chit of Gallatin.

Pallbearers will include Don Goff, Deaton Goff, Tommy Dosser, Larry Dosser, David Blount, and Billy Lankford Jr. Family will receive friends from 6-8 p.m., Tuesday, August 21, 2007 at the funeral home.

James Lee Tyson

Funeral services for James Lee Tyson, 30, of Frankston, will be held at 10 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 23, 2007 at Thompson Funeral Home Chapel, Frankston, with Rev. Doug Howell officiating. Burial will be held at Guiceland Cemetery, Grapeland.

Mr. Tyson died Sunday, Aug. 19, 2007 in Palestine. He was born January 9, 1977.

Visitation will be held from 6-8 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 22, 2007 at Thompson Funeral Home, Frankston.

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August 22, 2007

Alyne K. Woodall

Alyne K. Woodall passed away quietly into eternal peace Friday, Aug. 17, 2007, at Mercy Hospital in Janesville, Wis. Alyne was born in Rockland, Texas, to Ruby and Ralph W. Kerlin on Sept. 16, 1922. She grew up in Jacksonville and graduated from Baylor University. Alyne married Thurman Daniel (Doc) Woodall on Sept. 16, 1944, in Waco. They had three children, retired Air Force Colonel James Daniel (Woody), Kathann and Wendy. Following Doc’s retirement from the Air Force as a major in 1963, they settled in his hometown of Smithfield, N.C. After her husband passed away in 1973, Alyne moved to Goldsboro, N.C. where she was an instructor in the business department at Wayne Community College from 1965 until her retirement in 1987. In 2003, she moved to Cedar Crest retirement center in Janesville, near her daughter Wendy.

Alyne is survived by her three children and their spouses, Woody and Cora Lynn Woodall of Henderson, Nev., Kathann and David Montague of Hampton, Va. and Wendy and Mike Haag of Janesville; seven grandchildren, three of whom are married, and nine great-grandchildren. In addition to her parents and husband, she was predeceased by her sisters, Gertude Swearington, Essie Jones, Callie Barclay and Ruth Clift.

A viewing will be held at Sanders Chapel United Methodist Church, 4484 Brogden Road, Smithfield, N.C., at 2 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 25, 2007, followed by the funeral at 3 p.m. She will then be buried in the church cemetery next to her husband. Arrangements are being handled by Hanson Funeral Home in Janesville and Underwood Funeral Home, 522 S. Brightleaf Blvd. Smithfield, N.C. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you make a donation to your favorite charity, Cedar Crest or to Sanders Chapel United Methodist Church.

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August 23, 2007

Leonard Mix Berry

Funeral services for Leonard Mix Berry, 80, of Rusk are scheduled for 11 a.m., Friday, Aug. 24, 2007 in Eastside Baptist Church, Rusk with Rev. William Snidow and Rev. Charles Haley officiating. Interment will be in Sardis-Edgefield Cemetery under the direction of Wallace-Thompson Funeral Home in Rusk.

Mr. Berry died Aug. 21, 2007 in a Tyler Hospice. He was born Sept. 28, 1926 to the late George McNary and Dora Edwards Berry.

He was a resident of the Sardis Community for 25 years, and lived in Dallas for 33 years.

He was a business owner at Five Points Texaco Station/Store in Dallas from 1952 to 1981. He retired in 1995 in food service after 14 years at Rusk State Hospital. He served in the United States Army during World War II. He was discharged in 1945 in San Antonio. His rank at discharge was Corporal. He was a member of the V.F.W. Post 3406 in Rusk. He was a member of Sardis Baptist Church and honorary member of Bull Creek Hunting Club.

He is preceded in death by his wife Mary Elizabeth Dickson Berry; son, Leonard M. “Bo” Berry II; grandson, Cody Leonard Berry; brother, Mansel Berry; sisters, Madie Berry and Emogene Berry Thompson; brother, Menyon Berry; mother-in-law, Blanche Jay Dickson and father-in-law Elzie Dickson.

He is survived by his daughter and son-in-law, Julie Beth Berry Noel and Julian R. Noel Jr. of Dallas; brothers and sisters-in-law, Jack and Naomi Berry of Rusk, G.M. and Betty Berry of Rusk; sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Monyene Dickson and Robbie Hammett of Henderson; brother-in-law, Robert Dickson of Jacksonville; several cousins, nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews, step grandchildren, and step great grandchildren.

Pallbearers will include Scott Hammett, Russell Hammett, Michael Collins, Danny Berry, Larry Berry, Stephen Berry, Eric Berry, Jason Jones, and Donald Lankford. Honorary pallbearers will be Charles Beasley, William Edwards, Marshall Dear, John Bowden, Frank Bowden, Monroe Sewell, John Hawkins, Rev. Donald Earl Copeland, Donald Eaves, Kenneth Couch, Glen Middleton, Clay Middleton, and Emmett Holcomb.

Family will receive friends from 6-8 p.m., Thursday, Aug. 23, 2007 at the funeral home.

If desired, memorials may be made to Hospice of East Texas, 4111 University Blvd. Tyler, TX 75701, or The American Cancer Society.

James Keon Jordan

Services for James Keon Jordan, 24, of Tyler, will be held at 1 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 25, 2007, at Mt. Zion C.M.E of Kilgore, with the Rev. Charles Burns officiating, under the direction of Mercy/McGowan Funeral Home. Burial will be at Fairview Cemetery. Viewing will be 7-8 p.m. at the funeral home.

BJ Nicholson

BJ Nicholson, 77, of Rusk, died at his residence on Friday, Aug. 10, 2007 after a brief illness.

Born in Temple on Nov. 3, 1929, he was the son of the late Rex and Cora (Belk) Nicholson. Mr. Nicholson worked for many years as a lab technician for Gulf Oil in Port Arthur.

He is survived by three sons, two daughter-in-laws, four grandchildren and many other family and friends. Services will be private.

Donations in Mr. Nicholson’s name may be made to the local Humane Society.

Arrangements are under the direction and personal care of Kerrville Funeral Home which also provides an online guestbook at: http://www.kerrvillefuneralhome.com by selecting Obituaries. Then, select “Sign Guestbook” at the bottom of the individual memorial.

Senetta Yvette Mallard

Funeral services for Senetta Yvette Mallard, 48, of Rusk, will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 23, 2007 at Mount Olive Baptist Church with Rev. Mertis M. Bartley officiating under the direction of Williams Funeral Home. Burial will be in Rusk Memorial Cemetery.

Mallard died Saturday, Aug. 18, 2007 in Tyler. She was born July 17, 1959 in Rusk. She was a graduate of Rusk High School and attended Tyler Junior College.

She was an active member of Mount Olive Baptist Church. She worked as a secretary, senior choir member and youth sunday school teacher for several years. She also worked for Rusk State Hospital for 23 years.

She is preceded in death by her grandparents and two sisters. Survivors include her parents, Adam and Lola Mallard; brother, Adam Mallard Jr.; sisters, Sharon E. Ward, Karen "Bolton" Edmond and Brenda Mallard Davis, all of Rusk; nieces Cangelya, Alisha and Ashley and great-niece Mykelcia; nephew Jeremy Bolton and great-nephew Ahmorian Treyshun; five aunts and six uncles.

Pallbearers will include Walter Session, Calvin Anderson, Ceotts Meador, Andrew Jackson, Vernell Wickwarf, Jerry Leviston, Melvin Sessions II, Samuel O'neal, Larry Davis and Michael Cook. Honorary Pallbearers will be the Rusk Class of 1977 and her nephews.

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August 28, 2007

Obituaries for August 28, 2007

Harold B. Alexander

Funeral serivces for Harold B. Alexander, 91, longtime Jacksonville civic leader and former city councilmember, are pending at Community Funeral Home of Jacksonville. Mr. Alexander died Sunday, Aug. 26, 2007, at a local hospital.

Joel Glen Zeilman Sr.

Funeral services for Joel Glen Zeilman Sr., 48, of Maydelle, will be 10 a.m. Wednesday, at Renfro Memorial Chapel at Boren-Conner Funeral Home in Jacksonville, with the Rev. Buck Newsom officiating. Burial will be in Pleasant Grove Cemetery in Maydelle.

Mr. Zeilman died Thursday, Aug. 23, 2007, at his residence. He was born Aug. 27, 1958, in Streator, Ill. He had lived in the Maydelle area since 1993, formerly of Ft. Worth. He was a member of Long Point Christian Church in Illinois. He was disabled, having previously been a diesel mechanic.

He was preceded in death by his son, Joel Glen Zeilman Jr.; one niece and one great-nephew. Survivors include his parents, Robert Ray and Frances Dee (Byrd) Zeilman of Varna, Ill., formerly of Maydelle; his son, Nicholas Ryan Zeilman stationed at Aviano Air Force Base in Italy; his daughters, Amber Leigh Zeilman of Tyler and Ashlei Nicole Zeilman of Rusk; one daughter-in-law, Melonie Stallings of Maydelle; his brothers and wives, Terry and Barbara Zeilman of Las Vegas, Daniel and Lin Zeilman of Palestine, Steven Zeilman of Maydelle, William and Karen Zeilman of Long Point, Ill., and Michael and Cindy Zeilman of Springfield; his sisters, Kathryn and Mark Pillash of Piedmont, Ala. and Karen and David Berta of Varna, Ill.; his three grandchildren, Kodiak Kade Harper, Kordelia Kansas Zeilman and Bosten Blu Lanham; 15 nieces and nephews; 14 great-nieces and nephews and one great-great-niece.

Pallbearers include nephews Mark, Matthew and Jeremy Zeilman, Joshua Pillash and Jacob Berta and friend, Mike Rogers.

Visitation will be 6-8 p.m. Tuesday evening.

Joe L. Hall

Funeral services for Joe L. Hall, 68, are pending at Community Funeral Home of Jacksonville. Mr. Hall died Sunday, Aug. 26, 2007, at a local nursing home.

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August 29, 2007

Marcelite Watson

Funeral services for Marcelite Watson, 95, of Oakland, are scheduled for 2 p.m., Thursday, Aug. 30, 2007 in Wallace-Thompson Funeral Home Chapel with Brother Charles Johnston and Brother Kevin Gentry officiating. Interment will be in Pleasant Grove Cemetery under the direction Wallace-Thompson Funeral Home in Rusk.

Mrs. Watson died Aug. 28, 2007 in a Rusk nursing home. She was born Aug. 10, 1912 in Rusk to the late R.E. and Maude “Sherman Bothwell. She was the fifth of ten children.

The Bothwell family moved to Maydelle when she was 2 years old. She graduated from Maydelle High School in 1927. Marcelite married Dewey Jake Watson in 1931. Together they had 6 children, five sons and one daughter including sons W.E. "Billy" Watson, the late D.J. “Bud” Watson, J.A. “Jimmy” Watson, Eldon Earl “P.C.” Watson, deceased baby son Larry Jack Watson, daughter, and Marimaude Meador.

Mrs. Watson worked for three years for Chapman Pharmacy and 10 years for Rusk State Hospital before retirement. She was a member of Pleasant Grove Missionary Baptist Church of Maydelle.

She is survived by three sons and a daughter-in-law, W.E. “Billy” and Darline Watson of Rusk, “Jimmy” Watson of Maydelle and Eldon Earl “P.C.” Watson of Oakland; daughter and son-in-law, Marimaude Meador and Forest Glen of Longview; sisters, Bessie Burke of College Station, Marguerite Johnston of Jacksonville and Pauline Perry of Rusk; grandchildren, Tony K. Watson of Loveland, Colorado, Christy Lana Buchinger of Whitehouse, Rhonda Meador of Longview, Regina Loftis of Longview, Michael “Mike” Meador of Longview and James Kevin Watson of Jacksonville; great grandchildren, Leigh Ann Watson of Huntington, April Nicole Torrres of Huntington, Jonathan Carter Bersano of Whitehouse and Cody Jake Loftis of Longview; plus numerous nieces and nephews.

Pallbearers will include Tony Watson, Mike Meador, Kevin Watson, Jake Loftis, Dickey Bowman and David Watson. Family will receive friends from 6-8 p.m., Wednesday, Aug. 29, 2007 at the funeral home.

Mary Frances Patch Beard

A memorial service for Mary Frances Patch Beard, 84, of Jacksonville, is pending with Autry Funeral Home.

Beard died Tuesday, Aug. 28, 2007 in Tyler. She was born July 3, 1923 in Knox County, Tenn.

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August 30, 2007

Our mother has gone to be with the Lord. She died Aug. 24, 2007, in Alamogordo N.M. from an extended illness. While living in New Mexico, she helped raise her great-granddaughter, Macala Hinds.

She was born to Henry and Della McAnally on Aug. 6, 1938 in Jacksonville. Mom had three brothers two sisters-in-law and two sisters: the late Kenneth McAnally, Billy and his wife Malisa McAnally of Jacksonville, Jimmy and his wife Paula McAnally of Staton, Pat and John Blount of Jacksonville and Wanda Welch, also of Jacksonville.

She is survived by her husband, Lawrence Eugene Wynne, formerly of Joshua.

She had eight children and four stepchildren: David DuWayne Gray Sr. of Jacksonville, Edward and his wife Elaine Gray of Jacksonville, Kenneth (K.D.) Gray and Vickey Gray of Jacksonville, Bruce Uzell Gray Jr. of Ulvade Rebecca and her husband Troy Wilson of Jacksonville, Allen Dale Gray and his wife Nikki of Waco, Amy Gail Gray of Savannah Tenn., Tina and James Lovelady of Tularosa N.M., Vicki Wennan of Crowley, Dale C. Wynne of Burleson, Lawrence E. Wynne of Fort Worth and Frank E. Wynne of Joshua. She also had 32 grandchildren, 20 great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews and several friends.

Alamogordo Funeral Home, Inc., is handling her wishes.

Mary Frances Patch Beard

Mary Frances Patch Beard, 84, of Jacksonville, passed away Aug. 28, 2007.,The eighth child of Rev. Wesley Fletcher Patch and Lillie Mae Baisden Patch, she was born on July 3, 1923 in Knox County, Tennessee.

A memorial service will be held Friday, Aug. 31, 2007 at 2 p.m. at Autry Funeral Home Chapel. In lieu of flowers, memorial donation may be made to Hospice of East Texas, 4111 University Blvd., Tyler, Texas 75701.

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August 31, 2007

Harold B. Alexander

Services for Harold B. Alexander will be 11 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 1, at Sweet Union Baptist Church in Jacksonville. Mr. Alexander was born March 3, 1916, in Jacksonville, and died Aug. 26, 2007. He was preceded in death by his wife of 62 years, Dorothy Amy Alexander and one grandson, Andre’ L. Baker Sr.

Harold graduated from Fred Douglass High School of Jacksonville in 1933 and attended Lon Morris College. He served his community and church in many ways and played an important role in making a difference in the lives and living conditions of many people. He once stated that he believed the Lord chose him to do the things he was able to do. He was also a member of the Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Texas.

Visitation in the form of a wake will be 6-7 p.m. Friday, Aug. 31, at Community Funeral Home of Jacksonville.

Joe L. Hall

Services for Joe L. Hall, 68, of Frankston, will be 2 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 1, at Rock Hill Baptist Church, with the Rev. Delbert Simpson officiating. Burial will be at Larissa Cemetery, under the direction of Community Funeral Home of Jacksonville.

Mr. Hall died Sunday, Aug. 26, 2007, in Overton. He was born Oct. 4, 1938, in Frankston. He attended school in Cuney. He spent much of his adult life in California, and returned to East Texas three years ago. He was a retired bus driver, a Baptist and a member of the California Motorcycle Club.

Public viewing will be 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Friday, Aug. 31, at the funeral home.

Margaret Lee Kent

Graveside services for Margaret Lee Kent, 89, of Jacksonville are scheduled 4 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 2, 2007, at Resthaven Memorial Park, with Sean McRight officiating, under the direction of Thompson Funeral Home of Jacksonville.

Mrs. Kent died Aug. 30, 2007, at her residence. She was born April 22, 1918, in Mineral Wells, Texas. She worked for Carrolton Farmers Branch ISD and attended Southside Church of Christ. She was preceded in death by her husband, Everett Leonard Kent; and her son, Steve Kent.

Survivors include her daughter, Susan Drury of Houston; her daughter-in-law, Gail Kent of Jacksonville; her grandsons, Will Kent of Jacksonville and Gabe Drury of Houston; and several nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be 6-8 p.m. Saturday, September 1, 2007.

Ferrell Bizzell

Funeral services for Ferrell Bizzell, 88, of San Antonio, formerly of Frankston, are pending at Thompson Funeral Home of Frankston. Mr. Bizzell died Thursday, Aug. 30, 2007, at a San Antonio nursing home. He was born Jan. 18, 1919.