Cherokee County, Texas
OBITUARIES SEPTEMBER 2007
Obituaries for September 2, 2007
Alene Focke
Funeral services for Alene Focke, 89, of Rusk, are scheduled for 2
p.m. Saturday, Sept. 1, 2007, in Wallace-Thompson Funeral Home Chapel,
with the Rev. Charles Haley officiating. Interment will be in Shiloh
Cemetery, under the direction of Wallace-Thompson Funeral Home in Rusk.
Mrs. Focke died Aug. 30, 2007, in a Tyler hospice. She was born Nov. 22,
1917, in Holly Springs, Ark. to the late Charles Alvis and Lela Pearl
Bryant Jordan. She was a resident of Rusk for 17 years and a homemaker.
Preceded in death by her husbands, Thomas Henry Sisco and Robert Corder
Focke; her son, Wayne T. Sisco; her three brothers and a sister. She is
survived to two daughters and son-in-law, Linda L. Jones of Rusk and
Sandra and Terry Kroll of Bryan; her granddaughter, Tanya Kroll of Maple
Grove, Minn.; three grandsons, Shawn Kroll of Bryan, Byron Jones of
Lufkin and Scott Jones of League City; son-in-law, Clay Jones of Rusk;
four great-grandchildren; sister-in-law, Bea Jordan of Chidester, Ark.
and numerous nieces and nephews.
Pallbearers will be Byron Clay Jones, Scott Allen Jones, Nolan Jones,
Terry Kroll, Clay Jones, Alvis Lee Jordan and Joe Carranza.
The family will receive friends from 6-8 p.m. Friday Aug. 31, 2007, at
the funeral home. If desired, memorials may be made to Hospice of East
Texas 4111 University Blvd. Tyler, Texas 75701.
Roger Dale Stafford
Graveside services for Roger Dale Stafford, 55, of Rusk, are scheduled
for 2 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 2, 2007 in Walker Chapel Cemetery near Reklaw
with Rev. Dan Rankin officiating.
Mr. Stafford died Aug. 30, 2007 in a Dallas hospital. He was born March
9, 1952 in Casa Grande, Ariz.
He was a resident of Rusk most of his life. Mr. Stafford was raised in
Reklaw. He was a member of Atoy Baptist Church and a self-employed
carpenter.
He is preceded in death by a son, Brandon Scott Stafford; father, Sidney
Dewey Stafford; two nephews, Nathan Sidney Stafford and Jesse Lee Irby.
He is survived by his wife of 26 years, Jackie Stafford of Rusk; mother,
Mary Evelyn Irby of Rusk; four children, Christopher Brawley of Rusk,
Misty Tyler of Rusk, Roger Brawley of Rusk, Sidney Joseph Stafford of
Rusk; sister, Rebecca Cummins of Rusk; three brothers, Dewey Lynn
Stafford of Rusk, Larry Gene Stafford of Houston, Jesse Keith Irby of
Rusk; two step-brothers, Danny Irby of Lawton, Oklahoma, Donny Irby of
Wichita Falls, Texas; 11 wonderful grandchildren and numerous nieces and
nephews.
Pallbearers will be Chris Brawley, Roger Brawley, Sidney Stafford, Tony
Tyler, Brent Oliver and Steven Stafford.
The family received friends from 6-9 p.m. Saturday Sept. 1, 2007 at
Wallace-Thompson Funeral Home.
Charlie Sullivan Waggoner Sr.
Funeral services for Charlie Sullivan Waggoner Sr., 79, of Los Angeles,
Calif., formerly of Rusk, will be held 11 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 4, 2007,
at Mt. Pleasant C.M.E. Church in Rusk, with the Rev. Phal Carter
officiating. Burial will be in Holly Springs Cemetery in Rusk, under the
direction of Jenkins-Garmon Funeral Home in Henderson.
Mr. Waggoner Sr., was born to Dee Waggoner and Velma Martin Waggoner in
Rusk on June 13, 1928. He graduated from George W. Bradford High School
in Rusk and worked for 37 years as supervisor of the department of power
and water for the city of Los Angeles. Public viewing will be held 12-8
p.m. Monday, Sept. 3, 2007, at the funeral home.
Obituaries for September 4, 2007
Opal I. Thompson
Graveside services for Opal I. Thompson, 95, of Tyler, formerly of
the Corinth Community near Jacksonville are scheduled for 4:00 p.m.,
Tues. September 4, 2007 at Jarratt Cemetery with Rev. James Blaylock
officiating, under the direction of Thompson Funeral Home.
Mrs. Thompson died September 1, 2007 in Tyler. She was born January 8,
1912 in Dialville. Mrs. Thompson worked 30 years at Marja Brassiere Co.
and worked at Henson-Kickernick.
She was a member of Corinth Rd. Baptist Church.
Mrs. Thompson is preceded in death by her husband, Frazier Thompson,
daughter, Norma Cupp and two granddaughters, Laurie Ann Thompson and
Sarah Kathryn Thompson.
She is survived by Ted Thompson and wife Carol of Tyler; grandchildren,
Don Cupp of Tyler, Jean Cupp of Hartley, Traci Wilson of Conway, AR.,
Lisa Dodd and husband Greg of Rockton, Ill.; and great grandchildren,
Caroline Dodd, Alex Dodd, Colin Dodd and Kylie Dodd all of Rockton,
Ill., Will Wilson on Conway, AR., Kayla Wilson of Hot Springs, AR.,
Andrew Waldson of Arlington and Angie Gallaway and husband Jonathan of
Fort Worth; great-great grandson Peyton Chandler Gallaway of Fort Worth
and several nieces and nephews.
Memorials may be made to Corinth Baptist Church.
Visitation will be held today, Tues. Sept. 4, 2007 from 2:00 p.m. to
3:00 p.m. at the funeral home.
Ferrell Bizzell
Funeral services for Ferrell Bizzell, 88, of San Antonio, formerly of
Frankston, were held Monday, Sept. 3, 2007 at the Church of Christ in
Frankston with John Thompson officiating.
Mr. Bizzell died August 30, 2007 at a nursing home in San Antonio. He
was born January 18, 1919. He was a retired factory worker from Trane
after 22 years of service.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Ruby Hanna Bizzell and son Bobby
G. Bizzell, his parents Eugene (Genie) Bizzell, brothers Eugene Guy
Bizzell and Wayne Roland Bizzell and sister Ada Nadine Bizzell Player.
He is survived several grandchildren, great grandchilren and several
nieces and nephews and cousins.
Obituaries for September 5, 2007
Thomas Bradford Cook
Thomas Bradford Cook, 74, of Frankston, passed away Sept. 3, 2007. He
was born Jan. 11, 1933. Forty-seven years serving public education is
his professional legacy. A Christian, Mason, and loving family patriarch
is his personal story.
Mr. Cook had served the Frankston Independent School District for 40
years before an illness caused him to relinquish his duties. Prior to
that he had served seven years as a teacher-coach at Mt. Enterprise ISD
after graduating from Stephen F. Austin State University in Nacogdoches.
He is a 1951 graduate of Frankston High School.
The veteran educator returned to his hometown to become a fulltime
social studies teacher in 1967.When the school decided to reinstate a
football program which had been discontinued in 1950, Mr. Cook agreed to
take over as head coach. He had been a quarterback on one of the last
teams to play before the program was discontinued.
In his new job, Coach Cook led the team in a year of junior varsity
competition in 1972 and a perfect 10-0 record that year. He then led the
Indians on a four-year revival of Frankston football fortunes,
culminating in a District 18-A championship, a bi-district win over
Blooming Grove, a regional victory over Overton and a trip to the state
Class A quarterfinals against powerful Mart.
Coach Cook was honored by being selected an East Texas Coach of the Year
for his and the Indians’ accomplishment.
During the four years at the FHS helm, Coach Cook compiled a 26-16-1
record in varsity play before stepping down as head coach at the close
of the 1976 season. During the 1976 season, his team posted an 10-2-1
season record and a 5-0 district mark. The team had 7-3 records for the
two prior years.
Coach Cook also served as head baseball coach.
Shortly after his resignation from his head coaching duties, Mr. Cook
took over fulltime duties as principal of Frankston Elementary School, a
position he held until 1988, when he returned to teaching and assisting
with the Frankston football program.
After his years as head football coach, he rarely missed a Frankston
football game, at home or away and regularly attended other Frankston
sporting events.
In recent years, Cook had been serving as textbook coordinator for
Frankston ISD and helping out in any other ways he could.
He was an “early riser” and it was not uncommon to see him returning
from an early errand as others were leaving for work. Those who knew him
best also were well-advised to “call him early” in the evening because,
when he could, he went to bed early.
He liked to fish, alone or with friends or family, and he faithfully
tended his lawn and his farm. He had a passion for his role as a public
school teacher, administrator and coach and would have begun his 41st
year at Frankston ISD had his health allowed, family members said.
He is survived by his wife of 54 years Naomi Ruth Cook. Children include
Tommy D. Cook and wife Lisa of the Woodlands and Gena L. (Cook) Stoke
and husband Aaron of Round Rock. His grandchildren are Jesse L. Cook,
Minnie A. (Cook) Baker and husband Matt, and Anissa L. Stoke;
great-granddaughter Brooklyn R. Baker and sister Juanita Conaway of
Frankston. He was preceded in death by his brother, Otis “Poncho” R.
Cook.
Pallbearers are Austin Thacker, G. V. “Bo” Ousley, Raymond Nichols,
Jerry Beard, Mike Cook, Johnny Burks, Jim Smith, and Robert Loper.
Honorary pallbearers are Troy House, Larry Weesner, Karla Dennis, Sarah
Thacker, Joan Moseley, D.A. “Doodle” Beard, Mickey Kirkpatrick, Sonny
Perry, James (Turk) Monday, Les Wells, T.L. Beard, and Billy Bacon.
Visitation services are scheduled from 6-8 p.m, Sept. 5 at the Autry
Funeral Home, Jacksonville. Funeral services will be at the Frankston
First Baptist Church beginning at 3 p.m., Sept. 6 with Olin Boles, Chris
White, J.A. Griffin, and Darin Wood officiating. Burial will be at the
Frankston City Cemetery.
If desired, memorials may be made to the Frankston City Cemetery, the
church of your choice, or the Hospice of East Texas 4111 University,
Tyler, Texas 75701.
Sophia Lamb
Funeral services for Sophia Lamb of Rusk, are pending with Mercy-McGowan
Funeral Home. Lamb died Tuesday, Sept. 4 in Lufkin.
Obituaries for September 6, 2007
Lanell Lake
In loving memory of our beloved mother and grandmother, Lanell Lake,
generous of spirit and heart. She will forever be missed and cherished.
Memorial services for Ms. Lake, 78, of Bullard, are scheduled for 2 p.m.
Sunday, Sept. 9, 2007, at the Staton Family Center on Hwy. 204 in
Jacksonville, with Dr. Samuel Hopkins Jr. officiating, under the
direction of Thompson Funeral Home of Jacksonville.
Ms. Lake died Thursday, Aug. 30, 2007, at a Tyler hospital. She was born
May 22, 1928, in Henderson. She was a woman of many talents, with a love
for traveling and fashion. She was the owner of Pazzazz Boutique in
Jacksonville from 1986 to 1999. She was also a real estate agent. She
was a Baptist.
Survivors include her son and daughter-in-law, Ray and Brenda Lake of
Jacksonville; her daughter and son-in-law, Linda and Mike Zoller of
Jacksonville; four grandchildren, Dawn Bacon of Jacksonville, Sky Beach
of Bullard, Cassie Bingham of Jacksonville and Preston Lake of
Jacksonville; three great-grandchildren, Brooklyn Wright of
Jacksonville, Branson Bacon of Jacksonville and Taylor Bingham of
Jacksonville; and several nieces and nephews.
No visitation is planned.
Obituaries for September 7, 2007
Jolly J. White
Funeral services for Jolly J. White, 88, of Lindale are scheduled for
11 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 8, 2007 in the Caudle-Rutledge Funeral Home
Chapel in Lindale with Rev. Byron Howard officiating. Graveside services
will be held at 2:30 p.m. in the Reese Cemetery near Jacksonville under
the direction of Caudle-Rutledge Funeral Directors in Lindale. Mr. White
died Thursday, Sept. 06, 2007 in a Tyler hospice center. He was born May
3, 1919 in Reese to James Henry and Huttie Oliver White and was formerly
of Jacksonville and Mineola before moving to Lindale. Mr. White served
in the United States Navy and was a member of the Assembly of God
Church. He was preceded in death by two sons and two brothers.
Mr. White is survived by his Wife, Mrs. Polly Minter; four daughters,
two sons, 14 grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren, one sister, one
brother, several nieces and nephews and many friends.
The family will receive friends Saturday, Sept. 8, 2007 from 10:00 a.m.
until 11 a.m. prior to service.
Obituaries for September 10, 2007
Jesse P. Ybarra
Funeral services for Jesse P. Ybarra, 75, of Jacksonville, are
scheduled for 2 p.m. Monday, Sept. 10, 2007 at Thompson Funeral Home
Chapel, Jacksonville, with Rev. Andy Fanette officiating. Burial will
follow at Resthaven Memorial Park, Jacksonville.
Mr. Ybarra died Friday, Sept. 7, 2007 at his residence. He was born May
12, 1932 in Wills Point.
He was owner of Ybarra Carpet for 30 years.
He is preceded in death by his son, Jesse Roy Ybarra and grandson, Jason
Gutierrez. Survivors include his wife of 27 years, Teresa Aber of
Jacksonville; his former wife, Connie Ybarra of Tyler; their children,
Jesse Dino Ybarra and wife Beverly of Jacksonville, Gilbert Ybarra and
wife Rosie of Jacksonville, Mona Ybarra of Tyler, Rachel Ruiz of Tyler;
former wife, Gloria Ybarra of Irving; their children, Diana Miller of
Irving, Annette Salinas of Irving, Ernest Ybarra of Irving, Gina Ybarra
of Irving; brother, Manuel Ybarra and wife Alicia of Dallas; sisters,
Vera Sipriano and husband Sabino of Dallas, Luisa Perez and husband
Anastacio of Ohio; grandchildren, Dina Posada, Alicia Villalobos, Ericka
Becker, Marcus Becker, Andy Ayers, Ronnie Westbrook, Kayla Fernandez,
Shayla Fernandez, Karolina Ruiz, Mario Ruiz and Krystle Rocka and 13
great-grandchildren.
Pallbearers will be Ricky Aber, Andy Ayers, Marcus Becker, Andrew
Garcia, John Lugo, Majin Torres, Nestor Vinelli, Ronnie Westbrook and
Daniel Ybarra. Honorary pallbearers will be Danny Aber, Sebastian Posada
and Mario Ruiz. Visitation was held from 6- 8:00 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 9,
2007 at the funeral home in Jacksonville.
Mrs. Velma Dickson Oaks
Graveside services for Mrs. Velma Dickson Oaks, 94, of Jacksonville,
will be held at 4 p.m. Tuesday at Resthaven Cemetery with Rev. Bobby
Myers officiating. Burial will be in Resthaven Cemetery under the
direction of Boren-Conner Funeral Home, Jacksonville.
Mrs. Oaks died Saturday in a Jacksonville nursing home. She was born
April 1, 1913 in Cherokee County, Texas.
She was a lifelong resident of Cherokee County. She worked at Holcombe
Candy Company and Astro Air and was a Baptist.
She is preceded in death by her husband, Clarence Oaks and son, Charles
T. Dickson, Sr. Survivors include her daughter-in-law, Betty Dickson of
Jacksonville; four grandchildren, Charles Dickson, Jr., Kelly Dickson,
Belinda Reno and Carmella Hawkins; 13 great-grandchildren, two
great-great-grandchildren as well as numerous friends at Bonner Place
Nursing Home, where she was faithfully cared for many year by their
wonderful staff and Dr. Saade;
No formal time has been set for visitation.
Obituaries for September 11, 2007
Riley Nicole Skillern
Funeral services for Riley Nicole Skillern, six months old, of
Frankston, will be held 10 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 11, 2007, at the Thompson
Funeral Home Chapel in Frankston, with Brother Jack Smith officiating.
Burial will be held at the Frankston City Cemetery.
Miss Skillern died Saturday Sept. 8, 2007, at her residence. She was
born Feb. 9, 2007.
Obituaries for September 12, 2007
Violet Aurora “Susie” Pond
Funeral services for Violet Aurora “Susie” Pond, 86, of Jacksonville
will be held on Thursday, Sept. 13, 2007 at 10 a.m. in the Autry Funeral
Home Chapel with Rev. Ronny Hart officiating. Burial will follow at
Gossett’s Chapel Cemetery.
Mrs. Pond was born on July 30, 1921 in the Brushy Creek community. She
died on Sept. 11, 2007 in Jacksonville.
Mrs. Pond was a seamstress and designed purses. She was a member of the
Lookout Valley Church of the Nazarene.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Julian Pond; grandson, Brandon
Hicks; brother, Joe Webb and sister, Rosa Nell Jenkins.
Survivors include son and daughter-in-law, Walter and Janet Pond of
Rockdale; daughter and son-in-law Marilyn and Robert Russell of Lufkin;
grandchildren Duane Pond and D’Wayla Hicks; great-grandchildren Kyler
Erickson and Kolten Pond; brothers Donald Webb of Garland, Robert Webb
of Gatlin, Tenn., Cecil Webb of Trinity, William Webb of California,
Jack Webb of Dallas and Jerry Webb of Aurora, Ca.; sister, Betty Carsile
of Mont Bellview; several nieces and nephews.
Pallbearers will be Steve Grimes, Ryan McDaniel, Noland Scruggs, Rock
Spraggins, Jerry Scruggs and James Sides.
Visitation will begin on Wednesday, Sept. 12, 2007 with family receiving
friends from 6-8 p.m. at Autry Funeral Home.
Memorials may be made to Alzheimer’s Alliance, 3613 S. Broadway, Tyler,
Texas 75701, or the charity of choice.
Eva Mae Cummins
Memorial services for Eva Mae Cummins, 89, of Rusk, are scheduled for 2
p.m. Saturday, Sept. 15, 2007 in Wallace-Thompson Funeral Home Chapel
with Rev. Don Copeland officiating.
Mrs. Cummins died Aug. 6, 2007 in a Rusk nursing home. She was born May
12, 1918 in Salado, Ark. to the late Earl and Zenobia Reichardt.
She was a resident of Rusk since the 1970’s. She was a Baptist and a
homemaker.
She was preceded in death by her husband Ezra Cummins in 2001. She is
survived by her son Michael Cummins and wife Melinda Moses of Houston;
four grandchildren, Michael Cummins Jr., Bonita Cummins, Bryon Cummins,
Mindy Jones; three great grandchildren plus numerous nieces and nephews.
If desired, memorials may be made to M.D. Anderson Hospital 1515
Holcombe Blvd Pmb. 72 Houston, Texas 77030.
Margaret Geneva Farmer
Margaret Geneva Farmer passed away Sept. 10, 2007 in Jacksonville. She
was born on Sept. 9, 1920 in Dry Prong, La., to Fellix Dempsey Iles and
Alice Corine Wilmore.
She is survived by her loving husband of 58 years, Jack Benson Farmer of
Jacksonville; son and daughter-in-law, Charles and Gail Farmer of
Austin; three daughters and-sons-in-law, Mary Alice and Chuck Larsen
of Graham, Peggy and John Ervin of Jacksonville and Marco Island, Fla.,
and Susan and Rocky Paramore of Bastrop; seven grandchildren,
Benson Larsen of Forney, Jennifer Larsen of Rockwell, Jack Grimes
of Austin, Leigh Christie of Austin, Wendy Clark of Alto, Adam Grimes of
Austin and Benson Grimes of Jacksonville; 11 great- grandchildren;
brother; Alfred Leroy and Martha Iles, of Pineville, La.,
numerous nieces and nephews.
The family is planning a memorial celebration of her life which will
be announced at a later date.
Parker D. Ray, Sr.
Graveside services for Parker D. Ray, Sr., 103, Jacksonville, are
scheduled for 2 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 15 at Earle’s Chapel Cemetery,
Hwy. 79, Jacksonville with Rev. Andy Fannette officiating. Arrangements
are with Hilliard Funeral Home, Van.
Mr. Ray died Sept. 9, 2007 in Jacksonville. Parker Davis Ray, Sr. was
born Aug. 14, 1904 in Nashville, Ark. to the late Albert Sidney and
Willie Banks Ray.
He had lived in Jacksonville about 30 years, living previously in
California, and was of the Methodist faith.
He worked for International Paper Company, buying and selling pulpwood.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Pearl Ray; daughters, Cindy Duncan
and Doris Bridges; one sister and five brothers. Survivors include sons,
Parker Ray, Jr. of Banning, Ca., John Ray of El Dorado, Ca., Larry,
Terrell and Max Ray of Jacksonville; numerous grandchildren,
great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren; plus several nieces
and nephews.
Obituaries for September 13, 2007
Pauline Ritter
Funeral services for Pauline Ritter, 85, of Jacksonville, are set for
Friday, Sept. 14, 2007 at 10 a.m. in Autry Funeral Home Chapel with Rev.
Ron Hart officiating. Burial will follow at Still Waters Memorial
Gardens.
Mrs. Ritter was born on Aug. 8, 1922 in Jacksonville. She died on Sept.
10, 2007 in Tyler.
She was a retired secretary, homemaker and attended the Lookout Valley
Church of the Nazarene.
Mrs. Ritter was preceded in death by her parents, Jesse David and Mary
Jane Alexander Spraggins and her husband, D.J. Ritter. Survivors include
her daughter, Kathi Smith, of Jacksonville; a granddaughter, Belinda
Dodd, of Plano; three brothers and sisters-in-law, Ottis and Lottie
Spraggins, J.D. and Pat Spraggins, and Jim and Janice Spraggins all of
Jacksonville, and numerous nieces and nephews. Pallbearers will be Rock
Spraggins, Gary Tipton, Kenny Jones, David Spraggins, Jimmy Spraggins
and Anthony Constant.
Visitation will begin on Thursday, Sept. 13, 2007 with family receiving
friends from 6-8 p.m. at the funeral home.
Memorials and donations may be made to the Hospice of East Texas, 4111
University Blvd., Tyler, Texas 7570.
Howard Thomas, Jr.
Graveside services for Howard Thomas, Jr., 80, of Frankston, have been
set for Saturday, Sept. 15, 2007 at 10 a.m. at Frankston City Cemetery
with Gerald Hall officiating under the direction of Autry Funeral Home,
Jacksonville.
Mr. Thomas was born on Aug. 7, 1927 and died on Aug. 18, 2007.
He served in the Navy during World War II; and was a retired truck
driver for Wal-Mart. He was a Baptist.
Mr. Thomas was preceded in death by his wife Jean Thomas in 1999.
Survivors include his sons and daughter-in-law, James and Gail Thomas of
Frankston, Martin Thomas of Dallas; daughter and son-in-law Tina and
Gene Liguori of Phoenix, Ariz.; brother Lyndol Thomas of Cassville, Mo.;
sister Cynthia Browning of Pearidge, Ark.; six grandchildren, six
great-grandchildren; several nieces and nephews.
M.C. Chancelor
Funeral services for M.C. Chancelor, 68, of Coffee Landing Community
of Frankston, are pending at Community Funeral Home of Jacksonville. Mr.
Chancelor died Tuesday, Sept. 11 in a Tyler hospital
Deborah Williams
Funeral services for Deborah Williams will be held at 12 p.m. Saturday,
Sept. 15, 2007, in Pleasant Rose Holiness Church at Wills. Visitation
will be Friday from 12-9 p.m. at Collins Johnson Funeral home in Conroe.
Death notices for Sept. 19
Betty Fern Wiggins
Graveside services for Betty Fern Wiggins, 74, of Jacksonville,
formerly of Dallas, will be held on Wednesday, Sept. 19, 2007 at 4 p.m.
at McDonald Cemetery, New Summerfield, with Wayne White officiating.
Mrs. Wiggins was born on Sept. 4, 1933 in New Summerfield. She died on
Sept. 18, 2007 in Jacksonville.
Mrs. Wiggins was a homemaker and a Baptist.
Beatrice K. Hafer
Beatrice Hafer Funeral services for Beatrice K. Hafer, 90, of
Jacksonville, will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday at McDonald Cemetery in
New Summerfield with the Rev. Lester Foreman officiating. Burial will be
in McDonald Cemetery under the direction of Boren-Conner Funeral Home,
Jacksonville. Mrs. Hafer died Sunday, Sept. 16, 2007 at a Jacksonville
Nursing Home. She was born Dec. 14, 1916 in Lorena. She lived in the
Jacksonville area since 1974, having previously lived in Denmark and
Africa. She was a homemaker.She was preceded in death by her husband,
Clifton A. Hafer, Sr. Survivors include her son, Clifton A. Hafer of
Patterson, Louisiana; daughter Diane Bernard of Lewisville; step
brother, Joe Roy Case of Gilmer; eight grandchildren, 11
great-grandchildren and three great-great-grandchildren. Visitation will
take place from 6-8 p.m. Tuesday evening.
Published in the Jacksonville Daily Progress from
9/18/2007 - 9/21/2007.
Marva Nell McGregor Nidiffer
Marva Nell McGregor Nidiffer, 69 of Pasadena, passed away Tuesday,
Sept. 18, 2007. She was born on July 27, 1938 to Hubert and Jewell
Williams in Jacksonville. She managed various apartment properties in
the Pasadena area for the past 41 years, and for the past 25 years
managed Raintree Apartments. Marva demanded the best from everyone who
knew her because she always gave her best. She was a caring, giving and
loving person. She is survived by her mother, Jewell Tillman; daughter
and son-in-law, Marla and James Wells; brothers and sisters-in-law,
Robert and Judy Williams and Forrest and Nancy Williams; sisters and
brother-in-law, Mildred Irby, Mary Jo and Dick Smith; and a
granddaughter, Sarah Wells. She was preceded in death by her husband,
Robert Nidiffer and her father. Honorary Pallbearers will be Gary Moore,
Gary Moore Jr., Jack and Pete Overstreet, James, Jimmy and Timmy
Segrest, Joseph Mansini, Saul Saverda, Samuel Chitica, Jesus Solis, Jim
Dilley, Tony Ragsdale, Paul White and Keith Broddie. Visitation will be
Thursday, Sept. 20, 2007 from 4-8 p.m. at Fairmont Funeral Home.
Cremation services will take place at 6777 Fairmont Pkwy in Pasadena.
Graveside services will be Friday, Sept. 21, 2007 at 1 p.m. at Union
Groves Cemetery in Jacksonville, under the direction of Fairmont Funeral
Home. Words of comfort may be shared with the family at
www.fairmontfh.com
Published in the Jacksonville Daily Progress from
9/20/2007 - 9/21/2007.
Lee H. Parr
Lee H. Parr, 33, of Jacksonville died Sunday, Sept. 18, 2007. He was
born Oct. 23, 1974, in Nashville, Tenn. He was a long-time resident of
Paragould and a manager with Car-Mart Auto Sales. He was a graduate of
Crowley’s Ridge College and a member of Corinth Road Church of Christ of
Jacksonville. Survivors include his wife, Misty Hoggard Parr; his two
daughters, Kaylee Nicole and Allie LaDaugn Parr of the home; his
parents, A.L. and Christine Landrum Parr of Jacksonville; his paternal
grandparents, Marvin A. Parr of Lebanon, Ind. and Drucilla McIntire of
Port Richey, Fla.; his maternal grandmother, Lillian Landrum of
Florence, Ala.; his brother, William Parr of Tyler and his sister,
Angela Babenko of Sherwood, Ark. Visitation will be Wednesday evening,
Sept. 19, 2007, from 5-7 p.m. at Phillips Funeral Home in Paragould.
Funeral services will be Thursday, Sept. 20, at 11 a.m. at the Center
Hill Church of Christ in Paragould, with Jon Binkley and A.L. Parr
officiating. Pallbearers will be Will Parr, Oleksandr Babenko, Eric
Reddick, Brett Richardson, Keith Milligan and Kevin Brehmer. Honorary
pallbearer is Brian Sowell. Burial will follow at Harvey’s Chapel in
Marmaduke. An on-line guest book can be found at
www.phillipsfuneral.net.
Published in the Jacksonville Daily Progress from
9/19/2007 - 9/21/2007.
Dorothy Louise Simmons
Dorothy Louise Simmons, 82, daughter of Artie and Sydney Mims of New
Hope, passed away at her home on Sept. 16, 2007 in Deer Park. She is
survived by her husband of 37 years, Bill Simmons; daughters, Cynthia
Barber Carrier and Bridget Barber Doyle; brother, William Mims;
brother-in-law Billy Glenn Berry; sister-in-law Betty Ruth Berry;
brother-in-law Jerry Neal Barber, plus several nieces and nephews.
Services for Mrs. Simmons will be held at 2 p.m. Tuesday Sept. 18, 2007
at Grand View Funeral home in Pasadena.
Published in the Jacksonville Daily Progress from
9/18/2007 - 9/21/2007.
Dorothy Estelle Deason Williams
Graveside services for Dorothy Estelle Deason Williams, 83, of
Jacksonville, were held Aug. 19, 2007, at Rocky Springs Cemetery, under
the direction of Thompson Funeral Home, with the Rev. James Blaylock
officiating. Mrs. Williams was born Sept. 20, 1923, in Cherokee County
to Arthur Deason and Grace (Sides) Deason and died Aug. 17, 2007, in
Jacksonville. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband,
Howard Williams; her two children, Johnnie Nell Descamp and Leroy
Henderson; her three brothers, Edwin Deason, Alvin Earl Deason and Ray
Walter Anderson; and by one granddaughter, Theresa Turpen.She is
survived by one sister and brother-in-law, Betty and Jerry Felkel of
Elloree, S.C.; one brother and sister-in-law, Bill and Sandy Deason of
Chandler; six grandchildren, Toby Blossom, Chuck Yonker and Jackie
Turpen of Oregon, J.R. Henderson and Tony Wilson of Washington and Nick
Wilson of Idaho, and numerous great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews,
cousins and friends. Mrs. Williams left Cherokee County as a teenager
and moved with her family to Alamogordo, N.M. After living there for
several years, she moved to the Pacific Northwest and lived in the
states of Washington and Oregon. In later years she moved to South
Carolina to be near her sister. She returned to Jacksonville in 2003 and
remained there until her death. Mrs. Williams lived a life filled with
love and devotion to her family and friends. Hard work and service to
others were very much a part of her character. She owned and operated
two restaurants, and in her spare time, canned vegetables from her
garden and made many beautiful quilts for family and for charity. She
loved her church and attended regularly as long as she was able.
Although she encountered many trials and difficulties throughout her
life, she always faced them courageously and with an undaunted spirit.
She was an inspiration to all who knew her.
Published in the Jacksonville Daily Progress from
9/20/2007 - 9/21/2007.
Death notices for Sept. 20
Lois Manley
Graveside services for Lois Manley, 86, of Larue, will be held 10:30
a.m. Friday, Sept. 21, 2007, at Myrtle Springs Cemetery in Larue, with
Rick Knight officiating, under the direction of Thompson Funeral Home of
Frankston. Mrs. Manley died Wednesday, Sept. 19, 2007, at a Frankston
nursing home. She was born Jan. 30, 1921. Visitation will be 6-8 p.m.
Thursday, Sept. 20, 2007, at Thompson Funeral Home of Frankston.
Rosemary Torti
Funeral services for Rosemary Torti, 52, of Larue, will be held 2 p.m.
Sunday, Sept. 23, 2007, at Thompson Funeral Home of Frankston, with
Brother Jeff Godwin officiating. Burial will be held at Oaklawn Memorial
Park in Athens.
Mrs. Torti died Wednesday, Sept. 19, 2007, at a Tyler hospital. She was
born Nov. 12, 1954. Visitation will be 6-8 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 22,
2007, at the funeral home.
Bob "Stick" Metzig
Bob ‘Stick’ Metzig passed from this world on Thursday, Sept. 20, 2007 in Jacksonville. His beloved wife was by his side. He was born on Aug. 14, 1952 in Lubbock to William and Dorothy Metzig. He wed his one and only love, Gail Boswell, in 1971. In 1974 his first son, Tyson, was born followed by his second son, Jessie, in 1975. At the age of 22, Bob began his career working for various oil field corporations, his tenure being with Baker Hughes of East Texas. While Bob enjoyed rebuilding late model cars and attending Nascar races, his only true love was his family. Bob, or ‘Papa’ as his five cherished grandchildren called him, was a very jovial and loving man who his family and friends adored. It was not uncommon to find Papa wrestling on the floor with all of his grandchildren piled on top of him. Bob was the ‘rock’ of the Metzig family and he will be dearly missed. He was preceded in death by his brother William ‘Bill’ Metzig. He is mourned by his wife of 35 years Gail; two sons, Tyson and wife Heather of Jacksonville and Jessie and wife Kati of Troup; and five grandchildren: Chelsea ‘brown eyed girl,’ 12, Marilyn ‘empy,’ 10, Branden ‘texas red,’ 5, Matthew ‘wild man bill,’ 2 and baby Hunter 'thumper,' 1. To honor his wishes, there will be no services. The family would like to sincerely thank Dr. Vukelja, and the staff of the Tyler Cancer Center. In lieu of flowers, please send donations on behalf of Bob ‘stick’ Metzig to The American Cancer Society. Go to www.cancer.org and enter Bob ‘stick’ Metzig in the search engine on the ACS page. You can also make donations by phone by calling 800-ACS-2345. You can also mail to: American Cancer Society Bob ‘stick’ Metzig1301 S Broadway Tyler, Texas 75701 Published in the Jacksonville Daily Progress from 9/25/2007 - 9/27/2007.
Mr. John W. Carter
Funeral services for Mr. John W. Carter, 83, of Rusk were held at 11:30 a.m. on Saturday at the First Baptist Church, Rusk with Rev. K.B. Clater officiating.Burial was in Holly Spring-Delmar Cemetery in Rusk under the direction of The Williams Funeral Home.Mr. John Carter died Sunday, September 23, 2007 in Tyler. He was born February 28, 1924 and was a graduate of Bradford High School, and received his BS Degree at Bishop College in Marshall.He was a resident of Rusk, and attended Elm Grove Baptist Church. Mr. Carter retired from Rusk High School and Rusk State Hospital. He was a member of the Hicks Masonic Lodge where he served as secretary for 50 years.Mr. Carter served as the first city councilman, Rusk City Park Board, Rusk Zoning Board, Rusk Housing Board, Board of Cherokee Action and Cherokee County Summer Program.He coached football, basketball and track.John Carter is survived by one son, Randy Carter and wife Tracie of DeSota; two daughters, Sandra Carter and Ladora Carter, both of Rusk; brothers, James Carter and wife Altha of Mineola, George Carter and wife Betty of Mercede, CA, Marvin Carter and wife Norma of Los Angeles, CA; and Vernell Carter and wife Barbara; sisters, Mrs. Geneva Taylor of Dallas, Mrs. Corine Waggoner of Las Vegas, NV, and Myrtle Garmon and husband W.F. of Henderson.He is survived by 12 grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.Pallbearers are Charlie Waggoner, Jr., Bruce Bradley, Bobby Johnson, Samuel O’Neal, Calvin Henderson and Reginald Carter. Honorary pallbearers are the Deacons of Elm Grove Baptist Church, Mt. Olive Baptist Church and West Union Faith Ministries. Special honorary: Deacon Carl Foreman. Published in the Jacksonville Daily Progress from 9/28/2007 - 10/2/2007.
Death notices for Sept. 26
James “Jim” Cranston
Private graveside services for James “Jim” Cranston, 82, of Dialville
will be held at Rocky Springs Cemetery in Dialville, with Robby Arington
officiating, under the direction of Thompson Funeral Home of
Jacksonville. Mr. Cranston died Tuesday Sept. 25, 2007, at his
residence. He was born Oct. 11, 1924. No visitation is planned.
Wanda “Susie” Trantham
Funeral services for Wanda “Susie” Trantham, 62, of Mt. Selman will be
held on Friday, September 28, 2007 at 2:00 P.M. in the Autry Funeral
Home Chapel with Bill Dollar officiating. Burial will follow at Mixon
Cemetery. Mrs. Trantham was born on November 16, 1944 in the
Jacksonville. She died on September 24, 2007 in Tyler. Mrs. Trantham was
a homemaker and a Jehovah’s witness. She was preceded in death by her
husband; Tommy Earl Trantham, Sr. and father, Delbert Thurman. Survivors
include her mother; Earlene Thurman of Mt. Selman, son; Tommy Earl
“T.J.” Trantham, Jr., of Mt Selman, daughter; Tammy Trantham of Mt
Selman, brother; James “Sonny” Thurman of Mt Selman, daughter-in-law;
Christi Trantham and 2 grandsons; Justin Michael Trantham and Cooper
Earl Trantham. Pallbearers will be Tony Villorin, Philip Garland, Jimmy
Wilson, Steve Allman, Shaphan Allman, Jeff Cochrane, Willie Nelson and
Bryan Yackel. Visitation will begin on Thursday, September 27, 2007,
with family receiving friends from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Autry Funeral
Home. Published in the Jacksonville Daily Progress from 9/27/2007 -
10/2/2007.
David Knight
Funeral services for David Knight, 54, of Rusk are pending with Autry
Funeral Home, Jacksonville.
Mr. Knight died Saturday, Sept. 22, 2007 in Jacksonville.
Death notices for Sept. 28
G. T. Boyd
Funeral services for G. T. Boyd, 77, of Jacksonville, will be 2:30
p.m. Saturday, Sept. 29, 2007, at Greater New Zion Baptist Church, with
the Rev. Charles Walls officiating. Burial will be held at Jacksonville
City Cemetery, under the direction of Community Funeral Home of
Jacksonville.
Mr. Boyd died Tuesday, Sept. 25, 2007, at Twin Oaks Health and
Rehabilitation Center. He was born March 30, 1930, in Jacksonville. He
attended Pleasant View Community schools and Greater New Zion Baptist
Church. He worked at Bolton Brothers Lumber.
The wake will be 6-7 p.m. Friday, Sept. 28, 2007, with a public viewing
will be 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Friday, Sept. 28, at the funeral home.
Louella Richardson-Brown
Funeral services for Louella Richardson-Brown, 86, of Menio Park,
Calif., formerly of Jacksonville, will be 1 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 29,
2007, at Seminary Heights Church of Christ, with Brother Kelvin Dansby
officiating. Burial will be in Pine Grove Cemetery of Jacksonville,
under the direction of Community Funeral Home of Jacksonville.
Mrs. Brown died Sept. 12. 2007, in California. She was born March 25,
1921, in Pine Grove. She attended Pine Grove Elementary and Church of
Christ at East Palo Alto. She was a homemaker.
Public viewing will be 12 p.m.-5 p.m. Friday, Sept. 28, at the funeral
home.
Milton D. “Mickey” Singletary
Funeral services for Milton D. “Mickey” Singletary, 57, of Rusk are scheduled for 2 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 3, 2007 in Wallace-Thompson Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Johnny Emerson officiating. Interment will be in Oakland Cemetery under the direction of Wallace-Thompson Funeral Home in Rusk. Mr. Singletary died Sept. 29, 2007 at his residence. He was born April 8, 1950 in Riverside, California to Milton B. and Martha Beasley Singletary. He was a resident of Maydelle most of his life and a member of Grace Fellowship Church in Rusk. He was a Licensed Vocational Nurse. He served in the United States Marines during the Vietnam War. He was preceded in death by his step mother Klara Singletary. He is survived by his wife of 25 years Barbara Ann Singletary of Maydelle; son, Jeremy Singletary of Maydelle; father, Milton B. Singletary of Rusk; mother and step-father, Martha and Kenneth Birdwell of Rusk; daughters Andrea Cowan of Jacksonville and Rebecca Singletary of Maydelle; step-son and daughter-in-law Brandon and Jennifer Knight of Rusk; sisters and brothers-in-law, Lanette and Wayne Cox of Reklaw, Shelia and Bill Wallace of Palestine; step-brother Kenny Birdwell and wife Rhonda of Rusk; step-sister Jana Birdwell of Colorado; two sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, Brenda and Billy Ray Goff of Maydelle, Rebecca and Alan Kirby of Mt. Hope; grandchildren Gracie Knight of Rusk and Connor Cowan of Jacksonville; numerous nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, and cousins. Pallbearers will include George Clark, Zachary Clark, Tony Cline, Dale Dover, Alan Kirby, Jeremy Clark, and Kenny Birdwell. Family will receive friends from 6-8 p.m., Tuesday, Oct. 2, 2007 at the funeral home. Published in the Jacksonville Daily Progress on 10/2/2007.
Death notices for Sept. 30
Olga Maria Galvan
Funeral services for Olga Maria Galvan are pending with Thompson
Funeral Home in Jacksonville.
Mrs. Galvan died September 29, 2007 in a local hospital.
Alma Whiteley
Funeral services for Alma Whiteley are pending with Thompson Funeral
Home in Jacksonville.
Mrs. Whiteley died September 29, 2007 in a Tyler hospital.
Elvie Ann Otts Allen
Funeral services for Elvie Ann Otts Allen, 84, of Jacksonville, will be held Wednesday, Oct. 3, 2007 at 2 p.m. in Thompson Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Andy Fannette officiating. Burial will be in Resthaven Memorial Park under the direction of Thompson Funeral Home, Jacksonville.Ms. Allen died Sunday, Sept. 30, 2007 following a short illness. She was born Nov. 1, 1922 and lived most of her life in Jacksonville. She is survived by her son and daughter-in-law, David and Bertha Allen of Mexia; grandchildren Dwayne and Charlene Allen of Cypress and Brandon and Keri Allen of Mexia; plus eight great-grandchildren and special friend Jack Slover Davis of Jacksonville. Pallbearers will be Dwayne Allen, Brandon Allen, Mark Hanks, Stephen Allen, Dale Fuller and Bennie Earl Allen. Ms. Allen loved animals, especially cats and dogs. She was a long time supporter of the NSPCA.Visitation will be held at Thompson Funeral Home Tuesday, Oct. 1, 2007 from 6-8 p.m. Published in the Jacksonville Daily Progress on 10/2/2007.
