Cherokee County, Texas
OBITUARIES JUNE 2008
Leona N. “Lump” Arrington
Services for Leona N. “Lump” Arrington, age 88, of Jacksonville, TX will be held at 2:00 P.M. Wednesday, June 11, 2008 at the chapel at Boren-Conner Funeral Home, Jacksonville, TX with Bro. Leon Ross and Bro. David Smith officiating. Burial will follow at Jarratt Cemetery in Jacksonville under the direction of Boren-Conner Funeral Home, Jacksonville. Leona was born October 4, 1919 in Rockwall County, TX. She had resided in the Jacksonville area most of her life. Leona graduated from Jacksonville High School, was a member of Craft Baptist Church and had worked for Uniform Printing in Jacksonville. Leona was preceded in death by her parents, Steve and Bessie Norton, two sisters, Mary Henry and Addie Fults. Leona is survived by her husband, Carlton H. Arrington of Jacksonville, two sons and daughters-in-law, Carly Steve and Connie Arrington, and Tommy and Mary Arrington, all of Jacksonville, two daughters and sons-in-law, Dana and James Youngblood of Vidor, TX and Beth and Russell Davis of Ponta, TX, one sister, Lena Belle Cole of Vidor, nine grandchildren, eight great grandchildren and four great great grandchildren. Pallbearers will be Larry Arrington, Steve Arrington, Brad Davis, Jason Davis, Mark Smith, Jerry Guinn, Brady Chapman and Mike Burleson. Visitation will be Tuesday evening from 6:00 to 8:00 P.M. at Boren-Conner Funeral Home, Jacksonville, TX. The family requests that memorials be made to Hospice of East Texas, 4111 University Blvd., Tyler, TX 75701 in lieu of flowers. Published in the Jacksonville Daily Progress on 6/9/2008.
Ann Ervin Bolton Ball
A grandmother of eight Ann was a truly prolific writer, the author of numerous books, articles, and pamphlets on saints and Catholic history, crafts, devotions, and art. Her diversity of interests was the source of much popularity among her readers. As she wrote on her web site, www.annball.com: “I was born the type of person who is curious about everything. That trait has stayed with me all my life, and I have spent many happy hours investigating all kinds of things.” She began publishing as a way to express her own love of crafts, history and especially the Catholic faith. Ann Ball also dedicated her time to many other causes including the cause for canonization of the Mexican Jesuit Miguel Pro. She had completed the history of All Saints Church and was currently writing the history of the Basilian Fathers Missions and quarterly wrote the Basilian Missions Newsletter. Consulted by CNN on several occasions Ball was an internationally well-known expert on the saints and she collaborated with hagiographers, writers, researchers and Catholics from around the world through the Internet. Ball was also a private investigator and owner of All State Guard Service. As a member of the Associated Security Services and Investigators of the state of Texas, her company mainly served the Houston area since 1992. Ann Ervin Bolton Ball was born in Dallas on May 13, 1944, the daughter of Ora Louise and Julian Bolton. After attending Jacksonville High School, class of 1962, she graduated from the University of Houston with a bachelor's degree in education and was a lifetime member of Beta Sigma Phi. A convert to Catholicism, she taught at Corpus Christi School, St. Thomas High School and Marian Christian High School. She is survived by her daughter, Joanna Ball, of Houston; son and daughter-in-law, Sam and Danielle Ball, of Houston; adopted son Raul Quintero of Monterrey, Mexico; her brother, Charles "Chuck" Bolton, of Miami, Fla.; sister and brother-in-law, Julie and Terry Bolton Smith, of Dallas; nephew, Brett Douglas and his wife, Linda, of Keller; niece, Julianne Douglas Sanford and husband, Curtis, of Jacksonville; grandchildren, Austin Wilken, Max, Victoria, Brenden, Christian, Karolyn and Katharyn Ball, of Houston; Michael Quintero of Georgia; great niece, Courtney Sanford Foster and husband Joe, of Montgomery; Jaci and Caylee Sanford, of Jacksonville; Courtney Harper, of Bullard; Christi, Erin, and Lauryn Bell, of Keller; great nephews, Jeremy Sanford, of Jacksonville; and Dalton Douglas, of Bullard; numerous cousins; and multitudes of friends worldwide. A Memorial Mass will be celebrated at 1p.m. on Saturday, June 14, 2008, at Corpus Christi Catholic Church, 9900 Stella Link Road, Houston, TX 77025, 713-667-0497. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be sent to: “Basilian Fathers Missions,” P.O. Box 708, Sugar Land, TX 77487-0708 or Casa Juan Diego. Published in the Jacksonville Daily Progress on 6/13/2008.
Syble Bearden
Funeral services for Syble Bearden, age 90, of Jacksonville are scheduled for 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, June 24, 2008 at Autry Funeral Home Chapel, Jacksonville with Rev. Phillip Warren officiating. Burial will follow at Corine Cemetery. Mrs. Bearden died Saturday, June 21, 2008 in Jacksonville. She was born March 18, 1918 in Dialville to Horace S. McCallum and Lena L. Stephens McCallum. Mrs. Bearden was a member of Friendship Baptist Church, Jacksonville and she formerly worked at Marja Brassiere Co. in Jacksonville. She was preceded in death by sisters Faye Chitwood and Frances Chancellor and brothers Pete McCallum and Carl McCallum. She is survived by husband Elvis Bearden, Jacksonville; daughter Jennifer Bearden, Trinity; special friend Dennis Johnson, Trinity; grandchildren Amanda Reid, Rusk and Michael Bivens, Trinity; several great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. Pallbearers will be Johnny Chitwood, Tony Chancellor, Butch Orme, Randy Orme, Michael Bivens and Junior Loya. The family will receive friends from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. Monday, June 23, 2008 at the funeral home in Jacksonville. Published in the Jacksonville Daily Progress on 6/23/2008.
Dessie Irene Scoggins Bolton
Funeral services for Dessie Irene Scoggins Bolton of Jacksonville are scheduled for 10 a.m. Wednesday, June 18, 2008 at Autry Funeral Home Chapel, Jacksonville with Rev. Patrick Papp and Rev. Enid Shepard officiating. Burial will follow at Old City Cemetery, Jacksonville. Mrs. Bolton died Sunday, June 15, 2008 in Jacksonville. She was born on Aug. 16, 1905 in San Angelo, Tom Green County to the late Raben Jefferson Scoggins and Dora Lee Stevens Scoggins. She was a homemaker for most of her life and later worked as a cashier for several stores in Jacksonville. She was a member of St. John’s Methodist Church and the ETMC Pink Ladies Auxiliary. She was preceded in death by her parents, five brothers, one sister, husband Lige Bolton, son Hubert Bolton, son and daughter-in-law Jack and Jessie Bolton, sons-in-law John Carnes, Carl Loftin, and Lewis Grigory. She is survived by daughters Louise Carnes, Irving, Fairy Grigory and Betty Loftin of Jacksonville; daughters and sons-in-law Agnes and Roger Reagan, Helen and Jim Cromwell and Linda and Don Gregg of Jacksonville; sons and daughters-in-law Larry and Sandra Bolton and Tony and Nancy Bolton of Tyler; daughter-in-law Ernestine Bolton of Jacksonville; 22 grandchildren, 45 great-grandchildren, 16 great-great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews; two sisters-in-law Nellie Bolton and Geraldine Westbrook, of Jacksonville. Pallbearers are grandsons Raben Bolton, Clint Bolton, Randy Loftin, Clint Gregg, Mike Reagan and Tony Bolton. Honorary pallbearers are grandchildren. The family will receive friends from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday, June 17, 2008 at the funeral home. Published in the Jacksonville Daily Progress from 6/17/2008 - 6/18/2008.
Mary Ella Bolton
Graveside services for Mary Ella Bolton, 94, of Rusk are scheduled for 10 a.m., Monday, June 16, 2008 in Moseley Cemetery with Rev. Gloria Guinn Jennings and Forrest Phifer officiating under the direction of Wallace-Thompson Funeral Home in Rusk. Mrs. Bolton died June 11, 2008 at her residence. She was born Sept. 28, 1913 in Rusk to the late Albert Sidney and Ella Catherine Jones Meredith. She was a lifelong resident of Rusk and worked in sales in Rusk and Corpus Christi as a dress shop sales lady. Mrs. Bolton was a member of First United Methodist Church in Rusk and a charter member of Daughters of Republic of Texas for 25 years. She was also a member of Daughters of American Revolution for 25 years. She was preceded in death by her husband, Edward Marion Bolton, Aug. 31, 2006; son, William “Bill” Albert Bolton in 1970; three sisters and three brothers, and sister-in-law, Marie Gowin in 1999. She is survived by a granddaughter and her husband, Barbara E. and Ricky L. Morgan of Henderson; two great-grandchildren, Alexis and Alex Morgan of Henderson; sister-in-law, Roselyn Bolton Scott of Rusk; numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. Pallbearers will include Billy Lankford Jr., Jimmy Perkins, Earl Finley, Joe Brooks, Robert Jones and Anthony Holcomb. Honorary pallbearers will be Billy Lankford Sr. and Joe Wade Vining. Family will receive friends from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., Sunday, June 15, 2008 at the Funeral Home. Published in the Jacksonville Daily Progress from 6/17/2008 - 6/18/2008.
Mildred Lynda Chapman
Funeral services for Mildred Lynda Chapman, 85, of
Rusk will be held at 1:30 p.m. Saturday, June 28, 2008 in First United
Methodist Church, Rusk with Rev. Michael Caldwell officiating. Burial
will be in Cedar Hill Cemetery under the direction of Wallace-Thompson
Funeral Home. No visitation in scheduled. Mrs. Chapman died June 20,
2008 in her home in Rusk. She was born July 3, 1922 in Eustace to the
late Owen Webster and Ethel Wilbanks Holland. She grew up Mabank and
graduated from Mabank High School in 1940. She graduated from the
University of Texas at Austin in 1944 with a Bachelor of Science degree
in home economics and became a registered dietician in 1945. She was a
member of the American Dietetics Association. She was employed by the
University of Texas at Austin from June 1944 to July 1946. She married
Irvin Stanley Chapman on Aug. 24, 1946. From 1947 until 1950, she
managed Scarborough’s Tea Room in Austin. She lived in Rusk from June
1951 until her death. Mrs. Chapman was a charter member of the Beta
Sigma Phi sorority, the William Roark chapter of the Daughters of the
Republic of Texas and the Pink Ladies at the former Rusk Memorial
Hospital. She was a member of the Volunteers Council at Rusk State
Hospital, the Rusk Garden Club, the Eastern Star, the Magna Charta
Dames, the Thalian Club, and the Daughters of the American Revolution.
Mrs. Chapman was a devoted mother and grandmother. When her children
were growing up, she was a Brownie and Girl Scout leader and very active
in the PTA. She worked very hard for the local schools, having served as
a homeroom parent for 12 years in addition to many other volunteer
activities. An active member of the First United Methodist Church, she
served on the administrative board, worked many years as a volunteer
during Vacation Bible School and was chairman of the bereavement
committee for five years. She was known among her many friends as an
excellent and talented gardener, cook and seamstress. A devoted and
loving wife, she was preceded in death by her husband of 59 years, Irvin
Stanley Chapman, of Rusk and sister, Mrs. Janice Cole, of McKinney. She
is survived by her brother, Owen W. Holland, Jr., of San Antonio and
Jacksonville; daughters and sons-in-law, Dr. Joe and Eileen Knipper, of
Waco, Dr. Frank and Melody Petrick, of Missouri City, David and Deborah
Charlton, of Austin and Diane Meyers of Austin; and four grandchildren,
Scott and Brent Petrick, Katy Meyers and Madison Charlton. Pallbearers
will be Forrest Phifer, Lester Hughes, Frank Petrick, Neil Holcomb,
Scott Petrick and Monte Ethington. The family wishes to thank Julie
Bingham, Kathy Moeser and Gale Andrus for the loving and devoted care
they provided. The family is also appreciative of the faithful
friendship of Opal Fitts and the compassionate, professional care
rendered by Dr. Sharlet Slough and her staff. Mrs. Chapman asked for
memorials to be given to the Foundation Fighting Blindness, P.O. Box
17279, Baltimore, MD 21297-0495, in memory of her late husband, Irvin
Chapman, who suffered from macular degeneration and in honor of her
grandson, Brent Petrick, who has a degenerative retinal disease.
Published in the Jacksonville Daily Progress on
6/25/2008.
Michael “Thunder Chicken” Cox
Services for Michael “Thunder Chicken” Cox are scheduled for 1 p.m. Saturday, June 21, 2008 at Bullard Cemetery on U.S. Highway 69 with Bernie "Rebel" Huston officiating. Cox passed away Thursday, June 12, 2008 in Tyler after a long battle with cancer. He was born May 22, 1951 in Beaumont to the late Ross Harper and Lelia Hood Cox. He was a Baptist and a journeyman painter. When he was a young man, he was an oil field worker. One day, he showed up for work with a bottle of Thunderbird and a box of chicken and his driller gave him the nickname “Thunder Chicken” and it became the name everyone knew him by. Most people didn’t know his real name. He is preceded in death by his parents and two brothers, Johnny and Paul Cox. He is survived by a son, Michael R. Cox, Jr.; daughters, Christina and Lee Ann; and a brother, Jimmy Cox, of Beaumont. Published in the Jacksonville Daily Progress from 6/17/2008 - 6/18/2008.
Katherine Faydell “Dimp” Ellis
Funeral services for Katherine Faydell “Dimp” Ellis, 85, of Jacksonville, will be held at 10:30 a.m., Monday, June 2, 2008, at Renfro Memorial Chapel at Boren-Conner Funeral Home, Jacksonville with Rev. C. L. Taylor and Rev. Mike Eddy officiating. Burial will follow at Resthaven Memorial Park Cemetery in Jacksonville under the direction of Boren-Conner Funeral Home, Jacksonville. Mrs. Ellis was born April 2, 1923 in Palestine to James and Nener Mae Walls Cecil. She died Friday morning, May 30, 2008 at Hospice of East Texas at Tyler. She was a housewife and had lived her life in the Jacksonville area. She was a Charter member of the First Assembly of God Church in Jacksonville for more than sixty years. She worked with the Women’s Ministries from 1954 to 1975 and also worked with the Missionettes and served as a Sunday School teacher for sixty years. She volunteered at Gardendale Nursing Home for ten years and sang with the “Happy Group” at all of the Jacksonville Nursing Homes. Dimp was preceded in death by her husband, Claude Lee Ellis on January 20, 2002.She is survived by one sister, Margaret Bobbitt of Tyler and nieces and nephews. Pallbearers will be Johnny Lovelady, Ricky Bobbitt, Gary Bobbitt, Marvin Socia, Gerald McCool, and Dakota Ainsworth. Honorary pallbearers will be Bill Bobbitt and Carlton Owings. Visitation will be Sunday evening from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Boren-Conner Funeral Home, Jacksonville. Published in the Jacksonville Daily Progress from 6/1/2008 - 6/2/2008.
Ava Aileen Johnson Emerson
Our beloved mother, grandmother and great-grandmother has entered into her eternal home in heaven. Mrs. Emerson died May 31, 2008 in Mesquite, at the age of 93.The funeral will be at Autry Funeral Home Chapel, Jacksonville Wednesday, June 4, 2008 at 2:00 p.m. Burial will be at Jarratt Cemetery. Reverend Keviin Strempke will be officiating She was born February 5, 1915 near Carthage, Panola County, Texas to Harvey and Julia Marshall Johnson. She is preceded in death by her parents, her husband of 45 years, Archie Emerson, three brothers, three sisters, and her beloved daughter, Salley Hassell who died February 6, 2008.She had lived in the Jacksonville area most of her life, having moved to Mesquite in 2003. While living in Jacksonville, she was active in the Nan Travis Pink Ladies and for many years was precinct chairman for Precinct 1 in Turney. She was a member of St. Johns United Methodist Church until her move to Mesquite. In 2004, she became a member of New Covenant United Methodist Church. She was an avid 42 player, taught her grandkids to play Shanghai, Skip-Bo and Wahoo. She is survived by daughters, Judy Barton and husband John of Sunnyvale and Margaret Chandler and husband Roger of Jacksonville, and son-in-law Kenneth Hassell of Mesquite; 6 grandchildren and their spouses, Lisa Pinkston and husband Jeff, Angela Fletcher and husband Lee, Andy Barton and wife Carol, Aaron Henderson and wife Kelli, Jennifer King and husband Gary and Amy Parker and husband Ron; two step-grandchildren, Rachel Chandler and Chris Chandler. She is also survived by eight great-grandchildren, Colby and Colin Henderson, Gus Fletcher, Cassidy and Makenzie Pinkston, Harlie and Tyler Barton, Landon Henderson and 5 step great-grandchildren, Cameron, Caleb and Chelsea Parker, Dalton Douglas and Courtney Harper. She is also survived by many nieces and nephews. Pallbearers will be grandsons and grandsons-in-law. The family would like to thank Dr. Tom Neal Jones for his compassion, kindness and care he has given our mother during her time of illness. Visitation will be at Autry Funeral Home Tuesday, June 3 from 6 to 8 p.m. Memorials can be made to the American Heart Association and Samaritan Hospice of Dallas. Published in the Jacksonville Daily Progress on 6/2/2008.
Tiffany Fort
Funeral services for Tiffany Fort, age 26, of New London, TX., formerly of Jacksonville are pending at Autry Funeral Home, Jacksonville. Tiffany died Sunday, June 1, 2008 in New London. Published in the Jacksonville Daily Progress on 6/3/2008.
Jo Francis
Graveside services for Jo Francis, 82, of Jacksonville, are scheduled for 10 a.m. Saturday, May 31, 2008 at Jarratt Cemetery, Jacksonville with Rev. James Blaylock officiating. Services are under the direction of Autry Funeral Home, Jacksonville. Mrs. Francis died Thursday, May 29, 2008 in Jacksonville. She was born Sept. 12, 1925 in Jacksonville to Longmire McKnight and Mary Mae Morris McKnight. She was a member of Corinth Baptist Church and was retired from National Bank of Commerce, Dallas as chief telephone operator and was formerly employed with Children’s Medical Center, Dallas Mrs. Francis was preceded in death by her husband Myron B. W. Francis. She is survived by son Bo Northen and wife Diane, Grapevine; daughter Linda Northen Hamrick and husband Bill, Jacksonville; brother Grover McKnight, Big Springs; sisters Elsie “Pinky” Sadler, Groves and Sue Wright, Jacksonville; and 4 grandchildren Kimberly, Bruce “Tiger”, Samuel and Lisa. Pallbearers are Bruce Hammond, Samuel Rushing, Murphy Milligan, Smitty Smith, Casey Davis and Shawn Davis. The family will receive friends from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Friday, May 30, 2008 at the funeral home. Published in the Jacksonville Daily Progress from 6/1/2008 - 6/2/2008.
Alma Lou Havens
Graveside services for Alma Lou Havens, 70, of Rusk are scheduled for 10 a.m., Tuesday, June 3, 2008 in Mays Cemetery near New Salem with Rev. Tommy Mabry officiating under the direction of Wallace-Thompson Funeral Home in Rusk. Mrs. Havens died May 30, 2008 at her residence. She was born Sept. 5, 1937 in New Salem to Leroy and Mabel Beatrice Childress Swink. She was a resident of Rusk for 43 years formerly of Jacksonville. Mrs. Havens was a member of New Salem Missionary Baptist Church and a Licensed Vocational Nurse. She was also a homemaker. Preceded in death by a sister, Sarahbeth Swink. She is survived by her husband of 48 years, James R. Havens of Rusk; son, James Lynn Havens of New Salem; daughter and son-in-law, Melissa and Tim King of Rusk; two grandsons, Justin Pitman of Rusk, J.W. King of Rusk; four sisters and two brothers-in-law, Lynda and David Attaway of Jacksonville, Judy and Jimmy Cochran of New Salem, Molice Jones of New Salem, Sandra Swink of New Salem; brother, Roy L. Swink of New Salem; aunt, Zelma Swink of New Salem; numerous nieces and nephews. Family will receive friends from 6p.m. to 8 p.m., Monday, June 2, 2008 at the funeral home. Published in the Jacksonville Daily Progress from 6/1/2008 - 6/2/2008.
Mike Hesterley
Graveside services for Mike Hesterley, age 60, of Jacksonville are scheduled for 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, June 3, 2008 at Resthaven Memorial Park, Jacksonville. Services are under the direction of Autry Funeral Home, Jacksonville. Mr. Hesterley died Thursday, May 29, 2008 in Tyler. He was born January 8, 1948 in Jacksonville to Louie Moses Hesterley and Alice Marie Tidwell Hesterley. Mr. Hesterley was formerly employed with the U. S. Postal Service in Tyler. He was preceded in death by his parents Louie Moses Hesterley and Alice Marie Tidwell Hesterley. Survivors include son Shane Hesterley and wife Amanda; daughter, Erica Thurman and husband Ed; brothers, Kent Hesterley and Steve Hesterley and wife Cathy, all of Jacksonville; 3 grandchildren; uncle, Tracy Tidwell; aunt, Betty Traylor; and several nieces and nephews. The family will receive friends from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. Monday, June 2, 2008 at the funeral home. Published in the Jacksonville Daily Progress from 6/1/2008 - 6/2/2008
Leon Hinton
Funeral services for Leon Hinton of Jacksonville are pending with Mercy-McGowan Funeral Home. Hinton died June 30, 2008 in his home.
A. J. Kennedy
Funeral services for A. J. Kennedy, 83, of Jacksonville, are scheduled for 2 p.m. Tuesday, June 24, 2008 at Autry Funeral Home Chapel, Jacksonville with Rev. Ken McEachern officiating. Burial will follow at Jarratt Cemetery, Jacksonville. Mr. Kennedy died Friday, June 20, 2008 in Tyler. He was born June 7, 1925 in Pittsburg, Texas to Arthur Washington Kennedy and Willie Vannie Moffett Kennedy. Mr. Kennedy served in the United States Navy during World War II, was a retired electrician and also formerly worked at Nichols-Kusan, Inc. in Jacksonville. Mr. Kennedy was a member of Beall Chapel Baptist Church, where he served as treasurer, Mr. and Mrs. Kennedy’s wedding was the first wedding held at Beall Chapel Baptist Church on June 14, 1958, and he was a member of TRTA. He was preceded in death by sister Evelyn Kennedy and his parents. Survivors include spouse Burnell “Burney” Kennedy, of Jacksonville; daughter Gail Yarbrough, of Poynor; four grandchildren, Bo, Kevin, Tricia, and Patti; eight great-grandchildren and several nieces, nephews and cousins. Pallbearers are Doyle Smith, Steve Compte, David Cooper, Charles Sessions, Norman Terry and Joe Cox. Honorary pallbearers are Pete Lambright, James Smith, Paul McMillan and members of Men’s 2 Sunday School Class of Beall Chapel Baptist Church. The family will receive friends from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Monday, June 23, 2008 at the funeral home, Jacksonville. Memorials may be made to Beall Chapel Baptist Church Building Fund. Published in the Jacksonville Daily Progress from 6/22/2008 - 6/23/2008.
Rev. James Clyde Leslie
Rev. James Clyde Leslie, 87, of Booneville, died Sunday, May 11, 2008. Rev. and Mrs. Leslie lived in Jacksonville for two years from 1982 -83, while members of First Baptist Church, Jacksonville. Survivors include his daughter, Dorothy, and son-in-law, Dr. Greg Parsons, of Jacksonville; eight grandchildren: John Mark Parsons, Tim Parsons, Phil Parsons, Luke Parsons, Susanna Parsons, Mary Parsons, Rachel Parsons, Rebekah Parsons; and Sarah Parsons Fruge of Longview; and two great-grandchildren from East Texas, Madelyn Parsons of Jacksonville and Ryan Fruge of Longview. Published in the Jacksonville Daily Progress from 6/1/2008 - 6/2/2008.
Will Marvin Lusk Sr.
Graveside services for Will Marvin Lusk Sr., age 82, of Rusk are scheduled for 11:00 a.m., Wednesday, June 4, 2008 in Alto City Cemetery with Rev. Donald Wayne Moore officiating under the direction of Wallace-Thompson Funeral Home in Rusk. Mr. Lusk died June 1, 2008 in a Nacogdoches Hospital. He was born April 19, 1926 in Conroe, TX to the late Henry E. and Hazel Spurgers Lusk. He lived most of his life in Alto and was a member of First Baptist Church in Bullard. Mr. Lusk was a self employed auto and diesel mechanic and served in the United States Army during World War II. Preceded in death by his wife, Rita Lusk, two sons, Ray Lusk and Tommy Lusk, brother, Hugh Lusk, sister, Betty Lusk Denman, step mother, Mary Bonnie Lusk. He is survived by two sons and daughter-in-law, Will Marvin Lusk Jr. of Nacogdoches, TX Bruce and Teresa Lusk of Central Heights, TX, three daughters and two sons-in-law, Doris Marie and Leslie Parker of Rusk, Janette Moore of Troup, TX Ginger and Eddy Shorter of Laneville, TX brother and sister-in-law, Doyle and Wanda Lusk of Mineral Wells, TX, twelve grandchildren, thirty four great grandchildren, one great great grandchild, numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. Family will receive friends from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m., Wednesday, June 4, 2008 at the funeral home. Published in the Jacksonville Daily Progress on 6/2/2008.
Donal H. McAllister
Funeral services with full Military honors for retired 1st Sergeant Donal H. McAllister, age 69, of Rusk are scheduled for 10:00 a.m. Thursday, June 26 at Autry Funeral Home Chapel, Jacksonville with Rev. Don Copeland officiating. Burial will follow at Oakland Cemetery near Rusk. Mr. McAllister died Monday, June 23, 2008 in Tyler. He was born December 3, 1938 in Rusk to Garnie Houston McAllister and Juanita Mae Johnson McAllister. Mr. McAllister was a retired United States Postal Service employee as well as retired 1st Sergeant who served proudly three tours with the Army, during the Vietnam War. He was preceded in death by his daughter Theresa Ann McAllister and his parents. Survivors include his wife Betty McAllister of Rusk, son Kenneth McAllister of Roundrock and Gary McAllister of Kansas City, Kansas; daughters and son-in-laws Debbie and Raymond Smith of Houston, Rhonda Lee and Calvin Forman of Oakland. Honorary Pallbearers will be his grandsons and the employees of the United States Postal Service in Rusk. The family will receive friends from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Wednesday, June 25, 2008 at the funeral home in Jacksonville. Published in the Jacksonville Daily Progress on 6/24/2008.
Birdie Jones McGill
Funeral services for Birdie Jones McGill of Rusk are scheduled for 3 p.m., Monday, June 16, 2008 in Wallace-Thompson Funeral Home Chapel with Reverend Don Copeland officiating, assisted by James I. Perkins. Interment will be in Cedar Hill Cemetery following the service under the direction of Wallace-Thompson Funeral Home in Rusk. Mrs. McGill died Thursday, June 12, 2008 at the Hospice of East Texas in Tyler following a long illness. She was born April 22, 1910 in Laurel, Miss. to the late Adam and Katie Hare Waldrup and had lived in Rusk for nearly 60 years. Mrs. McGill was an outstanding Rusk businesswoman who owned and operated the successful Jones Dress Shop for nearly 40 years. In addition to operating her business, she served on the board of directors of Citizens 1st Bank from 1979 to 1993 and upon her business retirement she became an assistant vice president for Citizens 1st Bank for six years. She received the American Bankers Association’s Presidential Citation for Women in Banking in 1986 and a Rusk High School Tyler Junior College scholarship was named in her honor. Long time friend, James I. Perkins, Citizens 1st Bank President and Chairman said: “Birdie Jones McGill was an outstanding leader in the Rusk business community, well liked by everyone, and a role model for all of us.” She is survived by her husband, Wayne McGill of Rusk; sister and brother-in-law, Katherine and Woodrow Powell; nieces and nephews, and many friends. She was preceded in death in 1994 by her husband, Forrest M. Jones. Visitation will be from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., Sunday, June 15, 2008 at the funeral home. Pallbearers will be James I. Perkins, James I. Perkins, Jr., Apolinar Serrato, Charles Hassell, Bruce Stovall, Hugh McKean, William Waldrup, Don Jones, Mike Crysup and Monte Ethington. If desired, memorials may be made to Hospice of East Texas, 4111 University Blvd., Tyler, TX, 75701. Published in the Jacksonville Daily Progress on 6/15/2008.
Teresa Ann Herr Moore
Born June 24, 1964, to Larry and Carolyn Herr in Portland, Ore., Teresa Ann Herr Moorre moved to Jacksonville in 1968. Mrs. Moore graduated from Jacksonville High School in 1982. She worked for Sunset Nursing Home, Lifeline Home Health and Grace V Nurses for four years. She was preceded in death by her daughter, Tiffany Fort.She is survived by her husband, Forrest Moore; sons, Kendall and Nikki Sides and Jeremy Sides; daughter, Caspian Moore Durham; brother, Larry and Cari Herr Jr.; sister, Michelle Blakeley; grandchildren, Bethany and Joshua Fort, Matthew, Skyler and Conner Sides, Caitlyn, Danica, Destinee and Issac Salazar and dixie roberts; best friend, Carla and Cam Hataway; and numerous close friends and extended family members. Pallbearers are Donald Smith, Ronnie Smith, Jeremy Smith, Stephen Forson, John Allen, B.J. Pitts, Danny Moore and Jerry Barkley. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in memory of Tiffany fort at Austin Bank. Published in the Jacksonville Daily Progress from 6/10/2008 - 6/11/2008.
Letha Jo Monroe Parsons
Funeral services for Letha Jo Monroe Parsons, 67,
of Rusk, are scheduled for 10 a.m. Thursday, June 19, 2008 in First
Baptist Church in Rusk with Rev. Lee Welch and Rev. Don Copeland
officiating. Interment will be in Lowes Chapel Cemetery under the
direction of Wallace-Thompson Funeral Home in Rusk. Mrs. Parsons died
June 16, 2008 in New Braunfels. She was born Feb. 13, 1941 in Rusk. She
was a lifelong resident of Rusk and a member of First Baptist Church and
its choir. She was previously the owner of George Monroe Flower Shop in
Rusk. Mrs. Parsons loved the Lord and her church family. She was
proceeded in death by her parents, George and Morgree Monroe; brother,
George Elbert Monroe; and grandchildren, Caleb and Kara Parsons. She is
survived by her husband of 51 years, Thomas Lee Parsons of Rusk; four
sons and two daughters-in-law, David Parsons, of Rusk, Marty Parsons, of
San Marcos, Andrew and Brenda Parsons, of Jacksonville, Robin and
Beverly Parsons, of Gallatin; two daughters and a grandsons-in-law,
Rebecca and David Jacobs, of Rusk, Deborah and Cliff Cary, of New
Braunfels; sister, Frances Murdoch, of Huntsville, Ark.; brother and
sister-in-law, Thomas and Betty Monroe, of Carthage; 17 grandchildren;
three great-grandchildren; a nephew and his wife, John and Betsy
Murdoch, of Fayetteville, Ark.; and a niece, Mary Turney of Rusk.
Pallbearers will be his grandsons, including Christopher Jacobs, Zachary
Jacobs, Blake Parker, Joshua Parsons, Joseph Jones, Cliff Cary Jr. and
Richard Parsons. The family will receive friends from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Wednesday, June 18, 2008 at the funeral home. If desired, memorials may
be made to First Baptist Church Library Fund, P.O. Box 258, Rusk, Texas
75785.
Published in the Jacksonville Daily Progress on
6/19/2008.
Frances Carolyn Wood Pavletich
Frances Carolyn Wood Pavletich of Jacksonville, died in her home Friday, May 30, 2008, at the age of 88. Services will be held at 2 p.m. Monday, June 2 at First United Methodist Church, Jacksonville with Rev. Dr. Faulk Landrum and Rev. Kevin King officiating with burial following at Resthaven Memorial Park. Frances Carolyn was a member of this church since moving to Jacksonville with her parents, Samuel Thomas and Johnie Palmer Wood at the age of 2. She was born March 25, 1920 in Kilgore. Visitation will be held at Autry Funeral Home, Jacksonville, Sunday, June 1 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Survivors are her husband of 68 years, Philip Jack Pavletich, Jr.; two daughters Mary Frances Dublin and Carolyn Ann Lesh and her husband Larry Miller Lesh; four grandchildren Philip Lewis Lesh and his wife Bonnie, Michael Miller Lesh and his wife Kimberly, Lisa Lesh Ahn and her husband Chun, and Holly Dublin Shelton and her husband Travis; seven great-grandchildren Brian Lewis Lesh, Jeffrey Philip Lesh, Kathryn Mackenzie Lesh, Collin Michael Lesh, Emilia Grace Ahn, Miller Yemo Ahn and Jillian Malone Shelton. Frances Carolyn is preceded in death by her parents and great-granddaughter Abigail Lee Lesh. Wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, friend, homemaker extraordinaire, Frances Carolyn was all these and more. Her life revolved around her loving husband Philip, and family and friends were the center of her world. Always interested in community, Frances Carolyn was involved in many activities and organizations throughout her life including Daughters of the American Revolution, Hyperion Club, Alpha Omega Sunday School Class, and Sewing Club where sharing friendships was the emphasis. She attended Joe Wright Elementary School, and graduated from Jacksonville High School in 1937 as Valedictorian and graduated from Lon Morris College in 1939. In 1936 Frances Carolyn was crowned Tomato Festival Queen. Pallbearers are Robert Frank Brown, Brian Holcomb, Corey S. Pavletich, Andy Phillips, Johnny Shattuck, Max Treadwell, and Kent Westbrook. The family requests that memorials be sent to First United Methodist Church of Jacksonville. Published in the Jacksonville Daily Progress from 6/1/2008 - 6/2/2008.
Godfrey Ragsdale
Services for Godfrey Ragsdale, 60, Jacksonville, are scheduled for 1:30 p.m. Sunday, June 15, 2008 at Mount Haven C.M.E. Church with Rev. Claudell Anderson, Rev. Earl Franklin, and Rev. Robert Tilley officiating. Burial will be in Pine Grove Cemetery under direction of Williams Funeral Home. Mr. Ragsdale died June 10, 2008, in Longview. He was born July 25, 1947, in Jacksonville. He attended Mount Haven elementary and graduated from Fred Douglass High School. He attended Lon Morris College, Prairie View University, University of Texas in Arlington, and The University of Texas in Austin He was a member of Mount Haven C.M.E. Church and served in the Marine Corps. Survivors include his wife, Jocelyn Ragsdale, Jacksonville; sons, Klashun B. Ragsdale, Godfrey Xenon Ragsdale, Joseph Vincent Ragsdale, Joshua Philipe Ragsdale, all of Jacksonville and Daniel Tarrayne Ragsdale, of Houston; sisters and brother-in-law, Lois and George Gregory and Laurene Ragsdale, both of Dallas; brother and sister-in-law, Paul B. and Debbie Ragsdale, of Jacksonville; four grandchildren and five aunts. Published in the Jacksonville Daily Progress on 6/15/2008.
James R. “Jimmy” Shugart
Funeral services for James R. “Jimmy” Shugart, age 76, of Frankston, are scheduled for 10:00 a.m. Thursday, June 5, 2008 at Autry Funeral Home Chapel, Frankston with Rev. Norman Pope and Rev. Ken Mullen officiating. Burial will follow at Liberty Hill Cemetery, Frankston. Mr. Shugart was born February 21, 1932 in Ganado, TX. to Houston Virgle and Diccie Clakley Shugart. He passed away on June 1, 2008 in Frankston. Mr. Shugart was a member of Frankston Evangelistic Church and was a retired insulator with Shanco Insulation, Longview for 32 years and 9 months. He was preceded in death by parents Virgle and Diccie Shugart, 3 sisters Marie Shuttlesworth, Virgie Dunlap and Sharon Laughlin and 2 brothers Herbert Shugart and H. V. Shugart. Survivors include son Danny Shugart, Maydelle; sisters Katie Mattern and Nancy Morton, both of Palestine, Catherine Mullen, North Little Rock, AK. and Carol Southard, Jacksonville; 3 grandchildren Justin and Alisha Shugart and James Wyatt Dominy and l great-granddaughter Haley Elizabeth Shugart. Pallbearers are Mike Morton, Floyd Dunlap, Jim Johnson, Marvin Morton, Tyron Cobble, Michael Kimbrough, Carroll Newbourn and Wayne Phillips. Honorary pallbearers are Joe Dan Hopkins and Bobby Jack Henderson. The family will receive friends from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. Wednesday, June 4, 2008 at Autry Funeral Home, Frankston. Published in the Jacksonville Daily Progress on 6/3/2008.
Shelby Jean Starkey
Shelby Jean Starkey, 73, went to be with the Lord on June 11, 2008 in Corpus Christi. Chapel services will be held at Autry Funeral Home in Jacksonville on Tuesday, June 17, 2008 at 10 a.m. with Brother Robin Parsons officiating. Burial will be at Henry Cemetery in Gallatin under direction of Autry Funeral Home in Jacksonville. She was born on Jan. 14, 1935 on a farm in Cherokee County to the late Frazier O. “Boss” and Edrie Marie Hill George. She was preceded in death by her parents; two brothers, Dawain and Arlin George and in-laws, Sam and Opal Hicks. Shelby graduated Gallatin High School in 1953 and later married her high school sweetheart Howard Wayne Starkey on June 19, 1953. Shelby and Wayne had 55 loving years of marriage. She was a devoted wife, a beloved sister, caring mother and loving grandmother. She was a homemaker who loved nothing better than to cook and make fresh baked goods from her tidy kitchen for her family and friends. She also was a loyal supporter of Calallen Wildcats football and her near perfect attendance and vocal encouragement at Wildcat Stadium will be missed. Her passion was solving crossword puzzles and assembling jigsaw puzzles. Shelby loved her church and church family. She is survived by her devoted and loving husband Howard Wayne Starkey of Corpus Christi; daughter Laquita Goodson and husband Lewie of Jacksonville; son, Joel Starkey and wife Cindy of Gallatin; daughter MiLisa Schilhab of Athens; sister and brother-in-law Patsy and James Pollard of Hallsville; twin brothers and sister-in-law Jerry “Duke” and Donna George of Bay City, and Gary “Dak” George of Alvin; her best “buddies” Betty Logan of Corpus Christi and Delores Jones of Robstown; seven grandchildren, five great-grandchildren, numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. A special “Thank You” to attending physician Dr. Pamela Smith and nurse Gloria. Pallbearers will be her grandsons. Shelby’s life here on earth will be greatly missed and mourned but highly honored. For those who desire donations may be made to Calallen Baptist Church. Published in the Jacksonville Daily Progress on 6/15/2008.
Charlyne Allen Sullivan
Charlyne Allen Sullivan went to be with the Lord on May 31, 2008. She passed away at Plaza on The River Nursing Home in Kerrville, Texas. She was 85 years old. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Monday, June 2, at the chapel of Autry Funeral Home in Jacksonville, Texas. Burial will follow in Old Jacksonville Cemetery under the direction of Autry Funeral Home. Visitation will begin on Monday, June 2 with family receiving friends from noon until service time. Mrs. Sullivan was born on March 21, 1923 to William and Lois Allen in Jacksonville, Texas. She married Everette Franklin Sullivan in 1947 in Wills Point, Texas. Mrs. Sullivan was a devoted member of First Assembly of God Church in Kerrville for over 25 years. She is survived by two sons and daughters-in-law, Michael and Karen Sullivan of Marshall, Texas and Terry and Karen Sullivan of Kerrville; one daughter and son-in-law, Sarah and Steve Lackey of Kerrville; one sister and brother-in-law, Margie and Ray Mays of Kingwood, Texas; nine grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her husband; parents; two brothers, J. D. and William Allen; three sisters, Doris Allen, Gladys “B.” Trice, and Ruth Tarrant; and granddaughter Katie Sullivan. Mrs. Sullivan will be truly missed by her family and friends, including best friend, Vivian Brown of Kerrville. With a smile for all and joy in her heart, Charlyne took care of her family and served her church. Her family is proud to call her Mom and Grandma. Condolences may be made online at www.autryfuneralhome.com. Published in the Jacksonville Daily Progress from 6/1/2008 - 6/2/2008.
Richard F. Thomason
Funeral services for Richard F. Thomason, 92, of Jacksonville are scheduled for 10 a.m. Monday, June 16, 2008 in the chapel of Autry Funeral Home, Jacksonville, with Rev. Steve Edwards officiating. Burial will follow at Resthaven Memorial Park, Jacksonville. Mr. Thomason died Friday, June 13, 2008 in Palestine. He was born April 9, 1916 in Rusk to C. M. “Sam” Thomason and Callie Keakey Thomason. Mr. Thomason served in the United States Air Force during World War II. He was a member of Central Baptist Church, Jacksonville and was retired as owner of Arcadia Transfer and Storage and was an agent for Andrews Van Lines. He had served as a constable in Dallas Co. He was preceded in death by his parents; wife of 71 years, Willie B. Thomason; brother; Clifford “Mutt” Thomason; and sister, Mary Blankinship. Survivors include sons and their wives, David and Mary Thomason, Kelly and Joy Thomason; daughters and husband Betty Jean Harrison, Judy and Tom Baker; and sister, Dora L. Clifton. Pallbearers will be Brett Van Hazel, Daniel Thomason, Tom Harrison, Elmer Kennedy, Johnny Banks, Richard Harrison, Van Thomason, and Clay Thomason. Visitation will be held from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home. Published in the Jacksonville Daily Progress on 6/15/2008.
