Cherokee County, Texas

OBITUARIES  2008

February 6, 2008

JESSIE B. WYATT

Graveside service for Jessie Wyatt, 94, was at 10 a.m. Jan. 31 at Sunset Memorial Park in Nacogdoches with the Rev. Douglas J. Tucker of St. Cyprian's Episcopal Church in Lufkin officiating.

.Mrs. Wyatt died Jan. 29. She was born Jan. 5, 1914, in Rusk to the late William Taylor Brown and Minnie Stevens Brown. She was married to John S. Wyatt until his death in 1984. Mrs. Wyatt was a member of Christ Episcopal Church. She graduated from Stephen F. Austin in 1938. She and her husband owned and operated Wyatt Office Supply.

Along with her parents and husband, Mrs. Wyatt is preceded in death by her sisters, Oree Brown, Arcenoe Henderson, Belle Walder and Hazel Musick.

Survivors are several nieces, Lue Gene Crow and husband Steve, of Nacogdoches, Sylvia Bueck and husband, Bill, of Clifton and Beverly Hammond and husband, Bob, of Baton Rouge, La.; nephews, T.K. Henderson of Palestine and Bob Henderson and wife, Sue, of Henderson; many great-nieces and nephews.

Memorials may be made to the Christ Episcopal Church or the Christ Episcopal School at 502 East Starr Avenue, Nacogdoches 75965. Arrangements were under the direction of Cason Monk-Metcalf Funeral Directors.

RACHEL (NANNY MA) PARKER

Funeral for Rachel (Nanny Ma) Parker, 87, of Rusk was at 2 p.m. Friday, in the Wallace Thompson Funeral Home chapel with Pastor Lloyd Lane and Pastor Keith Hassell officiating. Burial was in Cedar Hill Cemetery.

Mrs. Parker died Jan. 29. She was born Sept. 23, 1920, in Rusk to Alex Lafayette and Annie Lee Wallace George.

She lived most of her life in Rusk. She was a long time member of Lone Oak Baptist Church, a member of Grace Fellowship Church and was a current member of Miracle Christian Center in Buffalo. She retired from Nichols Industry in Jacksonville after many years of service. After retiring, she worked in childcare and many area children called her "Nanny Ma." Preceding her in death were her husband, Leonard Parker in 1993; and one brother and three sisters.

Survivors are a son and daughter-in-law, Leslie and Doris Parker of Rusk; a brother, Nolan George of Brazoria; two sisters, Mildred Jackson of Dallas and Lorene Wofford of Lake Jackson; four grandchildren, 16 great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.

Grandsons and great-grandsons served as pallbearers.

DAVID WAYNE ROARK

Graveside service for David Wayne Roark, 43, of Wells was at 2:30 p.m. Sunday at the Old Palestine Cemetery with Brenda Roark officiating.

Mr. Roark died Thursday in Wells. He was born Aug. 18, 1964, in Jacksonville to Don and Helen Baker Roark. He lived in Alto most of his life before moving to Wells. He attended the Weches Pentecostal Church when he was younger.

Preceding him in death were his mother, Helen Baker Roark; grandfather and grandmother Baker; grandfather, Charles Roark and an aunt.

Survivors are his parents, Don and Elizabeth Roark of Kennard; grandmother, Mary Roark of Alto; brother, Larry Roark of Etoile; half-brother, Paul Roark of Kennard; stepbrother, Charles Burran and wife, Donna of Lufkin; stepsister, Debra Burran of Kennard; uncles, Lindall Roark and wife, Brenda, of Houston, Glen Roark of Alto and Wendall Baker of Lufkin; two nieces; and one nephew. O.T. Allen & Son was in charge.

EMMA B. FRANKLIN CANADY

Funeral for Emma B. Franklin Canady, 68, of Jacksonville was at 2 p.m. Saturday at Central Baptist Church with the Rev. Chester Whitaker, Minister Riyce Dennis, the Rev. Candy, Victor Franklin and the Rev. Claudell Anderson. Burial was in Ragsdale Cemetery.

Mrs. Canady died Jan. 29. She was born May 30. 1939, in Jacksonville. She was a member of Bowens Temple and a homemaker.

Survivors are her husband, Eugene Candy of Jacksonville; her mother, Flora Franklin of Jacksonville; five sons and four daughters-in-law, Jerry and Regina Canady, Fredrick and Charla Canady, Henry and Jackie Canady of Jacksonville, Kenny and Diane Canady of Houston and Gary (Rance) Canady of Irving; a daughter and son-in-law, Phyllis and J.B. Mallard of Jacksonville; five brothers and three sisters in law, James and Josephine Franklin, Tommy and Diane Franklin of Jacksonville, Larry and Ella Franklin of Cuney, E.T. Franklin of Dallas and Ricky Franklin of Jacksonville; five sisters and two brothers-in law, Mildred and James Malloy, Gwendolyn Stafford, Brenda Berry of Jacksonville, Rosa Lee and Pastor Trotter of Phoenix, Ariz.; 20 grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren. Williams Funeral Home was in charge.

JERRY DON DEFOOR

Funeral for Jerry Don De- Foor, 68, of Rusk was at 2p.m. Sunday at Wallace-Thompson Funeral Home in Rusk with the Rev. Don Copeland officiating. Burial was in Mt. Hope Cemetery with Masonic gravesite rites. Mr. DeFoor died Jan, 31. He was born Aug. 21, 1939 in Jacksonville, to E. L. and Mary Jane DeFoor. He served in the U.S. Air Force from 1957-60. He was an endowed member and past master of Euclid Masonic Lodge #45 A.F. and A.M. in Rusk. He was also a member and past master of Cherokee Masonic Lodge # 680 in New Summerfield. He received a Golden Trowel Award. He was a member of the Scottish Rites. He was also a member and past Worthy Patron of the Rusk-Alto # 79 Chapter of the Order of the Eastern Star and a member of the Mount Hope Baptist Church.

Preceding him in death were his father, E.L. DeFoor, and an infant sister, Mary Evelyn.

Survivors are his wife of 45 years, Nancy L. Williamson DeFoor of Rusk; mother, Mary Jane DeFoor of Rusk; two sons and a daughter-in-law, Douglas and Theresa DeFoor of Tennessee Colony and Kenneth DeFoor of Rusk,; two daughters and sons-in-law, Donna and Lee Evans of Palestine and Kristy and Bill Allen of Neches; three grandsons, AIC Jerry D. DeFoor of Travis AFB, Calif., Robert DeFoor of Tennessee Colony and James Matthew Warden of Neches; two granddaughters, Sarah Warden of Tyler and Kristen Evans of Tyler. Pallbearers were members of the Masonic Lodge.

JAMES CLAUDE POUNDERS

Graveside service for James Claude Pounders 84, of Alto, was at 10 a.m. Friday at Old Palestine Cemetery with the Rev. Odis Bryan officiating.

Mr. Pounders died Jan. 28. He was born Aug. 3, 1923, in Alto to Claude Sr. and Mary Ivie Pounders. He lived in Alto all of his life, was a Baptist and a farmer. Preceding him in death were his parents; a brother, Elmer Pounders; and a sister, Marie Perryman. Survivors are a nephew and his wife, James Samuel and Connie Perryman of Alto; a great-nephew, James T. Perryman; five great nieces, Tina Smelley, Angela Powers, Linda Rice, Leslie Ann and Christian Perryman.

O.T. Allen & Son Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

MARY ALYCE PARSONS

Funeral for Mary Alyce Parsons, 70, of Rusk are scheduled for 2 p.m., Wednesday, Feb. 6, in the Wallace-Thompson Funeral Home chapel with the Rev. R.S. Dyess officiating. Burial will be in Lowes Chapel Cemetery.

Mrs. Parsons died Feb. 3. She was born April 15, 1937, in Rusk to James Edgar and Deron Cummings Wallis.

She was a lifelong Rusk resident, a member of Bethel United Methodist Church and a homemaker.

Preceding her in death were a daughter, Angela Deron in 2007, and a brother, Richard Wallis.

Survivors are her husband of 55 years, Lum Parsons of Rusk; two daughters and a son-in-law, Sylyna and Keith Kennedy of Tyler and DeAnna Briley of Rusk; two brothers and sisters in law, Kenneth and Harriet Wallis of Arlington and Dubby and Lila Wallis of Kennedale; 10 grandchildren and two great grandchildren.

February 13, 2008

ADA MARIE RIDGEWAY

Funeral for Ada Marie Ridgeway, 88, of Rusk was 2 p.m., Thursday in the Wallace- Thompson Funeral Home chapel with the Rev. Don Copeland and the Rev. Robin Parsons officiating. Burial was in Salem Cemetery.

Mrs. Ridgeway died Feb. 4. She was born Sept. 25, 1919, in Rusk to Uriah H. and Euretha Daisy Thompson Monroe. She was a member of Memorial Missionary Baptist Church and a retired nurse.

Preceding her in death was her husband, T.C. Ridgeway on March 22, 1990. Survivors are a daughter and son-in-law, Carolyn and Jack Collins of Rusk; two sons and daughters-in-law, Thomas D. and Judy Ridgeway of Longview and Jimmy M. and Sheila Ridgeway of Jacksonville; eight grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren; numerous nieces and nephews.

Grandsons and grandsons in law served as pallbearers.

R. E. RAWLINSON

Graveside service for Roy Earl Rawlinson, 88, of Jacksonville, was at 2 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 7, at McDonald Cemetery with the Rev. Donny Sadler officiating. Mr. Rawlinson died Feb. 4. He was born Nov. 11, 1919, in Maydelle to Walt and Buna Rawlinson. He retired from General Refratories in Troup as a brick contractor. He served in the U.S. Army during World War II. He was preceded in death by his wife, Claudie Dee Rawlinson; sons, Randy Lynn Rawlinson and Joe Frank Rawlinson; and a daughter, Cynthia Littlejohn.

Survivors include his son and daughter-in-law, Jimmy and Becky Rawlinson of New Summerfield; a sister, Betty Lou Chanell of Cushing; five grandchildren, Michelle Arnold, Stephen Fuentes, Amber Rawlinson, Jonathan Rawlinson and April Rawlinson; and three great-grandchildren.

Pallbearers were Bruce Ivy, Richard Bird, Tim Tipton, Johnny Birdwell, Eddie Birdwell and James Arnold.

JEWELL MAE KILLION GUENTHER

Graveside service for Jewell Mae Killion Guenther, 98, of Mesquite, formerly of Rusk was at 2 p.m., Friday, Feb. 8 in Cedar Hill Cemetery with the Rev. Lee Welch officiating. Mrs. Guenther died Feb. 5. She was born Sept. 9, 1909, in Slocum to A.L. (Lon) and Mary Ann Lively Killion.

Mrs. Guenther moved to Rusk in the early 1930's after her mother's death. She helped rear the younger children until her marriage. She was a member of First Baptist Church in Rusk and an active member of the choir for many years.

She was a member of Baptist Women's Society, Rusk Garden Club and Eastern Star Rusk Chapter No. 79. She held the office of Worthy Matron from 1970-71.

She was a past member of the American Legions Women's Auxiliary Post 293 in Rusk. She also worked at Rusk State Hospital.

Preceding her in death were her husband Otto Joseph Guenther; two brothers, Clifton Killion and Clyde Killion; three sisters, Idola Stuart, Vashti Starkey and Viola Denson.

Survivors are a daughter, Barbara Louise Kravitz of Great Falls, Va.; two sons and daughters-in-law, H. Lawrence and Claire Guenther of Deer Park and Billy Joe and Joyce Guenther of Mesquite; a brother, Wren Killion of Palestine; a sister, Audine Muskiet of Houston; six grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren, seven great-great-grandchildren; numerous nieces and nephews.

Memorials may be made to Rusk First Baptist Church.

Wallace-Thompson Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

RICKY LEE BOLTON

Funeral for Ricky Lee Bolton, 49, of Jacksonville was at 11:30 a.m. Saturday at Larissa CME Church with the Rev. A. Harris, the Rev. Marlene Williams, the Rev. Claude L. Anderson and Minister Patricia Coywood officiating. Mr. Bolton died Jan. 27. He was born Jan. 30, 1958, in San Diego, Calif.

Survivors are his wife, Mildred Jean Bolton of Jacksonville; a son, Ricky Lee Walker Jr.; a step-daughter Marilyn Demus of Jacksonville; two brothers and a sister-in-law, Arthur Lee Jr. and Arlene Walker and William Anthony Walker, all of Jacksonville; two sisters, Vernolia Roberts of Jacksonville and Gwendolyn Harris of San Diego; five grandchildren.

Pallbearers were Edron Brooks, Van Roberts, Broderick Garner, Jerry Wallace Jr., Dave Harris, Larry Roberts and Gary Stewart Jr. Stewardesses were honorary pallbearers. Williams Funeral Home was in charge.

CELESTE C. HOWARD

Graveside service for Celeste C. Howard, 87, of Jacksonville, was at 1 p.m. Monday at Resthaven Memorial Park with Rev. Dr. Pete Freeman officiating. Mrs. Howard died Feb. 9. She was born Oct. 21, 1920, in Hillsboro. She was a member of Central Baptist Church and for 30 years she was co-owner of a trading post in Gallop, N.M.

Survivors are brothers, Billy Joe Frazier of Dallas, Dr. Les Frazier of Chattanooga, Tenn. and Arthur Frazier of Garland; several nieces and nephews. Her husband, Cal Howard, preceded her in death.

ROBERT R. FONDA
 

Memorial service for Robert R. Fonda, 69, of Rusk was Saturday at the O.T. Allen & Son Funeral Home. Mr. Fonda died Feb. 8 in Rusk. He was born Aug. 29, 1938, in Gloversville, N.Y. to Richard and Lottie Peeler Fonda. He was a contractor in cell tower construction and Baptist. He served in the U.S. Marines during the Vietnam War. Preceding him in death was his wife, Jacqueline Fonda and a sister, Millie Fonda. Survivors are two daughters, Brenda Hall of Wells and Bonita Coleman of Houston; three brothers, Win Fonda of Fonda, N.Y., Toby Fonda of Gloversville and Frank Fonda of Ohio; five grandchildren, Joseph Hall, Megan Hall, Ashley Grady, Bradley Coleman and Landon Coleman; and one great-grandchild, Shyanne Grady.

SUSANNE JETER (SUSIE) BOWMAN

Memorial service for Susanne Jeter (Susie) Bowman, 55, of Alto was at 2 p.m. Sunday at O.T. Allen & Son Funeral Home.

Ms. Bowman died Friday. She was born June 25, 1952, in Fort Worth to Jackie and Ann Vinson Jeter.

She was a member of the Community Fellowship Church, worked as a registered nurse for Cherokee County Outreach. She graduated from Alto High School in 1971, was a cheerleader, homecoming queen and band sweetheart.

She was preceded in death by her parents.

Survivors are two daughters and a son-in-law, Robin and Andrew Watson of Alto and Rebecca Bowman of Nacogdoches; a son, Brady Bowman of Tyler; a brother, James Jeter of Lindale; four sisters, Carolyn Banks of Dallas, Chris Hudson of Tyler, Donna Hill of Rusk and Alice Hosey of Chandler; grandchildren, Andrea Tavares, Andrea Burch, Kayla Burch, Macie Bowman, Brady Lynn Bowman Jr. and Evangeline Watson.

O.A. RAINES

Funeral for O. A. Raines, 81, of Rusk will be at 2 p.m. Thursday, in Wallace-Thompson Funeral Home chapel with the Rev. Mike Wilkes and the Rev. Bob Goodnight officiating. Burial will be in Mt. Hope Cemetery.

Mr. Raines died Feb. 9. He was born Nov. 4, 1926, in Starkville, Miss. to W. A. and Nancy Belle Parish Raines. Mr. Raines married Alice Mae Billeck Nov, 30, 1955. He was a U. S. Navy World War II veteran. He was awarded a victory medal during World War II. Mr. Raines was a member of Holleyman's Chapel Missionary Baptist Church, member of VFW Post No. 3406 in Rusk, life member of Elks Lodge in Pasadena and a member of Texas Forestry Association. He was Union Steward and Cofounder of The Chemical and Iron Workers Association, cofounder and president of Lone Star Bass Club. Mr. Raines retired from Ethyl Corporation in 1984 with 30 years of service. Preceding him in death were his father, W.A. Raines and mother Nancy Belle Parish Raines; and brother-in-law, Jack Turner.

Survivors are his wife of 51 years, Alice Billeck Raines of Rusk; two sons, Phillip A. Raines of Palestine and Brian B. Raines of Rusk; two daughters and sons-in-law, Ellen M. and Lloyd DeSpain of Hungerford, Nancy Terese Burt of Kosse and Dennis E. Burt of Houston; granddaughter and grandson-in-law, Amber R. Tolson and Jeff W. Tolson of Kosse; two sisters and a brother-in-law, Lilian and Ross T. Lucas of Pasadena and Lucille Turner of Cocoa Beach, Fla., numerous nieces and nephews. Pallbearers will include David Parker, Trey Parker, Matthew Parker, Larry Chandler, Greg Billeck, and Mike Chappa. Honorary pallbearers will be Jerry Don Berry, David Chandler, Clyde (PawPaw) Phillips, Steve Hulsey, Alvin Berry and Bobby Coates. Family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m., Wednesday, Feb. 13, at the funeral home.

JUNE WALKER COOPER

Funeral for June Walker Cooper, 92, formerly of Rusk, will be at 2 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 17, at Autry Funeral Home chapel, Jacksonville. Burial will be in Cedar Hill Cemetery.

Mrs. Cooper died Sunday, Feb. 10, 2008 in Kingwood.

She was born June, 7, 1915, in Palestine, to George Percy and Ethel Mae Walker.

On July 20, 1930, she married Raymond Jesse Cooper. They lived in Jacksonville until the summer of 1959 when they purchased the Piggly Wiggly Store in Rusk and operated it until their retirement in 1978.

Mrs. Cooper was a member of the Rusk First Baptist Church, Daughters of The Republic of Texas, Daughters of The American Revolution, Beta Sigma Phi, Rusk Library Study Club and the Rusk Garden Club winning several awards for her floral arrangements. She played the piano and belonged to three bridge clubs in Rusk. She moved to Eden Terrace Retirement Home in Kingwood in December 2004.

Preceding her in death was her husband of 53 years, Raymond Cooper. Survivors are her sister, Emma Jean Cook of The Woodlands, three daughters and a son-in-law, Melba Jean Darrow of Jacksonville, Sylvia Ann Gould of Mt. Selman, and Katherine Louise and Frank Rogers; nine grandchildren, 21 great-grandchildren and 20 great-great-grandchildren.

Pallbearers will be Joe Ballard, Paul Ballard, Robbie Wesley, Richey Gould, Paul Gould, Frank Rogers, Ricky Gould and Tommy Gould.

Honorary pallbearers will be Brad Moore, Mike Cook, Wally Gould, Ray Gould, Pat Nuse, Joseph Smith, Micah Hoffpauir, Justin Roppolo, Craig Lucky, Robert Wesley and Audis Smith.

The family will receive friends from 6-8 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 16, at Autry Funeral Home, Jacksonville

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the Rusk Library Study Club, c/o Dolly Lofton, 1104 E. 4th St, Rusk, 75785 or The American Cancer Society, 1301 S. Broadway, Tyler 75701

February 20, 2008

RHONDA RENNA HENRY

Graveside service for Rhonda Renna Henry, 55, of Rusk was at 10 a.m., Friday, Feb. 15 at Lone Dove Cemetery with the Rev. Kenn Somerville officiating.

Mrs. Henry died Feb. 11. She was born Oct. 5, 1952, in Levelland to James and Louise Burch Lindsey. She was a homemaker and a member of the Church of Christ.

Preceding her in death were her father, James Lindsey and son, Donald Shawn Smith.

Survivors are her husband, James Henry; two daughters and sons-in-law, Rebecca L. and Roy Mettlen Sr. and Jackie R. and Tony McGraw; two sons and daughters-in-law, Mark A. and Melissa Smith and Robbie M. and Debbie Smith; grandchildren, Samuel Mettlen and wife Heather, Roy Mettlen Jr., Troy Mettlen, Neil Mettlen, Michael McKinney, Christine McKinney, Austin McKinney, Nicholas Smith and Joey Smith; first great-grandchild is due in June; two brothers and sisters-in-law, Scott and Ann Lindsey, Kirk and Marsha Lindsey; three sisters and two brothers-in-law, Sheila and Jack Reagan, Karolin and Paul Mantz and Katherine Hullum; mother, Louise Lindsey; stepmother, Phyllis Lindsey; stepbrother, Charlie Murphy; four stepsisters, Carol Berryman, Debbie Sellers, Kathy Harris and Linda Baldwin. Memorials may be made at Franklin Bank, 107 East 4th St., Rusk 75785, (903) 683-2286.

Wallace-Thompson Funeral Home was in charge.

INEZ DEHART
 

Funeral for Inez Dehart, 83, of Jacksonville, was at 2 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 16 at Autry Funeral Home Chapel. Burial was in Earle's Chapel Cemetery.

Mrs. Dehart died Feb. 13. She was born Aug. 24, 1924, in Gallatin, to General and Beth Sada Underwood Ray.

She was a homemaker and a Baptist.

Preceding her in death were her parents; her husband, R.J. Dehart; five brothers and one sister.

Survivors are two sons, Jerry Dehart of Benton, La. and Larry Dehart of Luling, La.; three daughters and two sons-in-law, Barbara Mahaffey of Florida and Sandra and Donald Lewis and Patsy and Allen Garner, all of Jacksonville; a sister, Lou Verl Gleason of Price; 14 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.

Pallbearers were Paul Lewis, L.J. Hassell, Patrick Hassell, Timothy Dehart, Michael Dehart and Dewey Ray.

VIRGIE LEE OVERALL

Funeral for Virgie Lee Overall, 96, of Rusk was at 2 p.m., Saturday in the Wallace- Thompson Funeral Home chapel with the Rev. Don Copeland officiating. Burial was in Providence Cemetery.

Mrs. Overall died Feb. 14. She was born Nov. 12, 1911, in Rusk to Ed and Jenny Booth Jones.

She was a lifelong resident of Rusk and the Dialville area. She was a member of the Dialville United Methodist Church. She retired from Nichols Industries after 20 years. Upon her retirement, she owned and operated a childcare at her home in Rusk.

Preceding her in death were her husband, Gaston Overall and a daughter Daisy Overall in 1995.

Survivors are a son, Barney Overall of Shreveport, La.; a daughter, Elsie Odom of Irving; three grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews. Pallbearers were Bobby Woods, Hank Jones, Edward Hassell, Ernest Earl Higginbotham, Bubba Kimbrell and Joel Armstrong.

 JOHN CHARLES RAFFIELD

Funeral for John Charles Raffield, 71, of Jacksonville will be Thursday at the Wilson's Funeral Home in Panama City, Fla. Burial will be in the Raffield family plot in the Greenwood Cemetery. Visitation was held Feb. 18 at Autry Funeral Home.

Mr. Raffield died Feb. 13. His parents, Charles F. and Vera P. Raffield lived in Panama City, but due to his mother's special medical problems, he was born in Dothan, Ala., but grew up in Panama City. He attended Gulf Coast Military School in Gulfport, Miss., Bolles Military School, Jacksonville, Fla. and graduated from Bay High School in 1954. Over the years, he worked in commercial printing, and dry cleaning and laundry. He married Annette Cowart in 1958 and they had one daughter, Joni Lynn. He married Joy Taylor in 1964 and they had one daughter, Carla, and a son, John Robert.

In 1962, he returned to college at Gulf Coast Jr. College, graduated, and attended Florida State University to earn his bachelor's degree in nursing. He and family moved to Denver, Colo. in 1967, where he was a nursing supervisor at Colorado Psychiatric Hospital and later Denver General Hospital. They moved to Jacksonville in 1970 and he was employed by Rusk State Hospital, where he retired after 25 years. He worked in home health, and in 2001 worked at the Smith County Jail for five years as the nursing supervisor, correctional healthcare administrator under the University of Texas Health Center-Tyler. In 2005 and 2007, he authored two books about the 74 year history of the United States Coast Guard in Panama City. At the time of his death, he was writing a history of the Raffield family of North Florida. His family was one of those instrumental in settling the areas of North Florida known today as Panama City to Apalachicola, Fla.

Survivors are his wife, Joy T. Raffield; two daughter, Carla Raffield Batton of Jacksonville and Joni Lynn Suggs of Panama City, Fla; a son, John Robert Raffield of Rusk; grandchildren Cayla Batton and Cassie Batton of Jacksonville, Sherron Parker, Blake Parker and Jessica Parker of Rusk, and Johnathan Taylor Raffield of Lindale, Michelle Suggs and Patrick Suggs, of Panama City; and great-grandchildren, Jayden Driver and McKenna Driver of Rusk.

HUBERT LEE LEWIS

Memorial service for Hubert Lee Lewis, 80, a lifelong resident of Jacksonville and Reese, was at 2 p.m. Monday at Autry Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Dennis Harvey officiating.

Mr. Lewis died Feb. 13. He was born in Reese March 13, 1927, to the late Ray and Inez Lewis. He was a rancher, a Merchant Marine during World War II and served in the U.S. Army in Germany from 1954 to 1956.

He was preceded in death by a brother, Edgar Lewis.

Survivors are his wife, Margaret Bateman Lewis of Jacksonville; three daughters a son-in-law, Paula Lewis and Kathleen Lewis both of Tyler and Lisa and Steve Willis of Jacksonville; grandsons, Josh Willis of San Francisco, Calif. and Paden Lewis of Tyler; a brother, Jimmie Lewis of Jacksonville; a sister, Elizabeth Collins of Dallas; and numerous nieces and nephews.

ELIZABETH CLYNE (BETH) MCKNIGHT
 

Funeral for Elizabeth Clyne (Beth) McKnight, 96, of Jacksonville, was at 2 p.m. Tuesday at Autry Funeral Home chapel with the Rev. Fred Lang officiating. Burial was in Jarratt Cemetery.

Mrs. McKnight died Feb. 16. She was born Feb. 7, 1912, in Jacksonville to the late Ellie U. Smith and Elizabeth Tankersley Smith. She graduated from Jacksonville High School in 1929, and married Rayburn E. McKnight on Dec. 23, 1930. She is descended from the pioneer families of Jobie Tankersley and Stephen Upson Smith, who settled in Cherokee County in 1853.

She was a Baptist and a member of the Order of the Eastern Star.

Preceding her in death were her husband in 1985; her parents; a sister, Eloise Smith McKnight; her brothers, Eldred Smith, J.R. Smith and Stanley Smith.

Survivors are her daughter and son-in-law, Beverly Jean and Dr. Floyd (Bill) Beranek of Jacksonville; a brother, Russell U. Smith of Houston; grandchildren, Kathleen Beranek, Scott Beranek and Dawn Bauer and husband Bart Bauer, all of Jacksonville and Dan Beranek of Burleson and; three great-grandchildren.

Pallbearers were Norman Smith, Alan Smith, Dan Beranek, Bart Bauer, Jimmy Tankersley, Bobby Liles, David Smith, Jobie Smith and Keith McKnight.

LETA JO MOWREY

Memorial service for Leta Jo Mowrey, 67, of Alto, will be from 2-4 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 23, at the home of Sherry Hicks Carrell and the former home of Mrs. Mowrey. Mrs. Mowrey died Feb. 17. She was born Dec. 3, 1940, in Alto to Paul B. and Dorothy Bivens Moake. She worked as an LVN in several different locations including the Alto Care Center. She lived in Alto and New Boston. She was a Primitive Baptist.

Preceding her in death were her first husband, Don Richardson; a daughter, Donna Richardson Creel; great-grandmother, Mattie Mae Bivens; mother, Dorothy Moake; father, Paul B. Moake; and husband, Jerry Mowrey.

Survivors are her son and daughter-in-law, Tommy and Dena Richardson of Alto; daughter and son-in-law, Sherry and Farrell Carrell of Alto; brother and sister-in-law, Wayne and Virginia Moake of Alto; grandchildren, Shanna Selman, John Hicks, Mark Richardson, Haley Richardson, Teresa Blair, Gena Carrell and Jaycie Richardson; great grandchildren, Katlynn Hicks and Josie Selman; and other relatives and friends. O.T. Allen & Son will be in charge.

 February 27, 2008

EUGENIA EARL KOONCE

Graveside service for Eugenia Earl Koonce, 89, of Rusk was at 10 a.m. Friday, Feb. 22. at the Gourd Creek Cemetery near New Waverly. Mrs. Koonce was born Feb. 16, 1919, to the late Ray and Julia Elizabeth Faulkner Williams.

Mrs. Koonce was a member of the Missionary Baptist Church in Rusk. Preceding her in death were her parents; husband W.V. Koonce; and two grandchildren, Regina Gayle Taylor and Roy E. Taylor.

Survivors are a son and daughter-in-law, Robert R. Sr. and Geneva Koonce of Huntsville; two daughters and sons in law, Jeannine and Charles Frieda of Rusk and Julia and Harold Taylor of Palestine; 11 grandchildren, 19 great-grandchildren, six great-great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. Arrangements were under the direction of Huntsville Funeral Home.

JACK MASTIN ABBOTT

Funeral for Jack Mastin Abbott, 83, of Jacksonville was at 2 p.m. Friday at Autry Funeral Home with the Rev. Bill Rambo and the Rev. Ken McEachern officiating. Burial was in Jarratt Cemetery.

Mr. Abbott died Feb. 18. He was born in Jacksonville on April 21, 1924, to Clyde Bronson and Martha Ardell Fenley Abbott.

He graduated as salutatorian from Jacksonville High School in 1941. After the attack on Pearl Harbor, he enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Corps. He was a member of the 449th Bomb Group, 15th Air Force and flew more than 50 missions in North Africa and Italy in World War II, earning several medals for bravery including the Distinguished Flying Cross.

Upon his return to the U.S, he married Dorothy Geraldine Feagin in 1945. After his release from the Army at the end of World War II, they settled in Jacksonville. He worked for Southern Pacific Railroad for 39 years. In addition, he operated numerous businesses endeavors in the area.

In 1951, he was recalled to armed forces and served through the duration of the Korean Conflict, attaining the rank of captain.

Mr. Abbott was a charter member of Beall Chapel Baptist Church and was an ordained deacon and adult Sunday school teacher. He was a 50-year member of the Independent Order of the Oddfellows.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 50 years, Dorothy Feagin Abbott and his daughter, Nan Abbott Cooper.

Survivors are his wife, Rubie Frazier Abbott; two sons and daughters-in-law, James C. (Buddy) and Kathy Abbott and Glenn and Jerrie Frazier, all of Jacksonville; five daughters and sons-in-law, Jane and Curt Knight of Baytown, Jackie and Mike Spraggins of Dialville, Debbie and Larry White of Tecula, Patty and Glen Ward of Plano and Christie Trantham of Jacksonville; grandchildren, Richard and Mendi Cooper, Ronnie and Michelle Cooper, all of Henderson, Brett and Cara Burroughs of San Antonio, Jennifer and James Townsend of Spring, Bryan and Donna Burroughs of Highlands, Jana and Will Hodges of Carrollton, Emily and Chad Cauble of Dallas, Michael and Rachel Spraggins of Springtown, Lauren Abbott, Amanda Abbott, Scott and Melissa Frazier, Chizuru Frazier, Stacey Frazier and Sean Frazier, all of Jacksonville, Mitchell White of Troup, T. J. White of Tyler, Steven Frazier of Maryland, Erin and Kelsey Ward of Plano, and Whitney and Cooper Trantham of Jacksonville; and great-grandchildren, Taylor Cooper, Ashley and Kyle Burroughs, Christian Stathopoulos, Ivy Grace Townsend, Tzvi and Xavier Burroughs, Gracey, Wyatt and Sawyer Spraggins, Brandt Hodges, Sharon Davis, Alyssa White, Amy White and Cody and Clay Frazier.

Memorials may be made to Hospice of East Texas or Alzheimer's research.

KENNETH WAYNE (KENNY) HOUSTON

Graveside service for Kenneth Wayne (Kenny) Houston, 56, of Bullard formerly of Rusk was at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Feb. 20, at Salem Cemetery with the Rev. Garrell Faulkner officiating.

Mr. Houston died Feb. 18. He was born Sept. 20, 1951, in Royce City to Dranon Eugene and Wanda Jean King Houston. He was a resident of Bullard one year and formerly lived at Rusk. He was a truck driver for more than 25 years. He was Methodist. He served in the United States Army during the Vietnam War from 1968-71.

Preceding him in death were his parents, Dranon and Wanda Houston; and a brother, Gary Houston. Survivors are his sister, Sharon Hunt of Nacogdoches; two nephews and their wives, Chris and Shannon Hunt of Beeville and Matthew and Anna Hunt of Nacogdoches; a niece, Stephanie Houston of Dallas; numerous aunts and uncles, close friends and caregivers, Mary Edmiston and Robert Robinson.

Pallbearers were Audie Key, Robert Robinson, Robert Thompson, Carol King, Scott Gorsuch and Michael Caten. Honorary pallbearers were Randy Allen Key, Stephen Key, Randy King and Christian Smith. Wallace-Thompson Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

RANDAL CAROL BIVENS

A small family service was held for Randal Carol Bivens, 58, of Jacksonville.

Mr. Bivens died Feb. 17. He was born July 13, 1949, in Houston to the late Lester and Margie Moore Bivens.

Survivors are his wife, Kathy Bivens of Jacksonville; children, Shlinda Germany of Oklahoma, Nicki Bivens of Pennsylvania, Amy Tylich of Rusk and Wednesday Maldondo of West Virginia and seven grandchildren.

MARIE SCALES MURPHY

Funeral for Marie Scales Murphy, 92, of Alto, was at 2:30 p.m. Saturday at the O.T. Allen & Son Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Randy Fitzgerald officiating. Burial was in Old Palestine Cemetery.

Mrs. Murphy died Feb. 21. She was born Feb. 19, 1916, in Alto to Ed and Elma Pyle Scales. She married Charles Rayford Murphy March 6, 1937, and they lived in the Linwood community for more than 50 years. She moved to Alto in 1992 following her husband's death in October 1988. She was an Alto High School graduate and attended nursing school in Houston for one year. She was a member of the Old Palestine Baptist Church for more than 70 years, and a member of the Thursday Study Club. She and her husband often rode in the Cherokee County Mounted Trail Ride. She was the Alto Yellowjacket team sweetheart in 1934 and wore her jacket to a game 72 years later in 2006.

Preceding her in death were her parents, her husband and her sister, Annette Boyd.

Survivors are cousins, Charles Jeter of Alto, Mary Jane Hurst of Houston, Mary B. Smith of Longview and Mike and Linda Murphy of Corrigan; and friends including Sandy Holcomb of Alto.

Pallbearers were David Engledow, Mike Murphy, Marshall Corley, Barry Kidwell, Norman Shaheen and Gean Holcomb.

Honorary pallbearers were Dr. Dan Kessell, Dr. Richard Baker, Alan McCandless, Dick Lowe, Alex Shaheen, Tommy McNutt and Judge Chris Davis. Memorials may be made to the Old Palestine Cemetery in care of Helen Selman, 4936 CR 2604, Alto 75925.

LAURA MAE HICKS

Funeral for Laura Mae Hicks, 72, of Rusk, was at 2 p.m. Sunday at Mount Olive Baptist Church. Burial was in Memorial Cemetery. Mrs. Hicks died Feb. 20. She attended Grapeland public schools and was a housekeeper and a Baptist.

Survivors include her husband, Lonzo Hicks of Rusk; four sons, Johnny Hicks, Charles Hicks, Bobby Hicks and Thomas Hicks, all of Rusk; three daughters, Charlene Mitchell of Alto and Shirley Hicks and Christene Hicks, both of Rusk; five brothers, Nathaniel Johnson, Crevesta Johnson, Gene Johnson, Frank Johnson and Michael Wayne Johnson, all of Houston; two sisters, Doris J. Calhoun and Glenda Johnson, both of Houston; 16 grandchildren; and 18 great-grandchildren. Arrangements were under the direction of Mercy/McGowan Funeral Directors.

JARRELL A. BLACK

Funeral for Jarrell A. Black, 81, of Houston, was at 1 p.m. Feb. 19 at North Central Church in Spring with Pastors Paul and Larry Emerson officiating. Burial was in Brookside Cemetery. Mr. Black died Feb. 14. He was born Jan. 31, 1927, in Alto to Bessie and John Black. He grew up in Alto and spent most of his adult life in the Houston area. He drove big trucks for several companies including Swift Ice Cream, Benjamin Moore Paint Co. and Ryder Trucking Co. He was a member of North Central church for many years, where he was a member of the Prime Timers Seniors Group. He and his wife, Marie, enjoyed tours with the Christian Tours International group. He lived in Alvin for several years and attended the First Assembly of God Church there.

Preceding him in death were his parents; a sister; five brothers; and his wife of 54 years.

Survivors are his wife, Lena Marie Black; two daughters and sons-in-law, Brenda and Larry Townsend of Alvin and Glenda and Robert Nixon of Cut and Shoot; a son, James Black of Humble; 10 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; a sister, Pauline Bynum of Alto; a step-daughter and husband, Carolyn and Joe Temple of Brandon, Miss; and a step-son and wife, Charles and Brenda Tucker of New Caney.

MARY ALAFAIR MINOT

Graveside service for Mary Alafair Minot, 82, of Nacogdoches was at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Feb. 20, at Old Palestine Cemetery with the Rev. Odis Bryan officiating.

Mrs. Minot died Feb. 19. She was born June 2, 1925, in Jacksonville to Vernon and Era Hunt Brunt. She lived in Nacogdoches for several years and also in Austin. She was a secretary for 30 years in the U.S. Civil Engineer's office in San Francisco, Calif. She was a Baptist. Preceding her in death were a sister, Olivia Cook; and a brother, Bruce Brunt.

Survivors are a sister and brother-in-law, Marie and Hank Brown of Nacogdoches.

 CARL B. LLOYD

Funeral for Carl B. Lloyd, 98, of Rusk was at 2 p.m., Monday at the Memorial Missionary Baptist Church with the Rev. Don Copeland, the Rev. Kent Lloyd and the Rev. Odis Bryan officiating. Burial was in Oakland Cemetery. Mr. Lloyd died Feb. 22. He was born April 11, 1909, in Rusk to R.S. and Minnie T. Halbert Lloyd. He was a lifelong Rusk resident and a member of Memorial Missionary Baptist Church. Mr. Lloyd was a Member of Rusk Euclid Masonic Lodge #45 A.F. & A.M. and recently received his 60 year pin. He retired from Rusk State Hospital after many years of service. He was a music director and led music at numerous revival meetings. He and his wife Katie sang for hundreds of funerals over the years. Preceding him in death were his wife of 76 years, Katie Lloyd; four brothers; and three sisters.

Survivors are two sons and daughters-in-law, James Earl and Bina Lloyd of Rusk and Gary and Doylene Lloyd of Plainview; a daughter and son-in-law, Louverl and Jim Bob Griffin of Rusk; sister, Ruby Crone of Conroe; eight grandchildren; 35 great-grandchildren; and six great-great grandchildren.

Pallbearers were Mark Richards, Jay McKay, Mark Tillman, Terry Easley, Toby Easley, Rob Kinsey and Don Balltzglier. Honorary pallbearers were great-grandsons and J.G. Halbert, Davie Buckner and deacons at Memorial Missionary Baptist Church.

Arrangements were under the direction of Wallace- Thompson Funeral Home.

Memorials may be made to Memorial Missionary Baptist Church, P.O. Box 1062, Rusk 75785 and Oakland Cemetery Fund, in care of Randy King, Rt. 4 Box 441K, Rusk 75785.

MYRTLE PERRY

Funeral for Myrtle Perry, 86, of Troup, was at 2 p.m. Monday at Autry Funeral Home with the Rev. Shelia Blackstock and the Rev. Donny Sadler officiating. Burial was in New Emmaus Cemetery.

Mrs. Perry died Feb. 23. She was born July 23, 1921, in Splendora to Clem G. and Ada Presswood. She was a member of the Granderland Baptist Church in Montgomery County and the Southern Belles.

Survivors are a son and daughter-in-law, Jim and Karen Perry of Rusk; a daughter and son-in-law, Della Ray and Troy Mitchell of Shreveport, La.; four grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Pallbearers were Ken Mc- Clure, Ronnie Blackstock, Philip Watkins, Shawn Dean, Jimmy Odom and Shelley Cleaver.

SARAH JONES

Funeral for Sarah Jones, 77, of Jacksonville was at 10 a.m. Tuesday at Autry Funeral Home chapel with the Rev. Ken McEachern officiating. Burial was in Meador Cemetery.

Mrs. Jones died Feb. 23. She was born April 27, 1930, in Mixon to Marion and Nellie Buchanan and was a homemaker. She retired from Goodyear after 17 years as an office manager.

Preceding her in death were her husband of 44 years, J.C. Jones; and a grandson, Michael Rawlinson.

Survivors are a son and daughter-in-law, Bobby and Jen Harris of Jacksonville; a daughter, Sue Holman-Harris of Lake Palestine; four sisters and two brothers-in-law, Mary Mullican of Waxahachie, Bobbie and Jimmy Paul of Frankston and Jeanie Oakley and Billie Webb both of Jacksonville; five brothers, A. L. Buffalo of Houston, Gerald Buffalo of Idaho, Harold Buffalo of Denton, Carrol Buffalo of Ruston, La. and Louie Buffalo Jr. of Jacksonville.

Pallbearers were Pat Marshall, Chuck Shaw, J.B. Barringer, Dan Hester, Nathan Rutherford and Aram George. Honorary pallbearers were Freddie Morris and grandsons.