Cherokee County, Texas
OBITUARIES JANUARY 2008
Carroll Bettis
10/15/1931 -1/3/2008
Services for Carroll Bettis, 76, are scheduled for Saturday, January
5, at 2:00 PM in the Chapel of Autry Funeral Home with Rev. Dr. Pete
Freeman and Rev. Steve Edwards officiating the service. Burial will be
in Union Grove Cemetery.
Mr. Bettis passed away, Thursday, January 3, 2008, in Tyler. He was born
on October 15, 1931 in Donaldson, Arkansas to Marvin and Oneda Haltom
Bettis. He served his country as a U.S. Marine who served during the
Korean War. He was a member and Deacon at Central Baptist Church and a
Gideon. Carroll managed Bek’s Restaurants in Dallas for about 40 years.
Mr. Bettis was preceded in death by his parents and a brother: Louis
Bettis.
He is survived by his wife: Joy Bettis, Jacksonville, brother &
sister-in-law: Bill & Becky Bettis, Brownsboro and a sister: Audrey
Stow, Arkadelphia, AR. Carroll and Joy loved all their many nieces and
nephews as if they were their own children including the youngest; their
great-great-nephew: Mikal Whitten.
Pallbearers include: Ed Snider, Russell LeBlanc, Ronny Lee, Jeff Horton,
Micheal Whitten, John Bettis, Frank Goodson and Wyndel Cummins.
Honorary Pallbearers will be: Deacons of Central Baptist, Gideons and
Ralph George, Bill Lovelady and Chris Lindsey.
The family received friends on Friday, January 4, from 6 to 8 PM at
Autry Funeral Home.
A.J. Finch
3/5/1949 -1/7/2008
Funeral services for A. J. Finch, 58, of Palestine formerly of
Frankston, are scheduled for Monday, January 7, 2008, at 10:00 A.M. at
Autry Funeral Home Chapel, Frankston with Elwin “Nat” Campbell and Jim
Orr presiding. Burial will be in the Finch Family Cemetery.
Mr. Finch died Friday, January 4, 2008 at his residence.
A.J. was born March 5, 1949 in Dallas, to James Aubrey Finch and Mina
Leola Holliman. He was a Welder.
A.J. was preceded in death by his father; James Aubrey Finch.
Survivors include: Wife, Lynn Finch, Palestine, Son: Michael Rechner,
Palestine, Daughters: Laurie Coates, Elkhart, Kristen Tidwell, Itasca,
Mother: Mina Holliman Finch, Tyler, Grandchildren: Haley Nicole Coates,
Elkhart, Shawn Michael Coates, Elkhart Trinity Tidwell, Brazos Tidwell
and Nathan Tidwell, brother & sister-in-law; Harley M. & Diane Finch and
sisters & brother-in-law: Annettia M. Kennedy, Frankston and Von L. &
Robert Tatum, Frankston also several nieces and nephews and great-nieces
and nephews.
Pallbearers are; Michael Rechner, Arnold Coates, Ricky Lemmons, Rob
Tatum, Todd Tatum and Kenneth Kennedy. Honorary Pallbearers are: John
Finch and James Finch.
The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 PM, Sunday, January 6, at
Autry Funeral Home, Frankston.
Memorial donations may be made to Hospice Homeplace, 4111 University
Blvd, Tyler, TX. 75701
John Thomas Clinton Day
12/18/1914 -1/11/2008
Services for John Thomas Clinton Day 93, are scheduled for Monday,
January 14, at 2:00 PM in the Autry Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Bud
Pritchard officiating. Burial will be in Jarratt Cemetery near
Jacksonville.
Mr. Day Passed away, Friday January 11, 2008, in Tyler. He was born on
Decemeber 18, 1914 in Cherokee Co. to Grover Cleavland Day and Mary Jane
McRight Day. He served his country by working in the Texas Shipyards in
Port Authur during WWII. He was an insulator in the construction
industry and retired from Eastman Kodak in 1979 after more than 25 Years
with the company. He was a member of Corinth Baptist Church in years
past. The joy of his life was his family and having them close.
Mr. Day was preceded in death by his parents and his wife of 69 years
Lessie Lee Schley Day in 2005. They are now reunited in love along with
two grandchildren, Marcus McMahan and Michael Oden.
He is survived by his children and spouses: Rick and Cindy Day of Cedar
Hill, Glenda and Barney Lewis of Tyler, Sonja and Johnny McCoy of Tyler,
Diane and Tommy Davis of Chester, VA., eight grandchildren and eleven
great-grandchildren.
Pallbearers include: Johnny McCoy, Barney Lewis, Tommy Davis, Tommy
Saulters, Jordan Day, and Jeff Williams.
The family will receive friends on Sunday, January 13, from 2 to 4 PM at
Autry Funeral Home. Memorials my be made to: Hospice Home Place, 4111
University Blvd., Tyler, Texas 75701
Wilburn Ray Smith
6/2/1921 -1/13/2008
Wilburn R. Smith
Graveside services with military honors for Wilburn Ray Smith, 86, of
Jacksonville, Texas are scheduled for Thursday, 2:00 p.m. at Resthaven
Cemetery with Brother Mitchell McRight speaking. Arrangements are under
the direction of Autry Funeral Home, Jacksonville.
Mr. Smith passed away on January 13, 2008 in Jacksonville, Texas.
He was born June 2, 1921 in Gallatin, Texas. He served honorably in the
U.S. Army’s 743rd Tank Battalion during World War II. He participated in
the landing at Omaha Beach, Normandy on D-Day, June 6, 1944 and
continued on to Belgium where he met his future bride, Yvonne. Soon
there after, he took part in the climactic Battle of the Bulge. After
being wounded by shrapnel, he was finally able to assist his Unit and
all of the Allied forces in victory over Nazi Germany. He received
several medals and commendations including Bronze Stars and a Unit
Citation for Participation in D-Day Actions. He was a loyal husband, a
loving father, and a doting grandfather.
He was preceded in death by his two brothers, E.T. Smith and Nathan
Smith, both of Jacksonville.
Survivors include his wife of 58 years, Yvonne Bertha Godfroid Smith of
Jacksonville; sister Johnnie Campbell of Jacksonville; son Geary Ray and
wife Debbie Smith of Rockport; daughter Vivian Carol Smith of
Jacksonville; three grandchildren Eric and wife Susan Bertram of San
Antonio, Colin and wife Anna Smith of Mountain View, California, and
Cayce Smith of Austin; one great-grandson Steven Ray also of Mountain
View, California; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Honorary Pallbearers are: Donald Campbell, Raymond Folmar, Vaughn Mixon,
Dennis Campbell, Hal Wayne Campbell, Winson Bearden, Mark Smith and
Tommy Smith.
The family will receive friends from 6:00-8:00 p.m., Wednesday, January
16, at Autry Funeral Home.
Lois Catherine Strait
4/26/1917 -1/18/2008
Funeral services for Lois Catherine Strait, 90, of Jacksonville,
Texas are scheduled for Monday, January 21, at 11:00 A.M. at Autry
Funeral Home Chapel, with Barbara Hugghins officiating. Arrangements are
under the direction of Autry Funeral Home, Jacksonville.
Mrs. Strait passed away on Friday, January 18, 2008 in Jacksonville,
Texas.
She was born April 26, 1917 in Cherokee County, Texas to Ed & Mary Etta
Mayfield. Lois attended High School in Troup and also attended
Jacksonville College. She was an Office Manager for Leo Martin Chevrolet
in Lake Jackson for many years. Lois was a member of D.A.R.,
Jacksonville Chapter and the Soroptimist Club in Freeport. She was a
long time member of First Baptist Church, Freeport and a current member
of Central Baptist Church, Jacksonville.
She was preceded in death by her husband; H.A. “Buddy” Strait, her
parents and her brother: Morris Mayfield.
Survivors include: Son & Daughter-in-law; Jerry Max & Ginger Strait,
Troup, Grandson & wife; Bryan Allen & Adri Strait, Auburn, Washington
and a Sister; Novis Morris, Jacksonville.
The family will receive friends from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Sunday,
January 20, at Autry Funeral Home.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made to: Blackjack Baptist Church,
PO Box 605, Troup, Tx. 75789.
Charlene Kelly Simmons
7/27/1921 -1/19/2008
Charlene Kelly Simmons, 86, of Jacksonville passed away on Saturday,
January 19, 2008, at her home in Oakwood, Texas surrounded by her loving
family.
Graveside services will be at Mt. Hope Cemetery, Wells, Texas on
Tuesday, 10:00 AM., January 22, 2008. Visitation will be at Autry
Funeral Home on Monday, January 21, 2008, from 6:00 to 8:00 PM.
She was born July 27, 1921 in Douglas, TX to Luther and Alice Kelly. She
retired from JISD as a food service worker and was a member of the
Baptist Church.
Mrs. Simmons was preceded in death by her husband of 63 years, Clay
Morris Simmons, on April 18, 2005, her parents and her sister, Opal
Anderson of Kinder, LA.
She is survived by daughters and sons-in-law, Marlene Williamson,
Humble, TX, Martha and Larry Sockwell, Jacksonville, TX and Johnnie and
Charles Brogdon, Buffalo, TX.
Grandchildren are De Lynda Moore, Robin Cleland, Don Garner, Jr. Kendra
Scarborough, John Paul Elliott, Stephen Elliot, Michael Elliot, Frances
Hague, Chuck Brogdon. Nieces are Shelia West and Barbara Anderson of
Kinder, LA., 18 Great Grandchildren and 2 Great-Great Grandsons.
Honorary pallbearers are Jerry Ellerbee, Nolan West, James Sockwell and
Charles Brogdon.
In lieu of flowers the family requests gifts to Hospice of East Texas,
4111 University Blvd., Tyler, TX 75701
Grace Salvatore Joynt
6/29/1923 -1/19/2008
Graveside services are scheduled for Grace Joynt, 84, of Jacksonville
for Monday, January 21, at 3:00 PM at New Salem Cemetery, Rusk County,
Texas. Father Mark Kusmerik will preside of the service.
Grace was preceded in death by her husband: Donald Joynt.
Survivors include: Sons; Robert Joynt, Neosho Missouri and Glen "James"
Joynt, Doylesburg, PA., daughter; Katherine Davis, Austin, brother: John
Risolvato, Omaha, Nebraska and numerous grandchildren and
great-grandchildren.
No visitation is scheduled.
Walter B. Helms
12/15/1923 -1/19/2008
Funeral services for Walter B. Helms, 84, of Jacksonville are
scheduled for Tuesday, January 22, at 2:00 PM in the Chapel of Autry
Funeral Home with Bishop Rudy Bond, Bishop R.C. Helms and Tony Rolllins
officiating. Burial will be in Meador Cemetery.
Walter was a retired inspector for Gray Tool Co. and a member of New
Life Worship Center, Tyler. He and his wife Addie pastored at First
Pentecostal Church in Jacksonville for 15 years.
He is preceded in death by his first wife: Dorothy Helms, daughter;
Wanda Redd, brothers: James, Genie and Verdell and sisters: Mary
Wilkerson and Marie Melton.
He is survived by his wife: Addie Helms, Jacksonville, son &
daughter-in-law: Walter & Donna Helms, Spring, TX., Daughters &
Son-in-law: Dorothy Rollins, Jacksonville, Linda & Steve Girault,
Jacksonville, Step daughter and spouse: Kathy & Tony Rollins:
Jacksonville, Step-Sons: John Soley, Huffman, TX., Philip & Cindy Soley,
Spring, TX., Steve & Brenda Soley, Kingwood, TX., Doug Soley,
Jacksonville and Gary & Cheryl Soley, Angleton. Grandchildren:
Michelle, Kelley, Deanna, Stephanie, Tony & Wesley, Step-Grandchildren:
Jonathon, Meagan, Jessica, Ashley, Jessie & Lisa, 8 Great-Grandchildren,
3 Great-Great-Grandchildren, 4 Step-Grandchildren, brothers: Bishop R.C.
HElms, Corsicana, D.L. HElms, Jacksonville. Elmer Helms, Celeste, TX., &
Sister: Ruby Holbert, Houston.
The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 PM Monday, January 21st at
Autry Funeral Home.
Kathleen Gould Ragsdale
4/25/1920 -1/23/2008
Graveside services for Kathleen Gould Ragsdale, 87, of Houston,
Texas, formerly of Jacksonville, are scheduled for Sunday, January 27,
2008 at 2:00 P.M. at Earle’s Chapel Cemetery, Jacksonville with Dr.
Faulk Landrum officiating. Arrangements are under the direction of
Autry Funeral Home, Jacksonville.
She was born April 25, 1920 in Jacksonville, Texas to Richard Preston
Gould and Lucille Trout Gould and died Wednesday, January 23, 2008 in a
Houston hospital. Kathleen married John Norman Ragsdale on July 14,
1937, soon after her May graduation from Jacksonville High School. She
later attended Lon Morris College.
Kathleen is survived by two children: Kay Ragsdale Leddon from Cary, NC
and John Wayne Ragsdale and Susie from Pearland, TX. She was blessed
with six grandchildren: Connie Schrick and James, Scottsdale, AZ.,
Richard Leddon and Jeanie, Boulder, CO., Melissa Faulkner and Chip,
Cary, NC, Michael Ragsdale, Houston, TX. James Ragsdale, Superior, CO.
and Jason Ragsdale, NYC. She was also blessed with 5 great
–grandchildren: Alec and Jack Leddon, Ian and Jake Faulkner, and Allyson
Ragsdale. Kathleen is also survived by her cousin, Robert Dale McArthur
and wife, Janie Ballard McArthur, Columbia, MO. and other family and
friends.
Kathleen was a life member of First Christian Church. She was a
descendant of two pioneer Jacksonville families. Her grandfather, J. E.
Gould established the Gould Granite and Monument Co. in 1908. Her
father, Dick Gould chiseled the lettering on the World War I Soldier
Monument in Jacksonville City Park. Kathleen’s grandfather, Professor
James Vance Trout was a Jacksonville educator as early as 1898.
The family will receive friends from 4:00 until 6:00 p. m. Saturday,
January 26, 2008 at Autry Funeral Home.
For those desiring, memorial suggestions include the Earle’s Chapel
Cemetery Association, P. O. Box 1110, Jacksonville, TX. 75766 or Klein
Animal Shelter, 208 E. Tena St., Jacksonville, TX. 75766
Sarah Estelle Dabbs
6/26/1911 -1/23/2008
Sarah Estelle Dabbs, 96, of Frankston passed from this life on
Wednesday, January 23 in Tyler. She spent her entire life in Frankston,
no doubt having touched many lives.
She was born June 26, 1911 in Frankston, was a homemaker and a member of
the Assembly of God Church. Mrs. Dabbs was preceded in death by her
husband Gerald Dabbs, her parents, William "Arthur" and Dicie
Holsomback, her sisters Polly Hunt, Nita Huggins and Dell Walker,
brothers Jack Holsomback and W.A.Holsomback II.
Survivors include her brother, Ray Holsomback, sisters-in-law Bonnie
Holsomback-Dean and Mary Holsomback, brother-in-law Raymond Huggins and
many nieces and nephews who knew her fondly as "Auntie".
Services for Mrs. Dabbs will be held Saturday, January 26th at 2:00 at
Autry Funeral Home Chapel in Frankston.
Burial will follow at Liberty Hill Cemetery. The family will receive
friends from 6 to 8 PM Friday, January 25th at Autry Funeral Home,
Frankston.
Charles Edwards Gill
08/13/1920 -1/24/2008
Charles Edwards Gill, 87, of New Summerfield, Texas was born on
August 13, 1920 and passed away on January 24, 2008 in Jacksonville.
Graveside services are scheduled for Saturday, January 26, at 2:00 P.M.
at McDonald Cemetery, New Summerfield, with Rev. Hank Chandler
officiating Arrangements are under the direction of Autry Funeral Home.
Charles was the fourth child born to J. W. and Mertis Edwards Gill. He
was a farmer and a Methodist.
Survivors include: his wife of 67 years, Marilyn Tipton Gill, New
Summerfield; his son, Charles Lynn Gill, New Summerfield; granddaughter,
Rachel Gill of Austin; grandson, Joshua Gill, Cincinnati, Ohio and
great-grandson, Ian Whitfield of Austin.
Pallbearers will be: Bill Poteet, Dick Sessions, Merle Duty, Gary Don
Davis, Charlie Emerson & Tim Tipton.
Honorary Pallbearers will be: Bill Tipton, Billy Powell, B.R. Darby, Don
Darby, Junior Brown, William Waldrop, Bruce Ivy, Bobby D. Caveness &
J.O. Martin.
Visitation will be from 6 -8 PM on Friday, January 25th at Autry Funeral
Home.
Miguel Hernandez Valtierra
4/1/1991 -1/26/2008
The Rosary for Miguel Hernandez Valtierra, is scheduled for
Tuesday, January 29 at 7 PM in the Chapel at Autry
Funeral Home with Father Freddie presiding.
Miguel was taken back to Mexico following the Rosary for services with
his family.
Roberta Paris
6/16/1917 -1/26/2008
Funeral services for Raberta Paris, 90, of Jacksonville, TX. are
scheduled for Tuesday, January 29, 2008 at 10:00 A. M. at Autry Funeral
Home Chapel, Jacksonville. Burial will follow at Wofford Cemetery,
Frankston.
Mrs. Paris died Saturday, January 26, 2008 in a Jacksonville, TX.
Nursing Home. Mrs. Paris was born June 16, 1917 in Anderson County, TX.
to John Henry Parrott and Jessie Boyd Owens. She was a homemaker and
member of the First Baptist Church, Jacksonville, TX.
She was preceded in death by her husband Boone Paris.
Survivors include son and daughter-in-law, Danny Boone Paris and wife
Liz, Galveston, daughters and son-in-law, Wanda Robison and husband
Marvin, Jacksonville and Charlotte Cossey, Galena Park, 5
grandchildren,10 great grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.
Honorary pallbearers will be Deacons of the First Baptist Church,
Jacksonville and Mary Martha Sunday School Class of the First Baptist
Church, Jacksonville.
The family will receive friends from 9:00 A. M. until 10:00 A. M.
Tuesday, January 29, 2008 at the funeral home.
