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Esther Lopez Duran
ODESSA — Esther Lopez Duran, 88, of Odessa, passed away August 12, 2004, at Odessa Regional Hospital. She was born in Three Rivers, N.M., on October 7, 1915, to Cecilio and Isabelle Duran. She was a homemaker and a Christian Catholic.
Mrs. Duran was preceded in death by her husband, Daniel C. Duran; parents; sons: Johnny Duran and Bernie Duran; daughter, Virginia Duran; brothers, Jose Antonio Lopez, Modesto Lopez, Flavio Lopez and Samuel Lopez; and sisters, Inez Marrujo, Juanita Davalos and Pilar Anderson She is survived by sons, Sam Duran of Fresno, Calif., Zeke Duran of El Centro, Calif., Ishmael Duran and Emil Duran, both of Seminole and Israel Duran of Lubbock; daughters, Isabelle Fernandez of Odessa, Virginia Tate of Midland, Mary Helen Reyes and Mary Francis Talamantes, both of Seminole and Martha Valadez of El Centro, Calif.; brother, Cecilio Duran of La Luz, N.M.; sister, Nena Duran of Tularosa, N.M.; 41 grandchildren, 52 great-grandchildren; 8 great-great-grandchildren; and several nieces, nephews cousins and lots of friends. We, the family, would like to express our utmost sincere gratitude to each and everyone of you for your prayers, floral offerings and for your presence with us during this time, especially to you Dr. Kodi and the staffs from I.C.U. and 3 West at O.R.H. for the wonderful care that was given to “Our Mother and Grandmother.”
A rosary was recited at 7 p.m. Friday, August 13, 2004, at Odessa Funeral Home Chapel. Mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Saturday, August 14, 2004, at Holy Redeemer Catholic Church. Burial to follow at Rose Hill cemetery.
Services by Odessa Funeral Home.
Dr. Imogene Johns Freer
ODESSA — Dr. Imogene Johns Freer went home to be with her “Lord and Savior” on Wednesday, August 11, 2004.
Imogene was born in Carter, Okla., to Claude and Ora Lee Johns. She was raised and went to school in many “one room schoolhouses” in the area. Her parents were schoolteachers in those schools and that lead her to seek her Bachelor’s Degree in Education in Weatherford, Okla. Weatherford is where she met her husband, Sherman Freer, who was stationed there before he went to the Pacific during World War II. When Sherman returned in December of 1945, he and Imogene were married
on the 31st. While Imogene taught school in many Oklahoma towns such as Sayre, Hext and Lonewolf, Sherman acquired his college degree. They both proceeded to teach in Weatherford and both subsequently earned their master’s degrees. The couple moved to Lubbock, Texas, in 1951, taught for four years and then traveled to Europe where they were educators in an exchange program at the American School in Orleans, France.
While in Germany, Imogene and Sherman adopted their son Michael Craig and the family returned to the U.S. in 1956 to settle in Midland, Texas. Imogene continued her academic career that would span the next 30 years. Along the way she attended numerous colleges and institutions during her summer vacation time in an effort to achieve her doctorate degree in education. That goal was realized in 1965 when she received her Ph.D. from Michigan State University. This enabled Imogene to establish a solid reading program at Odessa College where she also chaired the department. Over the years her travels allowed her to see the world and further her education requirements. It was during these times that she helped establish many reading programs across the U.S. She remained at Odessa College until her retirement in 1984.
Over the past 50 years, Imogene was heavily involved in her churches, teaching Sunday school at First Baptist and then from 1965 and on at Crescent Park Baptist Church. During this time, in the schools and churches, she touched many lives, not only through education but through the spirit as well. Imogene enjoyed reading, puzzles, travel and watching old movies.
Imogene is survived by her husband, Sherman; son and daughter-in-law, Michael and Gail of Metairie, La.; grandsons, Timothy and Jason Hamlin of Richmond, Va.; and great-nephew, Eric Falk of San Antonio.
Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Sunday at Crescent Park Baptist Church with Dr. Johnny Dickerson officiating, Interment will follow at Sunset Memorial Gardens.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to Crescent Park Baptist Church, 3002 University Blvd., Odessa, Texas 79762 in care of the Building Fund.
Shirley A. Gray
MIDLAND — Shirley A. Gray, 66, of Midland, and formerly of Odessa, passed away Thursday, August 12, 2004, at Midland Memorial Hospital. She had suffered many years with Multiple Sclerosis.
A funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, August 14, 2004, at the Nalley-Pickle & Welch Chapel in Midland with Scott Sheppard officiating. A visitation will be held for Shirley from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday, August 15, 2004, in Breckenridge at Melton-Kitchens Funeral Home with a graveside service to be held at 10 a.m. Monday, August 16, 2004, at Necessity cemetery.
Shirley was born December 31, 1937, in Washington, D.C., to Raymond A. King and Elsie (Liverette) King. Shirley and Fred Gray were united in marriage on September 1, 1952, in Fort Bragg, N.C. The couple has lived in the Odessa and Midland area since 1965. Shirley was employed by Sears and Roebuck for 19 years as an administrative assistant. She was an avid Washington Redskins fan. Known as “Nana” by those who knew and loved her, she enjoyed spending time with her family during special times and holidays. Shirley was a caregiver in the greatest sense of the word, taking great joy in helping all those she could, especially at a time when she served as a Pink Lady at Midland Memorial Hospital-West Campus. She was a devout and faithful Christian and was a member of Fairmont Park Church of Christ.
Survivors include husband, Fred Gray of Midland, Texas; a daughter, Patti and husband, Royce Woolard, of Midland; two sisters, Carol Vasquez of Los Angeles, Calif., and Roxie Garner of Fayetteville, N.C.; a brother, Raymond E. King of Fayetteville, N.C.; a grandson, Shawn Woolard of Amarillo, Texas; two granddaughters, Penny Pickett of McKinney, Texas and Jogee and husband, Wick Comegys, of San Antonio, Texas. She is further survived by 6 great-grandchildren; her faithful pet “Marci”; three sisters-in-law; a brother-in-law; and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her father-in-law and mother-In-law; and a son, Fred A. Gray Jr.
Shirley’s family wishes to extend a heartfelt thank you to her Doctors, the staff at Terrace West, and to the staff at ICU and CCU at Midland Memorial Hospital.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials to the Multiple Sclerosis Society, West Texas Chapter, 1031 Andrews Highway, Midland, TX 79701.
Arrangements are under the direction of Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home and Crematory of Midland. Online condolences can be made at: www.npwelch.com.
Robert E. ‘Bob’ Korner
ODESSA — Robert “Bob” E. Korner, 60, went to be with his Heavenly Father on Wednesday, August 11, 2004. Funeral services will be held at 3 p.m. Saturday, August 14 at Grace Christian Fellowship on 1333 San Andres.
Bob was born in San Antonio on October 18, 1943, to Jessie and Jake Korner. He retired from the U.S. Army as a 1st Sergeant in September 1982. Bob was a veteran of the Special Forces serving three tours in Vietnam. He moved his family to Odessa in 1982 and worked for the U.S. post office for 16 years. Bob was also a longtime musician playing his bass guitar for over 40 years. He worshipped his Lord by playing in the Praise band at his church home Grace Christian Fellowship.
A loving and caring husband, father, grandfather and friend, Bob brought joy to everyone always. Even more so during his three-year battle with cancer. Always there with smiles, hugs and laughs. Sharing his strength and faith.
He is survived by his loving wife, Eiko of 33 years; his son, Robert E. Weed of California; his daughters, Christina Beck, Miyuki Korner and Regina Korner, all of Odessa; grandchildren, Ashley and Justin Weed of Portland, Brice and Troy Beck and Christian and Kiahlee Korner, all of Odessa; his brother, Ronald Korner and wife, Margaret, of Houston; his sister, Wanda Lee Smullen of California; and his nieces and nephews.
Memorials may be made to Odyssey Healthcare 2651 JBS Parkway Bldg 4, Ste B Odessa, TX 79761 and West Texas Cancer Center on Grant.
Services entrusted to Hubbard-Kelly Funeral Home.
Maxine Laird
ODESSA — A loving Christian woman left us Wednesday, August 11, 2004, to be with her father in Heaven. Maxine Laird was born October 13, 1916, in Salina, Oklahoma. She moved to Odessa in 1937 and married
Otis V. Laird on November 26, 1938.
She was preceded in death by her husband of 52 years, Otis V. Laird; parents, David C. Turner and Lula Turner; brother, D.C. Turner; and sisters, Eula Mae Turner, Elizabeth Spalding and Thelma Lewis.
Maxine is survived by her brother, James Vernon Turner of Hawkins; and sisters, Velma Alexander of Odessa and Nell Brown of Mineola. Her children include Mike Laird and his wife, Sylvia, of Plano, Pat Moore of Odessa, Buddy Laird and his wife, Grace, of Houston and Cindy Parkis and her husband, Jerry, of Odessa. Maxine’s grandchildren include, Wanda Modarelli and her husband, Joe, of Odessa, Janie Granath and her husband, Phil, of Odessa, Jana Brockman and her husband, Ken, of Plano, Marilyn Macklin and husband, Harvey, of Springfield, Mo., Lesa Ramirez and husband, Eric, of Lewisville, David Emmons of Austin, Trey Laird and wife, Heather, of Houston, Thomas Moore and wife, Tara, of Dallas and Sara Laird of Houston. She is also survived by 15 beautiful great-grandchildren who adored and loved her very much.
Maxine had a tremendous love for the Lord Jesus Christ and was a member of the First Baptist Church of Odessa for over 56 years. She was very involved with a variety of church activities and taught Sunday School to generations of First Baptist members.
She was active in her community and was President of several organizations including the Progressive Study Club and the “Howdy Partner” Chapter of the American Business Women’s Association. In 1998, the Odessa Chamber of Commerce inducted her into its Business Hall of Fame. In her later years, Maxine was the informal “social director” and “welcome committee” at Sherwood Assisted Living in Odessa. Her annual Christmas Party was a crowd-favorite and will be sorely missed.
In 1950, Maxine Laird bought her first Merle Norman franchise and established a store in Odessa. She passed her work ethic and high moral standards to her children and grandchildren, who worked for her on weekends and after school. Over the years, Maxine expanded her business to include a total of five Merle Norman studios and was appointed regional corporate trainer.
Maxine loved her family, her church and her many friends. She was a bright light to all that she touched and served as a powerful witness to the testament of Jesus Christ. She will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her. Visitation will be at Frank Wilson Funeral Home from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Friday, August 13, 2004. Services will be at 2 p.m. Saturday, August 14, 2004, at First Baptist Church of Odessa, Curtis Brewer will officiate. In lieu of flowers, gifts and memorials may be made to First Baptist Church.
Honorary pallbearers will be Gaylon Rainey, Burt Mann, Bob Jackson, Bob Colin, Curtis Lewallen and Harold Lewallen.
James Douglas Arnold
ODESSA — James Douglas Arnold, 58, of Odessa, passed away Sunday, August 15, 2004, at Home Hospice House.
Mr. Arnold was born December 8, 1945, in Houston, Texas, to Jeff and Maxine Arnold. He united in marriage to Linda Kay Archer September 19, 1993, here in Odessa. He was a U. S. Navy Veteran, an Area Field Manager for U-Haul Rentals and a Christian Baptist.
He is survived by wife, Linda Kay Arnold of Odessa; sons, James Thomas Arnold of Beaumont and Charles Russel Folley of Odessa; daughter, Misty Marie Folley of Odessa; eight grandchildren, Lindsey, Stephanie, Johnny, Chassidy, Ashli, Michael, Akasha and Corey; and nephew, Jeff Arnold of Odessa.
We the family would like to express our utmost sincere gratitude to Rev. Dick Brown, Dr. McClarey and the staffs at Home Hospice, Deerings Nursing Home and The Hospice House. A Special blessing and gratitude to his sister-in-law, Cathy Curd for the countless hours and time spent and shared with his wife, Linda, at James’ bedside and to all his host of Friends for being there at a time of need.
Visitation will be from 1 p.m. to 9 p.m. today, Tuesday, August 17, 2004, with family to visit with friends from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Odessa Funeral Home. Graveside services will be held at 2 p.m. Wednesday, August 18, 2004, at Rose Hill cemetery with Rev. Dick Brown officiating.
Services by Odessa Funeral Home.
Marjorie Pulley
GEORGETOWN — Marjorie Pulley, 78, of Georgetown, TX., passed away surrounded by family Friday, August 13, 2004, in Temple, Texas. She was born April 17, 1926, in Stephens, Ark., to Noble and Marie Boyd. She married
Stan Pulley May 22, 1976, in Odessa, TX. She was a very loving and compassionate wife, mother, mother-in-law, sister-in-law and grandmother. It was said that she followed the Lord’s shirttail the whole way to heaven.
She is survived by her husband Stan Pulley of Georgetown; four children, Mike Carter and wife, Jan, of Green River, Wyo., John Carter and wife, Patty, of Kingwood, TX., Vicki Runyon of Fort Worth, TX., and Teresa Allen and husband, L. E., of Lovington, N.M.; six grandchildren, Steve Carter of San Francisco, Calif., Jake Carter of Austin, TX., Nichole Carter of Lubbock, TX., Bryon Runyon of Fort Worth, TX., and John Paul and Joseph Allen of Brazil; along with numerous nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by one brother, Charles Boyd; one sister, Jane Trimmble; and her parents.
Funeral services were held Sunday, August 15, 2004, at 2 p.m. at The Gabriels Funeral Chapel in Georgetown, Texas with Bro. David Griffin and Dr. Jim Haskell officiating. Burial followed at the I.O.O.F. cemetery in Georgetown.
Serving as pallbearers were Steve Carter, Jake Carter, Bryon Runyon, Donnie Trimmble, David Trimmble, Rick Gooch and Nichole Carter.
Memorials may be made to The American Heart Association or to the charity of choice.
Arrangements made by The Gabriels Funeral Chapel, Georgetown, Texas.
Marrietta Cain
KINGSLAND — Marrietta Cain, 83, of Kingsland, Texas, formerly of Wylie, and Odessa, Texas, passed away in a nursing home in Kingsland, Texas, on Friday, Aug. 13, 2004.
She was born July 9, 1921, in Coleman County, Texas. She was born the oldest of six children of Henry Sharp and Liffe Jane Cox.
Mrs. Cain received her Nursing Degree in Brady, Texas. She worked as a private duty nurse in Maryland, Lake Charles, La., Fort hood, Texas, Fort Worth, Texas, Wylie Texas, and Odessa, Texas.
She is preceded in death by husband, Pona Cain; daughter, Shirley Ann Dendy; parents, Henry James Sharp and Liffe Jane Cox; brother, Henry James Sharp Jr.; and sister, Louise Oleta Beam.
She is survived by Son, Jeff Eugene Woodward and wife Donna of Lake LBJ, Kingsland, Texas; daughters, Beverley Bates and husband Johnny of Lake Thomas, Big Spring, Texas, and Sharlene Waldrop; brothers, Eldon James Sharp and wife Glenna of Bedford and Henry Edward Sharp and wife Juanita of Lampasas, Texas; sister, Norma Blair of Paige, Texas; brother-in-law, C.H. Beam of Adamsville, Texas; and son-in-law, Bennie Dendy of Fort Worth, Texas. She is also survived by grandchildren, Scott Woodward of San Angelo, Texas, J. Corbett Woodward of Kingsland, Texas, Tammy Hester and husband George of Odessa, Texas, Ray Hollingsworth of Odessa, Texas, and Shannon Teague and husband John of Odessa, Texas, Tammy Nelson of Weatherford, Texas, Tony Miller of Fort Worth, Stephanie Dendy of Fort Worth, Melaine Dendy of Fort Worth and Deanna Dendy of Fort Worth, Joy Bates of Odessa, Texas, John Bates of Odessa, Texas, Jackie, Joni and Jana Bates, all of San Antonio, Texas, and Laurnia Waldrop; 43 great-grandchildren; six great-great-grandchildren; a host of nieces and nephews; and a host of cousins.
The Family would like to express their gratitude and thanks to the nursing staff of Kingsland Care Center and Home Hospice of Llano, Texas.
Graveside funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Monday, Aug. 16, 2004, at the Bluebonnet Hills Memorial Funeral Home, 5725 Colleyville Blvd., Colleyville, TX, 76034.
