January 16, 2000

Willie Lee Ramsey
Services for Willie Lee Ramsey, 76, of Greenville are scheduled for 2 p.m. today at Coker-Mathews Chapel with burial in Caddo Mills' I.O.O.F Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Joe Elmore, Bill Wright, Shane Murphy, Tommy Martin and Kenny Martin. The Rev. Tommy Weems will officiate. Mrs. Ramsey died Friday at Presbyterian Hospital of Greenville. She was born Dec. 15, 1923 in Hunt County, son of John H. and Ola Jennings Martin. She married Clarence M. Ramsey on Oct. 6, 1951 in Greenville. She was a member of Park Street Baptist Church. Mrs. Ramsey is survived by a daughter, Brenda Flowers of Forrest City, Ark.; a brother, L. M. Martin of Greenville; three half-sisters, Catherine Mitchell of Seagroves, Johnnie Ruth Doran of Fort Worth and Nancy Hart of Hurst; two grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband on Dec. 2, 1999, and a son, Gerald Van Sickle, in 1993.

Mollisse Gilbert
CANTON - Services for Mollisse Gilbert, 94, of Canton are set for 2 p.m. Monday at Wilson-Orwosky Chapel with Dr. John McCartt officiating. Son-in-laws will serve as pallbearers. Mrs. Gilbert died Friday at a Canton hospital. Born May 20, 1905 in Rains County, she was the daughter of John R. and Hattie Mae Toles Ratliff. She married William Gilbert in Rains County in September 1919. She was a homemaker and a Baptist. Mrs. Gilbert is survived by five sons, Morris A. Gilbert of Mesquite; Oney Gilbert of Canton, Troy Gilbert of Canton, Cecil Gilbert of Canton and Jack Gilbert of Arkansas; six daughters, Connie O'Rear of New Mexico, Yvonne Chance of Florida, Opal Farley of Mesquite, Willie Mae Blalock of Dallas, Dian Dunlap of Rowlett and Pat Minor of Farris; two daughter-in-laws, Charlene Gilbert and Dixi Gilbert; 34 grandchildren and a host of great-grandchildren and great-great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by a daughter, Wilma Jo Gilbert in 1995, and two sons, John Gilbert and Bill Gilbert. Visitation is today from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Wilson-Orwosky Funeral Home.

Susie Brumit
TYLER - Susie Brumit, 91, formerly of Lone Oak, died Saturday in a Tyler nursing home. Services will be 10 a.m. Monday at Lone Oak Baptist Church with burial at Hooker Cemetery. The Rev. Robert Cook will preside. Mrs. Brumit was born May 3, 1908 in Celeste, the daughter of J.T. and Dollie Salyers Lemmons, she married Travis Brumit on July 28, 1922. A member of Lone Oak Baptist Church, she was a member of the Fidelis Sunday School class and Women's Mission Union. She lived in Lone Oak 87 years. She is survived by two sons, Carl Brumit and Rodney Brumit, both of Lone Oak; four daughters, Lota Williams of Texas City, Virginia Kammer of Galveston, Diane Jennings of Lumberton and Sue Holland of Flint; a brother, Paul Lemmons of Dallas; 15 grandchildren; and several great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; two sons, Travis Brumit, Jr.; James W. Brumit; a brother, Robert Lemmons; and three sisters, Lillie Prestidge, Daisy Human and Willie Knotts. Grandsons will serve as pallbearers. Visitation will be Sunday from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Bartley Funeral Home, Lone Oak.

Minnie Jewell McClellen
FLOWER MOUND - Funeral Services for Long-time Hunt County resident Minnie Jewell McClellen is set for Monday at 2 p.m. at Pemberton Funeral Chapel, Commerce with burial in Rosemound Cemetry. Mrs. McClellen, 100, died Friday in Flower Mound. The daughter of Robert Clinton and Maude Fox, she resided in Hunt County for 96 and attended public school in the Aberfoyle Community. She married Johh Herbert McClellen on Feb 26, 1920. Mr. and Mrs. McClellen owned and operated a grocery store in South Sulphur for 40 years. She was a member of the ladies home demonstration club in South Sulphur and a member of the Church of Christ in Commerce for 68 years. Mrs. McClellen is survived by a son, Rayford D. McLellen of Dallas; a daughter, Ruth Farris of Copper Canyon; a brother, Homer Fox of Greenville; a sister, Martha Easley of Aberfoyle; two sisters, Alma Davis of Irving and Waitie Bele Chesshir of Howe; five grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; and several neices and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband in January 1984, five sisters and two brothers. Pallbearers will be Jerry Easley, Jimmy Bowen, Pepper Mackie, Eric Ferris, Wayne McClellen and Cliff McClellen. Honorary pallbearers are Allan Martin, Elbert Turner, Dorsey Turner, Lonnie Beadles, Steven Turner and Stanley Turner. Visitation will be Monday beginning at 1 p.m. at Pemberton Funeral Home.

January 15, 2000

Dr. Bill Bryant
COMMERCE - Dr. Bill B. Bryant, 76, of Dallas died Thursday at Healthcare Center at the Forum at Park Lane in Dallas. Funeral services are at 2 p.m. today at Pemberton Funeral Home Chapel with David Gibson officiating. Burial will be in Rosemound Cemetery. Son of Murry Bryant and Alma Lorene Bryant, he was born Oct. 23, 1923 in Humphrey, Ark. and he grew up in Humphrey. He received his PhD in elementary education from The University of Texas in 1960. He was professor of elementary education at Texas A&I University from 1961 to 1962 and at East Texas State University from 1962 until his retirement in 1985. Dr. Bryant was a member of the Church of Christ. He was a longtime member of Phi Delta Kappa and was a member of numerous other organizations. Survivors include his former wife, Nelda Bryant of Campbell; daughters and sons-in-law Cynthia and Bill Gramley of Dallas and Dawn and Harry Gramley of Campbell; granddaughter and husband April and Mike Sebesta of Seabrook; great-grandson Jake Sebesta of Seabrook; two brothers, Wayne Bryant of Conway, Ark. and Eddie Bryant of Humphrey, Ark. and nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; a son, Clayton Randolph Bryant on July 29, 1991; three sisters and five brothers. Visitation will be from 1 p.m. until time of service at the funeral home.

Oscar Glasper
Oscar Clasper of Greenville died Wednesday in a Leonard nursing home. Funeral services are at 4 p.m. today at St. John Baptist Church with Rev. Micheal A. Jolla officiating. Burial is in East Mount Cemetery. He was born Aug. 25, 1904 in Bloomfield, Ark. to Charley Glasper and Lula Edwards. He married Sallie Williams in Arkansas. Mr. Glasper was a steel mill worker, and he was a Baptist. Surviving are son and daughter-in-law, Lawrence and Marion Glasper of Greenville; daughter-in-law Pearl Clemmon of St. Louis, Mo.; brother Roosevelt Edwards of Hayti, Mo. and two grandchildren. He was preceded in death by wife and one son. Cozine & Tarver Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Mae Long
There will be a graveside service for Mae Bell Long, 87, of Greenville at 10 a.m. today at Memoryland Memorial Park with Rev. Ben Smith officiating. Mrs. Long died Thursday afternoon at Greenville Health and Rehabilitation Center. Born Dec. 14, 1912 in Texas, she was the daughter of George and Mollie Devenport. She married Luther Long on Sept. 2, 1927 in Hunt County. Mrs. Long was a homemaker and a member of North Baptist Church. She is survived by a daughter and son-in-law, Betty and Bob Griffis of Celeste; a brother, Lee Devenport of Garland and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband; a son, Cliff Long; granddaughter Konnie Griffis Pannkuk; two sisters and one brother. Coker-Mathews Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

January 14, 2000

Oscar Clasper
Oscar Clasper of Greenville died Wednesday in a Leonard nursing home. Funeral services are at 4 p.m. Saturday at St. John Baptist Church with Rev. Micheal A. Jolla officiating. Burial is in East Mount Cemetery. He was born Aug. 25, 1904 in Bloomfield, Ark. to Charley and Lula Edwards Clasper. He married Sallie Williams in Arkansas. Mr. Clasper was a steel mill worker, and he was a Baptist. Surviving are son and daughter-in-law, Lawrence and Marion Clasper of Greenville; daughter-in-law Pearl Clemmon of St. Louis, Mo.; daughter Roosevelt Edwards of Hayti, Mo. and two grandchildren. He was preceded in death by wife and one son. Cozine & Tarver Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

V.Y. Fowler
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. - V.Y. "Tex" Fowler, 66, of Jacksonville, Fla. died Wednesday. Services are at 3 p.m. today at Hardage/Gibbons Funeral Home in Jacksonville. Mr. Fowler was born Sept. 26, 1933, in Hunt County; the son of Vern Y. and Imogene Mays Fowler. Surviving are his wife, Betty Fowler of Jacksonville, Fla.; three sons; one daughter; two grandchildren; sister, Helen Gibson of Celeste; brother, John Fowler of Florida; five aunts and uncles, including Hazel Rice of Greenville.

Mary Horn
Mary Katherine Horn of Greenville died Thursday at Presbyterian Hospital of Dallas. Funeral services are at 2 p.m. today at Peters Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Mike Nichols officiating. There is a private burial at Forest Park Cemetery. Born in Emory on Aug. 13, 1926, she was the daughter of Charles Leslie Owens and Eula Potts Owens Jones. She and James Harold Horn were married Nov. 14, 1948 in Greenville. She was a housewife and a member of First Presbyterian Church. Mrs. Horn is survived by daughters and sons-in-law Mary Elizabeth and David Paul of Greenville and Christa Cay and Bob Jones of Greenville; a sister, Christine Mills of Greenville and five grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband on July 5, 1992; her parents; one brother, Thomas Owens and one sister, Nancy Cheek. Memorials may be made to MLC Scholarship Fund at First Presbyterian Church in Greenville.

Agnes Isaacs
WOLFE CITY - Agnes Isaacs, 63, of Wolfe City died Wednesday at her Home. Services are at 2 p.m. Friday at R.W. Owens & Son Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Dickson Ayers and Rev. Robert Keller officiating. Burial is at Mount Carmel Cemetery. Mrs. Isaacs was born at McDonough, Ga. on Jan. 21, 1936, to Aaron Fannin and Nannie Marquerite Forsyth. She married Harold Dean Isaacs on June 9, 1956. She was a homemaker. Surviving are a son and daughter-in-law, Chris and Anna Jo Isaacs of Wolfe City; a grandson, Trenton Isaacs of Wolfe City; an uncle, Rogers Fannin of McDonough, Ga.; an aunt, Francis Fannin of McDonough, Ga.; and a sister, Sybil Keller of McDonough, Ga. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband and one son. Pallbearers are Talmage Moore, Ricky Ball, James Sorrow, Robert Martin, Finn Blevens, Charles Carroll, Steve Marshall and Sam Marshall. Visitation is scheduled form 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. today at R.W. Owens Funeral Home in Wolfe City.

Billy Jones
GARLAND - Billy Howard Jones, 68, died Tuesday at his home. Funeral services are at 1 p.m. Friday at Williams Funeral Home Chapel. Burial is at 4 p.m. in Mount Carmel Cemetery in Wolfe City. He was born Aug. 20, 1931 in Bailey, attended school in Wolfe City and graduated from Garland High School in 1949. Mr. Jones was a member of First Baptist Church of Garland for more than 50 years. He served in the U.S. Navy on the USS Rochester from 1950-1954 as a Quartermaster and was a lifetime member of the VFW Chapter. He was employed at Dallas Power & Light Company in 1949 and retired as a foreman for the company in 1986. After his retirement he owned and operated a local fence company. Surviving are his wife, Billie Jones; children Bill H. Jones Jr. of San Francisco, Calif., Dorothy Tucker of Garland, Julie Goforth of Athens and Connie Bell and Randy Walker of Garland; seven grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, Howard and Veta Morgan Jones. Visitation is from 7 to 9 p.m. today at the funeral home, 716 Main, in Garland.

William P. McIntosh
LEONARD - William F. McIntosh, 64, of Leonard died Wednesday in a Denison hospital. Services are at 3 p.m. Saturday at the Taylor Funeral Home Chapel in Leonard with the Rev. Gary Johnson officiating. Burial is in Leonard Cemetery. Mr. McIntosh was born Sept. 27, 1915 in Wickliffe, Ken., the son of Charles and Cora Lee Sullivan McIntosh. He was an aircraft mechanic. He is survived by a brother, Milton McIntosh of Buena Park, Calif., along with several nieces and nephews. Visitation is from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Friday at the funeral home.

James Nalls
James R. "Jimmy" Nalls, 76, of Lone Oak died Tuesday morning at his residence. Funeral services are at 2 p.m. today at Coker-Mathews Funeral Home Chapel with Gordon Grammar and Waldon Krodle officiating. Burial is in Memoryland Memorial Park. The son of William James "Jim" Nalls and Mattie May Wyatt Nalls, he was born Jan. 20, 1923 in Greenville. Mr. Nalls served in the U.S. Marines. He was a truck driver and a Baptist. Surviving are special friend Louise Rogers of Lone Oak; a brother, Ralph Nalls of Garland and four sisters, Aylene Kimberlin of Amarillo, Dorothy Hutchens of Mineola, Frances Rodgers of Denton and Mildred Fannin of Greenville. He was preceded in death by his parents, and a sister, Cloelene Falkner. Pallbearers are nephews Kenneth Rodgers, Johnny Hutchens, Tony Fannin, Billy Falkner, David Kimberlin and Floyd Rodgers Jr.

Louis Sparovic
Louis Sparovic of Greenville died Wednesday morning at his residence. There is a funeral mass at 9 a.m. Friday at St. William's Catholic Church with Rev. Antonio Oscar Diez officiating. Burial is in Memoryland Memorial Park. Born Sept. 27, 1923 in Aspen, Colo., he was the son of John Sparovic and Mary Kostetic Sparovic. Mr. Sparovic served in the U.S. Army, 10th Mountain Division during World War II. He was a miner and was a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church in Aspen, Colo. He is survived by his wife, Minnie Lusher Sparovic of Billings, Mont.; a son, John Sparovic of Billings, Mont.; daughter Melody Engebregson of Greenville; stepdaughters Cleta Boyd of Denver, Colo., Phyllis McAuliffe of Billings, Mont. and Ernestine Morey of Ryegate, Mont.; grandsons Tony Engebregson of Greenville and John Sparovic of Billings, Mont.; 7 stepgrandchildren and five stepgreat-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother and sisters. Pallbearers are Tony Engebregson, Dean Bennett, Harry Oakley, Don Hicks, John Kinslow and Fred Vanderploeg. Jay Smith and Joe Rubarts are honorary pallbearers. Visitation is from 6 to 7 p.m. today at the funeral home and there will be a rosary at 7 p.m.

Dovie Spencer
Dovie Thompson Spencer of Greenville died Wednesday. Services are set for 2 p.m. Friday at the Point Church of Christ with Rev. H.D. Smith and Rev. Richard Kellum officiating. Burial is in Lone Star Cemetery. Mrs. Spencer was born in Cohron, Ken., the daughter of Charley F. and Della Wheat Thompson. She was married to Raymond Curtis Spencer, Sr. on Sept. 12, 1929. She was a homemaker and member of the Church of Christ. Surviving are a son, Raymond Curtis Spencer, Jr. of Point; two daughters, Mary Helen Luckett of Emory and Barbara Boyer of Greenville; a brother, Roy H. Thompson of Point; seven grandchildren, Pam Fenter, Carla McAree, Todd Spencer, Megan Spencer, Shannon Gindorff, Tony Boyer and Tommy Boyer; and five great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband; four brothers, John Thompson, Frank Thompson, Jim Thompson and Charley Will Thompson; and a sister, Jennie M. Hays. Visitation is from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. today at Point Funeral Home, which is in charge of arrangements.

January 12, 2000

James Cooper
LEONARD - Graveside services for James H. Cooper, 69, of Leonard are at 2 p.m. Thursday in Leonard Cemetery with Charles Wrenn officiating. He died Monday at Presbyterian Hospital of Greenville. The son of Hubert M. Cooper and Fannie Lou Wheat Cooper, he was born Oct. 24, 1930 in Nobility. He was a bricklayer. He is survived by daughters Rana Anderson of Farmersville and Karen Wyatt of Princeton; three sisters, Lola Flanagan, Hattie White and Johnnie Burchfield, all of Leonard; brothers Bill Cooper and Ronnie Cooper, both of Leonard and five grandchildren. Visitation is from 6 to 7:30 p.m. today at Taylor Funeral Home of Leonard.

Shirley Garrett
EMORY - Shirley Joyce Willis Garrett, 64, of Emory died Monday at her home. Funeral services are at 2 p.m. Thursday at Emory Baptist Church with Rev. Rodney Williams and James Golden officiating. Burial is in Emory Cemetery. Born Dec. 21, 1935 in Greenville, she was the daughter of Claud and Dora Roddam Willis. On Sept. 1, 1956 she and Bill W. Garrett were married in Emory Baptist Church. Mrs. Garrett was a teacher/professor and was a member of Emory Baptist Church. Surviving are her husband of Emory; a son, William Todd Garrett of Frisco; daughters, Sharon Garrett Henry of The Colony and Vicki Garrett Hodwin of Plano and seven grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents and a brother, Vondyl Claude Willis. Pallbearers are David Garrett, C.F. Vititow, Homer Robertson, Weldon Christian, Raymond Clifton and Norwin Lennon. Members of the Ruth Sunday school class and Emory High School Class of 1954 are honorary pallbearers. Memorials may be made to Emory Baptist Church, Emory City Cemetery or Susan B. Komen Foundation. Visitation is from 6 to 8 p.m. today at Wilson-Orwosky Funeral Home.

Flora Hartness
BLUE RIDGE - Flora Lee Hartness, 92, of Blue Ridge died Tuesday at North McKinney Nursing Home. Funeral services are at 2 p.m. Thursday at Bethlehem Baptist Church with Rev. Billy Harris officiating. Burial is in Bethlehem Cemetery. The daughter of Henry Burcher Mize and Emma Walker Mize, she was born July 7, 1907 in Blue Ridge. She married James Otis Hartness on Dec. 18, 1937. Mrs. Hartness was a homemaker and a member of Bethlehem Baptist Church. She is survived by a son, Andre Hartness of Blue Ridge; three grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. Visitation is from 6 to 8 p.m. today at Fielder-Baker Funeral Home in Blue Ridge.

Wesley Holder
GRAND SALINE - Wesley F. Holden, 58, of Ladonia, formerly of Grand Saline died Monday at a Paris hospital. Funeral services are at 11 a.m. Thursday at Bartley Funeral Home Chapel in Grand Saline with Rev. Homer Morgan officiating. Burial is in Woodside Cemetery with Masonic graveside rites. The son of Wylie Theodore and Hazel Earlene Bailey Holden, he was born Feb. 13, 1941 in Grand Saline. He lived most of his life in Dallas and Grand Saline and had lived in Ladonia for the last four years. Mr. Holden was a retired butcher with Tom Thumb. He was a member of Grand Saline Masonic Lodge 1269, Scottish Rite of Dallas and Hella Temple Shrine of Dallas. He is survived by his wife Mickey Holden of Ladonia; four sons, Vince Holden of Van, Bill Holden of Sulphur Springs, Robin Holden of Grand Saline and Michael Holden of Ladonia; a brother, W.T. Holden of Balch Springs; two sisters, Bea Lee of St. Augustine, Fla. and Lynda Branch of Grand Prairie and 13 grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents and one son, John Holden. Pallbearers are Gene Conley, David Buchanan, Johnny Freelen, Garland Crocker, Albert Willingham, Tommy Stewart, Tommy Peoples and Travis Shafer.

Arvil McKeown
SULPHUR SPRINGS - Funeral services for Arvil Blake McKeown, 81, of Sulphur Springs are at 2 p.m. Thursday at Murray-Orwosky Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Woodrow Kirby and Rev. Mike Owens officiating. Military graveside services will follow at Restlawn Memorial Park. Mr. McKeown died Tuesday morning at his residence. He was born Nov. 8, 1918 in Reilly Springs to Junious and Bertha Bowie McKeown. He married Verna Houston on Sept. 28, 1940 in Sulphur Springs. Mr. McKeown was a retired dairy farmer. He served in the U.S. Army Air Corps during World War II. Surviving are his wife; a son, Ronie McKeown of Dallas; a sister, Mollie Gibson of Greenville and brother James McKeown of Argyle. He was preceded in death by a brother and an infant sister. Pallbearers are Buford Owens, Troy Jolley, Joe Pogue, Don Spencer, Mike Owens, Kenny Belt, Gaylon Gibson and E.A. Junell. Visitation is from 6 to 8 p.m. today at the funeral home.

Bill Williams
QUINLAN - Bill Williams, 84, of Quinlan died Tuesday at Lake Point Medical Center in Rowlett. Funeral services are at 1 p.m. Thursday at Quinlan LyBrand Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Mike Reese and Paul Williams officiating. Burial is in the I.O.O.F. Cemetery. Born in Farmersville on Oct. 16, 1915, he was the son of Ely and Clovis Gray Williams. Mr. Williams served in the U.S. Army during World War II and he was a member of Amvets. He was retired from Quality Metal Finishing Co. Surviving are his wife Maria Williams of Quinlan and a sister, Ruth Cooley of California. He was preceded in death by three brothers and two sisters. Pallbearers are Roy Garvin, Jeremy Warner, James Zimmer, Ernest Burton, Mike Aldridge, Robert Stone, Graham Shipton and Jene Hackett. Visitation is from 6 to 8 p.m. today at the funeral home.

January 11, 2000

Rev. F.C. Carey Jr.
BROOKLYN, N.Y. - Rev. Festus Columbus Carey Jr., formerly of Greenville, died at Woodhull Hospital in Brooklyn, N.Y. Dec. 28, 1999. Services were January 4 at Universal Temple in Brooklyn with Rev. Timothy McCray Sr. officiating. The son of Rev. F. C. Carey Sr. and Sedilia Jones Carey, he was born in Tyler on May 20, 1933. He went to school in Quitman and graduated from G.W. Carver High School in Greenville. Rev. Carey attended Clark Street Christian Church where his father was pastor. He graduated from Jarvis Christian College in Hawkins and pursued seminary studies at CTS (Butler University), Indiana and Union Theological Seminary in New York City. The first church that Rev. Carey pastored while attending school in Greenville was First Christian Church in Paris. Rev. Carey became a member of Muddy Creek Baptist Church in Quitman and accepted the call of associate minister in the fall of 1959 to Stuyvesant Heights Christian Church. He and Earline Waddleton were married Feb. 22, 1961 and they served Bronx Second Christian Church; they returned to Stuyvesant in 1964. Rev. Carey was a member of many organizations. He worked within several stations of Kedar Lodge 16 and attained the highest office of Worshipful Master. He joined the Adoptive Rite Order of the Eastern Star, becoming the Worthy Grand Patron and he became the Rt. Rev. Grand Chaplain of the M.W. Hiram Grand Lodge A.F. & A.M., State of New York. Rev. Carey is survived by his wife and a sister, Lauria Ann Carey. James H. Willie Funeral Home, Inc. of Brooklyn, N.Y. was in charge of arrangements.

Ruby Doyle
Ruby Gardner Doyle, 82, of Greenville died Monday at Briarcliff Health Center. Funeral services are at 2 p.m. Wednesday at Coker-Mathews Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Robert Baldridge and Rev. Larry Jordan officiating. Burial is in Forest Park Cemetery. Born in Greenville on Sept. 23, 1917, she was the daughter of Charles W. Mullins and Myrtle Arey Mullins. She and C.A. Doyle were married in Greenville. Mrs. Doyle was office manager for 18 years at Joe Gibson Oldsmobile-Cadillac Agency. She was a member of First Baptist Church. Surviving are her husband of Greenville; stepsons Keith Doyle and wife Sandi of Rockwall and Kent Doyle and wife Jackie of Medina; daughter Barbara Sikes of Greenville; daughter and son-in-law Dee and Scott Goist of Plano; grandchildren Greg and wife Kay Sikes of Rockwall, Lance and wife Judy Sikes of Rockwall, Jay and wife Susan Sikes of Greenville, Dana Kingdon and Leslie Worley-Sinclair of Denton, Julie Coker and husband Mike Kisselburgh of Denton, Shannon and husband Doug Buncher of Plano and Miles Coker of Dallas and 12 great-grandchildren. A brother, Ray Mullins, preceded her in death. Grandsons Greg Sikes, Lance Sikes, Jay Sikes, Mike Kisselburgh, Doug Buncher and Miles Coker are pallbearers. Visitation is from 6 to 8 p.m. today at the funeral home.

January 10, 2000

Zelvin Day
Zelvin Day, 32, of Grand Prairie died Thursday in Greenville. Services will be at 1 p.m. Tuesday at Evening Chapel A.M.E. Church in Grand Prairies with Rev. J.R. Mitchell officiating. Burial will be in American Cemetery. Mr. Day was born in Dallas on Dec. 20, 1967, to George Elliott Merritt and Dorothy Day. Surviving are his fiance, Karmeria Caraway of Grand Prairie; his father, George Elliott Merritt of Grand Prairie; his mother Dorothy M. Day of Greenville; a son, Jason Dwayne Purvis of Grand Prairie; sisters Sharon L. Grant of Dallas, Tressa L. Blaylock and Phyllis A. Day of Greenville and George Ann Merritt and Lisa Merritt of Grand Prairie; and grandmother, Mable Kinchen of Greenville. Visitation will be Monday from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at Clark Street Christian Church in Greenville with Grudy Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.

John Duncan
LEONARD - Services for John G. "June" Duncan, 81, of Leonard, will be at 10 a.m. Tuesday at the Taylor Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Gary Casey and Rev. Chris Cowen officiating. Burial will be in Leonard Cemetery. Mr. Duncan died Saturday at his home. He was born Dec. 13, 1918, in Leonard to John G. and Leona Morgan Duncan. He married Gladys Alene Lance in Bonham on Oct. 18, 1939, and she preceded him in death on July 9, 1999. Mr. Duncan was a farmer and a member of First Baptist Church. Surviving are two daughters, Linda Ross of San Antonio and Judy Edwards of Lubbock; a sister, Corine Tilger of Denison; four grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. Visitation will be today from 7-8 p.m.

Dessie I. Nelson
Dessie I. Nelson, 86, of Texarkana died Saturday in a Texarkana hospital. Services will be at 2 p.m. Tuesday at R.W. Owens & Son Funeral Home Chapel with Michael Nelson and Mark Markle officiating. Burial will be in Mt. Carmel Cemetery. Mrs. Nelson was born in Hot Springs, Ark., on Dec. 29, 1913, to Drew and Lilly Redding Hobgood. She married Melburn Nelson on April 20, 1940 in Hot Springs, Ark. Surviving are two sons, Lindal Nelson of Munford, Tenn., and Charles Nelson of Texarkana, Ark.; two brothers, Troy Hobgood of Hot Springs and Billy Hobgood of Clarksville, Ark.; nine grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren. Her husband preceded her in death. Visitation will be 6-8 p.m. today at the funeral home.

January 9, 2000

George W. Gilbreath
CADDO MILLS - George W. Gilbreath, 76, of Caddo Mills died Friday in Greenville. Services will be Tuesday at 2 p.m. at Vansickle Baptist Church with burial in the Caddo Mills I.O.O.F. cemetery. The Rev. Roger Ratliff and the Rev. John Kelley will officiate. Mr. Gilbreath was born Jan. 10, 1923, in Quitman, the son of G.W. and Ida Bell Gilbreath. He married Imogene Wilson on July 10, 1948, in Weatherford. An Army veteran of World War II, Mr. Gilbreath was an equipment repairman by trade. He is survived by his wife; a son, Johnny M. Gilbreath of Caddo Mills; two daughters, Sandra O'Con of Caddo Mills and Nancy Preston of Carthage; a sister, Zona Wyatt of Fort Worth; seven grandchildren; and 15 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by three brothers: Fred Gilbreath, Harrison Gilbreath and Noble Gilbreath; and two sisters: Ruth Mathis and Ruby Webster. Pallbearers will be Michael O'Con, Gabe O'Con, Keith Gilbreath, Dale Green, Darrell Preston and Willie Crump. Visitation will be Monday from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at James M. Rentfrow Funeral Home, Caddo Mills.

Bernice Quigley
Bernice Quigley, 93, of Greenville died Thursday at her residence. A Memorial Service will be today at 4 p.m. at Aldersgate Church with Chuck Ballard officiating. She was born Dec. 30, 1906, in Beardstown, Ill., to Robert Thompson and Mary Vesler. She married Corvan Quigley on May 30, 1936 in Bartonville, Ill. Mrs. Quigley was a grocery clerk. A Greenville resident the past five years, Mrs. Quigley attended Aldersgate Church and was a member of Home League. She moved to Greenville from Wilsonville, Ore. She previously resided in Pontiac, Ill. Mrs. Quigley is survived by a son, Chuck Quigley of Greenville; a daughter, Karen Stegbauer of Madison, Wis.; five grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, five brothers and six sisters. Peters Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Joe Norman
LEONARD - Joe Norman, 69, of Garland and formerly of Leonard died Friday in a Garland hospital. Services will be at 2 p.m. Monday at Taylor Funeral Home Chapel in Leonard, with Charles Wrenn officiating. Burial will be in Leonard Cemetery. Mr. Norman was born March 3, 1930, in Leonard to Fran and Nolie Kingsley Norman. He married Janie Whisenhunt on March 26, 1949, in Leonard. He married Billy Pritchett on Sept. 29, 1977, in Durant, Ok. He was a member of the Church of Christ. He is survived by his wife; three sons, Michael Norman, Paul Norman and Charles Tagliariso all of Garland; a daughter, Louise Daniel of Garland; a sister, Geneva Scarborough of Bonham; three brothers, Archie Norman of El Paso and Harold Norman and Obey Norman both of Bonham; 12 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren. Grandsons will serve as pallbearers. Taylor Funeral Home is charge of arrangements.

McKinley Wilson, Jr.
NEYLANDVILLE - McKinley Wilson, Jr., 70, of Neylandville, died Thursday at Presbyterian Hospital of Greenville. Services will be Monday at 1 p.m. at New Bethel CME Church with Freddrick Thompson officiating. Mr. Wilson was born March 5, 1929 in Waelder, the son of McKinley an Lillian Jones Wilson Sr. He married Mary Esther Brigham on March 15, 1963. A veteran of the U.S. Army, he was a member or New Bethel CME church. He is survived by 10 sons Eugene Wilson, Ralph Wilson, Gary Wilson, all of Houston, Ronnie Wilson of Amarillo, LaDayne Wilson and Gregory Wilson of Greenville, Christopher Wilson of Atlanta, Ga., Rodney Wilson of Neylandville and Patrick Wilson of Commerce; two daughters, Christine Banks of Atlanta and Connie Wilson of Amarillo; six brothers, Eugene Wilson of Waelder, Elroy Wilson of Gonzales, Lewis Wilson of Waelder, Otis Wilson of Houston, Ernest Wilson of Houston, and Earlie Wilson of Houston; six sisters, Patty Young of Houston, Ruthie Cleveland of Schelenburg, Mablene Nkwoparah of Houston, Marjorie Jackson of San Antonio, Betty Walker of Houston and Nora Lee Wilson of Houston; and a host of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews and cousins. He was preceded in death by his mother, father, a brother, DeFaye Wilson and a sister. Pallbearers will be Eugene Wilson, Otis Wilson, Elroy Wilson, Ernest Wilson, Lewis Wilson and Earlie Wilson. Honorary Pallbearers are Ronnie Wilson, Ralph Wilson, Gary Wilson, Patrick Wilson, GreggoryWilson, Christopher Wilson, Robert Wilson, Rodney Wilson, LaDayne Wilson and Kelvin Ivery. Visitation will be held at Grundy Funeral Home Sunday beginning at 3 p.m.

January 8, 2000

Harold Foreman
WILLS POINT - Funeral services for Harold D. Foreman, 68, of Lone Oak will be at 1 p.m. Sunday at the Herschel LyBrand Chapel with Rev. Harry O. Ball and James Hogue officiating. Burial will be in Memoryland Memorial Park, Greenville. He died Friday in Lone Oak. He was born Dec. 20, 1931 in Wills Point and graduated from Wills Point High School in 1950 and later from Texas University in Austin. Mr. Foreman was a veteran of the Korean War, serving in the U.S. Navy. He retired from the Benbrook Water Department with 22 years of service. Mr. Foreman moved to Lone Oak in 1980 and continued his civil engineering service in many of the surrounding areas. He was a member and founder of the First Assembly of God Church in Quinlan. Surviving are his wife, Peggy Foreman of Lone Oak; mother Willie Fay Foreman of Wills Point; three sons, Steven Wayne Foreman of Tyler, Jess Allen Foreman of Lone Oak and Jon Bradley Foreman of Mesquite; five daughters, Terrie Sue Aune of Coppell, Nancy Lynn Foreman of Austin, Deena Foreman Dunlap of Lone Oak, Sherry Chumley of Mesquite and Sandra Kay Perkins of Lone Oak; brother James Foreman of Wills Point; sister Daphine McDonald of Mesquite; 12 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. Pallbearers will be Jerry Burch, Jimmy Burch, Haskell Morris, J.W. Morris, M.J. Carnes, Jimmy Franks, Will Crayton and Benny Moore. Honorary pallbearers will be Dave Keeler and Bruce Bone. Visitation is from 6 to 8 p.m. today at the funeral home.

Naoma Freeman
Naoma Freeman, 90, of Greenville, died Thursday at Greenville Health and Rehabilitation Center. Funeral services are at 2 p.m. today at Peters Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Michael A. House officiating. Burial will be in Forest Park Cemetery. Daughter of David Martin Marrow and Janie Bloodworth, she was born Jan. 21, 1909 in Lone Oak. She married Charlie M. Freeman on Dec. 22, 1935 in Greenville. Mrs. Freeman was a homemaker. She was a member of First United Methodist Church in Commerce and the Susannah Sunday school class. She is survived by niece Lugene Robertson of Greenville; in-laws Ralph and Mary S. Skinner of Greenville, Herbert and Mary Lois Freeman of Greenville, Billy Tom and Beverly Freeman of Yantis, Rachel Freeman of Greenville, Louise Freeman Smithey of Greenville and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband on April 25, 1981 and a sister, Eva Morrison. Nephews will serve as pallbearers.

Clarence Gafford Jr.
Clarence Oliver Gafford Jr., 76, of Greenville died Wednesday evening at Presbyterian Hospital of Greenville. Funeral services are at 2 p.m. today at Coker-Mathews Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. James Nance and Rev. Gene Key officiating. Burial will be in Pleasant Grove Cemetery. Born Nov. 30, 1923 in Hopkins County, he was the son of Clarence Oliver Gafford and Alba T. Adair. On Sept. 21, 1946 he married Pattie Sue Hall in Greenville. He served in the U.S. Navy. Mr. Gafford was a retired carpet layer and a member of Reavilon Baptist Church. He was a life member of DAV. Surviving are his wife of Greenville; son and daughter-in-law Gary and Jana Gafford of Rowlett; grandchildren Angie and Doug Briscoe of Powderly and Chris Hensley of Rowlett; great-grandson Jake Briscoe of Powderly; a brother, Gene Gafford of Pell City, Ala.; a sister, Martha Gafford of Yuma, Ariz. and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his father in 1937; his mother in 1997 and sisters Faye Goen and Mary Ann Gafford. Pallbearers will be Joe Ben Porter, Larry Hall, Kelly Hall, Dennis Candler, Doug Briscoe and Bill Hall. Honorary pallbearers will be Don Hall, Thezell Ford, Gerald Mays, Birchie Currin, Virgil Hall, Benny Porter and Stewart Candler.

Bernice Quigley
Bernice Quigley of Greenville died at her residence Thursday. There will be a memorial service at 4 p.m. Sunday at Aldersgate Church with Chuck Ballard officiating. She was born Dec. 30, 1906 in Beardstown, Ill. to Robert Thompson and Mary Vesler. She married Corvan Quigley in May 30, 1936 in Bartonville, Ill. Mrs. Quigley worked as a grocery clerk. She attended Aldersgate Church. She was a member of Home League and had lived in Greenville for the past five years, moving here from Wilsonville, Ore. She had also lived in Pontiac, Ill. Mrs. Quigley is survived by a son, Chuck Quigley of Greenville; a daughter, Karen Stegbauer of Madison, Wis.; five grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by five brothers and six sisters. Visitation is from 6 to 8 p.m. today at Peters Funeral Home.

James Sampson
COMMERCE - James Sampson, 76, of Los Angeles, Calif. died Dec. 30. Funeral services are at 2 p.m. today at Jones-Walker & Son Funeral Home Memorial Chapel with Bishop Harold Pannell officiating. Burial will be in Norris Lebanon Cemetery, Commerce. He was born March 6, 1923 in Naples, son of Samuel Sampson and Aquilla Smith Sampson. He attended Norris High School and graduated from Booker T. Washington in 1942 and graduated from Morgan's Barber College. He owned and operated Freeway Barber Shop in Los Angeles, Calif. Surviving are sister-in-law De Ivory Sampson of Dallas; nieces Theresa White, Ruby Allen, Gretchen McNealy, Ann Daniels, Mary Henry, Ira J. Sampson, Dorothy Hamilton, De Gloria Williams, De Mitrus Sampson, De Iva Lynn Sampson and De Niece Sampson; nephews Charles Sampson, Clifford Sampson and Lester Sampson; several great-nieces and nephews and great-great-nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by two brothers, two sisters, a sister-in-law and a nephew. Pallbearers will be George Henry Jr., Anthony Glen Henry Sr., John L. Adair, Garrick Sampson, Douglas Stiggers and Richard Relford. Honorary Pallbearers will be C.D. Duffy, Irwin Duffy, Tommy Allen, Harry Glyn Champion, C.D. Ivery, Oren Mines, Warren Bruce Allen, A.C. Williams and Charlie Smith.

Kyle A. Neece
Kyle A. Neece, 4, died Friday at Presbyterian Hospital of Greenville from injuries suffered in a house fire. Services will be at 2 p.m. Sunday at Lamar Baptist Church with the Rev. Rick Blue presiding. Kyle was born March 8, 1995, in Garland, the son of Chris Neece and Wendy Waterson. He is survived by his mother; his father; a step-father, Robert Waterson; a step-mother, Sandra Neece; brother, Christopher Neece; three sisters, Ashley Neece, Courtney Neece and Terri LaCour; grandparents, Jimmy and Sue Mitchell and Tommy and Dorothy Neece; and step-grandparents, Bob and Carolyn Waterson and Don and Alice Light. Visitation is set for today from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Peters Funeral Home.

Ashlie Stinebaugh
Ashlie Stinebaugh, 13, died Friday at Presbyterian Hospital of Greenville from injuries suffered in a house fire. Services are scheduled for 2 p.m. Sunday at Lamar Baptist Church with burial in Memoryland Memorial Park. Ms. Stinebaugh was born Dec. 29, 1986, in Greenville, the daughter of James Stinebaugh and Sandra Stinebaugh. She was an honor student who was a member of the band and participated in gymnastics and dance. She was a member of Lamar Baptist Church and was active with the church's youth group. She is survived by her mother, Sandra Neece; her father; a step-father, Chris Neece; a step-mother, Deanna Stinebaugh; a brother, Drew McMurtre; a step-brother, Christopher Neece; two step-sisters, Courtney Neece and Terri LaCour; grandfather, Johnny Stinebaugh; step-grandparents, Owen and Elma Lea Crocker and Dorothy and Tommy Neece. Pallbearers will be Eddy Miller, Gary DeGarso, Tim Ellsworth, Randy Smith, John Stinebaugh and Carlos Denton. Honorary pallbearers are the youth group at Lamar Baptist Church. The Rev. Roger Ratliff and the Rev. Paul Blue will officiate. Visitation will be held today from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Peters Funeral Home.

January 7, 2000

Austin Brierton
LAWTON, Okla. - Funeral services for Austin Brierton, 84, of Lawton are at 2 p.m. Saturday in the Northside Baptist Church. Burial is in Sunset Memorial Gardens. Mr. Brierton died Thursday at his residence. Born Aug. 8, 1915 in Santos, he was the son of Albert and Minnie Pearl Brierton. Mr. Brierton was a longtime Lawton resident and retired businessman, having owned and operated the Tire Clinic. He retired in 1974. He had been a member of First Baptist South in Lawton. Surviving are three sons, Austin DeWayne Brierton of Greenville, Jimmy Dale Brierton of Lawton, Okla. and Darrel Keith Brierton of Sterling, Okla.; a brother, Bill Brierton of Atlanta, Ga.; two sisters, Hazel Caldwell and Nancy Dougherty of Mineral Wells; 26 grandchildren and 29 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife, Mildred Juanita Fenter Brierton, on Nov. 23, 1985 and two sons, Kenneth Don and Roger Dean Brierton. Becker Funeral Home, Inc. of Lawton, Okla. is in charge of arrangements.

Samuel Burns
Samuel R.L. Burns, 65, of Greenville died Wednesday at his residence. Funeral services are at 2 p.m. Sunday at Cross Funeral Home in LaFollette, Tenn. Burial is in Davis Cemetery in Stinking Creek, Tenn. Mr. Burns was the son of James Henry and Nora Ayers Burns. He was a member of Living Word Church. Surviving are sons Alan Burns of Indiana, Mark Burns of California, Davis Burns of Montana and Rusty, Larry and John Burns, all of Texas; a brother, Don Burns of Jacksboro, Tenn.; a sister, Gladys Johnson of LaFollette, Tenn.; grandchildren Toby Burns, Samara Burns, Russell N. Burns, Tiffany N. Burns, Paul I. Castillo and Polly I. Castillo and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; two sons, Samuel C. Burns Jr. and Charles L. Burns; brothers Bert Burns, Charles Burns and Rubin Burns and a sister, Fredia Muse. Visitation is from 6 to 8 p.m. Saturday at Cross Funeral Home. Peters Funeral Home is in charge of local arrangements.

Vondale Coleman
CADDO MILLS - Funeral services for Vondale Coleman, 92, are at 2 p.m. Saturday in Rentfrow Funeral Chapel with Rev. Robert Green officiating. Burial is in the I.O.O.F. Cemetery. Mrs. Coleman died Jan. 5. in Rowlett. She was born March 18, 1907, in Nowata, Okla., to John Thomas and Mary Margaret Kiel Clements. She married Orel Franklin Coleman on Sept. 15, 1930. She was a homemaker. Surviving are two sons, Richard Allen Coleman of Rockwall and Frank Coleman in California; two daughters, Barbara Dumas of Mesquite and Carolyn Swafford of Caddo Mills; a brother, K.K. Clements of Tulsa, Okla.; a sister, Melda Green of Sulphur Springs, Okla.; 11 grandchildren, 21 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild. She was preceded in death by her husband. Pallbearers are Butch White, Frank Coleman, Ricky Coleman, Lee Swafford, Glen Swafford and James Massey. Visitation is from 6 to 8 p.m. today in the funeral home.

Coela Milner
Coela Odessa Milner, 88, of Greenville died Thursday at Greencrest Manor Nursing Home. Graveside services are at 3 p.m. today at Memoryland Memorial Park with Rev. Gary Grable officiating. Mrs. Milner was born Nov. 23, 1911, in Riley Springs; the daughter of Silas and Zeffie Johnson Reppond. She was married to Thomas Lee Milner on May 1, 1927. Mrs. Milner worked for E-Systems, Haggar Pants, Bealls and was the manager of the Pizza Spa. She was a member of the First Baptist Church in Cash. Surviving are a son, John Hanley Milner of Cash, She was preceded in death by her husband on July 17, 1955, and brother, J.C. Reppond; grandchildren, Donna Dickson, Tom Milner, Karen Brooks, John Milner and Cindy Dunlap; and eight great-grandchildren. Pallbearers are Tom Milner, John Milner, Tim Dickson, Mike Dunlap, Howard Brooks and Don Waddle. Memorials may be made to the American Lung Association. Peters Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.

William Nall
FARMERSVILLE - William Clem Nall, 78, of Wylie died Wednesday. A private family graveside service is at the I.O.O.F. Cemetery at 3 p.m. today. He was born Nov. 4, 1921 in Whiterock to Willie Bradley Nall and Ruby Gertrude Shanks Nall. Mr. Nall was a Baptist minister. He served in the Army during World War II and was a prisoner of war. Surviving are twin daughters Patricia Ann Silbaugh of Wylie and Mary Elaine Bay of Emory; a sister, Billie Williams of Wolfe City; five grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. Fielder-Baker Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

January 6, 2000

Leo Clinton
Leo P. Clinton, 83, of Caddo Mills died Wednesday in Presbyterian Hospital of Greenville. Funeral services are at 10 a.m. Friday at Peters Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. M.L. Jones officiating. Burial is at 2 p.m. in Restland Cemetery in Dallas. Mr. Clinton was born June 20, 1916, in Westminister; the son of King and Corda Brinlee Clinton. He was married in 1939 to Lois Alexander, who preceded him in death in 1971. He then married Mozell Miller Wilson in 1981. As a young man, Mr. Clinton participated in the rodeo and broke horses. He played semi-pro baseball before World War II and coached his son's baseball team. Mr. Clinton was a World War II veteran; having served in the 73rd U.S. Naval Construction Battalion and he received the Purple Hear. He retied from the oil well supplies business after 28 years. He was a Baptist. Surviving are his wife of Caddo Mills; son, David Clinton of Lake Dallas; step-sons, Elvis Wilson of Houston, Gary Wilson of Waco and Charles Wilson of Jewitt; step-daughter, Janette Sokol of Sugarland; 11 step-grandchildren; and 11 step-great-great grandchildren. He was also preceded in death by three sisters, Fairrie Mead, Inez, Stubblefield and Cecil Martin; brother W.C. Clinton and an infant brother. Memorials may be made to Cal Farley's Boys Ranch and Affiliates, P.O. Box 1890, Amarillo 79174-0001. Visitation is from 6 to 8 p.m. today at the funeral home.

Sherd Davis
WOLFE CITY - Sherd L. Davis, 76, of Wolfe City died Wednesday at his home following a seven-month illness. Funeral services are at 10:30 a.m. Friday at R.W. Owens & Son Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Kevin Mitchell and Dwight Gardner officiating. Burial is in Lakeview Cemetery in Marietta, Okla. The son of Elmer and Prudie Main Davis, he was born Feb. 8, 1923 in Gene Autry, Okla. He and Beatrice "Bea" Marion were married Sept. 10, 1942 in Marietta, Okla. Mr. Davis was a member of First Baptist Church in Wolfe City. He retired from public relations with NE-Tex Co-Op Oil Mill after 26 years. He was a veteran, serving in the U.S. Army during World War II. He is survived by his wife of Wolfe City; a son and daughter-in-law, Ronnie and Jan Davis of Mabank; two daughters, Linda Maroney of Arlington and Sherry Brewer of Cleburne; a brother, Ralph Davis of Oklahoma City, Okla.; seven grandchildren and one great-grandchild. He was preceded in death by a son, Sidney Davis, and his parents. Pallbearers are Cory Hogan, Cody Hogan, Chad Hogan, Nathan Maroney, Trenton Davis and Tyler Davis. Visitation is from 6 to 8 p.m. today at the funeral home.

Jane Dudley
QUINLAN - Jane Martha Dudley of Quinlan died Wednesday at Presbyterian Hospital of Greenville. Funeral services are at 11 a.m. Friday at Quinlan LyBrand Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Don Carter officiating. Burial is in the I.O.O.F. Cemetery. Born in Mena, Ark. on May 28, 1930, she was the daughter of Daniel and Nannie May Overturf. She worked in Avon sales and was a Baptist. Surviving are three sons, Larry Dudley, Ray Dudley and Danny Dudley; three daughters, Teresa Smith, Tabitha Shipley and Tammy Dudley; a brother, Beigen Overturf; a sister, Audrey Bohmer; 13 grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by three brothers, a sister and her husband. Visitation is from 6 to 8 p.m. today at the funeral home.

Lucy May
QUINLAN - Funeral services for Lucy Sullivan May of Quinlan are at 11:30 a.m. today at Quinlan LyBrand Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. David Hammond officiating. Burial will be in Laureland, Dallas. Mrs. May died Tuesday at Presbyterian Hospital of Greenville. The daughter of William and Mary Sullivan Gibbons, she was born Jan. 27, 1912 in San Angelo. She is survived by sons Robert May of Arkansas and Dan May of Quinlan, four grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.

Samuel Philpot
Samuel Curtis "Curt" Philpot, 90, of Greenville died Monday at the V.A. Hospital in Bonham. Funeral services are at 2 p.m. today at Coker-Mathews Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Marvin McDaniel officiating. Burial is in Memoryland Memorial Park. Born in Mississippi on April 22, 1909, he was the son of Silas M. Philpot and Annie Azbell Philpot. On Aug. 10, 1946 he married Mary E. Wicker in Rockwall. Mr. Philpot was a salesman for Liberty Candy Co. He was a Baptist. Surviving are daughter and son-in-law Vicki and Butch Shuler of Campbell and grandson John Shuler of Campbell. He was preceded in death by his wife on June 15, 1995 and five brothers.

Ruth Pugh
Funeral services for Ruth Pugh of Greenville are at 2 p.m. today at Peters Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Mike Vowell officiating. Burial will be in East Mount Cemetery. Mrs. Pugh died Monday at Presbyterian Hospital of Greenville. She was born July 7, 1908 in Byers, Okla. to Mack Daniel Haney and Mary Jane Dake Haney. She married W.S. "Bill" Pugh on Aug. 2, 1931 in Greenville. Mrs. Pugh was employed by the telephone company and Perkins Brothers Department Store. She was a member of Westview United Methodist Church and the Fellowship Class of the church. Surviving are two sisters, Ina Pugh of Greenville and Anna South of Dallas and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband in 1980; two brothers, Granville Haney and Claude Haney, and two sisters, Noye Fergerson and Ola Smith. Pallbearers are Wally Ellis, Hewitt Moseley, Neil Parrot, Bruce Hammond, Bill Harvey and Woody Ellis. Church members of Westview United Methodist Church are honorary pallbearers.

January 5, 2000

Sylvia Billington
Sylvia Hart Billington, 95, of Georgetown, died Monday at Wesleyan Nursing Home in Georgetown. There is a graveside service at 10 a.m. today at Memoryland Memorial Park with Ben Smith officiating. The daughter of Samuel N. Hart and Tina Etier Hart, she was born Oct. 14, 1904 in Bell County. She and Thomas Ben Billington were married in Greenville on May 9, 1929. A former public school teacher, Mrs. Billington was a homemaker and a member of North Baptist Church in Greenville for 50 years. She is survived by a daughter and son-in-law, Marie and Reeves Stuth of Round Rock; grandsons and wives Roger and Sherry Stuth of Georgetown, Christopher and Deborah Degerness Stuth of Houston and J.D. Stricklin of Utah; great-granddaughter Rachel Stuth of Georgetown; three sisters, Grace Hart, Elsie Hart and Marjorie Pemberton, all of Greenville and brother William Hart of Greenville. Her husband and a daughter, Sue Hayes, preceded her in death. Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society, Wesleyan Nursing Home or to a charity of choice. Coker-Mathews Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Rhada Jeter
COOPER - Rhada Jeter, 85, of Cooper died Tuesday at the Presbyterian Hospital of Commerce. Funeral services are at 2 p.m. Thursday at Delta Funeral Home Chapel with Shane Carrington officiating. Burial is Oaklawn Cemetery. Mrs. Jeter was born Dec. 3, 1915, in Bristol; the daughter of Claude and Maude Hefley. She was married to Dennis Ray Jeter on April 1, 1935. She was a member of the Bristol Church of Christ. Surviving are her husband of Cooper; son, Wendell Jeter of Greenville; two grandchildren, four great-grandchildren and one great-great grandchild. Visitation is Thursday from 1 p.m. until the time of service.

Audie Marlar
LONE OAK - Audie B. Marlar, 67, of Lone Oak, died Tuesday at Presbyterian Hospital of Greenville. There is a graveside service at 1 p.m. Thursday at Yantis Cemetery with Rev. Robert Cook officiating. Born Feb. 26, 1932 in Powderly, she was the daughter of Claude and Margaret Pennington Lindsey. She worked in accounting and was a Baptist. Surviving are a daughter, Lynn Norman of Mesquite; one brother, Dewayne Lindsey of California; a sister, Jean Lusk of Mesquite; two grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents; a son, James McAfee and a brother, James Lindsey. Visitation is from 7 to 8 p.m. today at Bartley Funeral Home, which is in charge of arrangements.

Samuel Philpot
Samuel Curtis "Curt" Philpot, 90, of Greenville died Monday at the V.A. Hospital in Dallas. Funeral services are at 2 p.m. Thursday at Coker-Mathews Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Marvin McDaniel officiating. Burial is in Memoryland Memorial Park. Born in Mississippi on April 22, 1909, he was the son of Silas M. Philpot and Annie Azbell Philpot. On Aug. 10, 1946 he married Mary E. Wicker in Rockwall. Mr. Philpot was a salesman for Liberty Candy Co. He was a Baptist. Surviving are daughter and son-in-law Vicki and Butch Shuler of Campbell and grandson John Shuler of Campbell. He was preceded in death by his wife on June 15, 1995 and five brothers. Visitation is from 6 to 8 p.m. today at the funeral home.

Ruth Pugh
Funeral services for Ruth Pugh of Greenville are at 2 p.m. Thursday at Peters Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Mike Vowell officiating. Burial will be in East Mount Cemetery. Mrs. Pugh died Monday at Presbyterian Hospital of Greenville. She was born July 7, 1908 in Byers, Okla. to Mack Daniel Haney and Mary Jane Dake Haney. She married W.S. "Bill" Pugh on Aug. 2, 1931 in Greenville. Mrs. Pugh was employed by the telephone company and Perkins Brothers Department Store. She was a member of Westview United Methodist Church and the Fellowship Class of the church. Surviving are two sisters, Ina Pugh of Greenville and Anna South of Dallas and a niece, Dorothy Rush of Greenville. She was preceded in death by her husband in 1980; two brothers, Granville Haney and Claude Haney and two sisters, Noye Fergerson and Ola Smith. Pallbearers are Wally Ellis, Huwett Mosley, Neil Parrot, Bruce Hammond, Bill Harvey and Woody Ellis. Church members of Westview United Methodist Church are honorary pallbearers. Visitation is from 4 to 6 p.m. today at the funeral home.

Teddie Schulz
GARLAND - Teddie G. Mitchell Schulz, 92, died Monday. Funeral services are at 11 a.m. Saturday at County Line Baptist Church in Miller Grove with Rev. Wayne Darty officiating. Burial is in Memoryland Memorial Park in Greenville. She was born July 11, 1907. Mrs. Schulz was a homemaker and a member of County Line Baptist Church in Miller Grove. She was a member of Ladies VFW and Ladies Auxiliary in Greenville. Surviving are a son and daughter-in-law, John R. and Geneva Schulz of Point; grandchildren Marnie Melius and Sean Schulz and great-grandchild Logan Schulz. She was preceded in death by her husband, Jack Schulz. Visitation is from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday at Williams Funeral Directors, 716 Main Street in Garland.

Roy Wofford
Roy Glen Wofford, 48, of Haughton, La., formerly of Bariboo, Wis. and Celeste, died Sunday at his residence. Funeral services are at 3:30 p.m. today at Coker-Mathews Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Larry Combs officiating. Burial is in Celeste Cemetery. The son of Carl Wofford and Mary McColla Wofford, he was born Dec. 27, 1951 in Wichita, Kan. He served in the U.S. Navy. Mr. Wofford was a Baptist and was a member of the VFW and American Legion Post 99 in Monroe, La. He was a bass guitar player. Surviving are daughters, Love Leinani Wofford, Sherry Haunani Wofford and Hope Kaleo Worley, all of Honolulu; a brother, Carl Ray Wofford of Haughton, La.; a sister, Mary Renfro of Greenville and nine grandchildren. His parents preceded him in death. Pallbearers are Larry Martin, Phillip Martin, Shannon Wofford, Jim Rodgers, Tim Gilliam and Johnny Horton.

January 4, 2000

Oliver Clark
Oliver Wendell Clark, 56, of Dallas died December 30 in Dallas. Funeral services are at 2 p.m. Wednesday at Cozine & Tarver Funeral home Chapel with Rev. Roy Price officiating. Burial is in Hopewell Cemetery in Emory. Mr. Clark was born May 30, 1943, in Point; the son of James and Ruth Wright Clark. A military veteran, he was a Methodist. Surviving are a son, Terry Clark of Dallas; daughter, LaWanda Clark of Dallas; four brothers, James Clark Jr. of Richmond, Calif., Simon Clark, Joenathan Clark of Denver, Colo. and Wilbert Clark of Houston; two sisters, Lottie Donnell of Dallas and Addine Thomas of Emory; and one grandchild. He was preceded in death by his parents, one brother and one sister. Friends of the family are pallbearers.

Billy Ethridge
Billy G. Ethridge, 70, of Greenville died Sunday at Presbyterian Hospital of Greenville. Funeral services are at 2 p.m. Wednesday at Coker-Mathews Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Manley Jones officiating. Burial is in Memoryland Memorial Park. Mr. Ethridge was born August 5, 1929, in Celeste; the son of Jim and Mae Jones Ethridge. He married Ruby Tew in 1965 in Fort Worth. Mr. Ethridge was a home building contractor and a U.S. Army veteran. He was a member of Park Street Baptist Church. Surviving are his wife of Greenville; son, Travis Holland of Quinlan; daughter, Theresa Mize of Greenville; brother, Bob Ethridge of Gordonville; sister, Imogene Jenkins of Celeste; one grandchild and three great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, one brother and two sisters. Visitation is from 6:30 to 8 p.m. today at the funeral home.

B.R. Rodgers
EMORY - B.R. "Bob" Rodgers, 66, of Emory died Sunday at Hopkins County Memorial Hospital in Sulphur Springs. Funeral services are at 11 a.m. Thursday at the Wilson-Orwosky Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. J.B. Northcutt officiating. Burial is in Dougherty Cemetery. Mr. Rodgers was born May 24, 1933, in Grapevine; the son of Archie S. and Ora. Ethel Hodges Rodgers. He married Marie Booth on Oct. 8, 1982, in Durant, Okla. Mr. Rodgers was retired from Bell Helicopter. He was a U.S. Army veteran and a Protestant. Surviving are his wife of Emory; son, Thomas Booth of North Richland Hills; daughter, Sherry Boyer of Pensacola, Fla.; brother, Raymond Rodgers of Malakoff; sister, Martha Etheridge of Waumchie, N.C.; and eight grandchildren. Friends are pallbearers. Honorary pallbearers are S.J. McWilliam, Dub Weatherford, Tommy Prince and Melvin Ruyle.

Loyd Thomas
COMMERCE - Loyd Green Thomas, 86, of Cumby died Saturday at Oak Manor Nursing Home. Funeral services are at 2 p.m. today at the First United Methodist Church of Commerce with Rev. Eldon Chester, Rev. Mike House, Dev. Robert Fugarino and Dr. Joan LaBarr officiating. Burial is in Mount Zion Cemetery. Mr. Thomas was born May 20, 1913, in the Emblem Community; the son of Robert and Nellie Butler Thomas. He married Oma Greaveson April 30, 1935, in Cumby. A farmer and a dairyman, he was a member of the First United Methodist Church of Cumby. Surviving are his wife of Cumby; son, Ron Thomas of Commerce; son and daughter-in-law, Eddie and Cindy Thomas of Commerce; grandchildren, Samuel Thomas of Colorado, Dustin Thomas and Talisha Thomas, both of Commerce; brother, Gene Barrett of Sulphur Springs; and sisters, June Matthews, Ruby Smith and Merle McCarty, all of Sulphur Springs, and Wanda Alexander of Shirley. Memorials may be made to the First United Methodist Church of Cumby. Jones-Walker & Son Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.

Maurice Webb
Maurice "Pinky" Webb, 82, of Greenville died Sunday at Baylor Medical Center in Dallas. Funeral services were Monday afternoon at Coker-Mathews Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Robert Cook and Rev. Riley Hamilton officiating. Burial is in the I.O.O.F. Cemetery in Caddo Mills. Mr. Webb was born August 26, 1917, in Caddo Mills; the son of Harrison and Maude Neal Webb. He married Mary Ruth Drake on Feb. 16, 1940, in Houston. Mr. Webb was a U.S. Army veteran and worked 36 years as a conductor for the Kansas City Southern Railroad. After his retirement, he traded antiques at First Monday Trade Day in Canton. He was a member of Highland Terrace Baptist Church and baptized with his two young daughter at Washington Street Baptist Church. Surviving are his wife of Greenville; son, Alan Webb of Greenville; daughters and sons-in-law, Linda and Norman Oliver of Georgetown and Beverly and Avon Acker of Greenville; brother, Horace Webb of Greenville; grandsons, Derek Webb, Troy Acker, Larry Acker, John Acker and Gary Oliver; granddaughter, Melinda Hutchinson; great-granddaughters, Ashley, Kaci, April and Amanda Acker; and Kelsey and Kimberly Strickland. Grandsons Derek Webb, Troy Acker, Larry Acker, John Acker and Gary Oliver, along with Jim Hutchinson are pallbearers. Honorary pallbearers are Preston Moser, Joe Little, J.W. McClain, A.W. Hunter and Bryan Newman.

January 3, 2000

Luther Barker
EMORY - Luther Barker, 83, of Emory died Saturday at Country Trails Nursing Home in Grand Saline. Funeral services are at 11 a.m. Tuesday at Wilson-Orwosky Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. C.H. Green officiating. Burial is in Creagleville Cemetery in Grand Saline. Mr. Barker was born Nov. 10, 1917, in Whitehouse; the son of Augusta Lee and Pearl James Barker. He was married to Lorene Mays on Oct. 28, 1935, in Tyler. A retired salesman, he was a member of the Pentecostal church. Surviving are his wife of Emory; son, Steven Barker of Wills Point; daughters, Voncille Watson and Judy Fagg, both of Grand Saline, and Linda Green of New Caney; brothers, Leroy Barker of Emory and O.L. Barker of Grand Saline; sisters, Odell Nichols of Alba and Opal Carson of Wills Point; 12 grandchildren and 20 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by a son, Jimmie Barker, on Jan. 1, 1999. Pallbearers are grandsons and friends. Visitation is from 6 to 8 p.m. today at the funeral home.

Evangelina Edinger
Evangelina "Eva" Edinger, 64, of Greenville died Saturday at Presbyterian Hospital of Greenville. A funeral Mass is at 2 p.m. Tuesday at St. Williams Catholic Church. Burial is at Memoryland Memorial Park. Mrs. Edinger was born July 6, 1935, in Isabela, Puerto Rico; the daughter of Berdurtino and Maria Louisa Valentine Salamanca. She was married to Emery Edinger on March 31, 1954, Isabela, Puerto Rico. She was a member of St. Williams Catholic Church. Surviving are her husband of Greenville; mother; sons, Emery Edinger Jr. of Euless, Richard Edinger of North Carolina and Ronny Edinger of Plano; daughter, Diana Bowers of Greenville; brothers, Jaime Salamanca, Jose Salamanca and Carlos Salamanca, all of Puerto Rico; sisters, Doris Salamanca and Aurora Salamanca, both of Puerto Rico; and eight grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her father and one sister. Pallbearers are Emery Edinger Jr., Richard Edinger, Ronny Edinger, Trey Edinger, Joshua Edinger and Rick Edinger. A Rosary is at 8 p.m. today at St. Williams Catholic Church. Peters Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.

Mildred King
CADDO MILLS - Mildred Roberta King, 85, of Fort Worth died Saturday in Fort Worth. Graveside services are at 2 p.m. Tuesday at the I.O.O.F. Cemetery with Rev. Scott McManus officiating. Mrs. King was born June 28, 1914, in Sarah Tate County in Mississippi; the daughter of Vernon and Ida Mae Mabrey Chambers. Surviving are her husband, John King, of Caddo Mills; daughters, Murriel Stickers of Greenville, Mary Ann King of Caddo Mills and Bernice Davidson of Fort Worth; eight grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren and one great-great grandchild. Visitation is from 6 to 8 p.m. today at Rentfrow Funeral Home, which is in charge of the arrangements.

Steven Lara
Steven Lara, 37, of Greenville died Saturday in Dallas. A funeral Mass is at 10 a.m. Tuesday at St. Williams Catholic Church. Burial is in the I.O.O.F. Cemetery in Caddo Mills. Mr. Lara was born July 29, 1962, in Greenville; the son of Joe Hernandez and Tena Ramos. He was the lead man for Special Products of Rockwall and a member of St. Williams Catholic Church. Surviving are his son, Ramon Lara, of Greenville; mother, of Greenville; and several aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his father and brother, Christopher Ramos, in 1971 and grandparents, Mary Lara in 1985 and Marciano Lara in 1971. Pallbearers are Robert Laea, Steven Greant, Elias Hernandez, Danny Ray, Mark Glover and Marc Bruton. A Rosary is at 7 p.m. today at Peters Funeral Home, which is in charge of the arrangements.

Cecil Pound
EMORY-Cecil J. Pound, 87, of Emory died Saturday at his home. Services are at 2 p.m. today at Smyrna Church with Rev. W. W. Gibbs and Rev. Danny Davis presiding. Burial is in Smyrna Cemetery. Mr. Pound was born July 16, 1912, in Rains County; the son of Jim J. Pound and Leona Frye. He married Mary Ruth Hall on Dec. 21, 1935, in Smyrna. Mr. Pound was retired from the Texas Department of Transportation where he worked 25 years in the maintenance department. Surviving are a son, Kenneth Pound of Emory; three daughters, Verlene House of Point, Joan Lomax of Emory and Nellie Johnson of Duncanville; two brothers, Ray Pound of Emory and Doyle Pound of Anachuac; a sister, Lois Watson of Guthery, Okla.; 13 grandchildren; 18 great-grandchilden; and one great-great-grandchild. He was preceded in death by his wife on Feb. 19, 1992; a daughter in 1955, three sisters and a brother. Grandsons are pallbearers. Wilson-Orwosky Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.

Maurice Webb
Maurice "Pinky" Webb, 82, of Greenville died Sunday at Baylor Medical Center in Dallas. Funeral services are at 2 p.m. today at Coker-Mathews Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Robert Cook and Rev. Riley Hamilton officiating. Burial is in the I.O.O.F. Cemetery in Caddo Mills. Mr. Webb was born August 26, 1917, in Caddo Mills; the son of Harrison and Maude Neal Webb. He married Mary Ruth Drake on Feb. 16, 1940, in Houston. Mr. Webb was a U.S. Army veteran and worked 36 years as a conductor for the Kansas City Southern Railroad. After his retirement, he traded antiques at First Monday Trade Day in Canton. He was a member of Highland Terrace Baptist Church and baptized with his two young daughter at Washington Street Baptist Church. Surviving are his wife of Greenville; son, Alan Webb of Greenville; daughters and sons-in-law, Linda and Norman Oliver of Georgetown and Beverly and Avon Acker of Greenville; brother, Bruce Webb of Greenville; grandsons, Derek Webb, Troy Acker, Larry Acker, John Acker and Gary Oliver; granddaughter, Melinda Hutchinson; great-granddaughters, Ashley, Kaci, April and Amanda Acker; and Kelsey and Kimberly Strickland. Grandsons Derek Webb, Troy Acker, Larry Acker and Gary Oliver, along with Jim Hutchinson are pallbearers. Honorary pallbearers are Preston Moser, Joe Little, J.W. McClain, A.W. Hunter and Bryan Newman.

January 2, 2000

Cecil J. Pound
EMORY -Cecil J. Pound, 87, of Emory died Saturday at his home. Services will be held at 2 p.m. Monday at Smyrna Church with the Rev. W. W. Gibbs and the Rev. Danny Davis presiding. Burial will be in Smyrna Cemetery with grandsons serving as pallbearers. Mr. Pound was born Dec. 21, 1935, in Rains County, the son of Jim J. Pound and Leona Frye. He married the former Mary Ruth Hall on Dec. 21, 1935, in Smyrna. Mr. Pound was retired from the Texas Department of Transportation where he worked 25 years in the maintenance department. He is survived by a son, Kenneth Pound of Emory; three daughters, Verlene House of Point, Joan Lomas of Emory and Nellie Johnson of Duncanville; two brothers, Ray Pound of Emory and Doyle Pound of Anachuac; a sister, Lois Watson of Guthery, Okla.; 13 grandchildren; 18 great-grandchilden; and one great-great-grandchild. Mr. Jackson was preceded in death by his wife, a daughter, three sisters and a brother. Family visitation is from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. today at Wilson-Orwosky Funeral Home.

January 1, 2000

James E. Marriott
CUMBY - Funeral services for former Greenville fire fighter James E. Marriott will be at 2 p.m., Sunday, in Cornerstone Baptist Church, with Rev. Mike Nichols officiating. Burial will be in the Cumby Cemetery. Mr. Marriott died Thursday at 5 a.m. in Garland Community Hospital. He was born July 19, 1933, in Hunt County to James and Bertha Fleenor Marriott. He married Linda Fay Laird on July 11, 1970, in Commerce. He was retired from the Greenville Fire Department and was a member of the Methodist church and Oddfellows Lodge. He served in the U.S. Army. Survivors include his wife, of Greenville; four sisters, Audrey Hatley of Alvin, Thelma Earle of Oklahoma City, Mary Massey of Commerce, Mamie Chambers of Gilmer; numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by a son, James E. Marriott in 1997 and a sister, Anita Scroggins Taylor in 1998. Pallbearers will be W.C. Akers, Carl Massey, Bill Miller, Troy Hill, Jerry Sandlin and Billy Coleman. Honorary pallbearers will be current and retired Greenville firefighters. Family visitation is from 5 to 7 p.m. today in Cumby Funeral Home.

Janie Byars
FARMERSVILLE - Janie Elizabeth Byars of Farmersville died Friday in Farmersville. She was 94. Graveside services will be in Blue Ridge Cemetery at 2 p.m. today with Rev. Stan Fike officiating. She was born in Tupelo, Miss., to Thomas and Sallie Calmes Byars on Feb. 11, 1905. She was a retired teacher, member of Delta Kappa Gamma and a Baptist. Nieces and nephews survive.

December 31, 1999

Maria Aguillon
ROYSE CITY - Maria de Jesus Aguillon, infant, died in Greenville Wednesday. Funeral services are today at Rest Haven Funeral Home-Royse City Chapel with Jesus Cerrato officiating. Burial will be in Rest Haven Memorial Park. She was born Wednesday to Bacilio and Rebeca Carreon Aguillon of Royse City. Survivors include her parents, twin sister Maria Guadalupe Aguillon and grandfather, Justo Aguillon of Mexico.

Ruby Whitus
ALBA - Ruby Fay Northcut Whitus, 81, of Alba, died Wednesday at ETMC-Quitman Hospital. Funeral services are at 2 p.m. today at Wilson-Bartley Funeral Home Chapel with Jimmy Jarrett and Dale Bois Osborn officiating. Burial will be in Colony Cemetery. Born Jan. 14, 1918 in Comanche County, she was the daughter of James D. and Laura C. Carver Northcut. She and George Whitus wre married Jan. 1, 1933. Mrs. Whitus lived in Rains County most of her life; she was a housewife. She was a member of Bright Star Baptist Church in Alba. Mrs. Whitus had several short stories published in the Rains County Leader. Surviving are her husband of Alba; a son, Curtis Whitus of Rendon; three daughters, Peggy Geraldon of Alba, Thelma McQueen of Mineola and Jean Latham of Greenville; sister Edith Mae Murphy of Terrell; 14 grandchildren; 25 great-grandchildren and nine-great-great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by two sons, John Kenneth Whitus and Jimmy Charles Whitis; a daughter, Judy Fay Steed; great-granddaughter Judy Fay Steed; six sisters and seven brothers. Grandsons will serve as pallbearers.

December 26, 1999

Lee Brown
Lee Brown, 96, of Allen died Dec. 16, in a McKinney hospital. Services will be at noon Monday at St. James Baptiest Church in Lucas with Rev. W.C. King officiating. Burial will be in Grundy Memorial Park. He was a native of Pittsburg, Texas, having been born Feb. 25, 1903. He is survived by his son, Frank Brown of Dallas and numerous nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife.

Clara Mae Cooper
LEONARD - Graveside services for Clara Mae Cooper, 82, of Dallas, will be at 2 p.m. Monday at Leonard Cemetery. She died Dec. 25. Mrs. Cooper weas born July 8, 1917, in Milford. She grew up in Leonard where she resided until her marriage to Samuel E. Cooper on Oct. 21. She then moved to Dallas where she lived until her death. She is survived by nieces and a nephew. Taylor Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Ruby Harless
Former Greenville resident Ruby Shoemaker Stapleton Harless of Gunter died Thursday in Gunter. Services will be at 2 p.m. Monday at Peters Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. John Davis officiating. Burial will be in Hooker Ridge Cemetery. She was born in Snyder, Okla., on March 23, 1909, to Clarence Britt and Cora Damascus Gaines Shoemaker. She married Frank Stapleton on April 24, 1924, in Greenville who preceded her in death in 1964. She then married Meredith Harless on June 7, 1968, and he preceded her in death in 1976. She was a seamstress with Henson Kickernick and a Baptist. Surviving are daughters Pat Cobb of Corpus Christi, Frankie Smithey of McKinney and Karen Stapleton of Greenville; a sister-in-law, Neoma Routh of Nashoba, Okla.; nine grandchildren, 20 great-grandchildren and five great-great-grandchildren. She was also preceded in death by two sons, Jimmy Louis Stapleton and Robert Lee Stapleton; a sister Cora Janelle Stapleton Graves, and four brothers and sisters. Visitation will be from 4-6 p.m. today at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to the American Diabetes Association.

Ruby B. Lindsey
Ruby B. Lindsey, 87, of Greenville died Saturday at Presbyterian Hospital of Greenville. Services will be at noon Monday at Peters Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Bobby Renfro and Rev. Steve Odom officiating. Burial will be in Forney Cemetery. Mrs. Lindsey was born in Forney on Sept. 8, 1912, to Cap and Gracie Patton Townsend. She was graduated from Lewis High School in Forney in 1931. She lived in Forney for 36 years, in Terrell for 12 years and in Greenville for 29 years. She was a member of Ardis Heights Baptist Church. Surviving are two sons, Don L. Lindsey and his wife Mary of Terrell and Richard Lindsey and his wife Rhonda of Lindale; two daughters, Nell Krodle and her husband Richard of Greenville and Dell McFaul of Greenville; a sister, Juanita Neets Wade of Abilene; grandchildren Donald Lindsey, Mary McCoy, David Lindsey and his wife Lori, Dwight Lindsey and his wife Wendi, Todd Krodle and hsi wife Kelli, Kurt Krodle, Stephen Millard and his wife Dorcy, Bart Millard and his wife Channon, Jessica Hinds and Jacob Hinds; great-grandchildren, Brandy Lindsey, Blair Lindsey, Josh Lindsey, Lindsey McCoy, Jason McCoy, Tyler Lindsey, Cade Krodle, Morgan Millard and Adam Millard. She was preceded in death by a brother, Hudgens Townsend. Visitation will be from 6-8 p.m. today.

J.B. Mercer
QUINLAN - J.B. Mercer of Grand Prairie died Thursday in Grand Prairie. Services will be at 2 p.m. Monday at Quinlan Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Robert Croser officiating. Burial will be in Hooker Ridge Cemetery. He was born June 18, 1919, in Lone Oak to Samuel and Georgia Pope Mercer. He married Grace Mercer and she survives. Also surviving are step-sons Donald Dillion of Palestine and Billy Dillion of Olive Branch, Miss.; daughters Annah Backus and Juanita Campbell of Grand Prairie; step-daughters Carla Jones of Garland and Diane Reed of Grand Prairie; brother Bill Mercer of Lone Oak; sisters Nadine Sanders of Grand Prairie, Katherine Murphy and Ima Jean Enslay of Lone Oak; four grandchildren and five great grandchildren. Visitation will be from 6-9 p.m. at Quinlan LyBrand Funeral Home.

Mary Ann Morris
Mary Ann Morris, 64, of Greenville died Friday in Farmersville. Services will be at 10 a.m. Monday at Coker-Mathews Funeral Chapel with Rev. Loyd Tatlock and Rev. Howard Ratcliff officiating. Burial will be in Memoryland Memorial Park. She was born on Sept. 30, 1935, in Dallas to John L. and Lewis Manley McCollum. She married Jack Kern Morris on July 14, 1956, in Dallas. She was a member of the Greenville Ave. Christian Church. Surviving are sons and daughters-in-law Kern and Susan Morris and daughters Amber, April and Ashlee of Wolfe City, and David and Debi Morris and daughters Brittany, Autumn and Raygan of Sulphur Springs; daughter and son-in-law Helen and Eddy Daniel and daughter Courtney and son Chase of Farmersville; a sister and brother-in-law Sheila and Howard Ratcliff of North Ridgeville, Ohio, and nephews Andrew Ratcliff and John Ratcliff. She was preceded in death by her husband on March 31, 1993. Visitation will be today from 6-8 p.m. at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society.

December 24, 1999

Clara Barber
Clara Louise Barber of Commerce died Wednesday in a Dallas hospital. Funeral services are at Griffith Chapel CME Church in Commerce at 2 p.m. Monday with Rev. Harold Panell officiating. Burial is in Lebanon Cemetery. Born in Commerce on Sept. 8, 1921, she was the daughter of Harvey and Lovin Dugan Alexander. She married Velmer Barber in 1939 in Commerce. Mrs. Barber was a homemaker. She was a member of Griffith Chapel CME Church. Surviving are a son, James Barber of Portland, Ore.; two daughters, Mary L. Johnson of Portland, Ore. and Rhonda Jones of Plano; sister Mary Shears of Texarkana; 15 grandchildren and 26 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, a son, a brother and two sisters. Pallbearers aree Aaron Massey, Micheal Massey, Earl Compton, Milton Walker, Joe Thomas Green and George Henry. Cozine & Tarver Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Bertha Burchett
Bertha Lee Burchett, 95, of Greenville died Thursday at Greenville Health and Rehabilitation Center. Funeral services are at 2 p.m. Monday at Coker-Mathews Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Harold Burchett officiating. Burial is in Memoryland Memorial Park. She was born March 2, 1904 in Conway, Ark. to Alfred Brazil and Lillie Mae Turner Brazil. On April 2, 1922 she married George W. Burchett in Lone Oak. She was a homemaker and a member of Point Baptist Church. Mrs. Burchett is survived by a daughter, Willie Jo Gray of Greenville; two sisters, Edna Cox and Kate Stucker, both of Ranger; grandchildren Carolyn Gray Shannon of Richardson, Sharon Cato of Forney, Wes Burchett of Mesquite, David Burchett of Dallas, Donna Fisher of Carrollton, Denise Andras of Westport, Mass. and Randy Burchett of Frankford; 13 great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband on Dec. 6, 1999; a son, Lougene Burchett; brothers Charlie Brazil and Ben Brazil and sisters Ethel Hutchins and Martha Ussery. Pallbearers are Randy Burchett, David Burchett, Wes Burchett, Bobby Fugitt, Boyd Long and Louis Robinson. Visitation is from 4 to 6 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home.

Judy Fry
Judy Kay Fry of Dallas died Tuesday at her home. Funeral services are at 11 a.m. Monday at Mount Gilead Baptist Church in Lone Oak with Rev. Roy L. Price officiating. Burial is in Rabb Cemetery. The daughter of Raphel and Hattie Bell Sneed Govan, she was born Dec. 30, 1951 in Lone Oak. She and James Fry were married in Dallas in 1975. Mrs. Fry was a housekeeper and a member of Full Gospel Holy Temple in Dallas. She is survived by her husband of Dallas; her mother of Dallas; son Timothy Fry of Dallas; a daughter, Yolanda Fry of Dallas; brother Maurice Govan of Los Angeles, Calif.; three sisters, Annie London, Ruby Morgan and Jeanette Miles, all of Dallas; and two grandchildren. Her father and three brothers preceded her in death. Pallbearers are Darrell Jackson, Wesley Govan, Terry Clark, Norman Jackson, Mark Govan and Ken Beecham. Cozine & Tarver Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Samue Piety
KAUFMAN - Samue Carolyn Piety died Wednesday at her residence in Kaufman. Funeral services are at 10:30 a.m. today at Parker-Ashworth Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Al Prier officiating. She was born April 10, 1929 in Grand Saline to Harley and Mildred Stribling McMillan. Raised in Grand Saline, she moved to Dallas and then to Chicago with her husband, Bob Cain. They lived in Greenville where he worked for LTV. After her first husband's death, she married Ed Piety in 1967 and they moved to Washington, D.C. Following his retirement they lived between Vancouver Island and their farm in Cooper. She moved to Kaufman three years ago. Surviving are two sons, Mike and Richard Cain of Houston; a brother, Ivy McMillan of Fort Worth; a sister, RueVee Dempsey of Arlington and a grandson. She was preceded in death by her first husband in 1960 and her second husband in 1988.

December 23, 1999

Loye Adams
SULPHUR SPRINGS - Funeral services for Loye B. Adams, 84, of Sulphur Springs are at 10 a.m. today at Murray-Orwosky Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Larry Kruger officiating. Military graveside services will follow in the Mahoney Cemetery. Mr. Adams died Tuesday morning at Hopkins County Memorial Hospital. Born July 26, 1915 in Mahoney, he was the son of Albert Baxter and Pearl Boss Adams. He married Lillian Beatrice Anglin on Sept. 11, 1936 in Cooper. Mr. Adams served in the U.S. Navy during World War II and served in the Army National Guard. He was a lifetime member of the VFW and American Legion and served as district commander of the American Legion. He served on the board of the Salvation Army in Sulphur Springs. Mr. Adams was retired from Sears, Roebuck and Co. and television repair service. Surviving are three sons, Loye B. Adams Jr. and B.J. Adams of Sulphur Springs and H. Ray Adams of Pasadena; six daughters, Ina Thompson, Edee White and Patsy Boshears of Sulphur Springs, Helen Dunavin of Greenville, Mozelle Rutledge of Burke, Va. and LaVada Simpson of Nevada; two sisters, Mary Ruth Barham of Plano and Estelle Watson of Winnsboro; a brother, Andy Adams of Winnsboro; numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife in 1983 and seven brothers and sisters. Members of the Hopkins County Military Coalition are serving as pallbearers.

Javen Kenyon Dugan and Jaden Kevon Dugan
Infant twins Javen Kenyon Dugan and Jaden Kevon Dugan died Tuesday at Hopkins County Memorial Hospital in Sulphur Springs. Graveside services are at 2 p.m. Friday at Grundy Memorial Park with Rev. Mitchell Scott officiating. The twins are survived by their parents, Patrick Wilson and LaKisha Dugan; and a brother, Jaylon Jau-Qon Dugan. Grundy Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Sharon Mills
PARIS - Sharon June Mills, 51, of Roxton died Tuesday evening at McCuistion Regional Medical Center. Funeral services are at 10 a.m. Friday at the First Assembly of God Church in Cooper with Rev. Mike Maxon and Rev. Jim Oglesby officiating. Burial is in the Horton Cemetery in Delta County. Mrs. Mills was born Jan. 22, 1948 in Quinlan, the daughter of Bill and Virginia Bailey Wilson. On March 8, 1996 she married Jimmie L. Mills in Cooper. She attended public schools in Moline, Ill. and was a homemaker. She was a member of the First Assembly of God Church in Cooper and was active in the church school. Mrs. Mills was a volunteer in commodity distribution in Delta County. Surviving are her husband; a son, Brian Bostick of Roxton; daughter Selina Jones of Cooper; her father of Farmers Branch; mother and stepfather Virginia and William Clayton of Wolfe City; stepdaughter Kathy Sims of Albuquerque, N.M.; a stepgranddaughter; two brothers, Larry Wilson of Greenville and Sonny Wilson of Lake Tawakoni; five sisters, Shirley Melton of Caddo Mills, Deborah Greenhill of Grand Prairie, Cheryl Wallis of Kemp, Lyndi Higgins of Greenville and Kristie Clayton of Greenville; half-brother Ben Wilson and a half-sister, Carolyn Wilson. Pallbearers are Brian Bostick, Chad Reed, Glen Stone, Jason Wilson, David Wilson, Steven Greenhill, Chuck Reed and Ben Wilson. Serving as honorary pallbearers will be Skyler Greenhill and Joseph Paul Bennett. Visitation is from 7 to 8 p.m. today at Fry-Gibbs Funeral Home of Paris and at the church Friday 1 hour before service time.

Jerry Pitts
CADDO MILLS - Jerry Laverne Pitts, 50, of Caddo Mills died Wednesday in Greenville. Funeral services are at 2 p.m. today at the Church of Christ in Caddo Mills with Ray Hunter and Drew Robinson officiating. Burial will be in the I.O.O.F. Cemetery. The son of Harold and Byrdie Mae Hughes Pitts, he was born Dec. 20, 1949 in Greenville. He and Mary Allen were married June 25, 1977 in Rockwall. Mr. Pitts was an auditor with the Department of Defense. He is survived by his wife of Caddo Mills; his parents of Caddo Mills; a son, Matthew Pitts of Caddo Mills; daughter Melissa Pitts of Caddo Mills and a sister, Carolyn Sumrow of Greenville. Pallbearers are Ronnie McCasland, Jimmy Hughes, Steven Hughes, Kenneth McCasland, James McCasland and Thomas Grimes.

Joe Smith
QUINLAN - "Fiddling' Joe Smith, 96, of Balch Springs died Wednesday at his residence. Services are at 1 p.m. Friday at Quinlan LyBrand Funeral Home Chapel with Gerald Wright officiating. Burial will be in the I.O.O.F. Cemetery. Mr. Smith was born in Corsicana on July 28, 1903 to Augustus and Repta Haywood Smith. He worked in produce marketing. Surviving are two sons, Kenneth Smith of Balch Springs and Don Smith of Quinlan; two daughters, Joyce Smalley of Balch Springs and Reba Smith of Garland; sister Lavonia Gillingham of DeSoto; 17 grandchildren; 23 great-grandchildren and four great-great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by two sons, Kelly and Bobby Ray Smith. Visitation is from 6 to 8 p.m. today at the funeral home.

December 22, 1999

J.D. Malone
LONE OAK - J.D. Malone of Greenville died Tuesday in Mesquite. There is a graveside service at 11 a.m. Wednesday at Memoryland Memorial Park in Greenville with Rev. Johnny Taylor officiating. He was born in Lone Oak on Jan. 28, 1921 to Josh Dave and Amanda Lou Henderson Malone. Mr. Malone was a member of Assembly of God Church in Quinlan. Surviving are a son, Jerry Don Malone of Greenville; a brother, Grady Malone of Mesquite; two sisters, Ruth Holley and Pebble Rickman, both of Dallas and nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; a sister, Tula Clifton and grandson Jay Malone. Bartley Funeral Home of Lone Oak is in charge of arrangements.

December 21, 1999

Tom Barr
SULPHUR SPRINGS - Funeral services for Tom Barr, 47, of Sulphur Springs are at 2 p.m. today at West Oaks Funeral Chapel with Rev. Rick Blue and John Barr officiating. Burial with full military honors by Hopkins County Veterans Coalition is in Restlawn Memorial Park. He died Saturday afternoon in a private plane crash in Van Zandt County. The son of Richard and Veta Lassiter Barr, he was born Sept. 12, 1952 at Shepherd Air Force Base in Wichita Falls. Mr. Barr was a graduate of East Texas State University (now Texas A&M University-Commerce). He joined the U.S. Army in 1970 in Louisiana and was assigned to Fort Leonard Wood, Mo. He served with the military until 1978. On Oct. 7, 1971 he married Cathy Cullum in Fort Leonard Wood, Mo. Mr. Barr moved to Sulphur Springs in 1992 and in 1994 founded Aircraft Components at Sulphur Springs Municipal Airport. He was past president of Experimental Aircraft Association, a member of Sulphur Springs Leadership Class of 2000 and the Air Force Association. Mr. Barr was a private pilot and a rotary pilot. He was a member of the Young Eagles Program and was a member of the SWIFT Association. Surviving are his wife; mother and stepfather Veta and George Colvin of Turkey; his father of San Antonio; son John Thomas Barr with the military in Las Vegas, Nev.; daughter, Jennifer Williams of Greenville; two sisters, Suzie Ham of Anndulusia, Ala. and Linda Whitley of Round Rock and two grandchildren. Pallbearers are Bob Wimpey, Pete Gregory, Stuart Thompson, Rick Webb, Billy Porter, Ken Epley, Glenn Murphy and Darren Hart.

James Edwards
CADDO MILLS - James Herschel Edwards, 74, of Nevada died Monday in Collin County. Graveside services are at 2 p.m. Wednesday at Nevada Cemetery. The son of William Herschel Edwards and Lillian Ann Dees Edwards, he was born in Collin County on Dec. 29, 1924. Mr. Edwards served in the U.S. Army during World War II. He was a bookkeeper. Surviving are a brother, Billy Edwards of Royse City; sisters Jean Riley of Nevada, Jo Ann Chandler of Garland, Pauline Hankey of Lake Tawakoni and Vera Dutton of Lake Tawakoni. His parents and a sister, Bernice Edwards, preceded him in death. Visitation is from 6 to 8 p.m. today at James M. Rentfrow Funeral Home of Caddo Mills.

Ruth Gray
CADDO MILLS - Ruth Morphew Gray, 92, of Greenville died Sunday in Wolfe City. Graveside services are at 2 p.m. today at Tidwell Cemetery. Born Aug. 24, 1907 in Hunt County, she was the daughter of E.B. Morphew Sr. and Annie Elizabeth Williams Morphew. She married Clifford Grady. Mrs. Gray is survived by a brother, T.K. Morphew of Greenville and a sister, Annie Jo Jones of New Braunfels. She was preceded in death by brothers Wallace, Gilbert, Ferrell, Guy and E.B. Morphew Jr. James M. Rentfrow Funeral Home of Caddo Mills is in charge of arrangements.

Jimmie Tidwell
POINT - Jimmie Lee Tidwell, 70, of Point died Sunday at his residence. Graveside services are at 10 a.m. Wednesday at Lonestar Cemetery with Rev. Gene Witt officiating. The son of Jesse and O.B. Cason Tidwell, he was born Sept. 10, 1929 in Point. He retired from Sears in Dallas. Surviving are his wife, Betty Tidwell of Point; two sons, Donnie Tidwell of Mesquite and Dewayne Tidwell of Fairbanks, Alaska; two daughters, Darlene Bennett of Bedford and Diane Ballard of Saginaw; a brother, Bobby Tidwell of Point; 12 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents and a son, Danny Jo Tidwell in 1995. Visitation is from 6 to 8 p.m. today at Point Funeral Home.

December 20, 1999

Carra Hulen
Carra Sue Hulen, 86, of Greenville died Sunday at Briarcliff Nursing Home. Graveside services are at 1 p.m. Tuesday at Evergreen Cemetery in Paris, Texas with Rev. Tommy Weems officiating. Mrs. Hulen was born Jan. 17, 1913, in Milton; the daughter of Marvin and Carra Ray Ashley. A former Paris resident, she was a member of the First Baptist Church of Paris. Surviving are her daughter, Kathie Morgan Annett of Greenville; grandson, Rick Morgan of Capser, Wyo.; great-grandson, Rick Morgan of Casper, Wyo; six step-grandchildren; 14 step-great grandchildren and one sister, Jewell Newberry of Waco. She was preceded in death by a son-in-law, Don Annett; former husband, E.W. "Shorty" Hulen; and eight brothers and sisters. Bright-Holland Funeral Home of Paris is in charge of the arrangements.

Joe Mexia
Joe Mexia, 67, of Greenville died Saturday in Presbyterian Hospital in Dallas. Funeral services are at 2 p.m. Tuesday at Coker-Mathews Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Ray Meadow and Rev. Kenneth Ballard officiating. Burial is in Memoryland Memorial Park. Mr. Mexia was born Jan. 14, 1932, in Greenville; the son of Frank and Jessie Becerra Mexia. He married Evelyn Davis Baughn on Aug. 5, 1974, in Greenville. A U.S. Navy veteran, he was a conductor with the L&A Railroad. He was a member of the American Legion and Pentecostal Church. Surviving are his wife of Greenville; sons, Rickey Mexia of Greenville, Harry Baughn of Dallas and John Baughn of Los Angeles, Calif.; daughters, Linda Lilley, Cindy Summers and Marsha Wolf, all of Greenville, and Charlene Wilkinson of Taylorsville, Ky.; brothers, Leo Mexia of Irving and Tony Mexia of Mesquite; sisters, Gloria Gonzales of Dallas and Lois Fuller of Mesquite; 14 grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, one brother and one sister. Pallbearers are Jacob Lilly, Jeremy Mexia, Joseph Petty, Mike Wolf, Christopher Davis and Mark Summers. Visitation is from 6 to 8 p.m. today at the funeral home.

Frank Robinson
BAILEY - Frank L. Robinson, 76, of Bailey died Saturday in Northeast Medical Center in Bonham. Funeral services are at 2 p.m. Tuesday at First Baptist Church of Bailey with Rev. Eddie Frazier and Rev. James Ralson officiating. Burial is in Ridgeview Cemetery in McKinney. Mr. Robinson was born Sept. 30, 1923, in Seabrook; the son of of Roy and Ella Mae Robinson. He married Helen Turner on July 4, 1945, in McKinney. He was a U.S. Army veteran and a postal worker. He was a past Master of several Masonic Lodges and a Baptist. Masons will serve as pallbearers. Surviving are his wife of Bailey; daughters, Dianne Webb of Allen and Teresa Campbell of Leonard; sister, Kitty Hudson of Orange; three granddaughters and four great-grandchildren. Visitation is from 7 to 9 p.m. today at Taylor Funeral Home, which is in charge of arrangements.

Emma Spence
Emma Spence, 90, of Greenville, died Saturday at Park Haven Nursing Center. Funeral services are at 10 a.m. today at Coker-Mathews Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Robert Baldridge officiating. Burial is in Memoryland Memorial Park. Mrs. Spence was born June 6, 1909, in Ross; the daughter of Robert and Frances Kapesky Srkala. She was married to Garland Spence in 1990 in Greenville. Mrs. Spence was a nanny for the Shannon family in Dallas and a Baptist. Surviving are several nieces and nephews and five great-nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, four sisters and two brothers.

Jirl White
BLUE RIDGE - Jirl T. White, 85, of Blue Ridge died Sunday in Blue Ridge. Funeral services are at 2:30 p.m. Tuesday at the First Baptist Church with Rev. Johnnie Jones officiating. Burial is in the Blue ridge Cemetery. Mr. White was born Jan. 19, 1914, in Blue Ridge; the son of Tom and Effie Brookins White. He married Penny White on Sept. 30, 1939, in Blue Ridge. Mr. White was a carpenter and a member of the First Baptist Church of Blue Ridge. Surviving are his wife of Blue Ridge; daughters, Carroll Hammonds of Blue Ridge and Geraldine Bass of Denver, Colo.; four grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. Visitation is from 6 to 8 p.m. today at Fielder-Baker Funeral Home in Blue Ridge, which is in charge of the arrangements.

December 19, 1999

Bishop Benjamin Curry Jr.
Bishop Benjamin Curry Jr. of Marshall died Thursday in a Denton hospital. Services will be at 2 p.m. Monday at Wiley College Auditorium in Marshall with Rev. Alvester Hardiman officiating. Burial will be in Rosehill Garden in Marshall. He was born in Texarkana on Feb. 18, 1923, to Bishop B. and Anna Rankin Curry. He married Virgil A. Strong in Texarkana in 1945. He was a teacher and administrator at Wiley College and had taught school at Douglas High in Sulphur Springs for 16 years. He was a veteran of World War II in the United States Army and was a member of Miles Memorial CME Church. Survivng are three sons, Dr. Bishop B. Curry III of Shrewbury, Mass., Dr. Charles M. Curry of Fresno, Calif., and Reginal D. Curry of Burlington, N.J.; three daughters, Dorisann Tarver of Bartlett, Tenn., Dr. Evelyn L. Curry of Denton and Virgil Rene Curry of Mesquite; a sister, Mayme Curry Wade of Texarkana and 12 grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife and a brother. Visitation will be from noon to 2 p.m. Monday at the Wiley College Auditorium in Marshall. Arrangements are being handled by Cozine & Tarver Funeral Home of Greenville.

Ellie Turney
Ellie Turney of Greenville died Thursday at Greenville Health and Rehab Center. She was 93. Services will be at North Baptist Church Monday at 2 p.m. with Rev. Ricky Paris and Rev. Cody Pope officiating. Burial will be in Mt. Carmel Cemetery with great-grandsons as pallbearers. She was born in Cleburne County, Ark., on Dec. 14, 1906, to James Milton and Mary Ann Hines Prince. She married Nathan T. Turney on June 26, 1919, in Arkansas. She was a charter member of North Baptist Church. Surviving are a son, James William "Earl" Turney of Melissa and a daughter, Nellie Warwick of Celeste, 16 grandchildren and several great- and great-great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband on Oc.t 21, 1979, daughters May Paris and Inez Jones, four brothers and five sisters. Visitation will be from 6-8 p.m. today at Coker-Mathews Funeral Home which is in charge of arrangements.

December 18, 1999

Bobby Arnett
WOLFE CITY - Bobby Jack Arnett, 72, of Wolfe City died Thursday at his home following a long illness. Graveside services will be at 2:30 p.m. Sunday at Mt. Carmel Cemetery with Rev. Jimmy Oglesby officiating. Born May 3, 1927 in Breckenridge, he was the son of Robert A. and Lorena Alice West Arnett. He was a truck driver and of the Pentecostal faith. Mr. Arnett is survived by a son, Roger Allen Arnett of Dallas; three stepsons, Roy Glen Crawford of Wolfe City, George Albert Crawford of Dallas and Lewis Edwin Crawford of Mississippi; three stepdaughters, Margarett Ann Pomaroy and Nelda Jean Kellogg of Dallas and Donna Faye Cox of Lake Dallas; a brother, Ross Spencer Arnett of Irving; a sister, Myrtle Zion of Amarillo; granddaughter Katrina Henderson of Red Oak and two great-grandchildren, Chase and Taylor Henderson of Red Oak. Visitation is from 6 to 8 p.m. today at R.W. Owens & Son Funeral Home.

Robert Drake Jr.
DALLAS - Robert "Bob" "Bud" Francis Drake Jr. died Friday following a lengthy illness. Services are today at 11 a.m. at Restland Funeral Home Abbey Chapel. Burial will be in the I.O.O.F. Cemetery in Caddo Mills. He was born April 8, 1915 and was raised in Caddo Mills. After graduating from high school he moved to Dallas to attend business school. Mr. Drake worked in the vending service industry before joining the U.S. Postal Service as a letter carrier in Dallas. He married Mary Virginia Bowling of Dallas in 1941. Mr. Drake served in the U.S. Army and was stationed in the Pacific during World War II. Surviving are children Deborah Kay Drake of Dallas, April Drake of Lewisville and John and Angie Drake of San Antonio; sister Beatrice Drake Johnson of Caddo Mills; six grandchildren and one great-grandchild. His wife and a son, Robert F. Drake III preceded him in death. Memorials may be made to a favorite charity.

Pauline Howse
COMMERCE - Pauline N. Howse, 84, of Commerce, died Friday in New Braunfels. There will be a graveside service Monday at 11 a.m. at Oaklawn Cemetery in Cooper. Daughter of Paul Nelson and Clara Belle Nelson, she was born July 16, 1915 in Lake Charles, La. She married Melvin T. Howse on Sept. 24, 1944. Mrs. Howse was co-owner of Howse Photography Studio. Survivors include brother Earl Nelson of Commerce; nephews Earl Paul Nelson Jr. of Lewisville and Tim Pigue of New Braunfels; nieces Carol Nelson of Lewisville, Karen Pigue of New Braunfels and Susan Sparks of New Mexico; great-nephew Chris Jackson of Houston and sister-in-law Katheryn Sparks of New Mexico. Her husband preceded her in death. Visitation is from 6 to 7 p.m. Sunday at Jones-Walker & Son Funeral Home of Commerce.

Harold Laing
Harold C. Laing, 84, of Mesquite died Wednesday at his residence. Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. Sunday at Coker-Mathews Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Tommy Weems officiating. Burial will be in East Mount Cemetery. Born in Renner on Jan. 13,1915, he was the son of T.D. Laing and Lula Roberts Laing. He and Ora Higginbotham were married in Rockwall in 1938. Mr. Laing was retired from the Cemetery Department of the City of Greenville. He was a member of Park Street Baptist Church and the Greenville I.O.O.F. Lodge. Mr. Laing is survived by his wife of Mesquite; a daughter, Sue Angelino of Mesquite; two brothers, Albert Laing of Dallas and Sam Laing of Greenville; a sister, Argree Mertens of Greenville; three grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by a grandson. Pallbearers will be Anthony Angelino, Glenn Brown, Glenn Taylor, Jack Wall, Lawrence Ayers and Jackie Wall. Visitation is from 6 to 8 p.m. today at the funeral home.

Geoffrey Sweeney
SULPHUR SPRINGS - Funeral services for Geoffrey Austin "Geoff" Sweeney, 43, of Sulphur Bluff will be at 2 p.m. Sunday at West Oaks Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Jim Tomlinson and Garret Sweeney officiating. Cremation will follow. He died in an automobile accident Wednesday afternoon in Hopkins County. He was born in Detroit, Mich. on Nov. 4, 1956 to Thomas Emmett and Pauline Beverly Richards Sweeney. He married Kim Rose in Commerce in 1989. A graduate of Harrison High School in Harrison, Mich. Mr. Sweeney graduated from Texas A&M University in Commerce and had an associate degree from Mid Michigan Community College. He had resided in Texas since 1974 and in Hopkins County for five years. Mr. Sweeney was employed by Texas Department of Human Services as an ICFMR Surveyor. He was a member of Sulphur Bluff United Methodist Church. Surviving are his wife; his mother of Coleman, Mich.; grandmother Estelle Richards of Clair, Mich.; five brothers, Gregg Sweeney of Detroit, Mich., Garrett Sweeney of Mississippi, Grant Sweeney of El Paso, Glenn Sweeney of Houghton Lake, Mich. and Graham Sweeney of Quinlan. His father preceded him in death. Memorials may be made to the Humane Society. Visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m. today at the funeral home. There will be a reception in the fellowship hall of League Street Church of Christ, Sulphur Springs from 3 to 6 p.m. Sunday.

December 17, 1999

William Davis Jr.
TULSA, Okla. - William "Semore"Davis Jr. of Tulsa, Okla., formerly of Greenville, died Dec. 8 at a Tulsa Nursing Center. A memorial service was Dec. 15. The son of William "Eli" Davis and Hazel Lawrence Davis, he was born March 11, 1943 in Greenville. Surviving are his stepmother, Mamie Davis of Greenville; four brothers, John D. Davis, Michael P. Davis, Robert Black and Willie Smith, all of Greenville; three sisters, Patricia Oxford of Tulsa, Okla. and Georgia Johnson and Rose Carter of Greenville; and nieces and nephews. His parents preceded him in death.

Mary McIntire
QUINLAN - Mary Coble McIntire, 61, of Quinlan, died Tuesday at her residence. Funeral services are at 11 a.m. Saturday at Christ Memorial Baptist Church in Quinlan with Rev. Olan Pumphrey officiating. Burial is in the I.O.O.F. Cemetery. She was born Feb. 19, 1938 in Marshall County, Okla. to Ray and Edna Self Coble. She was a housewife. She is survived by her husband, Marvin Clyde McIntire of Quinlan; her mother of Terrell; three sons, Jimmy Dean Woods Sr., Glynn Ray McIntire and Phillip Wayne McIntire, all of Quinlan; a daughter, Beverly Lorene McIntire Parker of Shreveport, La.; a sister, Freda Coble Whalen of Quinlan and six grandchildren. Pallbearers are Jimmy Woods Sr., Phillip McIntire, Rickey McIntire, Glynn McIntire, Jay Woods and Richard McIntire. Visitation is from 6 to 8 p.m. today at Quinlan LyBrand Funeral Home.

Letha Oldham
Letha Opal Oldham, 76, of Celeste, died Tuesday at Presbyterian Hospital of Greenville. Funeral services are at 1 p.m. Saturday at Peters Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Robert Martin officiating. Burial is in McWright Cemetery. Born in Carolina, W.Va. on Dec. 19, 1922, she was the daughter of James Hyatt and Letha Fortney Hyatt. On Oct., 16, 1976 she married Bobby Joe Oldham in Las Vegas, Nev. Mrs. Oldham was a homemaker. She sold real estate in Lompoc, Calif.; worked for the Plano Independent School District and was a nanny. She was a member of and chanter for Rosicrucian Order. Surviving are her husband of Celeste; two sons, James Bell Jr. of San Diego, Calif. and Keith Bell of Las Vegas, Nev.; daughter Carol Mareno of Las Vegas; stepsons Kelley Oldham of Coffeyville, Kan., and Robert Charles Oldham of Springfield, Mo.; stepdaughters Debbie Gaither of Allen, Vickie Johnson of Little Rock, Ark., Pamela Oldham of Meridian, Miss., Rhonda Sue Grocinni and Tracey Oldham, both of Coffeyville, Kan.; two sisters, Ruth Simpson of North Richland Hills and Alleen Sumrow of Lompoc, Calif.; four grandchildren; 14 stepgrandchildren; two great-grandchildren and two stepgreat-grandchildren. Her parents and a sister, Ester Heinz, preceded her in death. Pallbearers are Reggie Guiterrez, Gary Gaither, Robbie Oldham, Harley Dancaster, Kelley Oldham and Robert Oldham. Visitation is from 6 to 8 today at the funeral home.

Hazel Price
Hazel I. Price, 91, of Greenville died Wednesday at Presbyterian Hospital of Greenville. Funeral services are at 10 a.m. today at Coker-Mathews Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Larry Ramsour and Charles Price officiating. There is a graveside service at 2 p.m. at Lee Cemetery in Winnsboro. The daughter of Isaac Walter Browning and Minnie Moore, she was born Feb. 14, 1908 in Stout Community, Winnsboro. She and Charlie Lee Price were married Dec. 21, 1927 in Winnsboro. Mrs. Price was a homemaker and a member of First Baptist Church in Greenville. She is survived by two sons, Charles Price and Richard Price, both of Winnsboro; a brother, Si Browning of Winnsboro; sister Margaret Bolton of Greenville; five grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband; granddaughter Kay Price; brothers Buera Browning, Howard Browning and twin brother, Hershel Browning and sisters Grace Harrington, Ruth Shelton and Beatrice Gorman. Pallbearers are Steve Browning, Kin Price, Scott Price, David Bolton, Stephen Price and Connar Welch.

John Wright
JACKSONVILLE, Ala. - John Hart Wright, 68, of Jacksonville, Ala. died at his home following a long battle with cancer. There is a memorial service from 2 to 3 p.m. Sunday in the Chapel at Cheaha State Park. Mr. Wright was a native of Greenville. He served four years in the U.S. Navy, including a tour on Saipan, M.I. 1949-1950. He attended and graduated with a degree in mechanical engineering from Texas Tech in Lubbock. Mr. Wright worked in research and development for the U.S. Army Missile Command at Redstone Arsenal in Huntsville, Ala. until his retirement in 1986. After retiring, he raised cattle on his Dripping Rock Road farm in Piedmont, Ala. He was a Christian. Surviving are his wife, Joan Clements Wright; a daughter, Amanda Lee Wright of San Diego, Calif.; son Nathan Hart Wright of Dallas and a brother, Henry S. Wright of Canyon Lake. Memorials may be made to cancer research, the First Baptist Church of Jacksonville or New Hopewell Baptist Church in Piedmont, Ala. K.L. Brown Funeral Home & Crematory of Jacksonville, Ala. is in charge of arrangements.

December 16, 1999

Quinley Carpenter
WOLFE CITY - Quinley Moore Carpenter, 63, of Fort Worth died Tuesday at John Peter Smith Hospital in Fort Worth. Funeral services are at 10 a.m. today at R.W. Owens & Son Funeral Home Chapel with Ricky Null of Terrell officiating. Burial is in Gober Cemetery. Born in Gober on Dec. 4, 1936, he was the son of Alva F. and Mary Ernestine Stephens Carpenter. Mr. Carpenter served in the U.S. Army. He was a truck driver and a member of Gober Baptist Church. Surviving are a daughter, Lisa Hamilton of Telephone; a son, Mark Baugh of Telephone; three stepsons, Terry Hickman, Mark Hickman and Kenneth Hickman; sister Frances Ramsey of Royse City; half sister Martha Penick of Stigler, Okla.; a brother, Kenneth Carpenter of Carrollton and 11 grandchildren.

Charles Elder
FARMERSVILLE - Charles Thurman Elder, 60, of Farmersville died Wednesday in Greenville. Graveside services are Friday at 2 p.m. at the I.O.O.F. Cemetery. Mr. Elder was born Jan. 2, 1939 in Paducah to Lee Ollie and Venita Parr Elder. He worked as a press operator. Surviving are his mother of Farmersville; three sisters, Ina Locke of Farmersville, Norma Tucker of Idabel, Okla. and and Wanda Galyean of Commerce and a brother, Leonard Elder of Corinth. Visitation is 6 to 8 p.m. today at Fielder-Baker Funeral Home of Farmersville.

Berniece Riddle
COMMERCE - Berniece Riddle, 96, longtime resident of Commerce died Monday at Oak Manor Nursing Home. Funeral services are at 11 a.m. today at Jones-Walker & Son Funeral Home Memorial Chapel with Rev. Roy Lee Dittmar and Rev. Richard Diggs officiating. Burial is in Rosemound Cemetery. The daughter of Sarha Alice Allen and Herbert Chance, she was born June 6, 1903 in Hopkins County. Mrs. Riddle was a farmer's wife and a nurse's aid. She was a member of Congregational Methodist Church. She is survived by granddaughter and husband Sonja and Randy Kuykendall of Yantis, great-granddaughter Janeen Doolin of Mesquite and great-grandson Lee Doolin of Commerce. She was preceded in death by her first husband Bill Pierce in 1944; second husband Bob Riddle in 1987; a daughter, Allene Mathews in 1969; three sisters and seven brothers. Pallbearers are Steve Blevins, James Dickson, Bill Kennedy, Rogene McCrummen, Margaret Porter and Dick Walker. Golden Girls are honorary pallbearers.

Willie Wolfe
Funeral services for Mrs. Willie Izella Wolfe, 74, of Celeste are at 2 p.m. today at Merit Baptist Church with Rev. Jeff Fisher and Rev. James Ralson officiating. Burial will be in Merit Cemetery. Mrs. Wolfe died Tuesday at Baylor Center for Restorative Care in Dallas. She was born April 16, 1925 in Baylor County, daughter of David McAnally and Annie Sidwell McAnally. She and Allen L. Wolfe were married Oct. 25, 1947 in Amarillo. She was a retired registered nurse. Mrs. Wolfe became a school nurse for the school districts of Bland, Caddo Mills, Celeste and Wolfe City from 1967 to 1991. She was a member of Merit Baptist Church. Surviving are her husband of Celeste; three sons, two daughters-in-law, Roger Wolfe of Celeste, David and Cindy Wolfe of Merit and Allen and Lisa Wolfe of Buna; a brother, Doil McAnally of Venus; sister Ann Reid of Celeste; grandchildren Nathan and Leigh Ann Wolfe of Buna, Bobby and Adam Wolfe of Merit, J.R. Wolfe of Celeste and Karri Wolfe of Justin and niece Monica Necessary of Celeste. She was preceded in death by a brother, David Joe McAnally in 1971. Pallbearers are Kirk Hammack, Tony Johnson, Ronnie Foley, Johnny Wayne Milton, James NeSmith and Steve Welborn. Grandchildren will be honorary pallbearers. Coker-Mathews Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

December 15, 1999

Clarence Harris
Clarence A. Harris, 91, of Greenville died Monday at Crestwood Nursing Home in Wills Point. Funeral services are at 10 a.m. today at Peters Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. David Bridges officiating. Burial is at 2:30 p.m. in Coffeeville Cemetery. Mr. Harris was born Feb. 17, 1908, in Princeton; the son of Samuel and Mary Lynn Harris. He married Cassie Ellen Harris on Feb. 2, 1936, in Gilmer. Mr. Harris was a building contractor and a member of Park Street Baptist Church. Surviving are sons, Alfred Harris and Chester Harris, both of Greenville, Alvin Harris of Ore City and Aubrey Harris of Iola; daughters, Ethel Crouch and Martha Crouch, both of Wills Point, Frances Murrell of Ore City, Margie Slayback of Lone Oak and Linda Cannon of Quinlan; brother, Jim Harris of Santa Maria, Calif.; 49 grandchildren; 50 great-grandchildren and three great-great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife, two sisters and seven brothers.

Bill Puryearv QUINLAN - Bill G. Puryear of Quinlan died Sunday in Greenville. Funeral services are at 1 p.m. today at Quinlan Funeral Home Chapel with Maj. General William C. Wilson and Melvin Ray officiating. Burial is in Memoryland Memorial Park. The son of Tommy Golson Puryear and Idris Vernon Lacy, he was born Oct. 9, 1928 in Wolfe City. He served in the National Guard and had a military career. Mr. Puryear was a longtime OMS Chief for the Texas Army National Guard. He is survived by son, Tim Puryear of Greenville; daughter Joy Pope of Greenville; a sister, Peg Puryear of Greenville; and grandchildren Brad and Scott Puryear of Greenville, Justin Puryear of Quinlan, Jasen Puryear of Quinlan, Dustin Pope of Greenville and John and Julie Pope of Wills Point. He was preceded in death by his parents; a sister, Lacy Puryear and grandson Mikie Puryear. Pallbearers are Charlie Wilson, Morris Abercrombie, J.W. Barrow, James Cast, John Ward and Don Blansett. Honorary pallbearers will be members of the 3rd Battalion, 144th Infantry and current and former members of the Texas National Guard.

December 14, 1999

Marlton Gilliland
FARMERSVILLE - Marlton K. Gilliland of Wilcox, Ariz. died Nov. 27 in Tucson, Ariz. There was a graveside service Saturday at the I.O.O.F. Cemetery in Farmersville with Rev. Tracy McWilliams officiating. Born March 2, 1930 in Golden, Miss., he was the son of M.K. and Dora Johnson Gilliland. Mr. Gilliland served in the U.S. Army during the Korean war. He was a carpenter. Surviving are his wife, Janis Gilliland of Wilcox, Ariz.; children Gena Gilliland, Janis Lee Gilliland, Nicholas Gilliland, Marty Gilliland, Eddie Gilliland, Johnny Gilliland, Manley Gilliland, Donna Gilliland and Dora Gilliland and two sisters, Scherrie Willis of Farmersville and Toye Dennis of Allen. Fielder-Baker Funeral Home was in charge of local arrangements.

Frances Graham
Frances Graham of Greenville died Sunday at Briarcliff Nursing Home. There is a memorial service at 2 p.m. today at the First Church of the Nazarene, 6606 Wesley, with Rev. R.P. Brunner officiating. A mother of seven, Mrs. Graham served in the PTA for 32 years and was an original founder of the Mrs. Hunt County contest. She was a Baptist and taught Sunday School. Surviving are her husband of 60 years, Raney Graham Jr.; two daughters, Judith Graham Walker and Beth Graham Rouser; five sons, Raney Graham III, John Graham, Kent Graham, Joel Graham and Jeff Graham; two sisters, Elizabeth Moore of Houston and Margaret Loving; 10 grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her mother, Lillie Hefner Byers; her father, L.H. Byers; a brother, John S. Byers and a great-granddaughter, Francine Rose Manley. Memorials may be made to the Hunt County Alzheimers Association, P.O. Box 727, Greenville, 75403.

Jessie Griffin
QUINLAN - Jessie "Jess" Griffin of Quinlan died Sunday in Greenville. Funeral services are at 10 a.m. Wednesday at the Quinlan Funeral Home Chapel. Burial is in Lakeside Memorial Park. Mr. Griffin was born March 22, 1930 in Annona. He was a plumber and owned and operated Jess Griffin Plumbing. He is survived by daughter Norma Greer of Royse City; a brother, Billy Pat Griffin of Douglasville and three grandchildren. His wife, Dempsey Lou Griffin; son Charles Reagan and brother J.C. Griffin preceded him in death.

Raye Odeneal
EAGLE PASS - Funeral services were Dec. 8 in Eagle Pass for local businessman Raye Lewis Odeneal, 62, who died at his residence Dec. 6. The son of Dorothy Parks and Ernest V. Odeneal, he was born Sept. 7, 1937 in Dallas. Serving as manager of the Beall's Department Store in Eagle Pass for almost a decade, Mr. Odeneal became manager of the store in Jacksonville and then regional director for the clothing retailer. He retired early and returned to Eagle Pass where he established American Realty Co. and served on the City's Planning and Zoning Board. Mr. Odeneal was a member of Rotary International and a lifelong member of the Church of Christ. He is survived by his mother of San Antonio; wife Hilda Julieta Odeneal of Eagle Pass; a son, Raye Vance "Van" Odeneal of Paris; four daughters, Cindy Blagg of Thackerville, Okla., Shannon Gamble of Lorena, Anna Laura Courtney of Phoenix, Ariz. and Christie Smith of Tyler; stepdaughter Nicole Seller of Fort Worth; a brother, Ernest V. Odeneal Jr. of Greenville; sister Judi Odeneal Cheek of San Antonio; 10 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his father on Nov. 14, 1977 and a son, Lewis Edward Odeneal on Aug. 6, 1977.

Bill Puryear
QUINLAN - Bill G. Puryear of Quinlan died Sunday in Greenville. Funeral services are at 1 p.m. Wednesday at Quinlan Funeral Home Chapel with Maj. General William C. Wilson and Melvin Ray officiating. Burial is in Memoryland Memorial Park. The son of Tommy Golson Puryear and Idris Vernon Lacy, he was born Oct. 9, 1928 in Wolfe City. He served in the National Guard and had a military career. Mr. Puryear was a longtime OMS Chief for the Texas Army National Guard. He is survived by son, Tim Puryear of Greenville; daughter Joy Pope of Greenville; a sister, Peg Puryear of Greenville; and grandchildren Brad and Scott Puryear of Greenville, Justin Puryear of Quinlan, Jasen Puryear of Quinlan, Dustin Pope of Greenville and John and Julie Pope of Wills Point. He was preceded in death by his parents; a sister, Lacy Puryear and grandson Mikie Puryear. Pallbearers are Charlie Wilson, Morris Abercrombie, J.W. Barrow, James Cast, John Ward and Don Blansett. Honorary pallbearers will be members of the 3rd Battalion, 144th Infantry and current and former members of the Texas National Guard. Visitation is from 6 to 8 p.m. today at the funeral home.

Lou Sagely
FARMERSVILLE - Lou Ann Sagely, 62, of Blue Ridge died Sunday. Funeral services will be at 2:30 p.m. Thursday at the First Baptist Church in Blue Ridge with Rev. Charlie Hahn and Rev. Mark Thurman officiating. Burial will be in Blue Ridge Cemetery. The daughter of Arley Milton Moss and Nell Lipscomb Moss, she was born Oct. 25, 1937 in Athens. On June 8, 1956 she married A.L. "Cotton" Sagely in Rockwall. Mrs. Sagely was a member of the First Methodist Church in Blue Ridge. Surviving are her husband of Blue Ridge; two daughters, Sharon Howard and Laura Airhart, both of Blue Ridge; a son, Michael Sagely of Blue Ridge; three sisters, Juanell Benton of Wylie, Jean Spain of Plano and Donna Van Winkle of Fredricksburg, Va.; two brothers, Theodore A. Moss of Farmersville and Addison Moss of Mechanicsville, Va. and seven grandchildren. Visitation is from 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at Fielder-Baker Funeral Home in Farmersville.

Lester Warren
DALLAS - Lester Harvey Warren of Van Alstyne, formerly of Greenville, died Saturday in Sherman. Services are at 1:30 p.m. Wednesday at Restland Funeral Home Wildwood Chapel with burial in Restland Memorial Park. Mr. Warren was born Dec., 6, 1911 in Greenville. Surviving are daughters Rosemary Grubbs and Jo Ann Napper, two sisters, 14 grandchildren, 24 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild. He was preceded in death by his wife, Vera Beatrice Warren; a son, Walter Hilliard and his seeing-eye dog Prince.

December 13, 1999

Frances Graham
Frances Evelyn Graham of Greenvilled died Sunday at Briarcliff Nursing Home. A memorial services is set for 2 p.m. Tuesday at First Church of the Nazarene with Rev. R. P. Brunner officiating. Mrs. Graham was the daughter of L.H. and Lillie Hefner Byers. She is survived by her husband, Raney A. Graham Jr., and seven children. Memorials may be made to the Hunt County Alzheimers Association, P.O. Box 727, Greenville 75403.

Novis Marks
Novis Leon Marks, 64, of Greenville died Saturday at his home. Funeral services are at 2 p.m. Monday at the Peters Funeral Home Chapel with Reb. Bob Layman officiating. Mr. Marks was born July 6, 1935 in Savage; the son Of Novis Lake and Wanda Fay Blair Marks. He married Ava Dougherty on July 24, 1954 in Leonard. A retired E-Systems security officer and rancher, Mr. Marks was a member of Highland Terrace Baptist Church. Surviving are his wife of Greenville; father and mother; a son and daughter-in-law, Darrell and Karen Marks of Greenville, a daughter, Donna Marks of Greenville; grandchildren, Malynda Marks and Kevin Marks; and a brother and sister-in-law, Billy and Carol Marks of Whitewright. He was preceded in death by a son, David Marks, in 1985. Pallbearers are Jerry Stevens, Grady Latimer, Frank Berry, Doug Armstrong, Stanley McAree and Virgil Rector. Honorary pallbearers are members of the Raytheon Security Department.

Billie Powers
FARMERSVILLE - Billie L. Powers, 73, of Greenville and formerly of Royse City died Saturday. Funeral services are at 10 a.m. Tuesday at Fielder-Baker Funeral Home Chapel with Mac LeFan officiating. Burial is in the Nevada Cemetery. Mrs. Powers was born June 30, 1926, in East Prairie, Mo.; the daughter of Aron and Magdalene Givens. She was married to Earl Powers on April 18, 1947, in East Prairie. Surviving are daughter, Gaye Nixon, of Merit; son, Martin Powers of Scott City, Mo.; sister, Emma Roe of East Prairie; two grandchildren and one great-grandchild. Visitation is from 6 to 8 p.m. today at the funeral home.

December 12, 1999

Novis Marks
Novis Leon Marks, 64, of Greenville died Saturday at his home. Funeral services are at 2 p.m. Monday at the Peters Funeral Home Chapel. Mr. Marks was born July 6, 1935 in Savage; the son Of Novis Lake and Wada Fay Blair Marks. He married Ava Dougherty on July 24, 1954 in leonard. A retired E-Systems security officer and rancher, he was a member of Highland Terrace Baptist Church. Surviving are his wife, mother, a son, Darrell Marks of Greenville, a daughter, Donna Marks of Greenville, two grandchildren, and a brother, Billy Marks of Whitewright. He was preceded in death by a son, David Marks, in 1985. Visitation is from 5 to 7 p.m. today at the funeral home.

December 11, 1999

Gladys Watson
DALLAS - Gladys Patten Watson died in Lewisville Thursday. Funeral services are at noon today at Laurel Land Memorial Chapel. Burial will be in Laurel Land Memorial Park. She was born in Alba on Jan. 25, 1909. Mrs. Watson worked for the City of Dallas and retired from the Veterans Administration. She was a member of the Campbell United Methodist Church. Surviving are sisters Maurine Strickland of Tahoka, Donna Fowler of Campbell and Mildred Beasley of Lewisville and nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, Truman L. Watson and a brother, John F. Patten.

December 10, 1999

Eugene Johnson
Eugene "Pop" Johnson of Greenville died at his home Sunday. Funeral services are at 2 p.m. Saturday at Bethel AME Church with Dr. R.C. Williams officiating. Burialis in Grundy Memorial Park. The son of Ollie J. and Pearlie B. Ferguson Johnson, he was born May 31, 1914 in Clay. He and Josephine Bailey were married in 1946 in Midland. Mr. Johnson retired from the City of Midland. He was a member of Bethel AME Church. Surviving are a son, Horace Lee Johnson of Washington, D.C.; two daughters, Ester Mae Williams and Joyce Barnes of Brownwood; a brother, James W. Johnson of Houston; five grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by a brother. Pallbearers are William Mayberry, Thurman Hoskins, Mentrail Mapps, Willie Gardner, Bobby Gilbert and James Johnson. Visitation is from 7 to 8 p.m. today at Cozine & Tarver Funeral Home.

Bonnie Lewis
Funeral services for Bonnie Mae Lewis of Caddo Mills are at 10 a.m. Saturday at Full Gospel Holy Temple Church with Rev. Adell Williams officiating. Burial will be in Hall Cemetery in Mt. Enterprise. She died Dec. 3 at Presbyterial Hospital of Greenville. The daughter of Virgil and Emma Shannon Lewis, she was born Sept. 2, 1917 in Mount Enterprise. She married Jessie W. Jones in Carthage in 1935. She was a homemaker and a member of Full Gospel Holy Temple. Surviving are three sons, Wilson Jones of Greenville and Nathaniel Jones and Willie Fletcher of Dallas; five daughters, Faye Jacobs and Janet Jones of Dallas, Claudia Rector of Caddo Mills and Divion Jeffery and Connie McCurdy of Greenville; 23 grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren and three great-great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, three sons, a daughter, five brothers and four sisters. Friends of the family are pallbearers. Visitation is from 7 to 8 p.m. today at Cozine & Tarver Funeral Home.

H. Kenneth Pitts
DALLAS - H. Kenneth Pits of Roxton died Tuesday in Dallas. Funeral services are at 3:30 p.m. today at Restland Funeral Home-Wildwood Chapel with Rev. Alan Shriver officiating. Burial is in Restland Memorial Park. He was born Aug. 2, 1938 in San Antonio. Mr. Pitts was a member of the Masonic Lodge in Garland. Surviving are daughters Deborah Williams of Grand Prairie and Connie and husband Mike Pippin of Cash; son and daughter-in-law Richard and Sherry Pitts of Wolfe City; four grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

Wanda Waters
Wanda Mosley Waters, 70, of Bearden, Ark. died Wednesday at her residence. Funeral services are at 3:30 p.m. today at Coker-Mathews Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Royce Litchfield officiating. Burial is in Memoryland Memorial Park. The daughter of James Roy Mosley and Vada Ragland Mosley, she was born Dec. 25, 1928 in Clinton. She and Luther C. Waters were married Dec. 22, 1948 in Greenville. Mrs. Waters was a school teacher and a member of Calvery Baptist Church of Camden, Ark. She is survived by sons Mark Waters and Matthew Waters of East Camden, Ark.; two daughters, Beverly Brenner of Canyon Country, Calif. and Marsha Mercy of Bearden, Ark.; brothers Wayne Mosley of Atlanta and Norman Mosley of Waco; a sister, Faye Lindenzweig of Greenville; six grandchildren and one great-grandchild. She was preceded in death by her husband in 1991; her parents and one brother. Pallbearers are Jack Lindenzweig, Martin Mercy, John Nelson, Jimmy Rogers, Tommy Burk and Paul Waters.

December 9, 1999

Alvin Busbee
EMORY - Alvin L. Busbee of Quitman died Wednesday at East Texas Medical Center in Quitman. Funeral services are at 1 p.m. Friday at Pleasant Ridge Chapel with Rev. David Smith officiating. Burial is in Pleasant Ridge Cemetery. The son of Albert Lee and Fay Shipley Busbee, he was born in Kaufman County on Feb. 21, 1918. He and Dorothy McKenzie were married Dec. 24, 1938 in Alba. Mr. Busbee was a self-employed dirt contractor for 40 years. He was affiliated with Pleasant Ridge Methodist Church. He is survived by his wife, Dixie Busbee of Quitman; sons and daughters-in-law Jerry and Marti Busbee of Tyler and Ronnie and Brenda Busbee of Quitman; daughter and son-in-law Linda and Archie Walker of Corpus Christi; two sisters, Lola Mae McKenzie of Alba and Lila Ruth Jackson of Quitman; six grandchildren and one great-grand grandchild. He was preceded in death by his first wife on July 1, 1991. Pallbearers are Jackie Busbee, Loren Busbee, John Busbee, Carroll Busbee, Bobby Gene Jackson and Archie Walker. Visitation will be at his home east on Texas 582 five miles from Alba from 6 to 8 p.m. today. Wilson-Orwosky Funeral Home of Emory is in charge of arrangements.

Louann Densmore
DALLAS - Louann Densmore of Campbell died Tuesday in Dallas. Funeral services are at 10 a.m. Friday at Laurel Land Memorial Chapel with burial in Laurel Land Memorial Park. Surviving are her husband, Bob Densmore; sons Glenn Whitehead, Gary Whitehead and Bobby Densmore; five daughters, Cheryl Rudin, Paulette Bodin, Janice Price, Lisa Daniel and Laura Rice; 21 grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; brother Bud Bollinger and sister Martha Heimberg. She was preceded in death by her mother, Verna DeLaney and first husband, David Whitehead. Laurel Land Funeral Home of Dallas is in charge of arrangements.

Irene Dodd
LONE OAK - Irene Burns Dodd, 86, of Lone Oak died Tuesday. Funeral services are at 2 p.m. today at the Lone Oak Baptist Church with Robert Cook officiating. Burial is in Miller Grove Cemetery. The daughter of Jim and Lessie Green Burns, she was born June 13, 1913 in Miller Grove. On Jan. 21, 1937 she married Venton Fan Dodd in Greenville. She graduated from Miller Grove High School and East Texas State University and received her master's degree from ETSU. Mrs. Dodd taught in the Lone Oak Independent School District, retiring with 39 years' service. She was a member of Lone Oak Baptist Church and taught the nine-year-old boys Sunday School class. Surviving are a daughter and son-in-law, Gay Neita and Guy Wayne Payne of Lone Oak; a brother, Frank Burns of Miller Grove; two grandchildren, Lyneita Leopold and Amy Marney and two great-grandchildren, Ryan Keith and Nikolas Guy Marney. She was preceded in death by her husband in 1979; two brothers, Johnny Burns and H.C. Burns Sr. and seven sisters, Oma Garrett, Mary Jim Mosley, Lerline Johnson, Martha Johnson, Lola Long, Woodie Hurst and Roxie Hurst. Pallbearers are Leslie Hurst, Duane Garrett, Billy Garrett, H.C. Burns, James Garrett, Clellan Johnson, Jim Burns, Jim Johnson, Mark Hulstein, Jerry Hulstein and Larry Burns. Memorials may be made to the Lone Oak Civic Center, the Senior Citizens Center or the Lone Oak Baptist Church. Bartley Funeral Home of Lone Oak is in charge of arrangements.

Beda Harris
WOLFE CITY - Funeral services for Beda Ann Harris, 95, of the Hickory Creek Community in Hunt County will be at 10 a.m. Friday at R.W. Owens & Son Funeral Home Chapel with Dwight Gardner officiating. Burial is in Mt. Carmel Cemetery. Mrs. Harris died Tuesday at Senior Care, Lake Pointe Nursing Home following a six-month illness. She was born July 23, 1904 in Collin County, daughter of James P. and Viola N. Kimes Mayner. She and Harvy Lane Harris were married in Ladonia on Dec. 22, 1926. She was a housewife. Mrs. Harris is survived by her husband of Wolfe City; two daughters, Virginia Hood of Garland and Rosemary Swaney of Merit; a son, Billy Ray Harris of Rowlett; seven grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren and three great-great-grandchildren. Pallbearers are Mark Harris, Donald Harris, Dennis Harris, Brian Burch, Todd Swaney and Tracy Swaney. Visitation is from 6 to 8 p.m. today at the funeral home.

H. Kenneth Pitts
DALLAS - H. Kenneth Pits of Roxton died Tuesday in Dallas. Funeral services are at 3:30 p.m. Friday at Restland Wildwood Chapel with Rev. Alan Shriver officiating. Burial is in Restland Memorial Park. He was born Aug. 2, 1938 in San Antonio. Mr. Pitts was a member of the Masonic Lodge in Garland. Surviving are daughters Deborah Williams of Grand Prairie and Connie and husband Mike Pippin of Cash; son and daughter-in-law Richard and Sherry Pitts of Wills Point; four grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. Visitation is from 6 to 8 p.m. today at Restland Funeral Home on Greenville Avenue in Dallas.

Hattie Vertrees
Hattie Mae Vertrees, 89, of Caddo Mills died Tuesday at her residence. Graveside services are at 2 p.m. Friday at Memoryland Memorial Park with Rev. Roger Ratliff officiating. Born in College Station on March 5, 1910, she was the daughter of George Ayers and Luella Carson. She married William Campbell Vertrees on April 30, 1932 in Brownsville. Mrs. Vertrees worked as a sales clerk. She was a member of Vansickle Baptist Church and Eastern Star. She is survived by a son, William C. Vertrees of Kansas City, Mo.; a daughter, Joyce Etchieson of Caddo Mills; sister Lucile Nichols of El Paso; four grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband on Sept. 21, 1959; a brother, George Ayers Jr. on Feb. 18, 1992; granddaughter Alice Douglas on June 20, 1998 and great-grandson Glynn Douglas on June 20, 1998. Honorary pallbearers are Michael Etchieson, James Etchieson, Billy Etchieson, Brian Etchieson, Christopher Etchieson, Larry Etchieson and Felipe Lira. Memorials may be made to the American Heart Association. Visitation is from 6 to 8 p.m. today at Coker-Mathews Funeral Home.

Billy Walston
FARMERSVILLE - Billy "Bill" Ray Walston, 72, of Farmersville died Wednesday. Funeral services are at 10 a.m. Friday at First Methodist Church of Farmersville with Rev. Doyle Henderson officiating. Burial is in Blue Ridge Cemetery. He was born July 16, 1927 in Blue Ridge, son of Leonard and Retha Morris Walston. On July 7, 1951 he married Jaunell Whited in Denison. Mr. Walston served in the U.S. Army. Mr. Walston was personnel manager at E-Systems in Garland and was a member of First Methodist Church in Farmersville. He was a member of Farmersville Masonic Lodge 32nd Degree Mason and was a Shriner. Surviving are his wife, Jaunell Walston of Farmersville; a daughter, Penny Garner of Farmersville; sister Wanda Bullock of Blue Ridge and one grandchild. Visitation is 6 to 8 p.m. today at Fielder-Baker Funeral Home of Farmersville.

Blanche Yancey
Funeral services for Blanche Almon Yancey of Greenville areat 10 a.m. Friday at Coker-Mathews Funeral Home Chapel with Rick Henslee officiating. Burial is in Hall Cemetery. She died Wednesday at Presbyterian Hospital of Greenville. The daughter of Lewis Almon and Susie Oar, she was born June 5, 1902 in Hunt County. She was a retired school teacher and a member of the Church of Christ. She is survived by two brothers, Kenneth Almon of Greenville and Raymond Almon of Frisco; a sister, Bonnie Lee Craig of Austin and two grandchildren. She was preceded in death by a son, two brothers and two sisters. Pallbearers are Mendell Holly Jr., Ronnie Almon, Mendell Holly Sr., Ben Dooley and Eugene Head. Visitation is from 6 to 8 p.m. today at the funeral home.

December 8, 1999

Willie Burchett
Willie Burchett, 99, of Greenville, died Monday at Greenville Health and Rehabilitation. Funeral services are at 2 p.m. Thursday at Coker-Mathews Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Harold Burchett officiating. Burial is in Memoryland Memorial Park. Born April 5, 1900 in Altoga, he was the son of George Burchett and Nancy Vaughn Burchett. On April 2, 1922 he married Bertha Brazil in Lone Oak. Mr. Burchett was a farmer and a member of the Church of Christ in Point. Surviving are his wife of Greenville; a daughter, Willie Jo Gray of Greenville; brother Cecil Burchett of Mesquite; seven grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by two brothers, three sisters and one son. Pallbearers are Randy Burchett, David Burchett, Bobby Fugitt, Boyd Long, Lewie Robinson and Shelby Thornton. Visitation is from 6 to 8 p.m. today at the funeral home.

Norris Click
COOPER - Norris Gaylon Click of Charleston died Tuesday afternoon at his daughter's home in Commerce. Funeral services are at 2 p.m. Thursday at the East Delta Baptist Church with Mike Lawson officiating. Burial is in the East Delta Cemetery. He was born in Delta County on April 22, 1922 in Delta County; the son of Hib and Jewette Click. He married Geneva Sneed on July 28, 1940. In the 1960s, he worked for the Commerce Police Department and Hunt County Sheriff's office. Mr. Click worked for the Delta County Sheriff's Office from 1972 to 1980. He retired from law enforcement in 1994. He was a member of the East Delta Baptist Church. Mr. Click is survived by his wife of Charleston; a son, Rickey Click of McKinney; daughter Kay Bullard of Commerce; two brothers, Pat Click and John Click; sisters Verna Mae Swindell, Carolyn June Holly and Dorothy Kean Klauss; eight grandchildren and 20 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by a daughter, Barbara Ann Click; son, Harold Wendell Click; grandson Donald Rickey Click Jr.; a brother, Robert Don Click and a sister, Margie Nell White. Visitation is from 7 to 8 p.m. today at Delta Funeral Home in Cooper.

Jim Hoover
QUINLAN - Jim Hoover, 69, of Wills Point died Tuesday at Presbyterian Hospital of Greenville. Funeral services are at 10 a.m. Thursday at Quinlan LyBrand Funeral Home Chapel. Burial will be in Lakeside Memorial Park. He was born May 10, 1930 in Charleston, W.Va. Mr. Hoover served in the U.S. Army. Surviving are his wife Mary Hoover; his mother, Eve Hoover of Legonare, Ind.; four sons, Rickie Hoover of Mesquite, Jimmy Hoover of Knoxville, Tenn., David Holland of Wills Point and James Holland of Lewisville; a brother, Carl Copland of Goshan, Ind.; a sister, Janice Teal of Legonare, Ind.; one grandchild and six great-grandchildren.

Floriberto Ramos
Floriberto Ramos, newborn, died Monday at Presbyterian Hospital of Greenville. There is a graveside service at Memoryland Memorial Park at 10 a.m. Thursday with Rev. Scott McManus officiating. She was born Monday to Floriberto Ramos and Hope Yvonne Stone. Surviving are her parents, both of Greenville; grandparents, Sarah Ceballos of Greenville, Micaela Garcia of Mexico, Santiago Ramos of Mexico and Alex Stone of Campbell; great-grandparent Frances Lazano of Greenville and sister Danielle Rene Ramos of Greenville. Visitation is from 6 to 8 p.m. today at Coker-Mathews Funeral Home.

December 7, 1999

Susie Brigman
Susie Lou "Sue" Brigman of Garland died Sunday at her residence. Funeral services are at 2 p.m. today at Coker-Mathews Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. George Topper officiating. Burial will be in Memoryland Memorial Park. The daughter of Lawrence William Banta and Deed Case Smith Banta, she was born Jan. 3, 1908 in Alba. She was a retired nurse and a Methodist. Surviving are sons, James Lewis Brigman of Sulphur Springs and Robert Lawrence Brigman of Plano; a daughter, Margaret Hedric of Garland; brother Paul Banta of Kingman, Ariz.; a sister, Elizabeth Lilly McGee of Greenville; eight grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. A son, Norman Odell Brigman, preceded her in death on Aug. 8, 1959. Pallbearers are Jeff Brigman, Kim Brigman, Jim Hedric and Matthew Brannan.

James Butler
GARLAND - James F. Butler, 70, of Garland died Monday. Funeral services are at 11 a.m. Wednesday at Williams Funeral Home Director's Chapel with Rev. Richard Moore officiating. Burial is in Restland Memorial Park. Mr. Butler was retired from the Dallas Times Herald. Surviving are his wife of 17 years, Dianne Butler, of Garland; son, Richard Butler of West Tawakoni; sister, Sharon King of Oak leaf; and a granddaughter. Visitation is from 6 to 8 p.m. today at the funeral home. Donations may be made to the American Cancer Society.

Charley Cravens
COMMERCE - Charley C. Cravens, 97, of Commerce, died Monday at Presbyterian Hospital of Commerce. Funeral services are at 11 a.m. Wedneday at Mount Zion Cumberland Presbyterian Church in the Mount Zion Community. Burial is in Mount Zion Cemetery. Born in Lone Oak on June 20, 1902, he was the son of Thomas C. Cravens and Lou Ann Mills Cravens. He married Brooksy Vaughn on Dec. 24, 1924 in Commerce; she preceded him in death in 1984. In August 1985 he married Edith Boucher in Trenton, Tenn. She preceded him in death in November 1998. Mr. Cravens owned and operated Cravens Store and Gas Station for 54 years. He is survived by daughters Nita Herman of Mount Zion Community and Mary Casey of Commerce; a son, Dewitt Cravens of Conroe; ten grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren and 10 great-great-grandchildren. In addition to his wives, he was preceded in death by an infant son; a daughter, George Davis and grandson Craig Cravens. Grandsons will serve as pallbearers. Visitation is from 6 to 7 p.m. today at Jones-Walker & Son Funeral Home.

Wanda Nelson
Wanda Vargas Nelson, 55, of Greenville died Friday at Presbyterian Hospital of Greenville. Services are at 10 a.m. Tuesday at Coker-Mathews Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Brad Strand officiating. Burial is in Van Sickle Cemetery. Mrs. Nelson was born May 17, 1944, in Van Sickle; the daughter of George Washington and Alma Lee Graham Combs. She was married to Paul R. Nelson, USCG-Retired, on June 13, 1994, in Greenville. Mrs. Nelson was a home crafter and a member of Mineral Heights Baptist Church. Surviving are her husband of Greenville; sons Daniel Vargas of Greenville and David Vargas of Elgin; daughters Denise Norris and Dawnya Stahler, both of Greenville; step-sons, Paul Nelson of Mesquite and Dwayne Nelson of Kaufman; brothers Jerry Combs of Greenville and Mickey Combs of Quinlan; a sister, Alice Camp of Wills Point; and grandchildren, Sheena Norris, Adam Norris, Kayla Norris, Alesha Norris, Jacob Norris, Jessica Stahler, Ryan Stahler, Charai Lemon, Crystal Vargas, Joseph Vargas, Joshua Fox, Jacob Fox, Christopher Vargas, Emma Crise, Jon Crise and Elizabeth Nelson. She was preceded in death by her parents and a brother, Leon Combs. Pallbearers are Jerry Scott, Danny Gandy, R.C. Sharlow, Ryan Stahler, Jay Combs and Barry Combs.

December 6, 1999

Wanda Nelson
Wanda Vargas Nelson, 55, of Greenville died Friday at Presbyterian Hospital of Greenville. Services are at 10 a.m. Tuesday at Coker-Mathews Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Brad Strand officiating. Burial is in Van Sickle Cemetery. Mrs. Nelson was born May 17, 1944, in Van Sickle; the daughter of George Washington and Alma Lee Graham Combs. She was married to Paul Nelson on June 13, 1994, in Greenville. Mrs. Nelson was a home crafter and a member of Mineral Heights Baptist Church. Surviving are her husband of Greenville; sons, Daniel Varga of Greenville and David Vargas of Elgin; daughters, Denise Norris and Dawnya Stahler, both of Greenville; step-sons, Paul Nelson of Mesquite and Dwayne Nelson of Kaufman; brothers, Jerry Combs of Greenville and Mickey Combs of Quinlan; sister, Alice Camp of Wills Point; and grandchildren, Sheena Norris, Adam Norris, Kayla Norris, Alesha Norris, Jacob Norris, Jessica Stahler, Ryan Stahler, Charai Lemon, Chrystal Vargas, Joseph Vargas, Joshua Fox, Christopher Vargas, Emma Crise, Jon Crise and Elizabeth Nelson. She was preceded in death by her parents and a brother, Leon Combs. Pallbearers are Jerry Scott, Danny Gandy, R.C. Sharlow, Ryan Stahler, Jay Combs and Barry Combs. Visitation is from 6 to 9 p.m. today at the funeral home.

Thresa Netherton
LEONARD - Thresa Netherton, 69, of Leonard died Saturday at the Plano Medical Center. Services are at 2 p.m. Tuesday at the Taylor Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Casey Ingold and Dr. Charles Graham officiating. Burial is in the Valley Creek Cemetery. Mrs. Netherton was born July 13, 1930, in Trenton; the daughter of Othel and Inez Jenkins Savage. A former Plano resident, she was an office nurse and a member of the First Baptist Church. Surviving are her husband, Howard Netherton of Leonard; son, Michael Netherton of Plano; daughters, Lynda Hargrove of Plano and Dana Burdett of Wylie; sisters, Bernice Hamilton of Denton and Dano Burdett of Wylie; brothers, O.J. Savage, Jerry Savage and Bobby Savage, all of Trenton, and James Savage of Bonham; and seven grandchildren. Pallbearers are Dr. Charles Graham, Dr. Gayle Glidewell, Brent Jones, Jason Owens, Arvis Buchanan and Fred Doty. Visitation is from 7 to 9 p.m. today at the funeral home.

Herbert Rylant
EMORY - Herbert "Curley" Rylant, 84, of Emory died Saturday at the East Texas Medical Center in Quitman. Funeral services are at 2 p.m. Tuesday at the Emory Baptist Chuirch with Rev. Rodney Williams and Rev. Mark Weatherford officiating. Burial is in Emory City Cemetery. Mr. Rylant was born Oct. 20, 1915, in Rains County; the son of Sam F. and Myrtle Burns Rylant. He married Stella Fletcher in 1941 in Rains County. Mr. Rylant was a butcher for B&B Foods and Piggly Wiggly in Emory, a farmer and a rancher. He was a deacon at Emory Baptist Church for 45 years. Surviving are daughters, Arlene Young of Bedford and Ann Monk of Mineola; brother, Ernest Rylant of Dallas; sisters, Donnie Lee Akins of Emory and Lois Dixon of Dallas; 10 grandchildren and 25 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife on June 1, 1996. Pallbearers are grandsons and honorary pallbearer is Ernest Holman. Visitation is from 6 to 8 p.m. today at Wilson-Orwosky Funeral Home, which is in charge of arrangements.

December 5, 1999

Myra M. Pope
Services will be held today at 2 p.m. at the Coker-Mathews Chapel for Myra M. Pope, 77, of Conroe with burial in Brigham Cemetery. Mrs. Pope died Friday. Born Jan. 6, 1922, in Greenville, she was a retired U.S. Postal Service clerk and a member of the Church of Christ. She married R.E. Pope on June 17, 1940 in Lawton, Ok. Mrs. Pope is survived by a daughter, Sherry Heitmann of Spring, two sons, Carey Pope of Monroe, La. and Steve Pope of Conroe, six grandsons and one great-grandchild. She was preceded in death by her husband, two sisters and five brothers. Her grandsons, Gary Heitmann, Greg Heitman, Stephen Pope and Eric Pope will serve as pallbearers. Coker-Mathews Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Dale H. Smith
CUMBY - Services are scheduled today at 2 p.m. for Dale H. Smith, 91, at the Cumby Methodist Church with Masonic graveside services at Cumby Cemetery. Mr. Smith died Friday. Born Jan. 17, 1908, in Cumby, he was a retired farmer and rancher, former postmaster of the Cumby Post Office and former manager of the Cumby Farmers Coop. He married Georgia Whitley on Dec. 21, 1930 in Hugo, Okla. Mr. Smith is survived by his wife, a daughter, Sue Greenwade of Farmers Banch, four sisters, two grandsons and five great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by two sisters and four brothers. Pallbearers will be Stephen Greenwade, Geoffrey Greenwade, Luke Smith, Howard Evans, Bob Evans, Don Fallis, James Smith and Larry Smith. Honorary pallbearers are Robert Yarbrough, E.A. Junell, Shan Martin, Bert Record and J.D. Chaney. Cumby Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

December 4, 1999

Allen Harris
SHREVEPORT, La. - Funeral services for Allen W. Harris, 78, are at 11 a.m. today at St. Mathias Episcopal Church with Rev. John Raish officiating. Burial will be in Forest Park West. He died Thursday. Mr. Harris was born May 31, 1921 in Hatfield, Ark. He retired from Kansas City Southern Railway Company and was a veteran of World War II. Surviving are his wife, Lou Goen Harris of Shreveport, La.; daughter Susie K. Laden and husband David of Vidor; two stepsons, Rodney Goen and wife Cathy of Greenville and Randy Goen of Greenville; a grandson, Robert Allen Laden and wife Samantha of Vidor; two great-grandsons, Allen Wayne and David Martin Laden of Vidor; a brother, Jimmy Harris of Hatfield, Ark. and three sisters, Nita Turner of Mena, Ark., Tommie Perkins of Riverside, Calif. and Marion Rowe of Hatfield, Ark. He was preceded in death by his parents, one brother, a sister, a niece and one great-grandson. Pallbearers will be T.A. Martin, Norman Dukes, Herb Mattison, Frank Godwin, Bill Craig, Dudley Bean, Marlin Sledge and Ronnie Bennett. Memorials may be made to St. Matthias Building Fund, 3301 St. Matthias Drive in Shreveport, La. or to the Hospice Care of Louisiana. Rose-Neath Funeral Home-Southside Chapel is in charge of arrangements.

H.F. Jacobs
H.F. "Jake" Jacobs, 85, of Greenville died Friday at Briarcliff Nursing Home. Graveside services will be at 2 p.m. Sunday at Memoryland Memorial Cemetery with Rev. Ben Smith officiating. Son of Frank Jacobs and Bula Bostick Jacobs, he was born Aug. 18, 1914 in Hunt County. He married Mozelle McGee on Aug. 29, 1940 in Hunt County. A former Hunt County Commissioner, Mr. Jacobs was a farmer. He was a member of North Baptist Church. Survivors include his wife of Greenville; a brother, Tom Jacobs of Greenville; a sister, Lera Rash of Greenville and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by three brothers and three sisters. Visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m. today at Peters Funeral Home.

:Norman Lankford
WINNSBORO - Norman Lynn "Nornorn" Lankford, 64, of Scroggins died Friday. Services will be at 2 p.m. Sunday at Beaty Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Dwayne Goodson, Dr. Bart Pruitt and Rev. Bruce Thompson officiating. Burial will be in Clearwater Cemetery. He was born April 20, 1935 in Lone Oak to Tom Robert "Dick" Lankford and Bertha Lee Stewart Lankford. He was a self-employed welder and a disabled veteran who served in the Korean War in the U.S. Army. On Feb. 3, 1961 he married Glenda Lankford Mr. Lankford helped organize the Maranatha Baptist Church in Able Springs where he was ordained and first pastored. He was later an ordained deacon and pastor of Bethel Baptist Church in Pickton and was a minister for more than 25 years. Mr. Lankford is survived by his wife of Scroggins; a daughter, Glenda Lankford of Dallas; brother Thomas Dud Lankford of Point and a sister, Tida Lankford Tucker of Edgewood. His parents preceded him in death. Pallbearers will be Kenny Alexander, Rickey Alexander, Donnie Alexander, Bobby Hunter, Mike King and Dr. Bart Pruitt. Memorials may be made to the American Heart Association and American Cancer Society. Visitation is from 6 to 8 p.m. today at the funeral home.

Clarence Ramsey
Clarence M. Ramsey, 79, of Greenville died Thursday at Presbyterian Hospital of Greenville. Funeral services are today at 2 p.m. at Coker-Mathews Funeral Home Chapel with Tommy Weems officiating. Burial will be in the I.O.O.F. Cemetery in Caddo Mills. Son of Thomas Gifford Ramsey and Mattie Mae Neal Ramsey, he was born Nov. 6, 1920 in Chocktaw County, Okla. He and Willie Lee Martin were married Oct. 6, 1951 in Greenville. He worked in the Parts Department of Grady Chevrolet Co. Mr. Ramsey was a member of First Baptist Church in Caddo Mills and the Masonic Lodge. Surviving are his wife of Greenville; a daughter, Brenda Flowers of Forrest City, Ark.; two grandchildren and three great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by a son, Gearld VanSickle, in 1993; his parents; brothers Henry Ramsey, Damon Ramsey, Willard Ramsey, George Ramsey and sister Linda Ramsey. Pallbearers will be Kenny Martin, Shane Murphy, Danny Haley, Bill Wright, Joe Elmore and Bobby Smith.

Ethel Whisenhunt
LEONARD - Funeral services for Mrs. Ethel M. Whisenhunt, 84, of Leonard are scheduled at 2 p.m. Sunday at the Taylor Funeral Home Chapel. Rev. Wally Williams will officiate. Burial will be in the Leonard Cemetery. Mrs. Whisenhunt died Thursday at Presbyterian Hospital of Greenville. She is survived by daughter Charlene Hartness of Blue Ridge; a sister, Betty Lou Stanley of Caddo, Okla.; 15 grandchildren; 25 great-grandchildren and four great-great-grandchildren. Visitation is from 7 to 9 p.m. today at the funeral home.

December 3, 1999

Goldie Burnett
Goldie Fay Burnett, 90, of Greenville died Thursday at Presbyterian Hospital of Greenville. Graveside services are at 2 p.m. today at Lone Oak Cemetery with Rev. Jacqueline Harmon officiating. Born in Ashland on Feb. 2, 1909, she was the daughter of N.R. Hamilton and Jessie Jenneta Stancil. She and Rusty Burnett were married March 17, 1934 in Pratt, Kan. Mrs. Burnett worked as a telephone operator. She was a Methodist. Surviving are a niece, Betty Ruth Becker of McPherson, Kan. and friend Mildred Fannin of Greenville. Her husband preceded her in death in 1996. Coker-Mathews Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Earnest Sparks
GUNTER - Earnest W. "Sparky" Sparks, 88, died Wednesday at Wilson N. Jones Memorial Hospital in Sherman after suffering a heart attack. There is a memorial service at 3 p.m. Sunday at Hilltop Haven in Gunter. He was born June 12, 1911 in Blanco. Mr. Sparks was a disabled veteran of World War II. He was a member of Alpine Church of Christ in Longview and had lived at Hilltop Haven in Gunter for the past eight years. Surviving are his wife, Jewell Sparks of Hilltop Haven in Gunter; stepsons Arthur James Phillips of Greenville and Larry Herman of Jefferson; sister Mary Maude Hickman of Midland; brother Howard Sparks of Palacious and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Memorials may be made to Hilltop Haven, P.O. Box 39, Gunter, 75058.

December 2, 1999

Zella Hooten
POINT - Zella Louise Hooten, 77, of Lone Oak, died Wednesday at Baylor Hospital in Dallas. Funeral services are at 2 p.m. Friday at First Baptist Church in Point with C.H. Pritchett officiating. Burial will be in Lynch Cemetery. The daughter of John and Kathryn Tidwell Pritchett, she was born in Rains County on Dec. 26, 1921. Surviving are three sons, Jackie Hooten of Cash, Johnny Hooten of Rowlett and Allen Hooten of Lone Oak; three daughters, Helen Shaw, Shirley Stogner and Deborah Hooten, all of Lone Oak; a sister, Odessa Francis of Terrell; 14 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, Forest Hooten in 1994; her parents; one brother, J.D. Pritchett in 1997; a sister, Pauline Rivers in 1999 and two grandchildren. Pallbearers are Danny Bowman, James Hooten, Bobby Anderson, Todd Fansler, Jag Stewart and James Taylor. Visitation is from 6 to 8 p.m. today at Point Funeral Home.

Virginia Wyatt
CHANDLER - Virginia Bell Wyatt, 71, of Greenville died Nov. 24 in a Tyler hospital. Funeral services were Monday at Rock Hill Baptist Church with Danny Bristol officiating. Burial was in Rock Hill Cemetery. She was born June 20, 1928 in Austin. She was a retired nurse and a Baptist. Surviving are a daughter, Debbie Oliver of Vail, Colo.; sisters Pat Cannon of Athens, Sidney Flygare of Houston and Jessie Stitt of Corpus Christi; four grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. Pallbearers were Roland Hoskin, Nolan Hoskin, Ronny Lawrence, Larry Don Lawrence and James Smith. Chandler Memorial Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

December 1, 1999

Glen Burke
Glen Burke, 91, of Greenville died Monday at North Central Medical Center in McKinney. Funeral services are at 2 p.m. Thursday at Peters Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Bob Layman officiating. Burial is in Forest Park Cemetery. He was born Dec. 28, 1910 in Caddo Mills, son of James Frank Burke and Cornelia Couch Burke. On July 14, 1972 he married Dorothy Lou Evans Burke in Greenville. Mr. Burke was employed by the City of Greenville as caretaker of the city cemeteries. He was a member of Highland Terrace Baptist Church. Surviving are son and daughter-in-law, Charles W. and Sheron Evans of Greenville; brothers Charles Burke of Garland and Bill Burke of Greenville; a sister, Mary Ann Smith of Palestine and grandchildren Heidi Donaldson of Greenville, Gene Evans of Royse City and Charles W. Evans Jr. of New Zealand. His wife preceded him in death on Jan. 13, 1988. Visitation is from 7 to 8:30 p.m. today at the funeral home.

Jewell Camp
Funeral services for Jewell F. Camp of Greenville will be at 10 a.m. Thursday at Coker-Mathews Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Robert Baldridge and Rev. Bob Layman officiating. Burial is in the I.O.O.F. Cemetery in Caddo Mills. Mrs. Camp died Tuesday at Greenville Health and Rehabilitation. She was born in Caddo Mills on Oct. 6, 1910 to C.H.B. Spradling and Sara Lina Gray. She and William Camp married Jan. 1, 1930 in Greenville. She was a member of Highland Terrace Baptist Church. Mrs. Camp is survived by three grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband in 1980 and son Billy Camp in 1978. Pallbearers are Guy Shields, Troy Meeks, Al Thomas, Charles Cantrell, Joel Bench and Raymond Diggs.

Kenneth Craft
BELLS - Services for Kenneth Dale Craft, 61, of Greenville are at 2 p.m. Thursday at Mullican-Little Funeral Home Chapel in Savoy. Burial is in Sunnyside Cemetery, Savoy. Mr. Craft died Tuesday at his residence. Born Dec. 26, 1937 in Grayson County, he was the son of Walter Ray Craft and Lettie Lois Speed Craft. He married Patricia Ruth Moore on June 3, 1960 at the Bells parsonage. Mr. Craft was a graduate of Texas A&M University and retired from E-Systems in Greenville as an engineer with 32 years' service. Surviving are his wife; children Clayton Dale Craft and wife Tonja of Bells, Holly Andreola and husband Michael of Greenville, Shana Craft of McKinney and Justin Craft of Canton; five grandchildren, Jeremy and Caitlin Craft of Bells and Jessica, Matthew and Laci Andreola of Greenville; his mother of Bells and siblings Marie Jordan, Johnnie Craft, Raylene Gray and Sandra Bassett, all of Bells. He was preceded in death by a son, Warren Lynn Craft in April 1962 and his father in April 1981. Pallbearers are Pat Templeton, Joseph Harrison, Jeffrey Youree, Mark Youree, Billy Teague Sr., Brian Gray, Scott Verzi and David Daniel. Visitation is from 7 to 8 p.m. today at funeral home.

Berlin Lokey
FARMERSVILLE - Berlin D. Lokey, 71, of Waldren, Ark. died Monday. Funeral services are at 2 p.m. Thursday at Fielder-Baker Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Darren Biles and Rev. Doyle Henderson officiating. Burial is in Pleasant Grove Cemetery in Princeton. The son of Roy and Clara Hickman Lokey, he was born Dec. 28, 1922 in Princeton. Mr. Lokey served in the U.S. Army and worked as a security guard. He was a member of First Baptist Church in Princeton. He is survived by a daughter, Donna Miller of Barstow, Calif.; a son, Mark Crocker of Saginaw; sisters Wilma Reisor of Greenville, Nelda Burnside of Farmersville and Mildred Bishop and Mary Whitemire of Princeton; brother Kenneth Lokey of Farmersville; seven grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. Visitation is from 6 to 8 p.m. today at the funeral home.

Lois Owen
COMMERCE - Lois Evelyn Owen, 70, of Fort Worth died Monday at Huguley Hospital in Fort Worth. Funeral services are at 1 p.m. today at Jones-Walker & Son Funeral Home with Rick Neathery officiating. Burial is in Rosemound Cemetery. She was born Sept. 17, 1929 in Yowell to Joe N. White and Edna White. She and Clarence William "Red" Owen Sr. were married June 1954 in Wolfe City. Mrs. Owen was a retired seamstress who worked at Haggard's in Greenville. Surviving are her husband of Fort Worth and several nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews. A son, Clarence William "Bill" Owen preceded her in death on March 27, 1997. Pallbearers are Robert Kirkland, Harvey Boofer, Larry Kirkland, Jeremy Kirkland, Ralph Owen and Royce Head. Visitation is from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. today at the funeral home.