Billy Charles Pierce
Billy Charles Pierce, 59, of Houston, passed away April 16, 2002. Billy was born in Houston, Texas on May 28, 1942 to Russell S. and Myrtle Marie Pierce. He was the owner of Pierce & Pierce Auto Body Shop.
Preceded in death by his parents, Billy is lovingly survived by his daughters and son-in-law, Cynthia Lambert of Houston; Mary Ann & John Vackar of Pearland; the mother of his children, Charlotte Pierce of Houston; adopted daughters, Lariza and Lisa Pierce both of Houston; brother, Russell Pierce of Houston; sisters, Shirley Peterson of Houston; JoAnn Slate of Broadus, Texas; Brenda Allen of Houston; and grandchildren, Tracy Lambert, Austin Vackar, Abigail Vackar and Adam Vackar; as well as a host of friends.
Services were held April 19, 2002 at Carter Funeral Home with Rev. John Brady of Woodforest Baptist Church officiating. Pallbearers were Ted Sullivan, Andy Allen, Harry Slate, Junior Gonzales, Kenny Davis and Gary Gray. Billy was laid to rest at Brookside Cemetery.
Aubrey Young, Jr.
Aubrey "Skeet" Young, Jr., 49 of Pasadena, passed away April 15, 2002. Aubrey was born in Pasadena, Texas August 30, 1952, the son of Aubrey Sr. and Johnnie Mabel Young. He proudly served his country in the Army. "Skeet" was married April 28, 1977 to the former Lowanda Stricklin Lindsey. Skeet was preceded in death by his father Aubrey Young in February 2000.
He is lovingly survived by his wife of 24 years, Lowanda Young of Pasadena; son & daughter-in-law, Brian and C.C. Lindsey of Pasadena; daughter & son-in-law, Susan & Jeremy Schafer of Pasadena; mother, Mabel Young of Houston; sisters, Toni Johnson and Stella Goynes, both of Houston; Elaine Nicholds of Flynn, Texas and by his grandchildren, Hannah Schafer and J.D. Schafer.
Services were held Friday, April 19, 2002 at Carter Funeral Home, with Butch New officiating. Mr. Young was laid to rest in San Jacinto Memorial Park with VFW Honors under the auspices of VFW Post #8930.
Edwin Louis Kristoff, Jr.
Edwin Louis Kristoff, Jr., 53, of Houston, died April 8, 2002 after a brief illness. Eddie was born December 17, 1948 in Hearne, Texas, the son of Edwin L. Kristoff Sr. and Minnie McCoy Kristoff.
He is survived by his son & daughter-in-law, Keith & Stephanie Kristoff of Baytown, Texas; daughter, Karie Kristoff of Houston; special friend and partner, Mary Kristoff of Houston; mother, Mrs. Minnie Sanders of Franklin, Texas; brothers and sisters, Bobbie Kristoff, Michael Kristoff, Wesley Sanders, Chris Garrett, Sylvia Morris, all of Franklin, Texas; Jackie Fulmer of Athens, Texas; Mary Henderson and Mattie Starr both of Livingston, Texas; as well as one grandchild, Klayton Kristoff.
Services were held Wednesday, April 10, 2002 at Carter Funeral Chapel with Rev. Ronnie Jordan officiating.
Ronald Fernandez
Ronald Fernandez, 45, of Houston, passed away Wednesday April 3, 2002. Ronald was born April 3, 1957 in Houston, the son of Frank Sr. and Emilia Fernandez. He was married on December 16, 1975 to the former Mary Grace Guardiola. He is lovingly survived by his wife of 26 years, Mary Grace Fernandez of Houston; sons & daughter-in-law, Ronald Jr. and Christina Fernandez; Joseph Fernandez; Christopher Fernandez; Eric Fernandez and Ryan Fernandez all of Houston; brothers, Roland Fernandez; Frank Fernandez; Joe Richard Fernandez; and Hector Fernandez all of Houston; sisters, Mary Ann Fernandez; Olivia Torese and Frances Cirillo all of Houston; and by his grandsons, Ronnie Dylan Fernandez and Joseph Fernandez, Jr.
Services were held Saturday, April 6, 2002 at Carter Funeral Chapel.
Vivian Eloise Hawthorne
Vivian Eloise Hawthorne, 83, of Houston, died April 3, 2002. Mrs. Hawthorne was born December 26, 1918 in Junction City, Arkansas to George Ellis & Bobbie Calloway. She was preceded in death by her husband Leonard Hawthorne and by one son, Charles Hawthorne as well as by one brother and four sisters.
She is survived by one daughter & son-in-law, Lena & Dan Hernandez of Houston and by her half-sister, Marie Martinez of Bosier City, Louisiana and half-brothers, Ray Calloway and G.E. Calloway both of West Monroe, Louisiana; as well as by five grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.
Graveside services were held Friday, April 5, 2002 at Forest Park Cemetery in Shreveport, Louisiana.
Isaiah Alexander Murray
Baby Isaiah Alexander Murray, went to be with his heavenly father, May 19, 2002, before every knowing his earthly home. Baby Isaiah is survived by his father and mother, Jeffery & Rebecca Murray of Houston; brother and sister, Jonathan Murray and Gabriella Murray both of Houston; grandparents, Frederick & Mary Murray and Harry & Doris Garvin; as well as great-grandparents, J.R. & Doris Cravens, Leslie & Myrtle Murray and Lessie Garvin. As well as a number of aunts, uncles, and cousins.
Isaiah was laid to rest in Romney Cemetery in Cisco, Texas with Dr. Chris Craig of the First Baptist of Cisco officiating. His brief life was acknowledged and celebrated Monday, May 20 at Woodforest Baptist Church with Rev. John A. Brady and Rev. Rob Morris officiating.
Garry Keith Copeland
Mr. Garry Keith Copeland, 57, of Houston, died Friday May 17, 2002 in Warren, Michigan. Mr. Copeland was born November 7, 1944 in Bad Axe, Michigan the son of Delbert and the late Lorraine Bentley Copeland. Garry was raised in Harbor Beach and Verona, Michigan. He was a graduate of Harbor Beach High School class of 1962.
He moved to Texas in 1976. He enjoyed fishing, boating, playing darts and visiting with family and friends. He was a great sports enthusiast. He is survived by his father, Delbert Copeland of Kinde, Michigan; two sons, Michael Copeland of Bad Axe, Michigan; Daniel Copeland of Harbor Beach; four daughters, Tammi Runyuon and her husband Harold of Warren, Michigan; Kelli Sander and her husband Anthony of Warren, Michigan; Candi Wright and her husband Thomas of Houston, Texas; and Kimberly Copeland of Dallas, Texas; one sister, Julie Goodwin and her husband Andy of Atlanta, Georgia; as well as 17 grandchildren and a host of friends.
Services were held Wednesday, May 22, 2002 at Carter Funeral Chapel with Pastor Don Ballard of Calvary Church of the Nazarene officiating. Mr. Copeland was laid to rest in San Jacinto Memorial Park. Serving as pallbearers were Daniel Copeland, Michael Copeland, Garry Copeland, Thomas Wright, William Houston, David Wells, Shorty Bohler and James Guy.
Mrs. Velma Williams
Mrs. Velma Williams, 85, of Channelview, died May 10, 2002. Mrs. Williams was born July 26, 1916 in Bannister, Texas to Barney & Annie Goynes. She is survived by her son & daughter-in-law, George Michael & Connie Williams of Channelview; daughter & son-in-law, Rebecca Ann & Richard Price of Baytown, Texas; daughter, Melissa Gail Batts of Houston; sister-in-law, Dorothy Pritchett; as well as 6 grandchildren, 6 great-grandchildren, a number of nieces, nephews and friends.
Services were held Monday afternoon May 13, 2002 at Carter Funeral Chapel with Rev. Don Ballard officiating. She was laid to rest in San Jacinto Memorial Park. Serving as pallbearers were Brent Batts, Scott Price, Craig Batts, Sean Williams, Keith Price and Wayne Railey.
Thelma Whitcraft Pugh
Thelma Whitcraft Pugh, 87, of Houston, passed away May 3, 2002 at the Veterans Hospital in Houston, Texas. Thelma was born October 10, 1914 in Alma, Michigan where Thelma’s ambitious and diligent dedication to life began. She taught Sunday school and sang in the adult choir at the First Methodist Church in Alma where she was a past president of the Methodist Church Weslyn Service Guild. She served in the Army Air Corps during WWII where she worked in public relations and assisted in returning service personnel from overseas in the medical convalescent training program from 1943 to 1945.
Her early desire to become a missionary nurse changed after an illness forced her to quit her clinical work as a RN at the Herman School of Nursing. She chose teaching to be her calling instead. Thelma obtained a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Houston, a Masters in education and retains 30 hours on a doctorate in Psychology. She was a school teacher for 27 years with Houston I.S.D. and was a visiting professor at Hardin Simmons University in Abilene where she taught psychology to graduate students. She retired from Reagan as a CVAE teacher and professional counselor at Reagan and Scarborough High Schools. While teaching at Ross S. Sterling High School she was chosen V.F.W. Auxiliary National Teacher of the Year. She was the first service woman to be commissioned by Governor Preston Smith as Admiral in the Texas Navy while she was president of the VFW auxiliary in the state of Texas.
Thelma and her late husband Robert had been volunteers at the Houston VA Medical Center for 53 years. She established the Women Veterans program at the VA Medical Center with the help of VAVS Chief Jack Garrett. She served as chairman of that group and has been a woman’s advocate at VAMC where she worked as a volunteer until recently. Her service to her country and the community are endless, as well as her accomplishments. The Grayson Community Center chose her as Woman of the Year for outstanding service to the community and the elderly in Precinct #2. She served four years on the Texas Silver Haired Legislature in Austin. She was elected Woman of the Year in Northshore by AARP and has served faithfully in the American Legion Post 563 where she served as commander; She was involved in the National Honor Society of Women Legionnaires and a representative of VAVS throughout the United States; Past District 4 President of VFW Auxiliary and involved with the local VFW Post 10462 Auxillary. She was Past High Priestess of Amani Court #72 Ladies Oriental Shrine and Past President of LOS Greeters and actively involved with the Disabled American Veterans organization.
Her honors include The Freedoms Foundation Teachers medal for Outstanding Americanism & Citizenship Programs; she was honored by Channel 11 for her outstanding community service; awarded the prestigious Jefferson Award by Channel 13 for outstanding Community and Volunteer Service, just to name a few. She was a long-time member of the Westbury United Methodist Church and Fidelis Sunday School Class.
Thelma Pugh was preceded in death by her beloved husband Robert Pugh in July of 1999. She is survived by her sister, Vergil Thompson of Alma, Michigan; devoted nephew Merlyn Thompson of Breckenridge, Michigan; niece, Beverly Shoemaker and husband Richard of Higgins Lake, Elaine Webster of Lansing, Michigan; devoted great-nephew Jon Thompson & wife Diane of Muskegon, Michigan; great-niece Jill Stoneman and husband William of Breckenridge, Michigan; Michigan; as well as many other great nieces and nephews, great-great nieces and nephews; many devoted friends and neighbors, friends in veteran organizations and fraternal organizations such as the Masonic and Eastern Star, Magnolia #706.
Services are 9:30 a.m. Wednesday, May 8 at Westbury United Methodist, 5200 Willowbend in Houston, officiated by Rev. J.D. Phillips and Rev. Richard Heyduck. Thelma will be laid to rest beside her husband in the Houston National Cemetery with full military honors under the auspices of the VFW District 4 Memorial Team.
In lieu of usual remembrances, the family request that donations be sent to the Thelma Pugh/Merlyn Thompson V.O.D. Scholarship Fund in memory of Robert O. "Bob" & Thelma Pugh’s, c/o Department of Texas V.F.W., Attn: Glen Gardner, P.O. Box 14468, Austin, Texas 78761.
Edward Joseph Marini
Edward Joseph Marini, 75, of Houston, went to be with his Lord on June 25, 2002 after a long illness. Mr. Marini was born July 31, 1926 in Greenfield, Masachusetts to Joseph & Angelina Marini.
Mr. Marini was a veteran of World War II with service in the U.S. Army. He is survived by his wife, Celia Ione Marini of Houston; sons & daughters-in-law, David & Patty Marini of Kaufman, Texas and Philip & Sherrie Marini of Kaufman, Texas; as well as grandchildren, Michael Marini, Clinton Thamm, Robbie Marini, Josh Marini, Brandy Bryant, Amber Bryant and Stacy Marini.
Services were held 11:00 a.m. Friday June 28, 2002 at Carter Funeral Chapel with son, Pastor David Marini officiating. Mr. Marini was laid to rest in Houston National Cemetery.
Johnny Slay Morris
Johnny Slay Morris, 66, of Jacinto City, died June 22, 2002 after a long illness. Johnny was born May 7, 1936 in Brookland, Texas to George Monroe & Annie Mae Morris. Johnny served in the U.S. Army, retiring as Sergeant First Class after 20 years of service. He was preceded in death by his precious wife Betty in December 1998, as well as his parents, two brothers and three sisters.
He is survived by sons & daughters-in-law, Billy & Janet Saunders of Jacinto City; Steven & Tammy Saunders of Dayton, Texas; daughter & son-in-law, Teresa & Wayne Chapman of Silsbee, Texas; brother, Earl Morris of Livingston, Texas; sisters Lucille Rains of Buna, Texas; Athernor Neely of Kirbyville and Virginia Boh of Angleton, Texas; sisters-in-law, Virginia Morris and Ethel Morris; as well as by 12 grandchildren, 6 great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.
Services were conducted 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, June 25 at Carter Funeral Chapel. Johnny was laid to rest in Houston National Cemetery with full Military Honors conducted under the auspices of V.F.W. District 4 Memorial Team and the U.S. Army Memorial Team.
Wanda M. Stroud
Wanda M. Stroud, 81, of Houston, passed away, Tuesday, June 11, 2002. Mrs. Stroud was born June 20, 1920, in Willow Spring, Texas, the daughter of Edgar L. & Zula Hillhouse. Preceded in death by her husband, Willie Fisher Stroud, Mrs. Stround is lovingly survived by her children, Ollie Jean Simmons, Edwina Naderpour Purcell, William E. Phillips, & Thomas Wayne Phillips; grandchildren, Julian Lynn Reagan, Joey Phillips, Cynthia Key, William P. Dupuis, Albert Dupuis, Tammy Rodriquez, Samah Naderpour, Jonathan Naderpour, Wanda Grimes, Charles Maines, David Simmons, Ray Lynn Goodwin, Mandy Phillips, Shanette Phillips; sister, Lila Pearl Matthews, numerous great-grandchildren and three great-great-grandchildren.
Services were held Friday, June 14, 2002 at Carter Funeral Home with Mr. Ronnie Ratcliff of Kirby Avenue Church of Christ officiating. Mrs. Stroud was laid to rest in Raven Hill Cemetery in Willow Springs, Texas.
Betty Joyce McKenzie
Betty Joyce McKenzie, 72, of Houston, went to be with her Lord July 15, 2002. Betty was born July 23, 1929 in Freeport, Texas to Moody and Ruby Rogers. She was preceded in death by her husband R.A. McKenzie on October 26, 2001 and is lovingly survived by her step-mother, Lurline Rogers of Mart, Texas; sons and daughters-in-law, Roger A. and Dr. Carole McKenzie of Lindale, Texas; and Deryl W. and Deborah McKenzie of Houston; daughter, Joyce Michelle McKenzie of Brenham, Texas; brother, John Rogers of Groesbeck, Texas; grandchildren, Ryan A. McKenzie of Wayne, Pennsylvania; Rory A. & Katherine McKenzie of Lindale, Texas; Jennifer D. Wright of Channelview; Angela N. Majeski & husband Steven A. Majeski of Votaw, Texas; Albert L. Sontag, Jr. of Houston; great-grandchildren, Karlee M. Wright of Channelview; Sergio E. Sontag of Kileen, Texas; Krista N. Sontag of Votaw; Morgan A. Lockhart of Votaw; Robert C. Majeski of Votaw; as well as best friends, Anne Grigsby, Charlene Lucas, Helen Chmiel, Kay Howard and numerous other friends.
Services were held at 2:00 p.m. Tuesday, July 16, 2002 at Woodforest Baptist Church, 13305 Woodforest Blvd. with Rev. Rob Morris and Rev. John Brady officiating. Mrs. McKenzie was laid to rest 1:00 p.m. Wednesday, July 17, 2002 at Dawson Cemetery in Dawson, Texas.
Keyerra Dashae Robinson
Baby Keyerra Dashae Robinson, infant daughter of Vincent Robinson and Desiree Galvan passed away July 11, 2002. Keyerra is lovingly survived by her parents, Vincent Robinson and Desiree Galvan both of Channelview; twin sisters Teyerra Robinson and Sierra Robinson of Channelview; brother, Gotti Robinson of Crosby; sister, Justus Robinson of Crosby; grandparents, Mary Ann and William Galvan of Channelview; Theresa Robinson of Crosby, Texas; and great-grandparents, Francis Galvan and Erise Robinson.
Graveside services were held Thursday, July 18, 2002 in Memory Gardens Cemetery in Baytown, Texas with Father Steve Zigrang of St. Andrew's Catholic Church in Channelview, officiating.
