Funeral services were held for Courtney L. Gamble on Feb. 25 at First Baptist Church in Mexia. He passed away on February 17, 2017.  Courtney was born Jan. 22, 1976 to Reginald Tucker and Pamela Gamble, in Mexia.
He attended John H. Reagan School in San Angelo then moved back to Mexia to finish school in the Mexia School District.
He was employed by Woodson Lumber and Hardware for 10 years. He was preceded in death by his father, Reginald Tucker; grandparents, Emanuel C. and Bettye L. Gamble Hawkins. Those left to cherish his memories are: mother, Pamela Gamble; father, Pastor Wilmer Davis of Mexia; sisters, Koeshia Gamble, Kendra Steward of Dallas; brothers, Bravious (Big B) Gamble, Dravis Davis, Wilmer (Nudy) Davis, all of Mexia; daughter he loved as his own, Crocreshia Gamble Johnson; grandmother, Wanda Hammond; aunts, Bridgette (Fred) Gamble, Kimberly (Kenneth) Forge; uncle, Michael (Carolyn) Gamble; great aunt, Gayle Gamble; great uncle, Charles “Kidd”  (Lorraine) Gamble; special friend, Darlene Winn; nine nieces, Brianna Miller, Temiah Coleman, Jamyria McMillian, NyJanae, Koryell, Jaleah, Deyonna, Sabrine, Daliylah; two nephews, Wilmer, Jr., Dravion.
Services were rendered by Dr. Cedrick Gamble, Director of Pearly Gates Funeral Home

Dora Mae Curry Harper was born on May 9, 1942 to John Curry and Marzella Canada in Limestone County both of whom preceded her in death. She was raised in the community of Springfield (Mexia) and attended Kate Long school in Springfield. She later attended Woodland High School in Mexia. She joined Canaan Baptist Church at an early age and was a faithful member. She later moved to Dallas where she lived until she married Arthur Harper and moved to Houston. There she lived a number of years until returning to Dallas to be near her sisters and brothers and family members. In the early 1990’s she moved back to Mexia and went to work in the health care field. When she wasn’t working, she enjoyed antiquing with her sisters Margaret and Edna. She was devoted to her family who loved her dearly. She will be greatly missed.
She was preceded in death by her beloved step-mother, Florence C. Curry; brothers, Jessie Lee, John L.; Dave and Manuel; sisters, Johnnie Ruth Geiger and Margaret Beachum.
She leaves to mourn: daughter, Pasty Ann Curry; son, Michael Curry; four grandchildren, Christopher Curry, Julion Curry, Noel Curry and Aiesha Harper; sisters, Annie Lee Petty, Evelyn Coleman, Clarissa Jennings, Edna Keaton, Mary Hodge, Lynett West, Betty Forge; brother, Charles Jones;  a host of nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews; cousins and friends.  
Ms. Curry went to her heavenly home on Feb. 28, 2017.  Funeral services for Dora Mae Curry Harper will be held at 1 p.m., Saturday, March 11 at Mt. Gideon Baptist Church of Doyle. Services and arrangements entrusted to Pearly Gates Funeral Home of Mexia.

Virginia Rae Chatham, of Mexia, passed away March 9, 2017 in Groesbeck at the age of 89.  Funeral services will be 2 p.m., Sunday, March 12 at Blair-Stubbs Chapel with the Reverend Marcus Sheffield officiating. Interment will follow in the Stranger Cemetery. Erik Addy, Jason Carroll, Michael Krumnow, James Anderson, Micah Anderson and Danny Martinez will serve as pallbearers.
Virginia was born August 31, 1927 in San Antonio to Oliver Lee “Ollie” and Lucy Pearl McBee Hoke. She and her family moved to Mexia on July 4, 1968. She retired in 1992, after 20 years of service, as an Assistant Manager/Loan Officer for the Mexia State School Credit Union.
Virginia married James Durwood Chatham in Lubbock on July 31, 1951; they were blessed with two children, James R. “Randy” and Carol. Her family was her pride and joy; she loved her children but the grandchildren and great-grandchildren truly owned her heart. Fishing was Virginia’s favorite pastime but she also enjoyed playing games with her family, cooking and entertaining family and friends.    
Virginia always had a smile and friendly greeting for everyone she met. Throughout her working career, she made numerous friends through the customers she served at Mexia City Hall and Mexia State School Credit Union, as well as her co-workers. Virginia was a faithful Christian and a longtime member of the Northcrest Church of Christ and, until her failing health, was always a very active participate.
She was preceded in death by her parents; granddaughter, Jenny Chatham; two brothers; and one sister.
Virginia is survived by her husband of 65 years, James D. Chatham of Mexia; son, James R. Chatham and wife, Jana L. of Fontana, Calif.; daughter, Carol Addy of Grapevine; grandsons, Chad Addy of South Lake and Erik Addy of Grapevine; granddaughter, Elizabeth Addy of Flower Mound and Julie Carroll of Canyon Lake; and great-grandchildren, Asher, Rylen and Hudson Martinez and Addison and Luke Carroll.   
Guest may visit blair-stubbs.com to sign the guest book or leave the family a message of condolence.  

Jeanetta Robinson Bronaugh left this world on March 9, 2017.
She was born Dec. 4, 1931 in Waco to Earl Curtis Robinson and Elizabeth Rose Hopper Robinson.
A “Remembrance Service” will be held at 1 p.m., Saturday, March 18 at the United Methodist Church of Tehuacana. Service will be conducted by David Bates. Bring your memories and share.
Netta was a graduate of the LVN program at General Mexia Hospital and for 32 years cared for hospital and nursing home patients.
Preceding her in death were her parents, her son Richard “Crow” Bronaugh, brother Kenny Robinson, sister Rose Evelynn Robinson, nephews Chuck Shields, Chris Dobbs, Cody Crim and a niece Lori Shields.
Leaving to cherish her memory are son Robert Bronuagh and Jean; daughters Layne Bronaugh Webb and Lynette “Nettie” Bronaugh Young and Terry; grandchildren Glynn Bronaugh and wife Candice, Carrie Webb, Donnell Webb Gonzales and husband Rick, Jack Mathis and wife Claire, Daniel Crow Mathis, Michelle Gougherty and husband Scott; thirteen great-grandchildren, and one great-great grandchild.
Also surviving, brother Robert Robinson and wife Bessie, sister Pat Shields and husband Johnny, sister Lynnda Crim, with a host of nieces and nephews along with extended family and friends.

Carolyn Ann Dickerson Bryant passed away peacefully on March 11, 2017 at the age of 76 years and two months. She will be forever loved and deeply missed.
Carolyn was preceded in death by her husband of 51½ years, Dave James Bryant, on Nov. 26, 2011. 
Carolyn is survived by her daughter, Norma Jane Bryant Walker; granddaughter, Tracie Renae Keeling; great-grandson, Dalton Keeling; great-granddaughter, Cheyenne Keeling; and special family, Andy Howard. She is also survived by daughter, Deborah Kay Bryant Tomkins Grodecki; grandson, James Tomkins; granddaughter, Ashley Grodecki; sister, Esther Raye Dickerson Thomas and Brother, Jerry Lynn Dickerson.
She was also preceded in death by her parents, James Atwood Dickerson and Vivian Esther Dickerson Culpepper; brother, Jay Dickerson; and sisters, Bonnie Dickerson Farmer, Catherine Dickerson Fay and Audrey Dickerson Bruce.
Carolyn Bryant was an amazing woman who loved being a wife, mother, grandma and nana to her family. Carolyn was a homemaker who enjoyed reading books, sewing, fishing and hunting. She liked working in the yard tending to roses, flowers and plants. Memories of her will not be forgotten and she will always remain in our hearts.
Carolyn requested to have a direct cremation, with no memorial service.
Visit blair-stubbs.com to sign the guest book or leave the family a message of condolence.

Edna Earleene Stewart passed away March 13, 2017 at her home in Mexia at the age of 70.  Funeral services will be at 2 p.m., Thursday, March 16 at Calvary Baptist Church with the Reverend Shane Norcross officiating.  Interment will follow in the Prairie Grove Cemetery.  Keith East, David Perry, Lawton Stewart, Steven Stewart, David Marez and Eric Fisher will serve as pallbearers.
Visitation with the family will be prior to the service beginning at 1 p.m. at Calvary Baptist Church.
Edna was born Sept. 13, 1946 in Mexia to Earl L. and Mary Lou Douglas Stewart.  She was a lifelong resident of Mexia and a member of the Mexia High School Class of 1965.  She received an associate degree from MCC and retired, after28 years of service, as a training supervisor at the Mexia State School.
Edna’s life revolved around her love for God, family and friends.  Spending time with her family and enjoying every opportunity to spoil her grandchildren and great-grandsons was most precious to her.  She was a longtime active member of the Calvary Baptist Church.  Edna loved her church and church family and was always willing to serve wherever needed.  She, especially, enjoyed working in Operation Christmas Child and helping with arts and crafts during Vacation Bible School.  She had also worked as Church Clerk.  Edna’s hobbies were traveling and shopping at Target.
She was preceded in death by her parents; and brother and sister-in-law, Don and Bobbie Stewart.
Edna is survived by her daughter, Donnette East and husband, Keith of Barry; grandchildren, Emily Fisher and husband, Eric of Malkoff and Rachel East of Tyler; great-grandsons, Easton and Eli Fisher of Malakoff; niece, Tammie Perry and husband, David of Blooming Grove; and nephews, Lawton Stewart of Corsicana and Steven Stewart and wife, Cheryl of Rogers, Ark.; very best friend, Joann DeMoss. 
Memorials may be made to Calvary Baptist Church Vacation Bible School or Christmas Child Fund, 519 S. McKinney, Mexia, Texas 76667.
Edna’s family would like to extend their deepest appreciation to Providence Hospice for the wonderful care given during her illness.
Visit blair-stubbs.com to sign the guest book or leave the family a message of condolence.

The Angelic Host came for Mr. Willie C. West on Saturday, March 11, 2017 at his Teague residence among loving family and devoted friends.  Viewing and visitation will be at Moore’s Angelic  Chapel from 6-8 p.m. with the family present.  Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. in the Moore’s Angelic Funeral Chapel with Min. Alford Lee Carter, officiating and Elder Billy Ray Jackson, Eulogist.  Interment will be in the Antioch Cemetery, N. 1st Street in Teague.  The Repast will be held in the First Baptist Church North Teague on Grayson Street. Mr. West was the 7th child born to the late A. Z. and Elizabeth West in Groesbeck  He is survived by:  his wife, Ardella Mae West and their 7 children, numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren; 2 brothers; 3 sisters, and a host of other family members and close friends.  Moore’s Angelic Funeral Home 406 Monroe Street, Teague, is serving the West Family.  Visit mooresangelicfuneralhome.com to sign the guestbook and light a candle.

Mary D. Wilson, 80, of Coolidge, passed away March 13, 2017 in Groesbeck.  Funeral services will be at 2 p.m., Saturday, March 18 at First Baptist Church in Coolidge with the Reverend Chuck Sturgeon and Chaplain Jon Honea officiating.  Interment will follow in the Prairie Hill Cemetery.  Ricky Shearer, Gary Kilgo, Steve Kilgo, Charles Herrell, Kevin Pederson and David Pederson will serve as pallbearers.
Visitation with the family will be prior to the service, beginning at 1 p.m.
Mary was born Dec. 12, 1936 in Hubbard to Louis A. and Florence Jones Kilgo.  She grew up and attended school in Hubbard.  On Jan. 20, 1956 in Garland, she married the love of her life, Elmer Raymond Wilson.  After a few years, they moved to Coolidge, where they made their home.  Mary retired, after 40 years of service as an office assistant for Coolidge ISD.
Although Mary worked outside the home, being a wife and mother was her first priority.  She always enjoyed having her family together, especially, for holidays.  She loved spending time with her grandchildren, they were her pride and joy.  Mary enjoyed sewing and working in her flower beds, she loved pretty flowers. She was a member of the First Baptist Church in Coolidge and the Coolidge Garden Club.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband of 60 years, Elmer R. Wilson; brother, Louis Kilgo; and sisters, Edna White, Varve Pederson, Jacqueline “Jackie” Shearer and Jenny Herrell.
Mary is survived by her daughter, Karen Ward of Coolidge; son, Wyatt Wilson and wife, Melissa of Prairie Hill; five grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; sister, Dorthory Feeler of Ft. Worth; and brothers, Carter Kilgo of Tyler and Charles Wayne Kilgo of Hubbard.   
Visit blair-stubbs.com to sign the guest book or leave the family a message of condolence.   

Evelyn Thomas Hendricks was born on Dec. 30, 1948 to the late R.L. Thomas and Verner Lee Thomas in Limestone County. She passed away on March 10, 2017.   
She attended and graduated in 1967 from Blackshear Washington High School where participated in sports and band. Thereafter she attended Tyler Jr. College and later attended Navarro College to become a Dietician. 
During her early years, she was a member of Lone Star Baptist Church of Groesbeck and then became an active member of Kingdom Hall as a Jehovah Witness in Mexia.  
She later met and married Bennie Hendricks who preceded her in death.
Evelyn Thomas Hendricks  was also preceded in death by her parents; brothers, Lee Wilmer Thomas and Robert Thomas; sisters, Ruth Marie Miles, Gladys Jackson and Alice Tatum; niece, Cathy Wickware and nephews, Dyrone Henderson and Lewis Williams
Those left to cherish her memories: sons, Ernest (Kristy) Walker and Edward Walker of Groesbeck; grandson, Ernest Walker Jr “Pat-Pat”;  sisters, Shirley (Robert) Henderson and Mary Elaine Thomas of Groesbeck, Nina Ray Mclemore, a nephew more like a brother, LaFredric (Trina) Thomas of Groesbeck;  brother-in- law, Willie Jackson; uncles, Colbert ( Lola Faye) Cox of Corpus Christi, Gilford Thomas and Richard Thomas of Lubbock; aunts, Claudia Cox of Marlin, Rosemary West of Dallas, Evelyn Thomas and Frankie Milus of Groesbeck.
Funeral services will be held at 3 p.m., March 18 at Lone Star Baptist Church of Groesbeck. 
Services entrusted to Pearly Gates Funeral Home of Mexia.

Charles Ray “Chuck” Beldin, 76, of Mexia, passed away March 15, 2017 in Waco. Funeral services will be 10 a.m., Saturday, March 18 at Blair-Stubbs Chapel with the Reverend Ronnie Dabney officiating. Interment will follow in the Wortham Cemetery.  Jonnie Masters, Jackie Beldin, Dennis Hughes, Robert Myers, James Lloyd and Brandon Walton will serve as pallbearers.
Visitation with the family was 5-7 p.m., Friday, at Blair-Stubbs Funeral Home.
Chuck was born Oct. 10, 1940 in Wortham to Samuel R. and Mary K. Lide Beldin. He was owner and operator of a number of various businesses in Mexia for over 50 years.
Chuck was well known by many; if you were a stranger when he met you, you were a friend when you departed. Family and friends were most important to Chuck, he was a loving father and grandfather. He also enjoyed deer hunting, fishing and, especially, visiting with people. Chuck made the most of enjoying life and will be missed by his family and all who knew him.
He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Bettie Beldin; and siblings, W. R. “Buster” Beldin, Maurice Beldin, John Henry Beldin, Pete Beldin, Mary Dabney, Martha Whitley, Ruth Speights, Loretta Blackmon and Jody Beldin.
Chuck is survived by his loving family, son, Bobby Beldin of Mexia; daughter, Jamie Kyser and husband, Nick of Troy; grandchildren, Brittany Walton and husband, Brandon, Bryan Beldin, Jennifer Duncan and Candace McMinn; great-grandchildren, Cayse, David, Brinlynn, Madison, Hunter and Xzavian; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Visit blair-stubbs.com to sign the guest book or leave the family a message of condolence.

Ruby Merle Westmoreland, age 90, of Gatesville, passed away Tuesday, March 14, 2017. Graveside services was at 11 a.m., Friday, March 17 at Mexia City Cemetery in Mexia with Chaplain Gary Baxley officiating. Visitation was Thursday, March 16 from 5-7 p.m. at Scott’s Funeral Home.
Merle was born on August 5, 1926 in Baskin, La. to the late Roy Edgar Davis and Virginia Maxwell Davis. She graduated from Rayville High School in Rayville, La. in 1944. She graduated from Louisiana State University with a Bachelors of Sociology. While at LSU, she was an “LSU Beauty.” After college, she met Roy Westmoreland on a blind date. They married not long after and moved to south Texas. Merle was an active member of the community and of First Baptist Church in Alice. She was a PTA president and one of her more proud moments was winning “Yard of the Month.” Merle was known by friends and family for having a gregarious personality and a positive outlook on life.  
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Roy Pitt Westmoreland; and son, Roy Kent Westmoreland.
Merle is survived by her daughter, Elizabeth Lee Thomas and husband, Randy; grandchildren, Savannah Halteman and husband, Shawn and Roy Dalton Thomas and wife, Brook; and great-grandchildren, Jack Dalton Thomas and Griffin Conner Thomas.
Memorials may be made to the Mexia Academic Award & Scholarship Program, P. O. Box 534, Mexia, Texas 76667.

Bobbie Richardson of Wortham passed away Sunday, March 19, 2017.
Bobbie was born just outside of Tehuacana on April 17, 1928. She lived there with her parents Dossie and Roma Spakes and brother Doyle (Jumbo) Spakes and attended school in Tehuacana. After graduating from the seventh grade, she then moved to Wortham to finish out her education. In Wortham, she met her lifelong mate, W.O. Richardson. Together Bobbie and W.O. built a life in Wortham where they raised their four children.
Bobbie’s dedication and love for the community ran as deep as her family ties to the Wortham area, which can be traced back to the 1800s. Together, she and W.O. owned and operated multiple businesses over the years. Their journey began in the sheet metal business, adding air conditioning, and later purchased the local hardware store and created Wortham Construction and Supply and built many homes and businesses in the area. After retiring from the home building business, Bobbie continued to run Wortham Construction and Supply – known to locals as the Lumber Yard - and later added The Back Room Custom Picture Framing. She ran both businesses for many years.
She was happiest when working and serving her family, church and community. She raised her family in the Central Presbyterian Church of Wortham where she taught Sunday school and later served as an Elder in the church. Always ahead of her time, she was never concerned about traditional gender roles and was as comfortable hanging gutter as she was sewing uniforms for all of the cheerleaders, sewing wedding dresses, keeping bees, organic gardening, building cabinets, baking cookies for a school fund- raiser, or rocking the grand babies. She served as a den mother, room mother, PTA President, President of the Freestone Art League, worked on numerous committees and could always be counted on to support area projects from saving Ft. Parker, taking part in Frontier Days to supporting the Wortham Area Chamber of Commerce on their many projects including The Wortham Blues Festival.
Bobbie loved to read, appreciated the arts, was quick to smile and laughed often. She lived a simple life, had a strong faith, gave of herself without asking for anything in return. She was a friend to many.
Bobbie was preceded in death by her husband W.O. Richardson, parents Dossie and Roma Spakes, and brother Doyle (Jumbo) Spakes. She is survived by her children: Paula Richardson-Rogers of Groesbeck, Gary Richardson and wife Tina of La Port, Robin Hulsey and husband Jeff of Pflugerville, Kim Johns and husband George of Wortham, grandchildren Amy Kramer and husband Chris of Manassas, Va., Brandon Richardson, Sean Richardson and wife Sophia, and Alexandra Johns all of Wortham, Ryan Hulsey and wife Shannon of Denver, and great grandchildren, C.J. and Ashley Kramer, Gavin Richardson, Jalen Ashley and Emma Hulsey.
In keeping with Bobbie’s wishes, services will be held graveside only at the Tehuacana cemetery at 10 a.m., Wednesday, March 22. There will be fellowship immediately following in the Family Life Center of the Methodist Church of Tehuacana. Funeral arrangements are being handled by Corley- Porter Funeral Home of Mexia/Wortham.
Visit porterfuneralhometx.com to sign the guestbook.

Services for Ethel Marie Ford was held at 11 a.m., Saturday, March 18, 2017 at Lincoln Center Recreation in College Station. Ms. Ford passed away on March 7, 2017. Services entrusted to Pearly Gates Funeral Home of Mexia.
And This Is My Life Story….
On the blessed day of Feb. 10, 1952, a beautiful baby girl was born to the proud parents, Isaiah and Doris Marie Merchant in Shiro. They lovingly named her ETHEL MARIE MERCHANT. She was the first daughter to be born to this union and so they showered her with love.
 
HER WALK WITH THE LORD
With loving Christian guidance from her parents, Ethel accepted Christ as her personal Lord and Savior at an early age and was baptized. She was a very faithful, hard-working, and a life long member of the Christ Holy Missionary Baptist Church were Pastor Kimmie Daily-Hawkins served as the pulpit minister. She was an  active member of the Usher Board where she later became president. Ethel desired  a closer relationship with the Lord so she decided to attend the School of Prophets for Ministerial Development for Christian Outreach (Pearland) where she received a diploma under the leadership of Rev. Dr. Debra Ford, president. 
She attended Lincoln High School and later attended A&M Consolidated High School receiving her diploma in May 1970 and later attended Charles and Sue’s School of Hair Design.
 
LOVED ONES WHOM
PRECEDED HER IN DEATH
Ethel Marie Ford was preceded in death by her father, Isaiah Merchant, mother, Doris Marie Merchant, brothers, James H. Nichols, Billy Ray Nichols and one grandson, Randall Scott Ford, Jr.

HER FOOTPRINTS
Ethel Marie Ford was a loving wife to Robert Lawrence Ford where they married on March 31, 1990, in College Station, no children were born to this union. She leaves to cherish her memories three daughters, Myesia Merchant (Houston), Zavondria Shorter, and Ramondria Shorter of College Station, one step daughter, Jamie Loud Johnson (Xavian) of Bryan; four sisters, Sheneka Merchant of College Station, whom she raised as a daughter; half-sister, Sharon Jackson, Dallas; two step-sisters, Cynthia Lockett and Denise Watson (Byrrone), Brother Charles Merchant of Bryan; nine grandchildren and eight great grandchildren.
 
GOD GIVEN LIFE
One given God-brother, Aaron Sharp of Bakersfield, CA, one God-sister, Sheliah Newton (Robert) of DeSoto; one  God-daughter, Chiquita Griffin, one God-son, Derrick Jacobs and one God given granddaughter, Raven Manley, and special friend Brandy Cobbs.
 
DEDICATED PROFESSION
Ethel was a dedicated employee of College Station Independent School District where she was a Bus Driver for 34 years before she retired. She was well respected by her peers, where she is truly missed. She was well known in her community for her loving spirit and generous heart. She was always willing to help others in need. Her hobby was playing bingo where she will be missed.

Freda Murel Fox Daniel passed away March 20, 2017 in Mexia at the age of 88. Graveside services and interment will be 11a.m., Wednesday, March 22 at Laurel Land Memorial Park in Fort Worth with the Reverend James Dorman officiating.
Freda was born Jan. 16, 1929 in Brownfield to Eldridge Monroe and Lena Cooper Fox. After graduating high school, she continued her education and received a degree in cosmetology. Freda’s career as a beautician ended after 40 years of service.
Freda married, the love of her life, Preston Dearmon Daniel on Aug. 11, 1945 in Glen Rose, they were blessed with three daughters, Paula, LuAnn and Shannon. After retiring, they moved to Mexia in 1991 to be close to family, especially, the grandchildren. Freda devoted her life to serving the Lord and loving and caring for her family. She was an active member of Landmark Baptist Church.
She was preceded in death by her parents; and loving husband of 55 years, Preston Daniel.
Freda is survived by her daughters, Paula Holder of Gun Barrel City, LuAnn Locke and husband, Brent of Mexia and Shannon Dorman and husband, James of Jacksonville; grandchildren, Jeff Holder, Laura Sides, Amanda Smith, Preston Locke, Emma Dorman and Joshua Dorman; great-grandchildren, Robert W. Holder, Richard D. Holder, Gracie Smith, Jasper Smith, Peyton Sides, Lena Kate Sides, Faith Locke and Michael Brent Locke; and brother, Don Fox of Pilot Point.

William Thomas “Tommy” Dabney, Sr. passed away March 20, 2017 at his home in Mexia at the age of 70.  Funeral services will be 2 p.m., Thursday, March 23 at Blair-Stubbs Chapel with the Reverend Marcus Sheffield officiating. Interment, with Military Honors, will follow in the LaSalle Cemetery. William T. Dabney, III, Sean Ridge, Donnie Morrow, Trevor Morrow, Bennie Ray Murphy and Terry Adams will serve as pallbearers. 
Visitation with the family will be 5-7 p.m., Wednesday, at Blair-Stubbs Funeral Home.
Tommy was born Jan. 12, 1947 in Groesbeck to James William Dabney and Bertha Lee Allen Morrow. He had been a resident of Mexia for most of his life. Tommy proudly served his country in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War, he was awarded two Bronze Stars and a Purple Heart.   Prior to retirement, he worked in concrete construction.
On Dec. 2, 2002 in Corsicana, he married his loving wife, Betty Caldwell. Tommy enjoyed spending time with his wife and family, he was a loving husband, father and grandfather. His favorite pastime was playing the guitar. He was a lifetime member of the VFW.
He was preceded in death by his parents; son, William John Dabney and brother, Willard Bosley.
Tommy is survived by his wife, Betty Dabney of Mexia; children, Tammy Swift, Virginia Dabney, William Dabney, Jr. and wife, Paula and Belinda Gail Jenkins all of Mexia; 10 grandchildren; 5 great-grandchildren; brothers, James Dabney and wife, Sue and Steve Pingleton and wife, Dee; and sisters, Datha Ledbetter and husband, Randall and Sue Morrow; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Visit blair-stubbs.com to sign the guest book or leave the family a message of condolence.

Sidell Winn, Jr. (Bootsy, Big Red, Uncle Sid, Skillet) was born in Wortham to the parentage of Sidell Will, Sr. and Lessie L. Winn on Jan. 15, 1941, a long time ago. At an early age, he professed his commitment and love of Jesus Christ and became a member of New Home Baptist Church under the direction of L.L. Sheffield  of Mexia. He was also a member of St. John AME Church of Mexia then a member of Mustang Baptist Church under the leadership of Pastor Riley Armstead.
He graduated from Dunbar High School in Mexia in 1959 and enlisted in the United States Navy where he became a master boilermaker and was honorably discharged in 1961. Sid worked for United States Airlines in San Francisco, Calif. and Douglas Aircraft in Long Beach, Calif.
One daughter was born to he and Ms. Inez Wright. He was married to Ms. Myrna Loy Echols in 1963 and they had four sons. The family relocated back to Texas in 1969 and settled in Dallas. Sid worked for LTV Corporation and later the United States Postal Service as a letter carrier and motor vehicle supervisor. In 2003, he retired from the postal service as assistant postmaster in Mexia
Sidell lived out the rest of his life in Mexia causing terror to his nieces, nephews, close family and friends. Sid fought a long battle with several illnesses but lost his battle on March 15, 2017.
Sidell was preceded in death by his parents, Sidell and Lessie Winn; brothers, Jessie and Joe Winn; sisters, Laura L. Fleming and Charlene Arnick; son, Herrick Elvester (Kevin).
Mourning Sid’s departure from life are a loving wife of 54 years, Myrna Loy Winn; daughter, Ortha R. (Ron) Jackson of Frisco; sons, Brendt (Chele), Milbray (Quincy) of Dallas and Sidell (Grenetta) Winn III of Mexia; one family who adopted Sid as their father, Drew Burks, Lessie Williams and Patricia Burke all from California; grandchildren, Brendt (Krystal), Jason (Emma), Jeremy (Davette), Erica, Ashton, Brentney, Brianna M., Brianna W., Brendt III, Ethan; great grandchildren, Tyniah, Kennedy, Cameron, Lucy Kate,  Da’Kelan, Sa’Riyah and Cullen
Three sisters:  Earma Lee of Overton, Mildred (Esquire) R. Conner of Hutchins, Betty Ledbetter of Dallas and one aunt, Mrs. Alice Burks of Sacramento, Calif. and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, relatives and friends.  
Services for Mr. Winn will be held on Saturday, March 25 at noon at First Baptist Church of Mexia.
Arrangements and services entrusted to Pearly Gates Funeral Home of Mexia.

William Daniel Franks (Dan) began life in the hospital, then located in Teague, on April 19, 1932. He was the son of Edna Smith of Richland and Ernest Franks of Point Enterprise; the grandson of Lula and Farmer Franks of Point Enterprise. His childhood was spent in Dallas, Sherman and Electra.
He attended North Texas University majoring in psychology. It was there he met Neoma Sue Wiggins at an event for Methodist students. Upon graduation in 1953 Dan enrolled in seminary at Iliff School of Theology, at Denver University. Following Sue’s graduation in 1954, she and Dan were married in the Methodist Church in Sue’s hometown of San Augustine.
Their daughter, Pamela Sue, was born in Denver in 1955. After graduation from Iliff in 1956, Dan was endorsed by the United Methodist Church and commissioned by the U.S. Air Force as a chaplain. The first assignment after Chaplain’s School at Lackland AFB, San Antonio, was at cold F.E. Warren Air Force Base in Cheyenne, Wyo. It was there that their son Mark Alan Franks was born.
In a short time the family was moved to windy Reese Air Force Base in Lubbock and from there to idyllic Ramey Air Force Base in Puerto Rico. After three years in Puerto Rico they moved to hectic McGuire AFB, N.J. From there to humid Turner AFB, Ga. It was there that Dan was chaplain to a Photo Mapping Wing with a world wide mission. He was frequently traveling to places across the globe with the mapping personnel. Duty sent him to Colombia, Brazil, Ethiopia, and to a great many of the small islands and atolls in the Pacific. He spent months aboard ships and was ferried to the islands via helicopter.
After two years of traveling he was accompanied by Sue, Pam and Mark to an assignment on Taiwan. Following Taiwan the family was sent to Edwards AFB in California. It was there that he was chaplain to an elite corps of the test pilots, many of whom made aviation history.
While Sue and the children remained at Edwards for another year, Dan was sent to Viet Nam and then Thailand. Upon return he was assigned to McClellan AFB in Sacramento, Calif., and then to the Command Chaplain’s Office of Air Training Command in San Antonio. The next assignment was to be Command Chaplain of the Pacific Air Forces located at Hickam AFB, Hawaii.  As Command Chaplain his responsibilities included the bases in the Phillipines, Okinawa, Korea and Japan.
After three years in Hawaii he assumed the position as Commandant of the Chaplain’s School at Maxwell AFB, Ala. where he oversaw the training of new chaplains, the career courses for mid-level and senior chaplains, and various professional courses and seminars.
His final assignment was as Command Chaplain of the Air Training Command in San Antonio. He retired with the rank of Colonel. Decorations included: The Bronze Star, Legion of Merit with two oak leaf clusters, Meritorious Service Medal, Commendation Medal, and Viet Nam Campaign Medals. 
Following retirement from the Air Force after thirty years he accepted a position in Germany serving the United Methodist Bishop there as coordinator of English Speaking Methodist Ministries for Germany. Based in Frankfurt he was frequently in a great many of the cities of Germany and also in Luxembourg and Austria. After three years serving in Germany he and Sue returned to their home in San Antonio and he joined the staff of a large congregation there. In 1999 they retired to the family farm in Point Enterprise.
Dan has expressed that he was blessed with a loving wife and family who endured the many moves and absences that Air Force life entailed and faithfully supported him. His daughter, Pam  (a teacher in the Wortham ISD), and husband, Gary (also retired as an Air Force Chaplain) moved to the farm in 2014, and have been a great support and solace. His son, Mark, lives in Colorado. There are five grandchildren, Amity, Daniel, Elijah, Katelyn and Raquel; and three great grandchildren, William, Adeline, and Jack.
He felt greatly blessed having lived such a rich life with a loving family and friends. In his next life he has stated that he expects to play cello with the Dallas Symphony Orchestra.
Dan peacefully passed away on March 23, 2017 in Waco; Neoma Sue, his wife of 62 years, was sitting by him holding his hand while humming their favorite hymns to her beloved husband.
Visitation will be on Sunday March 26 from 5-7 p.m. at Blair-Stubbs Funeral Home in Mexia.
A service of Death and Resurrection will be held at 10 a.m., Monday, March 27 at the First United Methodist Church in Mexia with the Reverend Danny Niedecken and Rev. Gary Smith officiating. Interment will follow in the Point Enterprise Cemetery.
Visit blair-stubbs.com to sign the guest book or leave the family a message of condolence.

Funeral services for Mrs. Geneva Grayson Robertson were held at 2 p.m., Friday, March 24, 2017, at Ricks-Bowers Funeral Home in Jewett. Patsy Robinson officiated. Interment followed the services at Concord Cemetery.
Mrs. Robertson passed away on Tuesday, March 21 at the Forever Young Home in Groves.
She was born in Marquez on Dec. 30, 1926, to Ernest and Opal Grayson. She moved to Houston with her family and attended high school there. Geneva married T. J. Robertson in 1952, and moved to the country near Jewett to be a “stay at home” mom while her husband farmed. When her husband died young, Mrs. Robertson went to work to support her family for the sewing factory in Mexia, and later the Mexia State School until her retirement in the early 1990’s. She also continued to raise cattle and grow a garden on the family farm while working her regular job. She enjoyed working outside, but also loved to play the piano and sing and listen to southern Gospel music. Mrs. Robertson was a member of the Assembly of God Church in Flynn.
She is survived by two daughters, Beth Guidry and husband Dennis of Port Neches, and Nancy Kiker and husband Bobby of Silsbee; one son, Terry Robertson and wife Kay of Nederland; four grandchildren, Charlotte Rucker and husband Mike, Travis Guidry and wife Michelle, Jerry Robertson and wife Tiffany, and Monica Donegan and husband Bryan; nine great-grandchildren, Bailey, Anthony, Brinkley, McKenzie, Cole, Matthew, John, Layne, and Eli; one brother, David Grayson and wife Judy of Pearland; one sister, Pat Sullivan of Bryan; other relatives and friends.
Mrs. Robertson was preceded in death by her husband, T. J. Robertson; and two sons, Tommy Robertson and David (Moe) Robertson.
Visit bowersfuneralhome.net to sign the memorial guestbook or to leave a message for the family.
Ricks-Bowers Funeral Home, (903) 626-5458

The Angelic Hosts came for McKenzie Jackson on March 17, 2017, at his residence in Balch Springs, among loving family and devoted friends. Viewing and a prayer service with the family present will be held Friday, March 31, 6 p.m. - 8 p.m. at Moore's Angelic Funeral Home, in Teague.
Funeral services will be held Saturday, April 1, at 12:30 p.m. in Grove Island AME Church, 561 CR 901, Mexia, with the Rev. Coby Shorter III, of Austin, officiating; and the Rev. Stanley Johnson, pastor of Grove Island AME Church, as eulogist. Interment will be in the Grove Island Cemetery.
McKenzie was the first child born to the late Alfronzo and Vernada Carter Jackson. They welcomed their new arrival on Dec. 28, 1927, in the County of Limestone, city of Mexia, and the state of Texas. Alfronzo and Vernada lived distantly from school, so the parents kept McKenzie home and did home schooling until his sister was older and they could send the two children to school together. McKenzie was too little to walk that distance alone; consequently, McKenzie and his sister, Ervie, graduated together. He graduated from Furney Richardson High School in May of 1946, in Teague. At an early age, McKenzie accepted Christ and became a member of Grove Island AME Church. He served faithfully all of his childhood and adult life. He served as a member of the choir, superintendent of Sunday school, class leader, steward and trustee. He sang with other church choirs also, but knew that Grove Island came first. McKenzie had a strong voice and he loved to sing. He participated in quartet singing, and his strong baritone voice was strongly heard throughout the building. Later McKenzie served in the community as president of Grove Island Cemetery. He kept the cemetery well attended as a free service to the community. Not only was he a servant in his community, but he was also a servant to his country. He became a private first class in the U.S. Army in the year of 1950. He was only there a few days prior to his father’s death.
But time does not stand still. The Bible speaks of “man having a help-mate” Genesis 2:18. He united in holy matrimony to Altha Lee Davis on Oct. 6, 1951, and she preceded him in death.
McKenzie and Altha Lee showed their love and patience for other nieces and nephews in the family. They showed their concern, kindness and devotion for their niece and nephew Althea and Andre. They lived with McKenzie and wife until God called Altha Lee home. Not only did they show kindness to those children who lived with them in their home, but there was the loving nephew, Billye Earl, who lived close by. He came daily with McKenzie’s little younger siblings to watch T.V. because they didn’t have one in their home.
McKenzie later married Onita McClendon, and through that marriage, he became stepfather to two children: Keven and Nicchole McClendon. They were precious in his sight.
McKenzie showed his compassion for children in the surrounding communities by using his talents to coach “Little League” baseball. What a team he had! They practiced hard, played well and won their games. He also loved animals and cherished his three pet racing dogs. Their names were Fly, Flapper and Pistol. Inasmuch as McKenzie loved, encouraged and appreciated others, he also received kindness, love and sincere concern. Billye and Verna accepted McKenzie into their home for five years
McKenzie was preceded in death by his wife: Altha Lee, his parents: Alfronzo and Vernada Jackson and his siblings: The Rev. Ervie Clemons, Clara Gillespie, Rachel Williams, Phyllis Jackson and his only brother: Rufus Jackson Sr.
He leaves to cherish his precious memories and undying love: His loving niece and nephew: Billye and Verna Jackson, Balch Springs; sisters: Mrs. Ruth Earlean Livingston, Stockton, Calif.; Mrs. Dorothy Cox, Dallas; and Mrs. Cornetta Smith and husband, the Rev. Dayton Smith, Vancouver, Wash.; brother-in-law: Thomas Williams, Dallas; numerous nephews, nieces, and other relatives and friends.
Moore's Angelic Funeral Home, 406 Monroe Street in Teague, is serving the Jackson family. Visit mooresangelicfuneralhome.com to sign the guestbook and light a candle.

Tennyson Burks was born on July 9, 1949, in Mexia, to Lurlean Adams and Elijah Burks Jr. He passed away on March 1, 2017.
He grew up in Mexia and attended Mexia High School. He attended Union Baptist Church when he was young.
He served in the U.S. Marines from Jan. 19, 1964, until his honorable discharge in 1974.
Tennyson was preceded in death by his parents, Lurlean and Elijah Burks Jr; brothers, Billy Jack Burks, Elijah Burks III and Elijah Burks IV.
He is survived by children Startrice (Myron) Phillips and Derrick (LaKinya) Mack Sr.; sisters Nevada (Elmo) Hawkins and Nylene Bigham; grandchildren Ashyra Mack, Derrick Mack Jr., Deandre Robinson, Titiara Burks, Diamond Willis and Bradford Willis; and a host of nieces, nephews and friends.
Services were entrusted to Pearly Gates Funeral Home and will be held on April 1, at 11 a.m. at Pearly Gates Funeral Home.