OBITUARIES - JUNE 2011

 

NOTE:  Not in alphabetical order

 

EDITH KATHRYN BRADLEY RUSHING
Mrs. Edith Kathryn Bradley Rushing, age 90 of Crockett, passed away Friday, June 10, 2011 in the Houston County Nursing Home. Mrs. Rushing was born March 9, 1921 in Belzonia, Oklahoma (no longer on the map) and had been a resident of Houston County since 1942. Even though living in the depression years, she was determined to finish high school and graduated from Pasadena High School in 1940. She walked 3.5 miles to school in all kinds of weather and it did get cold in Oklahoma. After high school, Soper, a small town in Oklahoma started running a school bus to the grade school to pick up all the high school kids. She still walked 3.5 miles to catch the school bus. Times were hard then and the bus did not have any windows, only had a canvas flap. They let it down in the winter and rolled it up in the hot weather. They rode the bus 20 miles to school. When the depression hit in 1929, she said the last doll she got was in 1928. Christmas was a no-no. She said on Christmas, they would get an orange, apple, a little candy and a few nuts. No pretty Christmas Trees. There were four children in the Bradley family. She said she was 15 years old when she had her first Coke. Mrs. Rushing loved her family, her church and her flowers and also helped people who could not drive. She also loved to quilt and won numerous ribbons at the Houston County Youth Livestock Show. She married Norman Rushing while he was serving in the Army and was a housewife until 1956. They bought a little country store and operated it for about nine years. After her children finished school, she work at the Crockett State School 1971 where she retired in 1987 afterward working with her husband in the cattle business. Mrs. Rushing served a secretary-treasurer of the Parker Cemetery in the Jones School House Community from 1992 to 2007. Mrs. Rushing was a member of the Good Shepherd Fellowship. Survivors include her sons Mike Rushing, of North Zulch and Pat Rushing and wife Vickie, of Crockett; daughter Judy Jones, of Fairfield; eight grandchildren Rhonda and Khalil Khalil of Tarzana, all of Calif., Dwayne Rushing, of Houston, Clint Langham, of Latexo, Lisa Rushing, of Bryan, Alex and Crystal Jones, of Fairfield, Patty Roze, of Houston and Leslie Omelina and husband Jason, of Crockett; step-grandchildren Maricia, Matthew and Mallorie Ferrell, of North Zulch; 11 great-grandchildren; brother Sam Bradley and wife Mildred, of Carlsbad, NM; sister-in-law Lena Belle Gallant, of Waco; also by numerous nieces and nephews; and a very special friend Irene Musgrove. Preceded in death by her husband Norman Rushing in 1997; daughter Sandra Rushing Langham in 1992; granddaughter Kelly Rushing in 1979, son Ronnie Rushing in 2006; brother Leo Bradley in 2002; and parents Tom and Tressie Bradley. Funeral Services for Mrs. Edith Bradley Rushing were held Monday, June 13, 2011 at 2:00 p.m. in the Good Shepherd Fellowship with the Rev. Ottis Byers officiating. Interment followed in the Parker Cemetery in the Jones School House Community. Online condolences for Mrs. Rushing may be made at www.callawayallee.com Callaway-Allee Funeral Home

HAZEL L. BAILON
Mrs. Hazel L. Bailon, age 89, passed away Thursday, June 9, 2011 in Conroe. Mrs. Bailon was born November 7, 1921 in Lovelady. She had many interests and skillfully balanced them well. For over 25 years she had a successful career as a cosmetic buyer for a popular drugstore chain, was a great cook and homemaker, a sewing hobbyist, a travel enthusiast, a loyal church goer, and embraced a large circle of friends and family across two states. She had a wonderful way of making everyone feel special in her presence. But, most of all, she was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother. Survivors include her three children residing in Texas, Roy G. West, Bill West and wife Barbara and Shirley Donohue and husband Jeff; three stepdaughters residing in Arizona, Alicia Bailon, Anna Hill and husband, David and Elena Wortman and husband Ron; one stepson Gilbert Bailon, of St. Louis, MO; plus 19 grandchildren; 23 great-grandchildren; and 1 great-great-grandchild. Preceded in death by her parents Carrie and Walter Andrews; all 12 of her brothers and sisters; former husband and father of her children Roy P. West; late husband Herky O. Bailon. Funeral Services for Mrs. Hazel L. Bailon were held Monday, June 13, 2011 at 12:30 p.m. at Cashner Funeral Home, 801 Teas Road, Conroe. Interment followed in Antioch Cemetery in Lovelady, the old family church/cemetery where she attended as a child. You are invited to leave written tributes and condolences for the family on our website at www.cashnerconroe.com. Cashner Funeral Home

EVELYN ANNETTE SCOTT MEEKS
Mrs. Evelyn Annette Scott Meeks, age 76, passed quietly Thursday, June 9, 2011, in Fort Worth. Mrs. Meeks was born August 12, 1934, in Crockett to Will and Joe Ella Scott. She attended elementary, middle and high school in Kennard. At the age of 14 she left Crockett to attend college at Huston-Tillotson University in Austin. Mrs. Meeks attained a bachelor's degree majoring in elementary education. She pledged Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority. In 2009, she was honored as the Outstanding HTU Alumni. At the age of 18 she moved to Fort Worth. She continued her education by attaining a master's degree in education from Prairie View A&M University and supervisory certification from Texas Woman's University. She worked for 42 years in the Fort Worth Independent School District. She was proud to work at Como Junior High and Morningside Middle School for most of her career. She served through the years as a social studies teacher, magnet coordinator, and director for the Pre-International Bacculaureate Program at Morningside Middle School. Until her death, she was an active member of the Fort Worth Retired School Employees Association. In 1964 She, married John Meeks. They have one daughter, Jacquelynn Meeks. She loved her family both near and far and the many friends who are like family. She had amazing talents for the caring and mentoring of others and bringing fun and laughter into any situation. She was a member of Jack and Jill of America, Inc. and served on the board of the Fort Worth Zoo for many years. She also volunteered at Jubilee Theatre since its beginnings. For most of her adult life she was a member of St. Simon of Cyrene Episcopal Church and in the recent years of St. Christopher Episcopal Church. She loved to travel and in addition to travel throughout the United States, she enjoyed trips to Japan, Taiwan, India, Brazil, Mexico, and Canada. Special thanks to the doctors, care providers and staff at Texas Oncology, Harris Methodist Hospital Palliative Care Unit and Universal Health Services. Survivors include her husband John Meeks; daughter Jacquelynn Meeks; brother Oberian Lee Sr.; mother-in-law Venora Meeks; sister-in-law Veronica Meeks; she will be missed by nieces and nephews she loved so dearly Lynell Boston, Eugene Lee, JoAnn Lee, Oberian Lee Jr., Nannette Bryant, Paula Kaye Smith, Janice Baker Offutt and James N.C. Baker; beloved grandson Cameron Lee; in-laws, family, and friends too numerous to mention who benefited from her love and affection. Celebration of life for Mrs. Evelyn Annette Scott Meeks will be held Thursday, June 16, 2011 at Noon at St. Christopher Episcopal Church, 3550 SW Loop 820. Memorials at Mrs. Meeks request, instead of flowers, please make donations in her memory to one of three organizations she was passionate about: St. Christopher Episcopal Church, 3500 SW Loop 820 Fort Worth, Texas 76133; Huston-Tillotson University, attention: LaJuana Napier, 900 Chicon St., Austin, Texas 78702; or Susan G. Komen for the Cure , Greater Fort Worth Affiliate, Box 101328, Fort Worth, Texas 76105. Baker Funeral Home

KATHY SPERRY HOLIK
Mrs. Kathy Sperry Holik, age 63, passed away Wednesday, June 15, 2011. Mrs. Holik was born to Dr. John J. and Harriett Sperry in Bryan, Texas on June 29, 1947. She grew up in College Station, graduating from high school there in 1965. She attended the University of Texas at Austin and later transferred to Texas A&M University and only lacked 12 hours graduating from A&M. She lived in College Station until 2004 when she moved to Augusta. She moved to Crockett in 2006. She was a polio survivor, having had bulbar polio in 1950 and having been in an iron lung at Children's Medical Center in Waco. During her life she had a varied experience in the workforce, including working for the College Station Independent School District in various capacities and working in home health as a sitter and caregiver. She was a life time member of the A&M Methodist church and was an active Girl Scout. Mrs. Holik loved her family, especially her great nieces and nephews, loved wildflowers, and loved her pets. Survivors include her sisters Dr. Pam Zwingman and husband Bob, of Walnut, Calif., and Jeanne McLeod and husband James, of Augusta; brothers John Sperry and wife Betty, of Spring, Dr. Fred Sperry and wife Sharon, of Omaha and Bill Sperry and wife Anne, of Greenville, NC.; 13 nieces and nephews; and 13 great-nieces and great-nephews. Preceded in death by her father and mother John and Harriett Sperry; and her husband, Al Holik. Funeral Services for Mrs. Kathy Sperry Holik were held Saturday, June 18, 2011 at 4:00 p.m. at the Callaway-Allee Memorial Chapel with Dr. Keith Jenkins officiating. Interment followed in the Augusta Cemetery. Condolences for Mrs. Holik may be left at online obituaries www.callawayallee.com. Callaway-Allee Funeral Home

DEMA LEA POUNDERS
Mrs. Dema Lea Pounders, age 81 of Crockett passed away Saturday, June 4, 2011 in a Crockett Nursing facility. Mrs. Pounders was born May 10, 1920 in Trinity County, Texas, the daughter of the late Sibbie (Kendrick) and Lee Adel Sullivan. She was raised on her parent's farm with her two brothers. She married Loyd Pounders in 1949 and gave birth to her only son Dan in 1950. Mrs. Pounders devoted her life to Jehovah and her only child. Her joy was increased each time a grandchild was born. She loved her 3 grandchildren dearly. She was a loving wife for 36 years. She was one of Jehovah's Witnesses and was devoted to her Faith. She is now awaiting the resurrection. She was loved and will be missed by all who knew her. Rest in Peace. Survivors include her son and daughter-in-law Dan and Terry Pounders, of Crockett; grandsons Edward Pounders and Ray Pounders; granddaughter Amy Pounders; nieces Rebecca Sullivan and Barbara Fry. Preceded in death by her parents Lee Adel and Sibbie Ann Sullivan; and two brothers Milved and Glenn Sullivan. Memorial Services for Mrs. Pounders will be held Friday, June 10, 2011 at 2:00 p.m. at Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses in Crockett with Bro. Frank Spencer officiating. Oakley-Metcalf Funeral Home

SHIRLEY ANN (COURT) STARNES
Mrs. Shirley Ann (Court) Starnes, age 76 of Percilla, Texas, passed away Friday, June 3, 2011. Mrs. Starnes was the youngest of 2 children, born in Childress, Texas on March 18, 1935 to Dick and Rae Court. At the age of 6, her family moved to Salinas, California where Shirley attended high school and met her husband, Eugene Franklin Starnes of Ralls, Texas. They were married in June of 1951 and later moved to San Jose, California for some time and in 1977l, they moved to Albany, Oregon. They lived there for 18 years before finally landing in Percilla, Texas in 1993. Mrs. Starnes worked as a stay at home mother as well as stables operator of G & S Stables in Albany for many years. She maintained horses along with barn duties and regular upkeep. She also was a regular spectator of the Monday night team penning group at the Linn County Barn. She will forever be loved and remembered for her unconditional love for her family and friends, along with the cherished memories we shared with her. Survivors include her husband Eugene Starnes; children Mike Starnes, of North Pole, AK. and Dixie Martin, of Albany, Ore.; grandchildren Mickenzie Ordeman, Shelby Draper, Morgan Starnes, Dillon Starnes and Devon Starnes; great-grandchildren Jackson and Peyton Ordeman. Memorial Services for Mrs. Shirley Ann (Court) Starnes was held Tuesday, June 7, 2011 at 7:00 p.m. at the Percilla Community Church with the Rev. Kenny Bush officiating. Condolences for Mrs. Starnes may be left at online obituaries www.callawayallee.com. Callaway-Allee Funeral Home

OLLIE ANN BRADBERRY
Mrs. Ollie Ann Bradberry, age 70 of Holly, passed away Wednesday, June 8, 2011 in the Methodist Hospital in Houston. Mrs. Bradberry was born March 28, 1941 in Port Arthur, Texas and had lived in Holly most of her lifetime. Mrs. Bradberry had retired from Wal-Mart after 30 years of service having worked as a cashier and was a member of the Harvest Church. She enjoyed sewing, cooking, reading, computers, loved her grandchildren and her rose bushes. Mrs. Bradberry’s motto while fighting cancer was, “I Can Do It!” Survivors include her daughter Nyoka Bradberry, of Holly; sons John Bradberry and Jody Bradberry and wife Joy, all of Holly; grandchildren Guretta Gray and husband Jacob, of Riverside, Holly Christine Bradberry, of Holly, Cody Walker Bradberry and wife Kori, of Trinity; great-grandchildren Isabella Rose Bradberry, Hailey Mae Bradberry, Xylia Annabelle Gray and Keith Allen Golden “Bubba” III; sister Dolly Ballard, of Holly; brother Thomas Lafayette Hammond and wife Debbie, of Pasadena; numerous nieces, nephews and other relatives. Preceded in death by her husband Ralph Junior “Buddy” Bradberry; and parents Lafayette and Ruby Hammond. Funeral Services for Mrs. Ollie Ann Bradberry will be held Sunday, June 12, 2011 at 2:00 p.m. in the Harvest Church with the Rev. Dennis Ivey officiating. Interment will follow in the Holly Cemetery. Condolences for Mrs. Bradberry may be left at online obituaries www.callawayallee.com. Callaway-Allee Funeral Home

LOVA DICKEY PRIDDY
Mrs. Lova Dickey Priddy, age 83 of Lockhart, Texas passed away peacefully Monday, May 23, 2011 in Austin. Mrs. Priddy was born September 29, 1927 in Slocum, Texas to Joseph and Elizabeth Dickey. She graduated from Crockett High School in 1946 and married James Priddy in Latexo, Texas in 1949. Survivors include her loving husband of 62 years, James (Jim), of Lockhart; daughter Ann and husband Allen Vargas, of Austin; son Joe Priddy and wife Linda, of Santa Maria, Calif.; sister Hila Sue and husband Wyman Wilkerson, of Lumberton, NC.; four grandchildren Adam, of Santa Barbara, Calif., Jared, of San Jose, Calif., Caleb, of Fresno, Calif. and Sarah and husband Tyler Sanders, of Scottsdale, Ariz.; nieces Jo Ann Butler Davis, and Grace Butler Rollins; nephews Dicky Gene Paul and Alan Fitch; cousins N.A. Dickey and Eloise Dickey Allen; and sister-in-law Anna Mae Dickey Hendrick. Preceded in death by her parents Joseph and Elizabeth Dickey; sisters Orlean and Weoda; brothers Burtis and Buddy. A Memorial Service for Mrs. Lova Dickey Priddy will be held Thursday, June 2, 2011 at 11:00 a.m at the First United Methodist Church in Lockhart. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to the American Legion Women’s Auxiliary, Unit 41 or First United Methodist Church in Lockhart. Eeds Funeral Home

JOE EARL MCKNIGHT
Mr. Joe Earl McKnight, age 66, answered the Master's call and departed this life Friday, May 20, 2011. Mr. McKnight was born September 15, 1944 in Crockett to the late Avie B. McKnight and Maine McKnight. He joined the Mt. Moriah Baptist Church at an early age. He graduated from William High School. Mr. McKnight drove trucks for about 40 years and he loved it dearly. Survivors include his loving wife of 47 years, Gladys McKnight; daughters Edith (Rickie) Ellis, Patricia McKnight, Bridgett (Ivan) Bradford, Sheryl (Renard) Bean, Barbara (Maurice) Hampton and Alexis McKnight; mother Maine McKnight; two brothers George McKnight and Nathaniel (Marilyn) McKnight, Sr.; one sister Emma (Reno) Moss; 15 grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; numerous cousins, nieces, nephews and other relatives. Preceded in death by his father Avie B. McKnight; and daughter Emma “Tina” Hamilton. Funeral Services for Mr. Joe Earl McKnight were held Saturday, May 28, 2011 at 11:00 a.m. at First Baptist Church in Crockett with the Reverend C.E. Easterling officiating. Interment followed in the Greater Mt. Moriah MBC Cemetery. Active Pallbearers were Archie Lee Benton, Terrell McKnight, Bobby Calhoun, Marvin Earl Mcknight, Lester Bryant and Lester Woods. Honorary Pallbearers were George McKnight, Nathaniel McKnight, Sr., Moss, Rickie Ellis, Ivan Bradford, Renard Bean and Delbert “Poncho” McKnight. J B Coleman

BEVERLY ANN NEITERMAYER
Mrs. Beverly Ann Neitermayer, age 66 of Crockett, passed away Sunday, May 29, 2011 in East Texas Medical Center-Tyler. Mrs. Neitermayer was born July 15, 1944 in Corpus Christi, Texas and was a resident of Crockett, previously living in Three Rivers. She was a housewife and had worked as the manager of the Crockett Inn. Mrs. Neitermayer was a member of the Westside Baptist Church in Crockett. Survivors include her husband Darrell Neitermayer, of Crockett; son Nathan K. Pascoe, of Pearland; daughter Melissa Hurd and husband Kevin, of Fort Collins, Colo.; step-son Michael Neitermayer, of Ringgold, Ga.; favorite niece Vonda Korbakes, of Tyler; sister Emma Lee Stevens, of Pleasanton, Colo.; brother Garvin O. Suggs, of George West; sister Geraldine Jones, of Alto; brother Olan Wayne Suggs, of Dayton; numerous nieces, nephews and relatives. Preceded in death by her parents Garland O. and Verna Mae Suggs; and brother William Wesley Suggs. Funeral Services for Mrs. Beverly Ann Neitermayer were held Friday, June 3, 2011 at 2:00 p.m. in the Callaway-Allee Memorial Chapel with the Rev. Steve Meadows officiating. Interment was held Saturday, June 4, 2011 at 2:00 p.m. in the Evergreen Cemetery in Odem, Texas. Condolences for Mrs. Neitermayer may be left at online obituaries www.callawayallee.com. Callaway-Allee Funeral Home

JOHN H. WATSON
Mr. John H. Watson, age 83 of Elkhart, passed away Thursday, June 2, 2011, in the Palestine Regional Hospital. Mr. Watson was born September 4, 1927 in Rector, Arkansas and had lived in Elkhart for the past 4 years, previously living in Crockett. Mr. Watson was a retired Senior Master Sergeant of the United States Air Force having served during World War II. Mr. Watson was a member of the Lothrop Masonic Lodge # 21 A. F. and A. M. and had served as past worshipful master in other Masonic lodges in Houston area. He was also retired having worked as an accountant and was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Grapeland. Survivors include his wife of 22 years, Linda Stowe Watson, of Elkhart; sons Tony Watson and wife Marilyn, of Medina, Johnny N. Watson and wife Linda, of White Bear Lake, Minn., Christopher Watson and wife Cindy, of Anoka, Minn. and Mark Watson and wife Maria, of Houston; children’s mother Neita V. Collins, of Medina; step-children Rene Albert “Beau” Brown, Jr., of Baytown and Teresa L. Brown, of Spring; 16 grandchildren; 24 great-grandchildren; numerous nieces, nephews and other relatives. Graveside Funeral Services for Mr. John H. Watson were held Saturday, June 4, 2011 at 10:30 a.m. in the San Pedro Cemetery with the Rev. Bill Denham officiating. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, 212 Gene Samford Dr., Lufkin, Tx. 75904 or St. Jude’s Hospital Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105. Condolences for Mr. Watson may be left at online obituaries www.callawayallee.com. Callaway-Allee Funeral Home