Graveside services for Nelda Wilbanks 89, of Athens have been scheduled for 3:00 P.M. Wednesday November 13, 2019 at Oaklawn Memorial Park, Athens, with Rev. Larry Fondren officiating, under the direction of Autry’s Carroll-Lehr Funeral Home. Mrs. Wilbanks passed away November 11, 2019 in Tyler. She was born June 29, 1930 in Dallas, Texas to the late Rueben and Lillian Ruth Hall Lee. Nelda was a lifelong resident of Athens and a member of Landmark Baptist Church. Nelda had a distinguished teaching career that spanned for over 40 years serving the Athens Independent School District. She made special connections with her students, and was reminded of this when they ran…

Funeral Services for Elaine Martin of Athens are scheduled for 2:30 p.m., Sunday, November 10, 2019 at Shady Oaks Baptist Church in Athens with Bro. Gene Bishop officiating. Interment will follow at Becks Chapel Cemetery. Elaine passed away on November 7, 2019 in Athens. Doris Elaine Martin was born May 29, 1958 in Athens, Texas the daughter of Chester McManus and Carla Bishop McManus. She was a loving grandmother who lived for taking care of all of her grandchildren. Granny specially valued going to watch them play sports and being their number one fan. She also enjoyed talking and having conversations with people. She will be missed by all those…

Elmer Jewell Barker was born in Athens, Texas to Marvin Templeton and Ella Mae Robinson Templeton on November 28, 1939. She attended school in Athens and was a graduate of Fisher High School. Elmer was a member of Mt. Providence Baptist Church for many years. She was active in the church choir and a member of the Mission Board. After high school, Elmer met and married Maxie Barker, Sr. To this union 2 sons were born, Russell and Maxie. Elmer loved time spent with family and friends as well as gardening tending to her flowers and vegetables. She was preceded in death by her parents, Marvin and Ella Templeton, husband…

Funeral services for Wanda Jean Sellers, 77, of Cross Roads, have been scheduled for 2:00 P.M. Tuesday, November 5, 2019, at Cayuga Baptist Church, with Bro. Randy Jones and Bro. Scott Cotton officiating under the direction of Autry’s Carroll-Lehr Funeral Home. Burial will follow at Judson Cemetery. Mrs. Sellers passed away Saturday morning in Cross Roads. She was born January 9, 1942, in Palestine, Texas, to the late Ira Sidney and Thelma Alice Hickman Kelley. Wanda was resident of Cayuga most all of her life, relocating to Cross Roads just 7 years ago. She was a member of Cayuga Baptist Church. She loved to crochet and tend to her flowers,…

Tracy Evan Duff passed away at his home in Athens, Texas, on October 27, 2019. He was born on June 14, 1962 in Dallas, Texas to Glynn Morris Duff and Nancy Lay (Henry) Duff. He was preceded in death by his parents; his maternal grandparents, Lucille and Willie Henry; his paternal grandparents, James S. and Una Delv Duff; his aunt, Jimmie Sandra Wilson. Tracy grew up in San Antonio, Texas where he graduated from Tom C. Clark High School in 1980. While at Clark High, Tracy played sports and was popular among both students and staff. He later moved to Athens to assist with the family owned business, Henry Realty.…

Martha Lynn Laney Shaver, a resident of Fairfield passed away on Monday, October 21, 2019 in Palestine, Texas. Lynn was born on August 20, 1935 in Athens, Texas to Margaret Ballow Laney and Roy Alton Laney. She was a 1952 graduate of Athens High School and enrolled in North Texas State College, now The University of North Texas, as a freshman journalism major. In 1954 she married Louis Harold Shaver, a high school classmate from Athens. They transferred to East Texas State College, now Texas A&M Commerce, and completed their degrees. Lynn received her Bachelor of Science degree in Journalism in 1956, and a Professional life teaching certificate for grades…

A grave side service will be held for Glenn Eldon Wherley at 2 p.m. on November 3rd at Willow Spring Cemetery

Alex R. Caddell, born July 16, 1937 to Alexander and Dovie (Jones) Caddell. He passed away on Monday, October 28, 2019 in LaRue, Texas. He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Sherri Caddell; his daughter, Misty Lopshire; and four brothers. Alex by trade was a truck driver. He enjoyed the outdoors and working in his yard. He had a great sense of humor, always enjoying playing practical jokes on his family and friends. Alex cared for 8 children and was a hard worker. His favorite foods were bologna and cheese sandwiches. Left to cherish his memory are his sons, Allen Caddell, Jimmy Caddell and Tommy Caddell; his…

Billy Wayne Humphrey, born in Athens to Gene and Nell Humphrey, February 8, 1952, passed away October 21, 2019. Billy was devoted to his family, and kind, loving friend. He was a dedicated employee of American Airlines, retiring after 33 years. Billy loved life. He enjoyed camping, cooking, spending time with friends, and traveling. He was preceded in death by brother Kenneth Humphrey and parents. Billy is survived by his close friend Stan Bales, brother David Humphrey of Kaufman, Lois Epperson Armstrong, Houston and Ed Epperson, Leagueville and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews. A memorial will be held at Leagueville Baptist Church Sunday, November 3, 3:00 pm.

Funeral services for Connie Aaron Norman, 63, of Athens, are scheduled for 2:00 p.m., Thursday, October 31, 2019 at Hannigan Smith Funeral Home in Athens with Bro. Erick Graham officiating. Interment will follow at Oaklawn Memorial Park Cemetery under direction of Hannigan Smith Funeral Home. Ms. Norman passed away October 26, 2019 in Athens. Connie Diane (Aaron) Norman was born December 2, 1955 in Athens, Texas, the daughter of Aubrey Ray Aaron and Theresa (Newcomb) Aaron. She attended Sand Springs Baptist Church and was a well-known salesperson in Athens, having previously worked for Lonestar/Cowtown and Elder Dodge. Connie’s favorite hobbies included taking photographs and going fishing. Known as “Coco” to…

Sara Joy Travis departed this world and gained her angel wings August 19, 2019 in Gregg County. Sara was born August 2, 1988 to Troy and Michelle Travis in Dallas Texas. She was preceded in death by her father Troy Travis. Survivors include mother’s Michelle Sanders and husband Jerry of Athens Texas, and Joan Travis of Dallas, Texas, sons; Bradley McCann, Ryder Beyard. Sister, Kaitlin Travis of Dallas, Texas. Brother, Michael Sargent of Trinidad, Texas. Paternal grandmothers; Joy Travis of Irving, Texas and Phyllis McCann of Arkansas. Maternal grandparent Dale and Barbara Williams of Flower Mound, Texas. Great Grandmother Peggy Williams of Rockwall, Texas. Also extended Sanders and Williams family…

Memorial services for Steven Gillert 42, of Murchison were held at 11:00 A.M. Monday October 28, 2019 at Autry’s Carroll-Lehr Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Charles Parker officiating. Steven passed away Thursday evening in Murchison. He was born April 26, 1977 in Tyler, Texas to Gary and Jeanne Walter Gillert. Steven was a resident of Athens most all his life, graduating from Athens High School in 1995. He attended Trinity Valley Community College and Tyler Junior College before graduating from Southwest Texas State University with a Bachelor’s of Finance degree. Steven was a member of Central Baptist Church in Athens and accepted his Lord and Savior as a young child.…

Shirley Aultman Guilhas, age 87, passed away to her heavenly home on October 15, 2019. She was born on July 12, 1932 in Collins, Mississippi to Hazel Aultman and Denton Napier. She was married to James Russell Guilhas. She worked many different jobs throughout her life but the job she loved most was helping children and serving at her church. She and James bought and donated several coats and stuffed animals through the years. She always said, “a child needs to be warm and have something to cuddle when they are scared.” Together she and James co-owned and operated Osage Seismic drilling company for many years. She enjoyed reading, writing…

A celebration of life for Sonja Schafer is scheduled for 1:00 p.m. Saturday, October 19, 2019 at Mt Zion Baptist Church, 8758 CR 3704 Murchison, Texas 75778. Sonja Schafer, 74, of Murchison, passed away October 17, 2019 in Athens. Sonja Louise (Byron) Schafer was born January 15, 1945 in Athens, Texas, the daughter of Lou T. Byron and Oree Lavell (Hallmark) Byron. She is preceded in death by her parents, Lou and Oree Byron; husband, Samuel LeRoy Schafer; two sisters, Eddie Williams and Judy Prevost; and son, Sammy Schafer. Sonja was a loving mother and Granny who enjoyed crocheting and watching movies. She was also an avid gardener and collector.…

A celebration of the life of Sally Grace will be held at 2:00 P.M., Saturday, October 19, 2019 at the Hannigan Smith Funeral Home of Athens. Ms. Grace departed this earth and entered eternity on September 26, 2019 after a long battle with lupus. Sally Ann Grace was born October 2, 1956 in Athens, Texas, the daughter of Carl and Laveda Adams. Her background included many diverse and rewarding experiences. She graduated from St. Edward’s University in Austin, Texas with a Bachelor’s in Liberal Studies and was a licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor who trained in Theophostic Ministry. She worked closely with victims of violent crimes for over 15 years but…

Margaret Thurman Myers was born in Palestine, Texas on September 14, 1925 to N.D. and Prudence Thurman. She passed away on October 12, 2019 at home in Athens, Texas. Margaret grew up in Palestine. After graduating Palestine High School, she went on to Texas Tech University. After returning to Palestine, she met her favorite Aggie, Elton Philip Myers and they were married on July 28, 1949. Elton became Supervising Resident Engineer for the Texas Highway Department over Henderson and Anderson Counties transferring to Athens in 1961. Mrs. Myers was an active member of the Athens community to say the least. She was a member of the Women’s Golf Association of…

A celebration of the life of Billie Gullick, 84, of Athens, are scheduled for 11:00 a.m., Friday, October 18, 2019 at the Hannigan Smith Funeral Home of Athens. A visitation will be held prior to the funeral service on Friday from 10-11:00 a.m. Interment will follow at Oaklawn Memorial Park Cemetery under the direction of Hannigan Smith Funeral Home. Billie Ruth (Knott) Gullick, precious mother and friend, went home to be with the Lord and her beloved family on October 14, 2019. Billie Ruth Knott was born September 17, 1935, in Palestine, Texas, the daughter of Joseph Sidney and Johnnie Alice Knott. She was the second oldest of their six…

Vida Lou Herriage went to be with our Lord on October 12, 2019 after suffering a stroke. She was born on August 8, 1929, in Athens Texas. She was preceded in death by her parents, Vida and Velma Rhoades of Athens; her husband William Hershel Herriage; her brother, Warren Rhoades. Vida enjoyed cooking and loved to deer hunt. She loved going to their Cedar Creek Lakehouse and entertaining family and friends, feeding the ducks and riding on the barge. She was a member of Victory Baptist Church and later Robinwood Baptist Church of Seagoville, Texas. Survivors include her daughter, Deborah Lou Pugh and husband Jerry; her son, Jeffrey Wayne Herriage…

Jovonna Joyce Herrington passed away on October 8, 2019 in Athens, Texas. She was born on November 14, 1945 to Elon and Elva Dyer, in Athens. She was preceded in death by her parents; her sister, Carolyn Dyer Long; her grandson, James Lee Herrington. Jovonna grew up as the middle child of her family. She had an older sister, Carolyn and a younger brother Danny. She attended school in Athens and graduated from Athens High School in 1965. Her first date with her husband was New Years of 1968. They married 7 months later in Las Vegas where they eloped. They then had their first and only child, Patrick. Jovonna…

Douglas Daniel Hunt was born March 14, 1943 the son of William Wylie Hunt and Ruby Davis Hunt of Tyler, Texas. He passed from this life into the arms of Jesus on October 9, 2019 in Athens, Texas. He had a huge but humble faith and did not shy away from sharing his love for Jesus with those that he loved. He had a wonderful sense of humor and could bring a laugh out of just about anyone. Although he never published a book, he was a “gifted” writer – penning many stories about his life growing up with his 9 brothers and sisters, as well as writing about what…

Robbie D. Wilkins, 40, passed away on Oct 6, 2019. Service: Sat. Oct. 12, at 2pm at Gates Community International Church, 702 Tyler St. Athens, TX 75751. Burial at Sandflat Cemetery.

To everything there is a season…. Will Pruitt left this world to be with our Lord on Sunday, October 6th, 2019 after a hard-fought battle with cancer that took his body, never his spirit! Will was born on September 2nd, 1950 in Athens, Texas to Bohn Hobbs “Doc” and Lois Hamilton Pruitt. His big sister, the late Suzanne Pruitt was happy to have a baby brother she promptly decided should be called by the endearing name, Jug Head. Will graduated Athens High School in 1969 and spent some years exploring life and higher education in Austin, at The Armadillo, the drag, sailing and attending classes at UT which he considered…

Clodine Thornton was born November 4,1933 to Edna Ponder Thornton and Thomas Jefferson Thornton in Henderson county. The youngest and late arrival of their family. Clodine, late again, arriving to meet them in heaven October 3,2019. Graveside services have been scheduled for October 5, 2019 at 1:30 P.M. at Asbury cemetery in Van Zandt County on FM 2239 north of Murchison under the direction of Autry’s Carroll-Lehr Funeral Home, Athens. She married Erbie Ray Voyles August 1,1949. Together they had and raised 7 children. She is proceeded in death by her parent’s, Thomas and Edna Thornton, sister Hazel Pinkston, brothers Burl, Elmo, Raymond Thornton, son David Ray Voyles and Granddaughter…

Ina Morton passed away on September 13, 2019 at home in Eustace, Texas at the age of 83. She was born in Bearden, Ark., on October 31, 1935 to Rachel Lee Young and Thomas Garner. Ina was only 11 months old when her father passed away. Her mother later married Luther Quarles, who raised her and sister Hildred as his own. Ina is survived by husband of 44 years, James L Morton. Ina has 4 sisters and 1 brother; Hildred Wilson, Pat Walthall and husband Pete, Myrtle Jean Brock, Linda Walthall and husband Bud and Dennis Quarles and wife Cornelia. She has 5 children; Tommy Freeman wife Janet, John D.…

Jerry Ray Latimer was born on November 18, 1934 in Fort Worth, TX to Horace and Hattie Latimer. He left this world on September 17, 2019 in Athens, TX. He met Marlyn Wood on the 4th of July, 1954 and it wasn’t long before they knew they were made for each other. They married the same year on November 29th and together they navigated life’s ups and downs, it’s joys and sorrows. They created a wonderful, welcoming home for their children and their friends and sheltered countless animals in need. Life was always an adventure and Jerry had many opportunities. He always worked hard to support his family. He was…

Graveside services for Eloise Baxley Deem of Leander, Texas and formerly of Athens are scheduled for 10:00 AM on Saturday, September 28, 2019 at Oaklawn Memorial Park in Athens, with Rev. Gene Bishop officiating. Mrs. Deem died Tuesday, September 24, 2019 at the home of her daughter in Leander, Texas. She was born on November 13, 1933 in Brooksville, Hernando County, Florida to the late J. J. Baxley and Ollie May Snowden. She married Rex Jones on March 27, 1948 in Valdosta Lowndes County, GA and had three children Gerald, Brenda and Debra. She was all of her life primarily a homemaker, however she worked as the office manager for…

A celebration of the life of George Floyd, 82, of Athens will be held 3:00 P.M., Saturday, September 28, 2019 at the New Beginnings Worship Center Assembly of God in Cayuga with Bro. Tom Taylor officiating. Mr. Floyd passed away September 25, 2019 in Athens. George Wayne Floyd was born May 24, 1937 in Cross Roads, Texas, the son of George Bane Floyd and Faye Eva (Dosser) Floyd. He was a truck driver for most of his life. George enjoyed fishing and loved spending time with family and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, George and Faye Floyd; sisters, Lois Smith and Joyce England and son, Kenneth…

Tom Jack Shepherd was born in Nacogdoches on April 21, 1938 to Flora and Tommy Shepherd. He passed away peacefully on September 22, 2019 in Athens, Texas. Tom was preceded in death by his parents Tommy and Flora Shepherd, his brother Steve Shepherd and daughter Stori Shepherd Hughes. He attended college at SFA and played basketball for the Lumberjacks before he served in the Navy on the USS Saratoga, also playing basketball in the service. Tom went on to work in the hotel industry for several years and then moved into commercial real-estate. He later founded Regency Education Systems in Dallas which specialized in software for the educational industry. Tom,…

Karen loved the Lord Jesus. She always wanted to be busy doing something. Mostly her favorite pass time was enjoying her food. Which sometimes included catching her supper at our pond and then cooking them. But also loved her people. Chelsea said she loved us unconditionally. She really liked arts and crafts. Some of her bead work would challenge any professional necklace makers work. Her boxes all hand painted are beautiful works of art and have everyday uses. I have one that holds my spare change, another my toiletry accessories, and yet another pictures. She loved the outdoors and seeing the season changes. Her memories would really surprise us. Events…

Services for David D. Feagin, 63, of Crandall, will be 3 pm Sunday, September 22, 2019, at Eubank Funeral Home, Canton, with Doug Feagin Jr. officiating. Interment will be in Holly Springs Cemetery, Martins Mill, TX. Mr. Feagin passed away September 19, 2019 in Seagoville. He was born December 10, 1955 to Windol Douglas and Beth Ann Shaw Feagin. David was a Christian by faith. He retired from Carrier Air Conditioning after 40 years of service. David loved being outdoors, especially hunting, fishing, and riding his Harley. He was a precision marksman and loved to travel. Mr. Feagin is preceded in death by his parents. David is survived by his…

September 27,1939 – September 20, 2019 Graveside Services for Ruth Boman McLemore, 79, retired Administrative Assistant at First Baptist Church, will be held at 11:00 a.m., Monday, September 23, 2019, at Oaklawn Memorial Cemetery, Athens, Texas, with Rev. Doug McLemore officiating. Visitation will be held from 4:00-6:00 p.m., Sunday, September 22, 2019, at Lacy Funeral Home, Stephenville, Texas. Arrangements are by Lacy Funeral Home, Stephenville, Texas.

Jerry Glynn Halbert, 85, of Kaufman, TX passed away on September 18, 2019 in Forney, TX. Jerry was born on June 6, 1934 to Henry and Francis Halbert in Athens, TX. He owned a construction company, Steelform Rental, for 30 years in Seagoville, TX. Jerry married the love of his life, JoAnn Paris Halbert, in 1953 and they raised a family of three kids together. They began moving to Kaufman in 1983. Jerry was a member of the Calvary Baptist Church in Kaufman, TX. Those who preceded him in death are his parents, wife JoAnn, brother Billy Halbert, sister Bennie Faye Calhoun and Minnie Grace Halbert; granddaughter Stephanie Halbert and…

On Thursday, September 12, 2019, Donald Lee Burns Sr., loving husband, dad and granddad entered into eternal rest at the age of 70. Donald was born in Denton, Texas on July 13, 1949 to Leroy and Damaris Burns. He attended La Puenta High School, and then enlisted in the US Army on November 24, 1968 serving during the Vietnam War. On January 3, 1970 he married the love of his life, Brenda Fleischer at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church in Hacienda Heights, California. They lived in Hawaii in the first year of marriage then moved to Fort Hood in Killeen, Texas until 1971. After being honorably discharged from the US Army…

Paul Jonathan Young, Ph.D., P.E., died from heart failure, September 9, in Arlington, TX. Jonathan had more than 45 years of civil and environmental engineering experience, specializing in water quality management, planning, runoff, sites, permits, as well as specializing in computer modeling of water quality and regulatory compliance. He received his Ph.D. in both Environmental and Civil Engineering in 1972 from Texas A&M University; his masters and bachelor’s in Civil Engineering from Carnegie-Mellon University and his undergraduate education from Dartmouth College. Professionally, he has been affiliated with the American Water Resources Association, the North America Lake Management Society, the Texas Water Conservation Association, and served as treasurer with the North…

Funeral Services for Lavell Rhodes, 96, of Athens, Texas will be held Tuesday, September 17, 2019, at 2pm at Boren-Conner Funeral Home (Bullard, TX), with Bro. Hixenbaugh officiating. A visitation will be held at 1pm on Tuesday prior to the service. Burial and final interment will follow at Cathedral in Pines Cemetery, Tyler, TX, under the direction of Boren-Conner Funeral Home. Lavell Rhodes passed away on Saturday, September 14, 2019. He was a long-time resident of Flint, TX and spent the last 15 years in Athens. He was born in the Holly Grove Community near Livingston, TX. After High School, he joined the Army Air Corps. He was a gunnery…

Private graveside services for Delmer Ray Hood 91, Murchison were held at 10:00 A.M. Friday September 13, 2019 at Oaklawn Memorial Park with Bro. Louie Adams officiating, under the direction of Autry’s Carroll-Lehr Funeral Home. Delmer passed away peacefully at his home in Murchison Tuesday morning. Delmer was born August 15, 1928 in Henderson County to the late Walter Lee Hood and Lela Grace Hancock Hood. He was a resident of Murchison for 91 years and served in the United States Army during the Korean War where he earned a Purple Heart. Delmer was a member of Mt. Zion Baptist Church. Delmer retired after 48 years of service with Lone…

Funeral services for Jessie “Granddad” Lowry 72, of Eustace have been scheduled for 10:00 A.M. Thursday September 12, 2019 at Autry’s Carroll-Lehr Funeral Home Chapel with Bro. James Shepard and Bro. Andre Ward officiating. Burial will follow at Zion Hill Cemetery. Jessie passed away Thursday evening September 5, 2019 in Eustace. He was born December 4, 1946 in Mineola, Texas to the late Hubert Arthur and Amy Lou Lilly Lowry. Jessie was a strong and hardworking man. Who loved his family, especially his grandkids. Big Jessie and & Cherry Sue have left a legacy of strong Christian values for our family to carry on. He served our country proudly in…

Laodice Maurine Porter Brown passed away on September 7, 2019 in Athens Texas. She was born on October 10, 1924 in Murchison, Texas to William and Bessie Cloud Porter. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband Bill Brown; her daughter, Kim Brown, her grandson Mark Hackett; her brothers, Bo Porter, Dugan Porter, Conley Porter Pete Porter; her sisters, Carnell Porter Kinsey, Irace Porter and Margaret Porter Franks. Laodice started the first JcPenny Catalog service here in Athens, where she worked for many years. Later on, her and her husband began National Sign Company here in Athens. Laodice was a hard worker and was known to have worked…

Evelyn Laverne Pope passed away in Athens, TX on September 5, 2019. She was born in Dallas, TX on November 1, 1933 to Veay and Gracie Pogue. Mrs. Pope is survived by her loving husband of 68 years, Edgar Pope; daughter, Debra Richardson and her husband Don; grandchildren: Chris Metcalf and wife Jennifer, Amy Michelle Metcalf, Wesley Richardson and wife Katie, Ali Palmer and husband Charles, Lindsey Dias and husband Chris; great-grandchildren: Bradley Palmer, Bryson Palmer, Hailey Richardson; brothers: Lester Pogue and wife Patsy, Larry Pogue, Paul Pogue and wife Judy; sister: Sue Coker; and numerous nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her parents and her siblings:…