Texas Annual Conference Memoirs of the United Methodist Church
2015 Journal
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Memoirs
SECTION K
Memoirs
Deceased 2014 - 2015
Clergy
Kelley Black Andrew Brown Sr. David Ray Davidson Rev. W Carroll Fancher, Jr. Eugene F. Fitzwater Thomas Edward Gray James Harrell Griffin William Morris House Bruce Emmett Krause Charles Edward Laing Sr. Allan Wayne Middleton Nita Louise Newman John Daniel O'Donnell James Hugh Powell Oscar Taylor R. June White Robert Edwin Willis Edward H. Wilson Joe R. Young
Clergy Spouses
Stanley R Bates spouse of Mary Shivers Bates Evelyn Bishoff spouse of Robert Earl Bishoff Doris Jean Carlisle spouse of Deward Cleon Carlisle Rebecca Ann Faulk spouse of Robert L. Faulk Bobbye Lee Wendland Godbey spouse of Charles P. Godbey Vera Beth Robinson Hedges spouse of Bill Bates Hedges Savanna Helpenstell spouse of William J. Helpenstell Minnie Frances Jammer spouse of Cornelius C. Jammer, Sr. Sara Katherine Kellow spouse of Maurice Keith Kellow Peggy A Laing spouse of Charles Edward Laing Sr. Alice Faye Laster spouse of Curley H. Laster Yvonne Leediker spouse of Bill Eugene Leediker Ina Martin spouse of Howard Martin Martha C Matthis spouse of Leon Caldwell Matthis Dorothy Fay McClure spouse of Jewel Marsh McClure Ileen Lenelle McCullar spouse of James Earl McCullar Amelia M. Menking spouse of W. A. Menking Virginia Carolyn F. Moorman spouse of Lloyd Moorman Nora Beth Morton spouse of Weldon B. Morton
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Vorease Nickerson spouse of Jewel Charles Nickerson Sr. Frances Richardson spouse of Frank Richardson Patsy M. Rohloff spouse of Herbert Richard Rohloff, Jr. Mareta Shadle spouse of Charles Shadle Elizabeth Anne Stutes spouse of Clarence H. Stutes Emma Joe Thomas spouse of Billie Murray Thomas H. David White spouse of R. June White
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Clergy
Kelley Joe Black
Kelley Joe Black was born January 26, 1933, to the late Jakie B. Sr. and Velma Black in Clarksville, Texas. Born the youngest of six children, he was a lifelong Texan known for his many years of faithful service to the Lord, his leadership in The United Methodist Church, and a beautiful smile that encouraged many without words.
On November 10, 1956, Kelley was united in holy matrimony with Jannie B. Woods. To this union, God blessed them with two daughters, Valarie and LaWanda. Together, Rev. and Mrs. Black worked tirelessly with the members of their congregations throughout his ministry. Rev. Black taught classes at Lakeview United Methodist Church Camp, and took great joy in assisting young people through confirmation classes as well as served on numerous boards and committees.
Rev. Black attended Wiley College and completed four years of the Ministerial Courses of Study of The Methodist Church at Gammon Theological Seminary in Atlanta, Georgia. He was ordained as a Deacon in 1964; an Elder in 1968 and served for nearly four decades with his wife by his side. He pastored at the following Texas charges/churches as recorded from the official United Methodist Journal: Honey Grove Circuit ’60, Marshall Concordia ’63, Jefferson/Lassater ’67, Fairfield Circuit ’70, Dickinson Faith ’72, Texas City Galilee ’78, Lee Chapel, Bryan/College Station First ’84, and Port Arthur St. Paul ‘88, where he retired after serving 10 years as the pastor. In 2013, Rev. Black was honored to be bestowed the title of Pastor Emeritus and a Legacy Award Honoree for his dedicated service to St. Paul United Methodist Church in Port Arthur, TX. He remained a member at St. Paul UMC under the current leadership of Rev. Beverly Woodard.
On February 15, 2015, Rev. Black transitioned from life to his heavenly reward. He was preceded in death by his loving wife of fifty-five years, Jannie Black; three brothers, Clovis Black, Rev. Dr. Jakie Black Jr., James Black, and one sister, Thelma Johnson. The sole surviving sibling of the six children is his beloved sister, Jercile Williams of Dallas, TX. He leaves to cherish his memories two children, Valarie Daniels (Lawrence) of Beaumont, TX, and Dr. LaWanda Finney (George) of Port Arthur, TX; three grand-daughters and one grandson who will treasure his memory and honor his legacy of service for generations to come.
Submitted by LaWanda Black Finney and Valarie Black Daniels, daughters
Andrew Brown
Rev. Andrew Brown, Sr. was born to Walter and Mammie (Jones) Brown on January 24, 1938 in Edna, Texas. He attended Texas Southern University and studied Pharmacy until he received the call to the ministry. He transferred to Wiley College in Marshall, Texas, where he studied Philosophy, Religion and Sociology. While at Wiley, he became a member of Omega Psi Phi, Inc. After receiving his BA, he moved to Atlanta, Georgia to attend Seminar at the Interdenominational Theological Center. While attending ITC, he met his wife, Norma Jenkins and united in holy matrimony on May 26, 1962. This union was blessed with three beautiful children and together they reared one nephew as their own.
Rev. Brown served several leading churches in the Texas Annual Conference, and former East Tennessee Conference since he was ordained in 1962. He was the Methodist Student Movement Director (Wesley Foundation) at Prairie View A & M University for two years, while serving a local pastorate. He also labored as College minister and part-time instructor at Wiley College while serving Ebenezer in Marshall and he was the
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Resident Chaplain at Hermann Hospital in Houston, Texas. He worked for Texas Department of Criminal Justice as an Instructional Chaplain and Parole Case Worker.
He is described as compassionate, caring and a good listener. He loved more than anything to serve others. He loved to talk and he never met a stranger. He was a jack-of-all-trades and a master of all as well. He was very creative, a talented carpenter, mechanic and gardener. He was known to be a perfectionist. He would often tell his children to do things the right way the first time so you wouldn’t have to do it over. He was a man who spoke his mind. You never had to guess where he was coming from.
Rev. Brown made his transition on June 20, 2014. He is survived by his wife of fifty-two years, Norma Brown, children, Andrew Brown Jr., Anthony Brown and Andrea Boykin Bronson, grandchildren, Jayon and Alyssa Boykin and Brianna Bronson, siblings Rev. JD Brown and Louise Turner; and a host of other relatives and friends.
Submitted by Anthony W. Brown, son and Norma Brown, wife
David Ray Davidson
David Ray Davidson, 67, of Richmond, Texas passed away Wednesday, September 3, 2014. David was born December 21, 1947 in Port Arthur, Texas to Eldridge Carlton Davidson and Lois LaVerne Massey Davidson.
He retired as a pastor of the Methodist Church after 30 years of service. David was also a U.S. Navy veteran during the Vietnam War serving on the USS Hull. David was a graduate of Lamar University and the Alief School of Theology in Denver, Colorado.
Survivors include his wife, Becky Davidson of Richmond; mother, Lois Massey Davidson Streetman of Port Arthur ; son, Patrick Andrew Davidson of Houston; step- sons, Brendan Neef and David Neef and wife Paris; three grandchildren, Cameron Neef, Dillon Neef, Paisley Neef all of Richmond; brother, Jerry Davidson and wife Bette; sister, Carla Davidson Butuad and husband Mike; nephews, Dr. Wade Butuad, M.D., Kyle Butuad, Drew Davidson; nieces, Jill Sherrod and Katie Butaud; aunts, Fran Massey Ferrell Huber, Margaret Massey Dupuis, Peggy Massey Gray, and Betty Sterling Massey.
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W Carroll Fancher
Carroll Fancher, 86, born November 24, 1928, in San Antonio, passed away quietly in his home in Arbor Oaks, Bryan, Texas on April 23, 2015. He is survived by his wife of almost 65 years, the former Ann Parr. They were married August 12, 1950 in Bryan. He leaves behind son, Bill and his wife, Carol, of Dallas, and daughter, Luann Morris and her husband, Larry, of Greensburg, PA. Also five grandchildren, Robert and Tracy Fancher of Austin, Dan Morris and his wife, Breann, of Houston, Julie Morris of Charlotte, N. C., and Jeff Morris and his wife, Margot, of Badger, CA. and a host of friends made over the years.
Carroll was educated in a small school in Moscow, Texas where his parents, W. C. and Lula, moved when he was very young. He holds degrees from Lon Morris College, Southwestern University, Perkins School of Theology at Southern Methodist University, and an Honorary Doctor of Divinity from Southwestern University. His heritage of dedicated Christian living was most evident in all that he did.
Carroll was a Methodist minister and proudly but humbly served his Lord and the church he loved so much, in many different appointments. His first was a 5-point circuit in Freestone County, followed by churches at Holmes Chapel in Palestine, Crosby, Glenbrook in Houston where he was the organizing pastor, Groves, Marlin, Palestine FUMC, and Bryan First United Methodist. His final appointment was First United Methodist, Sugar Land. He served as District Superintendent of the Nacogdoches and Houston Southwest Districts of the Texas Methodist Conference. Upon retirement in 1994, Carroll & Ann moved back to Bryan where he was honored as Pastor Emeritus of First United Methodist Church. He was a faithful member of the Upper Room Sunday School class where he made many dear friends. His records show that he performed 1327 baptisms, 597 funerals, and, when he discontinued keeping count in 2007, there had been 345 marriages. In 1993, he was awarded the Harry Denman Evangelism Award by his conference, which he felt should be shared with his colleagues in Sugar Land.
Carroll served on many boards and agencies of the United Methodist Church beyond the local church. Most notably, he served as Conference Missionary Secretary of the Texas Conference; Board of Trustees of Lakeview Methodist Conference Center; and Board of Trustees of Mount Sequoyah, a conference and retreat center of the South Central Jurisdictional Conference where he was chairman from 1988-1992. Carroll was always involved in community organizations. He was a Lion, a Jaycee, and a Rotarian, and served as President of Rotary in Palestine in 1971. His most unusual and rewarding community service was four years on the Board of Trustees of St. Joseph's Catholic Hospital in Bryan, where he was Chairman in 1976-77.
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Eugene Faye Fitzwater
Gene was born on November 16, 1929 and died on November 3, 2014. He held a Bachelor Degree and a Master’s Degree in History from Lamar University, Beaumont, Texas and a Master of Divinity from Perkins School of Theology, SMU, Dallas.
Rev. Fitzwater served a number of churches in the Texas Conference including Campus Pastor at Lamar University. He served churches in Orchard, Wallis, Sabine Pass, Houston and Fulshear. Gene never met a stranger. After his retirement from active ministry he made it a point to be a support to all of his pastors over the years. Gene was a good writer who journaled for many years. He was a lover of social justice and a champion of the downtrodden. He loved and supported people regardless of race, gender, sexual orientation, religion or economic status and had a gift for relating to people of many backgrounds.
Gene is survived by his beloved spouse of almost 30 years, Linda Blevins Fitzwater, two children Emery Hugh Fitzwater and Dana Nadine Overstreet and four step children Konnie Thomas, Kathy Coates, Ken Keller and Keith Keller. He was blessed to have thirteen grand and step grandchildren and two great grandchildren. He is also survived and by his two sisters and numerous nieces and great nieces and nephews.
Submitted by Linda Fitzwater, spouse
Thomas Edward Gray
Thomas Gray was born September 2, 1925 to G. F. and Maybell Gray in Wilmington, Delaware. His childhood was spent in Pennsylvania and Michigan.
In 1942, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy and served three years in the South Pacific. Thomas returned to Oklahoma A&M where he met and married Beverly, his wife of 65 years. After graduating in 1950 with a degree in accounting, he worked as a financial and director manager for the YMCA in Pennsylvania. In 1958, he answered God’s call to ministry. He entered Perkins Seminary and graduated in 1962. He served the Texas Annual Conference faithfully for over 40 years in 13 appointments: Geneva Circuit, Smith Chapel, Flint, Pasadena – Sunset associate, Timpson, FUMC Marshall/ St. Mark’s, Alexander, Bryan/ Wesley Foundation, Laird Hill, Fairfield, FUMC Hardy Texarkana, Center, Longview – Wesley/McCabe and New Boston.
Thomas is survived by his wife, Beverly, son David and wife Kitty, daughter Sharon Pool and husband Jerry, daughter Joycelynn Davidson and husband Larry, son Daryl, son Charles and wife Kerry, twelve grandchildren and twelve great-grandchildren.
Submitted by Beverly Gray, spouse
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James H. Griffin
James Harrell Griffin, known to his friends as Jim, passed away in his home in Chandler, Texas, October 28, 2014. Jim was born in Chandler on January 17, 1932. He graduated from Chandler High in 1949 and continued his education at Henderson County Junior College, the University of North Texas, and Perkins School of Theology at Southern Methodist University in 1955. In later years he added to his degree at The University of Texas at Tyler.
Jim entered the United States Air Force in October of 1955 as a Chaplain. At his first assignment, MacDill AFB, Tampa, Florida, he met and married his wife of nearly fifty- eight years, Loura Ann Talton, the daughter of a Methodist minister. They have two sons: James Talton Griffin and Franklin Lee Griffin, a daughter-in-law, Serena and five grandchildren. During Jim’s military service he was assigned to five air bases stateside and overseas tours in North Africa, Korea, The United Kingdom and the Panama Canal Zone. He retired in March of 1978 having achieved the rank of Lt. Colonel.
Upon his retirement, returning to Chandler, he served the United Methodist Church in Ben Wheeler and the Community Presbyterian Church at Stanger Springs. He also worked and retired from Andrews Center in Tyler, Texas, as the Director of their Drug and Alcohol Abuse Program. While serving in this position, he had the opportunity to start a group for Vietnam veterans and very much enjoyed his work with them. He retired from the Andrews Center in the early nineties and remained active in the Chandler First United Methodist Church. He taught one of the senior adult Sunday School classes until the time of his death. His funeral was held in this church where over sixty-five years earlier he felt his call to serve the Lord.
Submitted Loura Ann (Lou) Griffin, wife
William Morris House
Dr. House died on Wednesday, July 9, 2014 at his home in Bryan. He was born on April 17, 1917 on the family farm in Leon County, Texas. He was the fifth of six children born to John Arthur House and Francis America (Reed) House. He attended Sam Houston University and became a Methodist minister, serving the church as a pastor for 50 years. He loved the United Methodist Church and the congregations he served. He continued to serve in retirement until his death, preaching his last sermon at the age of 96. During his ministry, he served as District Superintendent for two 6 year terms in the Longview District and the Bryan District. Among other appointments, he served as senior pastor of the First United Methodist Church in Bryan for 11 years, beginning in 1959.
Morris is survived by his wife, Mary Esther (Gunn) House. They celebrated their 75th wedding anniversary on June 17 of this year. He also is survived by two sons, William Morris House, Jr. and his wife, Betty, of Palestine, Texas and Donald Reed House and his wife, Paula, of College Station, Texas. The extended family includes five grandchildren and thirteen great-grandchildren.
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Bruce Emmett Krause
Bruce Emmett Krause was born on August 9, 1924 in San Antonio, TX and passed away on August 20, 2014.
Bruce graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree from Southern Methodist University in 1948. He continued with post-graduate study at SMU and earned a Masters of Religious Education and a Ph.D. at Perkins School of Theology, working as a carpenter for the University to pay for his tuition. His first appointment was in 1952 at the Marvin United Methodist Church in Tyler. Afterward, Bruce served as pastor at four other churches, Troup UMC (’59 – ’64), Wesley UMC (’64 – ’68), St. Stephens UMC (’74 – ’78), and Bellaire UMC (’84 – ’86). He also held administrative leadership positions as Conference Director of Leadership Development (’69 – ’71), Administrative Assistant to Bishop Copeland (’72 – ’74), District Superintendent of Beaumont District (’78 – ’84), and finally as Director of the Lakeview Methodist Conference Center (’86 – ’95). Bruce retired in 1995 after 43 years of faithful service in the Texas Conference.
After retirement, Bruce and his wife Beverly bought a beautiful home on 5 acres just west of New Braunfels where they enjoyed viewing the wildlife from their porch swing; taking care of their four donkeys; hosting family and friends; and enjoying worship, friends, and activities at the Canyon Lake UMC.
Bruce was preceded in death by his parents, several brothers and sisters, and by his son, John Krause. He is survived by his wife of 19 years, Beverly Lawson Krause, his brother Jordan Krause; and his three children, Steve Krause and his wife Becky, Susan Darnell, and Jeanne Garriss and her husband Roger; two step-children and their spouses; and a host of grandchildren, step-grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.
Submitted by Jerri Lynn Berry, stepdaughter
Charles Edward Laing, Sr.
Rev. Dr. Charles Edward Laing, Sr. was born on August 25, 1925 in Humble, Texas. He graduated from Waskom High School in 1942. He proudly served his country in the United States Navy during WWII and served as a chaplain serving in Japan 1953-54. After serving in the Naval reserves he retired as a Commander. He received his B.S. in Accounting from Centenary College in Shreveport LA in 1948 and served as the Student Body President and President of ODK. While at Southern Methodist University he earned his Bachelor of Divinity and served as the Senior Class President. A Master’s in Education from Sam Houston State in 1957 was followed by a Doctorate in Divinity from Huston-Tillotson College in 1978.
Dr. Laing began his pastoral appointments in 1950 serving throughout the state and Lake Charles, LA. He was the campus minister at Stephen F. Austin University, Sam Houston State University and Lamar State University. He was the State Director of the Texas Methodist Student Movement from 1960-1970. As the senior minister he served congregations in Marlin, Texarkana and Burleson. He served the Texas Methodist Foundation until 1997. Moving to Dallas, he served as the Director of Development for CC Young Retirement Home. Throughout his ministry, Dr. Laing served on many boards and agencies including the Texas Conference for education, Christian Vocations, social concerns, higher education and as Chairman of the committee on pensions. He was a member of the Texas Conference Council, the UMSM Board at SMU and the Development Council at Centenary College. He served as the secretary of the Ministerial Alliance in Marlin, Texas and the president of the Ministerial Alliance in Texarkana, Texas. He was a member of the Religious Emphasis Committee in Texarkana, Chair of
K - 8 Memoirs the Citizen Bond Issue Committee for GISD in Georgetown, Texas and consultant for the Guadalupe Regional Medical Foundation in 2009. He was also an active member of the National Association of United Methodist Foundations from 1978-1993 where he held several different offices and served on several committees. After retiring to Seguin, Charles and Peggy were members of First United Methodist Church. Charles was also a member of the Seguin Noon Rotary Club.
Charles was married to Peggy Ann Donaldson Laing for more than 56 years, they had three children-Charles E. Laing , Jr. (Diana), Mary Elizabeth Springs (Wayne), and Nicole Laing-Kotzur (Dale), and six grandchildren- Chelsea, Chase, Elizabeth, Grace, Madison and Calista.
Submitted by Mary Springs, daughter
Allan Wayne Middleton
Allan Wayne Middleton was born in Houston, Texas on December 23, 1946 and he passed away on July 28, 2014. His ashes were scattered at Lakeview and in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado so that he would forever be a part of his two favorite places.
Wayne graduated from the University of Houston and then went on to Emory University where he got his Masters of Divinity. Wayne began his career as a youth director at Seabrook UMC for two years prior to going to Emory. He then proceeded to work with youth for another sixteen years before he became the pastor in charge. In the thirty five years of his ministry, Wayne never missed a summer of church camp.
Wayne is survived by his wife Connie, his daughter Tami Macias and her husband Anthony, his son Adam Middleton and his wife Christina and their three beautiful daughters.
Submitted by Connie Middleton, wife
Nita Louise Newman
Nita joined her Lord in heaven, Sunday, Nov. 30, 2014, at the age of 69 after a brief fight against cancer.
Nita devoted her life to helping others. She was a hospital chaplain in Houston at Hermann Hospital and at Harris Methodist Hospital in Bedford providing ministry and spiritual guidance to patients, family members and caregivers. She was a United Methodist minister for 20 years serving congregations at Bay Harbour UMC in League City, Genoa UMC in south Houston, Pleasant Retreat UMC in Thorndale, and Valley Mills UMC in Valley Mills. She helped start The Hospitality Apartments in Houston, providing free housing to cancer patients at MD Anderson and constantly volunteered in her community to help those in need.
She earned a Bachelor of Science degree in business administration from Abilene Christian University (where she was a member of the GATA social club); a master of divinity from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, and studied at Perkins Theological Seminary. In her personal life, Nita was an accomplished artist and singer. She was chosen as a master of ceremony at the annual Abilene Christian University Sing Song choral competition in 1967. She was selected homecoming queen at Plainview High School
K - 9 Memoirs in 1962. When she was not devoting her life to helping others, she was a committed mother and grandmother.
Nita was preceded in death by her parents, Kelly and Louise Moser Newman of Plainview. Survivors are her son, Kelly Short; her granddaughter, Madison Short; her stepmother, Iona Newman; her brother, Kelly Carl Newman; and several loving aunts, cousins and extended family.
John Daniel O’Donnell
John O’Donnell was born April 5, 1929, in Steele, Alabama. He died on November 29, 2014 a resident of Liberty, TX.
John served Methodist congregations at Almeda UMC, St. John’s UMC in Jacksonville, Kirbyville UMC and St. Paul’s UMC in Bay City. Prior to starting his career with the Texas Conference, he served Free Will Baptist congregations in Texas, Tennessee, Kentucky, Missouri and Mississippi and served as President of Hillsdale College in Oklahoma. John wrote extensively and taught at several colleges. He retired in 1996. He is survived his wife, Jean O’Donnell of Liberty, Texas.
James Hugh Powell
Reverend Powell was born in Roanoke, Virginia on October 27, 1929, the son of the late Natalie Stultz Powell and the late Horatio Hugh Powell. He died on Thursday, June 19, 2014 at MRC Pinecrest.
Reverend Powell graduated from Male High School in Louisville, Kentucky in June of 1947. He attended the University of Virginia and graduated with a Bachelor's of Science in Chemistry in 1951. He served as a 2nd Lieutenant in the United States Army and saw gunnery action in the Korean War. He was honorably discharged in 1953, returned to Louisville, Kentucky, and married Vivian Ellen Glass in 1953. He then began what his family called his first career as an insurance salesman for Kentucky Central and New York Life Insurance Companies. In 1975 he began his second career by attending Vanderbilt University and receiving his Doctorate of Divinity. After preaching for many years in small Methodist churches throughout western and southern Kentucky, he moved to Texas in 1980. His churches in Texas included Henry's Chapel in Price, Texas, Carlisle United Methodist Church in Carlisle, Texas, Rayburn Country United Methodist Church near Jasper and the United Methodist Church of Shelbyville. He moved to Lufkin to be nearer to his family, especially his grandchildren, and became the assistant pastor for First United Methodist Church. In addition to his parents, Reverend Powell was preceded in death by his wife of 51 years, Vivian Ellen Glass Powell.
Survivors include his daughter, Lynn Powell Torres and husband Pablo Torres, Jr.; grandson, Jeremy Skyler Torres and his wife Naomi; granddaughter, Jessica Leigh Cantrell and her husband Ryan; great granddaughters, Mikaela and Aeva Torres; brothers, Don A. Powell and Arnie Levin; sister, Alyce Gannaway and husband Bill; nephews, Art Henson III, David Henson, Michael Henson and wife Pilar, Bill Gannaway and wife Tina; nieces, Jane Gannaway, Deborah Brock and husband Michael, and Barbara Gannaway; and numerous cousins from Virginia and Georgia.
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Oscar Marcellus Taylor
The Reverend Oscar Marcellus Taylor was born June 07, 1934 to the late William J. Taylor Sr. and Alma Martin Taylor of Kendleton Texas in Fort Bend County. He departed this life on September 10, 2014 at 80 years.
Oscar attended public school at Powell Point and graduated from Jack Yates High School in Houston Texas. After high school he was inducted into the United States Army where he served in the Korean Conflict. After serving his country he received an honorable discharge on November 25, 1955. After completing his military duty, he met and married Arlilia Scott. Oscar and Arlilia were married for 57 years and are the proud parents of one son, Bruce Winfred Taylor who preceded him in death. Oscar continued his education in Business Administration, Management, and Safety Investigation and then went on to work for Houston Independent School District and retired after a period of 19 years.
Oscar was a dedicated member of Newman Chapel United Methodist Church until his call to ministry. He was licensed to preach on August 18, 1964 in Kendleton Station. He continued his studies at Gammon Theological Seminary in Atlanta Georgia and Perkins School of Theology in Dallas Texas. He was Ordained Deacon May 31, 1971 in the Texas Conference where he served a number of charges. Later Oscar was Ordained Elder on May 27, 1997 and went on to retire from the ministry in 1998. After his retirement he returned to Newman Chapel and became very involved in the activities of the church especially the United Methodists Men.
Oscar had a keen interest in horticulture and received a certificate in Master Gardening from Fort Bend County Cooperative Extension. He also enjoyed fishing and had a love for technology.
One of the highlights of his life was “Pastor of the Day” at the State of Texas House of Representatives 73rd Legislature session in Austin Texas. Oscar was active with Kendleton Paradise Garden Cemetery Association. He held the office of treasurer and caretaker for the cemetery until his health started to fail. Paradise Garden Cemetery in Kendleton, Texas is his resting place.
Reverend Taylor leaves a devoted wife Arlilia and two Grandchildren Julissa and Julianna.
Submitted by Arlilia Scott Taylor, wife
R. June White
R. June White was born on November 4, 1931 and passed away on January 26, 2015 in Galveston. She was ordained a Deacon in 1978 and ordained an Elder in 1982. She served six churches in the Houston area before retiring in 1999. Her memorial service was held at Moody Memorial, Galveston.
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Robert Edwin Willis
The Reverend R. Edwin Willis joined the Church Triumphant on April 22, 2015.
The Reverend R. Edwin Willis celebrated 37 years of ministry in the United Methodist Church. He was an ordained Elder in full connection with the Texas Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church.
Reverend Willis was born November 12, 1940 in Houston, Texas, the son of Reverend Walter R. Willis, PhD and Louise (Owens) Willis. He attended Southwestern University, where he graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree. He then graduated from Perkins Seminary at Southern Methodist University with a Master’s Degree in Theology. Edwin served his Lord and Savior at churches in East Texas as well as on the Gulf Coast. His final appointment was St. Johns United Methodist Church in Richmond, Texas.
The title “Reverend” was the perfect title for the man who ministered his faith to all by the way he lived his life. He dedicated his life to serving the United Methodist Church and bringing people to know and accept Jesus Christ as their personal Savior. That was his calling. All who knew Edwin Willis would say that he was a man who lived greatly and a man who had a servant’s heart.
He is survived by his wife, Harriett Willis, and his children, Rob Willis and wife, Brenda, Kathy de la Vergne and husband Hugues, Angie Thames and husband, Bo; grandchildren Lauren and Hugues de la Vergne, Brantlee Willis, Tyler, Ashley, and Jessica, brother-in-law Joe Kelley and many loving church families and friends.
Edward Heacock Wilson
Rev. Edward Heacock Wilson, was born Sept 11, 1928 at the campus infirmary of Southwestern University in Georgetown, Texas, to parents Richard Knowles and Harriet Derry Heacock, the second of four sons. He died at the Veranda Nursing Home in Harlingen, Texas on December 21, 2014.
Edward’s father served Methodist congregations in South Texas, and Edward’s education occurred in public schools in Floresville, Taft, Yoakum and Laredo, graduating from Martin High School in Laredo. He returned to the campus where he was born, and graduated from Southwestern University with a B.A. in Psychology. After attending Perkins School of Theology at Southern Methodist University, Edward became a member of the Texas Annual Conference with headquarters in Houston. He served congregations in the following places: Kemah, Beaumont, Tyler, Rosebud, Hempstead, Hallsville, Houston - St. Luke’s, Brazoria, Lufkin, Price, Kirbyville, Houston - Central Park, Texarkana, Hughes Springs, Corrigan and East Benard.
Edward is survived by his children: Lance Heacock (Pearland TX), Wilson (Hope) Heacock, Harlingen TX; Diana Heacock Fuselier, Austin TX; Charlotte Heacock (Dallas) Nichols, Timbo, Arkansas; Patsy (Dale) Phillips, The Woodlands TX; Brenda (Clancy) Kelly, Houston TX; Mike (Jan) Gerro, Arlington TX; his grandchildren: Robert (Shannon) Heacock, Stephen Heacock (Darby Tober), Marcus Allen, Nathan Allen, Ethan Allen, Zachary Allen, Morgan (Matthew) Mooneyhan, Jef (Lorri) Fuselier, Jason (Summer) Fuselier, Jessica Fuselier (Nick Gonda), Richard Allen Phillips, Ryan (Chere) Phillips, Neal Phillips, Kylan (Amelia) Kelly, Krista (Jason) Melancon, Kara Kelly, Ricky Gerro, Robert (Elizabeth) Gerro, Parker Gerro, Whitney Gerro; his great grandchildren: Halie Heacock, Ashton Heacock, Kaila Kelly, Kylan Kelly, Trenton Guzman, Julia Ward, Kaylee Phillips, Ivy Rose Gerro, Madilynne Mooneyhan; his brother: Jack D. (Eleanor) Heacock, Bristol, VA and sister- in-law Callie Heacock, Belleville TX. Survivors also include Dorence Ida Spaeth, numerous cousins, nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews and Edwards Mall Walking Friends.
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Edward was preceded in death by his spouse Doris Wilson, parents Richard Knowles Heacock, Sr. (father) and Harriet Derry Heacock (mother), Richard Knowles Heacock, Jr. (brother) and Fred Macy Heacock (brother), and Anthony Allen (son in law).
Submitted by Jack D. Heacock, brother
Joe R. Young
Joe was born January 14, 1927, to James Noble and Mattie Barton Young, and went home to the Lord on October 31, 2014, after a long bout with illnesses.
At the young age of 17, Joe joined the Navy and received an honorable discharge in 1946. He returned to finish high school and received his diploma. After graduation, Joe returned home to work on the family-owned cotton gin in Maha, TX. Joe wanted to pursue his dream of working for the Lord. He received a degree in Sociology and went to SMU to become a Methodist minister. In the mid 50’s he married Kathy Burton and they had one child Dana. In the late 50’s, he married June Teykl, his one true love. June had also been married prior to their union. She had two children Cindy and Mark. Joe adopted them and they went on to have two more children David and Martha Jo. In the early 60’s the family moved to Huntsville where he worked for T.D.C.J. and retired in 1995 after 30 years of service as the Chaplain at the Diagnostic Unit, later named the Byrd Unit. During his many years in Huntsville, Joe enjoyed the brotherhood of the Masons and the American Legion. After retiring from his dedicated years of service with T.D.C.J., his avid habit of golfing replaced working.
Joe was preceded in death by his parents, four brothers Noble, Lourey, Davis and Barton and three sisters, Eloies (El), Martha and Eva Nell. He is also preceded by his beloved wife June Teykl Young and their son Mark Travis Young. He leaves behind daughter Cindy and son-in-law Tom Dew, son David Paul Young, and daughter Martha Jo Young Adams; Grandchildren Tommy and Stephanie Dew, granddaughter Ashley Adams and following in his grandfather’s shoes Navy Nuclear Engineer Austin Adams.
When Rev. Joe Young was laid to rest he had on no shoes, a putter in one hand and the Good Book in the other.
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Clergy Spouses
Stanley Bates
Mr. Bates passed away Thursday, December 11, 2014 in Dallas. He was born September 12, 1937 in Jefferson City, Missouri to Bill C. and Marjorie E. Castor Bates.
Stan was a member of First United Methodist Church in Casper, Wyoming and was a former member of Marvin United Methodist Church. Stan spent a lifetime embracing leadership and working for the Lord in various churches throughout the world. A devoted family man, Stan loved them above all else. He participated in SCCA and IMSA motorsports racing. Stan loved to sing and was a member of Tyler Chamber Chorale, and a member of Chancel Choir at Marvin United Methodist and Casper First United Methodist.
Following 23 years of service in the United States Air Force, Stan retired as a Chief Master Sergeant. A proud Alumni of Southern California University, Stan earned his Master’s degree in Engineering and retired from Lockheed Martin as an Electrical Engineer.
Stan was preceded in death by his parents and his first wife, Mary Martha Marler Bates. He is survived by his loving family including his wife of 8 ½ years, Mary Shivers Bates; children, Elizabeth Bates Holiday and husband David of Rochester, New York, Benita Lung and husband Jackson of Cincinnati, Ohio, Joshua McMillan and wife Cassie of Longmont, Colorado; grandson, Benjamin Lung; brother, Marshall Bates and wife Cheri of Lanett, Alabama; sister-in-law, Anita Wilkerson and husband John of Iowa; brother-in-law, Rodney Shivers and wife Elaine of Carrollton, Georgia; numerous nephews and nieces.
Evelyn Bishoff
Evelyn was born on October 4, 1920 and passed away on March 28, 2015. She was the spouse of Robert Earl Bishoff who retired in 1986 (d. 1988).
Doris Carlisle
Doris Jean Carlisle, 80, of Jewett, Texas, died on Friday, October 31, 2014 in her home surrounded by her family.
Doris was born on July 29, 1934 in Rosenberg, Texas, the daughter of Anson and Dora Otto. She graduated Suma Cum Laude from Sam Houston State University in Huntsville, Texas in 1956 with a Bachelor of Science in Math. She married Deward (Nick) Carlisle on June 9, 1956. She was a kind, generous, and loving wife, mother, and grandmother. Doris loved serving God alongside her husband, Nick, who was a minister, and provided spiritual support to him. They enjoyed spending time together and traveling. Her hobbies included cross-stitch, reading, and cooking.
She is survived by her husband, her son and his wife, Jeff and Monica Carlisle, her daughter and her husband, Sharon and Dean Wright, three grandchildren, Miranda Carlisle, Brady Wright, Alina Smith and her husband, Jason, two great-grandchildren, Conner and
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Hudson Smith, and one sister, Darlene Batchelor. She was preceded in death by her parents, her brother, J.C. Otto, and her sister, Betty George.
Rebecca Simmons Faulk
Rebecca was born on January 8, 1946, in San Augustine, Texas to the late Ernest Arlington Byrd and Effie (Berry) Byrd. She entered into rest August 28, 2014, in Houston, Texas, attaining the age of 68 years, 7 months and 20 days.
Rebecca was a member of St. Paul United Methodist Church in Lufkin, Texas. In 1962 she married Burton Simmons and they had 4 children. After his sudden death in 1974, she married Robert Faulk in 1976 and they were blessed with 38 years of happiness. She worked as a teller at Commercial Bank. While living in Lufkin, she worked as the church secretary for the First Presbyterian Church there. She also worked for the Conference in the “Room to Grow” office.
She was deeply loved and respected by all her family. To her beloved grandchildren she was “Gan-Gan”. To her girls and sisters, she was a mentor and “shopping buddy”. To Robert she was not only a partner in marriage, but also a partner in the ministry.
Rebecca was preceded in death by her parents, Ernest and Effie Byrd; her husband, Burton Simmons; sisters, Mary Carter and Brenda Ricks, and great-grandson, Taytum Sharp.
She is survived by her husband, Rev. Robert Faulk of Lufkin; her daughters, Lisa Sharp and her husband, Charles of San Augustine; Rhonda Perry and her husband, Clifford of San Augustine and Kim Godwin and her husband, Quinn of Daisetta and Terrie Faulk Wagstaff of Houston; her sons, Eddie Simmons and his wife, Amy of Nacogdoches and John Faulk and his wife, Eileen of Houston; her Sister, Dawn Smith and her husband, Oswell of Chireno; her loving grandchildren, Adam Sharp and his wife, Candace; Brandon Sharp; Jordan Godwin and his wife, Monica; Colt Simmons; Tyler Godwin; Cade Simmons, Lauren Godwin and Claire Simmons; Randa Smith and her husband, Brian of Killeen; Evan, Emory and Kinley Faulk; her great-grandchildren, Taylor Sharp, and “Sam” Godwin, Tanner, Braydon, Landon and Carson Smith; her Brothers-in-laws, Nelson Carter of Tyler, and James Ricks of Chireno, along with a host of other relatives and friends.
Bobbye Lee Godbey
Bobbye Lee Godbey died Saturday, August 16, 2014, at age 88 in a Dallas hospital. She was preceded in death by her husband, Rev. Charles P. Godbey. She is survived by her son Robert Carson Godbey and his wife Ellen Godbey Carson, of Honolulu, Hawaii; her son David C. Godbey, his wife Beverly Bell Godbey, and their children John Godbey and Ruth Godbey, of Dallas; her brother Erroll Wendland and his wife Barbara Cook Wendland, of Temple, Texas; and several cousins, nieces, and nephews.
Bobbye Lee Wendland was born November 25, 1925, in Temple, Texas, to R. E. “Bob” Wendland and Nora Lee Mayhew Wendland. She grew up in Temple, Texas, and attended Temple High School. She then went to Southwestern University her first two years, transferring to SMU for a journalism major and graduating at 19. She was woman's editor of the Temple Daily Telegram until moving to Evanston, Illinois, where she earned her master's in journalism from Northwestern University.
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She joined the staff of Methodism's national magazine, the Christian Advocate, in Chicago, where she edited church news from Western and Central Jurisdictions. Charles and Bobbye Lee were married on May 14, 1952, and she returned with him to Texas. During his career as a United Methodist minister, they served churches in Fairbanks, Port Arthur, Woodville, Tyler, Houston, Conroe, and Baytown. A happy minister's wife, mother, and grandmother, she participated in many church activities such as United Methodist Women, Bible studies, and mission trips. In retirement, she and Charles enjoyed traveling and supporting various church causes, eventually living in Duncanville and then at C. C. Young retirement center in Dallas. She died after a long illness with Alzheimer's disease.
Vera Hedges
Vera Beth Johnson Robinson Hedges, 81, of Quitman, passed away Thursday, April 2, 2015. She was born in Navasota to John and Mable Johnson on March 22, 1934. She attended Navasota High School and received her bachelor's degree in English from Sam Houston State University. She later received her master's degree in English from East Texas State University. She married Rex Robinson in 1957 and they had two children. In 1963, the family moved from Navasota to Quitman. Rex passed away in 1969 and the family remained in Quitman where Beth taught English at Quitman High School for a number of years. In 1977, she left teaching and worked for Robinson & Son's Lumber Co. until 1992.
In 1992, Beth married the Rev. Bill Hedges, a pastor with the United Methodist Church and together they served churches in the Texas Conference including Trinity, Houston, Wills Point, New Boston and Canton. In 2003, Beth and Bill retired and moved back to Quitman.
Beth was very active in Quitman over the years serving on the original Planning and Zoning Committee, was on the city council for a number of years and served as mayor for a short time. She also served on the board of directors of Mineola Community Bank for a number of years. She was very involved in the Scenic Association, Wood County Aggie Mom's, Friends of the Library and Christmas Sharing. She was an avid bridge player and was also very active at First United Methodist Church in Quitman.
Beth was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Rex; son, Mark; and sisters, Virginia Norris and Johnnie Brown. She is survived by her husband, Bill Hedges; daughter, Jill Robinson House and husband Todd, of Joshua, along with their daughters, Katie and Mary; daughter-in-law, Jill Robinson, of Dallas, along with her children Ben, Adam and Chloe; two sisters, Peggy Seigle, of Conroe, and Annette Wilbourn and husband Buddy, of Quitman. She is also survived by Bill's children, Kathryn Arata and family, of Dallas, Kent Hedges and family, of Cedar Park and Rebecca Matthews and family, of Houston; as well as a host of relatives in the Johnson, Robinson and Hedges families.
Savanna Owens Helpenstell
Savanna Owens Helpenstell, 101 years old, left this earthly life on August 31, 2014, in Corpus Christi, where she had resided for just over a year. She was preceded in death by her husband, Rev. William James Helpenstell, and her son, William David Helpenstell. She is survived by two grandchildren, William Keith Helpenstell and Terri Lea Helpenstell.
Savanna was born in the Hopewell community in Nacogdoches County on December 11, 1912. She attended school in Hopewell and in Sulphur Springs. She married William J. Helpenstell on December 21, 1934 in Nacogdoches. After William was ordained in the Congregational Methodist Church in 1943,
K - 16 Memoirs he and Savanna served 14 charges in the Texas Conference of the Methodist Church over a period of 34 years. Some of the churches they served were Laneville, Pine Hill, Deadwood, Harleton, Arp, Marquez, Jewett, New Diana, and Centerville. Savanna was very active in the W.S.C.S., which later became the United Methodist Women.
After her husband passed away in 1989, Savanna became active in the Apache Tears Quilters, which met in the Laneville Methodist Church. She also put together detailed scrapbooks of family history and remained active in the Laneville Methodist Church for as long as she was able.
Submitted by Sylvia Helpenstell, daughter-in-law & William Keith Helpenstell, grandson
Minnie “Frances” McKnight Jammer
Frances McKnight Jammer was born on January 8, 1935, in Fort Worth, TX, to Rev. Will Henry McKnight and Mrs. Eugenia Anderson McKnight, and passed away on January 19, 2015, in Houston, TX, following a brief illness. Mrs. Jammer was buried in Houston National (Veterans) Cemetery, Houston, TX alongside her husband.
She was happily married to Rev. Dr. Cornelius C. Jammer, Sr. for 20 years and enjoyed working as his partner in their ministry. As the clergy spouse she served alongside her husband at Union Memorial, Ebenezer, Trinity, and Mt. Vernon United Methodist Church, as well as the Sweeny Circuit in Angleton, TX. They worked as a team in his ministry for 20 years. She enjoyed being a Kindergarten Sunday School teacher. In one church, she organized a children’s choir. God blessed her with a beautiful soprano voice and she used it by singing in several choirs. She was sometimes called out of the congregation by C. C. to play the piano or organ during worship services. She loved being the wife and fishing buddy to C.C. and mother to their daughter.
After the passing of her husband, she returned to Mt. Vernon United Methodist Church where the Lord called her to start a card ministry which initially included only the sick and shut-in, but expanded to those she knew well, and those she felt needed to know that someone cared. Above all, Mommy was a loving mother, dedicated wife, adored aunt, a prayer warrior, and a woman of grace and spirit who loved and trusted the Lord. She will be missed by all who knew her.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Rev. Dr. Cornelius C. Jammer, Sr., her parents, two sisters (Louise Taylor and Lilly Mae Carroll) and two brothers (William and Eddie McKnight). She leaves to treasure and honor her memory, her daughter Avis Renae Duncan, many relatives in the Anderson and Jammer families, as well as her wonderful friends.
Submitted by Avis Renae Duncan, daughter
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Sara Kathryn Kaufman Kellow
Sara Kellow was born on June 10, 1920 to John and Mary (Simpson) Kaufman in Wichita Falls, TX, passed away on Friday, May 2, 2014 in Dallas, TX. She was 93. She was a loving, kind, and dedicated daughter, niece, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother who's love of life was only matched by her dedication to the Lord and her family. She graduated from Sunset High School in Dallas in 1938 and attended Lon Morris Junior College, where she was later awarded an Outstanding Alumni Award, before earning her teaching degree from the University of Houston.
At Lon Morris she met the love her life, the late Reverend M. Keith Kellow and they married in September of 1942. As the devoted and very supporting wife of a Methodist minister, Sara Katherine followed her husband as he moved to different Methodist ministerial positions throughout East and Southeast Texas, from Tyler to Nacogdoches to Tenaha to Galveston, before settling in Houston. After retirement, she returned with Keith to Dallas to be closer to family.
She was a lifelong educator, primarily teaching elementary school, but also acting as a docent at the Houston Zoo. She was named “Teacher of the Year” at Cornelius Magnet School in Houston, received a certificate of merit upon her retirement, and was a member of the Association of Childhood Education, the Texas State Teacher Association, and the Delta Kappa Gamma Teachers Society. In addition to teaching, she volunteered at Presbyterian Hospital in Dallas, Methodist Hospital in Houston, and the “Reach to Recovery” program of the American Cancer Society. She was artistic at heart, showing a talent for music through singing and playing the piano and organ, as well as being a gifted artist, moving from elaborate needlepoints and quilts to watercolor and oil landscapes to abstract sculptures later in life. She and her husband traveled all over the world, fulfilling a zest for learning new cultures and exploring new places, and passing down that love of travel to her children and grandchildren. They traveled and camped in almost every state in the US and also traveled to 5 continents.
She is preceded in death by her beloved husband of 66 years, Rev. Keith Kellow. She is survived by her three children: daughter Mary Ann & husband Eddie Mahon, son M. Keith Kellow Jr., and son John K. & wife Kristi Kellow; grandchildren Melanie A. Mahon & Jayson Sypniewski and Edward J. Mahon; great-grandchildren Aiden and Nora Sypniewski; her aunt Janice “Tidlee” Miller; as well as many beloved cousins and friends.
Peggy Ann Donaldson Laing
Peggy Ann Donaldson Laing was born on December 19, 1932 in Bartlesville, Oklahoma to Clifford and Retta (Hicks) Donaldson. Peggy will be remembered as a long-time member of the Methodist Church. Formerly of Georgetown, Texas, Peggy was active in the community including having served as the president of the Georgetown Historical Society. Peggy taught school for 38 years in Louisiana, Austin, Marlin, Texarkana, and Georgetown. Over the years she touched the lives of many students who loved her, as well as their parents and her fellow teachers. She was also instrumental in bringing authors to the schools where she worked to meet the children in person.
While in Dallas, Peggy was a member of Highland Park United Methodist Church and an active member of PEO. When she moved to Seguin, she continued her membership in PEO and also joined the Silver Needlers. As a member of First Methodist Church in Seguin, she was also an active member of the Sharers’ Sunday School class.
Her greatest joy was being with her grandchildren. She loved to read to them, take them to the children’s museums, teach them to sew and help them with their school work. “Papa” as she was known to her
K - 18 Memoirs grandchildren, was always ready to volunteer at school or help with a special project. She also enjoyed spending time with her dear friends from places she had lived before, helping with parties or showers for friends and family.
Peggy was preceded in death by her parents, her brothers, Donald and John Donaldson and her sister Sally Jane. Peggy was married to Charles Edward Laing, Sr. for over 56 years. They had three children - Charles E. Laing, Jr. (Diana), Mary Elizabeth Springs (Wayne), and Nicole Laing-Kotzur (Dale), and six grandchildren-Chelsea, Chase, Elizabeth, Grace, Madison and Calista. She is also survived by her sister, Patty Donaldson Kramer and longtime friend and college roommate-Mary Beth McCain (Jack), numerous nieces, nephews and other loving family members and many friends.
Submitted by Mary Elizabeth Springs, daughter
Alice Faye Morris Laster
Alice was born in 1953. She passed on November 20, 2014. She was married to Rev. Curley H. Laster.
Yvonne Coussons Leediker
Yvonne Leediker was born January 19, 1922, in Hemphill, Texas, and passed away on December 1, 2014, Dallas, Texas. Yvonne is interred at the UMC Cemetery at Lakeview. She was the third child of PM Coussons and Carrie Nethery Coussons. After graduating from Stephen F Austin University in 1943, Yvonne taught Home Economics to many young women in Pineland High School. Lifelong learning was a passion of Yvonne’s and one she shared with her family on a daily basis.
Yvonne married a young Methodist minister, Bill Leediker, on January 26, 1949, and lived the life of a minister’s wife for the next forty years, moving about East Texas while Bill served many Methodist churches in the area. Even though she had a great love for gardening with a focus on beautiful spring flowers, her most important role was wife and mother to her family of four children, Vonnie Schmitt – Springfield, Virginia, Vicki Hassenzahl, - Pecan Plantation, Texas, Marc Leediker - Dallas, and Kent Leediker - Austin. She is also survived by 6 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren.
In 2011, Bill and Yvonne celebrated their long, productive marriage and love for learning by establishing a trust that supports a college scholarship program in perpetuity. The scholarship honors a high achieving graduate each spring that has been active in the youth ministry of the First United Methodist Church in Mineola.
Submitted by Marc Leediker, son
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Ina Virginia Yates Martin
Ina Martin passed away January 8, 2015 at her residence in Point Venture, TX. She was born November 21, 1918 in Cherrydale, Virginia to John Carrington and Margaret Swink Yates. Ina married Rev. Howard C. Martin October 21, 1937. They were married 55 years.
She attended First United Methodist Church on Lovers Lane, Athens, TX for over 35 years. She also attended First United Methodist Church in Rosenberg, TX approximately 12 years. Ina was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great- grandmother and great-great-grandmother.
She is preceded in death by her husband Rev. Howard C. Martin, her parents, two brothers Lee and Windsor Yates, sister Margaret Kelly and grandson L. Martin Clark II.
Survivors include daughters Jeannette M. Williams and husband Bob Williams, Nancy L. Martin, five grandchildren, thirteen great-grandchildren, three great-great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.
Submitted by Jeannette M. Williams & Nancy L. Martin, daughters
Martha Matthis
Martha Gwendolyn Cockerell Matthis, our beloved mother, sister, aunt and friend, passed away peacefully on Sunday, the 13th of July 2014, at the age of 94. All 3 of her sons were with her in her final hours.
She was born in Seymour, TX in the summer of 1920. Following her 1938 graduation from Vernon High School in Vernon, TX, Martha attended Texas State College for Women (now known as Texas Women's University,) graduating in 1942 with a degree in Public School Music. She received further education in this field during the summer of 1947 when she attended Columbia University in New York City. Over the years, Martha taught school throughout Texas in LaGrange, Austin, San Angelo, Houston and Leverett's Chapel.
While teaching in Leverett's Chapel she met Leon C. Matthis, a Methodist Minister in the Texas Conference, and they were married on April 18, 1949. Leon and Martha served the church at Greggton UMC in Longview, St. John's in Baytown, Williams Memorial in Texarkana, St. Phillips, Fair Haven, and Bellaire in Houston, and as District Superintendent in the Texarkana and Beaumont Districts. When Leon retired in 1987 they moved to Houston.
Martha was preceded in death by her husband, Leon Caldwell Matthis, and her parents, Jesse James and Alice Lanier Cockerell. She is survived by her brother, Dr. Tom Cockerell; her former sister-in-law, Gwen Fouts; her 3 sons and their spouses, David Matthis (Karen) of Austin, TX; the Reverend Morris Matthis (Jepilyn) of Montgomery, TX; and Bob Matthis (Marian) of Franklin, TN. She is also survived by nephews Dr. Tom Cockerell, Jr; Perry Cockerell, Jesse Cockerell of Ft Worth, TX, Michael Matthis of Beaumont, TX and Rodney Runnells of Huntington Beach, CA; nieces Lavonne Cockerell Walters of Ft. Worth, TX, Pamela Cockerell Rushing of College Station, TX and Roseanna Matthis Sweatt of Bryan, TX; and eight grandchildren Paul, Jon, Steven (Carolyn), Kyle, Michael and Amy Matthis and Stella and Christian Eichelman; and many grand-nieces and nephews.
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Dorothy Fay Black McClure
Dorothy Fay Black McClure of Alto left this walk of life on November 18, 2014 at the age of 89. She was born December 16, 1924, to the late Harrison Holcomb Black, Sr. and Verna Alva Black. She was preceded in death by her husband, Rev. Dr. Jewel McClure; grandson, Clay Norton; and great-grandson, Scott Baker.
Mrs. McClure was a lifelong resident of Cherokee County and the Rusk/Alto area. She was born and reared in the Shiloh community.
Mrs. McClure was considered by many a vital part of her husband’s ministry while he served in numerous congregations as a United Methodist pastor. Their last appointment was as Superintendent at Lakeview Methodist Assembly in Palestine. After that, she retired to her hometown of Alto.
Mrs. McClure was member of the FUMC in Rusk and very active in the church choir as well as other church activities and a member of Beta Sigma Phi, Daughters of the American Revolution, Eastern Star, and the VFW Ladies Auxiliary. She was a retired school teacher with 25 years of service.
Left to cherish her memory are her daughter and son-in-law, Dottie and Ronnie Norton; three sons and daughter- in-laws, Dwain McClure, Kenny and Barbara McClure, Johnny and Janet McClure; a sister, Alva Joy Jones; brother, Harrison Black; 10 grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren.
Submitted by Dottie McClure Norton, daughter
Ileen McCullar
Ileen Lenelle (McCombs) McCullar, 78, passed away peacefully Wednesday July 23, 2014 at her home in College Station with her family by her side.
Ileen was born January 17, 1936 in Port Arthur the daughter of Rev. E. Hal and Muryl (Janes) McCombs. She was a charter member of Christ United Methodist Church where in her years of service she served as pianist, directed children's choirs, taught Sunday school, led bible study, and sang in the Sanctuary Choir. Ileen held many church music and education positions in congregations across the Texas Conference. She was also a full-time Elementary School Teacher, proudly retiring from Bryan ISD after years of service across the state. She always had a smile, a word of encouragement, and took her infectious laughter wherever she went.
Ileen was preceded in death by her husband of 50 years, Rev. James E. McCullar. She is survived by her daughters, Brenda McCullar of College Station and Cynthia McCullar Murphy of Belle Mead, NJ, son-in-law, William Murphy, and only grandchild, Wesley James Murphy of Houston.
Amelia Margaret Menking
Amelia was born on October 7, 1916. She passed on January 3, 2015 at the age of 98. She was married to the former Rev. W. A. Menking.
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Carolyn Moorman
Virginia “Carolyn” Fleming was born on July 10, 1929 to Berton Harris Fleming and Ethel Clayton Fleming in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. She came into this world with a readymade family of two older brothers and two older sisters. Within the next two years in 1931, she gained another sister who was named Loraine Clayton Fleming. They became fast friends and close sisters and remained so until Loraine's death in 2003.
Carolyn met her future husband Lloyd Fray Moorman when she was sixteen. They married on December 23, 1947. Lloyd was called to be a minister and they moved from Houston to Dallas so that he could attend the seminary at SMU. While still in Houston, their daughter Joyce Marie was born on September 29, 1948. Son Daniel Lloyd was born on April 2, 1951. Third child, a daughter, Martha Ann was born on January 21, 1953. After Lloyd began his life as a Methodist minister, Carolyn followed him from church to church as he was transferred until he took a sabbatical in 1971.
During the mid-1970's, Carolyn attended nursing school and after making a 100 on her test for the State Boards, she became an LVN. Most of her years in nursing, she worked in the ICU Unit. Until her retirement and then in 1996, came to A Yellow Rose Florist and worked there with her daughter and grandson until the Alzheimer's began to take her memory away. She was a vital part of the shop and is greatly missed.
Carolyn and Lloyd had a good life together and finally bought their first house in the 1970's. Lloyd was diagnosed with cancer, months after following surgery and a stay in a rehab to get his strength back; he passed away in July 1979.
Carolyn passed away on April 13, 2015. She was one beautiful woman both inside and out. We know she will be missed by all who knew her as a wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt, sister-in-law, friend, co-worker and minister's wife. Carolyn is now going home to be with her husband, son, three grandchildren, parents, five siblings and too many relatives and friends to mention. Carolyn is survived by her two daughters; nine living grandchildren; twenty-one great-grandchildren; and other relatives and friends.
Nora Beth Morton
Nora Beth Merriman Morton was born in Jacksboro, Jack County, Texas on October 17, 1918. She moved to Throckmorton, Texas with her family in 1921. She attended school in Throckmorton and college at McMurry College in Abilene, Texas where she met her husband, Weldon Bascom Morton. Her father was Edwin Laffette Merriman and her mother was Effie Sikes Merriman.
Her interest in being a missionary was fulfilled by marrying the Rev. Weldon B. Morton, a Methodist minister, a marriage that lasted 66 years until her husband passed away in 2004. In 1981 she made a 3-week trip to Africa to see the mission field of the Methodist Church. On her return, at the request of the Bishop, she visited churches to tell them of the mission work.
Her son, Bill Ed Morton, was injured in an automobile accident, and Nora Beth was needed to help him recover. During this time she painted with oils and won honorable mention for her work with TASHA. Later, her talents turned to China painted porcelain dolls that won prize ribbons wherever they were shown.
Nora Beth was a member of the United Methodist Woman all her life. She was an honorary member of Delta Kappa Gamma since her aunt, Dr. Cora Merriman Martin was founder. She was also a member of the McMurry Chanters girl’s sextet, the Bellaire United Methodist Church, and chapel of Clarewood House.
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Nora passed away on March 28, 2015. She is survived by her sons Merriman Morton of Austin, Baker Morton of Santa Fe, New Mexico, and Bill Ed Morton of Austin, as well as her four grandchildren, and ten great- grandchildren.
Vorease Nickerson
“For I am ready to be offered and the time of departure is at hand. I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith.” 2nd Timothy 4:6-7.
Mrs. Nickerson was born to the late Jacob Johnson Sr. and Corine Gaut Johnson on October 17, 1927. At an early age, she united with Red Oak United Methodist Church, Hallsville, Texas.
Mrs. Nickerson attended Red Oak School, Hallsville, TX. Mrs. Nickerson was united in Holy Matrimony with the late Reverend Jewel Charles Nickerson, Sr. until his death. Her husband, Rev. Jewel C. Nickerson Sr. and son, Jewel C. Nickerson Jr. preceded her in death.
Mrs. Nickerson worked as a domestic for many years and was later employed in the dietary department of Wiley College, Marshall, TX. She was a member of Marion County Mission Society in Jefferson, TX. and was a member of the Rural Community Female Chorus for many years. Mrs. Nickerson later united with Connors Goodwill United Methodist Church in Jefferson, TX., a faithful member until her death. Mrs. Nickerson enjoyed singing, and was a very good cook and provided meals for everyone she could, was known for her Teacakes and Pineapple upside down cakes. Mrs. Nickerson loved her family, her church, and had a heart for God's people.
Mrs. Nickerson peacefully entered into Eternal rest, August 6, 2014 at her daughter's home under the supervision and watchful care of Heart to Heart Hospice Care of Longview, Texas.
Mrs. Nickerson leaves to cherish her memory, son, Rev. Roy Nickerson, of Texas City; four daughters, Pastor Doris Nickerson Humble and Gloria (Eddie) Benton both of Marshall, TX; Patricia (Jerry) Newby and Minister Shirley (James) Scott both of San Marcus, TX; sister Theresa Anderson of Marshall, TX; seventeen grandchildren, and a host of great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
Submitted by Doris Humble, daughter
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Frances Richardson
Frances Ann McCasland Richardson, age 85, of Longview passed away Sunday, March 8, 2015. She was born Jan. 1, 1930, to William Thomas McCasland and Susannah McCasland in McKinney, Texas. Growing up, Frances attended and graduated from McKinney schools in 1948. She then attended TSCW and received a Bachelor of Science in occupational therapy in 1952. Frances worked at both Topeka State and Terrell State Hospitals with an interest in mental health. Fran married the Rev. Frank M. Richardson Jr. on April 18, 1959, in Dallas, Texas. She was a life ministerial partner in the many churches that Frank served in the Texas Methodist Conference. She was active in church choirs and United Methodist Women. For the last 22 years, Fran was active in The Newnham Sunday School at First United Methodist Church, Longview.
Those left to cherish Frances's memory are her husband, the Rev. Frank M. Richardson; three children, Susanne Callender and her husband, Jay; Kathleen Mullins and her husband, Dennis; and Frank Mackey Richardson III and his wife, Elizabeth; grandchildren, Douglas, Mary and Anna Callender, Ryan, Caitlin and Erin Mullins, Mallory Richardson, and Meredith and Ian Nichols; and great-granddaughter, Charlotte Lopez. She is also survived by her brother, Dick McCasland and his wife, Linda; sisters-in-law, Lynda McCasland and Eloise Franklin; and many nieces and nephews. Fran's parents and brother, Stuart McCasland, all precede her in passing.
Patsy Rohloff
Patsy Luckie Rohloff passed away at her home, on February 21, 2015, at the age of 81. Pat was born in George West, Texas on November 30, 1933. In 1955, she married Herb Rohloff, and they had two sons, Herb and Greg. As a pastor's wife, Pat and Herb moved often, living in Dallas, Tyler, Willis, Houston, Texarkana, Beaumont, and 2 years in the Derbyshire district of England, before they retired in the Champions area. She especially enjoyed their 2 years in England, where she took particular delight in showing their many visitors the village fairs, castles, and hiking paths near their home. But no matter where Pat lived, through the Methodist Church and through her passion for “antiquing”, she quickly made lasting friends.
Pat is preceded by her parents Mack and Eunice Luckie. She is survived by her husband of almost 60 years, Rev. Herb Rohloff; brother Mack Luckie; son Herb and his wife Karen; son Greg and his wife Amanda; grandson Chris and wife Maria, grandson Colton and wife Diane, granddaughter Katelyn and husband Patrick, grandson Calaway, granddaughter Kathryn, granddaughter Nicole and husband Matt; great-granddaughter Ava; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.
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Mareta Shadle
Mareta Florence Roach Shadle was born on September 26, 1923. She passed away at the age of 91 on March 10, 2015. She was the wife of Rev. Charles Shadle. She was laid to rest next to her husband Charles at Lakeview Cemetery.
Elizabeth “Beth” Stutes
Elizabeth Anne “Beth” Kolaja Stutes, was born December 3, 1934, in Houston, Texas, and died January 30, 2015, at age 80, in Plainview, Texas. A memorial service took place at Peace Chapel, Lakeview Methodist Conference Center, on February 3, 2015, with the Rev. Hiram “Doc” Jones officiating. Interment was at the Texas Methodist Conference Cemetery.
Beth was a graduate of Jeff Davis High School in Houston, and she was also a student at Sam Houston State University in Huntsville, where she met her future husband, Clarence H. (C. H.) Stutes. They were married on July 16, 1954 at her home church, Wesley Methodist Church in northeast Houston. Beth and C. H. served the itineracy in sixteen different appointments, beginning with the Call Circuit near Beaumont, and concluding with an appointment to St. Timothy's in northwest Houston, where C. H. died while in active ministry in 1995.
She is survived by three sons, Robert Stutes, of Roanoke, Virginia; Ronald Stutes, of Tyler, Texas; and Randy Stutes, of Plainview, Texas, and two grandchildren.
Submitted by Robert Stutes, son
Emma Joe Muse Thomas
Emma Joe was born on September 13, 1927 and entered the gates of Heaven on October 28, 2014. She received her Bachelor of Science degree in education, special education and home economics from Stephen F. Austin State University.
Emma Joe was the proverbial Proverbs 31 woman. She was a wife of noble, self- sacrificing character and spent her life building up others. She greatly loved her family, and she was instrumental in teaching morals and Christian values. She was a lady at all times and had a strong relationship with her Lord. Emma Joe taught school for many years and influenced a generation of students to bring good into the world. She was the perfect pastor’s wife because she was so loving and accepting of all. She strongly supported her husband Billie, in all Christian endeavors. Emma Joe mentored and guided congregants in every community she served. She loved with a love so deep and rich and would do anything to help. Her kindness and generosity was felt by everyone with whom she came in contact.
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She was preceded in death by her parents, W.M. and SeaBell Muse, her husband, Rev. Billie Thomas, her son, Rev. Lou Thomas, her daughter, Gayla Sitton, a brother William Muse, Jr, and sisters, Lillie Meeks and Faye Carver.
Emma is survived by daughter - Melody Hughes (Richard); nephews - JF Carver (Beverly) and Alden Carver (Gayle); nieces - Pricilla Johnson (Richard) and Dana Pflaum (Wolfgang); grandchildren - Thomas Sitton (Karli), Seth Sitton (Harmony), Dan Sitton (Kristi), Janae Henderson (Darrick), Jasen Thomas (Amber), Brooke Hughes McGee (Anthony), Brittany Hughes Maki (Ben); son-in-law – Danny Sitton and daughter-in-law – Brenda Thomas. Emma Joe was survived by 15 great-grandchildren, a huge loving family, and a host of friends.
Submitted by Melody Hughes, daughter
H. David White
David was born on August 19, 1928 and passed away on July 20, 2014. His spouse was Dr. R. June White who retired in 1999 (d. 2015).
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