Jason Bernard Ratcliff went to be with the Lord on Nov. 25, 2017 in Lancaster.
Ratcliff was born on Feb. 23, 1974 at Mexia General Hospital in Mexia. He was the youngest born to Alzo and Frankie Ratcliff. He was a student of Mexia High School until 1992, but received his GED before graduation day. He continued his education at Navarro College in Corsicana and the Art Institute of Houston.
Jason leaves to cherish his memories: his father, Alzo Ratcliff of Mexia; his brothers, Willis (Rolanda) Ratcliff of Mexia, Harold Jones of Beeville; three nieces, Chantel Ratcliff-Flanagan of Mexia, Chanel Ratcliff of Cypress and Brandi Jones of Muskogee, Okla.; three nephews, Adrian Jones of Lancaster, Brandon Jones of Dallas and Kedarrius L. Flanagan of Mexia; two God-daughters, Cashmere Cooper of Italy and Shakyra Cooper of Waco; a special aunt, Helen Spencer of Lancaster; three life-long best friends, Cornelius Cooper of Waco, Elmer Weathers, Jr. and Abraham King of Mexia and a host of family and friends.
Funeral services for Ratcliff will be at 11 a.m., Dec. 2 at Westside Church of Christ in Mexia. Service and arrangements entrusted to Pearly Gates Funeral Home of Mexia.

Loda Bell Crutchfield passed away Nov. 29, 2017, in Mexia, at the age of 95. A graveside service will be held at 11 a.m., Saturday, Dec. 2 in the Mexia Cemetery with the Reverend Jenn Pick officiating. Visitation with the family will be prior to the service from 9-10:30 a.m., Saturday, at Blair-Stubbs Funeral Home.
Crutchfield was born March 27, 1922 in Mexia to Marion and Honor Bell Ballard McFall. She worked as a PBX Operator for 20 years. She married her lifelong partner, John Ross Crutchfield in Corsicana in 1941. They made their home Dallas, for several years, prior to moving to Mexia in 1969. She also kept books for J.R.’s trucking business. Crutchfield enjoyed cooking and attending church; she was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Mexia.    
Loda Bell was preceded in death by her parents; husband of 66 years, J. R. Crutchfield; brothers, Wallace McFall, Robert McFall, Ballard McFall and James Raymond McFall; and sisters, Ellen Freeman and Hattie Pearl McFall.
She is survived by nephews, Ronald Freeman, Randy McFall, Dennis McFall and Gaylon McFall; and niece, Glenda Phillips.
Visit blair-stubbs.com to sign the guest book or leave a message of condolence.

John Joe (Johnny) Nichols, formerly of Lake Mexia, passed away on Dec. 2, 2017 at Groesbeck Long-term Care facility with his family around him. According to Johnny’s wishes, a graveside service was held in the Mexia Cemetery at 2:30 in the afternoon on Sunday, Dec. 3. Chaplain Jon Honea officiated.
Johnny was born on Feb. 1, 1929 in Waco to Eunice Leone Hohenstein Nichols (1904–1993) and John Lockhart Nichols (1898–1974). Johnny attended Waco schools and graduated in 1947 from Waco High, where he was a member of the National Honor Society. Later that year, he took a position in the drafting department of Alamo Steel and Machine Co., where he worked for forty years. Johnny married Nell Sue Whitaker Moore of Waco in 1973, and they moved from her home in Waco to Lake Mexia in 1978. Following his retirement, Johnny was an active member of the Lake Mexia Volunteer Fire Department and was volunteer regional coordinator for AARP, serving the community for nineteen years. As a younger man, Johnny enjoyed playing tennis with friends and traveling to destinations in the U.S. with his family and with the Boy Scouts of America. He fondly recalled his family’s annual summer vacations to Colorado, his father’s love of the outdoors, and his solo trip to Hawaii in the 1960s. Johnny enjoyed watching football, playing 42, observing the weather, and reporting local happenings to friends and family. He was pleased with a recent virtual-bowling trophy and frequently spoke of how much he enjoyed being at Groesbeck LTC. Johnny especially loved visiting with family and recently said that he had lived a full life, was proud of his service to his community and his family, and had no regrets.
Johnny was preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his wife, Sue Nichols, of Waco, by his son, Jimmy Dale Nichols, and wife, Ann, of Cleburne; by his brother, Charles Nichols, of Crowley; by stepdaughters Elizabeth Moore Willingham and husband Luther Staton of Waco, Carla D. Moore Shillings of Longview, and Kelly K. Moore Dunham and husband Toby of Kerrville, and by their eight children, Emily and Thomas Willingham, Dallas López, Mandy Shillings, Maggie Ivison, Anne Willingham, Matthew Shillings, and Sarah Gendron, their sixteen grandchildren, and one great-granddaughter. Johnny loved and regarded all of them as his own. In addition, Johnny is survived by maternal first cousins, Eunice Barker, Shirley Noah, and Jeane Beasley, with whom he spent many happy times as a child, and by beloved friends around Lake Mexia, in Waco, and at Groesbeck LTC.
The family would like to thank the staff at Groesbeck LTC and the nurses of Providence Hospice, Mr. Joe Brown, and Chaplain Jon Honea for the love, kindness, and support they extended toward Johnny and the family. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Lake Mexia Citizens Association, The American Cancer Association, or to the charity of the giver’s choice.
Visit blair-stubbs.com to sign the guest book or leave a message of condolence.

Catherine Ann (Allen) Beldin, 66 of Wortham passed away Dec. 2, 2017 at her home in Wortham. Funeral services will be at 2 p.m., Wednesday, Dec. 6 at Corley-Porter Chapel in Wortham with the Reverend Ronnie Dabney officiating. Interment will be in Wortham Cemetery. Visitation with the family present will be Tuesday evening 6 – 8 p.m. at Corley-Porter Chapel in Wortham.
Catherine was born April 2, 1951 in Teague to Doyle Emmitt and Opal Sallas Allen.
She is survived by her husband, Jackie Beldin of Wortham; daughters, Rebecca Beldin Hall and husband Michael of Conroe; Jennifer Beldin Woodall and husband Cody of Wortham; grandkids, Mikey Hall, Emily Hall, Colby Woodall, Austin Woodall and Sara Woodall; sister, Diane Campbell of Teague and brothers, David Allen of Streetman, Kenneth Allen and Glenn Allen both of Teague.
Serving as pallbearers will be Cody Woodall, Michael Hall, Mikey Hall, Colby Woodall, Austin Woodall and Rowdy Kitchens. Honorary pallbearers will be Brian Holder, Joe Beldin and Blake Whisenant.
An online guest book is available at corleyporterfuneralhome.com and by selecting the Catherine Beldin obituary.
Corley-Porter Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Roger Martin Thiele, of Mexia, passed away Dec. 4, 2017 in Groesbeck at the age of 88. Graveside services will be at 2 p.m., Thursday, Dec. 7 in the Tehuacana Cemetery with the Reverend Marcus Sheffield officiating. Visitation with the family will be 5-7 p.m., Wednesday at Blair-Stubbs Funeral Home.
Roger was born Sept. 13, 1929 in Boerne to Levi Charles and Cleora Parilee Thiele, the youngest of five children. On Feb. 18, 1949, he married his loving wife, Sue Crisp and they were blessed with three daughters, Jackie, Karen and Lisa. He was very proud of his family and nothing was more meaningful, to him, than spending time with his family; they were first and foremost in his life. 
Roger’s favorite pastime activities were hunting, fishing, taking his family on boating trips and playing cards. He was a member of the Big Spring Masonic Lodge #1340, a 50-year member of the Scottish Rite Bodies in Waco and member of Karem Shrine in Waco.
Roger worked in road construction for R. W. McKinney, T. L. Jones and retired from Hable Construction Company as superintendent of jobs.   
He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers; and two sisters.
Roger is survived by his wife, Sue Thiele of Mexia; daughters, Jackie Cunningham and husband, Ed of Athens, Karen Alexander and husband, David of Mexia and Lisa Lauderdale and husband, Kelly of Mexia; grandchildren, Clint and Amber Williford, Leigh Ann and Chris Sneeringer, Lauren and Colby Simpson, Blair Barger, Justin and Alyssa Alexander, Tareyn and Luke Onderko, Riley and Kevin McDaniel, Sunie Alexander, Holly and Joe Herron; great-grandchildren, Austin and Bailee Williford and Ava and Caitlin Sneeringer.
Visit blair-stubbs.com to sign the guest book or leave the family a message of condolence.

William Ray (Bill) Day passed away on Saturday, Dec. 2, 2017, in the presence of his loving family, at the Prestonwood Nursing & Rehab Center in Plano.
Funeral services for Day were held at 3 p.m., Monday, Dec. 4 at Bowers Funeral Home in Teague. Bro. Perry Kilgore officiated. Interment followed the services at Dew Cemetery.
Day was born in the Turlington community of Freestone County on Aug. 14, 1931, to William Roy and Juanita Kilgore Day. He graduated from Teague High School with the class of 1949, and served in the U. S. Army. He married Betty on Oct. 23, 1950, and shared almost sixty three years together before her death in 2013.
He is survived by three daughters, Vicky Bracamonte and husband Walter of Dallas, Sheila Guthrie and husband Marty of Tyler, and Sherri Day of Pensacola, Florida; four grandchildren (who he loved to beat in cards and board games!), Curtis George, Robert Olivarez and wife Regan, Josh Blakemore, and Randee Beth Blakemore; three great-grandchildren, Landon Olivarez, Kendall Olivarez, and Braden Scott; two brothers, Roy Lamar Day of Dew, and Charles V. Day & wife Catherine of Teague; numerous other relatives and friends.
Day was preceded in death by his wife, Betty J. Day.
Visit bowersfuneralhome.net to sign the memorial guest ook or to leave a message for the family.

Madison “Maddie” Kristyon Brooks passed away on Nov. 22, 2017. Funeral service was held at 10 a.m., Dec 2 at Macedonia Baptist Church in Hubbard.
She was born on Oct. 1, 2015 to Mariah Mathis and Stephon Williams in Houston at Memorial Herman Hospital.
She was vibrant, energetic and outgoing who loved to sing and dance and play.
She was preceded in death by her great-grandmother, Barbara Ann Johnson.
She leaves her parents, Mariah Mathis and Stephon Williams; one sister, McKenzie Brooks; two grandmothers, LaToya Johnson and Stephanie Dorsey; two grandfathers, Kenya Mathis and Christopher Williams; great great grandmother, Minnie Thompson; great grandfather, Dan Johnson; six aunts, Mercedes Mathis, Shamari Johnson, O’Nia Mathis, Jaida Mathis, Takiya Mathis and Semeryon Cartlidge; six uncles, KeAndre Mathis, Kenyon Mathis, Kenya Mathis, Jr., Kenya Mathis III, Kevin Armstrong, Isiah Davis. A host of great aunts, uncles and cousins.
Service and arrangements entrusted to Pearly Gates Funeral Home of Mexia.

Shree Evette Medlock passed from this life on Dec. 3, 2017. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m., Thursday, Dec 7 at Northcrest Church of Christ in Mexia. Services and arrangements entrusted to Pearly Gates Funeral home of Mexia.
Medlock was born to Howard Lee Medlock and Mary Alice Medlock on May 8, 1968.   
She was baptized Oct. 14, 1979. She graduated from Mexia High School May 1986.
Shree married Alford Lee Carter. This union produced three children; daughter, Arlecia Medlock and two sons, Frederic Le’Anthony Carter and Alford Lee Carter III “Tre”.
She was preceded in death by her grandparents, George and Vearlean Medlock, Stewart Freeman (wife) and Janie Mae Dunn (Collie); sister, Stephanie Renee’ Medlock and son, Frederic La’Anthony Carter.
She is survived by her partner, Kenneth White; parents, Howard (Lisa) Medlock; Mary Medlock; sisters, Felicia Medlock, Jeania (Tim) Domon; brothers, David (Demetria) Johnson, Jayar Howard Medlock; daughter, Arlecia (Kalista) Medlock; son, Alford Lee Carter III “Tre”; grandson, James Michael Medlock and beloved aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins and dear friends.

Marjorie Easterling Jones, 94, of Groesbeck, passed away Dec. 5, 2017 in Waco. Funeral services will be 2 p.m., Friday, Dec. 8 at Blair-Stubbs Chapel with the Reverend Paul Heuermann.  Interment will follow in the Lost Prairie Cemetery.  Grandsons, Chester Jones, Doug Jones, Craig Miller, Shanon Miller, Kevin Jones, Jacob Jones, Jason Rhodes and Kenneth Rhodes will serve as pallbearers.  Visitation will be 6-8 p.m., Thursday, at Blair-Stubbs Funeral Home.
Marjorie was born Oct. 8, 1923 in Personville to Willie J. and Bertha Lee Baker Easterling, the oldest of six children.  She has been a resident of the Limestone County area most of her life.  She was a graduate of Fair Oaks High School.
Jones was strong willed, a hard worker and always trusted in the Lord to see her through good times as well as the bad times.  She was the proud mother of six children and raising them was her priority in life.  She was a wonderful seamstress, enjoyed canning vegetables, making jelly and chow-chow (her specialty).  Marjorie was known to be very resourceful and, according to her children, “Mother could make something out of nothing”.  She was a loving mother, grandmother, sister and friend to many; she loved visiting people.
Marjorie, still very vibrant, was blessed with relatively good health during her 94 years of life and, with absolutely no problem, just renewed her driver’s license.  This enabled her to continue doing the things she enjoyed, like driving to Walmart and going to garage sales.  Marjorie was also very instrumental in keeping the Personville Homecoming going, as well as family reunions.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Paul Jones; and son, Thomas Jones; brothers, Charles and Delton Easterling; and sister, Janie Morton; daughter-in-law, Peggy Jones; and son-in-law, James Miller.
Marjorie is survived by five children, Billy W. Jones and fiancé, Betty Hirth of Donie, Brenda Miller of Mexia, Cherri Miller of Mexia., Bobby Jones and wife, Linda of Groesbeck and Debbie Pope and husband, Colin of Bronte; 16 grandchildren; 31 great-grandchildren; four great-great-grandchildren; and brothers, Phillip “Tink” Easterling and wife, Doris of Mexia and Orion Easterling; and daughter-in-law, Delilah Jones of Mexia.
Visit blair-stubbs.com to sign the guest book or leave a message of condolence.

Hoi Dang Vuong, of Mexia, passed away Dec. 7, 2017 in Houston at the age of 70. Funeral services will be 10 a.m., Saturday, Dec. 9 at Blair-Stubbs Chapel. 
Hoi was born March 19, 1947 in Ha Noi, Vietnam to Vuong Dang Than and Nguyen Thi Biu. He received his pharmaceutical degree in Vietnam and, later, attended the University of Texas in Austin to receive his accreditation to practice in Texas. Hoi began working at the Mexia State Supported Living Center in 2006 and retired in 2012.   
While in Austin, Hoi met and married the love of his life, Lang Thi Tran, in 1993. He was not only a wonderful husband, but also a proud and loving father of two sons. His family was his pride and joy.  Hoi was a faithful Christian; he began each morning reading and studying his Bible.  Along with spending time with his family and reading his Bible, he loved to swim.
He was preceded in death by his parents; and four brothers, Vuong Tuong, Vuong Tan, Vuong Bao and Vuong Duong.
Hoi is survived by his wife, Lang Tran; sons, Vuong Dang Hai and Vuong Dang Hoa; and sisters, Vuong Thai Lai and Vuong Doan Trang.
Visit blair-stubbs.com to sign the guest book or leave a message of condolence.

George W. Ferrell was born on May 19, 1955 in Sandy, Limestone County. He passed away on Dec. 6, 2017.
He lived in Dallas before settling in Coolidge. He worked at Timberlawn Hospital where he retired and he also worked for Parkview Regional Hospital in Mexia. He was a member of The Sandy Pioneers.
Those who preceded him in death: Worth Ferrell and Birtha Ferrell, parents; Joe Durham, Jimmy Durham, Norman Ferrell, Carlton Durham, Jr. and Madale Robinson.
Those left to cherish his memories: his wife, Cheryl Ferrell; daughter Margie Nobles and son in law, Johnny Andrews of Dallas; son, Clarence (Labreta) Nobles; brothers and sisters, Richard Durham, Travis Ferrell and Louadale McCreary; four grandchildren and five great-grandchildren and a host of relatives and friends.
Service and arrangements entrusted to Pearly Gates Funeral home of Mexia. Service will be held, Sat. Dec 16 at Union Memorial of Sandy.

The Angelic Hosts came for Nellie Ruth Wright Person “Mama Ruth” on Thursday, Dec. 7, 2017 in the comfort of her home surrounded by loving family and devoted friends. Viewing will be held at Moore’s Angelic Funeral Home Friday, De. 15 from 1-7 p.m. with the family present from 6-7 p.m. Funeral Services will be held at 3 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 16 in the Westside Church of Christ, 102 South Herman Street, Mexia with the Reverend Kenneth Bailey officiating and Rev. Wilmer R. Davis, Eulogist. Interment will be in the Grove Island Cemetery, Teague.
Person was born on Oct. 25, 1933 to Roosevelt Wright and Lillie Morgan Wright in the Sims Colony Community of Limestone County. She completed the education program provided by the Sims Colony Schools and was one of the two females graduating from the Furney Richardson High School Class of 1954. Her christian education was at Union Primitive Baptist Church where she remained a faithful member until her death. At Union, she was a member of The Mother Board and other auxiliaries.
Her career in beauty culture was begun with her enrollment in The Madam C. J. Walker School Of Beauty Culture in Dallas. She was a licensed beautician in the Dallas area for a number of years. She and Sammy Norman were united in holy matrimony and lived in Dallas. He preceded her in death.
“Mama Ruth” was employed as a dietician for the Teague hospital, and retired from the Mexia State School in the area of direct care. She met and married Edward J. Person who preceded her in death.
Person was preceded in death by her parents, an infant brother, Maurice Wright; her husband, Edward James Person and sons, James and Melvin Person.
Surviving her are her sons: Larry Wright and wife, Patrice and Victor Wright, all of Mexia; Daughters: Sandra Haynes and husband, Fred and Ginger Wright all of Mexia; Daphne Matthews and husband, David of Alvarado; Lisa Johnson and husband, Deandra, Lancaster and Evelyn Person, Ft.Worth; Brothers: Herbert Wright, Ft. Worth; Willie George Wright, Mexia and Rayford Wright and wife Maudie of Dallas; Sisters: Annie Henderson, Teague; Alberta Allen and husband, Margie, Dallas; Lillie Empy and Irene Arrington, all of Dallas; 19 grandchildren and 26 great-grandchildren; Aunts: Naomi Woodard and Sarah Dell Fields both of Ft. Worth; a host of other relatives and many friends.
Professional funeral services provided by Moore’s Angelic Funeral Home, 406 Monroe Street, Teague, TX 75860. Visit mooresangelicfuneralhome.com to sign the guest book and light a candle.

Susan Gail Holder passed away Dec. 8, 2017 in Mexia at the age of 54. A memorial service will be held at 3 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 16 at Blair-Stubbs Chapel in Mexia with the Reverend Clifton Jones officiating.
Susan was born June 3, 1963 in Wurzburg, Germany to Billy Jack Hart and Fannie Jean Reid Lee. She graduated from Jonesboro High School. Susan worked in the prison system for 25-plus years, she was currently employed as the Office Administrator of the Maintenance Department in Marlin. On Nov. 7, 2014, she married her loving husband, Weldon Dewayne Holder, in Mexia.
Susan was raised by her mother and step-father, as her father had passed away when she was very young. He treated her just as his daughter and she loved him dearly. She was a loving wife, daughter and sister. As a little girl, she developed a love for horses that continued throughout her life. Susan became a barrel racer and competed in numerous rodeos. She also loved her cats and enjoyed playing the piano and keyboard in Dewayne’s band.
She was preceded in death by her father, Billy Jack Hart; and sister, Betty.
Susan is survived by her loving husband, Weldon Dewayne Holder of Mexia; parents, James C. and Fannie Jean Lee of Gatesville; and two sisters, Rachel and Jackie.  
Visit blair-stubbs.com to sign the guest book or leave a message of condolence.

Ann Reneé Ridge, 58, of Wortham passed away Dec. 13. 2017 at Skilled Care Of Mexia in Mexias. Services will be held at 2 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 16 at the First Baptist Church in Worthams with Bro. Justin Colquette officating. Visitation with the family will be at 1 p.m. at First Baptist Church, Wortham prior to the services. Interment will be at the Wortham Cemetery.
Ann was born in Dallas on Aug. 7, 1959 to Robert and Estelle VanDyke Baldree.  She graduated from H. Grady Spruce High School in 1978.  After graduation Ann worked for a CPA firm in Dallas and later moved to Destin, Florida where she worked as an accountant for a restaurant chain. She lived in Florida 10 years and then moved back to Texas and went to work for Wal-Mart in Terrell and worked in the bakery department.  Later she transfered to the Wal-Mart in Mexia and worked in the bakery/deli department. 
On July 26, 2008 Ann married the love of her life George (Franky) Ridge of Wortham. Ann’s love for God, Franky, family, and others was exemplified in the way she lived her life. Ann had a gentle spirit and outgoing personality, and always smiling. She could make you laugh in a heart beat. She never met a stranger, and spoke to everyone as if she knew them personally.  Ann always would root for the underdog, she had a big heart, and if you were down on your luck, Ann was the one to help you.  She was a member of the First Baptist Church in Wortham and enjoyed her Ladies Bible Class.
Ann was preceded in death by her grandparents, A.W. and Kate Baldree and Robert and Mary VanDyke.  Ann is survived by her devoted husband George (Franky) Ridge of Wortham, her parents Robert and Estelle Baldree of Donie, one sister, Carol Emola, of Forney, one niece, Shelby and husband Chris Arthur, of Forney, and two great nephews, Jackson and Alisdair Arthur.  Special life long friends, Sherryl and Cindy Manning.
The family would like to express their gratitude and appreciation to the nurses and entire staff at Skilled Care Of Mexia, and a special thanks to Judy Angel and the Hospice staff for all their love and support and to Dr. Edward Pan, the oncologist and his staff, as well as the entire UT Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas.
An online guest book is available at corleyporterfuneralhome.com and by selecting the Ann Ridge obituary.
Corley-Porter Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Frances Thompson Clark Lenamon died peacefully Wednesday, Dec. 13, 2017, in Austin, at the age of 98. She was the fourth of five children born to Carrie Mae Clark and Silas Wooten Clark, on Oct. 23, 1919, near Waxahachie. Frances was affectionally nicknamed “Tiny” by her family because she was small and frail. Her family was close, laughed all the time, and had great love for one another.
During the Great Depression of 1929, Frances and family moved to Mississippi, where she excelled as an athlete in basketball, baseball, and tennis. She was an All-State basketball player in 1936, and her athletic prowess earned her a scholarship at Senatobia College in Senatobia, Miss. In 1939, Frances and her family moved to Mexia. She married James Levi Lenamon, from nearby Groesbeck, in May 1941. James and Frances had six children: Leay, Sandra, Karen, James Jr., and twins Martha and Mary. The family moved from Mexia in 1951 to Ranger, where James Sr. worked for Service Pipe Line Company. From 1953 until James’ death in 1967, the family lived in Albany. Following the death of her husband in 1967, Frances moved to Denton, where she worked for the Cumberland Presbyterian Children’s Home and JC Penny. Frances returned to Mexia in 1973 and worked at the Mexia State School. In Mexia, Frances taught the Friendship Sunday school class and quilted with the Talent Circle. She also loved being close to her brother and sisters’ families in the Mexia area. In 1996, she moved to Austin to be closer to her children and extended family. In 2016, at age 96, Frances, moved to the Brookdale Senior Living Care Center in Austin. She was well-loved by all the caretakers there.
Frances, or “Mema,” as she was called by almost everyone in her family, was known for her many talents, mispronouncing athletes’ names, humming hymns and her competitive spirit. She was an excellent gardener, fisherwoman, cook, seamstress, Bible scholar, athlete and domino player. She loved traveling to visit her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She had fabulous birthday parties at age 70, 75, 80, 85, 90, and 95 with almost 100 attending her 95th birthday in Austin. Over the years she made quilts for almost everyone in the family, and dozens of these beautiful quilts were displayed at her 95th party.
Even though she came from very humble beginnings and endured many losses in her life, Frances continued to be a happy, optimistic person with a great love of the outdoors and life in general. She was a favorite mom of her children’s friends, a favorite aunt of nieces and nephews, a favorite of co-workers, and a special “Mema” to everyone who knew her. She was indeed a very special woman who had a very special life!
Frances was preceded in death by her husband, James Lenamon Sr., of Albany, in 1967; her son James Lenamon, Jr., of Abilene, in 1990; son-in-law Jody Beal, of Abilene, in 2010; and great-grandson Jacob Lenamon, of Abilene, in 2015. She was also preceded in death by her four siblings and in-laws: Howard and Frances Clark, of Mexia; Louise and George Carr, of Mexia; Katherine and Elvie McClendon, of Groesbeck; LaRue and Jake Rutherford, of Beaumont, as well as Lenamon brothers-in-law and sisters-in law from Groesbeck and Waco.
She is survived by five daughters: Leay Phillips and Darryl Phillips of Pflugerville; Sandra Beal of Abilene; Karen Kirkendall and Rick Kirkendall of Hull, Mass.; Martha Lenamon Hardaway and David Hardaway, of Austin; Mary Lenamon Gibson, of McKinney; and daughter-in-law Linda Lenamon Isbell and Wes Isbell, of Albany. She is also survived by 16 grandchildren, 31 great-grandchildren, and six great-great-grandchildren, many sweet nieces and nephews, and many friends.
A Celebration of Life will be held at Blair Stubbs Funeral Home in Mexia at 11 a.m. on Monday, Dec. 18. Frances will be buried in the Clark family plot in the Mexia City Cemetery. Grandsons will serve as pallbearers. Visitation with the family will be 5-7 p.m. Sunday, at Blair-Stubbs Funeral Home.
In lieu of flowers, Frances’ wishes were for donations to go to the First United Methodist Church, 203 N. Canton, Mexia, TX 76667.
Please visit www.blair-stubbs.com to sign the guest book or leave a message of condolence.

Minnie Lou Clute Lummus was a woman of great faith and love.
She was born Sept. 20, 1938, in Oakwood, to parents Millard and Lou Ila Clute. The daughter of a Baptist preacher, she learned early in life to put her trust in the Lord. The Lord welcomed her home in the early morning hours of Sunday, Dec. 17, 2017.
Her mother always said that “Minnie never met a stranger,” and her outgoing personality and her love of life drew people to her. The last three days of her life were filled with an intense outpouring of love from family and friends who gathered in her tiny hospital room to sing songs, tell their favorite Minnie stories and pray. Finally, she passed into the next life quietly in the arms of the love of her life, Charles Lummus.
Minnie and Charles met at Jewett High School when she was just 14 years old. They fell madly in love and on Feb. 10, 1954, they eloped to Louisiana. They were just 15 and 17.
The pair dropped out of school in tenth grade and went to work. Throughout their long marriage, Minnie and Charles worked together at a variety of jobs, including the Mexia Textile Mill and ABrandt Furniture Factory. Later, they bought what became the Lummus Speed Queen Laundromat in Groesbeck. They worked there side by side—16 hours a day, six days a week—for 16 years before retiring to their home in Groesbeck.
Minnie and Charles had two children together. After 21 years of marriage, they were ecstatic when Minnie miraculously became pregnant. Sadly, their son, Cal Jr., died at birth on Dec. 15, 1975. But in 1977, another miracle occurred when she gave birth to their daughter, Crala Dawn. Crala immediately became the light of her life, and Minnie devoted herself to ensuring that Crala grew up to be a smart and accomplished young woman who had every opportunity that she had missed in her own life.
That light shone even brighter with the birth of Crala’s four children: Madison, Memphis, Landrie and Koda. Minnie loved her grandbabies more than anything and made sure that they wanted for nothing. She and Charles attended every practice, game, recital, or event that they participated in. She sewed their costumes, took their lunches to school and drove them everywhere they needed to go. Most of all, she made sure that they knew that they were loved. That love was returned and in her final hours, they insisted on taking turns lying beside her and holding her.
Minnie is preceded in death by her son, Cal, Jr., her parents, Millard and Lou Ila Clute, and her brother, Millard Clute, Jr.
She is survived by her husband of 63 years, Charles. Her daughter, Crala, and her husband, Jason Pringle, and her four grandchildren, Madison, Memphis, Landrie and Koda all reside in Groesbeck. She is also survived by her brother, Lowell Clute, and his wife, Karen, of Palestine, her sister, Beverly Freeman, and her husband, Bill, of Sugar Land and a host of nieces and nephews who love their Aunt Minnie.
Visitation will be held at Groesbeck Funeral Home on Tuesday, Dec. 19 from 6-8 p.m. Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m., Wednesday, Dec. 20 at the Groesbeck Funeral Home with the Reverend Billy Bob Evans presiding. She will be buried at the Lost Prairie Cemetery next to her baby son.
Pallbearers are: Memphis Waddle, Eric Shamblin, Brandon Shamblin, Jeff Lummus, Mil Clute and Jamie Clute.  

Reta Dianne White, 62, of Groesbeck, passed away Dec. 17, 2017 at her home, surrounded by her loving family. A private family service will be held at a later date.
White was born Sept. 6, 1955 in Hobbs, New Mexico to Charles Authur and Norma Sue Scoggins McKee. Circumstances at home were not as they should be, so she left home when she was in her early teens. Life wasn’t easy, being on her own, as she became a mother at the age of 14 and, for many years, she struggled with many challenges. White proved to be very strong and resilient throughout the many years of heartaches and turmoil in her life. However, she was blessed to finally meet her true love and someone that would make a wonderful difference in her life. She married Donald Joe White on April 19, 1991 in Ector County.
White stepped out of her comfort zone and into a job with the bakery department at HEB. This was a job she truly loved and never thought of it as work. After 14 years with HEB, her health began failing, forcing her to leave the job she so enjoyed. While at home, she began, and enjoyed, making beaded jewelry even though her eyesight was failing. Donald and her children were always very encouraging and supportive of her. White’s family was her pride and joy. She looked forward to hearing from them and having them for a visit. She was a loving and devoted wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother.
White was preceded in death by her parents; son, Christopher Bishop; and brother, Roger Dean McKee.   
She is survived by her devoted husband of 26 years, Donald White of Groesbeck; children and grandchildren, Sylvia Buffington of Brownwood and children, John, James, Reba and Andrea; Angie Bishop of Odessa and children, Quincey and Kaiden; Charles and Terrie Bishop of Brownwood and children, Steven and Krista; Shellie Worden of Bothell, Wash. and children, Lucus and Randall; Daniel White of Seattle, Wash.; and April Callahan of Mesa, Ariz. and children, Christopher and Kaitlyn; 15 great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; and siblings, Carol Eugene Harper of Amarillo and Trini McKee Harper of Hackett, Ark.
Visit blair-stubbs.com to sign the guest book or leave a message of condolence.

From labor to reward, Pastor Clemmie J. Wiley left his earthly home on Friday, Dec. 8, 2017 to join his beloved wife of sixty years of marriage, and his Heavenly Father. His love for the word and God was indescribable. He was a passionate bible teacher whose desire was to be a living testimony, glorifying our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ both in word and in deeds. Wiley was nurtured in a Christian home with biblical values and principles. Chosen by God and unable to deny the call, he accepted Christ as his Lord and Savior at an early age. Throughout his ministry, he preached and taught the word of God with authority, revelation, and deliverance.
Wiley was born Oct. 22, 1933 in Mexia to the parentage of Maybell Smith and Bill Wiley. They preceded him in death. He was the eldest of six siblings. His brothers, Charles Brooks and Frank Wiley and a sister. Shirley Wiley-Smith are all resting with the Savior, while his sister, Ruthie Bowers-Brown and brother, Attrib Bowers, Jr. are continuing their earthly word of the Lord.
Wiley attended The Sims Colony Schools and completed his education in the Furney Richardson School District in Limestone County. He had a love and passion for music which drew his interest in becoming one of the world’s greatest and outstanding guitarist. He set the trend in playing/picking the guitar with his teeth and behind his head. He performed at the New York World Fair.
After spending numerous years traveling and playing on the road with his band, he rededicated his life to this first love which was Christ. In 1974, he totally surrendered his life and became one of God’s servants. He became a dedicated member of Gilgal Missionary Baptist Church in Dallas, where he became an ordained minister.
Clemmie J. met the girl of his dreams and united in marriage to Sally Joe Williams who preceded him in death exactly one year and one day of his passing away. To this wonderful union, eight lovely children were born. Two preceded him in death: William C. Wiley and Lisa G. Wiley. After being married for a while, he and his wife were called to establish Wiley Chapel Baptist Church in Dallas in July of 1975. He relocated to Teague after twenty-six years where he pastored Grayson Chapel Missionary Baptist for 10 years and First Baptist South Teague church for 14 years until his health began to fail.
Wiley is survived by three sons: Clemmie J. Wiley, Jr., (Iba), Lancaster; Samuel Wiley and Paul Wiley, Teague; Daughters: Vicki D. Branch, Teague; Cheryl L. Wiley, Ft. Worth and Stephanie K. Wiley, Grand Prairie; nine grandchildren; 23 great-grandchildren; Siblings: Attrib Bowers, Jr and Ruthie Brown; Special daughter-in-law: Sylvia Brown and on-in-law: Gary Banks and Johnny Floyd.
Funeral Services were held at 11 a.m., Saturday, Dec. 16 in the First Baptist Church South Teague where the Reverend Rodney Jackson is pastor. Rev. John DeLancey officiated and Interment was in the Grove Island Cemetery, Teague.
Moore’s Angelic Funeral Home, 406 Monroe Street, Teague served the Wiley family.

Sara Floyd Fife Elmore passed away Dec. 21, 2017 in Mexia. A private family service will be held at 10:30 a.m., Friday, Dec. 22 at Blair-Stubbs Chapel with the Reverend Marcus Sheffield officiating. Interment will follow in the Mexia Cemetery. Visitation with the family will be 9:30 – 10:30 a.m., Friday, at Blair-Stubbs Funeral Home.
Sara was born in Mexia to Robert Jackson and Laverne Bounds Floyd. Mexia was her home for most of her life; she graduated from Mexia High School, Class of 1958. She was a member and twirler of the Mexia Blackcat Band; many happy and enjoyable years were spent while in the band under the direction of Mr. Joe Tom Haney. 
Sara married her high school sweetheart, Billy G. Fife (also a twin), in August 1958. They were blessed with three children, Andy Fife of Waco and twins, Jim Fife of Denton and Jill Fife Cerny of Houston. In 1980, she married Jerry Elmore of Houston. While Billy served in the US Army, they were stationed in Missouri, but returned to Mexia after his tour of duty.
Sara worked as an attendance clerk for Mexia ISD and, after moving to Houston, she went to work for Southwestern Bell Telephone Company then transferred to Dallas. Lastly, she returned to work for MISD, prior to retiring. She was a member of the First Baptist Church in Mexia.
In the last few years, Sara split her time living with her son, Jim, in Denton and Jill Cerny in Houston.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Robert and Laverne Floyd; and husbands, Billy Fife and Jerry Elmore.
In addition to her three children, she is survived by her twin sister, Sandra Savage and husband, Dennis of Mexia and sister, Melinda Henderson and husband, Jerald of Arkansas.
Sara’s family would like to express a special thank you to Drs. Friedright and Keating, her cancer doctors of many years and the staff at M.D. Anderson.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are requested to be made to the M.D. Anderson Leukemia Department, P. O. Box 4486, Houston, TX 77210-4486 or the First Baptist Church, 500 E. Carthage, Mexia,TX 76667.
Visit blair-stubbs.com to sign the guest book or leave a message of condolence.

Kenneth Wayne Swanson, a native of Groesbeck, passed away on Thursday, Dec. 14, 2017 in the Poudre Valley Hospital, Fort Collins, Colo. among loving family and devoted friends. Viewing was held from 1-7 p.m., Friday, Dec. 22, 2017 at Moore’s Angelic Funeral Home, 406 Monroe Street, Teague.
Funeral Services will be at 11 a.m., Saturday, Dec. 23 in Mt. Gideon Primitive Baptist Church in Doyle with the Reverend Charles Cashaw officiating and Rev. Larry Gray, Eulogist. Interment will be in the Lone Star Cemetery in Groesbeck.
Swanson was born on Oct. 24, 1960 in Groesbeck to Tom and Ruby Swanson. He received his Christian education at an early age in the Mt. Gideon Primitive Baptist Church in Doyle and was in attendance at Mt. Gideon until he moved away from the Groesbeck area.
Kenneth attended the Groesbeck Public Schools and graduated from Groesbeck High School with the Class of 1980. He enrolled in Texas Technical Institute in Lubbock and enlisted in the U. S. Navy before completing his degree.
Swanson enlisted in the U.S. Navy while his home of record was Lubbock. His date of entry into the Navy was Nov. 8, 1988. He settled in Colorado and met and married CiCi Chimban and their marriage was blessed with three girls: Marika, Maiya and Kenya Swanson.
Swanson had various jobs throughout his career. His last employment was with the United States Postal Service (UPS) in Colorado. He loved football, even “tried out” for the Dallas Cowboys team. His favorite pastime was high school football and basketball strength training.
He was preceded in death by his father, Tom Swanson.
Kenneth is survived by: His wife, CiCi Swanson, Fort Collins, Colo.; His daughters: Marika, Maiya, and Kenya Swanson; His mother: Ruby Faye Swanson; His brothers: Tom Swanson and wife, Kay; Roddie Swanson and wife, Crystal; His sisters: Linda Jackson; Rita Davis and husband, Jasper; Merdis Gonner and husband, Randel; and Mary Waters; Uncle: Edward Bennet; Aunt: Juanita Cooper; a host of nieces, nephews and other relatives and friends.