Judith Ann Conoly-Horton passed away in Mexia, on Feb. 20, 2018. Judy was born on Nov. 5, 1959, grew up in Van Horn and graduated from Van Horn High School (class of 1978).
She married her husband, Preston Horton, in 1988. They were married for 25 years until he passed away in 2013. They worked together for Cannon Express Trucking Company, which allowed her to see and experience most of the United States.
She and Preston then settled in Mexia. Judy worked at the Mexia State School until her retirement.
Judy had a kind and loving heart; she never met a stranger. Her family always laughed about her being the unofficial Walmart greeter. She didn’t have much, but still went out of her way to help others. She took in many of God’s small creatures and gave them a safe and loving home. She loved each and every one of them like they were her own children.
The family would like to say thank you to all her friends, neighbors and co-workers in Mexia. You were like family to her. Thank you for being there for her and helping her in so many ways.
Judy was preceded in death by her husband, Preston Horton, her parents John and Martha Conoly; her brother, John Michael Conoly, and her nephew Jake Engle.
She is survived by her brother, Tim Conoly, and his wife, Dawn; her sister, Mary Agee, and her husband, John, her sister Donna Mamrosh and her husband, Darryl; and many nieces and nephews.
The family will have a memorial/graveside service celebrating Judy’s life at a later date. They will bury Judy next to Preston, side by side next to Mom and Dad in the Van Horn Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made in Judy’s memory to any animal shelter.
An online guestbook is available at corleyporterfuneralhome.com and by selecting the Judith Ann Horton obituary.
Corley-Porter Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Marguerite Ash, age 95, of Mexia, arrived in her heavenly home on Feb. 27, 2018. She was preceded in death by John Lewis Ash, her husband of 69 years; her parents, Oreb and Eula Loche; four siblings; a son, Clyde Frankston Ash; and grandson, Corey Lee Ash.
Marguerite is survived by children, Susie Johnson, of Blanco, Gilbert “Gil” Ash and wife Annie, of Groesbeck, and John Ash and wife Yan Jun, of Edmond, Okla. She also has sisters, Myrtle Parriman, Wanda Ellis and Ruth Loche, all of Tulsa, Okla.; five grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.
In the span of her life, she lived in Oklahoma, California, Arizona and Texas. Serving in the church in many capacities was always a big part of her life. At age 89, Marguerite taught middle school girls in Sunday school as her final official position. Forest Glade Baptist Church in Mexia was her last place of ministry where her son Gil and grandson Jason were her pastors. She worked in several different secular fields but family was a priority and the most important job in life.
A memorial service will be held at Forest Glade Baptist Church in Mexia, with interment in Inola, Okla.
Visit blair-stubbs.com to sign the guestbook or leave a message of condolence.

Dominique Nicole Jones Strain, also known as "Nicky" to her family and friends, was born on May 12, 1976, to L.G. and Nona Jones, in Limestone County.
She departed this life on Feb. 23, 2018, at Limestone Medical Center, surrounded by her loving family.
Nicky joined Smith Chapel AME Church at an early age and later moved her membership to Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church in Mart.
She was a proud graduate of Groesbeck High School, class of 1995. After high school, she worked at Park Plaza Nursing Home in Mart. Later she worked at MSSLC for 15 years until she moved to Shreveport, La., in 2011. We were so happy when she decided to move back home in 2015.
She worked at the TJJD in Mart until her health started to decline. We are so grateful for the years we had with her after her return home.
Dominique married Desmond Strain.
She was preceded in death by her father, L.G. Jones; niece Amiyah My Angel Jones and her grandparents, L.C. and Lovial Jones and Joseph Medlock.
She leaves to cherish her memories: her only child, Shakayla Sadé Jones, of Waco; mother Nona Medlock Jones, of Groesbeck; sisters Kathy Jones Tryon (Freddie), of Oakwood, and Shina Jones, of Waco; brothers Lewis Jones, of Maryland, and Kirk Jones (Stacie), of Groesbeck; aunts Hazel Degrate (Ronald), of Mart, Imogene Arnold (Eddie), of Dallas, Arma Jones Majors (William), of Coolidge, Carolyn Jones Robinson (Mac), of Mexia, Kathleen Deluce, of Cedar Hill, Eveleen Jones Graves (Allen), of McGregor, and Hope Jones, of Coolidge; uncles Bobby Medlock (Nancy), of California, Joseph Medlock (Peaches), and Ronnie Medlock (Theresa), of Waco, Danny Medlock (Delores), of Mart, Curtis Jones (Mary), of Mexia, Ernest Jones (LaVerne) and L.A. Jones (Ella), of Mexia, Ken Jones, of Coolidge; her only living grandparent, Lue Venya Medlock; great-uncles Glen Medlock and Wade Graves; great-aunt Lillie Horton; special friends Chassie Hall, Candice Jefferson, Sheerney Hardaway, Chad Betts and Sabrina Melton; 12 nieces and nephews; eight great-nieces and great-nephews and a host of cousins and friends; one special cousin, Eletra Mitchell; and a very special great-nephew, Hayden, who she affectionately called Hector.
Services will be held on March 3 at 11 a.m. at First Baptist Church of Mexia. Arrangements entrusted to Pearly Gates Funeral Home, of Mexia.

Patricia Webster Cunningham died March 2, 2018, in an Austin nursing home after a long battle with Alzheimer’s Dementia.
Patricia was born in Coalfield (Morgan County), Tenn., on May 21, 1936. She was the eighth child of ten children by parents Paris G. Webster and Linnie Myrtle Hill. Patricia is survived by her husband, Edward F. Cunningham, daughter Cynthia Cunningham-Piper of Buda; son David Cunningham of Houston; three grand-daughters; three great-grandsons; and a sister, Elizabeth Anne Charamella, of East Lansing, Mich.
After graduating high school in Coalfield where she excelled in academics as well as extracurricular activities (band, drum major, election to Girls’ State), Patricia attended college in Berea, Ky., the University of Tennessee Knoxville, the University of Alabama Birmingham (UAB), where she earned a B.S. Degree in Elementary Education and a M.A. Degree in Elementary Education-Cognate Reading. As a graduate student at UAB, she was a member of Kappa Delta Pi, an International Honor Society in Education.
While attending the University of Tennessee, Patricia met her husband, Edward Cunningham, an engineering student. They were married off-campus in 1958 upon Edward’s graduation. They then moved to Birmingham, Ala., where Edward took up his first engineering job and Patricia took up house-keeping.
While in Birmingham, Edward entered military service for a short period of active duty before returning home to reserve status and a resumption of civilian employment. The “home-coming” coincided with the celebration of the birth of the first child, Cynthia. Then the “couple plus one” moved to Pennsylvania as a result of the husband’s job transfer. There during several more job-transfer moves within the state, a second child, David, was born. Following David’s birth, Patricia and family moved back to Birmingham (another job transfer), where Patricia resumed her college education, continued raising a family and started a teaching career that spanned over thirty years.
Patricia’s first teaching position was in Birmingham at the Advent Episcopal Day School. She started out as an aide and then after earning a B.S. Degree (later an M.A. Degree), was assigned a 1st grade teaching position. While still living in Birmingham, Patricia went on to accept teaching positions at Vestavia Hills Elementary. In 1981, Patricia’s husband accepted a position with a new company in Houston. On moving to Houston, Patricia took a teaching position for two years at Webster Primary in the Clear Creek ISD. In 1983 husband Edward’s employer offered him a plant manager position at a new plant in Central Texas. This new position was accepted, and the family moved to Limestone County to a newly built home about half-way between the cities of Mexia and Groesbeck. There Patricia resumed her teaching career as a First Grade Teacher in the Groesbeck ISD. There she retired in 1999, after 17 years of service at that location.
While living in Limestone County, Patricia and husband were socially active in numerous organizations in and around Mexia. They joined First United Methodist and were active in several ministries of the church included singing in the choir for many years. Patricia became active in several local civic/social organizations including the Woman’s Friday Club, the Mexia Garden Club, the local chapter of Delta Kappa Gamma International (a society that promotes professional and personal growth of women educators) and of which Patricia served as president for a term.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s and Dementia Organization, First United Methodist Church-Mexia, Delta Kappa Gamma, Kappa Delta Pi, local Groesbeck ISD and Mexia ISD General Scholarship funds. The family will receive guests on Friday, March 9, from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Forest Park East Funeral Home and Cemetery, 21620 Gulf Freeway, in Webster, with a Celebration of Life and reception to follow at 12:30 p.m. Obituary and memorial guestbook available online at www.forestparkeast-fhc.com.

Ms. Judy Enari Ludwig, of Austin, passed away on Friday, March 2, 2018, at the age of 60.
Judy was born in Kamakura, Japan, to parents Frederick and Hisayo Ludwig, on Nov. 6, 1957. She grew up in Japan, New Jersey, and Dallas, while her father was employed by the Army and Air Force Exchange Service.
Due to her disabilities, Judy spent over 25 years of her life as a resident of the Mexia State School (MSS). She was an avid member of the MSS choir and traveled throughout Texas singing in recitals. Judy also loved cooking and helping with lunch service at the Mexia Rotary Club.
In the latter part of her life, Judy lived in Temple and Austin until 2010, when she came under the loving care of Ms. Gloria Mendez, of Austin. During the six years Judy lived with Ms. Mendez and her family she experienced the happiest moments of her life. The Ludwig family is eternally grateful for the compassionate love and care given to Judy. Because of Ms. Mendez’s love of Judy as a member of her family she became Judy’s guardian in 2016 and lovingly cared for her until Judy’s passing.
Judy is survived by her older brother, Miki Ludwig, of Copperas Cove, and younger brother, Roy Ludwig, of Visalia, Calif. She was preceded in death by her parents Frederick and Hisayo Ludwig.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held at the Mission Funeral Home-South Side 6204 South First Austin, Texas, on Thursday, March 8. The family is grateful for condolences, but decline flowers; donations can be made to NAMI Austin, 4110 Guadalupe Street, Bldg 781, Austin, TX 78751.
Visit missionmemorials.com to order flowers and offer condolences to the family.

Wesley Dale Wallace, 64, of Mexia, passed away March 1, 2018, at Hillcrest Baptist Medical Center in Waco. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, March 10, at 1 p.m. at Corley-Porter Funeral Home Chapel, with the Rev. Richard Gillet officiating.
Wesley was born June 10, 1953, in Wharton. He was retired from Mexia ISD.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Beverly Wallace.
Wesley is survived by his daughters, Nichole Burns and husband Marshall, of Mexia, and Becky Lloyd of Mexia; brother Orville Wallace, seven grandkids and 12 great grandkids.
An online guestbook is available at corleyporterfuneralhome.com and by selecting the Wesley Dale Wallace obituary.
Corley-Porter Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Marty Mack Crenshaw, of Mexia, passed away March 8, 2018. A celebration of life service will be held at 2 p.m., Saturday, March 10, at Blair-Stubbs Chapel. Visitation with the family will be prior to the service beginning at 1 p.m.
Marty was born Nov. 16, 1957, in Dallas, to Pyburn Jesse and Ella Francis Hardin Crenshaw. Mexia was where he grew up, attended school and made his home. He was a truck driver for several years.
Marty was very sociable, friendly and never met a stranger. He was a loving father who enjoyed spending time with his children and grandchildren whenever possible. Marty was an outdoorsman; he enjoyed playing pool and was a collector of pocket knives and coins. He was also remembered by his children as always ready to give advice. Marty basically enjoyed living a simple life and living it to the fullest.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Jesse and Ella Crenshaw.
Marty is survived by his daughter, Melissa Carroll, of Mexia; sons Bryan Crenshaw, of Waco, and Bradley Crenshaw and wife Alexa, of Irving; three grandchildren, Brandon, Tori and Zachary Little; and other relatives and friends.
Visit blair-stubbs.com to sign the guestbook or leave a message of condolence.

The Angelic Hosts came for Odell Harris on Saturday, March 3, 2018, in the Parkview Regional Hospital among loving family and devoted friends. Viewing and visitation will be held Friday, March 9, from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Salvation Lighthouse Church Of God In Christ, 912 North Lena Street in Mexia. 
Homegoing Celebration for Willie Odell Harris will be held Saturday, March 10,  at 11 a.m. at Northcrest Church of Christ, 918 Tehuacana Rd. in Mexia, with Pastor Charles Washington officiating and Superintendent Charles Beard as eulogist. Interment will be in the Cedar Hill Cemetery, Hwy. 84 in Mexia. 
Mr. Harris was born in Tehuacana to Bozie Harris and Marie Brown Harris. He attended the Dunbar-Douglass public schools in Mexia. Odell Harris and Betty Ruth Jones were married on April 19, 1985, in Dallas. His career of employment included truck driver for Youngblood Construction Co., Waco, The Mexia State School Maintenance Dept. and Mexia Independent School District.
He served as a deacon and Sunday school superintendent at Salvation Lighthouse Church Of God In Christ under the pastorage of Superintendent Don Manning.  
Mr. Harris is survived by his beloved wife, Betty Harris; daughters Culetta Beachum and husband Kelvin, of Mexia, Patricia Gray and husband Michael, of Mexia, and Shannon Bouye and husband David, of Waco; Brother Willie Otis Harris and wife Claudia, of DeSoto; sisters Evella Smith, of Dallas, and Emma Burks, of DeSoto; grandchildren Kevin Beachum Jr and wife Jessica, of Chandler, Ariz., Krystal Beachum, of Washington, D.C., Jacob Beachum, of Denison, Brechelle Beachum, of Pineville, La., Tracia Harris, of Mexia, and Kaiya Harris, also of Mexia; great-grandchildren Rhylen Beachum, Kalena Beachum, Jacob Beachum Jr., and Kelvin Beachum III; brothers-in-law Herman Pinkard and wife Helen, of Elgin, Okla., Dwain Jones Jr. and wife Liduvina, of Mexia; Leon Jones (deceased) and wife Carolyn; Billy Jones and wife Glenda, of Mexia; Albert Jones and wife Florence, of Corsicana; Charles Jones and wife Annetta, of Mexia; sisters-in-law Rosie Gibson and husband Chester, of Mexia, Brenda Kirven and husband Johnny Jr., of Coolidge; and a host of nieces, nephews and other relatives and friends.

Larry D James, 83, of Mexia, went home to be with his Lord and Savior on Monday, March 5, 2018.  Visitation will be held on Friday, March 9, from 6 to 8 p.m. at Blair-Stubbs Funeral Home located at 605 S. McKinney Street in Mexia. A celebration of his life will be graveside at 11 a.m., Saturday, March 10, at the Prairie Grove Cemetery, in Fallon. Pallbearers Todd Amick, Jim Higginbotham, Matthew Johnson, Thomas Johnson, Rusty Stone, and Steve Yeldell. Larry Price will be sharing a testimony about Mr. James’ life.
Larry was born on Sept. 11, 1934, in Mexia, to Ollice Olen James and Irene Eva Moody James. He graduated from Mexia High School in 1952. He had a passion for education. He graduated from the Parkland School of Radiologic Technology Program; he attended Texas Tech University as a pre-med major, University of Houston Hospital Administration major, and Texas A&M University, where he earned his Teacher Certification. He worked several years as Director of Radiology and even worked undercover for the Alcoholic Beverage Commissioner.  In 1973, he accepted a position as Program Director and opened the Radiologic Technology Program at McLennan Community College in Waco. He and his wife, Betsy, ran this program for 15 years until they retired the first time in 1984.
A hard-working man, Larry continued to work joyously well into his late 70’s. He was an entrepreneur at heart and owned a couple of successful businesses. He was also actively involved in his church and community as a reserve officer for the Sheriff’s Office, President of the School Board - Mexia ISD, YMCA coach for 11 years, and served 12 years in the Boy Scouts where he was a Scoutmaster. He would always say, “I am at my best while helping others, and that is why my profession in medicine and teaching has fulfilled my life to the fullest.”  He was a faithful member of the Church of Christ.
Larry was united in marriage to Bettye “Betsy” Linda Phillips James, on Dec. 13, 1952, in Dallas. Betsy preceded him in death in November 1997. They were married for almost 45 years.  He was then united in marriage to Sharon Larue Rosenbaum James, in Mexia, on Feb. 6, 1999, and they were married for 19 years prior to his passing.
Larry was preceded in death by his parents, Ollice and Irene James, and his wife, Betsy.  
He is survived by his wife, Sharon; his sister, Norma Sue Furlow, and husband Norman; his children Laronne James, Larry “David” James II and wife Dawn, Thomas O. Johnson III and wife Lieschen, Laci D James, and George Johnson and wife Laura; his grandchildren, James Farris, Ashley James, Jordan James, Staci Nish, Thomas Johnson, Lilly Johnson, Matthew Johnson and Austin Johnson.
Visit blair-stubbs.com to sign his Book of Memories and share your condolences.

Frances Marie Johnson, 88, of Tehuacana passed away March 12, 2018, in Mexia. Funeral services will be at 1 p.m., Wednesday, March 14, 2018, at Blair-Stubbs Chapel with the Rev. Michael Vestal officiating. Interment will follow in the Tehuacana Cemetery. Kenneth Bulger, Ronnie J. Tanner, Bryan Tanner, Mike Gragg, Randy Myers and James Pfleeger will serve as pallbearers. Honorary pallbearer will be Corey Hale.
Visitation with the family will be prior the service beginning at 1 p.m.
Frances was born July 4, 1929, in Anna, Texas, to Ted and Ora Bradshaw Shields. She retired from the Mexia State School after 20-plus years as a Dorm Charge.
Frances married the love of her life, John Preston Johnson, on August 25, 1947, in Mexia, Texas; they were blessed with three children, Richard, Janet and Karen. Her life revolved around her family, whatever her children or grandchildren were involved in, she and Preston were there to support them. She took advantage of every opportunity to spoil her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She was a good cook and always made sure she cooked exactly what each grandchild liked. Frances enjoyed playing 42 and going to Bluegrass Festivals with close friends. She was also a longtime active member of the First Baptist Church in Tehuacana.
She was preceded in death by her parents.

Frances is survived by her loving husband of 70 years, Preston Johnson of Tehuacana; children, Richard Johnson and wife, Janis of Tehuacana, Janet Bulger and husband, Kenny of Fairfield and Karen Tanner and husband, Ronnie of Donie; grandchildren, Shelly Pfleeger, Kenneth Bulger, Jamie Gragg, Stephanie Meyers, Ronnie J. Tanner, Kayla Andrean and Bryan Tanner; 14 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild; brother, Johnny Shields of Lake Mexia; sister, Brenda Shields of Tehuacana; and a number of nieces and nephews.
Please visit www.blair-stubbs.com to sign the guest book or leave a message of condolence.

Wilburn Lee Reddoch, 70, passed away March 9, 2018, at his home in Point Enterprise.  Funeral services were at 2 p.m., Monday, March 12, 2018, at Blair-Stubbs Chapel with John Reddoch and Stephen Davenport officiating.  Interment was in the Mexia Cemetery.  Mark Thompson, Butch Hargrove, Jeff Thompson, Daniel Thompson, John-Andrew Reddoch and Terry Thompson served as pallbearers.
Visitation with the family was prior to the service.
Wilburn was born December 18, 1947 ,in Cuero, Texas, to Glenn L. and Patricia A. Oliphant Reddoch.  After graduating from Mexia High School, Class of 1966, he married his high school sweetheart, Brenda Jane Thompson in San Antonio, Texas, on July 14, 1966.  He continued his education, earning an associate’s degree and, also, proudly served his country as a member of the U.S. Air Force. Wilburn retired from the Luminant Mine in Fairfield after 41 years of service as a mechanic.
Wilburn and Brenda were blessed with two children, John and Melissa.  There was nothing more important to him than his family.  He was proud of his children but even prouder of his grandchildren. He was also crazy about his dogs, Bubba, Chloe and Bailey.  Wilburn was easy going, had a great personality, loved people and made friends easily; he was the same wherever you saw him, always greeted everyone with that friendly smile. 
Wilburn took pride and pleasure in keeping his yard and property looking good; he, actually, enjoyed mowing and weed eating.  He became interested in working with leather and, for many years, made many different articles of leather goods for people.  He liked doing almost anything, as long as it was outdoors.
He was preceded in death by his parents; grandson, James Isaac Reddoch; and brother, John Paul Reddoch.
Wilburn is survived by his loving wife of 51 years, Brenda Reddoch of Mexia; son, John W. Reddoch and wife, Linda of Mexia; daughter, Melissa S. Davenport and husband, Trozy of Teague; grandchildren, John-Andrew Reddoch, Lydia Reddoch, Destiny Reddoch, Nathan Reddoch, Hagin Reddoch, Stephen Davenport and Kristen, Rebecca Davenport, and Ashley Davenport; and a number of nieces, nephews and friends.
Please visit www.blair-stubbs.com to sign the guest book or leave a message of condolence.

Services for Gabriel Saldivar, 85, of Mexia, and formerly of Post, will be held at 10 a.m. Tuesday, March 13, at the Post ISD Auditorium, with Eliseo Chapa and Lupe Perez Jr. officiating. Burial in Terrace Cemetery will be under the direction of Hudman Funeral Home. A prayer service was held at 6 p.m. Monday at the funeral home.
Gabriel died on March 9, 2018, at his home in Mexia. He was born on March 24, 1932, in Rockdale, to Francisco and Concha (Acevedo) Saldivar. He married Lillia Gonzales on Jan. 29, 1950, in Post. She preceded him in death on July 31, 1990. He worked for Postex Cotton Mills for many years and later retired from the Post Independent School District.
Survivors include one daughter, Mickey Hill, of Mexia; four sons, David Saldivar, of San Antonio, Robert Saldivar, of Lubbock, Noel Saldivar, of Red Oak, and Lee Saldivar, of Lubbock; five sisters, Juanita Morales, of Denver Co., Hilaria Pantoja, of Granbury, Angela Bustoz, of Amarillo, Angelina Rodriquez, of Post, and Rosita Perez, of Lubbock; 15 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren
Pallbearers were Christopher Saldivar, Jacob Saldivar, Gabriel Saldivar, Ryan Saldivar and Joshua Salinas. Honorary pallbearers were Ramzie Castilleja  and Jeremy Owens.

Mr. Michael Lynn Chambers was born November 7, 1965 to Henry and Edith Chambers.
Michael graduated from Mexia High School in 1984. He was employed at the Mexia State School for many years. He confessed his life to Christ at a young age to the Alexander P.B. Church.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Rev. Henry and Edith Chambers and a sister, Queenie Louise Chambers.
He leaves to cherish his memories: Wife: Sharon of Groesbeck; daughters: Amika Adkison (Antwon) of Waco, Ranada Jackson of Mexia, and Tamina Hacket of Groesbeck; brothers: Rev. Henry Chambers Jr, (Margie) of Mexia and Levi Chambers (Pattie) of Omaha, Neb.; Sisters: Eva Yvonne Chambers of Mt. Pleasant, Brenda Hubbard of Mexia, CaSandra Alexander (Benjamin) of Dallas, and Carolyn Cummings (Robert) of Waco; grandkids: Da’Niya, Da’Moria, Avianna, Jonavon, Jur’nee, Khloe and Gabrielle; and a host of other relatives and friends.
Service and arrangements are entrusted to Pearly Gates Funeral Home of Mexia Texas. Service was held on March 10th at 1pm at Westside Church of Christ of Mexia.

Mr. Newell J. Cox was born on Nov. 11, 1930, in Teague, and was found gone home to glory, in his home on Saturday, March 5, 2018.
He was lovingly placed in the nurturing hands of Mr. and Mrs. P.T. Cox (Maggie), who predeceased him.
Newell accepted Christ at an early age at St. Paul A.M.E. Church in Teague. He graduated from Booker T. Washington High School as salutatorian in 1948. He enrolled as a freshman in Huston-Tillotson College in 1948, in Austin, where he later pledged Omega Psi Phi Fraternity. While on campus, his love for music blossomed, and he enjoyed playing with the blues bands of Ray Charles, Johnnie Taylor and Bobby ‘Blue’ Bland. In 1952, Newell graduated with honors with a degree in Music Education with a concentration in band.
He served two years in the United States Army stationed at Fort Bliss, in El Paso. He started his teaching career in Oakwood, Diboll and Edna. In keeping with his studies, he was the band director in Diboll and Edna. Then, he taught in Mexia for several years. While there, he fell in love and married Shirley McIllveen on Dec. 24, 1960.
A teaching opportunity sent him to Dallas, where he taught in the Dallas Independent School District in several elementary schools until he retired in 1999.
After retiring, he returned to Teague, where he served two terms on the Teague City Council. While serving on the council, he was elected president of the Texas Municipal League. One of the highlights, was attending city meetings for the league all over the State of Texas, representing the City of Teague. He ended his years of public service with city, as mayor pro tem.
After serving on the Teague City Council, he remained active in his church and the Freestone County Veterans Affairs Committee.
He leaves to cherish his memory two daughters, Shelia Cox and Amanda Cox Rawls (Gerard). He leaves three grandchildren: Jordan Warren, Symmora Warren and Raphael Rawls along with a ‘bonus-child,’ Kermit Wooley, Shirley McIllveen Cox Wooley and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Harbard Echols was born March 8, 1933, in Sandy, to the late Demock and Frankie Echols. He attended Echols Community School.
 He met and married Ezra Lean Reed on Sept. 23, 1954, a union lasting 62 years until his passing. They produced nine children: Clifton Darnell (Myrtle), Harbard Lee (Louella), and Anthony, all of Dallas, Elvis Eugene, of Coolidge, Efrem Ray (Debra), of Mexia, Gary Echols (Ramona), of Benbrook, Darlene Whitley (Jessie), of San Diego, Calif., Brenda Brown (Felton), of Scott, La., and Katie Richards, of Belton.
Harbard Echols left us on March 6, 2018 at Windsor Healthcare Residence in Groesbeck, Texas. He was preceded in death by his three brothers, DeEmory, Carlton and Arbra Echols; two sisters, Jeanie Jones and Claudesta McCoo.
Left to cherish his memories: a brother, Clifford James Echols, of Kansas City, Mo.; three sisters, Bobbie Peele and Glenda Faye Evans, both of Dallas, and Pauline Gaye, from Houston; 13 grandchildren, Derrick, Quincy, Michael, Miquel, Keona, Kevin, Heather, Tasha, Wynton, Gary Jr., Raven, Avery and Emily; great-grandchildren, Kaelyn, Aldric, Lincoln, Bryce, Shamar, Sa-Riya and S-Mgdre; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and other relatives and friends.
Funeral services will be held on March 17 at 11 a.m. at Union Memorial United Methodist Church of Coolidge. Services and arrangements entrusted to Pearly Gates Funeral Home of Mexia.

Jim Rodgers, 55, of Sunset, passed away March 9, 2018, in Fort Worth. Funeral services will be Tuesday, March 13, at 10:30 am at First Baptist Church in Alvord, with burial to follow at Sunset Cemetery. Visitation will be 6-8 p.m. on Monday at Jones Family Funeral Home in Decatur.
Jim was born Oct. 26, 1962, in Wortham, to Morris Frank and Claudia Jean Rodgers. He married Peggy Jones on March 9, 2002, in Sunset. Jim had been in law enforcement for over 20 years, with the last 14 as an investigator with the Wise County Sheriff’s Department. He invested much of his time rehabilitating the youth of Wise County.
Jim was preceded in death by his grandfather, James Goolsby.
Jim is survived by his wife of 16 years, Peggy Rodgers, of Sunset; father Morris Rodgers and wife Dong Mei, of Fort Worth; mother Claudia Stitle and husband Dick, of Aledo; sisters Roxane Shibley and husband Scott, of Fort Worth, Rhea Albert and husband Brian, of Burleson; grandmother Ethel Goolsby, of Wortham; and numerous aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins.
The family requests that memorials be made to Raquel’s Wings www.raquelswings.com.

Nelda Lummus, 71, formerly of Mexia, passed away March 12, 2018, at her home in Palestine. Funeral services were held Friday, March 16, at Blair-Stubbs Chapel, with Brother Bubba Smith officiating. Interment followed in the Lost Prairie Cemetery. Mike Warren, Ricky Van Winkle, Micky Van Winkle, Jeff Lummus, David Keenum and Rhome Starkes served as pallbearers. Honorary pallbearers were Jimmy Van Winkle, Charlie Morris and Jimmy Steele.
Nelda was born July 14, 1946, in Mexia, to George Lester and Minnie Lee Robertson Foley. Mexia was her home, prior to her moving to Palestine 17 years ago.
She was a graduate of Mexia High School, Class of 1964. She married the love of her life, Danny Lee Lummus, on Aug. 13, 1964, in Mexia.
Nelda was a loving, caring person and one that was always there for her family and friends. She greeted everyone with a friendly smile; she never met a stranger. As a young woman, she enjoyed social gatherings with friends and family, fishing and riding motorcycles with her husband.
Nelda spent endless hours making brush strokes into beautiful scenic portraits. She was very creative and, together with her husband created memories in a frame. Nelda was a loving and devoted mother to her daughter, Tracy.
She attended every pageant, competition and event in which she was involved. She even made some of her uniforms for competitions. Nelda was later blessed with three granddaughters and eight great-grandchildren, who filled her world with light.
Nelda, known as Granny, will forever be missed by every person she touched. She was one of God’s blessings for the world.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Lester and Minnie Lee Foley; and sister, Dora Lee Keenum.
Nelda is survived by her loving husband of 53 years, Danny Lummus, of Palestine; daughter Tracy Vasquez, of Mexia; three granddaughters, Shevie Lyn Libhart, of Teague, Bracey Liner, of Fairfield, and Marcus Burke, of Mexia; eight great-grandchildren, Bent’Leigh Libhart of Teague, Addilyn Liner, of Franklin, Hayden Gallegos, of Fairfield, Rhi’ker Libhart, of Teague, Cotton Lichty, of Teague, Madisyn Gallegos, of Fairfield, Briggin Vasquez, of Mexia, and Luxen Lichty, of Teague; and several nieces and nephews.
Visit blair-stubbs.com to sign the guestbook or leave a message of condolence.

The Angelic Hosts came for Frank McMillian on Tuesday, March 13, 2018, in Parkview Regional Hospital, Mexia, among loving family and devoted friends. Viewing will be held Friday, March 23, 1-7 p.m., with the family present 6-7 p.m.
Funeral services will be held Saturday, March 24, at 2:30 p.m. in the Moore’s Angelic Funeral Chapel with Pastor Earl Bell officiating and Elder Billy Jackson, Eulogist. Interment will be in the Antioch Cemetery, North 1st Street in Teague.
Mr. McMillian was born Dec. 5, 1937, the second child born to Van and Sallie McMillian in Orville, Ala. He grew up in Hazard, Ky., where he attended the public schools. He and his wife, Frances, were married in Bloomerville, Ky., in 1961, and they were the parents of two children: Frank Jeffery McMillian and Chrystal McMillian. Frank and Choicey were married on March 24, 1984, in Teague.
Frank enlisted in the U.S. Army in April 1955, and he served in the Medical Corps until he was honorably discharged in 1957. He served three years in the Army Reserves.
Frank was a graduate of The Kentucky School Of Embalming and worked as a licensed funeral director and embalmer in Kentucky as well as Lotts Mortuary, Dallas, Dorsey & Keatts Funeral Home, Mexia, and Community Funeral Home and Emanuel Funeral Home, in Teague. He was the first funeral director in charge of Moore’s Angelic Funeral Home, in Teague.
Mr. McMillian was a faithful member of The St. Paul Church Of God In Christ, in Teague, where he served as Sunday school superintendent, deacon and trustee.
Frank was preceded in death by his parents; a sister, Estelle Tate; a brother-in-law; two granddaughters, Destiny McMillian and Shakari Freeman.
Those left to cherish his memory are his faithful wife Choicey McMillian, of Teague; his son, Frank Jeffery McMillian, of Lexington, Ky; daughters Crystal McMillian, of Bardstown, Ky., Deirdre Carter, and Shirley Freeman, of Mexia, Sandra Hatcher and husband, Calvin, of Mexia, and Lisa Shockley and husband David, of Mexia; 17 grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren; eight great-great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
Moore’s Angelic Funeral Home, 406 Monroe Street, Teague, Texas is serving the McMillian family.

Ardys Jeanette Irwin, daughter of Viola Souders  and Arland Smalley, was born in New Virginia, Iowa, in 1931 and died in Mexia, on March 16, 2018, with family by her side, at 86 years of age.
She grew up in New Virginia and graduated from New Virginia High School. She married Robert Irwin on July 8, 1949, in New Virginia. Four children were blessed to this union: Mike, Bill, Betty Jo and Pat.
Ardys worked as a homemaker the first part of their marriage, then went to work for Preferred Risk Insurance Company, working her way up to supervisory positions before retiring. She then continued on her journey of doing for others, through her quilting, knitting, crocheting, sewing and volunteer work.
She was heavily involved with many charitable organizations, both in Iowa and Texas. Ardys had a great love for her family and showed it through all the hand-made items she made for them. She enjoyed all the time spent with her family and attending her grandchildren and great-grandchildren’s’ activities. She enjoyed traveling very much and always had her bags packed ready to go. 
She was a member of First United Methodist Church in New Virginia and actively involved with First United Methodist Church in Mexia.
Ardys lived most of her life in New Virginia before moving to Mexia in 2003.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Arland and Viola; husband Robert; son Bill; grandson Samuel David Irwin; brother Bud Smalley; and sister-in-law Marge Smalley.
She is survived by two sons, Michael and Cindy Irwin, of Yukon, Okla., and Pat and Michele Irwin, of Mexia; a daughter, Betty Jo and Roger Garner, of New Virginia;  daughter-in-law Marci Irwin, of Butler, Mo.; grandchildren Carrie Zellmer, of Kansas City, Mo., Manuel and Amanda Irwin, of Albuquerque, N.M., John and Ashli Irwin, of Big Spring, Thomas and Courtney Irwin, of Fountain, Colo., Jamie and Jon Gelner, of Osecola, Iowa, Julie and Edmond  Throckmorton,  of Monona, Wis., and Amanda Kirk,  of St. Charles,  Iowa; 13 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild; sister Ilene and Morris Porter, of Pleasanton; other relatives  and a host of friends. 
A family visitation was held at Blair-Stubbs Funeral Home in Mexia, Sunday, March 18.   Memorial services will be held  at First United Methodist Church in  New Virginia.  Interment of the cremains will be in the New Virginia Cemetery.   Honorary pallbearers are her seven grandchildren.
In lieu of flowers, donations or a memorial gift may be made to Point Enterprise Quilters, Point Enterprise, the “Knit Wit” group at First United Methodist Church, Mexia, or First United Methodist Church, New Virginia, in her name.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Blair-Stubbs Funeral Home, Mexia, and Kale Funeral Homes of Osceola and Truro, Iowa. 
Visit blair-stubbs.com to sign the guestbook or leave a message of condolence.

Mrs. Margaret Jo McPherson Archer, 92, longtime Coolidge resident passed away Saturday, March 17, 2018 in Waco.  Mrs. Archer was born January 1, 1926, in Groesbeck to Joseph and Lula Mae Parsons McPherson.
She married John Ray Archer on October 17, 1941 and they were blessed with four children and enjoyed many happy years together before his death in 1995.
Mrs. Archer was an exceptional wife, mother and grandmother.  She had a strong work ethic and worked for many years as a bookkeeper for Hancock Butane and First State Bank in Coolidge, not retiring until she was 83 years of age.  Not one to be idle at home, she enjoyed working in her yard and doing things for her family.  She was a member of the Northcrest Church of Christ in Mexia.
She is survived by her children, Jerry Archer and wife Darlene of Mexia, Mary Elizabeth Archer Mann and husband Robert of Robinson, Martha Jane Archer Dowdle and husband Millard of Kerens and Wanda Ray Archer McKinney and husband Carl of Wortham, 11 Grandchildren, 24 Great Grandchildren and 5 Great Great Grandchildren.
Funeral services will be 2 pm Wednesday, March 21, 2018, at the Blair-Stubbs Funeral Home Chapel in Mexia with Minister Richard Williams officiating.  Interment will follow in the Old Union Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Chase Mann, Greg Lemke, Robert Murphey, Johnny Murphey, Jimmy Hancock and Ronny Skinner.  Honorary pallbearers will be Rick Sadler, Paul Youngblood and Mike Clements.
Visitation with the family will be prior to the service starting at 1 pm.
Please visit blair-stubbs.com to sign the guest book or leave a message of condolence.