Mary Ann Carter Space passed away July 16, 2016, in Austin. She was born April 16, 1926, in Mexia, to Charles Edward and Fay Fedrick Carter. She graduated from Mexia High School, class of 1943, and attended Southwestern University, where she was a member of Zeta Tau Alpha Sorority.

She met her future husband, Charles W. “Jimmy” Space of Belen, N.M., in Mexia, where he was stationed at the Army Camp as a SSgt. during World War II.  She worked as a bank teller with The City National Bank, predecessor of Incommons Bank, in Mexia, while Jimmy served on active duty in the Pacific during the war.

During their 64 years of marriage, they lived in Belen, N.M., Slaton and Barstow, Calif., where Mary Ann enjoyed her position as secretary to the Provost Marshall at the Marine Corps Supply Center.  After retirement, Mary Ann and Jimmy settled in Mexia, where both were active members in the First Presbyterian Church.

Mary Ann was an accomplished pianist, a talent she did not keep just for personal enjoyment, but used in her church and to teach numerous children how to play.

She was a past president of the Jonathan Hardin Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution and past president of the Mexia Parkview Hospital Women’s Auxiliary.  She was also a member of the Eastern Star and United Daughters of the Confederacy.

Mary Ann was preceded in death by her husband, Jimmy, in July 2008; parents, C. E. and Fay Carter; and aunt Julia Carter Rennolds. 

She is survived by her two sons and their spouses, Charles C. and Jane Space, and Robert E. and Terri Space; daughter Dianne Elwell and husband Tony, all of the Austin area; five grandchildren, Christopher Space and wife Traysi, Carisa Beam and husband Justin, Robert Space and wife Jessica, Amy Steeno and husband Tim and Carter Space; and five great-grandchildren, Conner and Griffin Beam, Mei Space, Ryder Steeno and Saphira Space.

Mary Ann spent countless hours with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.  She enjoyed her friends and never lost her avid interest in collecting and reading books.

Blair-Stubbs Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. A family service will be held in Mexia; interment will be in the Mexia Cemetery.  Carter E. Space, Christopher C. Space, Rob Space, Tim Steeno and Justin Beam will serve as pallbearers.

Memorials may be made to charity of choice.

Visit www.blair-stubbs.com to leave the family a memorial message.

Arthur William “Bill” Smith, of Groesbeck, passed away at his home on Saturday, July 16, 2016, at age 76.

Services will be held at 10 a.m. on Thursday, July 21 in the Groesbeck Funeral Home Chapel, with Brother Larry Wilson of the Davis Chapel Church of Christ officiating. Burial will follow at 2 p.m. at Oaklawn Cemetery in Rockdale, where his parents are buried.

Pallbearers will be Micah Morgan, Scott Smith, David Hughes, Mark Smith, Brian Swick, Marcus Hanna, Bobby Wilson, John Norman, Bob Waller, and Rawls King. Honorary pallbearers will be Mason Lodge #354, Groesbeck High School Class of 1961, the Dairy Queen coffee table group, the Waco Skeet and Trap Club friends, Rand Bates and Barber Shop friends, and “In Memory”-his deceased friends, Dr. J. B. Riggs, Henry Cox, and Bradley Swick.

Bill was born April 20, 1940 to Arthur M. and Lillian Smith in Rockdale. The family moved to Calvert and then to Groesbeck when Bill was in the seventh grade. They first lived in a shotgun house on Colorado Street behind the Hewitt’s and later moved to a house on State Highway 14 beside the Hewitt’s Flower Shop. His dad worked as a butcher for Joe Tom Henderson, and died suddenly not long after they moved to Groesbeck. Mrs. Smith worked as a nursery attendant at the First Baptist Church and also helped Mary Hewitt at the flower shop. From living near and being at the shop, Bill and Danny Hewitt’s bond as brothers developed. After Bill’s mother passed away at age 48, while Bill was a Junior, Herbert and Mary Hewitt became his guardians, and provided a home for him. He called them Papa Hewitt and Mamma Hewitt the rest of his life. Many of Bill’s classmates may remember how good he was in math in school, and how much he helped many of them with algebra (Ms. Imogene White’s class.) Bill graduated from Groesbeck High School in the Class of 1961.

Bill especially loved the game of football, and the more he could do for people the better he liked it. During high school, Bill was the team manager for the Groesbeck Goats. He took on many duties, including mowing the line and mowing the whole field, chalking the lines before every football game, which included Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday games for the B-team, Groesbeck High, Blackshear-Washington High, and Thornton Tigers. He ran water onto the field for the guys, passed out salt tablets, and after every game he washed all the towels and uniforms to have them ready for the next game. He became skilled in taping ankles, with training from the late Dr. J. B. Riggs and Truett Jones, and he also did this for the out-of-team teams in their locker rooms. He received a certificate as a trainer his senior year. He ran the athletic locker room for the boy’s and girl’s teams in all sports. He rode the bus to the out-of-town games, where he taped ankles and helped with the uniforms on the bus. He never complained of the time he spent and work he did. He will be fondly remembered by the players, coaches, band, and all those throughout the years who knew how much he gave of his time.

He had planned to participate in a program at Baylor to be a trainer, but the program was eliminated, so he was instead trained in Kansas City, MO. for a year in auto-body work. This was not his true interest, however, so he went to work at Varo in Mexia. When their naval contracts ended and Varo closed, Bill went to work at the Mexia State School. He worked in the laundry department over twenty-three years before retiring.

Bill retired at the State School in 1998 to help Mamma Hewitt at the Groesbeck Flower Shop. He delivered an untold number of flower arrangements to people, and he continued to help Danny and Cindy Hewitt when they took over the shop.

Bill continued to assist the Groesbeck Goats as manager over the next fifty years, standing on the sidelines of every game. When a boy was hurt, Bill was the first one on the field to check on him.

In 2006, Bill was honored at the Groesbeck Homecoming as “Mr. Homecoming 2006” for his contributions as a “Volunteer Goat Football Trainer for 50 Years.” Bill could recall details of many games (such as a game in Franklin played at fifteen degrees); he estimated he had worked with sixteen head coaches and over 1200 Groesbeck Goat players. He was especially proud to attend the Groesbeck Goat State Championship game in the Astrodome in 1991, and proud of the huge number of Groesbeck fans who were in attendance.

In addition to football, Bill enjoyed fishing trips with Danny. He enjoyed going to deer camp during hunting season with Marcus Hanna, Henry Cox, and Bobby Wilson, and with Dr. Riggs to hunt at Johnson City. He was a member of the Waco Skeet and Trap Club, shooting clay pigeons with his 12-guage shotgun, and he won numerous awards in shooting. He had a great time on a trip with Dr. Riggs to Mexico City where they met the Olympic Air Force shooting team guys. Another special trip was several years ago, when he traveled to Indiana with friends, and competed in the National Shoot.

Bill loved to go dancing, whether at the Cowboy Club, in Waco, after trap shoots, at local homecoming and street dances. When Danny’s daughter, Jennifer Love Hewitt was born, she was his pride and joy. He enjoyed his good neighbors, Steve Hurt and his daughter Delores. He was called “Uncle Willie or Uncle Bill” by many. He was a member of the “Out and About” Christian Singles Club, and enjoyed eating out with them each month. Bill enjoyed spending time with very close friends, including Judy Bennett before she moved, and Laurye Allen and her family, and Emma Faye Dick and her family, and with all the friends he saw frequently while eating at Swick’s BBQ, Dairy Queen, Mary’s Burger Barn, Steven’s Grocery, S&H, and other eating places in town.

Bill was a member of the Groesbeck Masonic Lodge No. 354, for the past forty-plus years. He had worked in past years, part-time at Groesbeck Funeral Home, and made many trips in the funeral van assisting Ken Lee and Danny Hewitt. He was a close friend and brother-in-law to Cindy Hewitt, watching out for her while Danny was making funeral home trips out of town. To Danny, he was “My Brother.”

Bill was preceded in death by his father and mother, Arthur and Lillian Smith; Papa (Herbert) and Mamma (Mary) Hewitt; sister, Nita Gay; and niece, Garilyn Hutchinson.

He is survived by his brother and sister-in-law, Danny and Cindy Hewitt of Groesbeck; two cousins, Shelby and Nona Lee, remaining of the Smith family; niece, Jennifer Love Hewitt and Brian Halsey and children; nephew, Todd and Michelle Hewitt and family; nephew, Lance and Lainie Browning of Whitehouse; and great nephews, Nicholas and Trent Browning; niece, Donna Stewart and husband Terry of Groesbeck; nephew, Rusty and Lisa Gay of Tomball; great niece, Lisa Stewart-King and Toby King of Groesbeck; niece, Lori and Don Henderson of Lorena; great nephew, Keston Henderson of Lorena; great nieces, Nicky Hutchinson and her extended family and Kristi Henderson and her extended family of Groesbeck; and other extended family and close friends.

Anyone wishing to make donations in memory of Bill Smith may make them to the Groesbeck Athletic Booster Club, P. O. Box 742, Groesbeck, TX 76642. 

Visit groesbeckfuneralhome.com to leave messages of condolence on the guestbook.

LaPassion Oneil was born on September  20, 1996 to Claude Sandles, Jr. and the late Keetia Oneil.

Left to cherish her memories are siblings Shaniqua Seamster, Kristall Jackson, Ryan Puryear, DeVonte’ Puryear, Daniel Dontrey Sandles, Claude Daniel Sandles III, Myeshia Michelle Sandles, Keshia Franks; special son Calob Hutchinson of Mexia; father Claude D. Sandles, Jr. of Mexia; grandfather Claude D. Sandles (Helen), Sr of Mexia; grandmother Bernadette King of Mexia; aunts Dorothy Frazier, Tena Evans (Charles), Renita Betts (Cedric) of Mexia, Connie Trailor, Carla Sandles of Ft. Worth; uncles Tony Taylor of Mexia, Cloris Robinson (Crystall) of Austin, Terrance Conner of Teague.

Funeral service for LaPassion Oneil will be held at 1 p.m., July 23 at First United Methodist Church in Mexia.

Mr. Emmett Lee Snipes, of Fairfield, passed away Tuesday, July 12, 2016 among loving family and devoted friends in the East Texas Medical Center of Fairfield. 

Services are pending at Bonney-Watson Funeral Home, Seattle, Wash.  

Among his survivors are: His wife, Margaret Ransom Snipes of Fairfield. 

Moore’s Angelic Funeral Home, 406 Monroe Street in Teague is serving the Snipes Family. 

To sign the guestbook go to mooresangelicfuneralhome.com and light a candle.

Elouise “Pookie” York, 79, of Teague, passed away July 19, 2016, in Mexia. A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m., Sunday, July 24, in the Greenwood Cemetery in Teague.

Elouise was born in Bald Prairie, on Nov. 4, 1936, to Basil Kinner and Roby Ozelle Long Watson. She worked at Parkview Regional Hospital for approximately 20 years, where she was voted “Best Employee of the Year” several times.

Elouise enjoyed cooking, family and especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She was a wonderful cook and had a contagious laugh. She also loved watching football, especially the Dallas Cowboys.

It was evident that she loved people and devoted her life, not only to caring for her family but many others.  Elouise will be missed by all who knew her.   

She was preceded in death by her husband, E. Bradford York; daughter Melonie Lane; and brother Norman Watson.

Elouise is survived by her son, Billy Don York and wife Debra Jo; daughter Celisa Paris; 11 grandchildren; several great-grandchildren; brother David Watson and wife Pat, of Village Mills; and a number of nieces and nephews.

Visit blair-stubbs.com to leave the family a memorial message.

Alma Padgett, 90, passed away July 20, 2016, in Mexia.  Services are pending at Blair-Stubbs Funeral Home.

Alma is survived by her children, Diana McDonald, Susie Richardson and Niel Padgett; and sister Florence Jones.

Visit blair-stubbs.com to leave the family a memorial message.

Alma Christine Gamble Padgett, 90, passed away July 20, 2016 in Mexia. Funeral services will be at 10 a.m., Saturday, July 23 at Blair-Stubbs Chapel with Mr. Larry Dickens and Mr. Joe Lucas officiating. Interment will follow in the Seale-Round Prairie Cemetery. Serving as pallbearers will be her great-grandsons, Cody Cotton, Will Padgett, Jordan Padgett, Jackson Richardson, Zachery Richardson and Blake McDonald.
Visitation with the family will be 5-7 p.m., Friday, at Blair-Stubbs Funeral Home.
Alma was born in Limestone County on April 27, 1926 to Moses Marion and Nettie Lea Holt Gamble. With the exception of 17 years, due to her husband’s employment, she lived in the Mexia area. She graduated from Mexia High School, Class of 1944.  Alma married her lifelong partner, Herman O’Niel Padgett, Sr., on May 8, 1944 in Teague. After fulfilling her responsibilities of raising her children, Alma went to work at the Mexia State School, retiring after 20 years of service.
Alma devoted her life to serving the Lord, taking care of her family and treating people with respect. She never met a stranger, always friendly and greeted everyone with a warm smile. Her family was the joy of her life; a loving mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. 
Alma was, also, a wonderful cook and a great seamstress. She was a longtime active member of the Church of Christ and of the Jonathan Hardin Chapter, National Society of Daughters of the American Revolution.  
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Herman O’Niel Padgett, Sr.; brothers, Willie and L. B. Gamble; and sisters, Ileen Fry, Ruby DeLo and Mozelle Riley.
Alma is survived by her loving children, Herman O’Niel Padgett, Jr. and wife, Shirley Diane, Carol Sue “Suzy” Richardson and husband, James and Diana Louise McDonald and husband, D. L. “Bubba”; grandchildren, James Barrett “Barry” Richardson, Karen Smith, Herman O’Niel “Trey” Padgett, III, Dana McDonald Cotton, Leslie Carroll and Davina McDonald; great-grandchildren, Cody, Will, Jordan, Jackson, Zachery, Blake, Adam, Cady, Meagan, Carson, McKenzie, Makenna, Miranda and Maci; five great-great-grandchildren; sister, Florence Jones and husband, Roy “Sonny”; sisters-in-law, Gwen Padgett of Lubbock and Johnnie Bennett of Big Spring; and numerous nephews and nieces.
Visit blairstubbs.com to leave the family a memorial message.

Willis Newman Webb, 79, of Lake Charles, LA, died Monday, July 18 in his
residence. He was born at home near Teague on Mother’s Day, May 9, 1937.

A previous life-long Texan, Webb “jumped the river” to Louisiana in 2012,
following a 50 plus year career with newspapers. A 1960 graduate of the
University of Houston, Webb began his editing/publishing career as editor of his
hometown newspaper. From there he went on to serve as editor/publisher for
numerous Texas newspapers, with his last 16 years at The Jasper Newsboy.

Basing his career on the belief that a weekly paper offers not only the
opportunity to make a difference in the life of a community, but also a chance
to participate in all aspects of the newspaper industry, Webb received countless
state and national awards and honors for community service, news writing,
editorials, columns, headline writing, photography, advertising design and
layout and page design.

In 2004, Webb was named President of the Texas Press Association (TPA), the
largest state association in the country. During his career he received a
multitude of honors including: in 1997, the coveted Eagle Award for outstanding
individual accomplishment in journalism from the Hearst Corporation; in 2005,
the Harris Wofford Award for outstanding service to youth from Youth Service of
America; in 2010, the Lifetime Achievement in Print Media from Sam Houston
University; and as the culmination of his long and storied career, in 2013, he
was inducted into the Texas Newspaper Foundation Hall of Fame.

In addition to being a true wordsmith, Webb was an inspiration and friend to
many, especially young people. He loved to tell stories and looked for the
positive in everyone. He always fought for what was right, was a peaceful man
and a man who loved God. He will be dearly missed.

Webb was preceded in death by his beloved son Christopher Webb and his parents
L. Ray Webb and Ruth Webb Barger.

Those left to mourn him include his loving wife Julie Webb, of Lake Charles, LA
and his devoted son Weston Webb and fiancé Heather Bertrand, of Sulphur, LA;
granddaughter Jessica Webb of Austin; brothers Kerry Webb and wife Glenda of
Round Rock, Clydell Webb and wife Carole Ann of Huntsville and Danny
Webb and wife Nelma of McGregor; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and
extended family and friends.

A memorial “Homegoing” celebration of life will be held at 2 p.m., Saturday, July 30, at Wimberley United Methodist Church, located at 1200 CR 1492, just
off RR 12 south of Wimberley. A private family burial service will be held
earlier in the day at the Wimberley Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to Texas
Press Association or Texas Newspaper Foundation : 305 S. Congress Ave., Austin,
TX 78704, South Texas Press Association : P.O. Box 400, Hondo, TX 78861, Texas
Gulf Coast Press Association : P.O. Box 1845, Richmond, TX 77469 or the charity
of your choice.

Virginia Nell Kerzee Buttery was born in Point Enterprise on Jan. 18, 1929, to Will Kerzee and Lucy Kate Bozeman Kerzee; she was the youngest of nine children. After finishing school in Point Enterprise and Mexia, she attended secretarial school in Ft. Worth, where she met and fell in love with a handsome chemical engineer, Lewis Buttery.  Their marriage journey began on May 29, 1948, in Point Enterprise and carried them on many worldwide adventures. The joy of their lives was their children, Alice Johnson of Bryan, David Buttery and wife Tamara, of Woodland Park, Colo., and Laura Buttery of Bryan; grandchildren, Todd Johnson and wife Caitrin, Dave Johnson, Aaron Buttery and wife Lyndee, Amanda Howell and husband Patrick, and Jennifer Dunford and husband Gabriel; and 12 great-grandchildren.  Virginia passed away on July 21, 2016, in Bryan, and will be buried next to her husband, Lewis, in the Point Enterprise Cemetery on Wednesday, July 27, at 11 a.m.  Pastor Ted Foote and the Rev. Michael Kerzee will officiate.  Honorary pallbearers will be nephews Neil Holt, Warren Holt, David Kerzee, Michael Kerzee, Mark Kerzee, Buddy Kerzee, Amos Earl Holt, William Robert Kerzee, Boynton Buttery and Douglas Buttery. Virginia was a member of the First Presbyterian Church in Bryan. Virginia is also survived by her sisters, Flodell Gunn and Carlene Holt; brothers-in-law, Robert Buttery and John Olsen; and a number of nieces and nephews. Virginia was preceded in death by her parents; husband, six siblings, Lloyd Kerzee, Lorena Kerzee, Elliot Kerzee Lyons, Willie D. Kerzee Holt, Wayne Kerzee and Billy Kerzee. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the American Cancer Society, Disabled American Veterans, or the charity of your choice. Visit blair-stubbs to leave the family a memorial message.

Donald Howard Lipsett went to be with our Lord and Savior on the morning of July 25, 2016 at his residence at Three Forks Assisted Living Center in Forney. His previous residence was Mexia for 20 years and prior to that Mesquite for over 20 years. Don was born on Feb. 21, 1924 in Erie, Penn. to Albert and Edna Lipsett. PFC Lipsett served his country proudly as a member of the US Army during WWII overseas in Europe
under General Gearge S. Patton with the 841st Gasoline Supply Company. Mr. Lipsett earned an associates degree in mechanical engineering after the end of the war.
Don moved to Texas where he met and married Wynona Ruth Lipsett on June 30, 1962. They lived in Mesquite and adopted their daughter Michelle in 1964 and then their son Chuck in 1966. They lived in Mesquite until 1994 when they were both able to enjoy their retirement in their home in Mexia. While living in Mesquite they were both employed by the MISD and very involved in their church, Saint Marks United Methodist Church. Once they moved to Mexia, they quickly became active in their new church home at First United Methodist Church of Mexia. Don and Wynona loved and lived in Mexia until Wynona’s going home on Jan. 3, 2015.
Don and Wynona loved to travel and spent most of their retirement years “On The Road.” They traveled all over Europe including destinations such as Australia, Peru, Ireland and also covering all of North America. Two of their very special trips were to California to watch their first grandson Joshua graduate from the Marine Corps and then later to Canada to see their third grandson Taylor win a gold medal in the 2006 Paralympic Games.
Mr. Lipsett was preceded in death by his father and mother; two brothers, Al Lipsett and Gordon Lipsett; brother-in-law, Charles Richardson; and the love of his life, Wynona Lipsett.
Don is survived by his sister, Margret Lindstrom of Michigan; sisters in law, Carol Lipsett of Richardson, Faye Kline of Dallas, Marcia Ackal Wieting of Denver, Colo. and Sue Richardson of Axtel; brother and sister-in-law, Larry and Lou McDonald of Gatesville; daughter and son-in-law, Michelle and David Ray of Forney; son and daughter-in-law, Chuck and Pamela Lipsett of Keller. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Joshua and Charity Wilson of Forney; Cody Ray of Forney; Aaron Barber of Springtown; Taylor and Kathleen Lipsett of Plano and great granddaughter, Mila Rae Lipsett; Joseph and Kaylee Luellen of Forney and great grandchildren, Mariah Nichole Lipsett, Brynlee Pagie and Kooper Chase Luellen. Nieces and nephews, Renee Alexander, David and Lisa Truss and Jason and Kim McDonald, Scott, Dawn and Terry Lipsett.                     .
Visitation will be Wednesday July 27 from 6-7 p.m. at Blair-Stubbs Funeral Home. Services will be held at The  First United Methodist Church of Mexia on Thursday, July 28 at 10 a.m.; and final resting place at Tehuacana Cemetary in Tehuacana.  Pallbearers are Joshua Wilson, Cody Ray, Bubba Brumbelow, Larry McCarter, Ron Capehart, and Todd Nichols.
Donations, in lieu of flowers, can be given in honor of his life to First United Methodist Church of Mexia.
Visit blair-stubbs.com to leave the family a memorial message.

Nora Reece Johnston, 81, passed away July 26, 2016 in Mexia. Funeral services will at 10 a.m., Friday, July 29 at Blair-Stubbs Chapel with Mr. Shane Alexander officiating. Interment will follow in the Thornton Cemetery. Johnny Reece, Milo Gonzalez, Joshua Bay, William Johnston, Caleb Johnston, Issac Johnston and James Johnston will serve as pallbearers.

Visitation with the family will be 5-7 p.m., Thursday, at Blair-Stubbs Funeral Home.

Nora was born in El Dorado, Mo. on Feb. 25, 1935 to James Franklin and Dollie Groves Reece. After graduating high school she entered college and earned an associates degree.  In 1956, she enlisted in the U.S. Navy, where she served her country, proudly, for four years. Nora worked, a number of years, for the Texas Department of Human Services as a record control clerk

Nora was a loving mother and grandmother. She cherished her family, had a unique sense of humor and also possessed the ability to keep everyone “on the straight and narrow.” She was an avid reader, loved to quilt, and teaching others to quilt, and enjoyed embroidering.

She was preceded in death by her parents; sisters, Lottie Byfield and Donna Faye Wheeler; and brother, James Reece.

Nora is survived by her four children, Kathleen Gould of Surprise, Ariz., Carolyn Bennett of Thornton, William Johnston of Mexia and James Johnston of Albuquerque, NM; 12 grandchildren, Rodney Bennett, Jr., Karen Bennett, Catherine Gonzalez, Rebecca Mills, Kenna Kay Bennett, Kaitlin Johnston, Krista Jeane Bryant, Leigh Ann Ramirez, James Nicholas Johnston, McKenzie Johnston, Caleb Johnston and Issac Johnston; 15 great-grandchildren, Nicholas Bennett, Dillon Bennett, Arrianna Bennett, Danielle Bennett, Grayson Marsinko, Gracie Marsinkl, Alexis Castro, Chole Miller, Gabriella Gonzalez, Cheyanne Curtin, Bailey Mills, Zane Mills, Patrick Bryant, Caylee Ramirez and Sophia Ramirez; and brother, Butch Reece of Hondo.

Visit blair-stubbs.com to leave the family a memorial message.

Paula J. Day, 62 years old, passed away on Wednesday, July 27, 2016, at the Teague Nursing Home.

Funeral services for Paula J. Day will be held at 10 a.m., Saturday, July 30 at First Baptist Church in Teague. Bro. Larry Wilson will officiate. Interment will follow the services at Greenwood Cemetery.

She was born in Corsican on Oct. 12, 1953, but lived in Teague for all of her life. She graduated from Teague High School with the class of 1973. Paula enjoyed participating in Special Olympics and won several gold, silver, and bronze medals in numerous events. She loved to travel and was able to visit all of the lower forty-eight states as well as Mexico and Canada. Paula was a member of the First Baptist Church in Teague.

She is survived by her mother, Dora Day; two brothers, Johnny Day and Larry Day, all of Teague; two aunts, Melba Miller of Mesquite and Theda Miller of Garland; one uncle, Elmer Miller of Columbia, South Carolina; and numerous cousins. 

Miss Day was preceded in death by her father, Herbert Day.

Visit bowersfuneralhome.net to sign the memorial guestbook or to leave a message for the family.

The memorial services for Mr. Temmer Jeff Johnson will be July 30, 2016 at 11 a.m. at Grove Island AME Church with the Rev. Stanley Johnson serving as the Eulogist. 

Mr. Johnson, better known as TJ, went home to be the Lord July 18, 2016 in Groesbeck. 

TJ was born Dec. 30, 1931 to the late Jeff and Sarah Williams Johnson in Teague. He was one of three children. He went to school at Furney Richardson School and he work for the Teague Brick Company for many years. Before his health failed he worked for the City of Mexia until he retired. He confessed his hope in Christ and united with Asia P.B. Church of Teague and later placed his membership with Sandy C.O.G.I.C in the Sandy Community. He met and united in holy matrimony to Mrs. Rachel Clayton Johnson. 

He was preceded in death by his parents and brother Alonzo Lee Johnson and sister Ethel Mae Benson. 

He is survived by his wife Rachel Johnson, and stepchildren, nieces and nephews and a sister-in-law Mrs. Laura Helen Johnson, other relatives and friends.

Pearly Gates Funeral Home is in charge of the special arrangement for Mr. Temmer Jeff “TJ” Johnson.

David Allen joined his Heavenly Father on July 27, 2016, at the age of 64, after fighting cancer for the last 18 months. He was surrounded by his family and loved ones at the time of his departure. 

He married his wife and soul-mate of 48 years, Bertha Barnes Allen on Aug. 2, 1968.

David leaves behind his wife, Bertha Allen; his son, Dwayne David and wife, Charlene Allen; grandchildren, Timothy David, Trinity Grace, Chayne Marie and Christopher Mason of Cypress; his son, Brandon Neal and wife, Keri Allen; grandchildren Cole Riley, Taylor Ryanne, Bradley Mitchell Bailey and Benjamin Lucas Bailey of Groesbeck. He also leaves behind a sister-in-law, Glenda Boswell, a brother-in-law Roy Allen Barnes and a host family and friends.

David was born in Dallas on July 29, 1951. He attended Jacksonville High School. After working at several automotive dealerships, he became self-employed, in 1978, establishing and operating D & D Automotive in Mexia for over 38 years.

He loved music and used his musical gift to minister to others. David would begin and end his day at the keys of his piano praising and worshiping his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, through music. He was always willing to share his music with local communities and organizations.

David had a passion for cars which included drag-racing, rebuilding classic cars, and participating in car shows. He loved spending time with his family and friends at the race track where he loved to compete and was always looking for the win light in his lane, especially when one of his boys was in the other lane.

David was a jokester and had a quick wit keeping the mood lively.  Whether he was looking for a grandkid to pick at or spending his mornings with the guys of the Breakfast Crew at the shop, David had to have fun. 

He served as a Deacon of First Baptist Church Mexia, where he enjoyed being a part of music ministry, serving as a solo pianist, singing in the First Baptist Church Mexia Choir, Easter Pageant cast member, and various roles in the Dinner Theatre – including the chorale.  He particularly enjoyed his Sunday School class - Walt’s Sunday School class, of which he was a faithful member.  In addition, he was a member of the First Baptist Church of Mexia Baptist Men Group.  Thursday mornings, you would find David attending and/or cooking for the weekly Men’s Prayer Breakfast.

David loved his family and enjoyed spending time with them, whether it be at church, work, or the racetrack.  He loved a lively night of 42 playing with his kids.

He was a member of the Masonic Lodge #74 and a Scottish Rite member.

David is preceded in death by his parents; Luchies and Elvie Otts Allen and several special Aunts and Uncles.

The visitation will be held at Blair-Stubbs Funeral Home in Mexia, Texas on Saturday, July 30, 2016 from 5 – 7 pm.

Pallbearers will be Ray Jones, Walter Van De Weghe, Cyril Farris, Bubba Garber, Alden Garber, James David Shamblin, Troy Miller, Mark Hanks.  Honorary Pallbearers will be Robert Pat Smith, Johnny Ray, Baptist Men of First Baptist Church Mexia, Breakfast Crew and Walt’s Sunday School Class.

The funeral service will be held at First Baptist Church of Mexia on Sunday, July 31 at 2 p.m. with Pastor Marcus Sheffield officiating. Burial will follow in the Shiloh Cemetery.

Visit blair-stubbs.com to leave the family a memorial message.

Deborah Kay “Debbie” (Thompson) Phillips, of Mexia, passed away at Scott and White Healthcare in Waco on Saturday, July 30, 2016, at age 59.
Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 2 in the Groesbeck Funeral Home Chapel, with Pastor Spain Trask of the Assembly of God Church of Teague, and her uncle, Pastor Alan Youngblood, officiating. Burial will follow in New Hope Cemetery.
Pallbearers will be Bruce Anderson, Dennis Chandler, Paul Edge, Shawnn Phillips, Ben Hardin, and Charlie Pickett. Her cousins will be honorary pallbearers.
Debbie was born Nov. 9, 1956 to B. W. and Sylvia Sue (Youngblood) Thompson in Dallas. She grew up in the Farrar community and graduated from Groesbeck High School in 1975. She was a member of the Groesbeck Goat Band. She attended cosmetology school in Waco and was licensed as a beautician by the time she finished high school.
One of her childhood memories as an only child out in the country, was sitting in the yard for hours at the time making “mud pies.” Then as a young woman, Debbie worked at the Farrar Store which her dad had built for her, flipping hamburgers, to earn the money to buy the car of her dreams, a ’78 Camaro. She continued to own this treasured car all her life, though it has been “parked” during past years. Debbie continued to live in Farrar until moving to Mexia eight years ago. She enjoyed cross-stitching and collecting cookbooks, and picking out recipes to try.
Debbie filled her home and yard with plants; she had a glassed-in garden room full of plants, and enjoyed having plants in her yard.
Debbie was owned by a dog and three cats, which shared her recliner, and a Siamese was especially “attached to her side.” Debbie was a blessing in the life of B. W. and Sue all her life, and during the past years Debbie was a true blessing in helping her mother with her health needs.
Debbie was preceded in death by her mother, Sylvia Sue Thompson two months ago, on May 20, 2016.
She is survived by her father, B. W. Thompson of Mexia; her dear friend and fiancé, Bruce Anderson of Groesbeck; son, Shawnn Phillips and grandsons, Cole Phillips, Wyatt Phillips, and Luke Phillips; and many other extended family members.
Visit groesbeckfuneralhome.com to leave messages of condolence on the guestbook.

Janice C. Taylor, of Groesbeck, was called to her heavenly home on Thursday, July 28, 2016, at age 79.
Graveside services was at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 2 at LaSalle Cemetery, with the Reverend Clifton Jones of the Prairie Grove Baptist Church officiating.
 Honorary pallbearers were Robert Cardona, Brian Taylor, Michael Taylor, Kenny Hammock, Kyle Hammock, Garry Ferguson, and Dillon McGuffy.
Janice was born on April 10, 1937 to Joseph Rueben Coe and Margaret (Stewart) Coe in rural Limestone County. She grew up on the farm in the LaSalle community near Groesbeck, and graduated from Groesbeck High School.
Janice was united in marriage with Jerry Lynn Taylor on July 18, 1983 at Groesbeck. They made their home in the LaSalle community.
Janice worked as a pharmacy tech at White and Gillespie Drug in Mexia for eighteen years and then at Brookshire’s Pharmacy in Mexia for ten more years before retiring. She enjoyed making quilts and gave some beautiful quilts to family members. She also enjoyed collecting antiques, with the fun being in finding her favorites figurines, angels and clowns. She was a Christian believer all her life.
Janice was preceded in death by her parents; a brother, James R. Coe; and a sister, Neva Jo “Bittie” Cardona.
She is survived by her husband, Jerry L. Taylor of Groesbeck; sister, Joyce Ferguson Killingsworth of Mexia; daughter, Karen Thedford of Killeen; eight grandchildren; two great grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews and extended family.
Visit www.groesbeckfuneralhome.com to leave messages of condolence on the guestbook.

Lillian Prowell passed away Aug. 1, 2016 at 5:30am. Funeral services are pending with Blair Stubbs Funeral Home.

Tommy Lee “Tom” Kerley, of Teague, passed away Aug. 1, 2016 at the VA Hospital in Temple.  Funeral services will be 10 a.m., Thursday, Aug. 4 at Blair-Stubbs Chapel with Rev. Michael Vestal officiating. A graveside service, with Military Honors and interment, will follow in the Salem Cemetery.

Visitation with the family will begin at 9 a.m., Thursday, prior to the service. Butch Nichols, Nick Nichols, Ron Day, Lance Tarkington, Chip Vance and Ross Wellen will serve as pallbearers.

Tom was born in Temple on June 23, 1947 to Andrew Lawrence and Ima Lela Covington Kerley. He proudly served his country in the U.S. Navy during the Vietnam War. Tom was a plumber for Temple Independent School District retiring after 30 years of service. After retiring he returned to his hometown, Teague, to make his home.

Tom had a great sense of humor and loved to tell jokes. He also enjoyed Civil War re-enactments, old English motorcycles and telling stories.

He was preceded by his parents; sister, Bonnie; and brother, Bob.

Tom is survived by his wife, Marilyn Kerley of Teague; sister, Mary Hutson of San Diego CPOWAY, Calif; and niece, Laura Weilen of Temple.

Visit blair-stubbs.com to leave the family a memorial message.

Wanda Lee Young, 73, of Groesbeck, passed away August 4, 2016 at Providence Hospital in Waco. Funeral services will be held at 4 p.m., Tuesday, Aug. 9 at Porter Funeral Home Chapel in Mexia. Visitation with the family present will be from 5-7 p.m., Monday, Aug. 8 at Porter Funeral Home in Mexia.

Wanda was born Jan. 22, 1943 in Kingsport, Tenn.  She was a loving wife, mother and grandmother. 

She is survived by her husband, Charles Lendy Young; children Rhonda Hughes, Jamie Gladden & husband, Jesse, Trey Young, Rhonda Fix and Krissy Nickerson; grandchildren, Justin Morse, Timmy Hughes & wife, Stormy Doss, Ashley Ross & husband, Glenn, Caleb Gladden, Katelyn Gladden, Michaela Ibarra, Ansley Johnson, Lawrence Oliver and Robert Oliver; great grandchildren, Elijah Ross, Matthew Ross, Sarah Ross, Cayden Johnson, Skyler Johnson, Xavier Hughes, Cane Hughes and Bently Hughes; sisters, Charlotte Goebel and Cheryl Blanchard & husband Roger and extended family and friends. 

John 14:1-4  “Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me. In my Father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also. And you know the way to where I am going.” 

The family expresses that any charitable donations go to GoFundMe.com 

Visit porterfuneralhometx.com to sign the guestbook and leave a message for the family. 

Porter Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Patricia Ann Mulloy, age 71, passed away on Saturday, August 6, 2016, in Comanche.

She was born on Jan. 30, 1945 in Comanche to Chester and Lillian (Williams) Johnston. She was united in marriage to Jerry Buchanan and he preceded her in death. On April 30, 2011 she was united in marriage to Carl David Mulloy. She was a retired bookkeeper for Petroleum Products in Mexia. She had lived in the Comanche community since 2004 where she became a Hospice volunteer, Salvation Army volunteer, White Stone Assisted Living volunteer, and a Comanche Cares volunteer. She was a member of the Red Hat Ladies and the Heritage Club in Comanche.  Patricia was a member of First Baptist Church of Comanche and had been attending Highland Avenue Congregational Methodist Church in Dublin.

She is survived by her husband, Carl David Mulloy, of Comanche; son, Ken Buchanan and wife Kendra of Waco; granddaughters, Shelby and Aubrey Buchanan of Waco; brother, Stelvin Johnston and wife Kathy of Comanche; sister, Vickie Stephenson and husband Jerry of Comanche; and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, Chester and Lillian (Williams) Johnston. 

Family received friends at Comanche Funeral Home on Monday, Aug. 8 from 6-8 p.m.  

Funeral Services are at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 9 at Comanche Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Gerald Freeman officiating. Burial will be in Gardens of Memory Cemetery in Comanche. Lunch will be served at Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church following the service. Comanche Funeral Home is in Charge of Arrangements. Condolences may be offered on line at comanchefh.com.