Mary “Louise” Faust, 93, of Mexia, passed away Wednesday, September 14, 2016, at her home of natural causes. Memorial services will be 11 a.m., Wednesday, Sept. 21 at Glad Tidings Assembly of God Church with Pastor David Bolden officiating.

Louise was born Dec. 10, 1922 in Scurry to Walter and Maggie Dobbs. She had nine brothers and two sisters who have preceded her in death.  After graduating from Scurry Ross High School she attended junior college taking courses in real estate, bookkeeping and receiving a beautician license. In addition to her many accomplishments, she worked in WWII as a “Rosie the Riveter.”

Louise married Fred Lee Faust in 1940 and lived most of her life in the Pasadena, Beaumont area. She moved to Coolidge in the early 80’s and became a member of Coolidge Baptist Church, the Coolidge Garden Club, Silver Society of Mexia and volunteered at the Senior Citizens. After moving to Mexia, she became a member of Glad Tidings Assembly of God, where she volunteered at the Food Pantry until she was no longer able.

She was preceded in death by her parents; Walter and Maggie Dobbs; husband, Fred Faust and step-son, Freddie Lee; brothers and sisters; and nieces and nephews.

Louise is survived by her daughter, Ramonda McPearson of Deer Park; grandchildren, Nancy Jean and husband, David Nelson of Albuquerque, N.M., Carrie Ann and husband, John Swatsell of east Texas and Donald Angus and wife, Shannon McPearson of Deer Park; seven great-grandchildren; six great-great-grandchildren; nephew, Harold Dean of Coolidge; and a number of great-nieces and great-nephews.

Louise’s family would like to thank her many caregivers, especially, Naomi Craig, Ronnie Hines, Jean Vincent, Sue Carrier and Rosie Hernandez, and a special thanks to Pat and David Bolden and members of Glad Tidings Church, and many friends.

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Edwin (Eddie) Louis Spurgeon, 74, of Wortham, passed away at his residence on September 20, 2016.  Visitation with the family present will be Thursday, Sept. 22 at Porter Funeral Home in Mexia from 6-8 p.m.  There will be no formal services.

Eddie was born Jan. 10, 1942 in San Antonio. He loved Arabian horses and was an officer of Texas Arabian Distance Riders Association for over 20 years. He was involved in many equine organizations and helped establish LBJ Grasslands Equestrian Trails. Eddie was an avid NASCAR fan and known to all as a Jack of all Trades.

He was preceded in death by his son, Mark O’Neal Spurgeon and is survived by his wife, Linda Spurgeon of Wortham and daughter, Marianne Spurgeon Walker & husband Keith also of Wortham as well as many friends.

In lieu of flowers the family requests that donations be made to Gibbs Memorial Library in Mexia.

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Porter Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Willie Beatrice Smith, of Fort Worth, passed away on September 14, 2016.

Viewing will be from 1-7 p.m., Friday Sept. 23 at Dorsey and Keatts Funeral Home in Mexia. Funeral will be at 12:30 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 24 at Antioch Baptist Church, located at 610 N. Denton, Mexia. Burial will be at the Cedar Hill Burial Park.

Willie was born April 10, 1926 in Axtell to Warren and Lydia Belcher. She graduated as Valedictorian at Dunbar Douglas School.

She later married James Smith, Sr.

Willie worked at Leader Cleaners as a manager;  Loyola University in the accounting department and retired from Gearhart Owens.

She was a member of Dunbar-Douglas Association and Texas Historical Commission. She was also a member of Antioch Baptist Church.

Preceding her in death was her husband of 52 years.

She leaves to cherish her memories: two sons, James Smith of Burleson and Michael Ray Smith (Kim) of Bellwood, Ill.; three daughters Bettye Callahan (Thedore) of Burleson, Odessa Howard of Maywood, Ill., and Deborah Lewellen of Lewisville; thirteen grandchildren, 29 great grand-children and a host of great great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, and other loving relatives and friends.

Flowers may be sent to Dorsey and Keatts Funeral Homes, Inc.

Martha Blanche Keel, of Mexia, passed away in Waco  on September 21, 2016 at the age of 71. A graveside service will be held at 10 a.m., Saturday, Sept. 24 in the Mexia Cemetery with Bro. Justin Colquette officiating.

Martha was born in Gatesville on Aug. 7, 1945 to Gilbert Harwell and Blanche Dossey Lowrance.  She was the business manager of White Rock Radiology in Dallas for a number of years, prior to retirement. 

Martha married James Larry Keel, Sr. on April 17, 1965, they were blessed with two children, James, Jr. and Amber.  She loved her husband and children but nothing could compare to the love she had for her grandchildren, they owned her heart.  She had a very outgoing personality, made friends easily and a willingness to listen to anyone and offer advice that may be helpful.

Martha enjoyed hosting family and friends, anytime, but especially during the holidays. She liked being outdoors, working in her yard and flower garden, collecting owls, butterflies and roosters, traveling and enjoyed singing while working around the house. Her talent for making silk flower arrangements led her to open her own florist, Forever Florist, in Garland.

Martha volunteered for a number of organizations, including Garland’s City Beautification Organization, March of Dimes, also the PTA and any organization involving her children..

She was preceded in death by her parents, Gilbert and Blanche Lowrance.

Martha is survived by her husband of 51 years, Larry Keel of Mexia; children, James Keel, Jr and wife, Jennifer of Carrollton and Amber Rogers and husband, Randy of Wortham; grandchildren, Kristopher Don Wright and Keeley Danielle Wright; brother, Jerry Lowrance of Lometa; sister Allinda Kay Dockstader and husband, George of Pasco, WA; five nieces and one nephew.

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Pastor William E. Lacy, Jr., age 73 of Dallas, passed away on Friday, September 9, 2016.

His body will lie in state on Friday, Sept. 23 from 12 noon - 7 p.m. Musical wake will start at 7 p.m. 

Funeral service will be at 1 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 24 held at House of Refuge Pentecostal Holiness Church, 1822 Bayside St., Dallas.

Services entrusted to Golden Gate Funeral Home.

Mrs. Sandra “Sandy” Lynn Owen Bellard, 63, of Farrar, went to be with our Lord and Savior Monday, September 26, 2016 in Waco.

Sandy was born Aug. 13, 1953 in Houston to Wallace and Anna Owen. She married Sidney “Crazy” J. Bellard in 1982 in Groesbeck. Her loves were her daughter, her family farm and her margaritas. Her favorite flower was the carnation and her favorite food, of course, was Mexican. She graduated from Sam Houston High in Houston and continued her education at Kingwood Lone Star College. Sandy was an accountant for over 20 years at Surveyor’s Instruments in Houston. She retired from Surveying Equipment Specialist Inc. as part owner of the company. She remained a resident of Houston until moving to her family farm in Farrar in 2011. She was a member of the St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church in Houston.

She was preceded in death by brother, Wallace Earl “Pee Wee” Owen Jr., her father Wallace Earl Owen, her son, Ethan Cole Bellard and her husband Sidney J. Bellard.

Survivors include her daughter, Cassandra “C.J.” Joyce Bellard, of Farrar, mother Anna Laura Thompson, of Birmingham, Ala., and sister, Peggy Elaine Brown, of Farrar, an aunt, an uncle, numerous nieces and nephews.

Funeral Services will be held 10 a.m., Thursday, Sept. 29 at the Blair-Stubbs Funeral Home Chapel in Mexia with Deacon Dwight Mahoney officiating. Interment will follow in the Wilson Chapel Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be Chance Brown, Ray Thomas, Gordon Owen, Barry Owen, Butch Alexander and Bo Deishler. Honorary pallbearer will be Jeremy Owen.

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Ray Anthony Blocker passed away Sept. 23, 2016 in Waco. He was born June 9, 1954. Services will be at 11  a.m., Saturday, Oct. 1 at W. H. Littles & Sons Mortuary, in Waco, 601 Ashburn Street.

Allen Sidney Johnston was born on December 11, 1931 in Mexia in the home of his paternal grandparents, Mr. & Mrs. Albert Sidney Johnston, Sr.  He was the first child born to Sidney & Dorothy Johnston and his only sibling, Jan, was born the following year.

 Allen graduated from Mexia High School in 1948 as a member of the undefeated Blackcat football team. He remained lifelong friends with many of these teammates. Shortly after high school, he joined the U.S. Air Force during the Korean War, and was stationed in Britain and Germany. Upon his return home from service, he met and married Joy Paris of Coolidge. They were married 61 years.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Jan Johnston Cairns.

He is survived by his wife, Joy, five children, 21 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren. 

    Kent, the eldest, and wife Pam; their four sons: Kody & Erin Johnston, Kole & Erica Johnston, Clay Johnston, and Cade Johnston

    Jana and husband Kirk Raymond; their children: Kara Cook and her children Jackson and Kyrksen, David & Maddi Raymond and their children Noah, Brody and Erin Kate, and Merrie & Cameron Sellstrom

    Lori and husband Steve Knight; their children: Kendra & Ian Gilpatrick and children Ian Ryan and Darby, Tyler & Maggie Knight, and Meg Knight

    Karen and husband Dave Chilcoat; their children: Coleton, Noelle & Braxton Brown, Haley Brown, Kallie Brown, Sara & Cody Williams, Ryan Chilcoat and Sydney Chilcoat.

     Karmen and husband Mitch Holeyfield; their children: Jake & Mindy Wilson and children Mollie and Rance, Luke & Miranda Wilson and children Cade and Carly,  Jared Holeyfield, Sydney Holeyfield, and Jacob Holeyfield

 Mr. Johnston is also survived by one niece, Nancy Reed, three nephews, Wayne Paris, Trent Paris and Drake Paris and his brother-in-law, Kenneth W. Paris.

Allen will be remembered for his kind heart, gracious spirit and his genuine and determined faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. He was a lifelong Methodist, taught Sunday School, and an early morning Sunday class, The Early Birds, for many years. He was filled with love and generously shared his love with all he knew.

Funeral services will be 10 a.m., Thursday, Sept. 29 at the First United Methodist Church in Groesbeck with Rev. Steve Nance officiating. Graveside services will be at 11:30 a.m., Thursday, in the Coolidge Cemetery.

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

In honor of his great-granddaughter, Darby Laine Gilpatrick, memorials are encouraged to the SMA Foundation: CureSMA, 925 Busse Road, Elk Grove Village, Ill. 60007 or curesma.org.

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Barbara Hearon Owen, of Mexia, passed away on September 27, 2016 in Groesbeck at the age of 76.  Funeral services will be 4 p.m., Friday, Sept. 30 at Blair-Stubbs Chapel with Rev. Bill Wright, Jr. officiating. Interment will follow in the Cotton Gin Cemetery. Charles Walpole, Henry Sims, Sr., Johnathan Bible, Roy West, Brian Staton and Robert Farnes will serve as pallbearers. Honorary pallbearers will be Ricky Dick and Howard Medlock.

Barbara was born in Mexia, on Oct. 2, 1939 to Joe Mack and Tennie Watson Hearon. She was a lifelong resident of Mexia. During her working career, Barbara worked at the Corner Feed Store, Wal-Mart, Mexia State School and, as a seamstress, for Karner-Phillips.

Barbara love nothing more than being surrounded by her family, her children and grandchildren were her life. When her children were in school, she participated as a room mother, making cupcakes and cookies for parties and helping with all other school activities. She was, also, an excellent seamstress and enjoyed sewing for her family, as well as herself, and flower gardening. 

She was preceded in death by her parents, Joe Mack and Tennie Hearon; and two sons, Gary Wayne Owen and Terry Don Owen.

Barbara is survived by her son, Barry Owen of Mexia; daughter-in-law, Pat Owen of Thornton; three grandchildren, Barbara Gale Carter and husband, Michael, Jeremiah Joe Owen and wife, Autumn and Sheri Michelle Owen; nine great-grandchildren, Peyton Wayne Carter, Joseph Ray Favors, Paige Michelle Carter, Rustyn Elayne Owen, Emersyn Rayne Owen, Kingston “Bo” Wayne Owen, Addyson Jeanette Rancher, Anthony Ray Rancher and Alizabeth Jane Rancher; and brother, Johnny Mack Hearon and wife, Joan of Mexia.

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Myrtle “Dolly” Foreman passed away on September 26 2016 in Corsicana. Funeral services will be 1 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 1 at Blair-Stubbs Chapel with Bro. David LeFlore officiating. Interment will follow in the Forest Glade Cemetery. Grandsons, Troy Foreman, Jeff Odom, Clay Foreman, Kelly Jernigan, Ryan Foreman, Jamey Odom, Heath Foreman, Jason Odom and Dustin Lane will serve as pallbearers.

Visitation with the family will be 9-11 a.m., Saturday, at Blair-Stubbs Funeral Home.

Dolly was born in Mexia on June 7, 1929 to Emmett and Myrtle Johnson. She lived most of her life within three miles of where she was born. Dolly dedicated her life to raising, encouraging and being supportive of her children, even as adults. She loved having her family home and cooking for them, especially during the holidays.

Dolly was a nature lover; she loved living on the river and walking with her grandchildren through the woods teaching them about nature and how to appreciate it. She was an artist, talented in drawing and painting, especially horses. She also enjoyed fishing, reading and playing wahoo and 42.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Emmett and Myrtle Johnson; husband, James Foreman;  brothers, H. L., Barney, Weldon, Roy and Blake Johnson; and sisters, Ruby Bounds and Mary Spillers.

Dolly is survived by her loving children, Jim Foreman and wife, Regina of Mexia, Clifton Foreman and wife, Linda of Kerens, Cheryle Lux and husband, Glen of Salado, David Foreman and wife, Susan of Kerens, Jameia Bowers and husband, Charlie of Waco and Richard Foreman of McKinney; numerous grandchildren, great and great-great-grandchildren.

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Angela Ford passed away Monday, September 26, 2016 at Baylor Hospital.

Angela is the daughter of Reverend Clifton and Vinella Davis.

Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m., Monday, Oct. 3 at the New Mt. Hebron Baptist Church in Garland. Pastor W.J. Davis (uncle) will deliver the eulogy.

Golden Gate Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.

Wyvonne McLelland, 87, of Wortham, passed away September 28, 2016 at Mexia LTC. Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m., Sunday, Oct. 2 at the First United Methodist Church Wortham with Reverend Don Johnson officiating. Interment will follow at Wortham Cemetery. There will be no formal visitation.

Wyvonne was born Jan. 9, 1929 in Mexia to Neal and Ola Jackson Michaels.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, James Elgin McLelland Jr. and son & daughter-in-law, Michael Elgin & Cynthia McLelland. 

She is survived by her daughter, Marsha Calame & husband, Rick; grandchildren, Krista Ball, J.R. McLelland & wife, Michelle, Josh McLelland & wife, Jeanna, Bryan Calame and Cody Calame & wife Kali; great grandchildren, Ty Williams, James McLelland, Coby McLelland, Trent Williams, Brody McLelland, Darcy Taylor, Braidee Taylor, Macee Calame, Rockie Calame and Tatum Calame;  special friend, Billy Joe Steelman and family.

Serving as pallbearers will be J.R. McLelland, Josh McLelland, Bryan Calame, Cody Calame, Ty Williams, James McLelland, Coby McLelland, Trent Williams and Brody McLelland.

In Lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to First United Methodist Church Wortham, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or the charity of your choice.

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

Porter Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Wayland Alvin Hatfield, 75, of Waco passed away Thursday, September 29, 2016. He will be cremated according to his wishes and the family will have private services at a later date.

Wayland was born April 25, 1941 to Albert Hatfield and Ella Watson in Mexia. He attended the Shiloh schools until they closed. He then attended and graduated from Mexia High School. Wayland joined the Navy right out of high school in 1959 and served for over 23 years, retiring in 1983. After his service, Wayland began working for Nautilus before retiring from their Virginia location and moving back to the Mexia area. Wayland enjoyed fishing with his friends at the lake, and spending time with his grandchildren. He was never a stranger to anyone.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Wayland is survived by close companion, Patricia Stelter; children, Richard McFadden and Esmeralda Villanueva of San Antonio and Corie La Bay and husband, Darin, of Teague, and numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

The family would like to thank Providence Hospice of Waco for the gentle love and care shown to him during his illness.

Gary Griffin, 66, of Mexia, passed away October 6, 2016 at his residence. Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 9 at Porter Funeral Home Chapel. Interment will follow at Mexia Cemetery.

Visitation with the family present will be Saturday evening 5-7 p.m.

Gary was born June 16, 1950 in Mexia to Monroe and Inez Broughton Griffin. He was co-owner of Griffin Lawn Service with son Corey Griffin for 25 years and later joined by son Chad Griffin.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents, William & Mattie Griffin and Paul & Hattie Broughton; parents, Monroe & Inez Griffin and brothers, Ronny Griffin and Jerry Griffin. 

Gary is survived by his wife, Liz Griffin; sons, Chad Griffin and Corey Griffin & wife Karianne; granddaughters, Payton and Kaydence Griffin; step grandsons, Alex and Colby New and Hayden Farmer; sister, Cindy Powell and husband, Mark; uncles, Neil and Gary Broughton; cousins, Donald Hardin, Becky Cooksey and Suzy; sisters-in-law, Barbara Harrison and Rosemary Taylor; special caregiver/chef, Robin Adams and numerous nieces and nephews.

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

Porter Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Anna Beth “Pidgie” Montgomery Thompson, of Mexia, passed away in Groesbeck on October 8, 2016 surrounded by her loving family, at the age of 59. Funeral services will be at 2 p.m., Tuesday, Oct. 11 at Blair-Stubbs Chapel with Chaplain Karen Hulsey and Chaplain Jon Honea officiating. Interment will follow in the Tehuacana Cemetery.

Visitation with the family will be 6-8 p.m., Monday, at Blair-Stubbs Funeral Home.

Anna Beth was born in Mexia on Jan. 18, 1957 to Hiram “Pete” and Shirley Richardson Montgomery. She was a lifelong resident of Mexia and a graduate of Mexia High School Class of 1975. She was presently employed as a Diet Technician for the Mexia State Supported Living Center, where she had worked for 26 years.

Anna Beth was more affectionately known, by her family, as “Pigeon,” later shortened and called, “Pidgie.” Although she had no children, she was like a second mother to her nieces and nephews. She cherished her family and Pidgie was that special sister or aunt they knew they could count on whenever they needed her. There was never any question that she ruled and the only way was “her way,” which they graciously, respectfully and lovingly accepted.

Pidgie never met a stranger; she enjoyed being around people and could easily strike up a conversation with anyone at any time. She loved animals, enjoyed yard work, flower gardening and traveling. Pidgie, especially, enjoyed a cruise that she and her family had taken together. She was a big Elvis Presley fan, attended some of his concerts and visited his home in Memphis. She was an excellent cook and enjoyed making candy, peanut brittle was her specialty. Pidgie was fascinated with watching crew ships come in, liked watching little league baseball games, HDTV, ME TV, Castle, Revenge and Dancing With The Stars.   

She was preceded in death by her parents, Pete and Shirley Montgomery; grandparents, Harvel (Papaw) and Arma (Nannie) Richardson, Oscar and Nettie B. (Memaw) Montgomery; uncle, Buck Montgomery; cousin, Brandie Jones; and her dog and special companion, Shadow.

Pidgie is survived by her loving sisters, Rita Battreall and husband, Stewart of Mexia and Tammie Adams and husband, Warren of Alvarado; nieces, Dr. Misty Hawkins and husband, Dr. Christopher Hawkins and Jennifer Battreall; nephews, Chris Adams and Cody Battreall and wife, Brittani; great niece, Abigail Hawkins and soon-to-be another in December; great nephews, Skylar Fritz and Benjamin Adams; and numerous friends.

Pallbearers will be Sam Matthews, Sr., Sam Matthews, Jr., Bill Capers, Craig Burgess, Scott Moore and Josh Moore.  Honorary pallbearers will be Warren Anglin , Ira “Hoot” Mathison, Rick Bennett, Eddy Plummer and Jerry Brooks.

Pidgie’s family would like to express their heartfelt thanks to Warren Anglin, who was like their “Special Angel”, and a special thanks to Hospice and the nurses at Windsor Healthcare for the wonderful care given during her illness.  

Milton James Morgan, Sr. passed away Sunday, Oct. 9. Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 15 at Union Memorial Methodist Church in Sandy Community.

Viewing will be from 1-6 p.m., Friday at Dorsey & Keatts Funeral Homes Chapel.

Milton was preceded in death by wife, Della Morgan and son, David Morgan.

He is survived by five sons and one daughter.

Officiating the services will be Rev. Julius Chappell. Eulogist is Rev. Riley Armstead. Interment will be at Sandy Creek Cemetery.

Clifton Doyle Carroll, of Wortham, passed away in Mexia on October 17, 2016, at the age of 90. Graveside services will be at 10 a.m., Wednesday, Oct. 19 in the Wortham Cemetery with Bro. Jared Rogers officiating.

Visitation with the family will be 6-8 p.m., Tuesday, at Blair-Stubbs Funeral Home.

Clifton was born in Wortham on April 7, 1926 to Wilmer and Nellie Michaels Carroll. He was a lifelong resident of the Wortham area. He was a carpenter, farmer and rancher. Clifton was country at heart and enjoyed doing almost anything outdoors. He loved his farm, raising cows, gardening, fishing and hunting. He was well known for his expertise in growing okra; HEB even offered to buy his okra.    

Although Clifton had no children of his own, he loved children and enjoyed having them around. He was very friendly, outgoing and enjoyed every opportunity to visit with family and friends. He was an honest man and a hard worker and will be truly missed by all who knew him.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Wilmer and Nellie Michaels Carroll; wife, Mary Nell Carroll; and brother, James Lyndal Carroll.

Clifton is survived by a number of cousins and other relatives.

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Margaret (Peg) Kennett Mayfield passed away peacefully, October 18, 2016, at her home in Mexia. Peg was born Jan. 4, 1922 in Roanoke, Va. Her parents were Charles William Kennett and Nina Loyd Kennett. She grew up on her family’s dairy farm in Virginia.

She graduated from college and taught school for one year. She then went to Washington D.C. and worked for the FBI during World War II, where she met her husband, R. Wendell Mayfield, who was stationed there in the OSS (Office of Strategic Services, precursor to the CIA) section of the United States Navy before being deployed to Europe.

Upon Wendell’s return to the United States, he and Margaret were married at Arlington Heights Methodist Church in Arlington, Va. They then went to live in Chicago, Ill., where their son, Paul, was born.

Wendell’s job with Continental Trailways Bus Company took them to Lincoln, Neb. where their daughter, Wendy, was born. They were transferred to Dallas where they lived until Wendell’s death in 2011.

Peg came to live in Mexia at the Bowie House to be close to her daughter.

Peg was an avid golfer, having achieved two holes in one. She was a member of P.E.O., Eastern Star and Walnut Hill United Methodist Church in Dallas. She loved to entertain and had a wide circle of friends. She was known for her ready smile, kind heart and bran muffins, which she took to all her friends when they were sick.

She leaves to cherish her memory her son, Paul and wife, Betty of Cincinnati, Ohio; daughter, Wendy Mayfield Simmons and husband, Pat of Mexia; grandchildren, Michael Loyd Mayfield of Los Angeles, California,  Adam Patrick Simmons of Fort Worth, Texas, Douglas Paul Mayfield and wife, Emily of Cincinnati, Ohio, and Brooke Elizabeth Simmons of Austin.

Preceding her in death were her parents, Charles and Nina Kennett; husband of 66 years, R Wendell Mayfield; and brother, Charles Robert Kennett.

The family wishes to extend their gratitude to the caring staff of the Bowie House, Providence Hospice and Dr. Jerry Simmons as well as the many loving friends who visited her these past few months.

Memorial services will be held at 6:30 p.m., Sunday, Oct. 23 at the Blair-Stubbs Chapel in Mexia with the Reverend Patricia Warden officiating and music by Linda Fox. Visitation with the family will be from 5:30-6:30 p.m., Sunday, Oct. 23 at Blair-Stubbs.

Memorials may be sent to Mexia Providence Hospice, 107 E. Commerce, Mexia, Texas 76667 or The Alzheimers Association North Central Texas Chapter, 2630 West Freeway, Suite 100, Fort Worth, Texas 76102.

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Johnny Brady, 79, formerly of Mexia, passed away at his home in Palacios on October 25, 2016. Graveside services will be 1 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 27 in the Point Enterprise Cemetery.

Visitation with the family will be 6-8 p.m., Wednesday, at Blair-Stubbs Funeral Home.

Johnny was born in San Antonio on Oct. 23, 1937 to Harlan Edward and Willie Lane Brady. He was a longtime resident of Mexia. He owned and operated the Lone Star Beer Distributorship in Mexia for a number of years. Later in life, Johnny bought a shrimp boat and opened a bait business in Palacios.

Johnny was a member and deacon of the First Baptist Church of Palacios. 

Johnny loved going to Colorado, taking the jeep over the passes and riding snow mobiles. He also enjoyed taking trips on his Harley and flying his Cessna. He, especially, enjoyed spending time with his family and spoiling his grandchildren. Johnny will be remembered as having a warm smile and outgoing personality. He will be greatly missed by his family and all who knew him.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Johnny is survived by his wife, Katie Brady; sons, Harlon Brady and wife, Becky and Bryan Brady; five grandchildren, Brittany Brady Hoag, Hilary Brady, Colton Brady, Bradly Brady and Whitney Brady; two great-grandchildren; a brother, Stephen Brady; and sister, Francis Morris; and a number of nieces and nephews.

Memorials may be made to the First Baptist Church in Palacios.

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Louise East Howze, 91, left her earthly home, surrounded by her loving family, and entered into her eternal home to be with her Lord on October 29, 2016. Funeral services will be at 11 a.m., Wednesday, Nov. 2 at Blair-Stubbs Chapel. Interment will follow in the Mexia Cemetery. Serving as pallbearers will be Kyle Hancock, Ron Capehart, Brandon Oliver, Dr. Kent Howze, Martin Breuer and Steve Bullard. Wayne Jackson will serve as an honorary pallbearer.

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

Louise was born May 21, 1925 in Coolidge to Arthur Richard and Hattie Bell East. She was a Laundry Supervisor for the Mexia State School, retiring after 16 years of services.

Louise married, the love of her life, Marion Edward “Billy” Howze on Aug. 14, 1943 at the Methodist Church parsonage in Mexia. She and Billy were some of the original members of the Methodist Church, which now houses the pre-school. She loved her church and she was very passionate about helping to supply the needs of the church through fundraisers. They held a number of “rummage sales” to buy a piano for the Upper Room Sunday School class, of which she also served as president. Louise and Billy really enjoyed the occasional church fish fry’s, Billy would catch the fish and she, along with others, would fry them up.

Louise was affectionately known by her family as “Granny Jo.” Granny Jo loved her husband, daughter and Richard (whom she loved as a son), but when her grandson and great-grandsons came along, there was nothing that could compare; they truly won her heart.

Louise, like Billy, was dedicated to the Lake Mexia Volunteer Fire Department. They worked together, side-by-side, organizing fundraisers and working hard toward making it the success. She, enjoyed and took great pride in her yard, planting and growing many beautiful flowers; their yard was recognized, twice, for the “Yard of The Month” award. Watching birds was another of her favorite pastimes, especially, the red birds.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband of 71 years, Billy; three brothers; and six sisters.

Louise is survived by her loving daughter, Vickie Oliver and husband, Richard of Houston; grandson, Brandon Allen Oliver and wife, Carrie; two great-grandsons, Drew Allen Oliver and Ryan Cash Oliver; brother-in-law, Bill Shaw; and numerous nieces and nephews.

The family would like to express their deepest appreciation to the staff of Hannah Avista Living Center and Hospice Plus, who were more wonderful than words can say.  

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