The Leonard Graphic | Obituaries

Obituaries

Jesse R. Hiatt

June 26, 2008 - Funeral services for Jesse R. Hiatt, 80 year old Leonard resident, will be held Thursday, June 26th at 10 a.m. at the First Baptist Church of Leonard. Rev. Morris Robbins and Rev. Dewey Watson will officiate. Burial will be in the Leonard Cemetery. Visitation will be from 6 until 8:30 p.m. Wednesday, June 25th at the Turrentine-Jackson-Morrow Funeral Chapel in Leonard. He died Sunday, June 22nd at Wilson N. Jones Medical Center in Sherman.

Mr. Hiatt was born August 27, 1927 in Delmar, Iowa. His parents were Roscoe Ira and Opal Leona Peyton Hiatt. He married Dorothy Jean Dillard Dec. 8, 1951 in Bonham, Texas. He was a member of the First Baptist Church of Leonard. He was also a Mason and a Shriner. He retired from the United States Air Force after 21 years of service.

He is survived by his daughter and son-in-law, Jana and Mike Wood of Leonard; sister, Alice Walker of Bailey; two granddaughters, Stephanie Wood of Plano and Lisa Wood of San Marcos, Texas; brother-in-law, Pat Massey of Del Rio, Texas and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Dorothy Hiatt and his parents, Roscoe I. and Opal L. Hiatt.

Turrentine-Jackson-Morrow Funeral Home of Leonard has charge of arrangements. To convey condolences or to sign an on-line register, please visit www.tjmfuneral.com.

Sean Edward Smith

A memorial service for Sean Edward Smith, 24 year old Wolfe City resident, is scheduled for 11 a.m. Friday, June 13, 2008 at the Turrentine-Jackson-Morrow Funeral Chapel in Leonard. Mr. Smith died Wednesday, June 4, 2008. His cremains will be buried in Leonard Cemetery.

Mr. Smith is survived by his grandmother, Joyce Vibbert of Wolfe City; brother, James A. Smith of Commerce; aunt, Pam Crenshaw of Commerce and two uncles, Chuck and Dennis Vibbert of Wolfe City.

Turrentine-Jackson-Morrow Funeral Home of Leonard is in charge of arrangements. To convey condolences or to sign an on-line register, please visit www.tjmfuneral.com.

Lena I. Murden

June 5, 2008 - Lena I. Murden, 95, loving mother, grandmother and great grandmother, passed away May 29, 2008, in Weslaco with her family at her bedside. She was born in Leonard, Tex., Dec. 20, 1912 to Thomas Jefferson Coonrod and Lena Mae Rich Coonrod. She married Albert Murden on Oct. 7, 1939. She was the owner of Lena Murden’s Flowers in Elsa and served the valley for many years.

Lena loved family gatherings and was a collector of stuffed and ceramic elephants. She also enjoyed working in her garden and especially her flower beds. She was a 60-year member of the First Baptist Church of Edcouch and enjoyed her Sunday school class.

Lena was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Albert, two brothers and four sisters. She is survived by her loving sons, Richard Murden and Gerald Murden and wife Beverly; grandchildren, Dale Murden, Shelly Dangerfield, Jenna Seale, Tricia Castellanos, Stephen Murden and Russell Murden; eight great grandchildren.

The family received friends at McCaleb Funeral Home Chapel from 5-7 p.m. Sunday, June 1, 2008. Funeral services were held Monday, June 2, 2008 at 2 p.m. in McCaleb Funeral Home Chapel in Weslaco, officiated by her sons, Richard and Gerald Murden. Interment followed in Highland Memorial Park in Weslaco. Her loving grandchildren served as pallbearers.

R.T. Woodruff

Funeral services for R.T. Woodruff, 90 of Greenville, were held at 11 a.m. Saturday, May 17, 2008, at the Turrentine-Jackson-Morrow Funeral Home Chapel inLeonard with Rev. Ted Eaton, Rev. Morris Robbins and Rev. Bobby Sparks officiating. Burial was in the Burns Cemetery in Trenton. He died Wednesday, May 14, 2008 at the Greencrest Manor in Greenville.

He was born June 13, 1917 in Randolph, Tex., the son of Alton Tony Woodruff and Fannie Pearl Russell Woodruff. He married Kathryn Blackwell on Nov. 13, 1942 in Leonard. He worked for the Texas Highway Department and was a member of the Emmanuel Missionary Baptist Church of Greenville. He served as a deacon for many years.

He is survived by his wife, Kathryn Woodruff of Greenville; son and daughter-in-law, Jerry and Valerie Woodruff of Greenville; sisters, Sue Anderson of Randolph and Billie Hawkins of Hurst; brothers, Mac Woodruff and Pete Woodruff, both of Trenton and Jack Woodruff of Hurst; grandchildren, Amber Dever, Adam and Austin Woodruff, all of Greenville.

Family visitation was held Friday, May 16, from 6-8 p.m.

Turrentine-Jackson-Morrow Funeral Home in Leonard had charge of arrangements. To convey condolences or to sign an on-line register, please visit www.tjmfuneral.com.

Ola Christine Childers

Graveside services for Ola Christine Childers, 88, of Bandera, Tex., formerly of Leonard, will be held Thursday, May 22, 2008, at Emory City Cemetery at 2 p.m. Mrs. Childers died Sunday, May 18, 2008 in San Antonio.

She was born Dec. 12, 1919, in Glenwood, Ark., to John Cleveland and Georgia Lou Payte Forga. She married Albert Childers in Greenville, Tex., on Sept. 16, 1944. He preceded her in death in 1993.

Survivors are a son, Jerry Wayne Childers of Denton; daughter, Merlene Childers of Bandera and two brothers, Claudia and Audie Forga.

Martha Jean Collins

May 8, 2008 - Funeral services for Martha Jean Collins, 76 of Leonard, were held at 10 a.m. Friday, May 2, 2008 at the Turrentine-Jackson-Morrow Funeral Home Chapel in Leonard with Charles Wrenn officiating. Burial will be in the Leonard Cemetery. She died Tuesday, April 29, 2008 at the Leonard Manor. Family visitation was held Thursday, May 1, from 6:30 until 7:30 p.m.

She was born August 10, 1931 in Anna, Tex., the daughter of Allison P. Pruitt and Gracie S. Rowell Pruitt. She married Phillip Ray Collins on Oct. 5, 1953 in Leonard. He preceded her in death. She was a homemaker and a member of the Leonard Church of Christ.

She is survived by her son, Jackie Ray Collins of Sherman; daughter-in-law, Hope Collins Rayburn of Howe; sister, Mary Waldrep of Celina; grandchildren, Phillip Ray Collins, Michael Jared Collins and James Cody Kremling; great-grandchildren, Angela Ray Collins, Phillip Ray Collins, Jr. and Audrey Mae Kremling.

Turrentine-Jackson-Morrow Funeral Home in Leonard had charge of the arrangements. To convey condolences or to sign an on-line register, please visit www.tjmfuneral.com.

Loyd Willaiams

May 8, 2008 - Funeral services for Loyd B. Williams, 82 of Allen, formerly of Leonard, were held at 10 a.m. Saturday, May 3, 2008, at the Turrentine-Jackson-Morrow Funeral Home Chapel in Leonard with Gary Spear and Charles Wrenn officiating. Burial was in the Leonard Cemetery. He died Thursday, May 1, 2008, at his residence.

He was born May 3, 1925 in Pike, Tex., the son of Lon B. Williams and Lela Lee Ellard Williams. He married Geraldine Smith June 2, 1947 in Las Vegas, Nev. He was a Methodist, a member of the Masons and a WWII Veteran.

Mr. Williams is survived by his wife, Geraldine Williams of Allen; son and daughter-in-law, Donald Ray Williams and wife Dana of Allen; son and daughter-in-law, James Lloyd Williams and wife Jan of Round Rock, Tex.; grandchildren, Drew and Ryan Williams.

Family visitation was held Friday, May 2 from 6 – 8 p.m.

Turrentine-Jackson-Morrow Funeral Home in Leonard had charge of arrangements. To convey condolences or to sign an on-line register, please visit www.tjmfuneral.com.

Frances Macon

May 8, 2008 - Funeral services for Frances Macon, 79 from the Bailey area, were held Tuesday, May 6 at 2 p.m. at the Turrentine-Jackson-Morrow Funeral Chapel in Leonard. Rev. Brian Hawkins officiated. Burial was in the Philadelphia Cemetery near Gober. Family visitation was Monday, May 5th from 6 until 8 p.m. at the Turrentine-Jackson-Morrow Funeral Chapel in Leonard.

Mrs. Macon was born June 27, 1928, the daughter of Frank and Willie Ann Babers Hembree at Gober. She married Billy Tom Macon Dec. 26, 1953 at Bonham. She was a member of the First Baptist Church of Bailey. Memorials may be made to the Bonham Public Library or the First Baptist Church of Bailey.

She is survived by her son and daughter-in-law, Mark and Barbara Macon of Irving; daughter and son-in-law, Vicki and Vernon Richardson of Bailey and a grandson, Zeke Richardson of Bailey. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband and her three brothers, Ray, Bill and Paul Hembree.

Turrentine-Jackson-Morrow Funeral Home of Leonard had charge of arrangements. To convey condolences or to sign an on-line register, please visit www.tjmfuneral.com.

Laurene 'Mimi' Davis Sumrow

Services for Laurene “Mimi” Davis Sumrow, 77, of Longview formerly of Tyler, was held at 1:30 p.m. Friday, April 11, 2008 at Lloyd James Funeral Chapel with Pastor Larry Reeves officiating.Burial was at Cathedral in the Pines under the direction of Lloyd James Funeral Home. She passed away on Wednesday, April 9, 2008 in Tyler.

She was born on August 25, 1930 in Celeste to the late E. T. “Dode” and Buena Friddle Davis.She lived in Tyler most of her life and had lived in Longview the past eight years.She retired from the Smith County Clerk’s Office, and also worked for the Smith County Public Health District in the vital statistics department.She was past president and past vice-president of the American Legion Auxiliary, District 3.

She was preceded in death by her brother, Dale Davis and sister, Gladys Davis Atkisson.

She is survived by her daughter Marla Prudhomme of Tyler; sons, Ray Sumrow and Kevin Sumrow both of Tyler; brother, Glen Davis of Mt. Pleasant; sisters, Doll Williams of Celeste, Ardythe McGee of Leonard, Wilma Owens of Mineola and Nelda Williams of Caddo Mills; four grandchildren and five great grandchildren.

Pallbearers are nephews, Ron Connatser, David Williams, Buster Davis, Joe Dale Davis, Marlon Owens and Daryll Williams.

The family received friends from 12:30 p.m. Friday until service time at Lloyd James Funeral Home.

If desired, memorials may be made to American Legion Auxiliary, Unit 131, c/o Shirley Hill, 630 Green Oak Dr., Longview, Tex. 75604.

Robert Clarence Ingram

Funeral services for Robert Clarence Ingram, 85, of Wolfe City, formerly of Leonard, were held at 2 p.m. Saturday, April 12, at the Turrentine-Jackson-Morrow Funeral Home Chapel in Leonard with Charles Wrenn, Paul Wilkinson and Steven Medford officiating. Burial was in the Mt. Carmel Cemetery in Wolfe City. He died Tuesday, April 8, 2008, at the Presbyterian Hospital of Greenville.

He was born Dec. 13, 1922 in Coalgate, Okla., the son of Clarence Robert Ingram and Grace Elizabeth Moody Ingram. He was a member of the Leonard Church of Christ, the Oklahoma Fire Fighters Association and the V.F.W.

He is survived by his daughters and sons-in-law, Beverly Grace and Richard Viernos and Bobbie Ann and Robert Moore, all of Oklahoma City, Okla.; sister, Alene Smith of Leonard and sister-in-law, Lucy Cline of Wolfe City; nieces, Vickie and Karen Cox, both of San Antonio, Marcia Sneed of Leonard and Billie Piper of Wolfe City; nephews, Larry Smith of Leonard and Ray Cline of Lewisville; grandchildren, Roy, Donna and Robert; great grandchildren, Crystal, Kendra, Kenz, Tyler and Krislyn.

Family visitation was held Friday, April 11 from 7 to 8 p.m.

Turrentine-Jackson-Morrow Funeral Home in Leonard was in charge of arrangements. To convey condolences or to sign an on-line register, please visit www. tjmfuneral.com.

Mary Virgean LaFavers

April 10, 2008 - Mary Virgean LaFavers went to be with her Lord on Tuesday, April 1, 2008. She was at her daughter’s house in Celeste, Tex. She had suffered a heart attack on Friday, March 28, and just been released from the hospital on Tuesday. She was born on Sept. 4, 1929 to Sylvester Wade Myers and Pearl Deatherage. She moved to Celeste at the age of 14 and had lived here for 64 years. She married Haskell LaFavers on Oct. 3, 1947. She was a dedicated wife and stood by his side through a long illness until his death in May 2003. In the beginning of their marriage she worked for Henson Kickernick and J. R. Love Company as a seamstress. When her first child was born she became a full time wife and mother. In 1959 she and Haskell began a long career as dairy farmers and she spent the next 35 years milking cows twice a day and assisting him in all aspects of farm work while taking care of three small children. She was always a room mother for her children’s classes, attending their school events.

Virgean was a beloved mother, grandmother and friend to many. She positively touched everyone she came in contact with and she will be greatly missed. She always had a smile and a good attitude. She was known for wearing one of her many hats to church and wherever and whenever she wanted to dress up. Also for carrying her cane which she dressed up with ribbons according to the season. She stood up for what she believed in and worked for many causes throughout her life. In the 1960s and 1970s she was on the Hunt County Red Cross Board and went door to door collecting money for both the Red Cross and the March of Dimes. She was a member of the Celeste PTA and served as president for 6 years. She was honored to be selected as an honorary lifetime member in 1980. She served on the Hunt County Council PTA Board for 6 years. She was an active member of the Celeste Beautification Committee and the Housing and Urban Development Board for several years. She volunteered at the Celeste Public Library. Most of all she was an active and beloved member of the Celeste Church of Christ for 57 years.

She is survived by her son, James LaFavers and wife Lyla of Lavon, Tex.; her daughter Kathryn Claxton and husband Roger of Celeste, Tex. and her son, David LaFavers and wife Sondra of Celeste, Tex. She is survived by six grandchildren, the light of her life, Rex Claxton, Rachel Claxton, Rebecca Claxton, Megan LaFavers, Tyler LaFavers all of Celeste and Heath LaFavers of Lavon, Tex. She is also survived by one brother John Myers and his wife Sue of Celeste and one sister Wanda Glawson and her husband Joe of San Antonio, Tex. She is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews and many, many, friends.

Funeral services were held Friday, April 4, 2008 at 2 p.m. at the Celeste Church of Christ. Officiating the service was Mr. A. C. Quinn. Burial followed at Celeste Cemetery. Pallbearers were Lannie Steen, Wylie Easley, Alex Cawthon, Bob Richison, Bud Thacker and Mark Coles. The family received friends at the Turrentine-Jackson-Morrow Funeral Home in Leonard on Thursday, April 3, 2008 from 6-8 p.m. Memorials may be made to the American Heart Association, 7272 Greenville Avenue, Dallas, TX 75231.

To convey condolences or to sign an online register, please visit www.tjmfuneral.com.

John Dee Rushing

April 3, 2008 - Graveside services for John Dee Rushing, 80 of Leonard, were held at 2 p.m. Tuesday, April 1 at the Leonard Cemetery. Charles Wrenn officiated. Mr. Rushing died Saturday, March 29, 2008 at the Leonard Manor. Family visitation was held Monday, March 31 from 7-8 p.m. at the Turrentine-Jackson-Morrow Funeral Home Chapel in Leonard. He was a member of the Pentecostal Church of Leonard and enjoyed coon hunting and raising coon dogs.

Mr. Rushing was born June 12, 1927 at Trenton, the son of Thomas Ray and Emma Catherine Rushing. He is survived by a son and daughter-in-law, Mike and Donna Rushing of Leonard; a son, Ricky Rushing of Bridgeport; a daughter and son-in-law, Becky and Kenneth Hinsley of Leonard; seven grandchildren, Donald K. Stephens, Clinton Blake Hinsley, Austin Tyler Hinsley, Justin Glenn Rushing, Teresa Nixon and husband, Noel, John Robert Rushing and Clayton Rushing; four great-grandchildren, Haden Michael Nixon, Ryan Reed Nixon, Callie Stephens and Trinity Stephens.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Thomas and Emma Rushing; his sister, Vida Baker and a brother, Ray Rushing.

Turrentine-Jackson-Morrow Funeral Home of Leonard had charge of arrangements. To convey condolences or to sign an on-line register, please visit www.tjmfuneral.com.

Joe L. Bradshaw

April 3, 2008 - Funeral services for Joe. L. Bradshaw, 70 of Bailey, are scheduled for 2 p.m.,Wednesday, April 2 at the Turrentine-Jackson-Morrow Funeral Chapel in Leonard. Rev. Jim McIntyre will officiate. Burial will be in the Arledge Ridge Cemetery. Family visitation was held Tuesday, April 1, from 6-8 p.m. at the Turrentine-Jackson-Morrow Funeral Chapel in Leonard.

Mr. Bradshaw was born Jan. 19, 1938, son of Willie Clay Bradshaw and Addie Irene Caldwell Bradshaw. He was a large equipment mechanic and a member of the Grove Hill Methodist Church.

He is survived by a son, Robert Lee “Bobby” Bradshaw of Sulphur Springs, Tex.; a son and daughter-in-law, Jerry Lynn and Delilah Bradshaw of Greenville, Tex.; a daughter and son-in-law, Linda Kay and Jeff Martin of Bailey, Tex.; a sister, Patsy Sue Malone of Hereford, Tex.; a brother, Billy Loyd Bradshaw of Amarillo, Tex.; two grandchildren, Blayne and Randen Martin of Bailey, Tex. and a special friend, Theresa Hill of Wolfe City, Tex.

He was preceded in death by his parents.