1940s
Eldys Mae Leach Batchelor, ’41, of Sulphur Springs, Texas passed away on October 7, 2018 at the age of 100. She was born on December 23, 1917 to W. C. and Donnie (Miller) Leach in Foard City, Texas. Eldys married Joesph Lynn Batchelor on August 27, 1942 in Allen, Texas. She attended Allen Independent Schools from 1924 until 1937, Baylor University from 1937 until 1940, East Texas State University from 1940 until 1942, Southwestern Baptist Seminary in 1949 and A & I University from 1957 until 1960. Eldys was a special education teacher from 1940 until 1977. She was a member of the Beeville Art Association, Delta Kappa Gamma, the Retired Teachers Association and Baylor Alumni. Eldys served as President of the Art Guild and President of the WMU. She received the 90 year old Special Award and the 100 year old Special Award and placed 1st, 2nd and 3rd place in many art shows. Eldys is survived by her daughter, Marilynn Grundler of Elephant Butte, New Mexico; grandchildren, Sherri Ann Barcroft, Terry Don Barcroft, Lisa Renae Barcroft Frazier; great-grandchildren, Daniel Clark, Nathan Clark, Ryan Frazier, Chris Barcroft, Katie Barcroft, Nick Frazier, Lanie Frazier and Alixx Frazier; great-great-granddaughter, Lily Smith; siblings, Winfred C. Leach and Ruth Leach Fisher; and numerous other loving family and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, William Curtis and Donnie Leach; her husband, Joseph Lynn Batchelor; and her siblings, Joe Henry Leach and Jean Leach Bowen. A funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Tuesday, October 9, 2018 at Turrentine-Jackson-Morrow Funeral Home Chapel, 2525 Central Expressway North, Allen, Texas with Rev. Fred W. Lewis officiating. Interment will follow at Ridgeview Memorial Park in Allen. The family will receive friends during a visitation one hour prior to the service at the funeral home.
Dr. Scott Lamar. Tatum, ’41, of Shreveport, LA died September 21 at age 98. Dr. Scott Lamar Tatum, former pastor of Broadmoor Baptist Church, reached his eternal home in heaven on September 21, 2018. A service celebrating his life and thanking God for his ministry was held at Broadmoor Baptist Church Worship Center North at 11 a.m. on Saturday, September 29, 2018. Dr. Tatum was born 98 years ago in Converse, Louisiana and grew up in Mansfield. He was a graduate of Mansfield High School, Baylor University, and Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, where he earned the Doctor of Theology degree. Being a pastor was his calling and he was privileged to share in joyful events such as baptisms and marriages as well as times of sorrow with church members. Following early pastorates in Texas, he served as pastor of
Broadmoor Baptist Church from 1951 through 1974. He then taught preaching at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary for fourteen years. Active in Baptist denominational life, he served on the board of trustees at Southwestern Seminary, Louisiana College, Southeastern Seminary, and the Southern Baptist Sunday School Board. He was president of the Louisiana Baptist
Convention in 1964-65 and preached the annual sermon at the Southern Baptist Convention in 1969. Particularly interested in missions, he preached in numerous overseas assignments and revivals. He was named Distinguished Alumnus of Southwestern Seminary, where a preaching chapel was named in his honor. Dr. Tatum was preceded in death by his parents, James Wilson Tatum and Maggie Hood Tatum; his brother, Wilson Benton Tatum; his sisters, Marie Tatum
Cunningham Sutton, Sibyl Tatum Edwards, Inez Tatum Webb, and Maudie Tatum;
and his grandson James Tatum. He is survived by his wife, Doris Ray Tatum, who was his help-mate for 76 years; his son Dr. Wilson Tatum and daughter-in-law Dr. Cheryl Tatum of Frost,
Texas; his daughter Trisha Price and son-in-law Dr. Dick Price of Shreveport; daughter Kathryn Land and son-in-law Dr. Terry Land of Texarkana; and his brother James Tatum and wife Frances of Houston, Texas. The Tatums’ grandchildren and families are Jim Price, wife Cynthia, son Nicholas, and daughter Mallory; Dr. Alyson Denson, husband Wayne, sons Chase, Brett, and Alex and daughter LeAnna; Dr. Melanie Stivers, husband Jim and daughter Dahlia; Derek Land, wife Stephanie, son Paxton and daughters Tatum and Kaki; and Russell Tatum.
Betty Sue Garner Marinis, ’42, of Midland, TX, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother passed away peacefully on July 8, 2018 at the age of 97. She was born March 11, 1921, with her identical twin, Mary Louise, to Ed and Mamie Garner in Jacksonville, Texas. Because they were twins, the former governor of Texas, Pat Neff, at that time President of Baylor University, was intrigued with multiple births and granted a scholarship to the girls to Baylor University. Betty Sue and her twin were at Baylor for two years before going to Baylor Hospital School of Medical Technology in Dallas to become medical technologists. It is here that she met the love of her life, Dr. Thomas P. Marinis. They were married on August 30, 1942. She and Tom moved to Midland in 1950 for him to begin his career as a surgeon. Volunteering became a way of life for her. In 1952, she became a member of the Midland Service League which later became the Junior League of Midland. At the time of her death, she was a Sustaining Emeritus member. In 1963, she was elected to the executive board of the Midland County Community Chest (now the United Way) where she served as a Vice President in charge of planning. As a doctor's wife, she was a member of the Midland County Medical Auxiliary (now Alliance) where she served as District Councilwoman. Betty Sue will be remembered as a genuinely loving and caring person. She was a devoted wife to Tom, and as a mother and grandmother, she was wise and nurturing, always showing her unconditional love and support. Her family was her passion. She was a member of First Baptist Church of Midland since 1954. After Tom's passing in 2003, Betty Sue moved to Manor Park, and spent the next 13 years surrounded by many cherished friends. While at Manor Park, she was a member of the resident council, volunteered with newsletters and decorated for social events. She was preceded in death by her husband, her parents, her identical twin and her two brothers, Glenn Garner and Charles Garner. Also, granddaughter, Christin Marinis, and great granddaughter, Morgan Moon. Betty Sue leaves her children to cherish her memory: Thomas P. Marinis, Jr. and wife Lucinda, Houston, Susie Evans and husband, Don, Midland, and Steven J. Marinis and wife, Noemi, Houston. Betty Sue has 8 grandchildren, and 16 great grandchildren to fondly remember her: Courtney Marinis Swanson and husband, Douglas, Katherine Marinis Walters and husband, Logan, Houston, Megan Marinis Vernon and husband, Taylor, Los Angeles, Lisa Evans Moon and husband, Shan, Midland, Jennifer Evans, Brookshire, and Donald Evans, Jr. and wife, Waren, Marble Falls, Christina Marinis Calabrese and husband, Donato, Houston, and Paula Marinis, Durham, NC. Great grandchildren include: Sarah Swanson, Skyler Swanson, William Swanson, Douglas Swanson III, Benton Walters, Johnny Walters, George Walters, Houston, Thomas John Vernon, Los Angeles, Makenzie Moon, Emily Moon, Mitchell Moon, Midland, Donald Evans III (Tripp), Jameson Evans, Marble Falls, Antonio Calabrese, Houston, Kyle Stinson and Caleb Stinson, Chapel Hill, NC. She is also survived by a sister-in-law, four nephews, and four nieces. The family is very grateful for the loving care Betty Sue received from her caregivers, Janie Caldwell, Helen Esparza, Carmen Medina, Maria Garcia, Yvonne Martinez, Maria Izquierdo, April Pando, and Jan Saenz. The family also thanks Dr. Michael Miller and Hospice of Midland nurse, Michelle Fuentes. A memorial service will be held at Parks-Faudree Family Chapel at Manor Park on Thursday, September 6, 2018 at 10:30 a.m. with Dr. Darin Wood, Senior Pastor at First Baptist Church of Midland, officiating. Memorials may be made to The Midland Memorial Foundation, 400 Rosalind Redfern Grover Pkwy, Midland, TX 79701, The Village at Manor Park, 2208 N Loop 250 W, Midland, TX 79707, Hospice of Midland, 911 W Texas Ave, Midland, TX 79701, and The Bynum School, PO Box 80175, Midland, TX 79708. Arrangements are under the direction of Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home & Crematory of Midland.
Dr. Charles Pinkoson, ’43, of Gainesville, FL, died Aug. 24 at age 96.On December 3rd, 1921, a kind and gentle soul was brought into this world, courtesy of Lula Perry Pinkoson and Charles Pinkoson, a former Alachua County Sheriff and City of Gainesville Chief of Police. Reared locally, he began his secondary education attending UF and later transferred to Baylor University to complete his college studies. He then attended Tulane University's Medical School, earning his medical doctorate. Tulane and New Orleans always held a special place in his heart, undoubtedly because it was where he met his future bride of 67 years, Rainer Nicholls. After completing his residency at Tulane and a stint as a flight surgeon in the Air Force, Charlie and Rainer, now married, moved to Gainesville to begin his practice. He began his career as an eye, ear, nose and throat doctor and later focused his specialty on eyes as an ophthalmologist. Not only did he excel at his craft; his kind, compassionate, and caring demeanor created a special relationship with his patients. It was not uncommon for Dr. Pinkoson to attend to his patients at any hour of the day on any day of the week. His practice touched thousands of lives. He was a member of a number of professional and civic organizations (the Alachua County Medical Society, the Florida Society of Ophthalmology, Rotary Club of Gainesville and the Gainesville Quarterback Club). He was also a member of the First Baptist Church where he served as a deacon. He was devoted to Alachua General Hospital where he served as Chief of Staff on more than one occasion. While busy with his practice, Rainer and Charlie had three children, Nona Upshaw, Lee (Tina) and Beth. Providing for his family was essential and he was an excellent husband and father. Through his example his children learned to treat people with respect, compassion and humility. He was blessed to have a number of grandchildren (Nathan, Matthew, Jenica, Christopher, and Kyle). Subsequently, seven great grandchildren were in the making (Lucas, Nicholas, Elena, Emma, Casey, Andrew and one in the oven, name TBD). Charlie cared deeply for his community and generously contributed to many local charities, the library system, and Rotary, trying to make his community better for everyone. He also wanted to demonstrate his gratitude to the institutions of learning he attended as well as Santa Fe College, working with them to provide scholarships. Charlie Pinkoson, dedicated husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, physician, and a caring community member, made a difference in this world and because he did, it was a better place. With his passing we lost a kind, gentle, caring man, a true gentleman, a person who made our lives better. Your family loves you and we will miss you. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to your favorite charity or do a good deed for someone. Please visit Charlie's memorial page at www.williamsthomasfuneralhome.com.
Marjorie Mae Burleson, BA ’44, of Bryan, TX, died Sept. 23. Marjorie Mae Burleson was born to Otis W. Punchard and Ira Killen Punchard on January 17, 1923 in Waco, Texas. She died at St. Joseph Manor on Sunday, September 23rd. She is preceded in death by her parents; her husband of 59 years, Larry L. Burleson; and her brother, Otis William Punchard, Jr. Marjorie was a fifth generation Texan who was reared on the farm founded by her great grandfather in 1834 at Mart, Texas. She was a 1940 graduate of Mart High School and received her degree from Baylor University in 1944 where she was a member of the First Families of Baylor University. She was a lifetime member of the Baptist church, first in Mart and later in Bryan, where she was a member of the Eunice Sunday School Class, First Baptist Bryan. While her primary interests were her family and home, she taught Elementary School in Mexia, Wharton, and Bryan. She taught Sunday School and was active in the American Association of University Women, Texas A&M University Women's Club, and the Texas A&M Extension Service Club. She supported the Rehabilitation Center, and volunteered for the Girls Club of Brazos County and the HOST Program with Bryan ISD. She was an expert seamstress and created beautiful handwork. Before entering St. Joseph Manor, she spent ten active years at Carriage Inn of Bryan. Marjorie is survived by her son, Lee and wife Sandy, of Bennett, CO, Melinda and husband John Box, of Bryan; one sister-in-law, Marianne Punchard of Waco, TX; grandchildren, Matthew Box and wife Chelsea, Robyn Glass and husband Andrew; Sarah Burleson; Stephanie Shinkle and husband Garrett; and great-grandchildren, Ian and Tate Box, Joel and Daniel Glass, and Harper Shinkle. The family wishes to express their gratitude to the CNA s and the nurses at St. Joseph Manor, Station One and to Hospice Brazos Valley, whose skilled and loving attendance enriched Marjorie's last years. Graveside services will be held at 10:30 AM in Mart, TX on Friday, September 28th at the Mart Cemetery; Bill Wiman, Associate Pastor, First Baptist Bryan, will officiate. Following the service, family and friends will meet at First Baptist Mart, Family Life Center for a luncheon reception. The family suggests that in place of flowers, memorials be made to First Baptist Church, 601 E. Texas Ave., Mart, TX. 76664; Hospice Brazos Valley; First Baptist Church, Bryan; or St. Jude Children's Research Center.
Marinelle Kellner Greer, BA ’45, of Texarkana, TX, died July 30. Marinelle Kellner Greer, 94, recently of Texarkana, Texas, went to be with her Lord on July 30, 2018, at Cornerstone Retirement Center. Graveside services will be held at Oakwood Cemetery, South 5th Street in Waco, at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, August 11. Officiating will be René Maciel, Missions Pastor of First Baptist Church Woodway. She was born January 4, 1924, in Waco, Texas to Frank Wade Kellner, Sr., and Edna Marie Kraft Kellner. She graduated from Waco High School in1941 as vice president of her class, member of the National Honor Society, and listed in Who’s Who Among High School Students in Texas. Marinelle graduated from Baylor University in the Centennial Class of 1945, and was President of Alpha Omega Sorority. While at Baylor, she was asked by Dr. Armstrong to write the history of Alpha Omega to be put in the time capsule which was buried on campus in 1945. Upon graduation, she briefly taught school in Bellmead and again in 1968 when the Florida teachers went on strike, and her daughter was a senior in high school. She married Lt. John Bachman Lee Greer, Jr., of Waco on August 10, 1945, having dated him from the age of 15. They were married 69 years. As the wife of a career Air Force officer, she traveled the world, raising her children to know and appreciate different cultures, keeping their home organized and open in warm hospitality. The Greers were stationed in McCook, Nebraska, Ft. Worth, Texas, Middlesex, England, Bellevue, Nebraska, Fuchu, Japan, and Ft. Walton Beach, Florida. She and John joined and worked in mission churches every place they lived. When the family retired to Austin, Marinelle worked with wives of Asian doctoral students. She oriented them to American culture, had them for meals, attended the births of their children, and became substitute Oba-San (grandmother). Marinelle was preceded in death by her parents, Frank Wade Kellner, Sr., and Edna Marie Kraft Kellner; brother, Frank Wade Kellner, Jr.; and the love of her life, Lt. Col. John Bachman Lee Greer, Jr. She is survived by her son, John Bachman Lee Greer, III and wife, Dee Miller Greer, of Texarkana; and daughter, Dr. Beverly Greer-Simpson of Texarkana. She is also survived by grandchildren, James B. Greer and wife, Chris Hawes Greer, of Dallas, Allison Marie Greer Saar and husband, Dr. James Douglas Saar, of Tyler, Judge William Miller and wife, Jessica Johnson Miller, of Texarkana, Julie Miller Mathes and husband, Silas, of Nashville, Tennessee, and Gregory Havins Miller of Memphis, Tennessee. She is also survived by ten great-grandchildren, William Paul Marable, Olivia Louise Saar, Davis Michael Miller, Austin Elliot Miller, Mason Andrew Miller, Greta Laurel Mathes, Clara Caroline Mathes, Mollie Rosemary Mathes, Meagan Havins Miller, and Savannah Caroline Miller. The family invites you to leave a message or memory in our “Tribute Wall” at www.WHBfamily.com.
Dr. Willie Dawson Morris, ’45, age 91, passed away on Monday, August 6, 2018, at her home in Magnolia, Texas. Willie was born on January 11, 1927, in Waco, Texas, to Aimee Lee Grubbs and Wade Hampton Dawson. After High School, she studied journalism at Baylor University and the University of Texas at Austin. Following World War II, Willie spent the majority of her life raising three children, all the while becoming an expert chef, proficient seamstress, and an extremely talented painter. Never far from God, she ensured her family lived and followed God’s Plan to the best of her ability. Although having gone through some tough periods in her life, she found true love, peace, security and comfort in her husband, William C. (Bill) Morris. They were happily married for 50 years before Bill’s passing in 2014. She had a pure, sensitive and giving heart, always ensuring others were well taken care of in spite of her situation. She will be dearly missed, but her love and nurturing character will live on forever in her family. Willie was preceded in death by her husband, William Clinton Morris; son Michael Ray McCormick; step son Glenn Clinton Morris; sisters Jennifer Hall and Carol Ann Johnson; brothers Wade Lee Dawson and John Dawson; sister-in-law Dorothy Kainer; and her parents. She is survived by her youngest son William Clinton Morris, Jr. and his wife Linda and children Ashley, Elizabeth, and Courteney Goforth and her husband Joe; daughter Joanna McCormick Seamans and children Brett and Allison; son David J. McCormick and his children, Wendi Baird and husband Freddie and children Kaitlyn and Jackson; Laurie Love and husband David and children Dalton, Reagan, Ashton and Mackenzie; Jenny Trott and husband Jason and children Gavin and Emma; Jamie Faschingbauer and husband Jeremy and children Haley, Riley and Remy. Willie is also survived by her beloved sister-in-law Marilyn Swanson, and her late husband Joel, nephew Kirk Swanson, niece Jan Swanson and her daughter Alison; and niece Barbara Gleason and husband Bob and children Paul and Kathleen. Willie was lovingly known as “Granny” to her nine grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren, all of whom loved her Waco hometown, homemade southern recipe fried chicken and gravy bites!
Elsie Biggers Partee, ’45, of Lexington, TX, died Sept. 20. She was born September, 1922 in Lexington Lee County, Texas to Jackson Alexander Biggers and Elsie Aurelia Stullken Biggers in the family home. She graduated from Austin High School in 1939; attended the University of Texas and Baylor University. She met Melvin Wesley Partee in 1942 and they were married by Dr. Edmund Heinsohn at University Methodist Church in 1944. Elsie enjoyed serving as an Air Force wife for 31 years of a marriage of 51 years. She was a member of the Austin Women's Club, TXDAR Thankful Hubbard and the Forever Young Group of the Holy Word Lutheran Church. Elsie was preceded in death by her parents, husband, two brothers, Jackson A. Biggers and William S. Biggers, and a sister, Florence B. Baker. She is survived by three sons and their wives, Melvin (Mel) W. & Betty Partee, Jr, Lexington Texas; Frank R. & Joyce Partee, Lexington, Texas and Charles (Chuck) & Cynthia Partee, Fort Worth, Texas. Additionally survived by grandsons, Bryan(Lynette), Brad, Michael (Rebecca), Tim (Sandy), Travis (Angie)and Chad (Evan); great grandsons, Braden, Brody, Caleb, Boone, Chase; great granddaughters, Madison, Cassie, Kashe and Haley; and step-grandson Matthew Pense (Lori); step-granddaughter, Monica Wilke; step-great grandsons Tyler Taliaferro, Dakota Pense, Hayden Wilkie; step-great granddaughters, Haley and Caitlin Wilkie; numerous special nieces, nephews, cousins and extended family members. Pallbearers will be her Grandsons. Honorary Pallbearers will be her Great Grandsons. The family is deeply grateful to John Dieck, M.D., Humberto (Sonny) Maldonado, M.D., Brookdale Parmer Lane Senior Living and Brookdale Hospice for their compassionate care of our mother. The family will receive friends on Sunday, September 30, 2018 at Holy Word Lutheran Church, 10601 Bluff Bend Dr., Austin, TX from 2:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. A Funeral Service will be conducted at 3:30 p.m. at Holy Word Lutheran Church with Pastor Donald Patterson officiating and assisted by Staff Minister Chad White. Interment will follow at Cook-Walden Memorial Hill Cemetery, Pflugerville, Texas. In lieu of flowers, a donation can be made in Elsie's honor to Holy Word Lutheran Church or to the charity of your choice. Remembrances may be left at www.wcfish.com.
Mary Lou Rice, BBA ’45, of Liberty, TX, died Aug. 7. Mary Lou was born on Feb. 26, 1924 in Liberty to the late Jeff Haywood and Ada Florence Tillman Haywood. Mary Lou enjoyed morning and afternoon coffee at McDonald’s and going to church at North Main Baptist in Liberty. She was a strong, independent and thoughtful woman. She grew up in Liberty and was a graduate of Liberty High School. When school was out for the summer she worked in the office of Price Daniel Sr., helping with his different political campaigns. In 1941, she met Earl Rice at the First Baptist Church in Liberty. She went on to graduate from Baylor University in 1945 and married Earl Rice on Nov. 7, 1947. Mary Lou held various positions throughout her career, she retired from the Liberty District Accounting Department of Texaco in 1985, after 28 years of service. In recent years, Mary Lou enjoyed shopping and working her crossword puzzles and word searches. Mary Lou was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Earl Rice; and a nephew Brad Rice. She leaves behind to cherish her memory her nieces and nephews, Kerry McCarter, Sherry Stout, Terry McCarter, Glen Pearce, Ivan Pearce, Keith Pearce, Rex Pearce, Charlotte Thomas, Donna Rice, Kellan Shaw and Reggie Rice. In addition she leaves numerous friends and extended family. The family would like to extend a very special thank you for the care and kindness offered by her caretakers: Shelby Benoit-Caldwell, Linda Morgan, Susan Sanders, Amber Morgan, Danielle Morgan, Marrisa Adams and Chaplin Ken Ellzey. Funeral services for Mary Lou will be held 2 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 12, at North Main Baptist Church with interment to follow in Fairlawn Cemetery. Condolences and memories can be shared online at allisonfuneralservice.com.
Dr. Robert D. Bone BS ’46, of Tyler, TX, died Sept. 15. He was born October 5, 1923, to Dr. John N. Bone & Gaynelle Bailey Bone in Jacksonville, TX. Following the completion of his secondary education, Dr. Bone completed his undergraduate education at Texas A&M and Baylor Universities. Following his graduation with his undergraduate degree, he was admitted to Southwestern Medical School in Dallas, TX, where he received his M.D. degree. He then completed his clinical internship at Baylor Hospital Dallas, and a two-year fellowship in Internal Medicine at LSU, New Orleans. Following the completion of his medical education, Dr. Bone served in the US Army as Chief of Medicine, Ft. Hood, TX, and Sendai, Japan. In 1952, Dr. Bone and 3 partners established Medical Arts Clinic, Corsicana, TX. He practiced medicine in Corsicana for 43 years. Dr. Bone became a Fellow of the American College of Physicians and was elected by his peers to serve as Governor for the North Texas Chapter of the American College of Physicians. In 1990, he was chosen for the Laureate Award for the Texas Chapter of the ACP. In 1945, Robert and Jenny Kathryn Spalding were married in Jacksonville, TX. From this union were born Kathryn Ann, Gaynelle and Don Spalding Bone. In July of 1964, Dr. Bone took his family to Pucallpa, Peru, where he volunteered medical services to missionaries and native Indian tribes with Wycliffe Bible Translators at their jungle base camp. Following his retirement from the active practice of medicine in 1995, Robert and his wife Marsha Pace Bone moved to the Emerald Bay Community in Bullard, TX, where they continued to enjoy playing golf, traveling and participating in activities with family and friends. In addition, Dr. Bone became instrumental at Mission House in Bullard, TX, where he volunteered on a regular basis until his health no longer permitted. Robert was baptized as an infant at First Presbyterian Church, Jacksonville, TX. He served as an elder both in Westminster Presbyterian Church in Corsicana, and First Presbyterian Church in Tyler. Robert loved to study theology and taught Adult Sunday School for 50 years, where his Sunday School Class was legendary. Primary interests were his family and his patients. Hobbies included reading, classical music, golf, photography and travel. Dr. Bone was preceded in death by his wife Marsha Pace Bone. He is survived by his children, Ann Parker (Dick) of Gainesville, FL, Gaynelle Newport of Keller, TX, Donnie Bone of Denton, TX. Also, LaDonna Allen of Tyler, TX, Kelly Allen French (Wade) Bullard, TX, Mark Allen (Laura) of Webster, TX, and his sister Dr. Mary Alice Bone Adamson of Jacksonville, TX. In addition are twelve grandchildren, twenty great-grandchildren, numerous nieces and nephews and the beloved Dinh family. Per Dr. Bone’s request, cremation arrangements have been made through Corley Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to First Presbyterian Church, 230 W. Rusk St., Tyler TX, 75701; Bullard Mission House, 226 S. Phillips St., Bullard, TX, 75757; or Legacy Hospice, 1901 Rickety Ln, Ste.103, Tyler, TX, 75703. An online guestbook is available at www.corleyfuneralhome.com and selecting the Dr. Robert Donnell Bone obituary.
Dr. B. Ruth MacGorman, BA ’46, of Fort Worth died Sept. 29 at the age of 93. Service: 2 p.m. Saturday, October 6, 2018, at University Baptist Church. Interment: Laurel Land Memorial Park, Fort Worth. Visitation: 4-6 p.m. Friday at Thompson's Harveson & Cole Funeral Home, Fort Worth. Memorials: In lieu of flowers, the family invites you to make a donation in her memory to widows of Baptist pastors through Mission: Dignity at GuideStone Financial Resources, to the J. W. MacGorman Scholarship Fund at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, to University Baptist Church of Fort Worth, or to a charity of your choice. Ruth was born in Houston Texas, one of six daughters of Conrad and Pearl Stephens. She earned degrees from Baylor University, Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, Texas Christian University, and North Texas State University, culminating in a Doctor of Education Degree from North Texas at the age of 56. While they were students at the Seminary, she met J. W. (Jack) MacGorman to whom she was married for 71 years. Together they raised six of their own offspring (four sons and two daughters) and two adopted grandsons. after her sixth child started school, she worked for the Fort Worth Independent School District for 20 years, first as an elementary teacher, then as a special education teacher, and finally as a special education administrator. Fort three decades, she taught the Naomi Women's Sunday School Class at University Baptist Church. Ruth was preceded in death by her parents, her five sisters, and her son, Steve. Survivors: She is survived by her husband, Jack MacGorman; her children and their spouses, Don and Venita MacGorman of Norman, OK, Steve's wife, Laura MacGorman or Fort Worth, Bob and Cathy MacGorman of Fort Worth, Linda MacGorman of Springfield, MO, Debbie MacGorman of Fort Worth, John and Sharon MacGorman of Proper, Adam and Rachel MacGorman of Fort Worth, and Tim MacGorman of Fort Worth; eleven other grandchildren: and thirteen great-grandchildren. Arrangements: Thompson's Harveson & Cole Funeral Home
Martha Jean Pittman, BSN ’47, of Sonoma, CA, died Oct. 1. Viewing/Visitation: Wednesday, October 10, 2018 from 5:00 - 7:00 PM, Weed-Corley-Fish North Graveside Service: Thursday, October 11, 2018 at 11:00 AM, Austin Memorial Park Cemetery Celebrating the life of a wonderful and dynamic woman, Martha Jean Pittman. Martha Jean was born in July, 1925 to Jessie and Clifford Farr in Ottumwa, Iowa. She was a graduate of Baylor University Nursing Program and married Everette Pittman in 1948. She was the proud mother of three children, Carol Stienke, Edward Pittman, and Don Pittman. She was very active in the Fredericksburg PTA and passionate about her nursing career. She became an enthusiastic Golfer and supporter of women's athletics at the University of Texas. She is survived by Carol Stienke, Charles and his wife Sylvia; daughter-in-laws Debbie Stafford and Becky Navarro; Grandchildren Michael & Denise Cervantez, Kimberly & Jeremy Rhoten, Brandy & Scott Walls, Courtney & Curt Hamner, and Natalie Marie Pittman; Great-grandchildren Austin & MacKenna Rhoten, Erika & Fisher Cervantez, Jordan & Ethan Walls, and Brittany & Hayden Hamner.
Vernell Seefeldt Rose, BS ’47, of Shreveport, LA, died Sept. 5. A Memorial Service celebrating the Life of Caroline Vernelle Seefeldt Rose, 94, will be held at 5:00 p.m. Saturday, September 8, 2018, at Rose-Neath Funeral Home, 1815 Marshall Street, Shreveport, LA. Officiating will be Rev. Jerrell Head. A visitation reception will follow at St. Paul’s Episcopal church Parlor, 275 Southfield Rd, Shreveport, LA 71105. Interment will be held prior to the service.
Vernelle was born on January 1, 1924, in Houston, TX. To Mittie Taylor Seefeldt and Harold C. Seefeldt and left her earthly body behind to join her Lord and Savior and family in Heaven September 5, 2018, after a brief illness. She was an active member of Kingston Road Baptist Church until her move to assisted living. Ma’am as she was affectionately known was a preacher’s daughter and learned at a young age the ways of the Lord. Her faith and trust in God was her anchor through life. She was a gentile southern lady always given to hospitality which included warm hugs, listening ears, cute chuckles, and “keen” wit. Ma’am always had an open door with a servant’s heart. Vernelle was an alumnus of Ouachita Baptist University and a graduate of Baylor University in Home Economics. This led her in her future endeavors as homemaker and seamstress. She opened her own alterations business, “Fitting Pretty.”, which she ran until her retirement. Vernelle was an accomplished musician and served Morningside Baptist Church for years as pianist. She was a faithful wife. She enjoyed serving on the Genealogy Club with her husband. In her younger years, she was very active in her children’s lives serving in the PTA and Boy Scouts and sewing their clothes. One of her past-times was making quilts, which she made for each child and grandchild. In her later years, she crocheted blankets for her great-grandchildren. Ma’am loved her grandchildren and great-grandchildren and strived to be at every occasion be it birthday, recital, ball game, etc. And in recent days, she still was crocheting hats for St. Jude’s. Vernelle was an active member of the Handbell Choir at the Bloom. Ma’am will be deeply missed in our hearts, however we rejoice in the truth that she is with her Lord whole and healed. Vernelle was preceded in death by her first husband Loran C. Edington and her husband of 59 years Victor C. Rose. Left to cherish her memory are her sons, Chris Rose and wife, JoAnn of Shreveport, LA and Buddy Rose and wife, Diana of Keithville, LA; daughters, Mary Ann McKinney of Bossier City, LA and Judy Spears of Bossier City, LA; grandchildren, Jenny Spears Minton and husband, Mark, Jeff Spears, Mandy Metrejean and husband, Chris, Missy Heidelberg and husband, Mack, Andrew Rose and wife, Julie, Natalie Hall and Husband, Chris, Molly Kizzar and husband, Mike, Chip Rose and wife, Erin, Lana Wolf and husband, Hunter, Colleen Lawrence and husband, Isaac, Lilia Kate Rose and Dakota Rose; and fourteen great-grandchildren. The family wishes to thank the staff at the Bloom and St. Joseph Hospice for their care and compassion. Honoring Vernelle as pallbearers will be her grandsons, Jeff Spears, Andrew Rose, Chip Rose, Dakota Rose, Mark Minton, Chris Metrejean,
Josephine R. Rowan, BA ’47, BSN ’50, of Sherwood, AR, died Sept. 29. She was born on July 3, 1926, in Walnut Ridge to the late Brance Bly and Bessie Graham Raglin. She is also preceded in death by her husband, Herbert Andrew Rowan; two sisters, Lou Jean Lowrey, Kathryn Michael; and two brothers, BB Raglin, and Woodrow Raglin. Aunt Jo loved watching football and baseball, especially her beloved Cowboys, Baylor Bears, and Texas Rangers. She also enjoyed crossword puzzles, baking for her family, gardening and loving on her dogs. Josephine is survived by two nieces, Sharon Whitten, Jeanne Apperson (Fred); nephew, Jim Williams (Eileen); and many other cherished family members and friends, who she loved dearly. Funeral Service will be held on Thursday, October 4, 2018, at 2:00PM at Roller-Owens Funeral Home, 5509 John F. Kennedy Blvd, North Little Rock, AR 72116. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service. Burial at Roselawn Memorial Park will be private. Online Guestbook: www.rollerfuneralhomes.com/owens
Peggy Smith, BSN ’47, of Winnsboro, TX, died Oct. 31. Peggy was devoted to her family and encouraged her children and grandchildren to rejoice in each day and live life fully. Her family best describes her as a Proverbs 31 mom: “She is clothed with dignity and strength; she can laugh at the days to come. She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue. She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness. Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her: many women do noble things but you surpass them all. Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.” Peggy was born in Winnsboro, Texas, on January 30, 1927, to the late Edgar B. Brewer and Vela Lee Ann (Ferguson) Brewer. She graduated from Winnsboro High School and finished her education from Baylor School of Nursing Dallas. Peggy married Jack Everett Smith on September 13, 1947, at the home of Mrs. M.F. Smith (Nanie), Jack's mother. They were blessed with four children: Bob, Charlotte, Debbie and Sandy. Peggy began her nursing career at the Veterans Hospital in Waco, Texas. After devoting her life to the care of others, she retired in 1987, from Baylor University Medical Center Dallas. Jack and Peggy achieved their dream of building a beautiful country home on their farm in Winnsboro, spending thirty-plus years living the "good life." You could always find them in the morning on the front porch with a cup of coffee, and in the evening on the back porch with a cocktail. The grandchildren made many memories fishing, riding the 3-wheelers, feeding the cows, hunting ducks, deer and dove, shooting turtles, camping out in the pasture or building bonfires, just to name a few! One granddaughter made "the farm" a service project, learning to make muscadine jelly with her Grannie. Peggy was a First United Methodist Church member. She was active in Bible Study Fellowship, Community Bible Study, the Edelweiss Club and the FUMC Women's group. Peggy's hobbies were quilting, gardening, bridge club, baking, fishing, collecting antiques, traveling and not the least, her dog, Josh. Preceding her in death are her parents; her brothers: Willis, Robert, Edgar and Gerald; and her sister and best friend: Lucy Brewer Offutt. Just two years ago, she lost her beloved husband Jack of 70 years! She leaves behind her precious children: Bob and Nancy Smith (Garland, TX), Charlotte and Larry Lewis (Athens, GA), Debbie and Marty Graves (Rockwall, TX) and Sandy and Cub Culbertson (Chattanooga, TN). Grandchildren and great-grandchildren are: Kim Galland, husband Max and daughter Sara, Wes Graves, wife Kim and sons Christian, Lucas and Cameron, Megan Hildebrand, husband Travis and daughters Claire and Leah, Philip Smith, wife Amy and children Carson, Parker and Addison, Patrick Smith, wife Jennifer and twin daughters Aubrey and Becca, Bryan Graves, wife Lauryn and sons Joseph and Barrett, Hannah Thomas and husband Christopher, and Mary Cate Culbertson. A celebration of Peggy’s life will be held 4:00pm Saturday, November 3, 2018, at Reflections at Rest Haven Funeral Home – Rockwall Location with Pastor Steve Sims officiating. The family will receive friends at the funeral home one hour prior to the service, beginning at 3:00pm. Graveside services will be held 11:00am Monday, November 5, 2018, at Lee Cemetery in Winnsboro, TX, with Bro. Henry Suche officiating. Pallbearers will be Wes Graves, Travis Hildebrand, Philip Smith, Patrick Smith, Bryan Graves and Christopher Thomas.
Ollie C. Jack Jr., BA ’48, of Dallas passed away Tuesday, July 31, 2018. He was 94. Services will be 11:00 am Saturday, August 4, 2018 in the Gene Roden Memorial Chapel of Roden Pryor Funeral Directors with John Cannon as officiant. A time of visitation with the family will take place immediately after the service at the funeral home. A private interment will take place in Evergreen Cemetery. Ollie was born October 24, 1923 in Paris, Texas to Ollie Cornwallis Jack, Sr. and Bertha Hudgens Jack. He attended Baylor University on a football scholarship where he met the love of his life, Gloria Manon Seawell. They married in 1946 and enjoyed 66 years together until her death in 2012. After his graduation from Baylor, he and Gloria lived in Dallas and then New Orleans while he worked on degrees at Tulane University. Ollie went to work for Standard Oil of New Jersey, which later became Exxon, and stayed on for 30 years. He later worked for E-Systems and then TXI. In 1954, he and Gloria left New Orleans for Caracas, Venezuela. They also lived in Amway, Venezuela, Bogota, Colombia, Miami, Florida, and Kingston, Jamaica, before moving to Dallas in 1969 where they lived out their lives. Ollie was quite the athlete and amassed a collection of trophies from playing football, basketball, tennis, golf, baseball, and bowling. He also enjoyed playing bridge, and was considered a master bridge player having earned many master points. He was a veteran of the U.S. Navy Air Corps. Ollie was preceded in death by his wife; a brother, Colonel James Henry Jack; two nephews, Johnny Stallings and Bryan Jack, who was killed on 9-11 in the plane that crashed into the Pentagon, where he worked. He is survived by his two sons, James Marshall Jack and Robert Oliver Jack, both of Dallas; sisters, Ruth Ann Stallings and husband, Gene, of Paris, and Martha McGinty, of Houston; nephews, Colonel James Terry Jack and wife, Iris, of New Mexico and Paul McGinty and wife, Laura, of Houston; nieces Anna Lee Stallings Young and husband, Tim, of Dallas, Laurie Stallings Vanderpool and husband, David, of Haiti, Jackie Stallings Chalk and husband, John, of Argyle, Texas, Martha Kate Stallings Gunn and husband, Keith, of Waco, Leanne McGinty Perry and husband, Brian, of Houston, and Janie McGinty of Houston.
Wallace Eric Martin Sr., BBA ’48, of Woodway, TX, died Sept. 12. Memorial service will be at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, September 15, at Grace Gardens Funeral Home, with Rev Richard Rust officiating. A reception with the family will follow the service. Wallace Eric Martin was born, January 27, 1923, in Ft. Worth. Wallace Martin married Dorothy Jean May in 1947, and they had four children. Wallace Martin won a National Championship and a World Championship in his lifetime, and he placed 2nd in two National Championships, and 2nd in a World Championship! Wallace was the National Roque Champion in 1938 when he was just 15 years old, competing against adult men! He placed 2nd in the National Roque Championship in 1939 and 1948. Wallace Martin and his brother, Don Martin , won the World Skeet Championship for the All Gauge Two Man Team Midclass - 490x500 in 1965! Wallace also won a medal for shooting 125 straight. Wallace Martin and Don Martin won 2nd place in the World Skeet Championship for the 12 Gauge Two Man Team in 1964, and Wallace won the 1964 Club Champion National Skeet Shooting Association Medal as well as a medal for shooting 50 straight. Wallace shot 495 out of 500 straight in competition. Wallace Martin attended school in Lacy Lakeview and graduated from Waco High School in 1941. Wallace was involved in many sports in high school, and he was an Eagle Scout. He attended Texas Tech University. Wallace received the first varsity letter ever given to a freshman, when he was on the Texas Tech Golf Team.Before finishing his education, Wallace joined the Navy where he became a Lt. He served as a Navy Aircraft Pilot in World War II. He was also on the wrestling team in the Navy and won 1st place in his weight class while in training. He once won a Navy Wrestling Match with his arm broken during the match. Following his service, Wallace attended and graduated from Baylor University in 1947. Wallace also restarted the Baylor Golf Team, after it was disbanded during the war. Wallace won the first golf tournament at Ridgewood Country Club with a score of 67. Wallace and Dorothy Jean were married at Emmanuel Baptist Church in Waco on December 20, 1947. He taught High School Business Courses in Kerrville and drove a school bus. Wallace and Dorothy also owned a Putt-Putt Golf Course in Kerrville. Wallace Martin became a Golf Professional at the City Municipal Course in Bryan. He was the Golf Pro at Capitol City Country Club in Austin; Highlander Country Club in Spring Branch; Galveston Country Club; Jack Tar Hotel and Country Club on Grand Bahama Island; Foxfire Country Club in Pinehurst, North Carolina; Gatesville Country Club; and Woodland West Country Club in Waco. Wallace Martin designed and built all or part of most of the golf courses where he was the Golf Professional. Wallace Eric Martin was a member of the PGA, Professional Golfers' Association. Wallace held great golf tournaments throughout the years with many famous golf professionals and celebrities in attendance. Wallace also worked in Orinda, California for the Duffell family. Wallace owned his own sprinkling system business, Automatic Rain, in Waco. Wallace worked until his 90's.Wallace Martin loved any type of sport or game. He usually won. Wallace mastered the art of telling jokes. Wallace was a master inventor. He loved to write and recite poetry. He continued to fly airplanes most of his life. Wallace wrote against nuclear proliferation. Wallace did everything with thoughtful, careful consideration. He drew amazing blueprints, and penmanship was very important to him. Wallace E. Martin made and maintained long lasting friendships. Wallace Eric Martin is deeply loved by his family and friends. Most importantly, Jesus had his hand on Wallace E. Martin directing his life forever. Wallace surrendered his life to Jesus and was baptized as a boy. He had daily Bible Studies with his wife and prayed for his family when he was in his 90s. He was preceded in death by his parents: Horace William Martin and Sudie Stringfellow Martin; his siblings, H. W. "Dub" Martin, Jr., Donald "Don" Martin, and Elouise Martin; and grandson, Lance Lambert. Wallace Martin is survived by his wife of 70 years, Dorothy; sons, Wallace and wife, Renee, and Travis and wife Debbie; daughter, Jean Ann and Jennifer; five grandchildren, 21 great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to First Baptist Church Woodway, New Horizons Class. Dorothy Martin and the family would like to especially thank: Dr. Paul Sands, Terry Graham, Charlie Dodd, the staff at First Woodway, Dr. Grant, Texas Home Health Home Care and Hospice, and all of the family members and friends for your outpouring of love and support at this time. We are sincerely grateful to each and every one of you.
Annie “Ann” Elizabeth Cruse Parks, BA ’48, of Waco died Sept. 5 at the age of 90. A private entombment for the family will be held at the Waco Memorial Park Mausoleum on Monday, September 10, at 1:00 p.m. A memorial service will follow at 2:00 p.m. at First Methodist Church of Waco with Pastor Wayne Williams officiating. Ann was born on January 22, 1928, in Waco, Texas, to Coleen Hunt Cruse and O. Akard Cruse of Rosenthal, Texas. Ann attended school in Rosenthal through junior high, then graduated from Waco High School in 1944. She attended college at Baylor University and graduated in 1948 with a degree in Sociology. She worked for the Veterans Administration office until 1957. She married William “Bill” M. Parks on December 1, 1949, and they celebrated a 68th anniversary in 2017. The highlight of her marriage was the birth of a daughter, Peggy, in 1965. Ann was an active member of Cogdell Methodist Church in Waco for many years and enjoyed teaching four and five-year olds in Sunday School. Later, she became an active member of the First Methodist Church of Waco, teaching Bible studies and Vacation Bible School. She always enjoyed participation in the Wesleyan Workers Sunday School Class, Bible Study Fellowship and in Chapter BF of the P.E.O. Sisterhood where she held many offices. Ann was well-known among family and friends for her gift of writing poetry. She would often be given a topic and could create a beautiful poem about that topic in a short amount of time. Ann was a woman of strong faith and looked forward to the day that she would join her family and her Savior in Heaven. She was preceded in death by her parents; and sister, Carolyn Sue Brunson, of Robinson. She is survived by her loving husband, Bill Parks; daughter, Peggy Parks Rush and husband, David, of Waco; nephew, Bradford Brunson, and family of Waco; and niece, Rebecca Brunson Durocher, and family of Houma, Louisiana. Honorary Pallbearers are the members of the Wesleyan Workers Sunday School Class. Memorials may be made to the First Methodist Church of Waco or Baylor University. The family invites you to leave a message or memory in our “Tribute Wall” at www.WHBfamily.com.
Mary Carpenter Schreiner, BA ’48, died Aug 31 in Watauga, Texas. She was born in Rocksprings, Texas on November 26, 1926 to James W. and Lorine Morriss Carpenter.
She was a member of First Baptist Church in Longview and was a Teacher for many years for Pine Tree ISD. She met Harold Neal Schreiner, while both were students at Baylor University and they married in Junction, Texas on June 28, 1947. Mrs. Schreiner is survived by; one daughter, Susan Schreiner White and husband, Dana Howard White of Keller, TX; two sons, Dr. Mark Edward Schreiner and wife, Jean Reed Schreiner of Trophy Club, TX; and Dr. James Morriss Schreiner and wife, Lauri Palmer Schreiner of Colleyville, TX; Mrs. Schreiner is also survived by eight grandchildren, Amy White Johnson of Euless, TX, Scott White of Ft. Worth, TX, Jennifer White Castello of Bedford, TX, Samuel and Marie Schreiner of Colleyville, TX, Laura Miller of Carrolton, TX, Dr. Chris Miller of Forney, TX, and Elizabeth Miller Griffin of Grapevine, TX; and nine great - grandchildren; also survived by sisters Betty Nethery, Sue Baugh and husband Don and Carol Hofmann and husband Bob Al, brother Dr. Robby Carpenter and wife Caroline. Preceding her in death are both her parents, husband Neal Schreiner, and brother Jim Carpenter. The family will have a time of visitation on Sunday, September 2, 2018 from 4:00 P.M. till 6:00 P.M. at Welch Funeral Home in Longview. A Celebration of Life Service for Mrs. Schreiner will be 10:00 a.m. Monday, September 3, 2018 at Welch Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Tim Watson and Dr. Don Connors officiating. Graveside services will be at 10:00 A.M. on Tuesday, September 4, 2018 at Lakeview Memorial Garden in Longview.
Dr. Fannie Louise Scott Tapper, BA ’48, was born on September 6, 1926, in Temple, Texas and died on March 31, 2018, in Houston, Texas at the age of 91. Fannie grew up in Granger, Texas with her parents, Mary Stephenson Scott and John William Scott, Sr., and her brother John. Fannie earned her B.A. in English from Baylor University and married classmate John Phillip Howard in 1945. Phil's and Fannie's four children were born in Waco and the family moved to Houston in 1957. In the early 1960s, Fannie taught English at St. John's School and studied French language and literature at universities in Houston, Quebec, and Paris. After receiving the Danforth Foundation Graduate Fellowship for Women, Fannie earned her Ph.D. in French literature from Rice University in 1970. Fannie taught French at the University of Houston for 23 years, receiving tenure in 1975, and established the French department's Academic Year in Strasbourg, France. Fannie was past President of the Alliance Française de Houston and was named a Chevalier dans l'Ordre des Palmes Académiques by the French government. In 1983 Fannie married Wilfred Tapper, with whom she spent many years sailing in Galveston Bay, in the Gulf of Mexico, and along the Eastern seaboard. She and Wif made an extraordinary couple, constantly learning about and exploring new interests and passions, and traveling extensively in Europe, Africa, and the Middle East. Wif was Fannie's biggest supporter in every endeavor she undertook. After retiring from the University of Houston, Fannie developed her creative gifts in the field of photography. Her works comprised more than 20 one-woman shows, were part of five Fotofests and numerous other group exhibitions, and can be found in public and private collections in the United States and Europe, including the Museum of Fine Arts Houston. During her seventies Fannie combined her loves of language, education, travel, and photography by serving as interpreter on St. John the Divine mission trips to Haiti, photographing the people and landscapes there, and sponsoring Haitian students in their academic pursuits. As a student, a teacher, an artist, an adventurer, and a role model for so many, Fannie lived a full and fascinating life. But none of her many accomplishments ever came close to surpassing the pride, joy, and unqualified love she felt for her family. Fannie was preceded in death by her husband Wilfred Bonno Tapper, her son Andrew John Howard, her great-grandson John James Eastland, and her dear friend Howard Lewis Patton. She is survived by her brother John W. Scott, Jr. of Granger, her children Scott P. Howard and Elizabeth H. Crowell of Houston and Marietta H. King of Greenville, S.C., her six grandchildren Alexandre N. MacClenahan, Jason A. Howard, Hinds S. Howard, Mary Elizabeth Eastland, Christian A. Triantaphyllis, and Alexander S. Triantaphyllis, and thirteen great-grandchildren. A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, April 7, 2018, at St. John the Divine Episcopal Church, 2450 River Oaks Blvd., Houston, Texas, The Reverend Reagan W. Cocke officiating. Donations may be made in Fannie's memory to St. John the Divine Episcopal Church for the benefit of the Episcopal University of Haiti.
James W. Chatham Sr., BA ’49, of Gallatin, TN, died July 22 at age 95.. He was preceded in death by his precious wife of 71 years, Florence; parents, John E. and Angie Land Chatham and his son James Chatham, Jr. Born Monday, October 2, 1922 in Binger, Oklahoma he is survived by three children Kathleen (Robert) Hooge, Mark Chatham, and John (Cindy) Chatham, daughter-in-law Karen Chatham, 12 grandchildren, and 18 great-grandchildren. James served in the Army Air Corps in WWII in the Pacific. He earned his BA degree from Baylor University and his MRE degree from Southwestern Seminary. He served churches in Texas, Arkansas, and Louisiana in music and educational ministries. In 1962 James accepted a position in the Sunday School Department of the Baptist Sunday School Board (now Lifeway) where he served until his retirement in 1988. As Senior Consultant, he received the Career Professional Employee Citation and was instrumental in creating the ASSIST Program for the Southern Baptist Convention. As a member and deacon of the Inglewood Baptist Church, he served in several interim staff positions as well as positions with Alta Loma and Long Hollow Baptist churches. In 1997 he was instrumental in starting the Allegro School of Music at Inglewood and was the Administrator of the school. Visitation with the family will be at the Forest Lawn Funeral Home in Goodlettsville from 3:00 until 8:00 Wednesday, July 25. A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 1:00 Thursday, July 26 at the Inglewood Baptist Church in Nashville with visitation one hour prior to the service. Dr. Kevin Shrum officiating. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to The Veranda at verandaministries.org, Allegro School of Music, or Inglewood Baptist Church.
Dr. James L. Cooper, ’49, of Plano, TX, died Aug. 3. Dr. James Logan Cooper passed away on August 3, 2018 at the age of 93. He was born in Brownwood, Texas on December 27, 1924 to Rev. R.B. Cooper, Sr. and Mrs. Bonnie O’Neal Cooper. Dr. Cooper graduated from Howard Payne University, which also honored him with an honorary Doctor of Divinity Degree; Southwest Baptist Theological Seminary; and East Texas State University.
His first pastorate, at age nineteen, was a rural church in Hamilton County. Later he served as pastor of the First Baptist Churches in Allen, Whitewright, and Bishop. Dr. Cooper’s last pastorate was the First Baptist Church of Oak Cliff where he served for sixteen years.
He was active in denominational affairs having served as Moderator of the Dallas Baptist Association, a trustee of Howard Payne University, a member of the Executive Board of the Baptist General Convention of Texas, and First Vice-President of the Baptist Convention.
In 1972, Dr. Cooper became the first Coordinator of Ministers Counseling Service, a ministry of the Baptist General Convention of Texas. In this capacity, which he held for sixteen years prior to his retirement, he provided counseling for ministers and their families and conducted numerous conferences and retreats. Dr. Cooper was the author of many articles published by the Baptist Sunday School Board. He co-authored a book for young ministers titled Beginning Your Ministry. While employed by the Convention, Dr. Cooper was involved in sixteen different interim pastorates. As a member of the First Baptist Church of Richardson, he served on numerous committees and taught a Sunday school class. He conducted conferences for Texas Baptist Laity Institute. Dr. Cooper is survived by his wife of 69 years, Nora Marie Capps Cooper of Plano, Texas; his son, Robert Glen Cooper of Seattle, Washington; his daughter, Carolyn Ann Cooper of Plano, Texas; his granddaughter, Jessica Marie Morris of Dallas, Texas and her husband, Adam Morris; his great-granddaughter, Eleanor Ann Morris; and his brother, Dr. R.B. Cooper, Jr. of Greenville, South Carolina. He was preceded in death by his parents and two sisters. A funeral service will be held at 10:00 a.m., Thursday, August 9, 2018 at Turrentine-Jackson-Morrow Funeral Home, 2525 Central Expressway North, Allen, Texas. Interment will follow at Highland Cemetery in Anna, Texas. The family will receive friends during a visitation on Wednesday evening from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at the funeral home.
Memorial contributions may be made to Howard Payne University, 1000 Fisk Ave., Brownwood, Texas 76801.
Robert Nabors, BA ’49, of Waco died Oct. 16. Graveside services will be 1:30 p.m., Saturday, October 20, at Oakwood Cemetery. Robert was born, February 4, 1925, in Waco, Texas, to Elmer G. and Florence Nabors. He served in the U.S. Army Air Corps in World War II where he was a meteorologist. Robert was educated at Baylor and graduated Cum Laude. He received his master's degree at University of Texas, Austin. He later worked at Mobil Oil and BP as a regional landman. His greatest joy was his family, especially his children and grandchildren. As a teenager he enjoyed film and worked as a manager at the Orpheum Theater in Waco. He also had an appreciation for classical music, and plays, such as "Cats" and "Phantom of the Opera," as well as movies, such as "Dr. Zhivago" and "2001, A Space Odyssey". He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Garland Nabors; and daughter, Donna Lynn Thurmon. He is survived by his wife, Dorothy "Dot" Nabors; sister, Hellan Clements; daughter, Beverly Nabours; granddaughter, Victoria Nabours; grandson, Dustin Thurmon; and sister, Jamie Centner. The family would like to express their heartfelt appreciation to the various facilities and agencies that extended their tender and loving care to him. The family invites you to leave a message or memory on our "Tribute Wall" at www.WHBfamily.com.
Virginia G. Neely, BA ’49, of Creedmoor, NC, died Aug. 30 at age 90. She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She was preceded in death by her husband of 52 years, Alan P. Neely, a brother, Vernon G. Garret, Jr, and his wife, Yvonne Garrett. Mrs. Neely is survived by her three children, Jennifer, Elizabeth (Betsie), and Roger, and their spouses; her four grandchildren, and her three great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her brother, Robert I. Garrett, his wife, Marguerite, their family, and the family of Vernon and Yvonne Garrett. Mrs. Neely received her undergraduate and graduate degrees in English from Baylor University, and her divinity degree from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. She and Dr. Neely served for many years in missions and ministry, both at home and abroad. She was author and editor of several books and publications. She was an administrative assistant, seminary professor, and an amazing wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and homemaker. She will be remembered as being warm and caring, family-centered, and fun-loving with a great sense of humor. A celebration of her life will be held at First Baptist Church of Creedmoor, North Carolina on Saturday, September 8th, with visitation from 12:00-1:30 followed by a memorial service at 2:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, people can make a donation to the Food and Clothes Ministry at First Baptist Church, P.O. Box 38, 119 S. Main St., Creedmoor, NC 27522, or to Toney Rest Home, 904 Raleigh St., Oxford, NC, 27565. Published in The News & Observer on Sept. 6, 2018
Eulea Hough Tharp, BA ’49, of Blue Springs, MO, died Aug. 27. Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, August 31st at First Baptist Church of Oak Grove, MO. The family will receive friends from 12:00 p.m. until service time at the church. Graveside services will be held at 3:00 p.m. in Missouri State Veterans Cemetery in Higginsville, MO. Eulea was born July 7, 1929, in Lordsburg, New Mexico, the daughter of Silas and Zella (Mayes) Hough. After a few years at the height of the Great Depression, Zella Hough found employment as a school teacher in the tiny town of Wenden, Arizona, as the town had only 5 children, and the Houghs had three more, to make up the necessary count of 8 children for a one-room school. Silas, also an educator, became a circuit preacher. Eulea grew up in Wenden and proved to be a gifted student under the tutelage of her mother Zella. She graduated at 16, and attended Baylor University in Texas, where she majored in chemistry and minored in music, studying piano under the great American pianist Storm Bull. After receiving her Bachelor’s Degree in Chemistry, Eulea entered a graduate program at the University of Kansas, where she met a promising young Engineering student, I. J. Tharp, who belonged to a Christian fraternity that dined at the same place that Eulea did. Romance ensued, and I. J. married Eulea in 1950, after completing his degree in Electrical Engineering. I.J. was hired by the IBM Corporation, and he and Eulea moved around the country as I.J. gained new assignments with IBM. Though Eulea worked outside the home on various occasions as a mathematician and as an educator, she chose to remain close to her family as a homemaker throughout her life. They lived in Endicott, NY, Poughkeepsie, NY, Alexandria, VA, Huntsville, AL, Boulder, CO, and Tucson, AZ, where I.J. retired 38 years later. Shortly afterward, they moved to Blue Springs, MO, to be closer to their family, and they resided there for the rest of their times. I.J. passed away in January of 2017. Eulea is the mother to two children, son David Tharp and his wife Sandy, presently of Fort Collins, CO, and daughter Carolyn Blair of Blue Springs, MO. She is grandmother to Cynthia Tharp of Columbia, MO, and Sarah Tharp Hanley of St. Louis, MO, children of son, David Tharp. She is also grandmother to Bryan Blair of Albany, OR, and Alicia Blair of Kansas City, MO, children of daughter Carolyn Blair. Eulea and I.J. Tharp were happily married sweethearts for 66 years.