1930s and 40s

Jessie Lola DeVaney, BA ’36, passed away on February 11, 2019 in San Angelo, Texas, at age 102. She was born March 9, 1916 to Norman David Dunham and Jessie Burkes Dunham in the small community of Blue Ridge in Falls County, Texas. She attended Reagan High in Falls County and graduated in 1933 as class salutatorian. She graduated from Baylor University in 1936 with a major in English and Education and a minor in Spanish and History. She taught for several years in Koss, Muleshoe, Brownfield, and Whitney, Texas. On June 9, 1946 she married Fred F. DeVaney, Jr. They were married for 65 years. They pastored and taught in several churches and schools in Central Texas cities. The last school was Southside for 14 years in San Antonio, Texas. They retired in 1982. In 1947 she helped institute and later constitute the Whitney Chapter #930, Order of the Eastern Star and served as the first Worthy Matron and has maintained her membership in this chapter as a life member and at the time of her death was the only charter member living. From 1968-1994 they lived in San Antonio. In 1994, they moved to Baptist Retirement Center in San Angelo, Texas. They were active members of First Baptist. She was preceded in death by her husband, Fred DeVaney Jr., in 2011; a brother, Hubert David Dunham, in 1974. She is survived by a sister-in-law, Bobbie DeVaney; a cousin, Jimmy Ford of San Antonio, and several great nieces and nephews. And a host of friends, especially Mrs. Camille Simmons and her sons Jimmy and Mark Simmons, and their families; Jane James and Sally O'Carroll and her family of San Antonio, Texas and Robert and Ferrell Dillard of San Angelo, Texas. A special thank you to St. Gabriel's Hospice Care and the staff at the Talley House of Baptist Retirement Center. A memorial service will be Wednesday, February 13th at 2 PM in the Baptist Retirement Chapel. Visitation for family and friends will be Wednesday, February 13th from 6-8 PM at Johnson's Funeral Home. Graveside service will be Friday, February 15th at 2 pm at Waco Memorial Park Cemetery. Friends and family may sign the online register book at www.Johnsons-FuneralHome.com.

Laverne Sullivan Brewster, BA ’39, of Austin died Apr. 1 at age 100. She was born in Sanger, Texas, to Ben F. and Lorene Watson Sullivan. She's descended from Texas pioneers and town founders, going back to the mid 1800s in Denton County. Laverne wrote that she was very proud of her birthplace and her ancestors' contributions to the community. The Ben Sullivan family moved from Denton County to Wichita Falls, where Laverne attended high school, and then to Waco, where she entered Baylor University, graduating in 1939, with a degree in business. She was also a member of Kappa Kappa Gamma sorority. She heard of an opportunity to teach in Brownsville, Texas, where she taught business courses at Brownsville High School. She soon met her future husband, William (Bill) Brewster, a Nebraskan, who was working for the Army Corps of Engineers in nearby Harlingen. In 1942, Bill enlisted as an officer in the Army Air Corps and was stationed with the Air Transport Command in the CBI Theater. They married in 1944 and moved to Houston. In Houston, Laverne taught special education students at Poe Elementary, before obtaining her real estate license and eventually setting up her own firm as a successful independent broker. She continued to work in real estate well into her seventies. Several years after losing her husband, she moved to Georgetown, Texas in 1996, to be closer to her children and grandchildren in the Austin area and then to Westminster Manor in Austin. Her interests included singing with the Sun City Singers, reading, creating beautiful drawings and paintings, and, in her 80s, taking up aerobics. We will miss her smile, creativity and never-ending energy. Laverne's husband, Bill, preceded her in death in 1988. She is survived by her children, Suzanne Brewster Duncan, Dripping Springs, Texas, Stephen Brewster and his wife Kim, Austin, Texas, Sharon Brewster, Alexandria, VA and Sally Brewster, Lago Vista, Texas, her nephew, Gordon McConnell, Billings, MT and five wonderful grandchildren and their spouses, Charlie, Will and his wife Cayce, Abby and her husband Clark, Cameron and Laura. A memorial service will be held Friday, May 3rd from 2:00-4:00, at Westminster Manor in the Solarium, 4100 Jackson Ave., Austin, Texas 78731. Donations can be made to Westminster Manor for the benefit of The Friendship Fund at the above address, or Hospice Austin, 4107 Spicewood Springs Rd., Suite 100, Austin, Texas 78759 - hospiceaustin.org.

Lenore Cain Waldrop, BA ’41, of Abilene, TX, devoted mother, wife, grandmother, and steadfast follower of Jesus Christ entered into the presence of her Savior on March 3. She was 98. Following a private graveside service, a celebration of her life will be held Friday, March 8 at 1 p.m. in the sanctuary of First Baptist Church of Abilene with Dr. Phil Christopher officiating. A reception at Abilene Country Club will follow the service.  Services are under the direction of The Hamil Family Funeral Home, 6449 Buffalo Gap Road, Abilene. Mary Lenore Cain was born November 13, 1920 in San Antonio, Texas. She was the second child of Gladys Pulliam and Charles Cain. She moved to Uvalde in 1931 with her mother and brothers who settled at the Pulliam Ranch on the east bank of the Nueces River. Lenore followed the tradition of the women in her family and graduated from Baylor in 1941. At Baylor, she met Sam Waldrop and they married April 8, 1944. Their early years were spent in San Francisco and Salt Lake City where Sam served in the FBI. Following the war, they moved to Abilene where Sam joined his dad at Waldrop’s Furniture Store and, together they raised their family. Lenore’s life was an example to her family and to many of living in a growing relationship with Jesus Christ. We learned many things from her, more through her actions than her words, including: Be Grateful. (Romans 8:28,1 Thessalonians 5:16) Every prayer she prayed began with gratitude. She knew the source of every blessing. She also learned to thank God for the hard places. It was in the hard places that her character was refined. Don’t worry. Pray about it. (Philippians 4:6) Her daily prayers for her family, her friends, her church, and her nation led to her turning worries over to God (“Worrying never accomplishes anything”). Treasure your friends. (Proverbs 17:7) She kept up with her friends, regularly reaching out to them even when they moved away or when she was limited by a lack of mobility. Along with her family, her friends were her greatest riches and she delighted in their lives. Persevere. “Never give up” was not so much what she said but how she lived. From perfecting her tennis lob to working daily to maintain mobility, she taught us to accept limitations but continue striving to “run with perseverance the race marked out for us.” She was preceded in death by her husband Sam Waldrop. Lenore’s legacy lives on in her children: son, David Waldrop of Abilene; daughters, Gladys Kolenovsky and her husband Bobby of Dallas, Nancy Turner and her husband Jay, also of Dallas; six grandchildren, Megan Douglass and her husband Ben, Sam Turner and his wife Robin, Keni Fondren and her husband Chase, David Turner, Caroline Reeder and her husband Trent, and Catherine Crawford; and five great-grandchildren. We want to thank the women who served our mom over her last years, most recently Andrea Portillo, Erma Jacques, Dahlia Bermea, and Olga Gaona. These women, along with mom’s primary physicians Rae Ann Hamilton, MD and Samantha Goodman, MD, allowed mother to remain fruitful and in service to her Lord. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Lenore’s name to City Light Community Ministries of First Baptist Church of Abilene, a downtown ministry transforming lives and a place where she served with joy, or to the Sam and Lenore Waldrop Legacy Scholarship benefitting the former patients of Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children.

Stella Mae McClure, BSN ’42, of Jacksboro, TX, died peacefully on Sunday morning, February 3, 2019, surrounded by her family in Graham, Texas. She lived a long life and had a strong will to live, unwavering faith in God, and a deep love of family. Stella was the youngest child of George Clark Lagow and Lillie Mae Chambers born on May 16, 1922 in Menard, Texas. She was a graduate of Jacksboro High School and Baylor University school of Nursing in 1942. In 1943 she married Clement Charles McClure, a native Jack county resident and made their home in Jacksboro, Texas. They raised 3 children, Jeannie Matthews, Charles (Cholly) McClure, and Larry McClure. Stella was active in her community and participated in organizations such as, Baylor Nurse’s Alumni Association, Red Cross Blood Bank, and the Daughters of the Republic of Texas. Stella Mae had the brightest blue eyes and contagious sweet smile who treasured moments with her family and friends. She touched many with her joy and zest for life. She had a deep faith which was ever present serving many dedicated years as a member and elder in the Presbyterian Church of Jacksboro. Stella loved to dance, sing, draw, paint, and even color. She was known for her ease in conversation, even with total strangers. She maintained a simple and sweet demeanor that won the trusted hearts of many who even now are being changed by her witness and consistent nurturing spirit, and love. Stella is proceeded in death by her husband Clement Charles McClure. Those left behind to cherish her memory are her children, Jeannie and Minor Matthews of Medford Oregon; Charles “Cholly” and Vicky McClure of Farley, New Mexico; Larry and Gail McClure of Fort Worth, Texas; Grandchildren, Shane Matthews, Tasha Bartley, Matthew McClure, Clay McClure, Tara Spencer, Scott McClure as well as 5 great grandchildren. The family is deeply grateful for the outpouring of love, prayers, and support in many heartfelt forms. Especially from the loving, faithful caregivers; Marybeth Gabbert, Kriss Harden, Krisstal Harden, Becky Hobbs, Debra Stanton; Beyond Faith Hospice and the Elmcroft staff in Graham, Texas. A celebration of life service for Stella Mae will be held 12:00 PM May 4, 2019 at the Memorial Christian Church in Jacksboro.

Frances L. Tate, ’42, of Seguin, TX, joined her Lord and Savior on Sunday, February 24, 2019. She was 95 years of age — a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother (GiGi), and friend. Graveside Services and Interment will take place at Evergreen Cemetery, in Speegleville, Texas, near Waco, Texas on Friday, March 1, 2019 at noon with Mr. Jonathan Tate, and Rebekah Tate officiating. Frances was born on May 3, 1923 in Waco, Texas. She was the daughter of Anna Belle (Price) Fields and Hubert M. Fields. She attended Waco public schools, graduating from Waco High School in 1940. She attended 4-C College, and Baylor University. Frances married her high school sweetheart, Norman F. (Doc) Tate Jr. on October 2, 1942 in Boston, Massachusetts. She loved the arts and played both the organ and the violin as well as teaching ballroom dancing with her husband at MCC for many years. Frances was an active member of Lorena Methodist Church, then of Austin Avenue Methodist Church, where she served in the Chancel Choir, the Prayer Ministry, the Friendship class, the Road Runners, and wherever needed. She also led Bible Study Fellowship. Frances worked at James Connally AFB, and the V.A. Regional office until retiring from Civil Service. She was preceded in death by her parents, her brother, Walter Glenn Fields, her husband, Norman F. Tate Jr., her son, Norman F. (Frank) Tate III, and her grandson, Caleb Andrew Tate.

Mary Elizabeth Foreman, BSN ’43, of Mount Ulla, NC, beloved wife of Ben Foreman, passed away on the evening of March 7th, 2019, at the age of 97. She was a loving mother, devoted wife, and devout Christian for all of her life. After graduating from Baylor University, she served as a US Navy nurse at the end of World War II where she met and married Ben Foreman. She lived a long and beautiful life and, to the end, was grateful for all God had given her. She is survived by all of her children, James, Bill, Mark, and Cindy, who will deeply miss her. We were truly blessed to have her as our mother. May she now rest in the peace of God’s loving arms. 
The family will receive friends 10am-11am on Thursday March 14, 2019 at Shearer PCA, 684 Presbyterian Road Mooresville, North Carolina. A Memorial service will follow at 11 am in the chapel. Condolences may be sent to Cindy Anderson, 815 French Belk Road, Mt. Ulla, NC 28125, (Phone: 704-662-8535), where they will be made available to all of the family. 

Allie Merle McLeroy, BS ’43, age 96, of Texarkana, TX, died Thursday, Feb. 21, 2019. Mrs. McLeroy was born March 16, 1922, in Overton, Texas. She was a former registered dietician with Providence Hospital, a transcriber with Argonne National Labs, a counselor with Pleasant Grove Middle School, first grade and preschool Sunday School teacher, co-founder of River Oaks Baptist Church, and a member of Daughters of the American Revolution and Azalea Garden Club. She was preceded in death by her husband, Stanley Quentin "Stan" McLeroy. Survivors include three daughters, Sandra, Sheila and Priscilla; and a number of other relatives. Services will be 3 p.m. today at First Baptist Church, Moores Lane, with the Rev. Larry Sims officiating. Burial will be in Hillcrest Memorial Park under direction of East Funeral Home, Moores Lane. Memorials may be made to First Baptist Church Moores Lane Children's Fund or Texas A&M-Texarkana.

Claire Meadows Fowler, BSN ’44, was born on June 17, 1922 in Seymour, TX, and passed away in Tyler Texas on March 2, 2019. She had lived in Dallas, TX and Little Rock, AK. Claire was a veteran of the US Army where she served as a nurse in 1944 and 1945. She began her career as Registered Nurse (RN) in 1943 and retired in 2003. She was a Red Cross volunteer for 15 years. She and her husband, Clayton “Red” Fowler, were married for 25 years prior to his passing away at the age of 50 in January, 1971. Clayton, a prominent Dallas attorney, served as the Chief Defense Counsel in the high profile case of Jack Ruby. Claire served as a faithful leader of Bible Study Fellowship for 15 years. Her hobbies included needlepoint and traveling overseas. She also served as an Ombudsman of a health care center. She has been a resident of Garden Estates in the past and was a valuable member of the community. Claire is preceded in death by her husband, Clayton “Red” Fowler and a daughter, Sharon. She is survived by her daughters, Debbie of Dallas and Mary of Tyler; son, Michael of Wimberley; 4 grandsons of Texas and Florida. A visitation will be held Wednesday, March 6, 2019 at Restland Funeral Home from 10:00 am – 10:45 am with graveside services to follow at 11:00 am at Restland Memorial Park. The family will be going to lunch following the services and anyone is welcome to join them. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to either the Baylor School of Nursing, Heart to Heart Pallative or a charity of your choice.

Rev. Bruce Weaver, BA ’44, passed away Feb. 18, 2019 in Carrollton, Texas at the of age 97. Bruce was born on a farm near Gatesville, TX, in Coryell County on September 4, 1921. He married Doris Patterson and together they embarked on a magnificent journey that lasted 67 years. He graduated from Gatesville High School, Baylor University, Perkins School of Theology at SMU, and received an honorary Doctor of Divinity Degree from Southwestern University, Georgetown, Texas. Rev Weaver began his ministry in the United Methodist Church in the 1940s and served churches in the Central Texas Conference including Hillsboro, Graham, Meadowbrook in Fort Worth and as Superintendent of the Waxahachie District. In 1970, he and Doris were transferred to the North Texas Conference where he served as pastor of Kessler Park in Dallas, First Methodist Wichita Falls, Spring Valley in Dallas and Superintendent of the Dallas-Denton District. He served as a volunteer for the United Methodist Committee on Relief from 1979 until 1991. He became the Interim Director of UMCOR in 1991 upon his retirement from the North Texas Conference. In 1992, he became the Director of the Russia Initiative of the Methodist church. This program assisted in re-establishing Methodism in the former Soviet Union. He worked in this position until he retired a second time in 2003 at age 82. Bruce is survived by his two sons; Bob and his wife Cindy, Keith and his wife Judy; three grandchildren Robin Adams and her husband Ernest, Bobby and his wife Joanna, Matt and his wife Diane; and eight great grandchildren. The family would like to express our deep appreciation for the care provided “Mr Bruce” by the staff of Sonoma House Assisted Living. The family would also like to express our appreciation to the staff of Silverado Hospice – Addison for the comfort provided in his final days.

Frances Dyer Boykin, BA ’45, died peacefully in her sleep in Merced, CA, March 28 at age 98. A memorial service for her will be held at Berkeley Avenue Baptist Church, 2813 North Berkeley Avenue, Turlock, at 10:00 am on Saturday, April 13,
Frances Dyer Boykin was born in Raleigh, North Carolina, in 1921 and moved around the South with her family as a child. She earned her bachelor's degree at Baylor University in Texas, where she met divinity student John D. Boykin. They were married in May 1943 and had three children. The family lived in Louisville, Kentucky, then moved to California in 1956. She worked as a secretary for the Southern Baptist Foundation in Fresno before getting her teaching credential at Fresno State. She taught elementary school in Fresno 1962-64, at Shaffer and Bellevue elementary schools in Atwater 1965-74, and later in Santa Barbara. She and Rev. Boykin lived in Fresno, Atwater, Santa Barbara, Turlock, and Merced. Rev. Boykin pastored churches in those cities as well as Snelling and Dos Palos. In retirement, Frances loved to cook, garden, read, collect commemorative plates, and serve on the Santa Barbara grand jury. She was the photographer of newborn babies at Emanuel Medical Center in Turlock for 12 years. Her family was especially proud that she overcame a lifelong fear of water to take a water aerobics class in Turlock. She doted on her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Frances is survived by her two sons, James Michael Boykin (Susan) of Merced and John Boykin (Laura) of Belmont; grandchildren Nicholas Boykin of Berkeley and Joe Wilkinson of Santa Fe, New Mexico; and great-granddaughters Mayzie and Ava Wilkinson of Santa Fe, New Mexico; and sister Dorothy Bullock of Athens, Texas. She was preceded in death by her husband; her daughter, Margaret Sharon Underwood; and brother, Julian Dyer.

Rosemary Turner Fowler, BA ’45, passed away March 17, 2019 in Houston, Texas. Born on August 14, 1924 to Rosemond and Leonard Turner in Henderson, Texas, she attended the Henderson Public Schools. She was a graduate and loyal supporter of Baylor University. She received her Master’s Degree from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. While at Baylor, Rosemary met her life long friend and mate, LeRay Fowler. They were married in First Baptist Church, Henderson on December 15, 1945. To this union two sons were born, David Mark Fowler and Stephen Douglas Fowler. Rosemary was a loving wife, a devoted Mother, Grandmother, and Great-grandmother; a supportive Pastor’s helpmate, and a dedicated elementary school teacher. She served beside her Pastor husband in six different churches, specializing in work with children, and was extremely devoted to him throughout his ministry. She and their two sons were great encouragers to her husband in his called work. She was a second grade teacher and reading specialist in the Houston Independent School District for fifteen years. The Fowlers were generous supporters of many Christian and Educational causes. They were concerned about church workers who had no retirement pensions, and worked with the Southern Baptist Annuity Board to raise millions for this cause. They were also interested in education and gave generously to Baylor University to help establish scholarships for needy students. She and her husband had a great curiosity about the peoples of the world and traveled extensively in retirement to meet new people and learn about the cultures of others. They traveled to seventy-six different foreign countries and to all seven continents. Her sons’ devotion to their families and their service to God’s church, as well as their success in the business world, was a source of great pride and joy to her. While at Baylor University, she was a member of Alpha Omega (Pi Beta Phi), the BSU Council, as well as honor societies: Sigma Tau Delta, Pi Gamma Mu, and Phi Gamma Nu. As an educator, she was a member of Delta Kappa Gamma. Rosemary is preceded in death by her husband of 70 years, LeRay, and is survived by her sons, Mark and wife Brenda of San Diego, CA; son Steve and wife Kathy of Houston, Texas; granddaughters Mandi Irwin and husband, Jared; Kelsey Lemke and husband Stephen; Dawn Bennett and husband Ed; and Kimber Ozols and husband Brian. She is also survived by ten great-grandchildren: Hunter Smith and wife Lauren; Cameron Smith, Malia Vargas; Branson, Bentley, Kaitlee, and Boston Ozols; Elly Lemke; and Raine and Gemma Irwin. She is also survived by five nieces and nephews. Memorial services will be at West University Baptist Church on Friday, March 22 at 1:00pm. Visitation is on Thursday, March 21 at 6-8 pm at Klein Funeral Home, 16131 Champion Forest Drive, Spring, TX 77379. For those desiring to do so, memorials may be made to West University Baptist Church, 6218 Auden, Houston, 77005, or to the LeRay and Rosemary Fowler Scholarship, Truett Seminary, Baylor University, Waco, TX 76798.

Dorothy “Dottie” Bullock, BA ’46, went to be with the Lord April 16, 2019, in Kemp, Texas.  Dottie was born September 8, 1923, to Julian M. Dyer Sr. and Gela Brandon Dyer in Searcy, Arkansas.  She graduated from Baylor University in Waco although her home was in Kentucky.  She received her B.A. degree in Education & English in 1946.  She met her husband, Ralph Bullock, her senior year as he returned from WWII from the Air Force.  She taught school in Boonville, Indiana for a year, returning to Waco, where she married Ralph at First Baptist Church, Waco.  They were blessed with two sons; Douglas Lynn Bullock and David Mark Bullock. She taught school in Beaumont, Dallas and Irving for a total of 32 years – mostly in first grade and then in second grade.  As a freshman in Baylor she also began teaching girl’s Sunday School classes and continued that tradition wherever they lived for a total of 45 years.  After retirement she also taught adult classes at FBC Kosse, Texas for many years. She was preceded in death by Ralph in 2007.  He was the love of her life.  They had 60 wonderful years together.  She was also preceded in death by her parents and brother, Julian Dyer, Jr and sister Frances Dyer Boykin. She is survived by sons Douglas Lynn Bullock of Alton, IL and David Mark Bullock and his wife Donna of Tool, TX.   She had two grandchildren; Matthew Bullock and Lauren Bullock Titsworth and her husband Samuel.  Also surviving are three nephews and two nieces. In lieu of flowers any memorials may be made to First Baptist Church Kosse, Texas.

Long time Austin resident, Dorothy Johnson Elliott, BA ’46, age 92, passed away peacefully on April 8th, 2019 at the family farm with her pecans trees coming into full bloom. She enjoyed time spent between her Austin residence and weekends at the farm in Fayette County. She was born July 30, 1926 in Georgetown, Texas to Martha (Morgan) and TH Johnson "Coach". She grew up in Taylor, Texas until attending and graduating from Baylor University in 1946. She was a member of the First Presbyterian Church of La Grange and regularly attended Covenant Presbyterian Church in Austin including fellowship in the Dorcas Circle. Dorothy loved to travel, whether overseas or in Texas, she equally enjoyed the beauty and wonder of each destination and road traveled. Some of her fondest memories include the "Pickle Years" when she worked for US Representative J.J. "Jake" Pickle. She enjoyed, yet excelled at helping Mr. Pickle's constituents at his Austin office for over 23 years. It was the camaraderie of the Pickle staff both in Austin and Washington DC that led to lifelong friendships for Dorothy. Since Dorothy was a young girl, she enjoyed creating scrapbooks of memorable events, family and vacations; her life is remarkably documented in her impressive collection of scrapbooks starting at the age of 14. Any who knew Dorothy, know that she never said an unkind word or had an unkind thought; it was not possible for her to see anyone as less than special or complain about a circumstance or situation. She is survived by her son Thomas Morgan Elliott and wife Julie of Plum, Texas. Grandchildren Brian McCown and wife Wanda of Amarillo; Robert Elliott and wife Michelle of Taylor; Catherine Anne Elliott of Plum; Randall Johnson Elliott and fiancé Chandler Purcell of Dallas. Great grandchildren include Madison McCown, Farrah Elliott and Morgan Elliott. Staying in touch with Taylor Duck alumni ("Once a Duck Always A Duck") was always special to Dorothy. She rekindled her relationship with Taylor High School sweetheart, Phil Pierce, in her later life. This reunion included Phil's extended family and brought over 10 years of special blessings and enjoyment. She is preceded in death by her daughter Barbara Elliott McCown; her loving husband of 57 years, David Neal Elliott; and her parents. The family appreciates the care and guidance of Brazos Valley Hospice and the special care and the love shown by Taylor and Lorena during Dorothy's final weeks. A graveside service will be 11:00 am on Saturday, April 13, 2019 at Oakwood Cemetery Annex in Austin. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to First Presbyterian Church of La Grange or Brazos Valley Hospice. 

Claire Collier Mann, BA ’46, age 94, of Houston went home to be with her Savior Jesus Christ on April 2, 2019. She was born on December 9, 1924 to Leigh Rodney Collier and Ernestine O’Bannon Collier in Homer, Louisiana. After graduating from Homer High School, Claire attended Baylor University where she received a B.A. degree in English with a minor in Math. While there she was selected as a Baylor Beauty and served as president of the Alpha Omega Club, which later became Pi Beta Phi. Claire married Hudson Bridgeman Mann, also of Homer, on September 3, 1947. The couple lived in Houma and Shreveport, Louisiana, and Longview, Texas, before moving to Houston in 1967. Claire devoted her life to raising her four children, caring for her husband, and managing the family’s home. She was always an active participant in her local church, Tallowood Baptist, where she taught children in Sunday School and international students in the T.E.L.L. ministry (ESOL). She also enjoyed participating in various social and civic organizations. Other interests included gardening, arts and crafts, tennis, traveling, square dancing and socializing with family and friends. Claire is survived by her sister, Margery Collier Ambrose, of Houston, and her four children and their spouses: Clarinda Richards (Fred) of San Antonio, Debra Coffman (Bob) of Sugar Land, Steven Mann (Claudia) of Montgomery, and Susan Smith (Byron) of Cincinnati. She is also survived by seven grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren. Claire was preceded in death by her parents, a great-granddaughter, Grace Catherine Mann, and most recently her beloved husband, Hudson, of 63 years. A family graveside service will be held in Homer, Louisiana. Her life will be celebrated at a memorial service on April 11, 2019, 11:00 AM in the Chapel of Tallowood Baptist Church, 555 Tallowood Drive, Houston, TX 77024.

Albert Harry Reed, BBA ’46, of Waco passed away Saturday, February 16, 2019. Services will be 10:00 a.m., Wednesday, February 20, 2019, at St. Paul's Episcopal Church, with Father Ray officiating. Visitation will be 6:00 to 8:00 p.m., Tuesday, February 19, 2019, at Wilkirson-Hatch-Bailey Funeral Home. Harry was born April 4, 1922, in Waco, Texas, to Albert and Blanche Reed. He went to school at La Vega and the old Waco High and then on to Baylor, where he obtained his MBA in 1946. He spent time in the armed forces during WWII as a pilot and instructor. He wore many hats. He served as president of the Central Texas Allied Floral Association while also serving as president of the Texas Floral Association in 1962. He also held many offices and honors with FTD. Harry was a member of Rotary International and he was in Waco Commandery No. 10, Knights Templar. He was a Shriner and a past president of the Heart of Texas Lions Club. He enjoyed spending time with family as well as traveling to many destinations around the world. He would speak of visiting England to visit his father's birth place, the Isle of Wight. Harry was preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his former wife, Suzy; daughters, Debbie Reed and Annetta McLaughlin and husband, James; and son, Albert "Snapper" Harry Reed, Jr. and wife, Terry. He is also survived by five grandchildren and one great grandchild; one sister, Dorothy Campbell, of Cleveland, Ohio; and one brother, James B. Reed and wife, Frances, of San Antonio, Texas. Memorials may be made to St. Paul's Episcopal Church, the Alzheimer's Association, or the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.

Margaret “Peggy” Nichols King, BA ’47, of Enid, Oklahoma, will be 5-7:00pm Saturday, April 6, 2019 in the Chapel of Henninger-Hinson Funeral Home. A private family graveside service will be held in Memorial Park Cemetery. Peggy passed away April 4, 2019, at the age of 93. She was born November 14, 1925 in Muskogee, Oklahoma. Peggy attended Central High School and Bacone Junior College in Muskogee, Oklahoma. She graduated from Baylor University, Waco, Texas in 1947. Peggy was married to Joseph E. King in 1952 where they lived in Muskogee briefly before moving to Okmulgee, Oklahoma. The family moved to Enid,  Oklahoma in 1966, where her husband worked for Central National Bank and Trust Company. While living in Enid, Peggy was an active member of the First Presbyterian Church, where she taught Sunday School and served in the Manna Program. She was also a member of PEO Chapter DB, serving in many leadership capacities. Her husband Joe, passed away April 15, 2011. She is survived by her four sons, Tom and wife, Patty; David and wife, Marilyn; Bill; and Jim and wife, Nancy; eight grandchildren; five great-granddaughters and two great-grandsons. She was preceded in death by her husband, Joe; father and mother, William and Margaret Hansell Nichols; brothers, Lt Col John C Nichols and William H. Nichols, and first cousin, Clark Hansell. The family would like to especially thank all the close friends, caregivers, and Central National Bank (now known as Stride Bank), and Trust Officer, Casey Felix that cared of her while she was living in her home in Enid. Peggy spent the last three years in the Heritage Villa Nursing Center in Bartlesville, Oklahoma. Memorial contributions may be given through the funeral home to the Manna Program, First Presbyterian Church, Enid, Oklahoma.

Rev. James H. Ritchey, BA ’48, of Evans, GA, age 93, loving husband of the late Anita Smith Ritchey, entered into Heaven Sunday, February 24, 2019, Rev. Ritchey was a native of Miami, TX, but lived in the Augusta area for many years. He was a 1948 graduate of Baylor University where he earned his Bachelor’s Degree. He went on to earn his Master of Divinity from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary in 1951. From 1951 until 1971, Rev. Ritchey was the pastor at various churches throughout the country including Louisiana, Alabama, Texas, and Georgia. In 1971, he began his ministry as Clinical Chaplain at Gracewood State School and Hospital until his retirement in 1991. During this time he also served as Interim pastor at Sweetwater Baptist Church, Thomson, GA, Dearing Baptist Church, Dearing, GA, Bayvale Baptist Church Augusta, GA, and twenty-three other churches in the CSRA. He also served on many occasions as Spiritual Director on the Walk to Emmaus. His favorite topic was Obstacles to Grace. Rev. Ritchey was a faithful servant of God and a man of his word. He enjoyed being with his family and was known for his quick-witted dry sense of humor. In addition to his wife Anita, Rev. Ritchey was predeceased by his parents, Edward and Lora Ritchey, daughter, Lora Ann Ritchey, and brother, Gene Ritchey. Family members include his daughter, Kay Ocasio (Hiram), son, David E. Ritchey (Carol), grandchildren, Jeanine Baxley (Gerald) and Breanne Jenkins (Neil), sister-in-law, Joyce Ritchey. The funeral service will be held Saturday, March 2, 2019 at 11:00 A.M. in the chapel of Thomas Poteet & Son with Rev. Oscar Whiteside, Jr. and Rev. Jarrod Adkins officiating. Burial will follow in Westover Memorial Park. Memorial contributions may be made to Living Water Full Gospel Church Building Fund, 1319 Community Park Rd, Augusta, GA 30909, or 1116 Church, 1116 Furys Ferry Rd, Evans, GA 30809, or to the American Cancer Society, 2607 Commons Blvd. Augusta, GA 30909.

Helen Burch, ’49, age 93, passed away peacefully on Monday, March 4, 2019, in Carrollton, Texas.  She was born on Monday, October 26, 1925, to her loving and thoughtful parents, Robert E. Stacks and Margaret B. Haygood in Gainesville, Texas. Ms. Helen Burch will be sincerely missed by her loving family, her devoted friends and all the wonderful individuals who knew and loved her. Visitation for Ms. Helen Burch will be held Thursday, March 7, 2019 from 6:00PM to 8:00PM at Restland Funeral Home. Her funeral service will be held Friday, March 8, 2019 at 3:00 PM in the Wildwood Chapel at Restland Funeral Home located at 13005 Greenville Ave., Dallas, Texas 75243. Funeral arrangements for Ms. Helen Burch have been faithfully entrusted to Restland Funeral Home and Cemetery, which is located at 13005 Greenville Ave., at the intersection of Restland Road, Dallas, Texas 75243, and can be reached at (972) 238-7111.

Robert Lee “Bob” Clayton Jr., BBA ’49, MA ’52, of Round Rock, TX, went home to be with the Lord on March 13, 2019, at the age of 93.  He is survived by his wife of almost 19 years, Betty Duff Clayton, of Round Rock.  He is also survived by his children Robert Lee Clayton, III and Barbie Clayton of Denison, TX, Lynn Clayton Clark and Bob Clark of Hickory Creek, TX, Scott and Joyce Shurley of Tuscaloosa, AL, and Max and Timi Shurley of Round Rock, TX.  He leaves grandchildren:  Brian and Tiffany Clark, Blake and Erin Clark, Trevor and Michelle Clayton, and Tracy and Megan Clayton, Amanda Shurley, Kristin Shurley, Matthew and Maudie Shurley, Jamie Shurley, Jason and Valerie Shurley, along with 18 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his first wife of 49 years, Martha Johnson Clayton, and by his parents, Robert Lee Clayton, Sr, and Lucy Imogene Berry Clayton. Bob was born and raised in Waco, TX.  Upon graduation from Waco High School, he enrolled at Texas A&M University as a member of the Corp of Cadets. With World War II raging, and facing the prospect of being drafted, Bob made the decision to leave A&M and join the Army Air Corps. Upon completion of his training, he was sent to Tinian Island in the South Pacific, where he served as a tail gunner on the B-29.  He landed on the island on August 5, 1945, the same day the Enola Gay left Tinian carrying the atomic bomb bound for Hiroshima. One month later, Bob flew over the USS Missouri in Tokyo Bay, and was at 1500 feet directly overhead as the Japanese Envoy signed the formal Surrender Document bringing World War II to a close. Bob finished his college degree at Baylor University. On Dec 23, 1947, he married Martha Frances Johnson of Memphis, TN.  They moved to San Antonio in 1955 where he became the Director of the San Antonio Easter Seal Society.  He later became the Fiscal Manager of the San Antonio Development Agency, and was instrumental in securing land for “HemisFair 68,” the 1968 World’s Fair, and the expansion of the San Antonio River Walk. Bob placed his faith and trust in Jesus as a young man, and served the Lord throughout his life.  His family will miss him greatly, but they are comforted in their loss, fully confident that they will one day be reunited with him. The family would like to thank the staff at Austin Hospice (especially his caregiver Rebecca), Falcon Ridge Nursing Home in Hutto, along with the staff and all of his friends at Provident Crossings Retirement Community in Round Rock.  In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in his name be made to Austin Hospice or the charity of your choice. The family will celebrate Bob’s life with a private graveside service in Waco, TX, on Saturday, March 16.

Thursday, March 21, 2019, Bryant Wesley “Wes” Ferrell, JD ’49, died at 8:40 in the morning. Wes was born August 18, 1921, as the third son of Bryant Earl and Mary Lona Ferrell in Linden, Texas, where he went to school, and afterward attended the College of Marshall. After graduating in 1941, he attended Sam Houston State Teachers College in 1941. In 1942, he joined the Marine Corps on inactive status. He graduated from Sam Houston in 1943 and reported to Marine Corps. He attended officer's school, where he graduated in the spring of 1944 and was sent to the Pacific. He landed in Iwo Jima on D Day. He was wounded and evacuated February 22, 1945. After the war ended, Wes continued on active duty until March 5, 1946. He entered Baylor Law School in the fall of 1946, graduating with an LLB in 1949. Wes went into FBI training in 1950 in Washington, D.C. In the FBI, he met his wife of over 50 years, Martha Cole, and they were married on Christmas Day. They moved back to Texas, where Wes joined Vincent, his brother, in Linden practicing law, and later, he joined Hunt Oil Company as an Oil and Gas lawyer. Wes and Martha had Joanna in October of that year. John made his appearance in 1954, followed 11 months later by Tom. Their final child, Pamela, was born in July, 1956. He retired in 1988 as Associate General Counsel. Wes was an active and loving member of the church body and embraced the Gospel as practice in his everyday life. He took joy in all of his children and was excited to see his grandchildren and to survive long enough to see his three great grandchildren. Wes is preceded in death by his parents and brothers, and his children, John and Pamela. Wes is survived and missed by his loving wife, Martha, and his two living children, Joanna and Tom. He leaves behind a legacy of love in his children, children in law, eight grandchildren, and three precious baby great grandchildren. He hopes all who remember him will continue to carry on his urge to love, to help those around them, and to seek to spread hope to the world. A memorial service will be held at 1PM on Friday, March 29, 2019, at First Christian Church, 115 S. Glenbrook Dr., Garland TX 75040, with Rev. Dr. Dan Jones officiating. Graveside services will be at 2PM on Saturday at New Colony Cemetery in New Colony, TX. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the roof fund for the First Christian Church of Garland, TX.

James “Jim” Hugh Marrs, BBA ’49, of Houston died December 13, 2018. Born February 26, 1926 to Mary Catherine and James King Marrs in Galveston, Texas, Jim took relationships seriously. Always the first to remember an interesting historical fact or the topic of conversation during his last encounter with a friend or acquaintance (thanks to a trusty notepad), Jim brought life to ANY room. He would have celebrated his 93rd birthday on February 26. A World War II vet, Jim joined the Navy and served his country in the Pacific. The experience would serve him well and feed his love of history to follow. After returning from WWII, he enrolled in Baylor University, where he met Margie Scholl Marrs (a woman who would become his wife of 59 years and sadly predeceased him by almost 13 years). Upon graduating Baylor University (Class of ’49), he moved back to Houston with his wife and newborn daughter Nancy Jean Harn. He joined his father’s insurance agency, Marrs Insurance Agency, and happily spent his entire professional career in its success and expansion. He also welcomed another daughter, Mary Catherine “Mary Kay”. Passionate about both South Main and Baylor University, Jim and Margie were very active in giving back. Beginning in 1949, Jim and Margie served for 40 years in both the youth and young married adult ministries. Jim, a deacon of South Main, saw four marriages (that of his daughters and even a couple grandchildren) performed there.
Avid Baylor supporters and fans, the Marrs family is honored as a Baylor “First Family” and boasts five generations of Baylor graduates (an honor of which Jim was very proud).
Jim was preceded in death by his wife Margie Marrs, brother Robert “Bobby” Marrs and daughter Mary Catherine Althof. He is survived by his sister Ann Barlow, his daughter Nancy Jean Marrs Harn; sons-in-law Larry Harn and Daylon Althof; grandchildren Honey Harn Lynch, Angela Althof Talbert, Hayden Harn, Laura Althof Dragics and Kyle Althof; and 9 great-grandchildren.

Jimmie Peyton McKain, BA ’49, age 89, of Wilmore, Kentucky, formerly of Ashland, passed away Saturday, February 23, 2019, in St. Joseph’s Hospital in Lexington, Kentucky. She was born September 3, 1929, in Dallas, Texas, a daughter of the late James H. and Ella Dee Thompson Peyton. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her loving husband of 60 years, Thomas Jefferson McKain on May 18, 2012. Jimmie was a proud graduate of Baylor University. She and her husband, Tom enjoyed extensive travels throughout the United States and abroad. She especially enjoyed their time spent in Europe. Jimmie was a member of Wilmore First United Methodist Church in Wilmore, and a former member of First United Methodist Church in Ashland where she had previously been the church secretary. She served on the Good News Board for six years. She was a member of United Methodist RENEW Board; United Methodist Women; Chancel Choir and Chaired the Mission’s Commission. Funeral services will be held 11 a.m. Wednesday, February 27, 2019 at Steen Funeral Home Central Avenue Chapel with Rev. John Street officiating. Burial will follow in Rose Hill Burial Park.