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CARMELA A. LEONARD, age 56, of Whitehall, Pennsylvania passed away on Tuesday, March 19,2024 in Leigh High Valley Hospital - Muhlenberg, in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. Carmela was born on August 17,1967 in Houston, Texas to Mr. Fred and Willie Taylor Leonard. She was the last born child to this union. CARMELA attended the public schools in the Houston Independent District. She graduated from Booker T. Washington High School for Engineering Professions in 1985. Carmela received an undergraduate degree in Electrical Engineering from the University of Texas Austin and received a Master’s degree from North Carolina State A & T State University in Greensboro, North Carolina. She worked at Texas Instruments in Houston, Texas and Lucent Technologies in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania before beginning her 20 year career in the IT Department at Northampton Community College in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. CARMELA was an active member of Calvary Baptist Church in Allentown, Pennsylvania. She thoroughly loved her work and she also enjoyed gardening in her spare time. She always looked forward to returning to Houston to spend lots of time which always meant that she would be home for her birthday every August, during the Christmas Holidays, and sometimes in between. SHE was how one typically describes an engineer (someone who absolutely must have details about everything). This not only was in reference to her work life but her family and friends' lives and the lives of their loved ones as well. SHE leaves to cherish her memory her mother, Willie; brother, Darryl Leonard, and nephew Dante Leonard, all of Houston, Texas; uncles, Norvelle Leonard, Sr., and Larry D. Leonard (Johnie); aunts, Kattie Hatcher, Ida Oliver (Charles), Shirley Leonard, Hazel Holman (Ponell), Ruby Nickson (Eddie), and Bertha Warfield; special friends, James M. Lake, Jr.(Fountain Hill, Pennsylvania), and Comfort Fordjour (Nazareth, Pennsylvania); many cousins and many beloved friends. CARMELA was preceded in death by her father, Fred C. Leonard; sister, Patricia A. Leonard; maternal grandparents, Robert L. and Stacie Taylor; paternal grandparents, Larry and Cleo Leonard; uncles, Robert Taylor, Rose Eddie Leonard, Sr.; and aunt, Addie Taylor. Visitation Friday, March 29, 2024 10:00 AM Cloverland Church of Christ Houston, TX. Funeral Service Friday, March 29, 2024 11:00 AM Cloverland Church of Christ Houston, TX. Interment Houston Memorial Gardens Cemetery Houston, TX

Mrs. Judy Thomas, 70 years old, was the ninth child born to Mr. Albert Lee Mosley Sr. and Mae Lee Walker Mosley on January 3, 1954, in Grapeland Texas. In 1955 she and family moved to Elkhart Texas where she grew up and received her formal education. She graduated from Elkhart High School in 1972. She had a job before she finished high school, and worked until her health began to fail. She furthered her education, when she received her Bachelor of Science degree from Southwestern Assemblies of God University, Waxahachie Texas. She was also a Realtor, and an Insurance Agent. Judy accepted Christ at an early age. She married the love of her life, Bobby Thomas, on September the 6th, 1974. She then united with The Coming of Christ Church in Dallas Texas. Sis. Judy worked faithfully in the church. She was a devoted choir member, usher, and Sunday school teacher. dependable member of the daughters of Zion. She later became a member of House of Prayer, under Pastor Jerome Simpson. Judy made sure her house was in order, then she made her peacefully transition at home with her family at her bedside, which was her request. She was preceded in death by: mother, Mae Lee Walker Mosley; father Albert Lee Mosley Sr. mother and father-in-law: Bro. Aiver (Lucille) Thomas; sisters: Clara Mosley, Doris Richards, Daisy Coleman, and Ruthie Williams: brothers; Crawford Mosley, J.R. Mosley, Lonnell Mosley, Larry Mosley, Dennis Mosley, and Lee Authur Mosley. One sister-in-law: Cynthia Thomas. Leaving behind to cherish her memories, is her beloved husband of forty-nine plus years Mr. Bobby Joe Thomas. One precious daughter Tonya Thomas, one devoted grandson: Ja Quincy Thomas, and a sweet granddaughter, Jenesis Thomas: sisters; Owina (Billy) Johnson, Oakwood Texas, Joyce Mosley and Dorothy Clewis (Willie) Palestine Texas, and Mary Robinson, Elkhart Texas. Three brothers: Albert Lee (Queen) Mosley, Tyler Texas; Wilbert Mosley and Charles Mosley of Crockett Texas. One Aunt Edwiner Butler, Elkhart Texas. Two sister-in laws; Clarine Whitfield, Doris Jo Thomas, of Italy Texas: Two very special cousins: Kathy Scott of Bremond Texas and Patricia Taylor of Dallas Texas. A special friend Ms. Connie McDavid of Italy Texas; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Visitation Saturday, March 9, 2024 10:00 AM Rising Star Baptist Church Grapeland, TX. Funeral Service Saturday, March 9, 2024 11:00 AM Rising Star Baptist Church Grapeland, TX. Interment Golden Gate Cemetery Grapeland, TX

Sammie Davis Senior was born in Grapeland, Texas Hospital on October 19th, 1946 to Jessie and Alene Davis. He attended W.R. Banks School. Then he moved to Houston and worked for the city back in 1969. In about six years he moved to Lufkin, Texas. There he worked for Lufkin Industries for 17 years plus where he retired. Sammie accepted Christ at an early age. He loved God, always giving Him the best of his Service. He visited Union Hill Baptist Church in Alto, Texas and Grace Tabernacle Church in Lufkin, Texas. On January 29th, 2024, in the home of his daughter Mary Ann (Missy) in the care of Harbor Hospice, he fell asleep to be with Jesus. He is preceded in death by his father, Jessie Davis; his mother, Alene Davis; sisters, Willie Pearl Davis and Eva Jean Davis; his son Sammie Davis Jr.; step daughter, Celeste; granddaughter, Brandi; and two great grandbabies, De’Myir and LaDarrius. Left to continue his legacy are his daughters, Roshawn (Charles Houston) Davis, Mary A. Swindell of Lufkin, Texas; wife, Annie Harmon Davis; his stepsons, Matthew, Eddie, Michael, Jimmy, and Regan of Milwaukee, Wisconsin; step daughters, Melinda and Carol of Milwaukee, Wisconsin; brothers, Herbert D. Davis of Fort Worth, Texas, Joe D. Davis of Palestine, Texas, and Jimmie R. Davis of Grapeland, Texas; sisters, Margie Walker of Dallas, Texas, Flora Davis, Patricia Davis, and Jessie Lee Davis of Grapeland, Texas; grandchildren, Desmond, Alexis, Jalisa, Darren, Darrion, DaQuon, Brittany, Brianna, Jordan, Ja’Darrius (Le’Daja), Randerika, Randaisia and great-grandchildren, Cullen, Carmine, Chaston, Amariya, Brinley, DeMarius. Visitation Friday, February 9, 2024 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM Walker & Walker Funeral Service Saturday, February 10, 2024 12:00 PM Rising Star Baptist Church Grapeland, TX. Interment Golden Gate Cemetery Grapeland, TX

Ruby Lee Butler was born August 4, 1947, to the parentage of the late W.B. Butler and Ellen Jane Green in Weldon, Texas.   She was the seventh of twelve children.  She was affectionately called “Penny”.  She attended W.R. Banks School in Grapeland, Texas, and obtained various work opportunities as a young woman.   She met Mr. Walter Kent, Jr. while he was working for the railroad system.   They married and no children were born to this union.  She was a devoted wife of fifty (50) years.    Walter Kent became the Pastor of Corinth Evangelistic Pentecostal Church, where Ruby was First Lady, a licensed and ordained missionary in the S.D. James Evangelistic Association, Inc. and it’s Evangelistic Pentecostal Churches World-Wide, Inc. She was a Daughter of Zion, a Mother, and she also served as Secretary for the S.D. James International Women’s Auxiliary (IWAC); and she was a member of the Women in White (WIW).   She was gifted in singing, seamstressing, cooking, baking, and she was also a clever businesswoman.     As a missionary she traveled and preached in many cities, states and also to the Islands of the Seas, teaching women how to “can and preserve” foods.   Mother Ruby Kent, as she was also known, showed great hospitality to Evangelists who traveled to the area to preach.     Mother Ruby Kent was known and loved by many and will be greatly missed.   Mother Ruby Kent is preceded in death by both parents, W.B. and Ellen Butler, her husband, Pastor Walter Kent, Jr., daughter, Delores Marie Butler, grandson, Isaiah Thomas Hickman, brothers, Freddie C. Butler, John “Sonny Boy” Butler, James “Peter” Butler and Willie Lee Butler; sisters, Betty Rose Dancer, Bertha Mae Hadnot, Elaine Butler, Rosie Lena “Pookie” Jones and Ethel Jewel Coleman.   Left to continue her legacy are her sons, Terris Wayne Butler (Pamela) Pearland, TX, Frederick Dewayne Butler, Grapeland, TX, Russell Coleman, Dallas, TX; daughter Cynthia Butler, Grapeland, TX; brother, Jimmy Lee Butler (Regina), Grand Prairie, TX; sister, Margie Butler, Crockett, TX; thirteen (13) grandchildren, eighteen (18) great-grandchildren; and a host of nephews, nieces, relatives and friends.   Visitation Friday, February 2, 2024 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM Walker & Walker Funeral Service Saturday, February 3, 2024 10:00 AM Rising Star Baptist Church Grapeland, TX. Interment Golden Gate Cemetery Grapeland, TX

On June 29, 1970, in Grapeland, TX Edward Black, Jr, and Ruth Ellen Coleman-Taylor became the proud parents of their only "baby girl," whom they named Virginia Ruth Black. She was the last of four. Virginia attended and received her education in Grapeland, attending Grapeland High School. Virginia accepted Christ at early age and united with St. John Baptist Church. On January 30, 1989, she became a proud mom of her first-born daughter, Adreous Deshaune Black. Her second-born daughter arrived on April 6, 1990, Denesha Se'mone Black. Lastly, her only baby boy arrived on November 12, 1992, Octavius Jermaine Black. One thing we can all agree on was that she had no understanding when it came to her grandkids. She loved them as much as she loved her own, if not more. If there was a football game or basketball game she was going to be there supporting her grands!  On January 24, 2024, in the comfort of her home, God called his faithful servant to her final resting place - in his arms.  She is preceded in death by Charlie C. and Edward Black, Sr., Ruth Ellen and Edward Black Jr., Tony Taylor, Sr.; aunts, Velma Walker, Francis Potts, Linda Taylor, Carolyn Taylor-Turner, Sally Caldwell. Uncles, Frank Taylor, Henry Ross, DeWitt Black, L. D Black. Left to continue her legacy is her son, Octavius Jermaine Black of Palestine, TX; daughters, Adreous (Javon) Blackshire and Denesha Se’mone Black of Palestine, TX; brothers, Ray Black, Sr., of Jacksonville, TX, and Mitchell Black of Palestine TX; bonus mom, Robin Gale Black; aunts, Rosie Black, Donna, Robinson, Rebecca Hines, Aneace Houston, Nancy Cleveland, Patricia Tillis, Doris Hamilton, Ruby Lewis, and Etta Lewis; uncle, Jobbie (Tobbie) Taylor; and grandkids, I’trayvious Black "Doo-Bug" Khailynn Black "Boonk" Za'Kyriah Black "Kyri," and Javarious Blackshire "Toot-Toot”. Visitation Friday, February 2, 2024 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM Walker & Walker Funeral Service Saturday, February 3, 2024 2:00 PM Rising Star Baptist Church Grapeland, TX. Interment Golden Gate Cemetery Grapeland, TX

Ewar was born on July 24, 1945 to Ewar  and Willie May Nelson.  He was a Carpenter by trade. Ewar was a self taught Artist and Sculptor. He is preceded in death by his parents and brothers , Don and Johnnie. He is survived by his daughters. Cowana Stewart, Regina Nelson and Ewana Nelson Glass (DeMarcus),brother, Joe Nelson,  10 grandchildren, 19 great-grandchildren and other relatives.

Tashala was a loving mother who tried to do the best for her two boys when she was here on earth. She didn’t miss a football game nor their soccer games. Shala enjoyed the special times she shared with her younger brothers Terrance and Tavis who helped her with her boys while her health was declining. Her hand was blessed because she could cook up some good food. Shala loved to cook just like her late mother Gale Walker. She loved to have her family around to laugh and joke while watching her Dallas Cowboys. Shala never let her sickness weigh her down and always kept a smile on her face through it all. Shala also loved going to church and raised her boys in church. Shala enjoyed spending time with her two best friends, Demetria Murphy (MeMe) and Marie Johnson. Shala loved her phone calls with her special cousins Jasmin Walker anal Krystal Dodd. She is preceded in death by Gus L. Walker, Rosetta Davis Walker, Gale Walker, Dorothy Spearman, Claude Miller, and Steve Hollands. Left to continue her legacy are her sons, Amarion Clewis and Devin Robbins, Jr. of Lufkin, Texas; brothers, Terrance and Tavis Jackson of Lufkin, Texas, Derrick Tryon of Crockett, Texas, Tyreal and Tyrese Jackson of Trinity, Texas; sisters, Amber Bennett of Crockett, Texas, Alea Goodson of Trinity, Texas, and Tywainia Mitchell; father, Joe Jackson (Andrea Goodson); aunts, Brenda Walker, Rose Davis, Stephanie Walker(Kent Walker), Regina Johnson, Louis Lewis, Bridget McDaniel, Joyce, Mona Frida Jackson, Claudia Spearman, and Willie M. Jackson; uncles, Otis Walker, Charles(Tashaun) Hart, Travis (Angela) Hart, Paul (Neeky), Jerome Spearman, Steve Spearman, Claude Rogers, Eddie L. Walker, Wibert Walker, and Charles Walker; and special friend, Devin Robbin, Sr. Visitation Friday, January 26, 2024 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM Walker & Walker Funeral Service Saturday, January 27, 2024 11:00 AM Rising Star Baptist Church Grapeland, TX. Interment Golden Gate Cemetery Grapeland, TX

Essie Wayne Taylor was the first born child to Zimeriah Taylor and Faustine Daniel. He came into this world on April 7th, 1948 in Crockett, TX. Essie accepted Christ in an early age and united with New Salem Baptist Church. He attended W. R. Banks High School and graduated class of 1966 from Latexo ISD. Soon after that he continued his Studies in Prairie View A&M University where he earned a degree in Agricultural Economics and Business Law. Wayne moved to Chicago, Illinois and united with Mt. Bethlehem Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of Pastor Larry Branch. He would frequently come back home and visit his family. New Salem Baptist Church became his away from home church during his visits. Wayne was passionate about sports and liked jogging. He loved people. He was a social and an outgoing person. Most of all Wayne liked spending time with his family, especially his grandkids.   He was preceded in death by his parents, Zimeriah Taylor and Faustine Daniel; son, Stephen Taylor; sisters, Shieley Taylor and Wilma Page; brothers Bennie Taylor and Edward Taylor.   Left to cherish his memory, his son, Gale (Tanisha) Taylor of Buckeye, AZ; daughters, Michele (Gregory) Carter of Houston, TX, and Sharonda Murphy of Houston, TX; brothers, Eugene (Shirie) Taylor of Grapeland, TX, Charles Taylor of Grapeland, TX, Stanley Taylor of Grapeland, TX, Curtis Taylor of Crockett, TX; sisters, Linda Taylor of Crockett, TX, Wanda Burney of Crockett, TX, Delcina Grove of Crockett, TX, Sandra Taylor of Latexo, TX, and Nadine (John) Lomax of Grapeland, TX; grandkids, Jabril of Buckeye, AZ, Jhanea of Buckeye, AZ, Zakia of Buckeye, AZ, Zachary of Buckeye, AZ, Maliyah of Houston, TX; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends. Visitation Friday, January 5, 2024 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM Walker & Walker Funeral Service Saturday, January 6, 2024 12:00 PM Rising Star Baptist Church Grapeland, TX. Interment New Salem Cemetery Grapeland, TX

Ashley was born on October 24, 1990 in Crockett, Texas to Dan and Kathy Simpson. She was the fifth out of six children. Ashley was raised in Tadmor. She attended Kennard Independent School District, and graduated in 2010 from Belford High School. Ashley has accepted Christ at an early age. She passed away on December 14, 2023 in Houston, Texas. Ashley was preceded in death by brother, Klimey Sanders Jr, grandfather, James Elbert Simpson, grandmother, Jonnie Mae Simpson, grandfather, McKinley McCullough, great grandfather, Homer Davis, great grandmother, Lou Erma Clemons, and uncle McKinley Davis. Living survivors, her son, Kylen Zackery Mitchell; parents, Kathy Marie Davis Simpson, and Dan Elbert Simpson; sisters, Lakeshia Davis and Letha Davis; brothers, Cory Davis, Dan Davis, and Jamarcus Simpson; grandmother, Thelma Davis Rodgers; aunts, Alretha Davis Kitchen, Amy Davis Ryan, Leslie Davis, Genell Smotherman, Gloria Reagans; uncles Reginald Davis, Darrell Davis, Cedric Simpson, Michael Simpson, Lorenzo Simpson, James Simpson, Kenneth McCullough, Steven McCullough; aunt, Sandra McCullough; and a host of nephews and nieces. Visitation Saturday, December 23rd, 2023 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm Simpson Chapel Baptist Church 23488 FM 227, Tadmor, TX 75847 Funeral Service Saturday, December 23rd, 2023 1:00 pm Simpson Chapel Baptist Church Interment Pennington Cemetery Pennington, TX

Reginald Keith was born in Houston, Texas at Hermann Hospital. He was the fourth of seven children born to Arnold B. and Velma Wilmore. He graduated from Sam Houston High School in 1980 and shortly after joined the United States Army. He was preceded in death by brother, Arnold B. Wilmore, Jr.; and father, Arnold B. Wilmore, Sr. Left to cherish his memories mother, Velma J. Wilmore of Houston, Texas; wife, Kirrison Wilmore; daughters, Anyhia Duncan of Livingston, Texas, Domenique Becker of Frankfurt, Germany, Marsha (Marcel) Daupert of Bad Emstal, Germany, Brylynn (Joseph) Valdez of Houston, Texas, and Savannah Wilmore of Pearland, Texas; son, Omorian Duncan of Livingston, Texas; brothers, George Wilmore of Houston, Texas and James (Theresa) Wilmore of Spring, Texas; sisters, Aggie (Clarence) Reed, Sharon Wilmore, Kimberly (Jules) Itong, and Dia Hamilton of Houston, Texas, and Montinea Walker of Spring, Texas; granddaughters, Katara Clarence of Houston, Texas and Cataleya Rose Daupert of Bad Emstal, Germany; grandson, Phil-Lio Daupert of Bad Emstal, Germany; aunts, Isabella(George) Walker of Houston, Texas; special aunt and uncle, Erma and Harold Stell of Grapeland, Texas; mother-in-law, Rosetta Nickson (Eldridge Nickson) of Livingston, Texas; sisters-in-law, Rebecca (Terrie) Jackson of Houston, Texas, Rozetta (Perry) Brown of Conroe, Texas; brothers-in-law, Garfield Perkins and Brent Perkins of Livingston, Texas; and a host of nephews and nieces. Visitation Saturday, December 9th, 2023 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm Lorena Schoultz Auditorium 116 W. Myrtle St Grapeland, TX 75844 Funeral Service Saturday, December 9th, 2023 1:00 pm Lorena Schoultz Auditorium Interment Campbell Family Cemetery Grapeland, TX

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the peaceful transition of our beloved George Edward Wilmore from Earth to Glory on November 18, 2023. Surrounded by his loving family, George passed away at Memorial Hermann Sugarland Hospital, leaving behind cherished memories that will forever be etched in our hearts. George Edward Wilmore was born on April 27, 1944, to the proud parents Henry Grady Wilmore and Ocie Mae Wilmore. His presence brought immense joy and beauty to the world, and his memory will continue to inspire all those whose lives he touched. George received his education at Ralph J. Bunche High School, located in Crockett, Texas. He worked at Overnight Transportation Company for 20 years, showcasing his unparalleled work ethic and dedication. George was also a dedicated member and Deacon at Missouri City Baptist church for over 20 years. In 1993, George encountered the love of his life, Hallie Murphy, and their beautiful journey together began. They exchanged vows and were joined in matrimony in 1996, embarking on a remarkable life filled with love and fulfillment. George embraced the role of a devoted father, providing unwavering love, care and support to Hallie's four children. George possessed a deep passion for building and gardening. He was not only a loving individual but, always striving to follow the path of God's own heart. George's unwavering compassion for others was evident as he consistently placed their well-being above his own. He served as a guiding light, imparting valuable lessons of strength, hard work, and the importance of living life to its fullest. George Edward Wilmore will be deeply missed by all who knew him. His kindness, wisdom, and genuine love for others will forever remain in our hearts. He is preceded in death by both parents, Henry Grady Wilmore and Ocie Mae Wilmore, and eight (8) siblings. Left to continue his legacy is his loving wife of 27 years, Hallie Murphy Wilmore, his sons, Lester Leonard, Brian (Andrea) Leonard, and George Wilmore, Jr., all of Houston, Texas; daughters, Bianica (Richie) Swain, Latasha Leonard, and Sheree Wilmore, all of Houston, Texas; brother, Joe Wilmore, Houston, Texas; seventeen (17) grandchildren: special grandchildren, Dannon Waller, DeAngelo Hall, and Charnabria Leonard; twenty-four great-grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Visitation Saturday, November 25th, 2023 10:00 am – 11:00 am Missouri City Baptist Church 16816 Quail Park Dr, Missouri City, TX 77489 Funeral Service Saturday, November 25th, 2023 11:00 am Missouri City Baptist Church Interment Hall Cemetery Crockett, TX

Jim Earl Anderson, Sr. was born November 14, 1945 to Katherine and Earl Anderson. He was brought up in the church and had a passion for singing and joined the choir. Growing up Jim attended Ralph Bunche School in Crockett, Texas. Soon-after he found the love of his life. Then shortly afterwards married Bettie Jackson-Anderson and would go on to have five kids. Jim was a long time employee for the City of Crockett Public Works, where he retired. Jim spent the rest of his life helping anyone he could and planting gardens until the Lord called him home. Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Earl and Katherine Anderson; daughter, Barbara Anderson; sisters, Earlyrine Carter and Betty Cross; brother, Walter Anderson and Sylvester Anderson. Left to continue to cherish his memories: his wife, Bettie Jackson-Anderson; son, Jim Anderson, Jr.; daughters, Jacqueline Anderson, Sandra Harris, and Pamela Anderson; grandchildren, Christopher Anderson, Michael and Gabrielle Collins, Brianna Anderson, Carlos Anderson, Isiah Majett, Shannon Harris, Jr., Kaelon Anderson, Jay Anderson, Nevaeh Anderson, Jim Anderson III, Paisley Anderson, J ordin White, and Jadin James ; and seven great-grand-grandchildren. Visitation Saturday, November 18th, 2023 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM Good Shepherd Fellowship 401 S 7th St. Crockett, TX 75835
Funeral Service Saturday, November 18th, 2023 11:00 AM Good Shepherd Fellowship 401 S 7th St. Crockett, TX 75835
Interment Rockland Cemetery Crockett, TX