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Jannie Lee Walker was born Saturday, July 6, 1929, in Grapeland, Texas. She was one of sixteen children born to Bailey Walker Sr. and Alice Lucindy Walker. She transcended this life while in a peaceful slumber on Wednesday May 24, 2023, at the age of 93. She was preceded in death by her father, Bailey Walker Sr., her mother, Alice Lucindy Walker, her husband, Eddie Williby, her sisters, Gertrude Simpson, Lucindy Walker, Vera Taylor, Glinda Walker, and Janet Walker, and her brothers, Sylvester Walker, James Walker, Lorenzo Walker, Bailey Walker Jr., A.B. Walker, Sr., Spencer Walker, and twin angels that were named in Heaven. She is survived by her daughter, Meisha Ellis (Texas City, TX), her grandchildren, W Mitchell Grogan-Walker (Houston, TX), Camryn Jones (Texas City, TX) and Tieraney Ellis (Texas City, TX), her sisters, Stella Walker (Grapeland, TX) and Elwanda Taylor (Lufkin, TX), her bonus daughter, Latosha Blake (Lufkin, TX) and an extensive host of nieces, nephews, and cousins from various cities and states. In her early years, Jannie could be found looking after and caring for her siblings, and assisting her mother with household chores. During this period, she acquired an uncontended talent for cooking. Anyone who has ever had the pleasure of sampling any of her dishes would testify that her food was the most flavorful and delicious food they had ever tasted. This would come to be one of the most notable things she was known for. As a young adult, she decided to pack her belongings and relocate to Galveston, Texas, where she had obtained employment from her aunt, Eliza Jane Guster, who had come to own her own establishment. There, Jannie would learn the ins and outs of running a business and would later open her own. “Jannie’s Place”. From parties to tournaments and live music, you could always find a packed house. It was a place you could go to find laughter and great music. The patrons came so regularly, they became family. Jannie’s Place served people for over fifteen years before it closed its doors for good. Jannie not only possessed business savvy, she was also a breath-takingly, stunning woman, who’s beauty commanded the attention of every eye in any room she walked into. She knew it too! She may have been born two days “after” Independence Day, but she was a firecracker. She was sassy and no-nonsense and was always sure to step out dressed to the nines. Many men were consistently vying for her attention, but only one stole her heart...A young musician who went by the stage name “Little Eddie”. They were friends for the longest time before they eventually fell in love. She then became Mrs. Eddie Williby. Together, they raised a daughter who bore them three beautiful grandchildren. Jannie has been a wonderful daughter, sister, aunt, wife, mother, grandmother, and friend, who truly loved everyone. To have known her was to love her. She could be hard as nails in one breath and soft as a baby’s bottom in the next. Although she sometimes wore a tough exterior, she would cry at the drop of a hat due to her overwhelming sensitivity and her desperate need for you to know just how much she loved you. She was the most free-hearted person you will ever meet. If you were ever hungry, she’d feed you. If you needed a place to rest, she’d shelter you. If you needed something and she didn’t have it, she’d find a way to get it. She’s never met a stranger and all friends became family. She touched the hearts and lives of many, both near and far. She was truly one of a kind and the void left by her absence is now a sharp pain that may someday lessen to a dull ache but will always be felt. We must always remember...Though we love her immensely, GOD loves her best! Public Viewing Friday, June 2, 2023 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm Walker & Walker Service Saturday, June 3, 2023 1:00 pm Mt. Zion Baptist Church 12202 Old 229, Grapeland, TX 75844 Interment Mt. Zion Cemetery Grapeland, TX

On 21 February 1943 in Grapeland Texas, Albert Govan Shepherd and Elsie (Wallace) Shepherd became the proud parents of a baby boy whom they named Homer Earl. He was the sixth of nine children. Affectionally called Pa, Homer accepted Christ at an early age and joined the Greater New Hope Baptist Church, in Grapeland, Texas. Pa attended W. R. Banks High School where he participated on the football team and the basketball team. (He got better every ten years) After graduation he moved to Dallas and joined the workforce as a laborer and later became a warehouse manager before retirement. He married Evelyn Wheeler on 18 July 1975. Homer departed his earthly body on Thursday 27 April 2023. He is proceeded in death by his parents Albert and Elsie Shepherd; sister Doris Faye Shepherd; brother James Wadell Shepherd, sister Billye Ann Crockett, and sister Doris Maxine Gowans. Homer leaves behind to mourn him, his loving wife Mrs. Evelyn Shepherd, son Barron Earl Shepherd (Carolyn) son Homer Earl Shepherd Jr., son Keith Roshun Davis (Angela) daughter Reva Yvonne McGibboney (Earl) daughter Shirley Rochelle Davis, daughter Terri Lynn Brice (Rickey) sixteen grandchildren, seventeen great grandchildren, Brother Milton Shepherd, Sister Hazel Lafall, Brother Roy Shepherd (Betty) and Brother Morris Shepherd (Rosella) , and a named dog Fefe. Visitation Friday, May 5, 2023 1:00 PM – 5:00PM Walker & Walker Service Saturday, May 6 2023 11:00 am Greater New Hope Baptist Church 10877 Farm Road 227 W. Grapeland TX 75844 Interment Shepherd Cemetery Grapeland, TX

Latonia Faulk was born in Palestine TX on May 19, 1979. She went to school and graduated from Latexo High School, where she was a cheerleader and a great basketball player. From there, she began to explore life. Tonia was a risk taker. She always wanted to do new things. She worked at TDC for some years. Latonia had her first child on July 26, 2000, daughter Desire White. Then she became a business owner (clothing store etc.) in Crockett, TX. She loved to make people smile. She was always the life of the party. Tonia was actually a little comedian at times. Very spunky and didn’t mind telling you about yourself. After being bored and wanting a change of scenery, she moved to Houston, TX in 2003. Her sister Demetrice was so happy another sibling had come to live in the city with her. They were Ying and Yang. Tonia had so many talents. She went to school to become a medical assistant and received her certificate. She tried it but realized it wasn’t for her. Tonia like to be the boss. She went on to own another business in Houston. TX a game room. She also ran a party bus at some point. After having her second child, Kacy Reed Jr., her life began to take a turn. Even going through some trying times with her daughter when she got sick with a brain disorder, Tonya was still strong. She loved her grandkids and spent time with them as much as possible. She was always there for her children, nieces, and nephews. Tonia was full of adventure and never too prideful to try new things. She started working at Walmart, where she became a manager. She worked at several Walmarts and loved what she did. After that, she went into customer service, working from home for UHC. Latonia knew a lot of people, and her light always shined bright. She will be greatly missed! Latonia is preceded in death by her nephew, Tyress D. Anderson, grandfathers Willie C. Faulk and James Coleman, Sr., and grandmother Josephine Biddle aunts Patricia Cotton, JoAnn Rabb, and Theresa Hayes. Left to continue her legacy is her son Kacy Marion Reed, Jr., daughter Desire Nicole White (Daiyon Miller); parents Brenda and James Faulk, Sr.; brother James Aaron (Sonya Lynet) Faulk, Jr.; sisters Chandra (Antwain) Boston and Demetrice (Donnan) Keizer, and Jasmine Faulk; grandmother Zona B. Faulk Posey, and step grandfather Raymond Posey; aunts Linda Young, Debra Sawyer, Gwendolyn (Wilbert) Landry, Cassandra Charles, Simone (Glen) Flanagan, Iantha Coleman, Ruth Coleman, Dorthea Coleman, Bobby Jean Faulk, Dorothy (Quincy) Willis, and Mae Walker; uncles Don (Linda) Polk, James (Zeina) Polk, Edward Coleman, James Coleman, Jr., Dr. Joe Coleman, Jeffery Coleman, Gregory Coleman, Russell Coleman, Willie Faulk, Charles Faulk, Henry (Shonda) Faulk, Sr., William (Fran) Faulk; three (3) grandchildren, Jesiah, Delilah, Nahloni Miller; and a host of cousins, other relatives and friends. Visitation Friday, April 28, 2023 6:00 PM – 8:00PM Walker & Walker Service Saturday, April 29, 2023 10:00 am Rising Star Baptist Church HWY 327-287/19 S. Bypass Grapeland TX 75844 Interment Faulk Cemetery Crockett, TX

James Smith, Jr., also known to family and friends as “Bump”, “Jr. Boy” and “Bump Daddy”. Bump graduated from Grapeland High School, in 1986. Bump loved playing sports, hanging out with friends, and playing dominoes and cards with his mom. Bump’s love for cross-word puzzles kept him at the kitchen table sometimes for hours. He also enjoyed fishing with his brother, O’Neal. Bump was always a jokester with his nieces and nephews. He was a dedicated hard worker until his health started to fail him. After a long battle of suffering, Bump was called home on April 19, 2023. He will be greatly missed. Bump is preceded in death by his father, James O’Neal Smith, Sr. and wife Sandra Smith. Left to cherish his memories is his loving mother Addie Pearl Smith, Grapeland, TX; sons Turrell Smith and Courtney Smith, both of Houston, TX; brother O’Neal (Alexandria) Smith, Grapeland, TX; sisters Etta (Laurence Ward) Smith, Pearland, TX, Victoria (David) Davis, Grapeland, TX and Maggie (Junius Shinette) Smith, Palestine, TX; granddaughters Jaycee Pearl Smith and Brooklyn Smith of Alto, TX; grandsons Courtavian Zyshawn Smith, Crockett, TX and Maddix Smith, Grapeland, TX; and a host of nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews, other relatives and friends. Visitation Friday, April 28, 2023 4:00 PM – 6:00PM Walker & Walker Service Saturday, April 29, 2023 1:00 pm Rising Star Baptist Church HWY 327-287/19 S. Bypass Grapeland TX 75844 Interment Mt. Zion Cemetery Grapeland, TX

On Monday, April 17, 2023, Earle Cameron Runquist, aged 79, passed away at his home in Grapeland, TX Earle was born on November 8, 1943 in Starbuck, MN to Freddie and Doris (Everson) Runquist. Earle went to technical college in Alexandria, MN where he received his Associate’s degree in engine repair and maintenance. He was a United States Army veteran, having served at Fort Wainwright, Alaska as an engineer in the 71st Infantry Brigade. After the Army, Earle moved to Drayton, ND where he worked for a John Deere dealership as a tractor and combine mechanic. After Drayton, Earle moved back to his birthplace in Starbuck, MN and took over a neighbor’s farm. He farmed this land until his retirement in 2008, having gradually transitioned to logging and saw-milling, along with doing seasonal work for the Pope County Soil and Water Conservation District. Earle had a passion for steam engines. For many years he owned a 1917 Minneapolis steam tractor, showing this engine at steam threshing shows throughout the area. He also loved motorcycles, owning a Harley-Davidson and two BMW motorcycles. Often times he would reminisce about his times on the road. Earle was known for his strong work ethic, his love of country music and woodworking, and a keen understanding of all things mechanical. He rebuilt and engineered systems whenever he had need. On July 12, 1980 he married Riet (Maria) Unke. They had three children, Niels Unke, Hayley Unke-Moore (Tomas Moore), and Erik Runquist (Brenna Runquist). He was preceded in death by his parents and other aunts, uncles, and cousins. He is survived by his wife, their children and spouses, six grandchildren, and seven great-grandchildren, brother Donald Runquist, and nephew Steven Runquist. A memorial service will be held at Walker and Walker Funeral Home in Grapeland, TX on Sunday, April 23, 2023 at 3:00 pm. A memorial service will be held at Hoplin-Hitchcock Funeral Home in Glenwood, MN on Saturday, April 29, 2023 at 2:00pm. Memorial Service Saturday, April 23, 2023 3:00 PM Walker & Walker Memorial Service Saturday, April 29, 2023 2:00 PM Hoplin-Hitchcock Funeral Home Glenwood, MN

Esaricelene Harris-Ervin was a faithful wife, mother, and friend. She was born in Madisonville, TX to the parentage of Enos and Lula Mae Kelly-Harris. She received Christ at an early age and remained a member of Union Prairie Missionary Baptist Church until her passing, under the leadership of Pastor Myron Waddell. Esaricelene was a graduate of Center Grove High School in Lovelady, TX and after completion she became a nurse at Houston County Hospital. She later worked as a seamstress for Earl’s manufacturing and finished her working career as a Correctional Officer for Texas Department of Criminal Justice at Beto I, in Tennessee Colony, TX. Esaricelene and Tom Ervin met in 1968 and were a match made in heaven. During their union they raised 5 wonderful kids and completed their union on May 11, 1997. Their love and devotion withstood many obstacles and maintained a family bond that continues today. Esaricelene spent her life helping others. “No” was not a word she used often. If it was a few dollars, food or a place to stay, she was always willing to help. Her kindness touched many people and left a Lasting Legacy. Esaricelene is preceded in death by both parents, Enos Harris and Lula Mae Kelly-Harris; sister Violet McMearn, brothers Enos Henry Harris, Hayward Harris; daughters Diane Moten, and Therlesia Harris. Left to continue her legacy is her husband, Tom E. Ervin, Crockett, TX; son Paul (Deloris) Harris, Italy, TX, daughters, Tonya Harris, Crockett, TX and Bonita (Thomas) Harris, Waco, TX; brothers Donald E. (Cinzia) Harris, Aviano, Italy, Sederick A. (Tonya) Harris, Crockett, TX; sister, Rose Washington, Crockett, TX; aunts Janice Kelly-Moten, Crockett, TX, Diane Kelly-Murphy, Spring, TX; uncle Bernard Kelly, Crockett, TX; sisters-in-law Van Mitchell, and Yvonne (Jerry) Holmes, of Crockett, TX, Angela (Kevin) Ewing, Spring, TX, Brenda Ervin, Crockett, TX; brothers-in-law Jim (Loretta) Ervin, Norris (Karen) Ervin, and Johnny Ray Ervin, Cliff Ervin, all of Crockett, TX; fifteen (15) grands, thirteen (13) great-grands Visitation Friday, March 24, 2023 1:00 PM-5:00 PM Walker & Walker Service Saturday, March 25, 2023 11:00 AM Bethel Baptist Church 904 N. 6th St. Crockett, TX Interment Murphy Cemetery (Ashe Community) Austonio, Texas

Rena Faye Dupree was born June 14, 1954 in Grapeland, Texas to Frank Guinn and Dorothy Mae Dupree. She was the second of seven children. She accepted Christ at an early age and joined Mt. Zion Baptist Church in Grapeland after marrying Ireland Gene Beazley in 1972. This union was blessed with three children. In her lifetime, Rena was able to achieve many “firsts”. Grapeland Schools integrated in 1967, and in 1971 she was voted the first black cheerleader of Grapeland High School. She also was employed as the first black bank teller of Grapeland State Bank. She later was employed as the first black bank teller of Elkhart State Bank. Rena was naturally talented in many ways. She was an amazing seamstress and was able to make complete outfits for herself and others. She was the definition of a diva and a fashionista like none other. She believed in always looking your best and inspired most everyone she met to do the same. She loved the outdoors and working in her garden. She also loved to dance and to play spades but more than anything she loved God and spending time with family and friends. While at home, Rena peacefully transitioned to her eternal rest on March 13, 2023. She was preceded in death by her parents, Frank Guinn and Dorothy Dupree; son, Napoleon Beazley; in-laws, Napoleon "Sambo" Beazley and Theressia Beazley; aunt, Thelma Burleson, niece, Michelle Dupree; son-in-law, John Holman, Jr.; brothers-in-law, Lewis Beazley, Edward McDaniel and Dale Turner. She leaves to cherish her memory: husband of 50+ years, Ireland Gene Beazley, Grapeland, Texas; daughter, Maria Holman, Grapeland, Texas; son, Ireland Jamaal Beazley, Grapeland, Texas; aunts, Mary (Charles) Dawson, Grapeland, Texas, Georgia Powers, Dallas, Texas, Novella Guinn, Alto, Texas; siblings, Janie Rodriguez, Lufkin, Texas, Dorothy Dupree Cook, Grapeland, Texas, Danny (Loretta) Dupree, Groesbeck, Texas, Shawna (Sammie) Dupree, Crockett, Texas, Cherry Dupree, Grapeland, Texas, John Dupree, Houston, Texas; sisters-in-law, Cynthia Turner, Grapeland, Texas, Hattie (Will) Williams, San Antonio, Texas; brothers-in law, Clyde (Evelyn) Beasley, Lufkin, Texas, Lawrence Beazley, Virginia, Charles McDaniel, Grapeland, Texas, Jessie (Theresa) McDaniel, Grapeland, Texas; grandchildren, Chedric Ethan (Christina) Cox, Dallas, Texas, Lorena Emily Holman, Grapeland, Texas; special nephew, Travyn Dupree, niece, Mallary Johnson and great-nephew, Maddix Dupree; special friends, Betty Dean, Lillie Bailey, Linda Dickson, Ethel Dolphus, Cathy Walker and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and other relatives and friends who will cherish her memory. Wake Friday, March 17, 2023 6:00 PM-8:00 PM Walker & Walker Service Saturday, March 18, 2023 11:00 AM Rising Star Baptist Church Interment Mt. Zion Cemetery Grapeland, Texas

Tabatha Dennis (51) was born in Grapeland, TX October 28, 1971 to the parents of Charlie and Ethel Coleman and was one of four siblings. While growing up, Tabby Cat, as she was lovingly referred as, attended Grapeland ISD and Crockett ISD schools. She later went on to work in the health care field as a Medical Billing Specialist, a Dialysis Tech at the Eastham Unit, and a Home Health Care Aide. Tabatha was member of the Evangelistic Pentecostal Church in Crockett, TX and later became member Greater Saint Paul Baptist Church. She loved the Lord, her husband, kids, and grandchildren as well as many other friends and family. Tabatha was called home to the Lord March 5, 2023. She was preceded in death by her parents Charlie and Ethel Coleman, her sisters Charlene Butler, Monica Porter, and Stacy Purvis. Left to cherish her memory is her husband Napoleon Dennis of Crockett, TX, sons Brandon McCowan and wife Tara of Houston, TX, and Napoleon Dennis Jr. of Crockett, TX, daughters Ashley Butler and Brittney Atkins both of Crockett, TX. She also leaves behind her brother Wayne Coleman and wife Lisa Ann of Dallas, TX, aunts Ruby Kent of Grapeland, TX, Margie Nelson of Crockett, TX, uncles Jimmy L. Butler and wife Regina of Grand Prairie, TX, as well as a special sister in law Koschina Dolphus. Continuing her legacy are two grandchildren Jamarion Butler and Dekorian Butler. Tabatha leaves behind a host of family and friends. Visitation Friday, March 17, 2023 1:00 PM-5:00 PM Walker & Walker Service Saturday, March 18, 2023 1:00 PM Greater Saint Paul Baptist Church 307 S. 2nd St. Crockett, Texas. Interment Golden Gate Cemetery Grapeland, Texas

Jemeni Wryan Grant (18) of Elkhart, TX was born October 4, 2004 in Crockett, TX. He tragically left this earth February 13, 2023. Jemeni was a loved son, brother, nephew, grandson, and friend. We all knew him for his silly jokes and wild personality. He enjoyed walking, music, gaming, and aggravating everyone around him. Social Media was a favorite of his, specifically his infamous TikToks. Jemeni was a cigarette smoking, black wearing wild child with many life experiences and stories to tell. He had plans to join the Army and save up for his first car. He was the bravest 18 year old we knew, traveling to many places in such a short time and always experiencing unplanned, spontaneous adventures. Left to cherish Jemeni’s memory is his mom Jamie Grant and dad, Robert Grant; brothers: Jayden of Houston, TX, BJ of Houston, TX, and Harley of Slocum, TX; sisters: Jessie of Athens, TX, and Raven of Slocum, TX. Jemeni also leaves behind great grandparents Bob and Wilma Hallmark of Grapeland, TX; grandparents Karen McFarland, Amanda Bailey, Butch and Valerie Grant, and Dan Hallmark; aunts Sylvia Rader, Samantha Hyatt, Ruthie Wimberg; uncles, Stevie Hallmark, Jim Rader, Tommy Minter, and John Wimberg, along with numerous other aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends. Visitation Saturday, February 18, 2023 11:00 AM-12:00 PM Walker & Walker Graveside Service Saturday, February 18, 2023 1:00 PM Grapeland City Cemetery Grapeland, Texas. Interment Grapeland City Cemetery Grapeland, Texas

Loree Darnell Carswell was born on April 22, 1946 to her loving parents, Earl and Florice Gallion in Leesville, LA. Her sister Earlene asked her parents if she could help name her and they let her pick her middle name. Earlene chose Darnell after the famous female actress, Linda Darnell. Her middle name was what she would go by from that day forward. Darnell was the youngest in her family. She loved to dance, sing and play the piano. While Darnell was in tap and ballet, she quickly rose to the top of her class and before she knew it, she was noticed by a talent scout and he was ready to help her become the next big starlet in Hollywood but her parents declined the offer. Darnell’s family later moved to Texas where she attended South Houston High School and worked at Saks department store in Houston, Texas. While on vacation with her family in the summer of 1964 at the lake in Huntsville State Park she caught the eye of a handsome young man. Little did he know that this beautiful young lady had just gotten her hair done and did not want to get it wet which is why she was on a float in the lake instead of swimming. Despite every effort he took, she did not notice him back right away so he decided to take drastic measures. He made his way over to her and swam underneath the float and flipped her over. That handsome young man was Ken Carswell. One would think this would have ended badly for him but here we are and the rest is history. If you want to know how that story unfolded, ask Ken, he loves to tell it. Ken and Darnell dated the rest of that summer in 1964. Ken joined the Marine Corp in June of 1965 and they were later married in December of 1965. Ken went on to fight in the Vietnam War and while he was away, they shared love letters with each other. Upon Kens return they decided it was time to start a family. They adopted a little girl named Nancy and a boy named Kenneth Ray. Several years later Darnell gave birth to their daughter Kimberly. Darnell and Ken were married for 57 years. For a good part of those years, Darnell worked at State Farm Insurance in California and then in Arizona. In her free time when her kids were young, she loved to go camping, go to Disneyland every year and she loved herself some ice cream. Darnell later retired to help care for her grandson Caleb while her daughter Kimberly went back to work. She then opened an in home daycare and cared for other children as well. Darnell was passionate about being involved in her church. She taught Sunday school, sang in the choir and worked in the nursery. She believed in Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior and was confident in her relationship with him. She longed to meet him face to face and on January 16, 2023 Darnell peacefully entered the gates of Heaven. She will be missed immensely but we rest in the assurance that she is in our heavenly fathers’ arms. She was proceeded in death by her mom and dad, Florice and Earl, Sister Earlene and brothers Reid and Billy. Left to cherish precious memories include her loving husband Ken, oldest daughter Nancy, son Ken and youngest daughter Kimberly; Grandchildren Halston Drew, Lauren Mae, Ashley, Caleb, Madeline and Ty. Great Grandchildren Everly and Oliver. Visitation Friday, February 3, 2023 1:00 PM-5:00 PM Walker & Walker Funeral Service Saturday, February 4, 2023 1:00 PM Webb Family Cemetery Grapeland, Texas. Interment Webb Family Cemetery Grapeland, Texas

Ozella “Ozie” Jane Martinez was born and reared in the New Salem Community to the late Arthur Williams and Ozeller Jane Toliver on May 26, 1945. Ozie lived a wonderful life, full of love, family, and friends! She was created with a heart of service and spirit of giving. Furthermore, she was passionate and open about her relationship with Jesus Christ. After accepting Christ, she was a member of the Rising Star Baptist Church of Grapeland, Texas, where she remained active until she relocated to Ratcliff, Texas. In that community, she became an active member of the Bethel Christian Methodist Episcopal Church. Ozie served faithfully as a member of the usher board, stewardess committee, and church secretary. Some of her favorite church activities were Vacation Bible School and the Fall Festival. Ozie attended W.R. Banks High School of Grapeland, Texas and was a graduate of the class of 1963. After high school, Ozie met and married the love of her life, the late McArthur Martinez. To this union, three children were born, Gregory Toliver, Sr., Shryell Barnes, and Gwendolyn Martinez. In addition to her own, Ozie was also the God-Mother of four, John Griffin, Jr., Benny Smith, La'Shericka Cleveland, and Jessica Darden. Ozie served faithfully as a housewife for several years, caring for her husband until his death in 1975. From this means of servanthood, she chose to pursue higher education academic endeavors; and completed the necessary requirements to earn her certification as a Certified Nurse’s Aide from Angelina College. Using this certification, Ozie served and later retired from the Leisure Lodge nursing facility of Crockett, Texas. On January 15, 2023 Ozie peacefully entered her eternal rest. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, and eleven siblings. Left to cherish precious memories are her children, Gregory Toliver, Sr. (Demetria), Shryell Barnes (Michael), and Gwendolyn Martinez (Michael); all of Lufkin, Texas; godchildren, John Griffin, Jr. of Lufkin, Texas, Benny Smith of Houston, Texas, La’Shericka Cleveland of Houston, Texas, and Jessica Darden (James) of Suffolk, Virginia; brothers, Curtis Toliver (Julia) and Fletcher Toliver, Sr., both of Houston, Texas; brother-in-laws, Lee H. Martinez of Crockett, Texas and James Martinez, Sr. (Sheri) of Dayton, Ohio; sister-in-law, Charlene Shackelford (Cordell) of Houston, Texas; eleven grandchildren, twenty great-grandchildren, several nieces and nephews, as well as a host of extended family members and friends. Visitation Friday, January 20, 2023 1:00 PM-5:00 PM Walker & Walker Funeral Service Saturday, January 21, 2023 12:00 PM Bethel CME Tadmor, Texas. Interment Davis Memorial Gardens Lufkin, TX

Maeola (Mae) Nathaniel was the 7th and last child born March 16, 1939 to Willie Lee Nathaniel and Viola Nathaniel in Grapeland,TX. Maeola was raised in the Boxy Creek Community in Redtown, TX, and graduated from W.R. Banks High School, Grapeland, TX, in 1957; where she played basketball and sang in the school choir. She was a member of St. John Baptist Church, Grapeland, TX. Maeola was an avid sports fan who enjoyed watching all sports; and a huge Sandie fan who traveled near and far for a Sandies ballgame. She was also a great cook! She worked for Grapeland Independent School District in several positions for over 20 years before retiring and starting a second career as a caregiver. In her down time she enjoyed fishing, shelling peas and spending time with her family. Maeola is preceded in death by her parents Willie Lee and Viola Nathaniel, son Keith Nathaniel, daughter Sheila Nathaniel; sister Mae Etta Hicks Dupree, brothers Henry Lee Nathaniel, A.W. Hicks, Allgenon McDaniel, F.L. Hicks, and Lewis Hicks. Left to continue her legacy is her son, Darrell Wayne Nathaniel, Grapeland, TX; nineteen (19) grandchildren; twenty-nine (29) great-grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, relatives and friends. Visitation Friday, January 6, 2023 1:00 PM-5:00 PM Walker & Walker Funeral Service Saturday, January 7, 2023 11:00 AM Rising Star Baptist Church HWY 327-287/19 S. Bypass Grapeland TX 75844 Interment Golden Gate Cemetery Grapeland, TX