Centenarians Buried in Matagorda County

Deceased County Residents Who Reached the Age of 100 and Beyond

A centenarian is a person who has attained the age of 100 or more.  These are the centenarians who have been identified to date. The page is for all of Matagorda County and additions of others buried in the County are welcomed. Submissions can be emailed .

Centenarians Born in Matagorda County and Buried Elsewhere

PART 1 - A-I           PART 2 - J-Z
 

Funeral services for Mrs. Geneva Edison Abbage, age 108, of Bay City, will be held Saturday, Sept. 7, 1996, at 2 p. m., at the Jesus Free Will Holy Temple Church in Bay City, with Rev. L. V. Harvey, pastor of Ebenezer Baptist Church, officiating, and Bishop J. Johnson, presiding. Burial will follow at Eastview Cemetery in Bay City.

Visitation will be Friday until 9 p. m. in the chapel of Duncan-Roberts Funeral Home, and Saturday from 1 to 2 p. m. at the church.

She was born on Buckner's Prairie in Cedar Lane, Texas, March 15, 1888 to Watkin Edison, Jr. and Mary Louise Vann Edison, and passed away Monday, Sept. 2, 1996, at Matagorda General Hospital in Bay City.

Whatever education she received was obtained from Vann School on Buckner's Prairie in Cedar Lane, and was taught by Mrs. Phoebe Allen.

Very early in life, she joined the Berean Baptist Church in Cedar Lane, where she served as Secretary of the Sunday School. Upon moving to Bay City in 1909, she united with Mother Zion Baptist Church under the leadership of the Rev. H. C. Cashew. There, she served as President of the Mission Society, Secretary of the Sunday School, and a member of the Sanctuary Choir where she always led the song, "I Have Never Reached Perfection, But Lord I've Tried." Occasionally she would recite poems.

In 1983, she united with Ebenezer Baptist Church under the leadership of Rev. L. V. Harvey, where she enjoyed the rest of her life serving God. In her Christian giving, it was evident she served faithfully wherever she worshipped and proved to be a good follower. She was a member of the Progressive Order of Pilgrims and the Eastern Star.

"Mama Geneva" was a loving mother to her three children Amanda, Elaine and Jimmie Lee, all of whom preceded her in death. She was especially proud of her six generation family, and was honored from time to time by those around her.

Survivors include one granddaughter, Mrs. Addie M. Spiller of Bay City, and one great-granddaughter and great-grandson-in-law, Mrs. Deborah Spiller Allen (& Eunice) of Houston. Also three great-great-grandsons, Cobin, Christopher and Lee Andrew, as well as one great-great-great-granddaughter, Nicole. She also leaves a host of nieces and nephews, cousins, other relatives and a family of many friends.

She was preceded in death by her father, Watkin Edison, Jr. in 1936, her mother, Mary Louise Edison in 1956, her son, Jimmie Lee Wright in 1941, her two daughters Elaine Jackson in 1994, and Amanda Southall in 1996; two great-great-grandsons, LaTroy and Alonzo Allen in 1995, as well as her siblings.

Active pallbearers will include Eunice Allen, Cobin Allen, Tony Southall, James Mills, J. D. Gatson and Moses Gatson.

Honorary pallbearers will include the deacons of Ebenezer Baptist Church.

Arrangements with Duncan-Roberts Funeral Home in Bay City.

The Daily Tribune, September 1996
 

Lorenza M. Alamia, age 101 of Palacios, passed away Friday, September 6, 2019.  She was born August 10, 1918 in Olivia to the late Ricardo Morales and Vicenta R. Morales.  She is survived by daughters, Mary Duran of Palacios, Isabel Garcia (Noe), Amparo Brangan and Estella Alamia of San Antonio, and Alfa Alamia of Palacios; sons, Jesse Alvarez (Kelly) and Antonio Alvarez of Palacios. She is also survived by numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great grandchildren and great-great-great grandchildren. She is preceded in death by her parents, husband, Octavio Alamia, and numerous brothers and sisters. Visitation will begin, Monday, September 9, 2019 from 5pm-9pm with a Rosary to be recited at 7pm at Angel Lucy’s Funeral Home of Port Lavaca, 827 W. Austin St. Port Lavaca.  Visitation will continue Tuesday, September 10, 2019 at 9am with a mass to be celebrated at 10 am at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church in Palacios. Burial to follow at Palacios Cemetery. Pallbearers will be, Omar Flores, Taylor Alamia, Nicholas Hernandez, Noe Garcia Jr, Andrew Duran, and Edward Serna. Under the direction of Angel Lucy’s Funeral Home in Port Lavaca, 361-552-2300.

Palacios Beacon, Wednesday, September 11, 2019
 

Funeral services for Harriett Amboree, 101, of Pledger will be held 11 a. m. Saturday at Grove Hill Baptist Church, Pledger, with the Rev. Frank Cones officiating. Burial will be in Grove Hill Cemetery, Pledger.

Friends may call from 11 a. m. to 9 p. m. Friday at Dixon Funeral Home, Brazoria, and from 10 to 11 a. m. Saturday at the church. A wake will be held from 7 to 9 p. m. Friday at the funeral home.

Mrs. Amboree died May 8, 1989, at Gulf Coast Medical Center, Wharton.

She was a member of Grove Hill Baptist Church and the Court of Calanthe.

Survivors include six sons, Floyd Amboree of Pledger, Junius Amboree, the Rev. C. W. Amboree and Travis Amboree, all of Houston, J. D. Amboree of West Columbia and Hilliard Amboree of Waldolf, Md.; four daughters, Ruby Williams of Pledger, Ruth Marshall and Eliza Odom, both of Houston, and Sidney Higgins of West Columbia; two sisters, Louisa Laws and Alice Rutherford of Houston; 51 grandchildren; 100 great-grandchildren; and 55 great-great-grandchildren.

Pallbearers include Johnson Williams Jr., the Rev. Thomas Lemon Jr., J. C. Amboree, Odell Marshall, Gregory Amboree and Jimmie Williams.

Honorary pallbearers include Floyd, Junius, the Rev. C. W., Travis, J. D. and Hilliard Amboree.

Arrangements are with Dixon Funeral Home, Brazoria.

The Daily Tribune, May 11, 1989
 

Phebe Anderson, age 104, died Oct. 19 in the Cypress Woods Care Center in Angleton.

Funeral services will be 2 p. m., Wednesday Oct. 22 at the First Baptist Church in Bay City with Dr. W. D. Baker and Dr. Michael Zimmerman officiating. Burial will follow at Roselawn Memorial Park in Van Vleck.

Visitation with family will be from 6 – 8 p. m., today at the funeral home.

Anderson was a long time resident of Bay City before going to Angleton to live. She was born July 14, 1893 in Fairfax, Mo., to parents William and Susan Prettyman Dwyer. She had been a member of the First Baptist Church of Bay City for over 80 years. She was a charter member of the Business and Professional Women’s Club. At one time she owned and operated the Better Business Bureau in Bay City, and she had also sold Luziers Cosmetics.

Survivors are daughters, Beth Duncan of Angleton, and Edna (Hannah) Pfleghar of Carson City, Nevada; four grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren, and eight great great grandchildren; nephew, Carl Anderson of Matagorda; nieces, Betty Jane Izzard of Little Rock, Arkansas, and Mary Ann Honeycutt of Harwood, Texas.

She was preceded in death by husband Bill Anderson; daughter, Wilma Bradshaw; sister, Mary Anderson; and brother, Ira Dwyer.

Pallbearers were Carl Anderson, Tom Anderson, Billy McDowell, Roy Lee Anderson, Andy Anderson and Frank Baethe.

Service under the direction of Dick R. Elkins, Bay City Funeral Home.

Bay City Tribune, October 21, 1997
 

Lorece Brown Bankston was born in Bay City, Texas on April 27, 1919 to Susie Wyche Brown and Malachi Brown Sr.  She departed this life at the glorious age of 101 on May 14, 2020.

Due to the current concerns and restrictions of Covid-19, there will be a private service, with the Rev. Clinton Wallace, Officiant.

All services are being handled by Duncan~Roberts Funeral Home, Bay City, Texas.

Bay City Tribune, May 20, 2020
 

Local Centenarian, J. J. Barr, Is Buried Wednesday Afternoon

John James Barr, Palacios' oldest citizen, died at his home north of Palacios early Tuesday morning. He had attained the age of 100 years, 3 months and 27 days.

Funeral services were held at the Palacios Funeral Home Wednesday, March 15 at 2:30 in the afternoon with the Rev. Richard Stone conducting the service. Interment was in the Palacios Cemetery.

A resident of Palacios since 1915, he was born on November 15, 1860 in Joliet, Illinois, a son of Thomas and Elizabeth Porter Barr. The family moved to Iowa and in his early days he herded cattle in western Kansas and Iowa.

In 1891 he married the late Mrs. Emma R. Barr and they later moved to Maryville, Missouri where he engaged in farming and the raising of registered Shropshire sheep.

He is survived by three daughters, Mrs. Sylvia Barr Davenport of Dallas, Misses Minda and Alice Barr of Palacios; two sons, Harold of Bay City and Henry of Palacios, three grandsons and one granddaughter.

Palacios Beacon, March 16, 1961

Emma Rosina Barr

Last rites were held Monday, October 24, at 4 p. m. in the Palacios Funeral Home for Mrs. Rosina Barr, conducted by Rev. Wesley N. Schulze, pastor of the Methodist Church and burial made in the Palacios cemetery under the direction of the Palacios Funeral Home.

Mrs. Barr was born January 11, 1869, near Pekin, Ill. When about 10 years of age she moved with her parents to Rockwell City, Iowa, and when quite young she became a member of the Evangelical Church, where she learned to sing many songs in the German language.

She taught school a short time before her marriage to J. J. Barr of Lake City, Iowa, on June 23, 1891, and her death Sunday, October 23, 1949, ended their more than 58 years of married life.

From Iowa they moved to Maryville, Mo., where both became members of the Presbyterian Church.

In 1915, the family moved to Palacios where they have since made their home.

Survivors are the husband, J. J. Barr, Miss Alice Barr, Miss Minda Barr, of Palacios; Mrs. Sylvia Davenport, Dallas; Harold Barr of Bay City; Henry Barr of Palacios, two brothers, Fred and George Ramige of Peoria, Ill., and four grandchildren.

Palacios Beacon, October 27, 1949

J. J. Barr Celebrates One Hundredth Birthday At Family Gathering Sunday

J. J. Barr celebrated his one hundredth birthday Sunday with a family gathering at his home.

He was born in Joliet, Illinois on November 15, 1860. In his early days he herded cattle in western Kansas and Iowa. He can recall seeing herds of buffalo grazing on the prairies. For many years he had in his possession a buffaloe robe used as a lap robe in the horse and buggy days. He can also recall seeing the glow of fire from the big Chicago fire which was visible for many miles.

The family moved to Iowa where in 1891 he married the late Mrs. Emma R. Barr. After moving from Iowa to Maryville, Missouri, he engaged in farming, specializing in raising registered Shropshire sheep.

In 1915 the family moved to Palacios, Texas, where he continued farming activities until retiring.

The family present Sunday for the birthday dinner were: Mr. and Mrs. Home Davenport of Dallas, Mr. and Mrs. Harold Barr and family, Mrs. M. J. Scudder and Miss Doris Shillinburg of Bay City, Mrs. Mildred Barr, Wallace Barr, Mr. and Mrs. Henry Barr, Misses Alice and Minda Barr of Palacios.

Palacios Beacon, November 17, 1960
 

Having lived a blessed and wonderful life of 105 years, Louise peacefully passed on the evening of February 8, 2008.

She was born in Hutchinson, Kansas on April 9, 1902 to Herbert Brown and Elizabeth Lord Brown. Louise spent her childhood in Houston, Velasco-Freeport and graduated high school in Bay City, Texas. Following her Mother's death she left the University of Texas to help her Father care for her younger sister, Betty. She married Leonard Alexander Barr upon his return from U.S. Army service in France during World War I. After their four children were grown they lived in Mexico, Sicily, Germany and several states before settling in Bay City, Texas where they were active in community life and St. Mark's Episcopal Church. Leonard died in 1977 after a beautiful marriage of 56 years. Louise spoke several languages, wrote two books and inspired many with her love, boundless optimism, kindness and wisdom.

Louise's loving family includes, present and past, siblings the Rev. Lawrence Lord Brown and wife Anna, Ruth and Harry Webb and family, Betty and Lloyd Farr and family, Herbert Brown, Jr. and family; children, Leonard, Jr. and Minerva Barr and family, Cliff and Lucy Barr and family, Bob Barr, Nancy Barr and Barbara Barr and family, Betty and N.G. Norton and Gary Wagner and family. She is survived by many nieces and nephews, by thirteen grandchildren, many great-grandchildren and has had the pleasure of seeing and holding several of her grandchildren's grandchildren.

Louise had many friends at the Church of the Good Shepherd in Austin where she was an active member. Friends Janie Rivera, Bertha Riojas and Jennifer Lynn supported her with loving care at Westminster Healthcare during the last several years. The family appreciates the kindness and companionship of the residents and staff at Westminster Manor in Austin.

A memorial service was held at 3 p.m. on Tuesday, February 12, 2008 at the Westminster Manor Chapel conducted by the Reverend Rhoda Montgomery of the Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd. Burial will be at a time to be determined in Van Vleck, Texas at the side of her husband, Leonard Alexander Barr.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd in Austin.

Arrangements by Weed-Corley-Fish Funeral Home, 3125 N. Lamar Blvd., Austin, Texas 78705 (512) 452-8811. Obituary and guestbook online at wcfish.com

Bay City Tribune, Published February 13, 2008
 

Funeral Services for Julia Belanger, 102, of Concord, NC will be held at 10 a. m. Thursday, Aug. 26, 1999 at The Church of God of Prophecy in Bay City with Rev. Robert Collins and Rev. James Logan officiating.

Interment will follow at Roselawn Memorial Park Cemetery in Van Vleck.

She died Aug. 20 at Big Elm Nursing Center in Kannapolia, NC.

She was born Dec. 8, 1896 in Saint Martinsville, La. to the late Victor and Adolphina Estave Guillotee.

She was a member of the Church of God of Prophecy, a former resident of Bay City from 1932 to 1993, when she moved to Midland, N. C. to live with her daughter.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Jules Joseph Belanger, Sr. on June 14, 1960; her son Jules Belanger, Jr. on March 28, 1992; and by six sisters and one brother.

Survivors include a daughter, Flavia B. Thompson of Midland, NC; son and daughter-in-law, C. V. and Ann Belanger of Beaumont; three grandchildren, Darryl Thompson of Concord, NC, C. V. Belanger, Jr. of Flower Mound, Tex. and Elizabeth Ann Belanger of Richardson; and four great-grandchildren.

Pallbearers will be Bennie and John Stevens, Owen Middleton, Bill Bell, Donald Berglund and Richard Franklin.

Arrangements are with Taylor Bros. Funeral Home.

The Daily Tribune, August 25, 1999                                   Courtesy of Faye Cunningham
 

Over a century of living ended when, Mabel Green Birkner passed away September 20, 2004 at the age of 103 in Bay City. Mrs. Birkner was born on May 12, 1901 in Neiderwald, Texas to William Wyatt Green and Docia Almedia Lovett Green. She was the only daughter in a family of nine.

She spent most of her young life in Hays County and the Austin area and attended Austin High School. On September 15, 1920 she was married in Creedmoor, Texas, to Joe A. Birkner, Sr.

In 1926, with three small sons, the Birkners moved to Bay City to engage in cotton farming, the dairy business and later, building construction. Five more children were born in Bay City. Mrs. Birkner served as the bookkeeper at Birkner’s Dairy until the family sold the dairy and established the Birkner Lumber Company.

A gentle lady and devoted mother of eight children, she was an active member of the First Christian Church where she taught Sunday school and sang in the Church Choir. In the late 70’s, the Birkners returned to the church of their childhood and joined The First United Methodist Church, which she attended regularly.

For over fifty-five years, Mrs. Birkner enjoyed hunting with her husband and family in the Texas Hill Country. She was an excellent marksman and was featured at the age of ninety-nine in USA Today and Texas Parks and Wildlife as the oldest registered female hunter in Texas. On her last hunt at the age of 101, she killed a deer and a hog.

She told many stories of her life during the amazing century of inventions and changes that she witnessed. One story was a move the Green family made from Buda to McCaulley in West Texas for her Mother’s health. To support the family, her father and brothers farmed cotton and opened a small grocery store. After her Mother’s recovery, they moved back to Creedmore but returned by wagon and mule teams. She slept in the wagon at night, except for one night when a storm struck and they spent the night in a schoolhouse in Hillsboro. The trip took over a month.

Mrs. Birkner was happiest surrounded by her large and loving family, hosting family gatherings, and cooking wonderful meals. She was interested and involved in the lives of her beloved family until the very end of her life. She enjoyed playing the piano and singing at family gatherings, and was a champion at needlepoint. She lived in her own home until she moved to The Legacy a year ago.

She is predeceased by her husband of 61 years, Joe Birkner, in 1981, her daughter Mabel Birkner Wakefield in 1974, her eight brothers Bill Green, Emmitt Green, Otis Green, Ragen Green, Wyatt Green, Luke Green, Preston Green and Tom Green, and her parents. Her nephew, Alfred Birkner, also predeceases her.

She is survived by her children, Joe A. Birkner, Jr. and wife Dorothy, Bay City, Otis H. Birkner Sr. and wife Doris, Bay City, Otha W. Birkner and wife Melba, Vanderpool, Jack W. Birkner and wife Mary Lou, El Campo, Mary Kiesling and husband Larry, Kenedy, Anna Ruth Klein and husband Robert, Tomball, Kathleen Stevens and husband Richard, Fort Worth; her nephew, Kenneth Birkner, San Antonio, twenty five grandchildren, fifty-eight great-grandchildren and thirteen great-great grandchildren.

Honorary pallbearers will be her granddaughters: Cindy Duncan, Linda Burgess, Donna Sutherland, Mary Ann Harrison, Kathleen Nichols, Lisa Selph, Kay Cole, Marla Menard, Patty Lampley, Alexandra Stevens Hillebrecht, and Diane Cowart.

Pallbearers will be her grandsons: Wyatt Birkner, Donald Birkner, Timothy Birkner, Otis Birkner, Jr., Charles Birkner, Joe Klein, Jeffrey Klein, Larry Kiesling, Jr., Jack Birkner, Jr., Richard P. Stevens, Bobby Wakefield, Scott Wakefield, David Wakefield, and Glen Wakefield.

The family wishes to acknowledge the excellent compassionate care of the staff of The Legacy.

The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p. m. on Thursday at Taylor Brothers Funeral Home.

Funeral services will be held at The First United Methodist Church, Bay City at 2 p. m. Friday. The Reverend Pauline Harvey will conduct the Celebration of the Life of Mabel Green Birkner, our dear Mother. Interment will follow at Roselawn Memorial Park in Van Vleck.

Arrangements are with Taylor Bros. Funeral Home.

The Bay City Tribune, September 22, 2004

Joseph “Joe” Adolph Birkner

Funeral services will be held for Joseph “Joe” Adolph Birkner, 81, of Bay City, today (Monday) at 2 pm at the First United Methodist Church.

Birkner died November 7, 1981 at the Matagorda General Hospital.  Officiating at the services will be the Revs. James Thompson and Leroy Stranton.

He is survived by wife, Mabel Green Birkner of Bay City; sons and daughter-in-laws, Joe Jr. and Dorothy Birkner of Van Vleck, Otha and Melba Birkner of Van Vleck and Jack and Mary Lou Birkner of El Campo; daughters and son-in-laws, Mary and Larry Kiesling of Kenedy, Ruthie and Robert Klein of Tomball, Kathleen and Richard Stevens of Fort Worth; nephew, Kenneth Birkner of San Antonio; sisters, Helen Owens of Austin, Dolly Firtz of Austin, Florence McGuire of Woodville; brother, James Birkner of Bay City; 25 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren; numerous nieces and nephews.  Birkner was preceded in death of his daughter, Mabel Wakefield.

He was a member of the First United Methodist Church and was owner and operator of the Birkner Dairy, a retired building contractor, founder of Birkner Addition. He was past president of the Kiwanis Club and a Captain in the Texas State Guard for over 50 years.

Burial will follow services at Roselawn Memorial Park Cemetery in Van Vleck.  Pallbearers include grandsons, Wyatt, Donald, Tim, Otis Jr., Jack Jr. and Charles Birkner, Joe Klein and Larry Kiesling Jr.  Arrangements are with Taylor Brothers Funeral Home.

Daily Tribune, November 9, 1981            Obituary courtesy of Faye Cunningham
 

BLESSING Frieda Boehm, 101, of Odessa, died Tuesday, May 8, 2012, at Deerings Nursing Home in Odessa.

Graveside services are scheduled at 10 a.m. Thursday at Hawley Cemetery in Blessing with the Rev. Jared Stillions officiating. Arrangements are by Hubbard-Kelly Funeral Home.

She was born in El Campo.

Survivors: Daughter, LaNell Elkins of Odessa; and sister, Leona Schults of Bay City.

Published in Odessa American on May 9, 2012

[Daughter of Joseph Edward Strack, Sr. and Selma Bender Strack]

Miss Jadie Branstetter was born December 24, 1907 in Meade, Kansas to Peter Jefferson and Mary Jane Hudlow Branstetter. She graduated from high school in Bay City, Texas & continued training at Hotel Deise in Beaumont, Texas where she became a registered nurse. She served her country as a 1st Lt. in the US Army Nurse Corps for 3 years during WWII. Following the war she went to Galveston to teach and train others at the state hospital UTMB. She held the positions of supervisor of the Medical & Surgical part of the hospital for 40 years.

Retirement was spent traveling abroad and in the states. She enjoyed her home, gardening, handy work and was seen regularly at church and its functions. Late in life her natural creative talents came alive. She studied art and earned many rewards in her works in landscapes and floral oil paintings.

Miss Branstetter was preceded in death by her parents and seven siblings Walter, Charles, Harry & Jennings Branstetter, Clarinda B. Dervage, Pearl B. Stien, & Birdie B. Streadl. After a long life she joined her parents and brothers and sisters in Heaven on December 6, 2008. She is survived by four nieces and two nephews.

Graveside services were 3:00 PM Monday, Dec. 8, 2008 at Roselawn Memorial Park in Van Vleck, TX with Rev. Mark Brumbelow officiating.

Taylor Bros. Funeral Home

A service of Christian Worship commemorating the Life, Love and Legacy of Lorena Williams Brown, 101, of Cedar Lane, Texas will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, October 6, 2007 at First Baptist Church in Brazoria with the Pastor Steven Craig Staten I, Eulogist. Burial will follow at Shiloh Cemetery in Cedar Lane.

Visitation will be from 6 until 8 p.m. Thursday, October 4, 2007 at the Shiloh Baptist Church in Cedar Lane and from 1 until 8 p.m. Friday, October 5, 2007 at E. Viola & Son Funeral Home Chapel.

Mrs. Brown was born in Cedar Lane, Texas on Thursday, April 26, 1906 to Minnie Spiller and Clarence Williams. She departed this life and entered into life eternal on Wednesday, September 26, 2007 in Bay City, Texas.

Lorena united in holy matrimony to Mr. Israel Brown, on December 16, 1933. God blessed this union with nine children.

Survivors include: three daughters, Rosie Kemp (Chester, Sr.) and Pinkie Johnson (Herman, Sr.) of Cedar Lane, and Dorothy Wright (Ethan, Sr.) of Missouri City; one son, Nelson Brown (Erma) of Cedar Lane; a very special, reared grand-son, Allan Brown (Karla) of Cedar Lane; a daughter-in-law, Clara Brown of Galveston. There are 283 grand, great-grand and great-great- grand children; and a host of nieces and nephews other relatives and friends.

Final arrangements entrusted to E. Viola & Son Funeral Home, 205 North Broad Street, West Columbia, Texas 77486.

Bay City Tribune, Published October 3, 2007
 

Lida Mable Bryan, 101, of Bay City passed away August 8, 2010. She was born November 9, 1908 in Zama, Mississippi to the late John Martin & Bessie Mae Thrasher Brown. She was a member of the First Baptist Church and had been a resident of Bay City since 1966.

Her husband William D. Bryan, grandsons John Patrick Bryan & William Michael Bryan as well as a sister and 3 brothers preceded her in death. Survivors include daughter Cynthia Ann Ferguson & husband Tom of Ramona, CA; sons James C. Bryan & wife Billie of Tyler and Charles T. Bryan & wife Myrna Kay of Dallas; grandchildren James C. Bryan, Jr., Joan Weathers, Steve Bryan, Jami Shaban, Tom Ferguson, Jr. and Courtney Witherell; great grandchildren Jennifer Bryan, Michael Bryan, Daniel Hanzik, Michelle Huddleston, Bryan Shaban, Brittney Shaban, Allie Ferguson, Tom Ferguson III, Carl Witherell, Wyatt Ferguson and Grace Ferguson and 3 great-great grandchildren.

The family will receive friends and relatives from 5pm to 7pm Thursday at the funeral home. Funeral service will be 10:00 AM Friday, August 13, 2010 at the First Baptist Church with Dr. Mike Zimmerman officiating. Interment will follow at Roselawn Memorial Park. Pallbearers will be David Weathers, Daniel Hanzik, Steve Bryan, David Shaban, Tom Ferguson, Jr. & Allen Witherell. Her great grandsons will serve as honorary pallbearers. Memorials may be made to the First Baptist Church. The family would like to extend a special thanks to the staff of The Legacy for their care and support.

Taylor Bros. Funeral Home
 

Services will be held for Mrs. Kathryan “Kate” Calhoun, of Bay City and a lifetime resident of Matagorda County, 10 a. m. Thursday at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church.

Officiating at the services will be the Rev. Milton McWilliams of St. Mark’s Episcopal Church.

Calhoun died November 9, 1982 at her residence.

Survivors include sons, C. L. Calhoun of Corpus Christi, Walter H. Calhoun of Bay City; daughters, Mrs. John P. Mitchell of Rockport, Mrs. H. M. Kelly of Bay City; sister, Mrs. A. B. Lorino of Houston; several nieces and nephews.

Burial will follow services at Cedarvale Cemetery.

Pallbearers include Hugh Strickland, George Deerman, Jack Ellercamp, W. H. Broughton, Richard Weinberg and John Underwood.

Services under the direction of Dick R. Elkins Bay City Funeral Home.

The Daily Tribune, November 10, 1982                                          Walter L. Calhoun

Photo courtesy of Betty Crosby

Funeral services for Cynthia Caroline “Callie” Carrington Blaylock, 101, of Bay City were at 2 p. m. Saturday, May 2 at the First Baptist Church with Rev. Mike Zimmerman and Rev. W. D. Baker officiating. Interment followed at Cedarvale Cemetery in Bay City.

Blaylock passed away Wednesday, April 29 at the Legacy Healthcare Center in Bay City. She was born Feb. 13, 1897 near Sargent to John Cockrell Carrington and Heppie Stephens Carrington. She was a resident of Bay City since 1898, when her family moved to Bay City and her father became Matagorda County Surveyor.

She joined the First Baptist Church in 1909, graduated from Bay City High School in 1915, and then worked in the County Surveyor’s office for her father. The loves of her life were her family, the church and the library.

She began substituting at the library for Mrs. Grover Moore, the librarian and neighbor, in the 1930’s, and then became the librarian in 1947 and continued until she retired in the middle 1970’s. She continued to work part time at the library until she was 90 years old. She entered Matagorda House in November of 1993 and lived there until her death.

She is survived by one daughter, Cleo Barkley of Houston; one son and daughter-in-law, Al Blaylock and Nancy of Dallas; three grandchildren, Margaret and husband Dr. Charles Goolsbee of Houston, Layton Blaylock and wife Nita of Austin, Susan and husband Dr. Paul Funk of Dallas; two great grandchildren, Leeann and Layton Funk of Dallas; and by her special friend, Helen “Boo” Neary.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Hulen Allen “Buck” Blaylock, and a grandson, Norman Barkley, III.

Pallbearers were Dr. Fred Matthes, Carl Anderson, Pat Matthes, Dr. Bryan Simons, E. M. Huitt, and Donald Pollard. Honorary pallbearers were Harley Savage, Dr. Clyde Funk, Roy Sanders, James Sowell, Glyn Kinsey, Gerald Ussery, Stan Eldridge, Wayne Michael, Robbins Odom, Gaston Morton, Rector Walton, Gerald Rowland, Morris Richardson, and Hollie Briscoe.

The family suggests that memorials may be made to the Bay City Library, the First Baptist Church, or the charity of your choice.

Arrangements are with Taylor Bros. Funeral Home in Bay City.

The Daily Tribune, Wednesday, April 15, 1998                            Hulen A. Blaylock

Photo courtesy of Betty Crosby
 

County’s Oldest Resident Dies Saturday; Rites Sunday

Services were held Sunday at Our Lady of Perpetual Care Church in Bay City for Macedonio Carrio, who at 106 years was the oldest Matagorda County resident. He died Saturday morning at Matagorda County General Hospital.

The native of Starr County was born in 1850 and had been a resident of Matagorda County since 1906. He was a retired farmer and lived in the Midfield area.

About two weeks ago he broke his hip in a fall, but had been in good general health prior to the fall.

Sunday the services were conducted by Rev. J. P. Shannon with burial at Cedarvale Cemetery.

He is survived by four sons, Manuel and Julius Carrio of Houston, John Carrio of Midfield, Frank Carrio of Mount Clements, Michigan; five daughters, Mrs. Edward Hernandez, Mrs. Ann Miller, Mrs. Oren Talbitzer, Mrs. Lucio Gusman, all of Houston, and Mrs. Jesus Augular of Palacios, and 32 grandchildren.

The Daily Tribune, June 4, 1956

Photo courtesy of Betty Crosby

County’s Oldest Citizen Dies At 103

Matagorda County’s oldest citizen, Mrs. Ora M. Cash, age 103, died Wednesday at Matagorda General Hospital. Although she had been hospitalized since January 7, 1969, Mrs. Cash had remained mentally alert, and able to be in a wheel chair throughout the day until a week ago. On Monday night of this week she required round-the-clock nurses, quietly losing strength each day until 3:30 p. m. Wednesday when she seemed to rouse momentarily, then just as quietly took a last soft breath.

Born in Pike County, Missouri, Mrs. Cash came to Bay City as a bride in 1899. Her late husband, William Cash, was one of the prominent early business men, and together they did a great deal to help in the early progress of Bay City. Their life together was centered around their home church and community affairs and when Mr. Cash died his death occurred just five months before they would have celebrated their 50^th wedding anniversary.

Mrs. Cash taught Sunday School for many years, and served at some time in every activity of the church work. She was one of the two first women to serve on the school board. And she was a charter member of the early women’s organizations in town, such as the still existing Chautauqua Club.

In recent years she enjoyed reading the progress of the world in the years she lived in Bay City. After the historical event of the first men on the moon, she laughingly remarked that it was a long way from her first trip to Bay City from Wharton. The road from Wharton was rut-deep mud, and took the cart pulled by small donkeys all day and into the night to get to Bay City.

Funeral services will be held Friday at 4 p. m. at the First Baptist Church, with burial in Cedarvale Cemetery. Rev. W. D. Baker and Rev. Wm. D. O’Neal will officiate.

Mrs. Cash is survived by two daughters: Mrs. Clara Mae Cochran and Mrs. Mary E. Hurst, both of Bay City; two grandchildren: Mrs. Sam W. Waters of Galveston and Dr. M. L. Hurst of Dallas; three great-grandchildren: Sharolyn and Wendy Hurst and Scott Thomas Waters.

The Cancer Fund, in memory of the only son of Mrs. Cash, the late T. C. Cash of Tyler, and the Memory Book of the First Baptist Church are the tributes Mrs. Cash would have selected.

The Daily Tribune, Thursday, October 14, 1971

Photo courtesy of Betty Crosby

Mrs. Sallie M. Clardy, 100, of Palacios died Sunday, August 15, 1986 in Wagner General Hospital. She was born July 28, 1876, in Wadley , Alabama. Mrs. Clardy has been a resident of Palacios since 1928 and celebrated her 100th birthday on July 28. She is survived by her three sons, B. B., Vernon and Bill Clardy of Palacios and one grandchild. She was a member of the First Methodist Church. The funeral was held in Palacios Funeral Home Monday, August 16, at 2 p. m. under the direction of Rev. Carl L. W. Israel. Burial followed in Palacios Cemetery. The pallbearers were Eugene Harvey, Louis Hickl, Richard Sanders, Billy Morton, Lee Slaughter and Arl? Hunt. Arrangements were handles by Taylor Brothers Funeral Home.

Newspaper and date unknown
 

BAY CITY - Funeral services for Leatha Burdett Collins, 102, of Bay City, will be Saturday, May 30, 2009, at 11 a.m. at Mother Zion Missionary Baptist Church, the Rev. Murray G. Martin, pastor, and Pastor I. E. Holmes officiating.

Burial will follow at Eastview Cemetery in Bay City.

Viewing was Friday, May 29, 2009 from 4 to 8 p.m. in the Green's Mortuary Chapel.

Final arrangements entrusted to Green's Mortuary of Bay City at 979-245-3489.
 

Published in the Victoria Advocate on 5/30/2009
 

Funeral services for Rose Scott Cook, 100, of Bay City, Texas, will be Saturday, April 19, 2014, at 11 a.m., at New Hope Missionary Baptist Church with Dr. T. L. Richardson, officiating.

Viewing will be from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. at the church. 

There will be no viewing afterwards.

Burial will follow immediately after the services at Eastview Cemetery in Bay City.

Final arrangements are entrusted with Green’s Mortuary, 979-245-3489.

Bay City Tribune, April 16, 2014
 

Carrie Bell Crosson

Bay City—Carrie Bell Crosson, 101, of Bay City, died Monday, Jan. 26, 1998.

She was born Dec. 4, 1896, in Hornbeck, La., to the late George and Maryetta Stringer Starks. She was a member of First Pentecostal Church.

Survivors: daughters, Fonda Mae Kostelnik of Texas City and Ollie Marie Fojtik, Ida Bell Brumley, Willeen Blackwell and Ruby Lee Sargent, all of Bay City; sons, George Crosson and Lonnie Crosson, both of Sweeny, the Rev. O. J. Crosson Jr., of Bay City and Tommy Crosson of Garland; sisters, Norvella Creel of Angleton and Lillie Burt of Brenham; 33 grandchildren; 54 great-grandchildren; and 40 great-great-grandchildren.

Preceded in death by: husband, Oliver J. Crosson; daughter, Lois Helen Graeber; and son, Alfred Melton Crosson.

Services will be 2 p. m. Friday at Taylor Brothers Funeral Home chapel, the Revs. Sam Starks, Wayne Neyland and Marvin J. Moore officiating.

Burial will be at Cedarvale Cemetery in Bay City. Taylor Brothers Funeral Home, Bay City, (409) 245-4613

Daily Tribune, January 28, 1998

Oliver Joe Crosson

Oliver Joe Crosson, 85, of 2914 Liveoak, died at his home Dec. 10 [20], 1976. He was born May 20 [1], 1891 in Goliad. Survivors include, his wife of 63 years, Carrie B. Crosson of Bay City; daughters, Mrs. Fonda Kostelnik of Old Ocean, Mrs. Ida B. Brumley, Mrs. Ollie Fojtik, Mrs. Lois Graber, and Mrs. Willene Blackwell, all of Bay City and Mrs. Ruby Sargent of West Lake, Louisiana; sons, George F. and Lonnie C. of Sweeny, Alfred M. of Old Ocean, Rev. Oliver Joe Jr. of McAllen and Tommy L. of Dallas; sisters, Mrs. Rachel Clark of Sweeny and Mrs. Maggie McCaslin of Austin; 41 grandchildren and 28 great-grandchildren. Services will be held at the First Pentecostal Church Dec. 22, at 2 p. m. Brother Marvin Moore will officiate. Burial will be in Cedarvale Cemetery. Arrangements with Taylor Brothers Funeral Home.

Daily Tribune, December 21, 1976

Additional birth and death dates are from death certificate.

Photos courtesy of Faye Cunningham

Faye Curtis, 100, passed away Tuesday, May 30, 2006 at her home in Grand Prairie, TX. She was born January 6, 1906 in Kensington, KS to the late Warner & Mary Olive “Dollie” Jones Sanford. She worked for Jack Hollister Insurance and was a member of the First Presbyterian Church.

She is survived by her best friend & caregiver: Louise Head Cole of Irving; nephew: Jim Curtis; 3 nieces: Shirley Pickel of Bay City, Phyllis Sewell of Weslaco, TX, and Verna Barker of Austin. Mrs. Curtis was preceded in death by her parents; husband: Charles Willis Curtis; daughter: Mary Jo Poland; sister: Lula Pickel; and brother: Walter Sanford.

A Funeral Service will be held 10:00 AM Saturday, June 3, 2006 at Taylor Bros. Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Tom Morgan officiating. Interment will follow at Hawley Cemetery. Pallbearer will be: Jim Craft, Jim Curtis, and Rupert Franzisko. Honorary Pallbearers will be: Callier Grimes, Jack & Lane Hollister, Dr. Russell Matthes DDS, and Bobby Wilkinson. Arrangements with Taylor Bros. Funeral Home (979) 245-4613.

Taylor Bros. Funeral Home
 

Sylva Lucile Barr Davenport, 100, of Memphis, Tenn. died January 30, 2001 at the Applingwood Healthcare Center in Memphis.

She was born September 1, 1900 in Maryville, Mo. to the late John James and Emma Rogina Ramige Barr.

Mrs. Davenport was a member of the Presbyterian Church, a resident of Memphis the past 10 years and a former longtime resident of Palacios. She was a retired registered nurse from Baylor University Hospital in Dallas, Texas.

Survivors include: niece, Doris Ann Barr of San Antonio; nephew, Richard D. Barr of Saudi Arabia; great nephews, Rob and James Barr; sister-in-law, Helen E. Barr of Cordova, Tenn.

Graveside funeral services will be 11:30 a. m. Friday, February 2, 2001, at the Palacios Cemetery with the Rev. Andy Blair officiating.

Arrangements are with Palacios Funeral Home.

A00011A2001FB01

Daily Tribune, February 1, 2001
 

Funeral services for Carrie Davis, 100, of Bay City, Texas will be held Saturday, August 12, 2017 at 11 a.m. at St. John Baptist Church, Van Vleck, Texas, with burial to follow at St. John Cemetery.

Visitation and guest book register will be Friday, August 11, 2017 from 2 p.m. until 8 p.m. at the Duncan-Roberts Funeral Home chapel.

Arrangements with Duncan-Roberts Funeral Home, Bay City, Texas 979-245-5197.

Bay City Tribune, August 9, 2017
 

 
Funeral services for Joseph Dowlin, 100, of Sweeny will be held 1 p. m. Saturday at St. John Baptist Church, Van Vleck, with the Rev. Ruben Newell officiating. Burial will be in St. John’s Cemetery, Van Vleck.

Visitation will be until 9 p. m. today at Duncan-Roberts Funeral Home.

Mr. Dowlin was born Jan. 28, 1888, in Springville, Tenn., to Henry and Matilda Johnson Dowlin and died Jan. 9, 1989, at Sweeny Nursing Home.

He was a longtime resident of Hasima Road in East Matagorda County, Texas.

Survivors include his wife, Ida Mae Dowlin of Sweeny; three nieces, Carrie L. Allen and Rosetta Bryant of Rosharon and Betty Jackson of Fresno; two nephews, Lloyd L. Allen of Angleton and Freddie L. Allen of Rosharon; and several great-nieces and nephews and friends.

Arrangements are with Duncan-Roberts Funeral Home, Bay City.

County Centenarian Dies Monday
Dowlin’s Colorful Life Ends Quietly

By David Wolbrueck, The Daily Tribune

Matagorda County centenarian Joe Dowlin died Monday, 19 days shy of his 101^st birthday.

Dowlin was born Jan. 28, 1888 in Springville, Tenn., moved to Texas in 1902 and Matagorda County 29 years later. He had lived on Hasima Road, near the Brazoria County border, until a few months ago, when he was confined to the Sweeny nursing home where he died.

A year ago, Dowlin celebrated his 100^th birthday and reminisced about a century of life and the wisdom of and experience gained from it.

Remarkably said it was only the second birthday party ever given in his honor, the first coming 97 years earlier.

“There’s many, many things you can mention, I can do it. And I can do it with satisfaction,” Dowlin said then.

“I ain’t been nothing but a workhorse…I can write a book. I’ve seen it and I’ve went through it all,” he recalled.

Dowlin bragged he could extract cottonseed oil, make ice cream, and make ice “as good as they can make it.”

In his life, he worked in an oilfield, at an ice plant, a chemical company, raised livestock and repaired cars. Only days before his 100^th birthday, friend Tom Abbott told The Daily Tribune that he’d found Dowlin lying under a car repairing it.

Dowlin recalled then that there might come a time when he’d have to slow down, though he didn’t know just when that would be.

Dowlin professed a strong faith in God, but didn’t know to what he owed his long life.

And he recalled that growing up in Tennessee, there were “weeds and plants you don’t see nowadays.”

From one of those plant’s roots, his part-Indian mother made a tea that when consumed, guaranteed a long life.

“If I could just get back to that creek now,” he mused last year.

But Joe Dowlin didn’t make it back to his native Tennessee.

Funeral services will be held at 1 p. m. Saturday at St. John Baptist Church in Van Vleck. Burial will follow in St. John’s Cemetery in Van Vleck.

He is survived by his wife, Mrs. Ida Mae Dowlin, and a host of nieces, nephews and friends.

Daily Tribune, January 13, 1989
 

Panfilo Enriquez, Jr., 106 years old, bowed to the Lord’s Will on June 23, 2020. Junior was a long time resident of Bay City, Texas. He was born in Don-Tol, Texas, on March 24, 1914 to the late Panfilo (“Shorty”) Enriquez, and Marcaria Perez Enriquez. He was the third son of four children, Juanito P. Enriquez, Julian P. Enriquez, and one sister, Trinidad P. Enriquez Ordonez (all have been called home).

His loving wife, Petra Pena Enriquez of 64 years has preceded him in death. He was the father of four sons, Guadalupe P. Enriquez, Benito P. Enriquez (both deceased) and two surviving sons, Johnny P. Enriquez and Jesus P. Enriquez. His first major employment began at Dow Chemical in Freeport, Texas. After working construction for many years, he was instrumental in the construction of Pierce and Tenie Holmes Elementary Schools in Bay City. He later accepted a full time position as custodian for Pierce Elementary School from which he retired.

He was a man of faith and very active in his community. He helped maintain Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church and help build Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church in Bay City. He and his wife, Petra, later became members of Centro Christian Non-Denominational Church which he also helped in its construction.

He attributed his long life to his strong faith in God. His motto was “La oracion cambria toda” (prayer changes everything). He would say—walk with the Lord and accept each moment as it comes to you, with Faith and Trust.

He will be missed by all the lives he touched and his loving family, sons, Johnny (wife Lupe Mata Enriquez), and Jesus. He is also survived by seven grandchildren, four great-grandchildren, five great-great-grandchildren, numerous nieces and nephews, and many other relatives and friends.

Lord, help us accept the parting that must come; Eternal Joy.

Visitation will begin 9:00am with funeral services following at 10:00am Friday, June 26, 2020 at Taylor Bros. Funeral Home in Bay City, Texas, with Saul Garcia officiating. Interment will follow at Cedarvale Cemetery, with Father Gabriel Espinosa officiating. Pallbearers will be Efrain Robles, Alfred Ybarra, Don Montoya, Gavino Araquez, Johnny Enriquez, and Jesus Enriquez.

Taylor Bros. Funeral Home
 

Funeral services for Carrie “Mama Carrie” Frierson, 102, of Houston, Texas, formally of Bay City, Texas, were held Saturday, February 13, 2016, at 11 a.m., at Mother Zion Missionary Baptist Church with the Rev. Murray Martin, pastor and the Rev. Ben Lillie, Sr., eulogizing.

Burial followed immediately after the service at St. John Cemetery in Van Vleck, Texas.

Viewing was held one hour before services.  There was no viewing afterwards.

She leaves to cherish her memories, two children, Kirk D. Revis (Delia Brown), and Brenda C. Lillie (Ben II); one niece, Earnestine Austin; eight grandchildren, Kesha Moore, Kirk Revis Jr., Sam Revis, Jimmie Revis, Kemetra Revis, Mattaline Revis, Chris Williams and Zoie Lillie; four great-grandchildren, Twila Frierson-Sardinea, Tirkza Frierson, Josiah Revis and Jasalyn Revis; five great-great-grandchildren, Darrek Frierson (whom she raised as her son), Ocativa Frierson, Byron Sardinea Jr., Savion Frierson, and TaKeya Eady; two great-great-great-grandchildren, Aleah Sardinea and Byron Sardinea III; and a host of family and close friends.

Final arrangements were entrusted with Green’s Mortuary, Bay City, Texas. 979-245-3489.

Bay City Tribune, February 14, 2016

Mama Carrie's Life

Ms. Carrie Frierson was born March 12, 1914, in Van Vleck, Texas to the Union of Ocatavia Chester and Elizabeth Davis Hawkins. She attended public schools in Van Vleck. Carrie attended church in Van Vleck; she accepted Christ and was baptized at an early age.

She departed her life on Wednesday, February 3, 2016, at Memorial Herman Hospital in Houston, Texas. Carrie was the youngest of three children, two brothers, Fritz Davis and Amos Chester; one sister, named Polly; one granddaughters, Helen Darnell Frierson; and three nephews, Horace Davis, Rogers Porter and Ira Giles, whom all preceded her in death. Carrie was reared with her uncle and aunt, Travis and Oslee Giles and grew up along with her two close cousins, Elmo Giles and Lee "Shack" Rugeley whom all preceded her death.

Carrie and John Brooks Frierson were united in marriage and God gave them a beautiful daughter, Helen Frierson (Brown) "Puddin." Carrie later gave birth to a son, Kirk Douglas Revis who resides in Bay City, Texas, and a daughter, Brenda Chester-Lillie who resides in Houston, Texas.

Carrie's passion was always cooking and serving others. Her doors were always open to whoever had a need. Carrie was "Mama Carrie" to EVERYONE because of her loving spirit and caring heart. Her endeavors in the Restaurant (cafe) business led her to work in many restaurants where she perfected her craft as a cook.

She leaves to cherish her memories, two children, Kirk D. Revis (Delia Brown), and Brenda C. Lillie (Ben II); one niece, Earnestine Austin; eight grandchildren, Kesha Moore, Kirk Revis Jr., Sam Revis, Jimmie Revis, Kemetra Revis, Mattaline Revis, Chris Williams and Zoie Lillie; four great-grandchildren, Twila Frierson-Sardinea, Tirkza Frierson, Josiah Revis and Jasalyn Revis; five great-great-grandchildren, Darrek Frierson (whom she raised as her son), Ocativa Frierson, Byron Sardinea Jr., Savion Frierson, and TaKeya Eady; two great-great-great-grandchildren, Aleah Sardinea and Byron Sardinea III; and a host of family and close friends.

Funeral program
 

Carlota “Carmen” Gaona was born in Corpus Christi, TX on November 29, 1909 to the late Frank Torres and late Josephina Ramirez. After a long, long life of 100 years, she passed away on Wednesday, August 4, 2010 in Palacios, Texas, surrounded by her beloved family. As a migrant worker, she traveled and lived in many states, making Palacios, Texas her final place of residence. She is survived by her brother Johnny R. Bustillos of Houston, TX, Grandchildren Amelia and Husband Alfonso Trevino of Flint, Michigan, Trinidad and Wife Maria Raigosa of Fort Hood, TX, Mario Sr. and wife Lilia Nunez of Irving TX, Mary Rose and Husband Daniel Galvan of Blessing, TX, and Johnny and Wife Betty Nunez of Lake Jackson, TX, and Loretta Ortega of Houston, TX., approximately 27 Great Grandchildren, 53 Great, Great Grandchildren., and 1 Great, Great, Great, Grandchild, 16 nieces and nephews, and numerous Great- Great, and Great, Great, Great nieces and nephew.

She was preceded in death by her Sons Guillermo “Willie” and wife Benita Nunez of Palacios, and Joe and wife Inez Nunez of Houston, Brothers and Sisters; Maria, Pedro, and Rodolfo Bustillos, Josephine Llanes of Sweeny, and Catalina Ramirez of Palacios; and Niece Lily Bustillos of Palacios. Visitation will be held on Saturday, August 7 from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. at Palacios Funeral Home in Palacios, TX. Discourse will be held on Sunday, August 8, 2010, at 7:00 p.m. at Palacios Funeral Home in Palacios, TX. and Monday at 10:00 a.m. at Hawley Cemetery, Blessing, TX. Pallbearers will be Daniel and David Galvan, Johnny Nunez Jr., Mario Nunez Jr., Mark Garcia, Vincent Rojas, Edward Garza Jr. Honorary Pallbearers: Carlos Galvan, Tony Galvan, Mike Galvan, and Edward Garza Sr.

Taylor Bros. Funeral Home
 

Anna Rugeley Gartrell, 100, of Autumn Hills Nursing Home in Richmond, Texas, died at the nursing home on February 13, 1977. She was born July 10, 1876, in Matagorda, Texas. She is survived by one son, Nicholas V. Gartrell of Harper, Texas, by four grandchildren, James W. Gartrell, Jr. of League City, Texas, John A. Langston, Jr. of Rochester, Minnesota, Mrs. Robert J. Tiffany, Jr. of Houston, Texas, and Harry P. Gartrell of Dallas, Texas, and by six great-grandchildren.

Services will be held Tuesday, February 15, at 12:00 Noon at the Holy Cross Catholic Church, with Father Charles Sonnier officiating. Burial will be in Cedarvale Cemetery, Bay City, Texas. Pallbearers will be Emil Ottis, David Hinton, F. L. Miller, J. W. Gartrell, Jr., H. P. Gartrell, and R. J. Tiffany, Jr.  Honorary pallbearers will be Dick Dawdy, D. B. Hinton, Rowland Rugeley, and J. C. Lewis. Services are under the direction of Dick R. Elkins, Bay City Funeral Home.

The Daily Tribune, February 14, 1977         Obituary courtesy of Susie Adkins               Photo courtesy of Betty Crosby

Lettie Allen Green Giles

Funeral services for Lettie Allen Green Giles, 101, of Bay City, Texas will be at 11 a.m., Saturday, December 3, 2016, at Enterprise Missionary Baptist Church with the Rev. C. Donnell Wallace, Pastor and the Rev L.C. Cunningham Jr. eulogist.

Visitation will be Friday, December 2, 2016 from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m., in the Chapel of Duncan Roberts Funeral Home, Bay City, Texas.

Burial will follow immediately after services at Eastview Cemetery, Bay City, Texas.

Survivors include two daughters, Eddie P. Miller (J. C.), and Annie Bratcher; special grand-daughter, Phyllis Hayes, and a devoted grand-daughter, Patra Berry (Frederick); daughter-in-law, Wilada Green; 14 grandchildren, 35 great-grands and 23 great-great-grands;  God-daughters, Wilma J. Johnson (Newton), Sherryl Barnes (Alfred) and Sherri Pointer Stone; step-children, the Rev. Gilbert Giles (Erma), Rosie Giles-Nickolson and Cornelius Giles Jr. (Alma; special children, Michael (Debbie) Coppock; and many other family and friends.

She was preceded in death by husbands, Phillip Green Sr., and Cornelius Giles Sr.; children, Phillip Green Jr., Loyce Barnes, Roland Green and K.D. Green; three brothers; two sisters; son-in-law, Donald Bratcher; and grand son-in-law, Victor Hayes.

Online condolences may be shared with the family by fax 979-245-1537, or online at Duncan-roberts@att.net.

Final arrangements are entrusted with Duncan-Roberts Funeral Home, 2500 Avenue C (J.P. Davis Blvd.), Bay City, Texas 77414. 979-245-5197.

Bay City Tribune, November 29, 2016
 

Mary Augusta Glaze, 104, of Bay City, died Oct. 8, 2005 at Bay Villa Nursing Home.

She was born Nov. 18, 1900 in Uvalde, Texas, to the late Robert and Rosa Emma Marek Bullard.

Mrs. Glaze was a resident of Sargent from 1934 until 1997, when she moved to Bay City.

She was a member of the Sargent Baptist Church and she and her late husband owned and operated the Sargent Grocery for many years.

Survivors include: two sisters, Grace Keener and Lucille Rodgers, both of Bay City; and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by: her husband, Lonnie Glaze; sister, Emma Foltyn; and brothers, Cliff, Marion, Mike, Oliver, Henry and Bill Bullard.

Funeral service was at 10 a.m. Tuesday, Oct. 11, 2005 at Taylor Bros. Funeral Home, with the Rev. Zach Nicholson officiating.

Interment followed at Cedarvale Cemetery in Bay City.

The family received friends at Taylor Bros. Funeral Home from 6 to 8 p.m. Monday.

Memorials may be made to the Sargent Baptist Church.

Arrangements with Taylor Bros. Funeral Home, Bay City, TX (979)245-4613.

Bay City Tribune, October 12, 2005                     Lonnie Glaze                      Photo courtesy of Betty Crosby

Shiloh Cemetery, Cedar Lane, Texas
 

Funeral services for Nealie Tone Griggs, 102, of Cedar Lane, will be at 2 p.m. Saturday, March 5, 2005, at Shiloh Baptist Church, in Cedar Lane, with the Rev. Steven Staten officiating and the Rev. Larry Griggs, eulogist.

Burial will follow at Shiloh Cemetery.

Visitation will be from 3 until 9 p.m. Friday at the funeral home chapel.

She was born in Cedar Lane, Texas, December 31, 1902, to Isaac Tone and Luvenia Henderson Tone, and passed away February 26, 2005, in Cedar Lane.

Survivors include: two daughters, Mary Jane Griggs of Galveston, and Louise Johnson of LaMarque; and three sons, Jimmie Griggs and Verna of Houston, Dennis Griggs and Anita of Cedar Lane, and Albert Tone and Madeline of Aberdeen, Maryland; also 34 grandchildren; 81 great-grands; 18 great-great-grands; and a host of nieces, nephews, many other relatives and friends.

Arrangements are with Duncan-Roberts Funeral Home in Bay City.

Bay City Tribune, March 2, 2005
 

Last Spindletop Oil Pioneer Dies
Burial In Bay City

A man who witnessed the beginning of a new era when the Lucas gusher came in at Spindletop some 70 years ago died yesterday at the age of 100.

Curtis G. Hamill was standing on a derrick platform 40 feet off the ground January 10, 1901, when the gusher hit at Spindletop Hill south of Beaumont, Texas. The full force of the stream of oil hit Hamill in the face, signaling the start of the greatest oil boom in history. He landed on the derrick floor below, miraculously uninjured.

Hamill, whose son, P. R. Hamill lives in Bay City, was born in January born in January 24, 1872, in Iowa and also lived for a time in Pennsylvania before moving to Texas.

He led a farm boy’s life through much of his youth and was forced to leave Baylor University after a serious case of pneumonia.

He met his wife, the former Eva Estelle Smith, in Bell County while he was selling smoothing irons from house to house. They were married in 1893.

After acquiring a farm near Waco, he was ruined by a sudden storm. He went to work for a Waco dairy but soon was offered a job by elder brother, Jim, who broke into the drilling business by working on the first great artesian well in Texas. Younger brother, Al, was a partner in the firm, called Hamill Brothers of Corsicana.

Hamill accepted the job and that led him to the derrick platform and the Lucal Well at Spindletop.

On his 97^th birthday, he looked back on the historic moment.

“If there hadn’t been a Spindletop, there would be no oil business today,” he said. “It was sure something to be a part of it. I’m glad I was there but I’d hate to go through it all again.”

Survivors include two sons, Claude of Houston and P. R. of Bay City, Tex.; a daughter, Ethel Semple of Burney, Tex., and two grandchildren.

The funeral service will be held Saturday afternoon in the First Baptist Church at Bay City. Burial will be in Cedarvale Cemetery at Bay City.

Curtis Gainer Hamill

Curtis Gainer Hamill, 100, a resident of Houston passed away March 1. Survivors include: 1 daughter, Mrs. Ethel Semple of Boerne; 2 sons, Percy R. Hamill of Bay City and Claud B. Hamill of Houston; 2 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren. Mr. Hamill moved to Bay City from Kerrville in 1922 and lived here 15 years before moving to San Antonio where he lived for 17 years. He later moved to Houston where he resided for 11 years. He was a member of the Kerrville Baptist Church and the Oddfellows. Funeral services will be held March 3 at 2 p. m. at the First Baptist Church with Rev. W. D. Baker and Rev. G. Wayland Elmore officiating. Interment will be at the Cedarvale Cemetery with pallbearers being: T. Austin Castleton, Otis Russell, Harry Cowger, H. Norman Barkley, W. J. Luder, Jr., Frank Hurley, Jr., Hugh Strickland and J. W. Sanders. Mr. Hamill’s remains will lie in state at the home of his son, P. R. HAmill from 2 p. m. Friday until 12 noon Saturday when he will be taken to the First Baptist Church. Taylor Brothers Funeral Home in charge of funeral arrangements.

The Daily Tribune, March 2, 1973

Mrs. C. G. Hamill Dies; Services Set For Friday

Mrs. C. G. Hamill, mother of P. R. Hamill, Bay City bank president and civic leader, died Wednesday night in Kerrville.

Funeral services for Mrs. Hamill will be held at the First Baptist Church in Bay City at 3 p. m. Friday with the Rev. Ferman Weedon, pastor, officiating. Interment will be in Cedarvale Cemetery.

Mrs. Hamill was a former resident of Bay City having lived here for many years prior to moving to Houston and then to Kerrville some 20 years ago.

She was a member of the Baptist Church and during her residency here when her children were young, she was active in young people’s work in the church.

Surviving in addition to her son in Bay City are her husband, C. G. Hamill, Kerrville; another son, Claude Hamill, Houston; two daughters, Mrs. Mabel Vogelsang, Abilene; and Mrs. S. G. Semple, Burney, Texas; and three grandchildren. Another son, Ellis Hamill preceded her in death.

Daily Tribune, February 2, 1961
 

Services for Pearl Hale Hammond, 100, of Angleton, will be held at 10 a.m. Tuesday at the First United Methodist Church in Angleton with Rev. Chris Tate and Rev. Fred F. Carter, Jr. officiating.  Graveside service and burial will be in Midfield Cemetery in Midfield, Texas at 2 p.m.

Pearl Hammond passed away on Sunday, April 9, 1995, at the Village on the Creek Convalescent Home in Clute.

Visitation will be held from 4 to 9 p.m. Monday at the Palms Funeral Home.  The family will receive visitors at the funeral home from 6 - 8 p.m. on Monday.

Mrs. Hammond was born Nov. 26, 1894, in Fannin County, north of Dallas.  She came to Midfield, Texas at age 18 as a school teacher.  In 1917 she married Allison Hammond, a rice farmer in Matagorda and Brazoria counties.  They moved to the Angleton area in 1941.  Her love of family and gardening was nurtured by memberships in the Home Demonstration Club, 4-H, Daylilly and Amaryillis Societies, and the First United Methodist Church.

Mrs. Hammond was preceded in death by her husband Allison, three sons, Bill, James and Richard Hammond, and two grandsons, Michael Hammond, Jr. and Christopher Ogando.

She is survived by three daughters, Lois Hall and Eva Coley, both of Houston and Allie Adams of Alvin, Tx., daughters-in-law, Amy Hammond and Marie Hammond, both of Angleton and Linda Hammond Findley of Melbourne, Ark.; 27 grandchildren, 48 great-grandchildren and three great-great-grandchildren and a host of family members.

Pallbearers will be grandsons.

Memorial donations may be directed to First United Methodist Church, 219 Arcola, Angleton, Texas, 77515 or to a charity of the donor's choice.

Arrangements are by Palms Funeral Home in Angleton.
 

Over one hundred years ago, from a rural community in Matagorda County, Texas, was the humble beginning of a noble life. Cody Davis was born on Sunday, the 30th day of January, in 1910, when William Henry Harrison was the 27th President of the United States of America, and the challenge of life's success was the cultivating and gathering of the harvest in the fields. While yet very young, and at the death of her mother, Phoebe, Cody was reared by a cousin, Matilda Taylor Scott. There, she shared her upbringing with siblings, family and friends, and lived the life which extended thirty-one years beyond the allotted three score years and ten.

Cody grew up in the community of her birth known as the Hudgins Settlement, named for her relatives. She grew up in an era when children walked miles to school; she attended a public school in that community and Galveston, Texas, and was grateful for the teachings she received.

She accepted Christ at an early age while attending the worship services with their family. She later was baptized and became a member of the Pleasant Green Missionary Baptist Church in the Hudgins Settlement. In later years approaching maturity, and with a profound understanding of Christianity, Cody became the embodiment of the Scripture from II Corinthians 5:17a, which sayeth, “if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature.” Since then, she has devoted a lifetime to the cause of Christ. While living on Caney, she fellowshipped with the Mt. Pilgrim Missionary Baptist Church. In later years, she fellowshipped with the First Pentecostal Church, Bay City, Texas under the leadership of Pastor Marvin J. Moore. She later united with the New Jerusalem Church of God in Christ in Bay City and leadership Elder Lester Colter. There, she was bestowed the distinguished title as “Mother Harkless,” one she revered with high esteem, sacredness and with stewardship.

She served faithfully and proved to be a good follower. Not only did she express her strong religious beliefs, but she grew when Christian character; devoting herself to the teachings of the Bible, her life being a testament to the way in which she believed, and obedient to Christ’s commandment that “ye love one another.” Her sincere followship and fellowship were clearly evident to all whom she worshiped with. Throughout life, she kept the faith even upon being required to convalescent care. She held firm to her trust in God for spiritual strength and guidance. When in declining health and limited mobility to attend the worship services, her confidence remained equivalent to the meaning of the hymn which singeth, “When the Roll is Called Up Yonder, I’ll Be There.”

On a Christmas Eve Monday, December 24, 1928, Cody Davis was married to Mayfield Harkless of Cedar Lane, by the Rev. S. M. Morgan. Besides the three sons who died in infancy, they shared their lives with eleven children who reach maturity, consisting of four sons and seven daughters, nurturing their development as a whole child, and working for their well-being. If a woman's home is your castle, certainly Mrs. Harkless provided an atmosphere of welcome to those who entered therein! She was a devoted wife who assisted her husband in every aspect. Oh, what a wonderful love she provided their children and three generations of grandchildren who were blessed to encompass her gift of motherhood, and who felt her passion, devotion and warmth. Happy are they who shared her life, love and legacy.

Cody Harkless was a generous woman who gave of herself and loved so freely-- God, the church, her family, friends, and the community. A radiant smile and stately disposition were known “in the gates.” Every heart felt her contagious friendship which seemingly shined as a beacon of light upon those around her.

Her civic involvement included volunteer services with the Bay City Head Start for a number of years. She was also active with the Bay City Homemaking Club. She received her official certification in Foster Parenting, whereby opening her home to the seven foster children she sheltered during the 1960’s and 1970’s. Because of her concern for the homebound, she received her certification as a Home Care Provider, and ultimately became certified as a Nurse’s Aide in Health Care.

No doubt, her roles as wife, mother, grandmother, foster mother, sister, aunt, counselor and friend are but a few of the attributes that made up her distinct and beautiful character. Fortunate are the lives of others that this lovely lady touched while she traveled through this life here on earth. Behold, and the days came when the cycle of her life paced a rapid decline, and the spiritual realm of Cody Harkless began to transform from this earth to a brand-new life, as in II Corinthians 5:1, which sayeth, “For we know that if our earthly house of this tabernacle were dissolved, we have a building of God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens.”

And it came to pass, that on Monday, the 25th day of April, in 2011, in Bay City, Texas, the beautiful life and earthly journey of Cody Harkless came to an end in the same manner in which she lived; with quietness, courage and honor. After a longevity of 101 years, 2 months and 26 days, the tides came in, she was led beside the still waters and lifted to a closer walk with the Savior, fulfilling the scriptural dream in II Corinthians 5:18, which giveth assurance that “We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord.”

By her transition, she leaves loving memories to a devoted family consisting of five daughters, Bessie Lemon of Bay City, Texas, Ella Newsome (& Mack, Sr.), Mary Moses and Carol Harkless, all of Houston, Texas, and Mildred Webb (& James) of Oakland, California; 22 grandchildren, 39 great-grandchildren and 14 great-grands; and an enormous family of other relatives and friends.

Besides her parents and three infant sons, she was preceded in death by her husband, Mayfield Harkless; two daughters, Joyce Wright and Germalean Collins, and four sons, Mitchell Harkless, Sr., Preston Harkless, Curby Lee Harkless, Sr. and Aaron Harkless, Sr.; siblings, Bessie Williams, Willie Davis, Jimmie Scott, Sr. and Joe Scott Green.

And these are the days and years of the earthly life of Cody Davis Harkless, and her story, as it is written. Surely, goodness shall follow her all the days of her life thereafter, and her life, love and legacies shall be cherished in the hearts of many for generations to come.

Funeral Folder

[Buried Eastview Cemetery, Bay City]

Cody Harkless

BAY CITY - Funeral services for Cody Harkless, 101, of Bay City, who passed away April 25, 2011, will be held at 11:30 a.m. Saturday, April 30, at New Hope Baptist Church in Bay City, with Elder Lester Colter, eulogist. Burial will follow at Eastview Cemetery.

Visitation will be 2-8 p.m. the Duncan-Roberts Funeral Home chapel.

Arrangements with Duncan-Roberts Funeral Home, Bay City, 979-245-5197.

Published in Victoria Advocate on April 29, 2011
 

Funeral services for Maude Hawkins, 102, of Sargent, will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, July 12, 2008, at Bethlehem Christian Church in Cedar Lake, with the Rev. K.W. Bree, eulogist. Burial will follow at Bethlehem Cemetery.

Visitation will be Friday from 2 until 8 p.m. at the chapel.

She was born in Cedar Lake, Texas, January 9, 1906, to Gertrude Wilson and George Austin, and passed away July 3, 2008 in Cedar Lake.

Survivors include: two daughters, Gertrude Williams of Cedar Lake and Addie Smith of Sargent; and two sons, Phillip Mack of Bay City and the Rev. Shedrick Hawkins of Los Angeles, California. Also five daughters-in-law, Emma Mack and Ella Mae Hawkins, both of Bay City, Lola Mack of Magnolia, Joyce Hawkins of Houston, and Hettie Hawkins of Los Angeles, and one son-in-law, Jimmie Times of Bay City. Also 35 grandchildren, 76 great-grandchildren, 28 great-great grandchildren, a host of nieces, nephews, many other relatives and friends.

Arrangements are with Duncan-Roberts Funeral Home, Bay City, Texas (979) 245-5197.

Bay City Tribune, Published July 9, 2008

Courtesy of Vera Petteway-Nyormoi
 

Funeral services for Mrs. Ida Whitley Hayes, age 104, of Bay City, will be held at 11 a. m. Wednesday, March 19, 1997, at Enterprise Baptist Church in Bay City, with Rev. H. L. Hawkins, Jr., Interim Pastor, presiding, and Minister Rick Hayes, messenger. Burial will follow at Burial Association Cemetery in Van Vleck.

Visitation will be Tuesday until 9 p. m. in the Duncan-Roberts Funeral Home chapel, and Wednesday from 10 to 11 a. m. at the church.

She was born in El Maton, Wednesday, June 1, 1892, to Henry Whitley and Classie Franklin Whitley, and passed away Thursday, March 13, 1997, at The Legacy-Matagorda House.

She was a member of Enterprise Baptist Church where she and her late husband, William Hayes, served faithfully. "Sister Hayes" was a member of the Senior Mission Board, the Sunday School and the Prayer Band.

Survivors include six daughters Mrs. Mary Hayes Jones and Mrs. Rosa Hayes Martin, both of Dickinson, Mrs. Daisy Hayes Tellison of Houston, Mrs. Ida Hayes Middleton of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Mrs. Lillian Hayes Robbins of Hitchcock, and Mrs. Gladys Hayes Austin of Bay City. Also three sons, Willis Hayes of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Sherman Hayes and Cleveland Hayes, both of Brooklyn, New York.

Other survivors include a host of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren as well as many nieces, nephews, other relatives and a family of friends.

Beside her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, William Hayes, June 29, 1962, and five children, Felton Hayes, Ruth Hayes, Helen Hayes, William Hayes, Jr., and Isaiah Hayes. Also one sister Erie Whitley Young and three brothers Marshall Whitley, Sr., Amos Whitley and Henry Whitley.

Active pallbearers will include Donald Ray Brown, Kenneth Young, Russell Pointer, and Antone Deadrick.

Serving as honorary pallbearers will be Cleveland Hayes, Sherman Hayes, Willis Hayes, Rick Hayes and Derek Austin.

Arrangements with Duncan-Roberts Funeral Home in Bay City.

Daily Tribune, March 18, 1997
 

Funeral services for Micaela Garcia Hernandez, 100, of Van Vleck, were held at 2 p. m. Monday, Nov. 21, 1994, at the Rose of Sharon Pentecostal Church with the Rev. Janie Robles officiating. Burial was in Roselawn Memorial Park in Van Vleck.

Mrs. Hernandez was born June 2, 1894, in Monelova, Coahuila, Mexico, to Mateo and Estanislada Zamarron Hernandez and died Nov. 19, 1994 at her home.

Formerly of McAllen, she has resided in Van Vleck for the past seven years and was a member of the Rose of Sharon Pentecostal Church in Bay City.

Survivors include two daughters, Sabina H. Ramirez of Van Vleck and Dominga H. Lira of Edinburg; two sons, Vacilio Hernandez of Woodville, Calif., and Leon Hernandez of Florida; 40 grandchildren and 39 great-great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents and her husband, Heriberto Hernandez and son, Manual Hernandez.

Pallbearers are Bert Munoz, Ray Garza, Tony Pompa, Louis Carrion, Tito Mendez, Ruben Ramirez, Joaquin Lira and Manuel Lira.

Arrangements are with Taylor Bros. Funeral Home in Bay City.

The Daily Tribune, November 22, 1994
 

Jane Horn, 102, of Bay City died September 30, 2001 at Matagorda House in Bay City.

She was born September 29, 1899 in Palacios, Texas to the late Sidney Johnson and George Alice Boyd Hill. Mrs. Horn was a member of the First Presbyterian Church as a life long resident of Bay City and Matagorda County.

Survivors include: three grandchildren, Jan Taylor and her husband Charles of Bay City, Rae Robinson of New Rhodes, La., and Ben Morris and his wife Linda of Irving, Texas; eight great grandchildren and 10 great great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, Ray L. Horn; and daughter, Mary Alice Morris.

Graveside funeral service will be at 2 p.m. Tuesday, October 2, 2001, at Cedarvale Cemetery with the Rev. Sam Steele officiating.

Arrangements are with Taylor Bros. Funeral Home. A00011A2001AOT02

The Daily Tribune, Tuesday, October 2, 2001

Hudgins Cemetery, Hudgins Settlement
 

Hudgins Cemetery, Hudgins Settlement
 

Pauline Huebner was born Aug. 21, 1894 and died March 23, 1996, at her home on the family ranch near Bay City.

Daughter of Franz and Marie Louise Kehrer Huebner, Miss Huebner was schooled at home by various live-in teachers She learn to play the piano at an early age and continued her music all of her life. She attended school at Bon Avon in San Antonio and later studied and taught at the Houston Conservatory of Music. Pauline shared her talent on many occasions and for 30 years was the pianist and organist for the First Presbyterian Church, where she was a lifelong member. She will be remembered for her love of family and God. Her family having participated in the development of Matagorda County and Bay City, Pauline particularly enjoyed sharing stories about the early days.

She is survived by her sister Marguerite Poole, niece Pauline Blair, nephew John and Myrtle Huebner, great nieces and nephews Jan Huebner Harmon and husband Rich, Julia and Miranda; Kristi and Greg Meyer, Clay, Keith and Bryan; Molly and Keith Dunn, Kaitlyn, Bethany, Anna and John; Mike and Debbie Coppock, Travis and Taylor; Jeff Coppock and Susanna Coppock. She was preceded in death by her parents and her brothers Adolph, Otto and John Huebner.

Services will be held at 2 p. m. on Tuesday, March 26, 1996, at First Presbyterian Church in Bay City with Reverends Todd Collier and Allan Anderson officiating.

Interment will follow at Cedarvale Cemetery. Pallbearers are Mike Coppock, Greg Meyer, Doug Huebner, Lawrence Gwin, Jr., Wayne Yanko and Edwin Cerny. Arrangements are with Taylor Brothers Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials be made to the Bay City Public Library, the Presbyterian Children’s Home or the charity of choice.

The Daily Tribune, March 24 or 25, 1996