Bernice Erlene Sliva
November 10, 1923 - February 11, 2016

Bernice Erlene Sliva, 92, of Bay City, Texas, passed away Thursday, February 11, 2016.

She was born November 10, 1923, in Wharton, Texas, to the late Adolph and Christina Shoppa. She married Sylvester Sliva, July 7, 1942, and spent their honeymoon in Wharton, Texas at the Tee Pee Motel. Like many young married women, Bernice’s husband went off to fight in World War II. Meanwhile back in Wharton, Bernice was keeping busy working at the Manhattan Restaurant. After three years, Sylvester returned home from the war and they started their family. Their marriage was blessed with six children, James Lee, Bobby, LaVern, Diana, Joey and Carol.

A devout Catholic, Bernice had a regular presence at Holy Cross Catholic Church, where she was a member of the Holy Cross Altar Society. Bernice’s family was her pride and joy. She made sure Diana, Joey, and Carol went to Holy Cross Catholic School for their religious education. Bernice worked for Bay City I.S.D. in the food service for 10 years and at the cafeteria for Holy Cross Catholic School for eight years, with her very best friend, Theresa Lyle, which you never saw one without the other! Bernice would cook fresh vegetables and delicious kolaches for the nuns at Holy Cross Catholic Church for many years. She was especially known for her famous poppy seed cake, which was auctioned off at the Holy Cross Fall Festival every year. She had the kindest heart anyone could have.

Bernice was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Sylvester Sliva of 57 years; her children, James Lee, Bobby, and LaVern; sisters, Nollie Socha, Loraine Anders and Betty Ann Shindler; and brothers, George Shoppa, and Adolph Shoppa Jr.

She is survived by: her sister, Shirley Swinford and husband Ronnie; her brother, Lloyd Shoppa and wife Betty Jean; daughters, Diana Osborne and husband Skipper, and Carol Biezenski and husband Eddie; son, Joey Sliva and wife Nancy; grandchildren, Brandon Osborne and wife Jamie, Stacey Richards and husband Jess, Stuart Sliva and wife Jennifer, and Stefanie Armatta and husband Steven; great-grandchildren, Drake, Carter, and Myatt Richards, Marlie and Steelie Armatta, Mason, Morgan, Cole and Sophie Sliva, Greyson Campbell, Trinity, McKenzie and Emily Osborne, and Brittany Biezenski. She is also survived by many nieces and nephews.

Pallbearers will be George Harrison, Brandon Osborne, Chris Shoppa, Jimmy Shoppa, Ronnie Shoppa, Edward Socha, Paul Sliva and Stuart Sliva.

The Sliva Family would like to express sincere thanks to Matagorda Nursing and Rehabilitation Center for the special care Bernice received.

The family will receive visitors at Taylor Bros. Funeral Home in Bay City, on Sunday, February 14, 2016, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., with the Rosary starting at 6:30 p.m.

The Funeral Mass will be at Holy Cross Catholic Church on Monday, February 15, 2016, at 10 a.m., with Fr. Greg Korenek officiating.

Interment will follow at Cedarvale Cemetery on Golden Avenue in Bay City, Texas.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Holy Cross Catholic School Foundation, 2001 Katy Avenue, Bay City, Texas 77414.

Condolences may be shared with the family by visiting www.taylorbros.net.

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

Bay City Tribune, February 14, 2016
 

Hollis F. Smudrick

Hollis F. Smudrick, 64, of Route 1, Bay City, died at 5 a. m. March 10 at Veterans Hospital in Houston. He was born September 1, 1914 at Evans, La., and had been a Bay City resident since 1970. He is survived by his wife, Ruth Smudrick of Bay City. Graveside Services will be held Monday, March 12, at 2 p. m. at Hawley Cemetery in Blessing. Rev. Gene Bynum will officiate. Arrangements with Taylor Brothers Funeral Home.

The Daily Tribune, March, 1979
 

Ruth Florene Smudrick
(October 3, 1913 - March 16, 2006)

Ruth Florene (Sifford) Smudrick, 92 of Bay City, passed away Thursday, March 16, 2006. She was born October 3, 1913 in Palacios to Oscar Lee Sifford and Mary May Downer Sifford. She was a member of the Baptist Church and a life long resident of Matagorda County.

She is survived by her brothers: William and Robert Lee Sifford of Bay City and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband: Hollis F. Smudrick; by her parents: Oscar L. & Mary Sifford; and by her brothers Woodrow W., and Paul Lindy Sifford.

Graveside funeral services will be held at 2:00 PM Sunday, March 19, 2006 at Hawley Cemetery in Blessing, TX with Dr. W. D. Baker officiating. Arrangements with Taylor Bros. Funeral Home, Bay City, TX (979) 245-4613.

www.taylorbros.net
 

Funeral services for Lavada Sneed, 65, of Bay City, will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, January 23, 2010 at Mother Zion Bapt. Church, Bay City, with the Rev. Murray Martin, Pastor and the Brother Elliott Moore, eulogist. Burial will follow at Eastview Cemetery.

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

She was born in Bay City, Texas, October 12, 1944, to Walter Roberson and Estella Davis Roberson, and passed away January 14, 2010, in Bay City, Texas.

Survivors include: five daughters, Angela Dale and Jodi Davis, both of Houston, Lavada Sneed of Los Angeles, California, Devorria Ross of Compton, California, and Kanica O_Neal of Bay City; and two sons, Anthony Brown of Macy, Nebraska, and Carlton Durgan of Palacios. Also 19 grandchildren, three great-grandchildren; three sisters, Bettie Smith of Bay City, Eula Fisher of Houston, and Jean Stone of Henderson. Also an enormous host of other relatives and friends.

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

Bay City Tribune, Published January 20, 2010                             Photo courtesy of Tresmond Scott
 

Funeral services for Oscar Sneed, Jr. 87 of Bay City, Texas will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, March 7, 2009 at Nichols Street Church of Christ and burial will be in Eastview Cemetery.

Visitation will be from 3 until 8 p.m. Friday, March 6, 2009 at Green's Mortuary Chapel.

Bay City Tribune, Published March 4, 2009

Anna Mary Snider

Anna Mary Snider, 81, of Markham died at the Matagorda House Oct. 18. Survivors include: 3 daughters, Thelma Bailey of Porter, Frances Harvey of Palacios and Ethel Eoff of Houston; 4 sons, Belton Snider of Markham, Clifton Snider of Pinehurst, Ernest Snider and Vernon Snider of Houston; a brother, Ralph Joscelyn of McAllen; 21 grandchildren and 35 great grandchildren. Funeral service was held at Markham Baptist Church Oct. 20 with Rev. Joe Ramsey officiating. Interment was at the Hawley Cemetery. Pallbearers were her grandsons. Arrangements with Taylor Bros. Funeral Home.

The Daily Tribune, October 21, 1974
 

Final Rites Are Held For Asberry Snider, 79

Funeral services were held for Asberry Snider, 76, at 3 p. m. Sunday at the Markham Baptist Church with the Rev. Jerry Lyons officiating. Burial was in the Hawley Cemetery.

Mr. Snider, who died at his Markham home Friday, is survived by his wife; daughters, Mrs. E. E. Bailey, Mrs. Pless Eoff of Houston and Mrs. Freeman Harvey of Palacios; sons, Belton A. Snider of Markham; Clifford A. Snider of Pinehurst, Ernest E. Snider and Vernon C. Snider, of Houston and one sister; Mrs. Jennie Ryman of Bay City.

Palacios Beacon?, December 31, 1959
 

Harley Floyd Snider

Palacios—Funeral services will be held for Harley Floyd Snider, 68, Sunday at 2:30 p. m. from the First Baptist Church with the Rev. Ronnie Floyd and the Rev. J. R. Gwin officiating.

Interment will be in the Hawley Cemetery under the direction of Taylor Bros. Funeral Home.

Snider died in Wagner General Hospital Friday.

He was born Nov. 5, 1914 in Hempstead. A member of the First Baptist Church, he was a retired member of the Palacios Fire Dept. after having served it for 25 years.

Survivors include his wife, Faye Snider of Palacios; daughter, Mrs. Barbara Glimp of Seadrift; son, John Snider of Palacios; foster son, Richard Dobson of Nitro, W. Va.; three sisters, Ethel Asbell of DeSoto, Evelyn Collins of Port Lavaca and Dorothy Key of New Caney; and brother, Johnie Snider of Alvin and three grandchildren.

Pallbearers are Richard Sanders, Rodney Girndt, Billy Hamlin, Fred Huitt, Hoyt Theus and Aaron Brister. Honorary pallbearers are the deacons of the First Baptist Church and high school football teammates.

The Daily Tribune, April, 1983
 

JOHNIE CECIL SNIDER

Funeral services for Johnie Cecil Snider, 81, of Alvin, Tx., were held Sept. 7, 2010 at the Jeter Memorial Funeral Home Chapel in Friendswood, Tx. with Rev. John Putch and Rev. Shawn Nichols officiating. Burial was at Confederate Cemetery in Alvin.

Mr. Snider was born April 21, 1929 in Palacios, Tx. to the late John W. and Carrie J. Snider. He passed away Sept. 3, 2010 in Houston, Tx.

He is survived by his wife of almost 59 years as of Sept. 22, Shirley Faye Snider; daughters Sherry Jane Robertson and husband Forrest A. of Hallettsville, Tx., Nita Faye Bohannon and husband Darrell of Virginia Beach, Virginia, and Evelyn Anne Jones and husband Jerry of Eden, North Carolina; sons Johnie Wayne Snider and wife Karen of Fayetteville, Georgia, and James Lee Snider and wife Trayce R. of Alvin; sister Evelyn Collins and husband Ray of Port Lavaca, Tx.; 13 grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; and numerous friends and relatives.

Pallbearers included DeWayne Collins, James Hebel, Gary Hebel, Jamie Hebel, Jordan Hall and Bryan Tatum.

In lieu of flowers the family request memorial contributions be made to Shirley Snider at any Woodforest National Bank.

Condolences may be made at www.jeterfuneralhome.com.

The Palacios Beacon, September 8, 2010
 

Loy Faye Snider

PALACIOS [Matagorda County, Texas] - Loy Faye Snider, 87, of Palacios, formerly of Blessing, died Thursday, May 22, 2003.

She was born Oct. 8, 1915, in Midfield, to the late Beverly Richard and Susan Luella Welborn Dobson. She was a member of the First Baptist Church of Palacios.

Survivors: daughter, Barbara Glimp of Alvin; son, John Snider of Palacios; foster son, Richard Bradford Dobson of Florida; and two grandchildren.

Preceded in death by: husband, Harley Floyd Snider; sister, Gertrude M. Roberts; and brothers, Clarence C. Dobson, Eugene L. Dobson and Edgar H. Dobson.

Services will be 2 p.m. Sunday at Palacios Funeral Home chapel, the Rev. Lewis Rush officiating.

Burial will be at Hawley Cemetery in Blessing. Palacios Funeral Home, 361-972-2012.

The Victoria Advocate, May 24, 2003

DALE EDWARD SNODGRASS

PALACIOS - Dale Edward Snodgrass, 82, passed away peacefully at the Palacios home of his son, Ron Laws, on Wednesday, July 16, 2008 after a battle with cancer. Dale was born in Lone Elm, Kan., on Jan. 16, 1926.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Carl and Mable Snodgrass; wife of 29 years, Mary; brother, Paul Snodgrass; and sister, Meta Heiney.

He was a veteran of the United States Navy serving in the South Pacific and a recipient of the Asiatic Pacific Battlestar. His naval experiences lead him to an occupation as a machinist in Florida and Texas.

He loved his time with his extended family at the Palacios Senior Citizens Center, and R&R time with the ladies at the real estate office. His greatest joy was watching his granddaughter, Jessica participant in music activities and his grandson, Russell play sports. He enjoyed reading, walking the bay, and watching NASCAR races. He was a Methodist.

He is survived by his son, Ronald Laws and wife Karen; granddaughter, Jessica Laws of Arlington; and grandson, Russell Laws of Palacios.

A memorial service will by held on Monday, July 21, at 10:30 a.m. at the First United Methodist Church with the Rev. June White officiating.

Memorial donations may be made to the Palacios Senior Citizens Center.

Carnes Funeral Home, Texas City, 409-986-9900.

Published in the Victoria Advocate on 7/18/2008

HENRY FRANK SOCHA SR.

LAKE JACKSON - Henry Frank Socha Sr., 79, passed away on Thursday, March 13, 2008, at Village on the Creek in Clute. Henry was born Oct. 19, 1928, in El Campo, to the late Frank and Annie Socha.

He was also preceded in death by his brothers, Ed and Leon Socha; and his sisters, Mary Isaacson and Dorothy Baker.

He is survived by his seven children, Sherry Russell of Euless, Henry (Butch) F. Socha Jr. and wife Pam of Downey, Calif., Betty Jo Jurries and husband Jimmy of Lake Jackson, Mary Helen Socha of Bay City, James Socha and wife Frances of Lake Jackson, Barbara Lankford and husband Ronnie of Freeport, and Michel Socha and wife Monica of Sugarland; sister, Mildred Byrne and husband Desi of Ganado; 18 grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; several nieces and nephews; and his dear friend, Linda Dunaway.
 

Henry moved to Lake Jackson in 1951 when he went to work for Dow Chemical. He spent over 30 years working as an operator in V1V2 (Plant A). He loved to go fishing and camping and had a special place in his heart for Inks Lake State Park in Llano County. He and his family had many fun filled vacations there.
 

Family will receive friends from 2-4 p.m., Sunday, at the Lakewood Funeral Chapel, 98 North Dixie Drive, Lake Jackson, Texas 77566. A rosary service will be held at 1:30 p.m. prior to the funeral services at 2 p.m., Monday, March 17, 2008 at St. Phillips Catholic Church on 304 West Church Street, El Campo, Texas 77437, with the Rev. Gary Janak officiating. Interment will follow at the Holy Cross Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be his grandsons, James Socha Jr., Louis Ybarra, and James Jurries; grandson-in-law, Travis Williams; and nephews, John Schultz and Andy Byrne.

Freeport-Lakewood Funeral Home, Lake Jackson, 979-297-6464.

Published in the Victoria Advocate from 3/15/2008 - 3/16/2008.
 

Our precious angel, Kenna-Leigh Sylene Solis has gone to be with our Lord.

At the young age of 14 months old KennaLeigh a member of Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church was called to be with the Lord on Tuesday, April 20, 2010 at Texas Children_s Hospital in Houston.

God blessed our lives with her when she was born on January 28, 2009 in Bay City to Erik Solis and Marissa Hernandez.

During her short life she touched our lives in so many different ways. She danced her way into our hearts and loved to make us laugh with her funny faces. She enjoyed spending time and playing with her sisters and cousins. The memories she has given us will forever live in our hearts.

She has touched the lives of many people and will be missed dearly.

Waiting to meet her in Heaven is her grandfather, Kenny Solis.

She will be leaving behind: her father, Erik Solis; mother, Marissa Hernandez; four sisters, Madison Solis, Aundrea Hernandez, Arykah Solis, and Avery Solis; two grandmothers, Doris Mejias and Lora Hernandez; two grandfathers, Sammy Martinez and Val Hernandez; great grandmother, Josephine Lopez; great grandfather, Manuel Mejias; aunts and uncles, Annette and Jose Saldana, Mark and Michelle Solis, Bridgette and Robert Medina, Val and Heather Hernandez, Dimitri Hernandez, Valerie Hernandez, and Seth Winn; and many cousins.

We ask that you help us celebrate her life at a wake and rosary service to be held at 6 p.m. Sunday, April 25, 2010 at Taylor Bros. Funeral.

Mass will be held at 10 a.m. Monday, April 26, 2010 at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church with the Father Gerry Cernoch officiating.

Interment will follow at Cedarvale Cemetery in Bay City.

Condolences may be shared with the family by visiting www.taylorbros.net.

Arrangements are with Taylor Bros. Funeral Home (979) 245-4613.

Bay City Tribune, Published April 25, 2010

Georgia Ann Sonnier, 70, passed away Friday, December 26, 2008, after a courageous 13 year battle with Leukemia.

Georgia Ann was born on November 14, 1938, to Odie and Lillie Jo Sweeny in Bay City, Texas. She attended public schools in Bay City and then moved to Houston to attend Business College. Upon completion of Business College she was offered employment with Humble Oil (now Exxon) as an Executive Secretary. Following Humble Oil she worked for several different companies as a Secretary throughout a 46 year career, finally retiring from Cedar Valley College at age 65.

She married Joe Estes, Jr. in 1963, and they found a happy and common interest in breeding and showing Wirehaired Dachshunds in many different parts of the country. Several of their dogs won major shows and were declared Champions within their breed. Joe passed away in the year 2000 after being stricken with cancer.

On April 17, 2005, Georgia Ann was re-united with her high school sweetheart, Jim Sonnier, and they were married on October 29, 2005, in Rockport, Texas. They enjoyed three beautiful years together traveling to Cancun, Mexico, Hawaii, Canada and the Southeastern U. S. during this time.

Georgia Ann will always be remembered for her loving nature and kindness to all with whom she came in contact. She was truly a genuine human being with much love in her heart.

A special thanks to Dr. Cheryl Harth, who provided her with excellent medical care throughout her ordeal. Also, to all the Nurses and Techs on the 7th floor of Methodist Medical Center, Dallas, Texas. Their kindness and professionalism was greatly appreciated. Also, many thanks to all her friends in the Dallas  Fort Worth Metroplex, and in other parts of Texas and the United States. Words cannot express her love and appreciation for their friendship over the years. She would often say I'm the luckiest person in the world to have such true and loving friends who I can always count on to help me when I'm down.

She is survived by her husband, Jim Sonnier; mother, Lillie Jo Sweeny; aunt, Laurine Farned; stepsons, David and Michael Sonnier and stepdaughter, Eva Marie Goetz.

Funeral service will be held at 11 a.m., Saturday, January 3, 2009 at Taylor Bros. Funeral Home, Bay City, Texas with the Rev. Mike Zimmerman officiating. Interment will follow at Cedarvale Cemetery, Bay City, Texas.

Pallbearers will be Jimmy Jurek, Tim Jurek, David Farned, Brent Maykuth, David Sonnier and Michael Sonnier.

Memorials, in lieu of flower donations, may be made to the Leukemia-Lymphoma Society in Georgia Anns name.

Online condolences may be shared with the family at www.taylorbros.net.

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

Bay City Tribune, Published December 31, 2008                     Photo courtesy of Faye Cunningham

Funeral Services Are Held For Chris Sorrensen

Funeral services were held for Chris Sorrensen, 74, who died Sunday morning after a lingering illness. The services were held at the Walker-Matchett Funeral home with the Rev. Marvin Vance officiating, and burial was in the Hawley Cemetery.

Surviving are one sister, Mrs. J. C. Jensen of Galveston.

Matagorda County Tribune, Thursday, April 2, 1942
 

B. J. Sparks
 

B. J. Sparks, 83, of Sweeny passed away on Tuesday, March 24, 2009, at Memorial Hermann Hospital in Houston, Texas.

He was born July 14, 1925, in Clemville, Texas. He married Alberta New Sparks on April 14, 1948, and was a faithful husband. He graduated from Sam Houston State Teacher College at Huntsville, Texas, with a bachelor’s degree in 1948. In 1951, he completed his masters’ degree in education from the University of Houston. He taught school for four years, one year at Markham, three years at Van Vleck. He worked for Phillips Refinery in Old Ocean for more than 30 years.

B. J. loved gardening and working on “the land.” The day before his death, he was busy mowing his pasture and working in the garden. He liked to joke around and always told his children to “carry your own sunshine.” He also was a minister, one of Jehovah’s Witnesses and loved to talk to people about the Bible. Serving Jehovah was the greatest joy of his life. He enjoyed visiting with his younger brother, Willis Sparks. It was such an encouragement to them both.

B. J. is survived by his wife, Alberta Sparks; son, Wayne Sparks and his wife, Pam; daughters, Illeen Mickens and her husband, Donnie, and Vicky Ann Jones; brother, James Willis Sparks; six grandchildren, Kyle Sparks, Eric Sparks, Dean Sparks, Donna Gamble, Michael Jones and Nicole Jones; two great-grandchildren, Zachary Sparks and Avery Sparks; and many nieces, nephews and a host of friends who loved him.

Memorial services will be held Saturday, March 28, 2009, at 4:00 p.m. at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses in West Columbia.

Arrangements are by Baker Funeral Home of West Columbia.

Online condolences may be made by signing the guest book at www.bakerfuneralhome.net.
 

Published in The Facts March 28, 2009

Early Collins Sparks

Graveside services for Early Collins Sparks, 66, of Lufkin, will be held at 1 p. m. Thursday in Hawley Cemetery in El Maton with Rev. Howard Harper officiating.

Mr. Sparks was born Feb. 21, 1931 in Clemville and died Tuesday, June 24, 1997 in a Lufkin hospital.

Mr. Sparks was a derrick hand and had served in the U. S. Navy. He was a former resident of Kerrville, and lived in Lufkin for the last four years.

Survivors include his sisters Wyma Watkins of Markham, June Byrd of Houston, Clara Ridgley of Sykesville, Maryland, Pauline Landrum of Angleton and sister and brother-in-law Alyce M. and Cloud Pee of Pollok.

Mr. Sparks was preceded in death by sisters LaRayne Briggs and Eloise Polensky, and by a brother Loyd Sparks.

Arrangements under direction of Gipson Funeral Home in Lufkin.

The Daily Tribune, June 25, 1997
 

Ethel Marjorie Sparks

Ethel Marjorie Sparks, 61, of Markham died Saturday morning, May 24, at Matagorda General Hospital. She was born Oct. 3, 1918, in Bremond, Texas. She was a member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles No. 3232. Survivors include: a daughter and son-in-law, Margie and William H. Parks of Markham; grandchildren, William Jr.; Bruce, Kenneth and Phoebe of Markham; and a brother, Hayward Johnson of Sour Lake. Funeral services were scheduled to be held at 2 p. m. Sunday, May 25, at the Bay City Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Joe Ramsey of Markham Baptist Church presiding. Interment will be at the Hawley Cemetery. Pallbearers include: Raymond Shepard, Cecil Brooks, Herbert Snyder, Momer McKinney, Doug Davis and Charlie Rodriguez. Services under the direction of Dick R. Elkins, Bay City Funeral Home.

The Daily Tribune, May, 1980
 

James Wilford Sparks

James Wilford Sparks, 72, a life time resident of Markahm passed away February 28 at the Matagorda General Hospital. Survivors include; wife, Mrs. Ethel Sparks of Markham; 1 son Ray Sparks of Markham; 2 daughters, Mrs. Margie Parks of Markham and Mrs. Fay Laberdini of Galveston; 5 brothers, Reed of Waller, Ellis of Sourlake, Frank of Beaumont, and Lloyd and Early of Clemville; 12 sisters, Mrs. Valley Wakefield and Eyna Watkins of Bay City, Lily Prantil, Ruby Hooper, June Schumate and Lorane Briggs all of Houston, Clara Ridgeley of Sikesville, Maryland, Eloise Polensky of Wadsworth, Hope Huddleston and Myrtle Norflect of Nome, Texas, Alice Pea of Mississippi and Pauline Stoffer of Angleton; 10 grandchildren. Pallbearers include Stanley Sweeny, W. G. King, Harry Cowger, Charlie Bohusler, Mack Burg and J. P. Rives. Funeral services will be held March 2 at 2 p. m. at the Bay City Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Joe Ramsey officiating. Interment will be at the Hawley Cemetery.

The Daily Tribune, March 1, 1973
 

Lena M. Sparks
(January 28, 1918 - May 26, 2010)

Lena M. Sparks, 92, passed away Wednesday, May 26, 2010 in Angleton, Texas. She was born January 28, 1918 in Bay City, Texas. She was preceded in death by her husband M. G. (Billy) Sparks, and her son Glenn A. Sparks. She is survived by daughter, Andrea Genzer of Angleton, daughter-in-law, Jane Sparks of Lake Jackson; one sister Avon Mooney of Katy; and one brother, Waylon Rice of Santa Maria, Ca.. She is also survived by grandchildren, Craig & Pam Genzer of Angleton, Debra & Bobby Fielden of West Columbia, Paige & Marc Fontaine of The Woodlands and Brandon Sparks and Kim Sparks of Katy and great-grandchildren, Chelsea, Caitlyn, Jennifer, Jesse, Macy & Grant. Visitation will be from 10 A.M. till 11 A.M. Saturday, May 29 with a funeral at 11:00 A.M. at Taylor Bros. Funeral Home in Bay City. Burial will follow at Roselawn Memorial Park in Van Vleck. Serving as pallbearers are, Tommy Farthing, Richard Harrison, Craig Genzer, Bobby Fielden, Marc Fontaine, and Brandon Sparks. Serving at Honorary pallbearers, Mike Mooney, Tim Hubbard, Everett Farthing, Grant Fontaine and Jesse Schuler. A special thanks to her Dr. and friend, Dr. Joe Cannon of Bay City & Hospice Care Team.

www.taylorbros.net               Photo courtesy of Faye Cunningham

M. G. “Bully” Sparks

M. G. “Bully” Sparks, 81, of Bay City died at his residence Sept. 3, 1996.

He was born July 12, 1915 in Clemville, TX to Arthur W. and Maggie Sparks.  He was a member of the Methodist Church, a lifelong resident of Matagorda Co., and a retired pumpertgager from Marathon Oil Co.

Funeral Services will be 2 pm, Friday, Sept. 6, 1996, at Taylor Bros. Funeral Home with Rev. Joe Ramsey officiating.  Interment will be at Roselawn Memorial Park Cemetery in Van Vleck.

Pallbearers will be Richard Harrison, Bobby Fielden, Marc Fontaine, Kevin Sparks, Brandon Sparks, and Craig Genzer.

Survivors include:  Wife Lena Farthing Sparks of Bay City; daughter, Andrea Genzer of Angleton; daughter-in-law Jane Sparks of Lake Jackson; sister Arthuryne White of Angleton; four grandchildren, Brandon Glenn Sparks of Lake Jackson, Page Fontaine and husband Marc of Spring, TX, Deborah Fielden and husband Bobby of West Columbia, and Craig Genzer and wife Pam of Angleton, four great granddaughters Chelsea, Masey, Caitlyn an Jennifer.

Mr. Sparks was preceded in death his parents, his son Glenn Arthur Sparks and two brothers Leslie Sparks and Alvin Sparks.

Arrangements are with Taylor Bros. Funeral Home.

Daily Tribune, September 5, 1996            Obituary courtesy of Faye Cunningham
 

Thanks to Bay Villa Staff. A-Med Hospice and all family members being there Regina Lynn (Ryan) Sparks took flight at 9 p.m. Sunday night January 18, 2009 becoming free from pain and deformity at last.

She is the daughter of Charles and Barbara Ryan and Mother to Keith and Scott Sparks, and sister to Rhonda L. Ryan and Gordon A. Ryan and also friend and ex wife to Michael P. Sparks. She has some aunts and uncles, numerous cousins and a legion of friends.

She graduated from Bay City High School in 1974, attended Conlees College of Cosmetology and earned her State Beauticians License.

After working for Redken for a while she then decided to devote her full time to beautician work at Careug, then Hairline Hair Designs and finally Salon Depot. She loved her work and really loved people. Due to her sunny, positive disposition people loved her too.

A memorial services is planned to rejoice about the life she lived.

It will be held at 1:30 p.m. Sunday, January 25, 2009 at the Nichols Street Church of Christ, 1200 Nichols, Bay City Texas 77414.

Bay City Tribune, Published January 21, 2009
 

Allen William Spencer

Allen William Spencer, 65, of Bay City, died Aug. 7, 1977 in an automobile accident three miles south of Bay City. He was born Nov. 27, 1911 in Luling. Survivors include his widow, Mrs. Faye Spencer of Bay City; one daughter Mrs. Jean Rose of Matagorda and one son, W. L. Spencer of Wadsworth and nine grandchildren. Services were held at Calvary Baptist Jan. 9 at 2:30 p. m. with the Rev. Chester Sassman officiating. Burial was in Hawley Cemetery. Arrangements with Taylor Brothers Funeral Home.

The Daily Tribune, Jan. 1, 1977
 

Alma Cecilia Spencer

Alma Cecilia Spencer, 86, of Bay City died May 12, 1977 in Matagorda General Hospital. She was born May 2, 1891 in Gonzales County. Survivors are her daughter-in-law, Mrs. Faye Spencer of Bay City; sister, Sara Denman of Austin; grandchildren, W. L. Spencer and Barbara Rose of Matagorda; nine great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild. Services will be held Saturday, May 14, at 1 p. m. at Taylor Brothers Funeral Home. Rev. Chester Sassman will officiate. Burial will be at Hawley Cemetery. Arrangements with Taylor Brothers Funeral Home.

The Daily Tribune, May, 1977
 

ALTA MAE SPENCER

HOUSTON - Funeral services for Alta Mae Spencer, 83, of Houston, formerly of Bay City, will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, April 5, 2008 at St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church in Brazoria with the Rev. Dews officiating. Burial will be in St. Paul Cemetery. Viewing will be from 3-8 p.m. Friday in the chapel of Green's Mortuary in Bay City.
Green's Mortuary is in charge of arrangements.

Published in the Victoria Advocate on 4/3/2008.
 

Edwin Townsend Spencer
(December 6, 1920 - September 17, 2006)

Edwin Spencer, 85 of Bay City, passed away Sunday, September 17, 2006. He was born December 6, 1920 in Austin, TX to Edwin Ray Spencer and Angeline Louise Culbertson Spencer. He was a member of the Methodist Church, a resident of Matagorda County since 1950 and a World War II veteran of the Army Air Force.

He is survived by his daughter: Megan Spencer of Austin; his sons: David Spencer of Ashwood and Michael Spencer and wife Ginny of Sugar Valley; by is stepdaughters: Karen Davis Poss and Diane Davis Holton; and by two grandchildren: Sandra Spencer Hogg & husband Bryan and Kade Spencer & wife Stacey: by one great grandchild: Spencer Hogg; by four step grandchildren and five step great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, Edwin R. and Angeline Louise Spencer.

Visitation will be from 9 AM to 9 PM Wednesday, September 20, 2006. The family will receive visitors from 6 PM to 8 PM Wednesday at the funeral home. Family services will be held at a later date.

Words of comfort may be shared with the family at www.taylorbros.net. Arrangements with Taylor Bros. Funeral Home, Bay City, TX (979) 245-4613.

www.taylorbros.net
 

FAYE ESTHER SPENCER

BAY CITY - Faye Esther Spencer, 92, of Bay City, was welcomed home by her loving Heavenly Father, Almighty God on March 26, 2008. She was born on April 1, 1915, at home in Caldwell County, to parents Marion and Agnes Kirk.
 
She was preceded in death by her parents; a brother, Ray; sisters, Hortense and Audrey; her husband, A. W. Spencer; a grandson, James Ross Warren; and a great-granddaughter, Keila Marie Spencer.

She is survived by two children: a son and his wife, W.L. and Sue Spencer of Harwood; and a daughter, Barbara Jean Nicase of Palacios. She is also survived by nine grandchildren, 18 great-grandchildren, and eight great-great-grandchildren.

She will be remembered for her love and devotion to her family, her faith in Jesus Christ, her wit and zest for life, and her kind and generous spirit.

Visitation was held from 6-8 p.m. on Thursday, March 27, 2008 at Bay City Funeral Home. Funeral services are scheduled for 2 p.m. today at Calvary Baptist Church with the Rev. Chester Sassman officiating. Interment will follow at Hawley Cemetery near Blessing.

Services are under the direction of Bay City Funeral Home, Bay City, 979-245-4893.

Published in the Victoria Advocate on 3/28/2008.
 

William G. Spencer

W. G. Spencer, 90, a resident of Wadsworth passed away February 4 at the Matagorda General Hospital. Survivors include: wife, Mrs. Alma Spencer of Wadsworth; son, A. W. Spencer of Bay City; sister, Mrs. Mae Sherry of Kerrville; 2 grandchildren. Funeral services were held February 5 at 4:30 p. m. at Taylor Brothers Funeral Chapel with Rev. Chester Sassman officiating. Interment will be at the Hawley Cemetery. Mr. Spencer was a retired farmer and had been a resident of Bay City for the past 24 years. Arrangements with Taylor Brothers Funeral Home.

The Daily Tribune, February, 1974
 

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