Sharon Dincans Steen

 

Sharon Dincans Steen 1938-2021
April 13, 1938 - November 30, 2021

Sharon Dincans Steen was born in Dallas, Texas on April 13, 1938 to Louise Todd and was adopted at birth by Jennings and Florence Dincans of Houston. She was raised in Houston with her brother Burton Dincans enjoying a loving and idyllic childhood. Sharon attended Lamar High School in Houston, the Hockaday School in Dallas and the University of Texas in Austin.

Sharon is predeceased by her parents Jennings and Florence Dincans, her brother Burton Dincans, her birth mother, Louise Todd Madsen, her stepfather Jack Madsen and her remarkable friend, E. M. "Buck" Schiwetz.  Survived by her loving husband Gary Dunnam of Victoria and by her children Lias Jeff Steen (Barbara) of Houston, Shannon Steen Mann (Jamie) of Houston, Jennings Steen (Yuniedth) of Austin and stepdaughter Katharine Dunnam Tretter (Kevin) of Austin. Her lasting legacy is bright as she is survived by six wonderful and talented grandchildren, Jake Steen of Houston, Fauye Bennett of Austin, Ian Jennings Mann of San Antonio, Emma Louise Mann of Fort Collins, CO, Scarlett Jennings Steen of Austin and Lias Fletcher Steen of Houston. The grandchildren called her "Ma'am" because she was forever telling her oldest grandchild Jake to say "Yes Ma'am" when he was a baby and she has been "Ma'am" ever since....

She is also survived by her lifetime friend and the father of her children, Lias "Bubba" Steen of Westhoff and a wonderful group of nieces and nephews. Barbara Steen Smith of Corpus Christi, Tricia Mayfield Crane (Joe) of Bay City, Mark Steen (Terrie) of Corpus Christi, Russell Mayfield (Dawnica Owens) of Corpus Christi, Casey McDonough (Julie) of Edmond, OK, Brady McDonough (Kelly) of Edmond, OK and Kyle Burton Dincans (Nikki) of Hockley, TX. Also surviving Sharon are multitudes of creative and successful cousins and cherished friends.

Sharon's life can best be described as a "life well lived"! Her engaging smile was an open invitation to friends and strangers alike. While she grew up in Houston, her personality was better suited to a smaller community, and over the past 60 years, Cuero and Victoria repeatedly reaped the benefits of her civic enthusiasm and her refusal to take "no" for an answer!
She took great pride in breaking barriers and upsetting apple carts. Sharon was the first woman to run for and be elected to the Cuero City Council, opening the door for many qualified women to serve in elected office over the next 50 years. She ran for Mayor and only came up a few votes short in a still-standing record turnout, but a woman running for Mayor certainly got the "good ole boys" at the Cuero Dairy Queen stirred up.......

Sharon was proudly progressive, open minded and a champion for those individuals less fortunate than herself. While many folks adopted pets, she adopted people, especially those that may have been in a rough place in life. While she was long on advice, she was even longer on compassion, love and empathy. Sharon was never happier than when a troubled friend recovered and went on to lead a healthy, happy life. She was vulnerable and emotional while extending a gentle hand that was strong and secure, a wonderful trait that comforted many people who faced difficulties in their lives.

She was a tireless advocate for all things artistic and for historic preservation, even after surviving her "Tie-Dyed, burlap bag and zebra wallpaper phase" as a Founding Member of "Mama Mussett's Terrell Street Mod Squad" in the mid 1960's.....
She survived breast cancer when she was 44 years old and found her birth mother in the process. That event opened a wonderful chapter in the second half of her life and her combined and expanded family was greatly enhanced and all get along splendidly to this day!
She met the love of her life 35 years ago and crafted a life and marriage with Gary Dunnam. It was a loving union filled with incredible music, art, unstoppable laughter, fine wine and special times with creative and engaging friends from all walks of life. Legendary dinner parties under grand crystal chandeliers with spirited conversation was the order of the day. She could not cook a lick, but Gary's culinary prowess in the kitchen made an invitation to Liberty Street and Glass Street a coveted ticket. Sharon's table settings and dining decor were ornate, eclectic and chocked full of unmatched whimsy.  Sharon's personal sense of style could best be described as unique, bold and elegant..... You knew the moment she entered any room, it demanded your attention and it generally made you smile... Gary loves to tell the story of when they were appearing before the Victoria City Council in support of a historic preservation project. It was required to step up to the microphone and give your name, Sharon steps up and says confidently, "I am, Sharon Steen!" Once she finished her impassioned remarks, Gary steps up and says, "I am Mr. Sharon Steen!" Everyone in the room had a good laugh! That's just the way Sharon Steen rolled.....In Victoria, she never saw a civic project she could refuse to support when they issued a call for help. Over the years she served in leadership and key volunteer positions in a long list of civic and philanthropic organizations.

Sharon served three terms as President of the Victoria Regional Museum Association, President of the Victoria Fine Arts Association and President of Victoria Parks and Recreation. She served as Chairperson for the Victoria Holiday Lights Project, Member of the Victoria Planning Commission and on the Steering Committee for the Restoration of the 1892 Victoria County Courthouse. Sharon served on the Board of Habitat for Humanity, Victoria Preservation Inc. and was honored to be selected as one of three South Texas Women of the year in 2000. She served for years as part of the Reach to Recovery team of the American Cancer Society.  During her lengthy terms as chairman of the exhibits committee at the Nave Museum, Sharon's extensive knowledge of art and connection to notable Texas artists enabled the museum to have numerous exhibits of a recognized standard of excellence.  Along with like-minded friends she worked to establish the DeWitt County Historical Museum, reinvigorate The Turkey Trot into Turkey Fest and served on the board of Bluebonnet Youth Ranch.

She was not overly religious, but deeply and profoundly spiritual. She lived and taught the importance of "listening to your inner voice", not letting the difficulties and distractions of daily life get in the way of your intended destination. She encouraged everyone who would listen to "get off the beaten path and to march to a different drummer," if it so suited you.  Sharon was passionate about teaching her children and grandchildren to embrace diversity, extend compassion and always to respect others, no matter what differences existed. Like most mothers and grandmothers, she would bend your ear about how proud she was of her brood and how well they were prepared for the bumps in life.  She fought a graceful and valiant battle with Alzheimer's and left on her own terms in a peaceful way.

In a private ceremony, her ashes will be interred at Evergreen Cemetery in the Dincans' family plot next to her parents. Per her specific instructions, a festive and appropriate memorial service will be planned at her beloved Windy Hill Ranch in DeWitt County in the coming months. As her friend Buck Schiwetz would say, the memorial service will be an occasion for "urologies (eulogies) to be given!"

The family is grateful for the care and concern of Pola Gutierrez, Natalio Marquez, Del Staten, Ronnie Acosta, Reyes Sherman, and her loving team of care givers.

Memorials can be made to Hospice of South Texas, 605 E. Locust Avenue, Victoria, Texas 77901, The Chisholm Trail Heritage Museum, PO Box 866, Cuero, TX 77954, the Alzheimer's Association, 225 N. Michigan Avenue, FL. 17, Chicago, IL 60601 or to any organization of your choice.

GOD BLESS YOU "MA'AM!" Thank you for the difference you made in this world and ALL our lives!!

 

Published by Houston Chronicle on Dec. 12, 2021.

 

 

Barbara Coonrod Rathke

Barbara Coonrod Rathke 1937 - 2021

 

Barbara Ellen Rathke passed away on Saturday, November 27, 2021 in Kingsland, Texas at the age of 83. She was born on November 29, 1937 in Galveston, Texas to James and Angeline Coonrod. She grew up in Houston, and although an only child, was raised with family living on the same street. Her cousins were like siblings to her, especially Joann, Josephine and Vincent (Bubba), whom she remained very close to her whole life.

After graduating from Lamar High School in 1956, Barbara moved to Fredericksburg, Texas, where she later met and married Calvin Rathke in 1969. They were married 52 years and were members of Couples Bowling Leagues, The German Club and many other organizations that they danced with. Barbara also volunteered for the Animal Welfare Society. They spent the majority of their marriage in Kerrville and, together, raised four children - Michael, David, Jamy and Christine. Employed by the VA hospital from 1969 to 1996, Barbara then worked for Starlite Recovery Center a short time before retiring. She and Calvin purchased a waterfront lot at Lake Buchanan in 1982, where they built and eventually relocated to, full-time, in 2002. Since then, they've enjoyed gardening, bird watching, entertaining family/friends and fishing right off the wall in front of their beautiful home.

She is survived by her husband, all her children, five grandchildren (Jennifer, Jeanette, Joann, Calan and Kate), plus 8 great grandchildren. Cooking was her passion and she loved sharing recipes with family and friends - including her famous lemon meringue pie! She often reminisced about childhood memories, passing down stories to her children and grandchildren. The last years of her life were spent with those she loved most and she will be dearly missed, while resting in peace.

Visitation will be held Wednesday, December 1, 2021 at Waldrope-Hatfield-Hawthorne Funeral Chapel in Llano from 10:00A.M. to 12:00P.M. A graveside service will follow at 2:00P.M. at Bluffton Cemetery with Richard Vandeventer officiating. In lieu of flowers, please send a live plant that can be planted outside, cared for and enjoyed for years to Calvin Rathke at 115 Brazos, Bluffton, TX 78609.

 

NAN MARGRAVES 1939-1921

Nancy Margraves-Hoover 1939-2021 Nancy Margraves-Hoover passed away peacefully on September 17, 2021 with her daughter Elizabeth at her bedside. Nan was born in Houston on January 27, 1939 to Nina Benware and Dr. Ross D. Margraves and attended River Oaks Elementary, Lanier Middle School and graduated from Mirabeau B. Lamar High School in 1956. A close knit family, the Margraves spent weekends at their Green Prairie Ranch in Wellborn, TX where Nan and her brother Ross grew up shooting targets, riding horses, attending games at TAMU's Kyle Field and spending time with family and friends. Nan was a 1960 graduate of Southern Methodist University with BAs in History and Education. Mrs. Hoover taught at Stratford High School in Houston for many years and at McCallum High School in Austin. She was a dedicated teacher of history with a compassion for students, going above and beyond the curriculum with interesting stories and visuals of historic figures, places and events. Her students knew they could come to Mrs. Hoover for help or advice on other matters which she only gave when asked. Nan was an Austin resident for 26 years, having moved there in 1993 to care for her ailing son Michael. After her retirement, Nan settled into a quiet life in Austin, volunteering with several animal rescue groups and working in her garden. Nan loved reading, gardening and being with her animals. In 2019, Nan moved to Houston to be near her family. We will miss Nan's warmth, beautiful smile and gracious manner. Nan was a private person who had quiet reserves of strength and an abiding faith in Jesus Christ. She was raised as a Methodist, attending St. Luke's Methodist Church in Houston and later converting to the Episcopal Church after marriage. Nan is preceded in death by her parents Nina Benware and Dr. Ross D. Margraves; by her son Michael Drennan Hoover, and by former husband, Howard S. Hoover, Jr. She is survived by her daughter, Elizabeth Hoover Rotan and husband Matthew Rotan and their children: Edward McCall Rotan (Mac 25), Nina England Rotan (23), Elizabeth Sterling Rotan (Ellie 22) and Katherine Ross Rotan (Kate 19). She is also survived by her beloved brother Ross D. Margraves, Jr. and wife Madeline of Houston, and their adult children Ross D. Margraves III and wife Joanne and their daughter Megan; Paul Murray Margraves II and his children Sloane, Daulton and Max; Lisa Ann Margraves and wife Tiffany Otting and her son Ross B. Margraves; Scott Margraves and wife Lory and their children Madeline, Missy and Molly; Susan Margraves Anderson and husband Michael and their children Daniel and Elizabeth; and Stuart Margraves and his daughter Sara. Nan also leaves behind former in-laws Margaret and Jim Perkins of Tyler and Rusk, TX and their adult children James Perkins III of Houston and Conroe and Laura Perkins of Tyler, TX; and former sister-in-law Glenda Sullinger Margraves of Houston. Nan is also survived by her dearest friend Betty Ann Bair Newsom of Austin, TX. The Margraves-Hoover Family would like to thank the sixth floor staff at The Tradition Woodway (both Stellas, Star, Victoria, LaTonya, Elizabeth, Diana, Kayla and Reagan) as well as Seasons Hospice nurses Cirsteen and Kendra who took beautiful care of Nan. Contributions can be made in Nan's memory to the Houston SPCA at https://www.houstonspca.org/ or to Citizens for Animal Protection (CAPS at https://donatenow.networkforgood.org/CitizensforAnimalProtection or to the Nance National Alzheimer's Center at Houston's Methodist Hospital at https://givingforms.houstonmethodist.org/NantzGivingForm . There will be a private family burial at a later date. For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.— Ephesians 2:8-10 Published by Houston Chronicle from Sep. 20 to Sep. 21, 2021.

Wanda Johnson Beaudry Stanzel 1938-2021

Wanda Johnson Beaudry Stanzel
1938-2021
Wanda Johnson Beaudry Stanzel died October 3, 2021 at the age of 82 after a brief illness. She is survived by her husband, Theodore Edward (Ted) Stanzel, whom she married in 2011. Survivors include step-daughters Desiree Beaudry and Lisa B. Waters (Michael); brothers-in-law Baker Coulter, Ron Koska (Donna) and James Stanzel; nephew Seth Coulter (Janice); nieces Kellye Young (Maury) and Sara Whitlock (Kelvin); nephew and godson Steven Koska (Camille); niece Sherilyn Noland; step-grandchildren Shannon Toth (Gregory), Mathew Waters (Heather) and David Waters; and three step-great-grandchildren
A celebration of Wanda's life was held on October 8, 2021, at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church in Schulenburg, Texas with interment at St. Rose Catholic Cemetery.
Wanda was born on December 23, 1938 in Golden Meadow, Lafourche Parish, Louisiana. After earning her degree from the UT Health School of Dentistry in 1958, Wanda worked as a dental hygienist in the Houston area. Later in her career, she excelled as a real estate sales associate. Wanda was a member of the Houston Yacht Club and The Blue Bird Circle and served as an enthusiastic tour guide for the Painted Churches in Fayette County.
Wanda loved life including dancing, playing golf and traveling. She believed God was good to her all the time.

Published by Houston Chronicle on Oct. 24, 2021.

Louis Wyatt Chenault Jr. 1938-2021

April 15, 1938-September 8, 2021

Louis Wyatt Chenault Jr. went home peacefully into the arms of the Lord Wednesday, September 8th, 2021.

Lou was born on April 15th, 1938, in Memphis Tennessee. The family then moved to Houston Texas when he was 3 years old. Lou made many lifelong friends throughout his years of living in Houston. He graduated from Lamar High School in 1956 and went on to graduate from the University of Texas with a degree in business in 1961.

The Bemis Bag Company brought Lou out to California in 1965, where Lou met his loving wife Joan of 46 years. He went on to sell strawberries and other produce for various companies until he retired in Santa Maria, Ca. at the age of 72.

Lou was a longtime member of Grace Bible Church in Arroyo Grande, Ca. He was a loving son, husband, father, grandpa, brother, and friend. He was active in prison ministry and a leader in Community Bible Study, which made his heart happy.

Lou will be remembered for loving Jesus, giving out the gospel, golf, watching his favorite football team, go hook um horns, his generous servants heart, ice cream, Fritos, and his mom's lemon pie.

Lou was preceded in death by his parents, Louis Wyatt Chenault Sr. and Effie Ola Anthony Chenault and his 2 beautiful daughters, Lisa and Michelle.

He is survived by his wife Joan, his sister Ann, and his children, David and wife Denise, Frank, Charles, Suzanne and husband Garth and numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren. Lou will be sorely missed.

A Celebration of Life Service will take place on Monday, October 25, at 1:00pm at Grace Bible Church, 100 Rodeo Dr, Arroyo Grande Ca.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory to CRU, Care Net of Santa Maria, and Prison Fellowship.

Katherine Moore Slater 1938-2021

 

Katharine Slater1938-2021

On July 13, 2021, Katharine Moore Slater, loving wife, mother, and Mimi joined her Heavenly Father at the age of 83. She is survived by her husband of 58 years, Jerome W. Slater, Jr., her son Jerome W. Slater, III, her daughter, Katie O'Bryan, her sister, Susie Gabriel, and grandchildren Izzy, Charlie, and Nicholas O'Bryan.
Katharine was born April 6, 1938 in Houston, TX to Thomas and Lila Moore. Upon graduation from high school, she attended Smith College for two years before transferring to and graduating from the University of Texas. While working in Houston, she met Jerry and move to the Chicago area, where they raised their family.
While raising children and managing the household, she had a very active life volunteering in the community and was a member of the Junior League. Skokie Country Club in Glencoe, IL fed her competitive nature with tennis and golf leagues while the Country Club of North Carolina in Pinehurst, NC was the cherished off-season golfers' paradise for Jerry and Katharine for almost 40 years.

Always quick to smile, she was athletic, adventurous, and loved to travel. She never passed up an opportunity to dance and her passion for reading fueled an incredible knowledge of history, geography, and world affairs. She was a fantastic cook and loved to entertain. Katharine was devoted to her family and volunteering in the community; it was her practice to share her blessings with those who were not as fortunate.
We will miss dearly her energetic enthusiasm, optimism, and sense of humor.

A memorial mass will be held in Katharine's honor on Tuesday, August 10 at 12:00 pm at Saints Joseph and Francis Xavier Catholic Church,1747 Lake Avenue, Wilmette, IL 60091, followed by a celebration of her life at 2:00 pm at Skokie Country Club in Glencoe, IL.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Reading Center at the Howard Area Community Center https://howardarea.org.
Info: donnellanfuneral.com or (847)675-1990.

 

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Published by Houston Chronicle on Jul. 25, 2021.

 

Robert (Bob) Durst

 

Robert Gordon Durst

June 3, 1938 – February 6, 2017

Arrangements under the direction of Crist Mortuary, Boulder, CO.

Frances (Fran) Van Zandt Cox 1938-2021

Frances “Fran” Ann Van Zandt Cox, beloved wife, mother, grandmother and friend passed away June 13, 2021. She was born September 8, 1938, in Houston, Texas to Marylu Crosthwait and Howard Lee Van Zandt, Sr.

Fran graduated from Lamar High School in 1956 and, in her senior year, was nicknamed “Friendly Fran”. She attended the University of Texas and pledged Kappa Alpha Theta. In Houston, Fran worked for Tennessee Gas Transmission, known as Tenneco, for several years and volunteered for the Junior League of Houston.

Fran married the love of her life, Jack Bolan Cox, on April 15,1961, at St. John the Divine Episcopal Church. Fran and Jack moved to Kerrville in 1976 and loved living here. She loved the Lord and trusted him completely. Her favorite book was the Bible, and her favorite place was Church. Her child-like faith was a gift from God that did not require proof or intellectual understanding.

She is survived by her daughter, Kelly Martin (and husband, Thomas), her sons, Kevan Cox (and wife, Sandy) and Bo Cox. She was known as “Nana” to her 4 grandchildren, Peyton Martin, Quentin, Evie and Jordan Cox. She is also survived by her last remaining first cousin, Martha Morgan and Bobby Crosthwait’s widow, Carol, and numerous nieces and nephews. Her sister, Roberta Williamson, was a source of joy, love and companionship throughout her life.

She is predeceased by her parents Marylu and Howard Van Zandt Sr., husband Jack Cox, brother Hobby Van Zandt (and wife, Susie) and brother-in-law Jack Williamson.

Fran loved her family and brought unconditional love everywhere she went. In a world of busyness, Fran always had a sweet smile and time for you. She made many lasting friendships and made life better for all who knew her. She was loved for her ability to tell a great story and her wonderful sense of humor. She would laugh at herself and never took herself too seriously. She loved playing bridge, rummi kub and going on many fun day-tripper outings. She loved her Chapter HM PEO Sisters. She enjoyed Path of Life Bible Study, Alpha and Omega, Altar Guild, working at St. Peter’s Cottage Shop on Friday mornings and being a part of St. Peter’s Vacation Bible School every summer. She joined Daughters of the King a month ago in preparation for this very day to be with her Beloved Jack.

A funeral service to celebrate her life will be held at St. Peter’s Episcopal Church on Saturday June 26, 2021 at 1:00 pm, followed by a reception in Tucker Hall.

Fran worked for many Christian causes and adored her St. Peter’s family. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to St. Peter’s Episcopal Church, 320 St. Peter Street Kerrville, Texas 78028 or the charity of your choice.

 

Ralph Elledge 1938-2021

 

William "Ralph" Elledge
1938-2021

 
William "Ralph" Elledge passed away peacefully on Monday, May 24, 2021. Born on June 2, 1938, he is survived by the love of his life, Karen Conger Elledge. They met at First Presbyterian Church, Houston on the day Ralph returned home from his tour of duty in the US Army.
Ralph and Karen were wed on February 24, 1962 and enjoyed more than 59 years together. Travelling was one of their favorite pastimes. They both attended Lamar High School. Ralph then went to Texas Tech University and finished at the University of Houston.

Ralph is also survived by his son, Chris Elledge, and fiancé Christene Wood; his daughter Julie Powers and her husband Jeff; Granddaughter Christy Steiger and her husband Garrett; and his great grandchildren, Freya Leigh and Soren John Steiger.
Ralph is preceded in death by his parents, William Richard Elledge and Elaine Morrow Elledge, and his grandson John Clayton.

Ralph was seen as a leader in business and in the community. He was the founder of Baytown Valve and Fitting (initially Thomas A. Read and Company), established in 1969; he served as President and Past President of The Rotary Club of Baytown. He was also active in the Chamber of Commerce and was involved with supporting teachers from Goose Creek ISD. He also supported many charities in Baytown, usually anonymously.
Ralph also served his country, serving in the army from 1961-1965.

Ralph and Karen raised Shetland Sheep Dogs together and excelled in competition. They had the top winning Sheltie not once, but twice in the nation.

Ralph's greatest pride was taken from being a good husband and father. He led by example, and spending time with his family took precedence over all other pursuits.
The family will receive friends for visitation from 5-8 pm, Thursday, May 27, 2021, at Navarre Funeral Home, 2444 Rollingbrook Dr., Baytown, TX 77521. The funeral service will be held at 1 pm, Friday, May 28, 2021, in the Navarre Funeral Home Chapel, with Rev. Jeff Powers officiating. Burial will follow at Earthman Memory Gardens Cemetery, 8624 Garth Rd., Baytown, TX 77521.

 

Martha McAshan Guerin 1938-2021

                                    Martha McAshan Guerin 1938-2021

Martha McAshan Guerin, 82, passed away peacefully on April 25, 2021 after a period of failing health. She was born on June 20, 1938 in Houston, TX to Harris and Frances (Corn) McAshan. She grew up in River Oaks and spent time at her grandparents' ranches in Tarrant and Parker counties. She graduated from St. Mary's Hall in San Antonio and attended the University of Texas in Austin.
Martha married James T. Robison III, MD and they raised their family in Austin. She was active in the Junior League of Austin and served on the board of the Texas Neurofibromatosis Foundation. Martha was an artist/sculptor and was an owner of the Kerbey Lane Art Gallery in the 1980's. She was especially proud of one of her sculptures, Sandcastles, which is displayed in the Healing Garden at Dell Children's Medical Center. It is a life-sized seascape of three children playing in the sand.
Later in life, Martha married John Guerin, a retired University of Texas Art Professor. Together they travelled around the world and shared their love of art. John and Martha enjoyed 25 happy years of marriage until his death in 2006.
Most importantly, Martha was a loving mother and was devoted to her family. A true Texas Matriarch, she was a beloved mother to her 4 children and their spouses, a beloved grandmother of 7, and great-grandmother of 5. She was a sister, aunt, great aunt and friend. Martha was a kind and generous person who loved to be with others. Her compassion and dedication to those around her was always evident and she loved that many of her friends and extended family considered her to be a second mom to them.
In addition to her parents, Martha was preceded in death by her husbands, John Guerin and Jim Robison, her daughter, Helen Brady, and her sister, Ann Baker. She is survived by her children, James Robison IV (Cheryl), Frances Osborne and Joel Robison; her son-in-law, Steven Brady; her grandchildren Hunter Houston (Elizabeth), Louisa Houston Vann (Philip), Mac Brady, James Robison V (Lauryn), Thomas Robison (Caroline), Kathryn Robison and Kylar Osborne; her great-grandchildren, Martha Winslow Vann, Houston Vann and Henley, James VI and Peyton Robison; her sister, Aline Gaubert (Paul); her first husband, Whipple Newell; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
The family would like to thank the many people who have helped Martha in the past few years and especially the past few months. She appreciated each of her various 'caregivers' and thought of them all as friends. A special thanks goes to Erika Munoz for her dedication to Martha.
A memorial service will be held on Thursday, May 13 at 3:00 pm at The Church of the Good Shepherd. A reception will follow at Westwood Country Club.
Remembrances may be shared at www.wcfish.com. Arrangements by Weed-Corley-Fish Funeral Home, Austin, TX – (512) 452-8811

 

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Published in Houston Chronicle from May 6 to May 9, 2021.

 

JEAN MARIE HOGABOOM STEMMONS 1938-2021

Jean Hogaboom Stemmons, 82, of Beaumont, formerly of Dallas, passed on Friday, April 9, 2021, at Christus Saint Elizabeth Dubuis Hospital - Beaumont. She was born on September 1, 1938 to Ollie Smith Hogaboom and Stephen Rice Hogaboom, in Ennis, TX. Jean was a graduate of Lamar High School in Houston, and she attended North Texas State University in Denton, Texas. In 1991, she married the love of her life, John M. Stemmons, Jr. Jean was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother.

Jean worked for Industrial Properties Corporation for many years and served as the President of Executive Women International for the Dallas chapter.

Jean is survived by her daughter, Debi Allen and husband, John Allen, of Carrollton, TX, her daughter, Shari Brewer and husband, Tim Brewer, of Beaumont, TX, her son, Steve Feemster and his wife, Kate Feemster, of Tulsa, OK, her grandsons, Zachary Giese and Jared Giese of Carrollton, TX, her granddaughter, Erin Brewer, grandson, Clayton Brewer, and granddaughter, Melanie Brewer, of Beaumont, TX, her grandsons, Thomas Feemster, Matthew Feemster, and Samuel Feemster, and granddaughter, Lluisa Pascuzzi of Tulsa, OK, and her stepdaughters, Ellen Stemmons Harbison and Brooke Stemmons Jackson of Dallas, TX, and her sister-in-law, Allison Simon, and husband, Heinz Simon, of Irving, TX.

She is preceded in death by her parents, siblings, and her husband, John M. Stemmons, Jr.

A graveside service for Ms. Stemmons will be at 1:30 p.m., Sunday, April 11, 2021, at Grove Hill Memorial Park, 3920 Samuell Boulevard, Dallas, under the direction of Broussard’s, 1605 North Major Drive, Beaumont. Her memorial service will be at 1:00 p.m., Saturday, April 17, 2021, at Trinity United Methodist Church, 3430 Harrison Avenue, Beaumont.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Andrews Presbyterian Church, 1350 North 23rd Street, Beaumont, Texas 77706; the Alzheimer’s Association, 700 North Street, Suite M, Beaumont, Texas 77701; or Pups In Peril, P.O. Box 1655, Groves, Texas 77619.

 

Bill Gallagher 1939-2021

 

Bill Gallagher 1939-2021

William Jordan Gallagher was born in Toledo, Ohio March 5, 1939. His adventurous spirit was nurtured by his mother, Mary Alice Parker Gallagher. They moved often, living in Miami, Los Angeles, Las Vegas, and finally Texas where he attended San Marcos Academy and then Lamar High School in Houston. Bill attended UT-Austin, where he pledged Kappa Sigma fraternity graduating with a degree in Business Administration.

He was a risk-taker with a notoriously positive attitude. Bill started many businesses including venture capital, computers, convenience stores, opened a winery and at the same time acquired and restored the Gruene Mansion (which had not been lived in for 60 years); developed a nutritional shake product, expanded a rotisserie restaurant chain, and started a chain of blues/barbecue restaurants with a line of retail barbecue sauces. Bill had recently started a new business making a homeopathic nasal spray.

Bill (a.k.a) SuperChicken had friends of all ages and walks of life and loved to have fun, listen to music and dance, especially Rammin' to Los # 3 Dinners.

Bill truly lived an adventurous life, never complained, forgave easily and made the most of his time here on earth.

He is preceded in death by his mother Mary Alice Parker Gallagher and stepfather Eugene Francis Gallagher. He is survived by his son Benjamin Gallagher, his daughter Brook Rosser and son-in-law Steves Rosser, and his granddaughters Augusta and Isabel Rosser. He loved all of his friends.

Published in San Antonio Express-News on Mar. 26, 2021.

Mavris Sandra (Sandy) Smith 1938-2019

Mavris Sandra (Sandy) Smith 1938-2019

 

Sandy Smith, 81, passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, September 12, 2019, at Orange Park Medical Center.

 

Sandy was born September 1, 1938, in Montgomery, Alabama, to Percy and Mavis Smith. She graduated from Rice University in 1960, with a Bachelor of Arts degree, and became a researcher at Bowman Gray School of Medicine. She later graduated from the University of Florida with a Master of Education degree in 1980. Sandy spent 37 years teaching biology in both Duval and Bradford counties. She was well-respected within the educational community, being recognized as the Teacher of the Year for Bradford County.

 

Sandy was a talented tap dancer, currently dancing with the Minettes. She also was a gifted artist, preferring the media of oil and pastel. Sandy was an avid Gator fan and attended games for many years. She also volunteered within the Clay County school system.

 

Sandy is survived by her dear friend and companion, Allison Aljets; sister, Ginny Schoolfield (Kerry); brother, Percy A. Smith, Jr. (Mira), Traci Tennant, Gayle Aljets, Terri Gooding (Rick); grandsons, Brandon Prevatt (Amber), Jason Prevatt (Kelli), and Cory Tennant; granddaughter, Brittany Howell (Tyler); nephews, Matt Schoolfield (Kristin), Steve Hogue (Tammy); nieces, Alisa Wamble (Danny), Lori Smith (Bill), Sarah Petrino (David), Linda Selby; six great grandchildren; ten great nieces and nephews; and her beloved Shihpoo, Phoebe. Sandy is predeceased by her parents and Greg Aljets.

A graveside service will be held at 11:00am on Tuesday, September 17, 2019 at Oaklawn Cemetery, 4801 San Jose Boulevard, Jacksonville, Florida 32207.

 

Arrangements by Hardage-Giddens, THE OAKLAWN CHAPEL, 4801 San Jose Blvd., Jacksonville 904-737-7171.