Martha Craig Fisher

1938 - 2014

Denver, CO

Martha Craig Fisher, age 76, passed away Sunday June 29, 2014 in Denver, Colorado. A Memorial Service will be held on Monday, July 7, 2014 at St. James' Episcopal Church on Oak Ridge Drive in Jackson, Mississippi at 11am. A visitation will be held at St. James' prior to the service at 10am. Interment will follow at the Natchez Trace Memorial Park Cemetery in Madison.

She was born Mary Martha Craig on June 24, 1938 in Houston, Texas. She attended Sophie Newcomb College in New Orleans, LA and received her undergraduate degree from Belhaven College in Jackson in 1981, shortly following the birth of her seventh child. She received her Master of Education degree in Early Childhood Education from Oklahoma City University, specializing in the Montessori teaching method. She was a lifelong teacher in many contexts, and played a vital role the revitalization of religious education within the Episcopal Diocese of Mississippi. She helped to initiate the Montessori-inspired Catechesis of the Good Shepard program in the State and was a central part of the program at St. James' Episcopal Church for many years.

She married Luther Calvin Fisher, III MD on December 30, 1957 and together they had seven children. They lived and raised their children in a number of places including Jackson, Mississippi, Houston, Texas, Pensacola, Florida and also Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. In recent years they have lived in Taos, NM.

Martha is survived by her husband Luther (Red) Fisher, her children Luther (Luke) Fisher, Marion Hearon, Claire Kirkpatrick, Stephen Fisher, Lorenzo (Lenzy) Fisher, Peter Fisher and Joshua Fisher, her sister Marion Johannsson, and twelve grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Martha Fisher Fund for Catechist Education with checks payable to St. James' Episcopal Church, 3921 Oak Ridge Drive Jackson, MS 39216.

Robert Lester Black

Robert Lester (Bobby) Black
1938-2020

Robert Lester Black was born in Austin, Texas on June 5, 1938 to Darold Lester Black and Jesse Ella Black, and passed away on March 20, 2020.He was predeceased by his parents, daughter Marsha, brother Clinton and sisters Leal and Annie. He survived by his wife Edna, son Jeff, daughters, Debbie, Janet, and Robin, 10 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren. Bob graduated from Lamar High School in 1956. He loved sports and closely followed all the Houston teams. He was an avid fisherman. Bob served in the US Army and was a member of the American Legion in West Columbia. Bob was a member of the Sweeny Church of Christ and the West Columbia Lions Club. A memorial service will be held at a later date.

 Published in Houston Chronicle on Apr. 1, 2020

Clay Hamble 1937-2020

William Clayburn Hamble, Jr.
1937-2020
William Clayburn Hamble, Jr., who embraced all he met as his nearest and dearest friend, passed away peacefully Friday morning, February 7, 2020 after a graceful endeavor against ALS. Though he had lost nearly all mobility, he would always muster the strength for another corny joke or more of his famous words of wisdom.
Clay, the name we all knew him by, was born August 31, 1937 at Methodist Hospital in Houston. Clay attended Lanier Junior High School, Lamar Senior High School and was a graduate of Sam Houston State University and attended the South Texas School of Law. Clay served honorably for six years in the Army Reserve, ready for any escalation of rivalry between the United States and the Soviet Union, the perilously high stakes we all knew as the "Cold War".
Clay was proud of his humble background as a native Houstonian and of his lifetime of service to growth of this city that he loved. He enjoyed a career in all phases of the real estate industry, first as an appraiser for the City of Houston Tax Department and then as senior inspector for the City's Public Works Department. He continued to develop his acumen in the field of real estate management and ownership and was prosperous as a successful investor. He was also the eponymous authority on all things Houston – the City's history and development, and most thoroughly, it's "movers and shakers". If anyone needed a fact checker on all things Houston, they just asked Clay.
Clay aspired to be a "Renaissance Man", a goal he believed he never quite achieved. Instead he chose his gregarious, gracious and humble personality to engage and embrace a wide circle of friends. Clay was exceedingly grateful to the "Big Fellow Upstairs" for introducing him to Bill W. and Dr. Bob and the many wonderful friends he met through them and to all who made his life so joyous. And joyous he was. He would often laugh so hard that he would get out of breath and his raucous laughter still resounds in the ears and hearts of those who knew him.
But we all know Clay never met a stranger. He was ever ready to extend a hand, a hug, a word of advice, and a drink. He had that knack of simplifying problems and offering solutions no matter how large, small or seemingly insignificant, a gift that left the recipient feeling as if they were his most special concern.
Clay was privileged to have two wonderful women in his life. Susan, whom he said made a gentleman out of him, shared his life for forty-seven wonderful years. And he considered himself extremely fortunate to have spent the last six years with his second wife, Charlotte, whom he adored for all she contributed to his life. Clay traveled extensively throughout the world with both his partners. He and Susan were exceptionally fond of France, Paris in particular, where Clay acquired a fine collection of paintings and antiques. With Charlotte he traveled to Portugal, Spain, India, the Mediterranean and only recently they enjoyed a cruise around the coasts of Australia and New Zealand. He said he had been given everything that life could possibly provide. Clay knew he had lived a spectacular life and was blessed beyond measure.
Clay was predeceased by his father, William Clayburn Hamble, Sr., his mother Dorrace Glenora French Hamble, and his first wife Susan Huston Smith Hamble.
Clay is survived by his wife, Charlotte Land Hall Banham, two stepdaughters, Alix India Banham Waugh, her husband Sam and their son Seneca, and Clare Victoria Banham; his sister, Janice Marilyn Hamble Kringle and her husband Roland; his nephews Michael Kringle and wife Becky, Kirk Kringle and wife Ema; his nieces Mary Cathryn Mitchel and husband Larry, Robin Caldwell and husband Howard, their children, and of course his host friends whom he loved and considered family.
A memorial service will be held at the Church of St. John the Divine, 2450 River Oaks Blvd, Houston, TX 77019 on Friday, February 21, 2020 at 1PM with a reception to follow at the church hall. In lieu of flowers, Clay would appreciate you making a donation to the charity of your choice.

Published in Houston Chronicle on Feb. 16, 2020

Hugh “Gary” Roberts

Hugh “Gary” Roberts, 82, formerly of La Grange, Texas passed away on Sunday, January 19, 2020. 

Gary was born November 10, 1937 in Ardmore, Oklahoma to Hugh Gorham Roberts and Edwina (Adams) Roberts. He moved to Houston as a boy, and lived most of his life in the Houston area. He attended the University of Oklahoma, and also served as a Marine Corp reservist. 

Gary was primarily self-employed, spending 50+ years in antiques & collectibles. He traveled the country buying & selling merchandise, often with his family tagging along. He spent countless hours coaching softball, attending kid sports events and band concerts, and playing dad-taxi. He was also an avid Oklahoma Sooner football fan.
Gary is survived by his daughter, Stephanie Denton and husband, Stuart of Sugar Land; his son, Gary II (Little Gary) and his wife, Crystal of Dayton; and sister, Sylvia Larson of Baytown; two grandchildren, Bailey Wood and Chris Roberts.

A graveside service will be held at La Grange City Cemetery at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, January 244, 2020. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Gardenia E. Janssen Animal Shelter, 240 Svoboda Lane,    La Grange, TX 78945. 

The family would like to express their thanks to the staff at Care Inn for the excellent care given to Gary, and the kindness and professionalism they showed.  
Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Koenig-Belvill Funeral Home & Cremations, 208 W. Pearl, La Grange, Texas. Family and friends can view and sign the guestbook online at www.lagrangefunerals.com.

Hugh “Gary” Roberts, 82, formerly of La Grange, Texas passed away on Sunday, January 19, 2020.
Gary was born in Ardmore, Oklahoma to Hugh Gorham Roberts and Edwina (Adams) Roberts. He moved to Houston as a boy, and lived most of his life in the Houston area. He attended the University of Oklahoma, and also served as a Marine Corp reservist.
Gary was primarily self-employed, spending 50+ years in antiques & collectibles. He traveled the country buying & selling merchandise, often with his family tagging along. He spent countless hours coaching softball, attending kid sports events and band concerts, and playing dad-taxi. He was also an avid Oklahoma Sooner football fan.
Gary is survived by his daughter, Stephanie Denton and husband, Stuart of Sugar Land; his son, Gary II (Little Gary) and his wife, Crystal of Dayton; and sister, Sylvia Larson of Baytown; two grandchildren, Bailey Wood and Chris Roberts.

A graveside service will be held at La Grange City Cemetery at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, Jan

uary 24, 2020.   
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Gardenia E. Janssen Animal Shelter, 240 Svoboda Lane,    La Grange, TX 78945.
The family would like to express their thanks to the staff at Care Inn for the excellent care given to Gary, and the kindness and professionalism they showed. 
Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Koenig-Belvill Funeral Home & Cremations, 208 W. Pearl, La Grange, Texas. Family and friends can view and sign the guestbook online at www.lagrangefunerals.com.

Susan McGilvray Ellert

Susan McGilvray Ellert

Susan M. Ellert passed away to be at peace with our Lord on the 21st of December in her home in Boca Raton Florida.

Susan was born in Houston Texas to Hendrik & Mary McGillvray.  She moved to Florida in the mid 70’s and loved her friends, her job at SF Dentistry in Coral Springs, she enjoyed the sun, pleasure boating, beaches and the outdoors.  Susan was an animal lover and took care of them as if they were real children. Over her life she had many pets (cats, rabbits, birds & dogs) most coming from homeless shelters.

Susan met her husband John in Miami in 1977 married soon after and they were inseparable to her last day.  They lived in Miami until they lost their home in Hurricane Andrew. After Andrew, John & Susan decided to move to Davie in Broward County.  Her final move was in 2001 to Palm Beach County and Boca Raton. She retired a few years later to a nice life being a terrific homemaker.

She is predeceased by her parents and one sister Gloria Seyfarth of San Antonio Texas.  She is survived by her adoring and loving husband John M. Ellert and two nephews David and Kenneth Seyfarth of San Antonio Texas.

A memorial/celebration of Life service will take place on Friday, January 10, 2020 at Coral Springs Funeral Home in Coral Springs, Florida.

May her memory be Eternal.

Gathering

Friday, January 10, 2020
6:00 PM - 10:00 PM

Coral Springs Funeral Home
1420 N. University Dr.
Coral Springs, Florida 33071

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Memorial Service

Friday, January 10, 2020
8:00 PM - 9:00 PM

Coral Springs Funeral Home
1420 N. University Dr.
Coral Springs, Florida 33071

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Henry Brooks

Henry Tebbs Brooks
1938-2019
 

Henry Tebbs Brooks was born on July 6, 1938 to Henry T. Brooks and Blanche Cobb Brooks in Houston, Texas. A few months following his birth, his dad passed away and he was raised by his mother, who never remarried, and his aunt, Sallye Harris Cobb, both elementary education teachers in Houston. In 1941, his mother purchased a home in West University Place where he grew up. Both these women were strong individuals and during his lifetime, Henry always said that anything good that came from his life was directly related to the great values and integrity instilled in him by them. 

Henry went to West University Elementary, Pershing Junior High and Lamar High schools, graduating in 1956. Following graduation, he went to The University of Texas where he attained BBA and LLB (now JD) degrees in a six-year program. He was a member of Phi Kappa Sigma at Texas. Following graduation from law school in 1962, he returned to Houston to practice law at which time he met and married Billie Ford from Kerrville who was working as a legal secretary. They were married for 48 years before her death in 2012. 

Billie and Henry had one child, Hogan Brooks, whom he and Billie loved dearly. Hogan and his two daughters, Baylie and Kaitlyn Brooks survive Henry. Following Billie's death, Henry met and married Barbara Joanne Lowrie who made the last years of his life full, fun, rewarding, wonderful and complete. He will be greatly missed by her and other members of his family. He loved and enjoyed life and felt he had been blessed with a good one. Some of the many things he loved doing were fishing, golf (sometimes), good food, travel, making deals and just hanging out with family and good friends. Of all the events, experiences and activities in his life, other than his family, of what he was proudest were the many great friends he had acquired and kept over his whole lifetime. They gave him great joy and contentment and he considered them his greatest treasures. Henry Brooks died of complications related to idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. He will be cremated and his remains handled in a private family ceremony. 

Services for Henry will be at The Woodlands United Methodist Church (Harvest Worship Center) 2200 Lake Woodlands Dr., The Woodlands, TX 77380, on Monday, December 16 at 2PM. There will be a reception prior to the service at TWUMC beginning at 12:30PM. In lieu of flowers, those wishing to honor him may make a contribution to The Montgomery County Community Foundation, 9320 Lakeside Blvd., Bldg. 2, Suite 200, The Woodlands, TX 77381, or the charity of their choice.

Published in Houston Chronicle from Dec. 13 to Dec. 15, 2019

Janice Fleming

Janice Catherine Fleming Roberts Shepherd passed away November 30, 2019, in Houston, Texas, where she had lived most of her life. She was born on December 31, 1937, in Decatur, Illinois.

Janice attended Lamar High School and graduated from Southwestern University, where she was a member of Delta Delta Delta sorority. She went on to teach elementary school and retired from the Houston Independent School District. Simultaneously, she owned Books Galore, books being one of her life’s passions. Janice also enjoyed the arts and loved to socialize within the artist community. 

Family always came first for Janice. She leaves behind three sons: Kenneth Clarke Roberts (Donna), Steven Fleming Roberts (Linda), and Douglas Graves Roberts; six grandchildren: Elian, Callan, Brianna, Samantha, Grace, and Bobby; and her sister, Judy Fleming Canada. She was predeceased by her husband George Shepherd, and her parents Warren and Lucille Fleming.

Janice will always be remembered for her faith, kindness, and beauty, both inside and out.   

Memorial Service will be held on Friday, December 6, 2019, at 11am.

Memorial Drive Presbyterian Church 

11612 Memorial Dr

Houston, TX  77024

(713) 782-1710