Barbara LaCour Wallace, 83, of Beaumont, died Sunday, July 16, 2017. She is survived by Linn Wallace, her husband of almost 65 years. Barbara was born on August 20, 1933 to Gladys Williams and Webster LaCour. Barbara is also survived by her brother, her three children and their families: Donald Joseph LaCour and his wife Jimmie Lee LaCour. Barbara and Linn’s children: Dinah Smith and husband Tommy Smith, Susan Rodgers and her husband Stan Rodgers and Bert Wallace and his partner James Bland. Barbara was blessed by 5 grandchildren, 9 great grandchildren and 1 great-great grandchild. In order of age the grandchildren are: Ann Payton, Rhonda Cameron and her husband Trent Cameron; Russell Glenn Ramsey II and his wife Susie Ramsey; Drew Aaron Smith and Alex Ramsey and his wife Krystle Ramsey. Great grandchildren in order of age are: Shea Loe and her husband, Lucas Loe; Nick Payton, Nolan Payton, Anthony Hart, Kayleigh Renee’ Smith, “JJ” Payton, Tad Payton, Russell Glenn Ramsey III and Madison Grace Ramsey. Her Greatgreat grandchild is Miya Loe. Barbara was preceded in death by her parents, Gladys and Webster LaCour; sister Joyce Marie Perricone and son-in-law, Russell G Ramsey. The list of numerous surviving nieces, nephews, cousins and other family is long and rich. Living each day to its fullest; taking joy in all of God’s gifts she was a faithful Christian, devoted wife and partner in marriage and loving Mother who dedicated her life to her faith, husband and family. Her school years were filled with accomplishments, cheerleading and numerous awards. She met her husband during these years; Linn a football player and Barbara a cheerleader. Her happiest moments were in the company of family and friends. Barbara worked for Camp Fire Girls, Fox Photo, Ambassador and Hallmark Cards; earning awards of excellence in her significant contributions to all. Barbara and Linn were members of Northwood Christian Church for 50 years. After transfer of membership; Barbara and Linn served First Christian Church as active members for the last 10 years of her life. Barbara’s avocation was quilting. A 4th generation quilter she created over 150 quilts in her lifetime; many of them earning top awards at shows. She was a perfectionist in her craft and found great joy in artistically crafting these works of beauty. Her friends in the Golden Triangle Quilt Guild were extremely dear to her and their times together some of her fondest. The family asks that you join them to celebrate Barbara’s life during visitation;Wednesday, July 19, 2017, from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at Broussard’s Mortuary, 2000 McFaddin Avenue, Beaumont, TX. Services directed by Pastor Beth Graham of First Christian Church will be Thursday, July 20th at 10am; also at Broussard’s, with interment to follow at Forest Lawn Memorial Park in Beaumont. Pall Bearers are: Alex Ramsey, Russell Glenn Ramsey II, Anthony Hart, Darin LaCour, Keith Waggoner, David Newcomb, Gary Brown and Marty Valdez. If you wish to send a memorial in lieu of flowers; please send it in Barbara’s name to First Christian Church of Beaumont, 5290 North Caldwood Drive, Beaumont, Texas 77707; or the church of your choice. Complete and updated information may be found at: broussards1889.com.

Donna Sue Chaney, 47, of Kountze, passed away Thursday, July 13, 2017. Funeral service was at 1 p.m. today (Wednesday, July 19) at Grace Church in Kountze under the direction of Lumberton Family Funeral Home in Lumberton. Born in Bell, she worked as a cashier and clerk. Survivors include her husband of 18 years, Randy George of Kountze; sons, Kenneth Strohl and Dakota George, both of Kountze; daughters, Donya Warrick and husband Daniel of Lumberton and Cheyenne George of Kountze; and two grandchildren.

Lytha “Mee-Maw” Hawkis, 85, of Kountze, passed away Friday, July 14, 2017 at Baptist Hospital in Beaumont, after a long battle with Alzheimer’s. Graveside service was Tuesday, July 18 at Forest Lawn Memorial Park in Beaumont under the direction of Broussard’s Mortuary in Beaumont. Born in Beaumont and a longtime resident of the area, she was a seamstress and worked for Cobbs for many years. Survivors include her sons, John Hawkins of Virginia and Rod Hawkins of Kountze; daughter, Barbara Barbee of Tyler; brother, Don Mitchell of Corpus Christi; and five grandchildren.

Brandon Tower Overton, 54, of Lumberton, passed away Sunday, July 16, 2017 at The Medical Center of Southeast Texas in Port Arthur. Funeral service will be at 10 a.m. Thursday, July 20 at Broussard’s Mortuary in Beaumont. Visitation will begin at 9 a.m. the day of service at the funeral home. Committal will follow at Broussard’s Crematorium in Beaumont. Survivors include his wife, Barbara Overton of Nederland; sons, Chris Vidrine and his wife Nicole of Fannett and Brandon Overton Jr. of Nederland; daughter, Holli Vidrine of Nederland and Mandi Overton of Simmesport, Louisiana; mother Shirley Overton of Lumberton; brother, Jody Overton and wife Sharon of Kountze; sisters, Penny McDill and husband Dan of Houston and Rachel Overton of Lumberton; and one grandchild.

Mr. Jerry Mac Anderson, of Friday, Texas, passed away surrounded by family on July 23, 2017. He was 81 years old. Jerry Mac was born on February 14, 1936, in Friday, Texas, to Jerome and Estelle Anderson. He attended first grade through college without missing a day of school. After graduating Groveton High School in 1953, he earned a bachelor’s and master’s degree from Sam Houston State University. He started the first year of his teaching career in Leggett at age 20 and went on to teach in Austonio for one year, Kountze for 29 years, and Groveton for four years. For most of his 35-year education career, he taught high school agriculture or fourth and fifth grades. Over the years he helped scores of students with their livestock projects and traveled many miles hauling them to stock shows. His former elementary students remember how he made reading fun by reading books aloud like Hank the Cowdog and Where the Red Fern Grows. They remember learning how to make rope, build birdhouses, and keep bees. In addition to teaching, he drove a school bus and refereed basketball games for many years. He retired in 1991 to manage his family farm full time. Jerry Mac actively served his community throughout his life. He served on the Board of Directors for several institutions, including Davy Crockett Soil Conservation Service and the Trinity County Farm Bureau. He initiated Farm Bureau’s Ag in the Classroom, a field trip to experience agriculture for all fourth graders in Trinity County. He served the Friday Community Center, the Friday Buyers Group, the Friday Volunteer Fire Department, Trinity County Fair Association, and Trinity County 4-H. Over the years, he was a member of Friday Baptist Church, First Baptist Church of Groveton, and presently Zion Hill Baptist Church. Jerry Mac never met a stranger. He could talk to anyone and everyone. Even if he’d just met you, he would talk your ear off trying to figure out which of your kinfolk he knew. He loved gospel music, whether he was listening to others, leading a congregation in song, or singing solos himself. He was an avid Groveton Indian fan and enjoyed playing 42. Above all, he loved working on the farm, driving the pastures, and taking care of cows, goats, and just about any other kind of animal over the years. He lived an abundant life and will be missed by all. He is survived his wife, Teresa Anderson; sons, Jerry and Joanne Anderson of Maldon, Essex, UK; John and Michele Anderson of New Waverly; James and Nancy Anderson of Williston, North Dakota; Jeffrey and Lora Anderson of Magnolia; step-children Lee Sterling, III and Crystina Lewis of Tianjin, China; Polly and Saul Trevino of Jersey Village; Mindy and Andrew Fox of Spring; sister Louise Antley of Friday; brother and sister-in-law J.E. and Linda Anderson of Friday; brother-in-law Arthur and Barbara Parker of Vidor; brother-in-law Alvin and Chung Ling Harrell of Agana, Guam; numerous nieces and nephews; 26 grandchildren and 20 great-grandchildren (with 2 on the way) and one great-great-grandchild. Funeral Services for Mr. Jerry Mac Anderson will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday July 29, 2017 in the Cartwright Memorial Chapel of Groveton Funeral Home with ministers Dee Queen, Lewis Jones, and Billy Parker officiating. Burial will follow in Anderson-Ellis Cemetery in Friday, Texas. Visitation will begin Friday, July 28, 2017 evening from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at Groveton Funeral Home. Memorial contributions may be sent to the Groveton Ex-Students Association. Pallbearers will be Jared Anderson, Justin Anderson, Jay Anderson, Tyler Anderson, David Anderson, Hollis Anderson, Craig Parker, Clint Rosser, Danny Landrum, Ryan Harris, Clayton Manzer, Blake Frederick, Zeb Wright Honorary pallbearers were all of the ex-students that Mr. Anderson taught in Leggett, Austonio, Kountze and Groveton ISD. Please share your thoughts with the family by signing the online guestbook at www.grovetonfuneralhome.com.

The Gift Of A Son

No one can count on the future Or know what they someday might do, But I chose the son that I wanted and The one I picked was you. I wished for your great sense of humor And dreamed of your spirit and style. I hoped for your love and affection, Imagined the joy in your smile. Life holds some gifts and surprises, And one of the best there could be Is having a son who’s exactly the one Who’s already been given to me. Happy Birthday to a son who’s been a joy and a blessing.

We love and miss you, Mom, Walter, and many family members and friends

Funeral services for Dolores June Choate Gordon, 88, of Fred will be 10:00 am Thursday, July 27, 2017 at Farmer Funeral Home with interment following in Franks Branch Cemetery. Visitation will be 5 pm until 8 pm Wednesday at the funeral home. Mrs. Gordon passed away July 24, 2017 at Christus Dubuis Hospital in Beaumont. Dolores was born in Port Neches June 16, 1929 to Benjamin Franklin and Sylvia Cessac Choate. She met and married Billie ‘O J’ Gordon in 1953 and they settled in Fred where they raised their family. Dolores worked in retail, but her family was always her priority. She enjoyed dancing and following O J and her sons as they played music in their younger years. She was a proud and loving mother, grandmother, sister and a loyal friend to many. Dolores is preceded in death by her parents, husband O J Gordon, son Glenn Gordon, brother Earl Choate and sisters Viola Hrdliska, Wanda Hale, and Barbara Caraway. Left behind to cherish her memory are her children Peggy Lynn Rutledge and husband Carey of Crystal Beach and Larry Joe Gordon and wife Debbie of Spurger; sister Ethel Champagne of Bridge City; grandchildren Bryan Broussard and Angela of Baytown and Sheena Halverson and husband Aron of Silsbee; great granddaughter Mariah Halverson of Silsbee. She is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews, step-grandchildren and stepgreat grandchildren and many, many friends, Dolores will be missed by her family and all who knew and loved her.

Freddie Lois Smith, 81, of Woodville, passed away Friday, July 21, 2017. Funeral service was Tuesday, July 25 at Zion Hill Baptist Church in Woodville with burial following at Town Bluff Community Cemetery under the direction of Donald E. Coleman Funeral Home in Kountze. She was an educator with Woodville ISD for over 30 years. Survivor include her sisters, Joyce Smith and Bobby Stittem, both of Woodville.

Pamela Marie Metcalfe, 59, of Buna, passed away Sunday, July 23, 2017 at her home. A memorial service will be at 3 p.m. Saturday, July 29 at Kingdom Hall of Jehovah Witnesses in Silsbee. Born in Beaumont, she had lived in the area 31 years and was a retired cosmetologist. Survivors include her mother, Clara Ann Perkins and husband Brice of Iowa, Louisiana; husband, Curtis Metcalfe of Buna; sons, Kevin Courville of Deweyville, Darrel Lynch of Beaumont and Logan Thompson of Silsbee; daughters, Lisa Leon of Beaumont, and Cassie Busey, Courtney Harris and Alayna Thompson, all of Buna; brother, Robert Lee Williams of Fort Lupton, Colorado; sisters, Beverly Romera of Iowa, Louisiana and Kimberly Mellard of Sulphur, Louisiana; and 16 grandchildren.

Macayla Cheyanne Santana, 19, of Vidor, passed away Tuesday, July 18, 2017 at Baptist Hospital in Beaumont. A memorial service was Monday, July 24 at Turning Point Church in Vidor under the direction of Farmer Funeral Home in Silsbee. She was a graduate of Parkview Baptist in Sulphur, Louisiana and was currently working as a dog groomer in Nederland. Survivors include her mother, Betty Jeannine Garbs of Vidor; father, Michael Ray Vaughn of Lake Charles; grandparents, Frederic and Mary Hillebrandt of Orange and Frank Garbs Jr. of Vidor; brother, Kayleb Garbs of Orange, Jose´ Solis and Jesus Solis, both of Vidor and Hunter Vaughn of Lake Charles; and sisters, Katie Vaughn of Lumberton and Briana Solis of Orange.

George Benjamin “Ben” Turk, 50, of Silsbee, died Monday, July 24, 2017. He was born on July 29, 1966, in Beaumont, to June Hartman Turk and James T. Turk. Survivors include his mother, June Hartman Bellenger; siblings, Kim Collins and her husband, David, of Evadale, and Mitch Turk and his wife, Teshauna, of Silsbee; nephew, Mitch Gore of Lumberton; niece, Natalie Turk of Silsbee; grandmother, Doris Hartman of Silsbee; stepmother, Diane Turk; and stepbrothers, Casey Gilbert, Wade Gilbert, and Clay Gilbert. He is preceded in death by his father. A gathering of Ben’s family and friends will begin at 12:00 p.m., with his funeral service at 2:00 p.m., Friday, July 28, 2017, at Broussard’s, 490 Cemetery Road, Silsbee. His interment will follow at R.S. Farmer Memorial Park, Silsbee. Complete and updated information may be found at: broussards1889.com.

Edward Herman Spears, 88, of Wildwood, passed away Thursday, July 20, 2017. A memorial service will at 11 a.m. Saturday, July 29 at Village Mills United Methodist Church. His committal was held at Broussard’s Crematorium in Beaumont. Born in Vidor, he was a United States Marine Corps World War II veteran and a United States Army Korean War veteran. He retired from Texaco. Survivors include his daughter, Roxann Odgen of Houston; and one grandchild.

Leisa Eileen Westerterp, 58, of Kountze, passed away Thursday, July 20, 2017. Funeral service was Sunday, July 23 at Broussard’s Mortuary in Kountze with burial following in Old Hardin Cemetery, also in Kountze. Survivors include her husband, Benny Westerterp; children, Jake Westerterp and wife Sharon of Warren and Gini Kulhanek and husband Kalin of Kountze; mother, Betty Flanakin of Houston; sister, Jan Nichols of Houston; and three grandchildren.

Funeral services for Ruth Powers, 86, of Silsbee were held at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, August 2, 2017 at Farmer Funeral Home with interment in Turkey Creek Cemetery in Turkey Creek LA. Visitation was from 5:00 pm until 8:00 pm Tuesday at the funeral home. Mrs. Powers passed away July 31, 2017 at The Gardens Altus Hospice in Beaumont. Ruth was born April 7, 1931 in Turkey Creek LA, to Leslie and Mary Carpenter Foreman. She and Dallas were married in 1951 and moved to Silsbee in 1957, where they raised their family. Ruth was a member of First Baptist Church and taught the kindergarten Sunday school class for more than 30 years. She enjoyed crocheting, cooking and taking care of her family and friends. Mrs. Powers volunteered for many organizations and loved helping people. She is preceded in death by her parents; husband of 35 years, Dallas Powers, son Audie Powers and grand son Colt Fontenot. Left to cherish her memory are her children, son David Powers and wife Nelda of Silsbee; daughters Sara Fontenot and husband Clint of Nederland and Kelly Smith of Silsbee; grand children Cassie Fontenot, Eli Stafford and Candi, Leslie Johnson and Lee, and Jeff Becker and Tati and great grand children Tyler Walton, Ryan Walton, Madison Stafford, Annabelle Johnson and Ethan Johnson. She is also survived by brother in law Jerry Powers and Susan; nieces Debbie King and Arlen and Suzanna Powers, nephew Willie Powers and Tammy and several great nieces and nephews. Mrs. Powers will be greatly missed by her loving family and many, many friends.

Chomel T. Thomas, 73, of Silsbee passed away on Saturday, July 29, 2017 at her home. Visitation will be from 9-11 a.m. Thursday, August 3, 2017 at St. John Baptist Church in Silsbee followed by funeral service to begin at 11:00 a.m., with burial at Kirby Cemetery under the direction of Mercy Funeral Home in Beaumont. Her love and memories will remain in the hearts of her husband, Wesley Thomas of Silsbee; three sons, Elum Ross, Jr. of Houston, Wesley Thomas II of Beaumont and John W. Allen of McAllen; one brother, Willie McGrew of College Station; three sisters, Shirley Foster of Houston, Ida Loyd of Hammond, Louisiana and Patricia Johnson of New Iberia, Louisiana; eight grandchildren; six great grandchildren; other relatives and many friends.

Eddis Evans Smith, 99, of Silsbee, Texas, went to be with the Lord on July 31, 2017, at Silsbee Oaks Nursing Home. Funeral services will be Thursday, August 3, 2017, at 2 P.M. at Farmer Funeral Home in Silsbee with interment in Gore Cemetery, Silsbee, TX. Visitation will be Wednesday 5:00 to 8:00 P.M. at the funeral home. Eddis was born on Nov. 3, 1917 to Ben D. Smith and Lou Rita Mizzles Smith in Pike County, Arkansas. His family moved to Silsbee, Texas on Oct. 12, 1930. They had the first onehundred acre farm under fence in Hardin County. He graduated from Silsbee High School in 1936. He went on to graduate from Chenier’s Business College in Beaumont. He married Nettie Henley from Silsbee on Feb. 23, 1940. After the bombing of Pearl Harbor, he was drafted into the U. S. Army where he was called upon to do some extraordinary things under some difficult circumstances. When he left home, his father told him, “You need to be the best soldier you can possibly be and give it your all because if this war is not won, we will all be slaves.” He did just that. Eddis always said he was not a hero but a survivor. He felt the heroes were the soldiers that did not come back and truly gave their all. He served during WWII in the 3rd and 9th Medics, warehousing medical supplies that were so essential to the care of the wounded soldiers. He was stationed in New Zealand, Australia, The Philippines, New Guinea and Japan. His parents had five sons actively serving at one time during WWII. After returning from the war, he worked at Britton Cravens Lumber Company in Silsbee until he entered the ministry. He attended East Texas Baptist College in Marshall and Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth. While attending college, he was married with two children to support, working 40 hours a week as a shop foreman at the Ford Motor Company in Marshall, Texas, and pastoring churches on weekends sometimes hundreds of miles away. He later became a full-time minister which included being the first pastor of Pinecrest Baptist in Silsbee when it was only a mission. Upon retirement, he and his wife, Nettie, moved to Sam Rayburn Lake where he enjoyed fishing for many years. During his retirement, he served as minister for Texas Air Stream Village near Zavalla for fifteen years. He also preached revivals and served as supply and interim pastor in six surrounding counties. After his first wife passed, he went on to marry Geneva Pickard of Geneva, Texas. They enjoyed six years together and moved to Silsbee shortly before her death. He continued to live in Silsbee enjoying friends and family until his death at age ninetynine years and eight months. He is preceded in death by his parents and seven brothers, Lowell, Maurice, Dean, George, Tuney, Paul and Haskel and one sister, Eunice Martin Webster; wife Nettie Lucille Henley Smith, wife Geneva Pickard Smith; son-in- law Nathan Eugene Standley; step-sons Paul Parrish, Perry Parrish, and Keith Pickard. He is survived by daughter Martha Clark and husband Joe of Silsbee, daughter Judy Smith Standley of Onalaska, and one granddaughter Cassie Balla and husband Jay of Silsbee; grandsons Trevor Balla and wife, Lauren of Lumberton, Tyler and Ryan Balla both of Silsbee; two sisters-in- law, Edna Smith of Silsbee and Bobbie Smith of The Woodlands; step-sons James Parrish and wife Sonya of Nederland, Royce Parrish and wife Arlene of Pineland, step-daughter-in-law Laurie Parrish of Fairfield, California, Greg Pickard and wife Nancy of Orange, Bruce Pickard and wife Leva of Ashland, Kentucky; numerous nieces, nephews and step-grandchildren.

Doris West Scott, 80, passed away Friday, July 14, 2017 in Colorado. Funeral service was Monday, July 24 at Pipkin Braswell Mortuary in Denver, Colorado burial at Fort Logan Cemetery. Born in Silsbee and a longtime resident of Colorado, she retired from Head Start. Survivors include her son, William “Billy” Scott Jr. of Denver, Colorado; sister, Joyce Lee Turner Williams of Silsbee; and brother, Carlee Williams of Silsbee.

Funeral services for Dorothy Emily Sossaman, 88, of Kountze were at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, July 29, 2017 at Farmer Funeral Home in Silsbee with interment following in R.S. Farmer Memorial Cemetery. Visitation was from 5:00 until 7:00 p.m. Friday at the funeral home. Mrs. Sossaman passed away July 26, 2017 at her residence. Born January 21, 1929 in Somerville to George and Ilene Lynch Purser, Dorothy was a longtime resident of Kountze. She was a devoted wife and mother of seven children. Mrs. Sossaman was a member of the Big Thicket Baptist Church in Kountze and a member of the Eastern Stars. Dorothy is preceded in death by her parents; husband of 63 years, John Cecil Sossaman Jr; brother, George Purser; granddaughter, Amy Renee Murphy; and grandson, Michael Dale Richey. Left behind to cherish her memories are her seven children, Patrick Sossaman and wife Julie, Ronald Sossaman and wife Betsy, Sandra Burks and husband Walter, Linda Murphy and husband Alan, Deborah Richey and husband Dale, Phyllis Anderson and husband Charles and Janet Chambless; brothers, Glen Purser and wife Janeen and Les Purser and wife Patsy; and sister, Joretta Hudson and husband Douglas. She is also survived by nineteen grandchildren, thirty eight great-grandchildren, ten great, great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews

Memorial services for Irene Ferguson Oliver, 97, of Lufkin, was held at 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, August 1, 2017 at Cornerstone United Pentecostal Church in Lufkin. Interment was in the Rosevine Cemetery in Rosevine, Texas. Mrs. Oliver was born November 15, 1919. She passed from this life on Wednesday, July 26, 2017. She was preceded in death by her husband, Will Arthur Oliver; son, Dwayne Oliver; and grandsons, Aaron Oliver and Brandon Oliver. Irene is survived by her children and their spouses, Doyle and Sarah Oliver, Roffie and Rev. Jerry Ensey, Laverne Oliver, Rev. Ron and Cheryl Oliver, Gaye and Bill Cain, David and Susan Oliver, Bishop Gary and Kimberly Oliver. She is also survived by her siblings, Adelle Burch, Margaret Oliver, Geraldine Goynes, Edna Cook, Myrtle Boyd and Bruce Ferguson; numerous grandchildren, great grandchildren, great great grandchildren, as well as nieces, nephews and a host of other relatives and friends. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested a donation in her memory be made to Cornerstone United Pentecostal Church, 1407 Ellis Avenue, Lufkin, TX 75901. Irene’s family wishes to express their appreciation to the staff of New Century Hospice for the exceptional care given to her. The family received friends from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Monday evening at Gipson Funeral Home. Condolences may be offered at www.gipsonfuneralhome.com Services have been placed in the trust of Gipson Funeral Home.

Christopher Lee Wolfe, 50, of Fred passed away Saturday, July 29, 2017 at his residence. Mr. Wolfe was born in Nevada, Missouri to David and Barbara Lindsay Wolfe. Chris was a long time resident of this area. He was a truck driver and also worked as a mechanic. He is preceded in death by his parents; children, Brandon and Brittany Wolfe; brother, Daniel Wolfe; and sister, Shannon Wolfe. Left behind to cherish his memories are his wife of 17 years, Lisa Rieseling Wolfe of Fred; step-mother, Willie MaeWolfe of Fred; sons, Martin and Michael Clark, both of St. Louis, Missouri, Bradley and David Wolfe, both of Nederland, Cody Wolfe of Lake Charles, Louisiana, Cody and Van Hammonds, both of Fred; daughter, Monica Rabatie and husband Laurence of Silsbee; sister, Cheryl Huddleston of Richmond, Missouri; grandchildren, Embrie Rabatie, Joey Rabatie, Ryder Rabatie, and Aliza Wolfe. A Celebration of Life honoring Mr. Wolfe will be held on a later date at their residence. Chris will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.