Francitas Obituaries
 

William R. Abernathy

This community was shocked when the Angel of Death passed by again and called to W. R. Abernathy, "Come."

Our neighbor had been bothered with slight attacks, but when he was stricken on the 21st he failed to rally and passed away at 4 a. m. Tuesday, 22nd of June.

Death was sudden and unexpected. His wife and her brother, R. Green, were with him at the last. Her son and wife, Mr. and Mrs. Leon Smith, of Waco were summoned and most of the relatives who were near were soon with them in their sorrow.

Taylor Brothers of Bay City had charge of the funeral.

Brother H. Harvey of Port Lavaca our Baptist pastor here, officiated. Services were held at the Funeral Home at Palacios. Interment was made in Palacios Cemetery on June 24, 1954.

Mr. Abernathy was born March 1, 1900. And died, June 22nd, 1954.

More than half of his fifty-four years were spent in our midst. We can say of Bill, as he was known there, that he had a host of friends, and being of a jovial disposition and ever ready to lend a helping hand in any and all things--a very kindly man--that we should miss his cheery smile, his friendliness and his help.

Life flowed smoothly along, but Bill was not indifferent to the truly fine things of life. He was loyal to friends, true to his convictions, conscientious to a fine point.

Yes, we shall miss you, Bill Abernathy, but the Master of all knows best, and whatever He doeth is ever and always right.

To you, his wife, we extend our very best sympathy.

A FRIEND

Edna Herald, July 8, 1954

Abernathy Rites Held At Francitas

Last rites were held at the Palacios Funeral Home for W. R. "Bill" Abernathy, 54, an employee of the water treatment department at Alcoa at Point Comfort. He died of a heart attack at his home at Francitas June 22, at 3:45 a. m.

Burial was in the Palacios Cemetery and pallbearers were Ernest, Otis and Ora Lee Green, James Beaty, Preston Bowen, James Harris and T. O. and Joe Allen.

Mr. Abernathy was born at Waco in 1900. He came to Jackson County seven years ago.

Surviving are his wife: a son, Bill Jr. of Clovis, N. M., and a stepson, Leon Smith of Waco, and a brother, A. H. Abernathy of Hamlin.

Edna Herald, July 8, 1954
 

Agnes Wofford Argo
 

FRANCITAS - Agnes Eliza Carroll Wofford Argo, of Francitas, passed away on Tuesday, June 23, 2015 at the age of 96 years. She was born April 10, 1919 in Francitas to the late Robert Delrose and Lena Boyer Carroll.

She is survived by her daughter, Vivian M. Wofford Guthrie; four grandchildren, Tracy Guthrie Brandt, Roxanne Guthrie Rogers, Michael Sean Wofford, and James Patrick Wofford; and seven great-grandchildren, Tyler Jacob Rogers, Baleigh Elyse Rogers, Parish Michael Brandt, Paxton Thomas Brandt, and Peyton Christopher Brandt.

She is preceded in death by her parents; her husbands, Collis J. Wofford and Emmett Argo; and her son, Carson Wayne Wofford.

She was a lifelong resident of Francitas, where she was a member of the Baptist Church. After the death of her first husband she worked for Wofford's Grocery Store. She later became the postmaster of Francitas Post Office and remained there until her retirement.

Agnes lived a simple life enjoying the pleasures of family, friends and community.

Visitation will be Thursday June 25, 2015, from 5 - 7 pm, at the Slavik Funeral Home Chapel in Edna. Graveside Services will be Friday June 26, 2015 at 1:30 pm, at the Memory Gardens Edna Cemetery. Interment will follow at Memory Gardens Cemetery. Pallbearers will be J. Duane Rogers, Tyler J. Rogers, Bill Brandt, Parish Brandt, Michael Wofford, and James Wofford. Honorary pallbearers will be Justin Wofford and Doyle Wofford.

Services are entrusted to Slavik Funeral Home, 209 N. Allen St. Edna, 361-782-2152.

Palacios Beacon, July 25, 2015

FRANCITAS - Harold E. Crawford, 81, of Francitas, passed away on Feb. 4, 2007.

He was born on Jan 1, 1926, in Rockwall to the late Jack E. Crawford and Mary Annie Castell.
 
He is survived by his loving wife, Della Arboneau Crawford; sons, James and wife Vicki Crawford of Francitas, and Marvin and Heidi Crawford of Charlottesville, Va.; daughters, Sally Crawford of Rockport and Kathryn Cantu of Aransas Pass; brother, Henry Crawford of Bay City; and numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

All will miss him.
 
Arrangements under the direction of Oaklawn Funeral Home, Edna, 361-782-2221.

Published in the Victoria Advocate on 2/6/2007.
 

Mrs. Mary E. Emley

On Monday, August 16, 1948, the Death Angel reached down and kissed away the soul of our friend, Mrs. Mary E. Emley. She passed on at the Bayview Hospital in Palacios at 8:00 a. m. She had been in failing health for many months, and death was not unexpected. She was so weary and tired, and racked by pain that she welcomed the release. This lady, whom we called "Little Friend," had lived in our midst for more than twenty years and had endeared herself to all who knew her. Having been reared in the Methodist Faith, she was ever faithful to her belief. had she lived till March 28th, she would have been 73 years old. Her girlhood days were spent in our nearby town, Ganado. Her life was an open book, and her kindliness and cheer will long be remembered by her many friends.

She is survived by her husband, Raymond Emley here at Francitas; five sisters and three brothers. They are, Mrs. Dollie Bryant of Florence, Arizona, Mrs. Edna Wood of Los Angeles, Calif., Mrs. Myrtle De Charms of Palestine, Texas, Mrs. Carol Young of Houston, Texas, Mrs. Gertrude Jones of Edna; Messrs. Elmer Vickers of Arizona, F. L. Vickers and E. C. Vickers of Beaumont and several nieces and nephews.

Four sisters and two brothers were here to attend the funeral.

One nephew and two nieces sang "What a Friend We Have in Jesus" and the minister read the Episcopal services.

Interment was made in the Ganado Cemetery. The many flowers placed on her grave bore mute testimony of the esteem of her friends.

We would not call her back
To do so would be in vain--
For to her, to live was Christ
And to die was gain.

A Friend

Edna Weekly Herald, August 26, 1948
 

Tribute Is Paid to Mrs. Josephine Green – Josie Ella Reed Green

About ten years ago I was called upon to write a word or two about the passing of my friend’s husband, W. R. Green, who passed away at Francitas. Mr. and Mrs. Green had lived there, then, for thirteen years. After his death Mrs. Green had made her home with her sons, Lonnie, of Agua Dulce, Texas and Jack, of Houston, but she kept in touch with us and never forgot her friends.

The writer knew her intimately for all these year, and a truer friend we never had.

Mrs. Green was a devoted Christian, a good neighbor, a friend in time of need. She was also a mother to whom her five sons and two daughters and her grandchildren were always made to wish to be good because they could not let her down. She believed in them and trusted them. She was very retiring, but never failed to speak out for the right a “mother in Israel” whose children all grew up to call her blessed.

She was a kind, gentle, womanly woman, whom I am glad to have had for a friend. Mrs. Green was born at Henly, Texas on June 7, 1879. She passed away in Houston with her son, Jack, on October 22, 1957 at the age of 78. We laid her away beside her husband in Edna Cemetery October 24, 1957.

She leaves to mourn her passing five sons, Willie and Albert of Texas City, Lonnie of Agua Dulce, Louis and Jack of Houston and one daughter, Mrs. Bessie Boultinghouse of Bay City, and I believe, 26 grandchildren. Mrs. Minnie Lee Hamons, a daughter, preceded her in death a few years ago.

To all her loved ones, let me say.

“She’s not dead, she’s just away.
Her body is here under the sod,
But she, herself is home with God,
To you, again I say, “She’s not dead she’s just away.”

She’ll never more come back to you, but you dear children, if you are true can join her on the other shore where death and sorrow are no more.

A FRIEND

Edna Herald, November 7, 1957
 

Mr. W. R. Green Died November 7

On Thursday morning, Nov. 7^th, our friend, W. R. Green, who had been in ill health for many months, quietly “passed on.” He was 74 years old and had lived among us here in Francitas for more than 13 years. He numbered his friends by his acquaintances.

The writer has known Mr. Green and his wife for a number of years and can best express the esteem in which he was held by this terse sentence: “He was a very quiet, kindly man—a gentleman of the old school of true Southern manhood. We loved Mr. Green. He was our friend.

His sons, Lonnie and Jack of Agua Dulce, Willie of Texas City, Albert of Bay City and Mrs. Vera Green, wife of his son, Lewis, who is now in Three Rivers, Ark. were all here. His daughters, Mrs. Minnie Lea Hammonds of Palacios, and Mrs. Bessie Boultinghouse of LaWard, were all here to comfort Mother Green, and accompany her to Edna where Mrs. Green was laid to rest Nov. 9^th. Mr. K. A Binford officiating, assisted by Rev. L. E. Barrett, pastor of the Edna Baptist Church.

Pallbearers were: Messrs. Thedford, B. G. and Rowan Green, Upton, Koch and Whorton.

Mrs. Green went to the home of her son, Lonnie, in Agua Dulce on Sunday following the funeral. To Mrs. Green and her sons and daughters all of us extend sympathy.

Your father will not walk again this way.

“But he’s not dead, he’s just away.”

Over there where the angels sing--
For him, I’m sure Death had no sting.
He’s over there on the “other side”
But the good he did with us abides,
The “house” he lived in is under the sod,
But his gentle spirit is home with God.

A FRIEND

Edna Herald, November 14, 1946                                                         Photo: William Robert & Josie Ella Reed Green, Texas City Heights, courtesy of Terrence Green
 

Rev.  Cockrum, pastor of the Presbyterian Church, conducted last rites for Mrs. Karen Bolette Hansen Tuesday, August 31, at 3 p.m. at the Palacios Funeral Homes.

Mrs. Hansen was born June 27, 1867 in Denmark. She was married to the late Christian Hansen, who preceded her in death last September 27. They lived in the Deutschburg community for many years, moving to Palacios about seven years ago.

Mrs. Hansen died Saturday, August 28, at the Bayview General Hospital. She was buried in the Palacios Cemetery.

She is survived by her step-daughter, Mrs. Marie Geffert of Chicago and several nieces and nephews.

The Palacios Beacon, September 2, 1954

[former resident of Francitas]
 

FRANCITAS - Funeral services for Wheeler G. Joines, 67, of Francitas will be held at 2 p.m. Tuesday at the Jackson County Funeral Chapel. Burial will be in the Joines Family Cemetery near LaWard, under direction of Jackson County Funeral Home.

Mr. Joines was born July 11, 1906 in Jackson County and was a member of the Church of Christ. He died Sunday morning in a Victoria hospital after a brief illnes..

Surviving are two brothers, Robert of Francitas and Otis of Houston; two half brothers, W. R. Joines of Francitas and James T. Joines of Thompson; three sisters, Mrs. Lillie Moore of Beaumont, Mrs. Ruby Carre of Vidor and Mrs. Sylvia Linton of Houston, and a half sister, Mrs. Ettie [Etta] Gibbs of Bay City [Matagorda County].

The Victoria Advocate, August, 1973
 

Funeral mass for Raymond William Koch, 58, of Palacios was held 10 a.m., Tuesday, May 14, 2002 at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church with the Rev. James Nischan officiating. Interment was at St. Peter’s Catholic Cemetery in Blessing.

Mr. Koch died Sunday, May 12. He was born Nov. 15, 1943 in Francitas to the late Johnnie L. and Edyth Lillie Capak Koch.

A resident of Palacios since 1952, he was a retired welder from Alcoa Aluminum and a member of St. Anthony’s Catholic Church.

Survivors include his sister, Virginia Chipman of LaWard, and nieces and nephews, Monica Dunn, Greg Chipman and Rhonda Lewis, all of Palacios.

Pallbearers were David Koch, Richard Parrish, William Parrish, Keith Boazman, Ronald Pokoyski and James Cepak. Honorary pallbearers were Emil Kurtz and Bobby Koch.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Anthony’s Building Fund, 1004 Magnusson St., Palacios, Tx 77465 or to Hospice Support Care, 1102 N. Mechanic, Suite B, El Campo, Tx. 77437.

Arrangements were with Palacios Funeral Home.

THE PALACIOS BEACON, May 15, 2002
 

Robert F. Long

FRANCITAS - Robert F. Long, 62, of Francitas, died Friday, June 17, 2005. He was born June 23, 1942, in Ganado, to Robert E. and Alice Jones Long. He was a truck driver for Vulcan Materials of Helotes.

Survivors: daughters, Sherry Long of Hephzibah, Ga. and Lynnette Lander of Dayton, Ohio; son, Robert E. Long of San Antonio; sisters, Hilda Pendleton of Edna and Mary Goodman of Bay City; five grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.

Services will be 1 p.m. Saturday at Triska Funeral Home, the Rev. Rick DuBroc officiating.

Burial will be at  Hawley Cemetery in Blessing [Matagorda County, Texas]. Triska Funeral Home, El Campo, 979-543-3681.

The Victoria Advocate, June 22, 2005

Photo courtesy of Kristin Pendleton.

FRANCITAS—Michael Emory Magee Sr., 29, of Francitas, died Saturday, July 15, 2000.

He was born Aug. 5, 1970, in Fort Worth, to Carrol Dean Magee and Addelia Fitzgerald, both of Francitas. He was a railroad switchman for Point Comfort Northern Railroad and a member of First Baptist Church of Blessing.

Survivors: parents, wife, Teresa Magee; daughter, Geniva Magee of Francitas; sons, Allen Magee and Michael Magee Jr., both of Francitas; sisters, Beverly Harris of Blessing and Jennifer Magee of Francitas; grandparents, Ethel Magee, Minnie and Irwin Baggett, all of Midfield.

Preceded in death by: son, Darin Guynes; grandfathers, Bob Fitzgerald and Emery Magee.

Services will be 2 p. m. Tuesday at First Baptist Church in Blessing, the Rev. Steve LaFleur officiating.

Burial will be at Hawley Cemetery. Taylor Brothers Funeral Home, Bay City, (979) 245-4613.

Victoria Advocate, July 17, 2000
 

Sadie Miller

This town was saddened on Sunday of last week by the death of one of the long time residents of Francitas Mrs. Sadie Miller. She had been living in the "little house on the corner" since Francitas was young and we shall miss the kind, friendly lady.

Mrs. Miller had been in failing health for the past few years, and had made her home with her son, George Miller in Palacios, for the past several months. Funeral services were held Thursday. Interment was made in the Palacios Cemetery where her husband, Mr. T. N. Miller, was laid to rest about 15 years ago. She is survived by her six boys and girls and several grand children. Mrs. Miller was a "Mother in Israel." One of the outstanding traits of her character was her implicit trust and faith in her children. She often said, "I expect them to do right, and I know they will." To all the Millers we extend sympathy--because we loved her, too.

The Edna Weekly Herald, Jackson County, Texas, July 4, 1946
 

Funeral services for Vonda S. Motes, 66, of Port Lavaca, were held April 15, 2006 at the First United Methodist Church in Port Lavaca with Rev. Carl Westbrook officiating.

Miss Motes was born Sept. 20, 1939 in Francitas, TX to the late William Earl and Stella Ringo. She died April 12, 2006.

She was a retired cook for the Calhoun County ISD, and a member of the Methodist Church.

She is survived by her daughters Sharlyn Goode of Port Lavaca, Joan McAfee of Port Lavaca, and Karen Williams of Victoria; and six grandchildren.

Pallbearers were Derek Goode, Tyler McAfee, Donald McAfee, Damon Williams, Terry Hargus, David Hernandez.

She was preceded in death by her husband William “Sonny” Motes; sisters Elsie Lee Plachy, Mary Bell and Lararicia Kaye Vinigire; and brother Calvin Meril Ringo.

The Palacios Beacon, April 19, 2006
 

FRANCITAS—Ermond Thord Phillips, 85, of Francitas, died Friday, July 14, 2000.

He was born Dec. 25, 1914, in Thornton, to the late Sidney Vernon and Molley Taylor Phillips. He was the owner-operator of Francitas Grocery and a member of the First Baptist Church in Francitas.

Survivors: stepdaughter, Mildred Powell of Horseshoe Bay; son, Keith E. Phillips of Francitas; stepsons, Joe Taylor of Houston and Travis Taylor of San Antonio; sister, Mildred Autry of Brazoria; brother, Homer Phillips of Blessing.

Preceded in death by: parents, wife, Ruby Phillips.

Services will be 4 p. m. Monday at Taylor Brothers Funeral Home in Bay City.

Burial will be at Hawley Cemetery in Blessing. Taylor Brothers Funeral Home, Bay City, (979) 245-4613.

Victoria Advocate, July 16, 2000
 

Funeral services for Ruby Phillips, 80, of Francitas will be held 11 a. m. Thursday at Taylor Brothers Funeral Home chapel with the Rev. Ron Lynn presiding. Burial will be at Hawley Cemetery in Blessing.

Mrs. Phillips was born March 2, 1912 to Walter White and Mary Leona Swanner Bracewell and died May 26, 1992 at Matagorda General Hospital.

She was a member of Francitas Baptist Church and a resident of Francitas for 35 years. Mrs. Phillips was formerly of Tipton, La.

She is survived by her husband, Ermond Thord “Buggie” Phillips of Francitas; a daughter and son-in-law, Mildred Elane and Gerald Powell of Horseshoe Bay; three sons and two daughters-in-law, Joe F. and Ruth Taylor of Houston, Travis T. and Maryland Taylor of San Antonio and Keith E. Phillips of Francitas; a brother, Raymond Bracewell of Bedias; four grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.

Arrangements are with Taylor Brothers Funeral Home in Bay City.

Daily Tribune, May 27, 1992