Centenarians Buried in Jackson County

Deceased County Residents Who Reached the Age of 100 and Beyond

A centenarian is a person who has attained the age of 100 or more.  These are the centenarians who have been identified to date. The page is for all of Jackson County and additions of others buried in the County are welcomed. Submissions can be emailed .

Marjorie “Margie” Lee Bordelon Allums of Edna, Texas, was called to her Heavenly Home on October 11, 2024, at the age of 100 years and two months. The youngest of three daughters, she was born to Henry and Anna Bordelon, in Lake Charles, Louisiana, on August 8, 1924. She married Sammy R. Allums on December 31, 1945, in New Orleans and was married for 38 years.

In 1945, she graduated from Hotel Dieu School of Nursing, New Orleans, LA, as a Registered Nurse. After the family moved to Edna in 1960, Marjorie worked full time at Mauritz Memorial Jackson County Hospital in Ganado as charge nurse and instructor for 18 years. She was a member of St. Agnes Catholic Church in Edna and was a 60-year member of the Catholic Daughters Court of St. Therese #1350.

She is survived by four children: Donna Peagler and her husband Jim of Edna, Richard Allums and his wife Jeanette of Palacios, Debra Allums and Susan Allums both of Victoria. She is also survived by her cherished eight grandchildren, thirteen great-grandchildren, and four great-great-granddaughters. Her dedication to her family was unwavering, and she always looked forward to spending time with them and family.

Marjorie was preceded in death by husband Sammy R. Allums, son Randall Allums, and daughter Pamela Allums.

Since September 2022, Margie was surrounded by loving care and friends at Grow In Grace Senior Living LLC in both Edna and Ganado. The family extends heartfelt gratitude to Crown Hospice who provided comfort and support during the final days of her Earthly journey.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a memorial donation to the Catholic Daughters Court of St. Therese Scholarship Fund, P.O. Box 1082, Edna, Tx 77957; Catholic Diocese of Victoria, Seminary Endowment Fund, P.O. Box 4070, Victoria, Tx 77903, or to a charity of your choice in her name.

Marjorie “Margie” Allums’ life was a testament to the power of deep devotion to her Catholic faith, of her love and support of others, and to the power of joy that comes from selflessness. Her memory will forever be cherished by all who had the privilege of knowing her.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, October 16, 2024, from 5:00 pm to 6:30 pm with a Rosary to be recited at 6:30 p.m. all in the Oaklawn Funeral Home Chapel in Edna, Texas. Funeral Mass will be held on Thursday, October 17, 2024, at 10:30 a.m. at St. Agnes Catholic Church in Edna. Interment to follow in Memory Gardens Cemetery in Edna. Reverend Michael Petering and Reverend Michael Rother of Sacred Heart Catholic Church of Hallettsville will be concelebrating.

Arrangements are under the direction of Oaklawn Funeral Home in Edna. 361-782-2221.
www.oaklawnfhednatx.com

Oaklawn Funeral Home
 

EDNA—Louis Barnes, 103, of Edna died in a Victoria hospital Tuesday, March 3, 1992, following a lengthy illness.

Mr. Barnes was born April 4, 1888, in Morales to the late Randall and Adeline Hopes Barnes. He was a member of the Evening Sun Masonic Lodge No. 530, a retired laborer and a member of the Shiloh Baptist Church of Edna.

Survivors: daughter, Joyce E. Callis of Edna; foster son, R. A. Rhoder of Houston; two grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.

Preceded in death by wife, Edna Sayles Barnes.

Services 1 p. m. Saturday at the Shiloh Baptist Church, the Rev. G. L. Roberts officiating.

Burial in Sayles Cemetery, Cook-Butler Funeral Home, Edna, 782-3821

Victoria Advocate, Thursday, March 5, 1992
 

Edna—Louise Bonnot, 101, of Edna, died at her residence Sunday, Feb. 9, 1992 after a lengthy illness.

She was born Aug. 2, 1890, in Jackson County to the late Alfonse Joseph and Emma Branch Bonnot. She was a retired, self-employed rancher and farmer for the Bonnot Ranch and a member of the Traylor Chapel Methodist church.

Preceded in death by her parents; sister, Mary Lee Bonnot and Alberta Zack Gayle; brothers, Lonnie and Carlos Bonnot.

Services 3 p. m. Tuesday at the First Baptist Church, the Rev. Joe Webb officiating.

Burial in Memory Gardens Cemetery, Jackson County Funeral Service, Edna, 782-5201.

Pallbearers: great-nephews.

Memorials: donor’s choice

Victoria Advocate, February 11, 1992
 

Dorothy N. Cherry, age 101, of San Antonio, Texas and formally of Edna, Texas passed away on August 4th, 2022 in San Antonio, Texas. She was born September 14, 1920 in Wichita Falls, Texas to the late Henry Leonard Null and Edna Jones Null.

After graduation from Brownwood High School, she attended the University of Texas. In 1941, she married the late Hal Cherry Jr.

A lifelong member of the Methodist Church, Mrs. Cherry was active in church activities, Federated Club affairs, school and civic organizations. She was a retired legal secretary.

Mrs. Cherry is survived by her sons, Harrell H. Cherry of Richardson, Texas and Barton N. Cherry and wife, Becky, of San Antonio, Texas. Also surviving are her grandchildren, Steve Channell of Hunt County, Texas; Terry Ann Landwehr of Coppell, Texas; Tina Ottinger of Hopkinton, Massachusetts and Heidi Cherry of Pflugerville, Texas; four great grandchildren, Callie Reeves and Chad Landwehr of Coppell, Texas and Cody and Allison Ottinger of Hopkinton, Massachusetts.

Graveside services were held at East Greenwood Cemetery in Weatherford, Texas.

White’s Funeral Home, Weatherford, Texas
 

Edna—Mary Marilla Downs, 100, of Edna, died Wednesday, March 22, 2000.

She was born June 23, 1899, in Texarkana, to the late Samuel Pierce and Mary Jane Bonner McCurry. She was a homemaker and a member of First Baptist Church of Edna.

Survivors: daughters, Altha “Pinky” Milby of Edna and Mary Lucille Skoruppa of Victoria; 10 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; and 14 great-great-grandchildren.

Preceded in death by: husband, A. C. Downs; daughters, Mavis LaVon Reese and Therau Estell Downs; sons, Perry Francis Downs and Hilton Ferris Downs; parents, sisters, Nancy Taylor, Frances Hunter, Lucy Edwards and Rosie Hunter; and brothers, Robert M. McCurry, Homer McCurry, Howard McCurry, M. Pierce McCurry and Wilson W. McCurry.

Visitation will be 8 a. m. to2:30 p. m. today at Slavik Funeral Home chapel.

Graveside services will be 3 p. m. today at Memory Gardens of Edna, the Rev. Jim Gilbert officiating. Slavik Funeral Home, Edna, (361) 782-2152.

Victoria Advocate, March 23, 2000
 

Edna—Julia Ann Franklin, 100, of Edna, passed away Sunday, Aug. 10, 2008. She was born July 11, 1908, in Texana, to the late Samuel Martin and Rosa Lee Smith Martin. She was a retired factory worker and a member of Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church.

She is survived by her sister, Stella Mae Jones of Corpus Christi.

She was preceded in death by her sisters, Carrie Ramey, Danna Bradley, Nora Edwards and Celestine Martin; and brothers, Milam Martin, James Martin, and Jesse Martin.

Visitation will be from noon to 8 p. m. today at Cook-Butler Funeral Home Chapel in Edna.

Services will be at 11 a. m. Thursday at Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church, the Rev. G. L. Roberts officiating. Burial will follow at Sayles Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be Terry Ramey Sr., Terry Ramey Jr., Anthony Stevens Sr., Anthony Stevens Jr., Raymond O’Neal Ramey and James Dimes.

Cook-Butler Funeral Home, Edna, 361-782-3821.

Victoria Advocate, Wednesday, August 13, 2008
 

Edna—Ed Gerjes, 101, of Edna, died Sunday, June 29, 2003.

He was born Sept. 28, 1901, in Cordele, to the late Henry and Helene Seibert Gerjes. He was a retired farmer and owner of Ed’s Café. He was a Baptist.

Survivors: wife, Rosa Belle Kelton Gerjes; daughters, Jean Hamilton and Joyce Strelec, both of Edna; son, Robert Gerjes of Edna; 15 grandchildren; 21 great-grandchildren; and 29 great-great-grandchildren.

Preceded in death by: parents, sisters, Lenna Gerjes, Emma Gerjes, Augusta Gerjes, Mollie Gerjes and Annie Gerjes; brothers, John Gerjes and Herman Gerjes; grandson, Randy Gerjes; and great-grandson, Brandon Gerjes.

Graveside services will be 2 p. m. today at Red Bluff Cemetery, the Rev. George Tompkins officiating. Slavik Funeral Home, Edna, 361-782-2152.

Pallbearers: Great-grandsons: Shannon Srp. Budd Ratliff, Josh Srp, Jake Srp, Aaron Hamilton, J. B. Pruitt and Richard Gerjes.

Victoria Advocate, Monday, June 30, 2003
 

Edna—Cerelia Jones, 100, of Edna, died Wednesday morning in a local hospital following a long illness.

A native of Edna, she was born Aug. 16, 1887, to the late James and Mary Robinson Ross.

Funeral services will be held at 1 p. m Friday at the Shiloh Baptist Church with the Rev. G. L. Roberts officiating.

Burial will follow in services in Sayles Cemetery under the direction of Cook-Butler Funeral Home.

Pallbearers will be Kenneth Brooks, Ralph Robinson, David Stroude, Lincoln and Freddy Edwards and Everett Bryant. Members of the Heroines of Jericho will serve as honorary pallbearers.

Surviving Mrs. Jones are three grandchildren, four great-grandchildren and give great-great-grandchildren.

Victoria Advocate, Friday, January 8, 1988
 

Edna—Rosie Lee Smith Martin, 102, died Saturday at her residence in Edna.

Funeral services will be at 1 p. m. Wednesday at Shiloh Baptist Church with Rev. Gary Roberts officiating. Burial will be in Sayles Cemetery under direction of Cook-Butler Funeral Home.

She was born April 10, 1883, in Jackson County. She was preceded in death by her husband, Samuel Martin in 1940.

She is survived by six daughters, Carrie Ramey, Julia Franklin, Stella Mae Jones, Nora Edwards and Celectine Martin, all of Edna, and Dana Bradley of Galveston; 14 grandchildren, 31 great-grandchildren; 42 great-great-grandchildren; and 10 great-great-great-grandchildren.

Pallbearers will be James Dimes, Alvin Stovall, Jordan Brooks, Raymond O. Ramey, Terry Ramey and Wadsworth Williams.

Victoria Advocate, Monday, September 23, 1985
 

Lolita—Mrs. C. F. Mitchell, 100, of Lolita, died Saturday in an Angleton hospital.

Funeral services will be held at 4 p. m. Monday at Lolita United Methodist Church with the Rev. Calvin Peterson officiating.

Burial will be in Lolita Cemetery.

Victoria Advocate, Monday, October 17, 1977
 

Leander Garrett Menefee passed away peacefully at his home on October 20, 2023. He was 100 years old, nine days short of his 101st birthday. 

A lifelong resident of Edna, Mr. Menefee was born on October 29, 1922, the oldest son of George Ernest and Blanche Hopkins Menefee. After graduating from Edna High School in 1940, he attended Texas A&M College until 1942 when he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. Garrett served as an Aerial Navigator in a Marine transport squadron initially stationed in Honolulu and later in Guam. He was honorably discharged as Technical Sargent on November 19, 1945.

After his return to Edna in December of 1945, Garrett worked various jobs until assuming a position with Magnolia Oil (later Mobil) at the Vanderbilt field in 1947. In 1948, he married Wilma Jean Townsend and the couple had five daughters―Linda, Blanche, Molly, Sally, and Judy. He retired from ExxonMobile in 1982 after working thirty-six years with the company. Garrett and Jean were married for sixty-seven years before Jean’s passing in 2015. He is survived by his daughters, Linda Reaves and her husband Bill of Edna, Blanche Charkalis and her husband George of Victoria, Molly Myers of Austin, Sally Gaskin and her husband Steve of Dallas, and Judy Lundy of Edna; eight grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; and many other family members and friends. 

Garrett Menefee was a devoted husband and a loving father to his girls. He lived a long and fulfilling life and was a proud resident of Jackson County, descending from a pioneering family prominent in the founding and early affairs of the county, the Republic, and ultimately the State of Texas. 

Over the last several years of his life Garrett was ably assisted by the staff at Harbor Hospice in Victoria, and lovingly attended to by a stellar caregiving team. The family expresses gratitude to all these individuals for their loyal service and devoted attention.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, October 28, 2023, from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. in the Oaklawn Funeral Home Chapel. Burial will be held on a later date. 

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a memorial donation to Texana Arts Council at www.EdnaTheatre.com, P.O.  Box 1334, Edna, Texas, 77957, or a nonprofit or charity of choice. 

Oaklawn Funeral Home
 

Velma Frenzel Moss passed away on Sunday December 1, 2024, at the age of 102 in Franklin, Louisiana. She was born on July 26, 1922, in Belton Freeston County, Texas to Joseph and Bertha Searcy Frenzel.

She is survived by her 3 children Betty Greene (Chip), Jerry Moss (Jamie) and Walton Moss (Lisa). She leaves behind 10 grandchildren Sharmon O'Quinn, Jeremy Greene, Billy Moss, Robby Moss, Bobby Moss, Jennifer Pusateri, Seth Moss, Jessica Scott, Keeley Landry, Jerrica Babin, 24 great-grandchildren, and 6 great-great-grandchildren. She also leaves behind 1 sister, Earlin Dawes (Tootie), 1 sister-in-law Jackie Frenzel, and 1 brother-in-law Corky Powers.

She is preceded in death by her husband Walton B. Moss, her parents Joseph and Bertha Frenzel, 1 child James Moss, 2 grandchildren James Moss and Vickie Greene, and 8 siblings Jo Edward Frenzel, Clyde Frenzel, Jessie Frenzel, George Frenzel, Mary Sturm, Claira Coalson, Vera Keith, and Gene Powers.

The family will receive visitors on Saturday December 7, 2024, at 11:00am at Vanderbilt Baptist Church (191 Victoria Street, Vanderbilt, Texas).  A funeral service will begin at 1:00pm.  Interment to follow at Memory Gardens Cemetery (8819 US-87, Victoria, Texas).  Pallbearers are James Frenzel, Donnie Dawes, Richard Heller, Bobby Wayne, Dennis Storm, and Timothy Frenzel.  Services are entrusted to the Todish family of Slavik & Ganado Funeral Homes.

Slavik Funeral Home
 

George Joseph Panza, at the blessed age of 101, went home to his Lord on Thursday, October 12, 2023.  George was born on Friday, March 31, 1922 in Chicago, Illinois to Gabriele and Marie Panza.  He graduated from Marshall High School in Chicago, Illinois in June of 1940. He then attended one year of college, and then he decided to serve his country during WWII and enlisted in the Army Air Force on October 12, 1942 and served until November 25, 1945.  George married Barbara L. Lacashio and together they raised their two sons; Gerard Michael and George Gabriele, he later married Sophia "Sophie" Garcia, and together with Sophie's son and daughter, they welcomed their son Gregory David into their family. George worked for the Railroad checking cars and the family moved to Kansa briefly and then on to California where he went into the garment industry and eventually opened his own business and sewing factory.  After selling his factory he worked several different jobs; he worked at a Marshall's office serving warrants, and driving a bus for Leisure World. George and Sophie were very active in the parish church, St. Nicholas in Laguna Hills, California.  George was head usher and they also cleaned the communion vessels after Mass on Sundays. Sophie passed away in 2003, George then began sharing his time with his sons in Edna.  He lived with Greg and his family from 2004 until 2016, then he began moving back and forth between Greg and Deanna's home and George and Judy's home.  The family had a 100th birthday celebration for George in 2002.

George is survived by his three sons and their families; Gerard from the Philippines, George and Judy of Edna and Gregory and Deanna also from Edna and their families.  George was also blessed by many grandchildren, great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild.  George is preceded in death by his parents, and his wife Sophia Garcia Panza.

Services will be held on Saturday, October 21st, 2023 at St. Agnes Catholic Church, with visitation from 11:30 am to 1:00 pm, with Rosary being recited at 12:15 pm followed by Funeral Mass at 1:00 pm, with Father Michael Petering officiating.  Interment will be at a later date and time in Ascension Catholic Cemetery in Laguna Hills, California.

Slavik Funeral Home
 

Edna—Funeral services for Mrs. Mary Lee Perkins, 103, of San Antonio, who died Friday in a San Antonio hospital, will be held at 1 p. m. Tuesday at the Cook-Butler Funeral Chapel in Edna, with the Rev. Billy Young officiating.

Burial will be in the Sayles Cemetery near Edna.

Grandsons will serve as pallbearers.

Mrs. Perkins was a native of Edna, and was known to many as Aunt Mary Lee Sayles.

Victoria Advocate, Monday, March 3, 1980
 

Jackson Man Dies At 104

Edna—Jackson County’s oldest resident, Antonio Quinonez, age 104, died Wednesday in a local hospital. He would have been 105 on June 11.

A rosary will be recited at 8 p. m. Friday at the Slavik Funeral chapel with Bishop Hugo Gerberman officiating.

Funeral services are set for 9 a. m. Saturday at the St. Agnes Catholic Church. Burial will be in the Edna Latin American Cemetery.

Mr. Quinonez did not speak English, but was very proud that he received his American citizenship papers some 12 years ago.

During a brief interview with an Advocate reporter at a senior citizens’ program in 1976, through an interpreter, he related he was born June 13, 1872 near Durango, Mexico, on a ranch and had seven brothers and sisters. He said he came to Texas in 1912 and worked many years on the King Ranch. Then he came to Vanderbilt in Jackson County and worked on a farm a while, and then about 1930 began working on the Dugger Ranch

After his retirement he bought a house in Edna and remained active until last year raising a large garden every year. Friends said he still had good eyesight and his teeth, and enjoyed participating in the local senior citizens’ program until about two months ago. He had lost some strength since then but did not go to the hospital until Tuesday, they said.

Mr. Quinonez also was a member of St. Agnes Church and the Edna G. I. Forum.

Surviving are his second wife, Manuela Quinonez of Edna; two adopted sons, Edward Arroyos of Rockport, and John Arroyos of Freeport; two stepsons, Edward Ramos of Port Lavaca and Frank Ochova of Edna; three step-daughters, Susie Alvarez Ochova and Maria Valdez of Oklahoma City, Okla., and Josephine Ochova of Richmond; nine grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren.

Victoria Advocate, Friday, May 13, 1977
 

Reba Rainwater

Reba Estelle Cox Rainwater, 105, of Edna passed away on Sunday, June 3, 2018. She was born on July 24, 1912 to the late Steve and Altha Cox in Groesbeck, Texas.
 

She was a housewife and an Avon Lady for many years.

She is survived by her daughters Patsy Campbell Kubala and Nancy Rainwater; son-in-law Larry Kubala; daughters-in-law Catherine Campbell and Joyce Campbell; sister Frances Dannewitz; 13 grandchildren, numerous great-grandchildren and great-great grandchildren, as well as nieces and nephews.

She has been preceded in death by her parents; her husbands Bernard Rainwater and Luther Campbell; sons Rex Campbell, Perry Campbell, and Gene Campbell; as well as two sisters and five brothers.

There was a private family graveside service on Tuesday, June 5, at 10 a.m. at Memory Gardens of Edna.

Services have been entrusted to Russell Todish of Slavik Funeral Home, 361-782-2152.

Jackson County Herald-Tribune, June 20, 2018

Agnes Veronica Kokes Vincik, peacefully passed away with family by her side on September 2, 2022, at the wonderful age of 100. Agnes was born on January 13, 1922, to Joseph and Anna Kokes in Granger, Texas. In 1927, she moved by horse drawn wagon with her family to LaSalle, Texas, where she established her roots. At an early age she learned the importance of working hard through picking cotton and tending the various livestock on the newly acquired land. At age 14, she had her first job making $1.00 per day one day a week cleaning a house and washing clothes.

On March 5, 1946, Agnes married the love of her life, Joe William Vincik. As a member of the U.S. Air Force, he was stationed in many locations, so Agnes lived in several states across the U.S. as well as in England. Once Joe retired, they settled in LaSalle, but Agnes' love of travel continued. She accomplished visiting all 50 states and threw in a few countries, too.

St. Theresa Catholic Church of LaSalle was very near and dear to her heart, and she spent endless hours serving on KJZT and the Altar Society. She also worked continuously on her farm, taking care of her garden, canning her family's favorite pickles and jellies, baking pecan pies and strudels, cooking many delicious recipes, shopping, and giving rides to family and friends, playing games, quilting, crafting and crocheting.

Agnes is survived by her two children, Patrica (Kenneth) Matak and William (Reta) Vincik; her two grandchildren, Karen Matak and Amanda Vincik; her two great-grandchildren, Emma Matak and Charlie Vincik; and only surviving sister, Frances Billings. She is preceded in death by her parents, husband Joe W. Vincik and siblings Emilie Kusak, Annie McDonald, Mary Shijka, Joe Kokes, Frank Kokes, John Kokes, Vlasta White, and Eddie Kokes.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggest memorial contributions be made to St. Theresa Catholic Church in honor of Agnes Vincik.

The visitation will be held from 5:00 pm -7:00 pm on Thursday, September 8, 2022 at Slavik Funeral Home in Edna, Texas. Funeral Services will be held on Friday, September 9, 2022, beginning with Rosary at 9:30 am, followed by Mass at 10:00 am at St. Theresa Catholic Church in LaSalle, Texas.  Agnes' favorite turkey and dressing dinner will be served at St. Theresa's hall following burial.

At' odpociv'a v pokoji

Slavik Funeral Home
 

Edna—Annie Ware, 107, of Edna, died Sunday evening at her residence after a lengthy illness.

Funeral services will be held at 2 p. m. Thursday at the Scruggs United Methodist Church with the Rev. D. Leon Tanner officiating.

Burial will be in the Sayles Cemetery under the direction of Cook-Butler Funeral Home.

She was born May 6, 1883, in Jackson County, to the late Jerry and Berilla Spriggs Boston.

Surviving are three daughters, Berilla Lane and Angeline Ware, both of Edna, and Adeline Johnson of Victoria; a son, Albert Ware Jr. of Aransas Pass; a sister, Ida Stovall of Edna; nine grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; and 14 great-great-grandchildren.

Pallbearers will be Arthur Green, Randy Green, Robert Reed, Viron Reed, Veotis Ware, Norval Montgomery and Willie James Hopes.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Albert Ware Sr.

Victoria Advocate, Tuesday, May 22, 1990
 

Mrs. Nora Washington

Edna—Funeral services for Mrs. Nora Washington, 102, of Houston will be held at 2 p. m. Saturday in the Cook-Butler Chapel in Edna with the Rev. Charles Gamble officiating.

Burial will be in Sayles Cemetery under direction of the Cook-Butler Funeral Home. Pallbearers will be Louis Washington Jr., Lee Washington, Chester Chase, Robert Tisdale, Charles Evans Jr. and Carl McGee.

Mrs. Washington was born Sept. 21, 1877 in the Arenosa community according to the family. She moved to Houston in 1924.

She is survived by a sister, Mrs. Thelma Carter of Fresno.

Victoria Advocate, Thursday, November 1, 1979
 

Ethel Mae Weathers, 105, of Victoria died Sunday, Aug. 27, 1995.

She was born Apr. 2, 1890, in Edna to the late Isaac and Isabella Diggs Jackson. She graduated from Victoria public school, Prairie View State College and Tillotson College in Austin. She was a retired elementary school teacher, having served 44 years. Mrs. Weathers was a member of Courts of Calanthe-Garland Court No. 59 and Mt. Nebo Baptist Church.

Survivors: son, Johnny Ray Weathers of San Antonio; eight grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren; and four great-great-grandchildren.

Preceded in death by: husband, Will Weathers Sr.; daughters, Earmeane Brown and Ceola B. Weathers; and son, Will Weathers Jr.

Services: 11 a. m. Saturday, Mt. Nebo Baptist Church in Victoria, the Rev. F. J. Hobbs officiating.

Burial: Sayles Cemetery in Edna, Cook-Butler Funeral Home, Edna, 782-3821.

Victoria Advocate, Monday, August 28, 1995                Photo courtesy of Mary Beth Newland Ross

Frances Sanders Webster, went to be with the Lord on November 20, 2024, at the age of 106.

She was born in Birmingham, Alabama on September 22, 1918, to Joseph Arthur and Frances Reid Sanders. She graduated from Woodlawn High School in Birmingham, Alabama in 1936.

Frances met Guy F. Webster, who she affectionately called “Mutt,” in Charleston, South Carolina while he was stationed at Fort Moultrie. They reunited after his deployment to Europe in WW2 and were married on February 19, 1946. The newlyweds moved back to Guy’s home state and opened a Gulf Filling Station in Jennings, Louisiana. Soon after, they started their family with the birth of their son Guy “Curtis”. In 1950 they moved to the Angleton, Texas area and begin their rice farming career as well as adding daughters, Carol and Jan to complete their family.

In 1968, the family relocated to Edna, Texas with aspirations to expand their rice farming operations. Sadly, only four years later, Guy passed away leaving Frances and Curtis to carry on the business. At the age of 53, Frances became a “rice farmer,” single mother, homemaker, caregiver of her own mother and an avid church worker of this Methodist Church. She was an active participant of many facets of the church, including teaching youth and adult Sunday school (even up until the age of 95,) member of the church council and many of its committees, a very active UMW member including chairman of World Day of Prayer and served as the Secretary of Compassion for many years. She, alongside her best friend Clara Hicks, volunteered as Bluebells for the Edna/Jackson County Hospital until the program ended. Frances was an involved grandmother, loyal friend, confident crossword puzzler (using pen to complete her morning puzzle,) an expert Thank You Note “author,” and persistent advice giver.

Frances was affectionately known as “Maw” to her grandchildren and great-grandchildren and eventually became everyone’s “Maw” including friends and acquaintances.

She was preceded in death by her parents Joseph and Frances Sanders, husband Guy F. Webster, brothers Joseph Sanders and Edward Sanders, son in laws Frank Respondek and Robert Napier and daughter in law Brenda Webster.

Frances is survived by her children Guy Curtis Webster, Carol Napier McClintock (Patrick) and Janice Respondek. Grandchildren Jenny Jurica (Kevin,) Kate Respondek, Kelly Butterfras (Mike), Ross Respondek and Guy Napier (Karina). Great-Grandchildren Anna and Jack Jurica, Peyton, Cooper, Greyson, Bode and Mac McCarrell, Zak and Jacob Butterfras, Theodore, Elizabeth and Oliver Napier.

Services will be held at First United Methodist Church in Edna on Saturday, November 23, 2024, at 11 a.m.

Pallbearers are Kevin and Jack Jurica, Guy Napier, Peyton, Cooper, Greyson and Bode McCarrell, Zak and Jacob Butterfras.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to one of Frances’s favorite charities, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. (www.stjude.org)

Slavik Funeral Home

Every Extra Day is Blessed
By Millie Diaz

For her 106^th birthday, Frances Webster received 171 cards delivered to the Ganado Nursing and Rehab center. Decked out with a purple sash last Friday, Frances enjoyed the celebration the center hosted for her, including some of her family and friends.

“I feel honored to celebrate with these people,” she said. “I’ve been in Ganado Nursing home since last November. It could be home, but other than that it’s good. I get three good meals a day, so it couldn’t be better.

Her maiden name Sanders, Francis graduated from Woodlawn High School in Birmingham, Alabama. She married a man named Guy Webster, they moved to Louisiana, they began rice farming and moved to Texas.

“Everybody gave him the nickname Mutt, but I didn’t want to say that,“ she said.

Two of her daughters, Jan Respondek of Edna and Carol McClintock of Spring, attended the party in Ganado and spoke of the homemaker and nurturer everyone knew Frances to be.

“Mother lived in her house in Edna until she was 102, and they moved into the home in 1968, so she knew everybody on her street very well, and she was always the first one when anyone needed help,” McClintock said. “If somebody needed something, or needed something to be shared, she was the first one to do that. She’s always lived her faith.”

A devout member of the First Methodist Church and member of the circle, Frances taught Sunday School, Vacation Bible School, and volunteered at the hospital. McClintock said she was very active and had a large circle of friends who kept her social.

“I think it’s one of the reasons for her long life,” she added. “Our grandmother lived with us after our father passed in 1972, so she cared for her mother and was always caring for someone.”

Frances said she believes taking life day by day is the recipe to a long life, and making friendships and relationships help tremendously. Her favorite part of the day is getting up in the morning and opening her eyes.

“People are so different nowadays, they go faster now,” Frances reflected.

Respondek nodded. “One thing she’s always said is, ‘we don’t visit like we used to,’ like the old days, when people came and sat on your porch.”

McClintock recalled being a child and receiving a beautiful homemade cake on their birthdays. “When she lived in Birmingham, our father was in World War II and he was in Europe. While she was waiting for him to come home so they could marry, she worked in a bakery and learned how to decorate cakes.”

Respondek said their father passed away when she was 16, so from that point on, she and her mother were extremely close. “Our togetherness is what I remember fondly, the good times together and the bad ones,” she laughed.

In addition to Jan and Carol, they have an older brother Curtis, who lived in Bulverde, near the New Braunfels area.

Francis entered her birthday party with a smile. “Oh my gosh, celebrating with my children is wonderful, they’ve always been so good and lived good lives. They make me proud,” she said.

Jackson County Herald-Tribune, September 25, 2024

Husband
Guy F. Webster

Edna—Funeral services for Guy F. Webster, 53, of Edna will be held at 3 p. m. Sunday from the First United Methodist Church with the Rev. Wesley Schulze officiating.

Burial will be in Memory Gardens Cemetery of Edna, under the direction of Jackson County Funeral Service. Pallbearers will be Jarrell Brown, Donald Pryor, A. C. M. Lastracco, Lester Morgan, Chester Hicks and Henry Ladewig.

Mr. Webster, a rice farmer, was born March 20, 1919 in Siloam Springs, Ark. He had lived in Edna five years, coming here from Angleton. In 1965 he was named farmer of the year in Angleton, and won the Lions Club Soil Conservation Award. He was a member of the Methodist Church, the Lions Club, Farm Bureau and was a veteran of World War II. He died Friday in a Victoria hospital following a heart attack.

Surviving are his wife, Mrs. Guy Webster of Edna; two daughters, Carol and Jan of Edna; a son, G. Curtis Webster of Edna; three sisters, Mrs. Ida Mae Bertrand of Welch, La.; Mrs. Christine Arceneaux of Angleton; and Mrs. Martha Frere of Seabrook; and a brother, Hewitt of Welch, La.

Victoria Advocate, April 23, 1972
 

Evy Gail “Granny” Wimberly, 103, of LaWard, Texas, took her place in heaven with God on August 4, 2022.  She was born in Yoakum, Texas, on November 23, 1918, to the late Morris Ellis & Virginia Taylor Wenzel.

Evy was a loving wife, mother, and grandmother who was loved by so many and will be missed dearly.   

Evy married Jeramiah “JM” Wimberly on November 16, 1938.

Evy is survived by two children, Clovis (Betty) Wimberly and Dorothy (James) Maikoetter and daughter-in-law, Jo Wimberly.  In addition, she is survived by six grandchildren, Sherri Lynn (Matt) Martin, Roxanne Maikoetter, Angela (David) Adrian, LaFawn Snedecor, Jan (Reynold) Canchola and Jeramiah “Jay” III (Tessa) Wimberly; eleven great-grandchildren, MaKayla (Mason) Gaston, Kendall Adrian, Brooklynn Canchola, Skylar Lenamon, Lexi Snedecor, Jaxon Maikoetter, Maci Martin, Isabella Adrian, Karston Wimberly, Sawyer Wimberly and Slayden Canchola.  She is also survived by one great-great-granddaughter, Paislee James Maikoetter.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; sons Jeramiah ”Jimmy” Wimberly, Jr. and Kenneth Paul Wimberly; brothers Charles Wenzel, Raymond Wenzel; sisters Lula Mae Thompson, Marion R Wenzel Hagens; and great-grandson, James Reed Maikoetter.

Pallbearers are David Adrian, Matt Martin, Dennis Karl, Jimmy Reynolds, Ron Schumacher, and Larry Deyton.

Visitation will be held on Monday, August 8, 2022, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. in the Oaklawn Funeral Home Chapel in Edna, Texas. 

Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, August 9, 2022, at 10:30 a.m. at Redeemer Lutheran Church in Edna, Texas, with Pastor Andy Schroer officiating, followed by lunch and burial in Oak Grove Cemetery in Yoakum, Texas.   

Memorial donations may be made in Evy’s name to Redeemer Lutheran Church, 504 Dugger St, Edna, Texas 77957.

Arrangements are under the direction of Oaklawn Funeral Home in Edna.  (361) 782-2221.

Oaklawn Funeral Home