13
Milton Emery Cunningham, Sr.
1926 - 1927

Rev. M. E. Cunningham Sr.
1894 - 1951

Rev. Milton E. Cunningham, Sr., of Long Beach, Calif., and a former resident of Austin died Thursday in Paragould, Ark., while there conducting a school of missions.

He served as pastor of the Hillcrest Baptist Church while in Austin and was at the time of his death Associational Missionary in Los Angeles, Calif. His wife was at one time secretary of the West Austin Baptist Church.

He is survived by his widow, Mrs. Marie Tatum Cunningham and one son, the Rev. Milton E. Cunningham Jr. of Cranfills Gap, Texas; his mother Mary B. Cunningham, of Houston, and one sister Mrs. Minnie Gentry of Houston.

The body will be received by the Cook Funeral Home Saturday morning.

Funeral services will be held Saturday at 2 p. m. at the West Austin Baptist Church with the Rev. Lester O. Probst officiating.

Austin American, November 9, 1951

Bertha Frances Smith Cunningham
January 9, 1899 - October 11, 1928

Cunningham--Bertha F. Cunningham, wife of Rev. Milton E. Cunningham, Port Lavaca, Tex., died Thursday morning at the home of her parents, Mr. and Mrs. A. E. Smith, 423 Hickman street, aged 29 years. Besides her husband and parents, she is survived by a son, Milton E. Jr.; also a sister, Mrs. L. B. Cook, San Antonio, and a brother, James W. Smith of Nicaragua. Funeral services will be held Friday afternoon at 4 o'clock, Oct. 12, at Wilbert & Pelphrey's parlors. Rev. W. H. Joyner, officiating. Burial in Mission Burial park.--San Antonio Light, October 12, 1928

Marie Tatum Cunningham Sutton
December 4, 1907 - June 7, 2008

Shreveport, LA--Funeral services for Marie Tatum Cunningham Sutton are scheduled for Wednesday, June 11, at 11 a. m. at Boze-Mitchell-McKibbin Funeral Home in Waxahachie, Texas. Burial will be at Centuries Memorial Cemetery in Shreveport on Thursday, June 12 at 11 a. m.

Marie was born on December 4, 1907 in Converse, La. Her parents were James Wilson and Maggie Hood Tatum. She died on Saturday, June 7 at Waxahachie, TX at the age of 100.

She was a graduate of Mansfield High School, Mansfield Female College and Northwestern State University. She was a Public School Teacher in Louisiana from 1929 through 1939. Later she earned her Master's Degree in Religious Education at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. While she was a student there, she was the Secretary for Dr. W. T. Conner, one of Southern Baptists' outstanding theologians and typed the manuscript for his book entitled, Christian Doctrine.

She married Rev. Milton Cunningham in 1939. He was a pastor in churches in Texas, Arizona and California. While they were in Arizona, Marie serves as the Assistant to the Editor of the Arizona Baptist Beacon and as Executive Director of the Arizona Baptist Women's Missionary Union. She held a similar position when she and her husband served churches in California.

After her husband's death in 1951, she became Director of Children's Ministries at the First Baptist Church in Oklahoma City for nine years. She served for several years in Hawaii as director of Women's Missionary Union and Principal of the Elementary School of Hawaii Baptist Academy in Honolulu. Later she was Director of Children's Ministries at Park Place Baptist Church in Houston and at Wilshire Baptist Church in Dallas. For more than ten years she was Assistant Dean of Students and Director of Housing at Dallas Baptist University.

She married her second husband, Rev. Roy Sutton, in 1987. He had been Pastor of churches in Texas and Arizona. He had served as the interim President of Grand Canyon College in Phoenix and as Executive Director of the Arizona Baptist Convention. Until his death in 2004, they enjoyed spending a great deal of time each year in Arizona revisiting the people and churches with whom they had served.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her brother, W. Benton Tatum and her two sisters, Maudie Tatum and Sibyl Tatum Edwards.

She is survived by her son, Milton Cunningham, Jr. and his wife, Barbara of Waco, TX; by her sister, Inez Tatum Webb of Arlington, TX and by her brothers, James Tatum and his wife, Frances of Houston and Scott Tatum and his wife, Doris of Shreveport.

Centuries Memorial Funeral Home (318) 686-4334

The Times, Shreveport, Louisiana, June 11, 2008
 

Dr. Odis Rainer
March 17, 1888 - May 13, 1963

Dr. Odis Rainer, 75, of 504 Bellevue Place, Austin, died in an Austin hospital Monday, May 13, 1963. He had been a Baptist minister for many years, serving Hillcrest and other nearby churches and at the time of his death, was active in the Hyde Park Baptist Church.

Survivors include his widow, Mrs. Ara Dell Rainer; two sons, Earl Rainer of Dallas and Leslie Rainer of Austin; a sister, Mrs. W. E. Petty of Merkle, Texas; one brother, Earl Rainier of Floydada; and nine grandchildren.

Funeral services were held Wednesday at 3 p. m. from the Hyde Park Baptist Church with Dr. Ralph Smith officiating. Burial was in Capital Memorial Gardens.

Pallbearers were Troy H. Harrell, R. L. Smith, John J. Vandertulip, Rodney Montague, Dr. Charles Peck and Stanton Weiss.

Honorary pall bearers will be Marcos Yancey Jr., Jim Roberts, Robert O. Reynolds, Sam Drake, Melvin Ward and Bill Vest.

Dr. Rainer was formerly pastor of the First Baptist Church in Bastrop and occasionally returned here as a visiting preacher.

Bastrop Advertiser, May 16, 1963

Photo courtesy of Find A Grave volunteer Brenda J. Rogers #47180799

Ora Lee Birdwell Rainer
1896 - 1921

Funeral services of Mrs. Ora Lee Rainer took place Friday morning from Seventh and James Street Baptist church. Rev. W. W. Melton officiating, assisted by Dr. J. B. Tidwell. Interment was at Oakwood cemetery.--Waco News-Tribune, May 7, 1921

Photo courtesy of Find A Grave volunteer Ruth M. Brown #46795646

Mrs. Ara Dell Fitzgerald Rainer
September 9 1889 - March 16, 1976

Rainer, Mrs. Odis (Ara Dell), 86, 504-A Bellevue Place, died Tuesday. Services were Thursday. Cook-Walden Funeral Home.--Austin American-Statesman, Austin, Texas, March 19, 1976 [Married May 7, 1925, Denton, Texas]
 

Reverend Paul Wendelin Wiley Davis
July 26, 1909 - September 26, 2001

Reverend Paul W. Davis passed away September 26, 2001, in Houston, Texas. He was born on July 26, 1909 to Bertha Wiley and Robert Marion Davis in Joplin, Missouri.

Reverend Davis was a minister of the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Reverend Davis is survived by his wife of 66 years, Dr. Celestia Brannen Davis; daughter, Dr. Wendelin Davis Taylor; son-in-law, Arden W. Taylor; granddaughters, Alisa Taylor Dickson and Angela Taylor Kyle; grandson-in-law, Glen Allen Dickson; great-grandchildren, Brookelyn Dickson, Taylor Dickson, Chandler Dickson, and John David Kyle.

Reverend Davis was a graduate of Hardin-Simmons Baptist University, Eastern New Mexico State University, and Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary.

He pastored churches in Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona:
Corpus Christi (Texas) Park Avenue Baptist Church
Bay City (Texas) First Baptist Church
Roanoke (Texas) First Baptist Church
Antioch (Texas) First Baptist Church
Chandler (Arizona) First Baptist Church
Carlsbad (New Mexico) Hillcrest Baptist Church

He served the Baptist General Convention of Arizona in several capacities: Arizona Secretary of Training Union; Arizona Sunday School Director; State Baptist Student Union Director; and Arizona Brotherhood Secretary. Reverend Davis established the Sedan (New Mexico) Baptist Church. He presided over the organization of the Colorado Baptist General Convention. He was a Trustee of the Golden Gate Baptist Theological Seminary in San Francisco, California. He was a frequent speaker in national conventions and assemblies, such as the Southern Baptist Convention Annual Meeting, Gloreta National Assembly, and Ridgecrest National Assembly.

He traveled throughout the Southern Baptist Convention conducting church revivals and Bible study courses. Upon his retirement from the fulltime pastorate, Reverend Davis was an active member of the Clear Lake Baptist Church, serving as Adult Division Director. He also served as the Chaplain of the Bay Area Sunshine Club.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p. m. Saturday, September 29, 2001, at Clear Lake Baptist Church, 15700 Space Center, Houston, TX 77062. Interment will follow at Forest Park East Cemetery.

Austin American-Statesman, September 28, 2001

Dr. Celestia Brannen Davis

Dr. Celestia Brannen Davis passed from this life to her Heavenly Home on October 2, 2010. She was born on June 20, 1915, in Swenson, Texas, to Iva Galloway and Calvin Ernest Brannen. She lived in Swenson until she was four. Her father was Director of Swenson Bank.

The family moved to Aspermont, Texas, when Celestia was five. Her father was Judge of Stonewall County and owned an abstract office.

Celestia began studying the piano at seven. Her love of music would be a significant part of her entire life. Later, she would practice five hours a day.

Celestia was in the Baptist Church from birth. At eight years of age, she accepted the Lord as her Savior. At nine, she became the Young People's pianist. As a teenager, she played for four church services of different denominations. This young girl attended Baptist associational encampments at Leuders. In later years, as a pastor's wife, she taught at regional Baptist conferences in Palacios, Texas and Prescott, Arizona, and at national Baptist Conferences of Glorieta and Ridgecrest. She played the piano and taught Bible sessions at the Texas, New Mexico and Arizona State Conferences and at the Southern Baptist Convention.

At fifteen, Celestia graduated from Aspermont High School. The following year, she taught school. Her father, "The Judge", thought that she was too young to go away to college but not too young to teach school! At seventeen, during the summer, her mother moved with her to a home in Abilene to enroll in Hardin Simmons Baptist University. Celestia immediately began shopping for a college wardrobe. At the Thom McCann Shoe Store, she met a handsome older Hardin-Simmons student, Paul Wendelin Davis, who was working his way through college. When Celestia told her older sister shopping mate that she found the shoeclerk attractive, her sister replied, "You can tell that you are not from the big city. You fall for the first man you meet."

Celestia joined Abilene's University Baptist Church and was asked to play the piano that first Sunday. She discovered that the soloist for the service was the handsome shoe salesman. They made beautiful music together and were married on October 6, 1935.

Celestia and Paul moved to Kenton, Oklahoma, where the groom taught high school and coached basketball. Paul preached twice a month across the state line in New Mexico. In 1936, their only child was born, Wendelin (Wendy), named for her father.

In her twenties, Celestia assisted Paul in his full-time pastorates of Pasadena Memorial Baptist Church, Bay City's First Baptist Church, and Corpus Christi's Park Avenue Baptist Church. Her piano and organ talents were used in all churches. Her skills of planning, organizing, teaching, and developing people were prominent in all congregations. Her abilities to uplift and encourage families during difficult times were especially helpful.

In her thirties, Celestia graduated with Paul from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, earned a Bachelor of Arts in Religious Education, while serving the pastorate of Antioch, Texas, and Roanoke, Texas, Baptist Churches.

The family moved to Arizona, where Paul served as Director for the Baptist General Convention of Arizona. Celestia was elected the Arizona Training Union Director for Juniors, conducting meetings and conferences. She traveled the Southwestern states, playing the piano and organ and teaching week-long Bible studies. She moved into the parsonage of Chandler, Arizona's First Baptist Church when Paul became its pastor. She became the teacher and principal of a one-teacher school on the Pima Indian Reservation. Their daughter married a young man (Arden Taylor) whom Celestia had taught in Sunday School many years previously.

In her forties, Celestia and Paul moved to the Pastorate of Carlsbad, New Mexico's Hillcrest Baptist Church. As in every church they pastured, they led a building campaign for a new sanctuary. Celestia taught non-English-speaking students in the inner city. They welcomed two grandchildren, Alisa Lynn Taylor and Angela Kay Taylor.

In her fifties, Celestia and Paul retired from full-time pastorates and moved to Morton, Texas, to teaching and counseling positions. Both attended Eastern New Mexico State University with Celestia earning a Master's Degree in Education and an Educational Specialist Degree.

Soon, the couple moved to Austin, Texas, when Celestia was employed by the Texas Education Agency to become the Texas State Reading Coordinator. Paul served as a Counselor in the Austin Independent School District. Through two decades, Celestia became the Chairperson of the International Reading Association. She implemented a national Literacy grant: the Right-To Read Project. She directed reading efforts in all Texas public schools. She organized the Texas State Reading Association. Her work impacted millions of school students and teachers. She traveled throughout the United States and regularly from the Texas capitol to the Nation's capitol to conduct business. She earned a Doctor of Education Degree from the Texas Woman's University.

For her skills and talents, Dr. Davis received numerous honors and awards: Texas' first prestigious award for reading, the Texas Council of International Reading Association Literacy Award; and inclusion in the Notable Women of Texas Outstanding Teachers in Exceptional Education, Persons of Eminence in Exceptional Education, Who's Who in the South and Southwest, Who's Who in American Women, and the International Who's Who of Intellectuals.

Professional Organizations included Texas Association for the Improvement of Reading; International Reading Association; State Organizational Chairman of the International Reading Association; Founder for the Texas State Council of International Reading Association; Capitol Area Council of International Reading Association's Charter Member of the Texas Association of Professors of Reading; National Council of the Teachers of English; Texas Joint Council of Teachers of English; Organizer of the Association of Texas Language Arts Supervisor; Past President of the National Association of the State of English and Reading Supervisor; Delta Kappa Gamma Society, Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development, and Texas Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development.

In her seventies, Celestia and Paul were members of Austin's First Baptist Church. Celestia's grand-daughters married in a "double header" ceremony: Alisa to Glen Dickson of San Antonio, and Angela to David Kyle of Houston. Later, great-grandchildren were welcomed to her fold: John-David Kyle to Angela and David, Brookelyn Michelle Dickson, Taylor Nicole Dickson, Chandler Bryanna Dickson to Alisa and Glen. Throughout the rest of her life, Celestia was very close to her family and involved in the events of their lives. She inspired each one to be a living testimony for Jesus Christ. She made birthdays and each holiday special for each one.

In her eighties, Celestia and Paul moved to Clear Lake City, Texas. They immediately became faithful members of the Clear Lake Baptist Church, where Paul taught Bible lessons for teachers and Celestia ministered through Sunday School, worship, and Women's Ministry. Celestia served as the pianist of the JOY Sunday School Class and of the Bay Area Sunshine Club with its 300 members. Paul served as the club's Chaplain, leading a devotional each month. The couple traveled extensively with family and Sunshine Club friends, domestically and abroad. Their travels always included their other hobbies, the collection of antique art glass and books.

In her nineties, Paul suffered a major stroke and passed away in 2001. Celestia continued valiantly with her Sunshine Club and church activities. She believed strongly in Christ to provide and protect her and was faithful to Him in worship and ministry. Her life's goal was to trust completely in Christ and to serve Him constantly.

Dr. Davis was predeceased by her parents Iva Galloway Brannen and Calvin Ernest Brannen; sisters Ernestine Brannen Jamieson, Lila Marie Brannen Hagins, and Iva Ella Brannen Oliver; and brother Charles Brannen.

She is survived by her daughter Wendelin (Wendy) Davis Taylor of Clear Lake City, Texas (and her husband Arden W. Taylor); grand-daughter Alisa Taylor Dickson of Saint Hedwig, Texas (and her husband Glen Dickson); grand-daughter Angela Taylor Kyle of New York City; great-grandson John-David Kyle of Boone, North Carolina; great-granddaughters Brookelyn Michelle Dickson, Taylor Nicole Dickson, and Chandler Bryanna Dickson of Saint Hedwig, Texas.

She is survived by her brother, Dr. Noah Samuel Brannen of Desert Hot Springs, California; sister Derah Frances Brannen Stanley of Panorama Village, Texas (and her husband Miles F. Stanley); sister Barbara Brannen McKenzie Flowers of Panorama Village, Texas (and her husband Moody Flowers); and her brother's widow Connie Brannen of Las Vegas, Nevada. Many nieces, nephews and great-nieces and nephews were dearly loved.

Please join our family to Celebrate the Life of Celestia Davis on Saturday, October 23, 2010 at 2:00 p.m. in the Clear Lake Baptist Church, 15700 Space Center Blvd. Houston, TX 77062.

Bay Area Citizen, Monday, October 11, 2010
 

Dr. James T. Draper
Dr. James Draper, Baptist Minister, Dies at Warren
August 26, 1913 - March 22, 1966

Warren--Dr. James T. Draper, aged 52, pastor of the First Baptist Church at Warren died here Tuesday.

Dr. Draper was born at Leola and was graduated from Little Rock High School. He received a bachelor's degree from Ouachita Baptist University at Arkadelphia, a master's degree from Southwestern Baptist Theological College in Fort Worth, Tex,. and his doctor of divinity degree from East Texas Baptist College in Marshall, Tex.

He had been minister of churches at Clarksville, Bay City, Tex., Jacksonville, Tex., and Houston, Tex.

He was district mission secretary for the Baptist General Convention of Texas from 1956 to 1963. He was licensed by Immanuel Baptist Church at Little Rock in 1930 and ordained by the First Baptist Church of Malvern in 1931.

Dr. Draper was president of the Warren Ministerial Alliance and chairman of the Arkansas State Nominating Committee for the Arkansas Baptist Convention.

He was a member of the Executive Board of the Baptist General Convention of Texas and a member of the Board of Trustees of East Texas Baptist College.

He is survived by his wife, Mrs. Lois Keeling Draper; three sons, Rev. James Thomas Draper Jr. of Missouri, George L. Draper of Texas and Charles W. Draper of Arkadelphia; two brothers, Benjamin P. and William E. Draper of California; a sister, Mrs. Rose Smith of California, and three grandchildren.

Funeral will be at 3:30 p. m. Friday at the First Baptist Church here. Burial will be at Oakland Cemetery by Frazer Funeral Service.

Arkansas Gazette, March 24, 1966

Lois Keeling Draper
January 10, 1912 - October 28, 1997

Franklin, Tennessee-- Lois Keeling Draper, 85, of Brentwood, Tennessee, formerly of Warren, Arkansas, died October 28, 1997, at Williamson Medical Center.

She was born at Coolidge, Texas, on January 10, 1912, a daughter of the late L. M. Keeling and Nancy Compton Keeling.

She had lived with her eldest son at Brentwood since her husband died in 1966. Her husband, the Rev. James T. Draper, was the pastor at First Baptist Church at Warren for about 20 years.

She was also preceded in death by a son, George Draper, who died in 1989.

Survivors include two sons, Dr. James Draper of Brentwood and Charles Draper of Tigersville, South Carolina; a brother, L. M. Keeling Jr. of Albuquerque; two sisters, Evelyn Dillard of Albuquerque and Nancy Boren of California; seven grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren.

Funeral services are scheduled for 2 p.m. Saturday at Frazer's Funeral Home at Warren with Dr. James Draper officiating. Burial will be in Oakland Cemetery at Warren. A memorial service will be held a 3 p.m. Sunday at First Baptist Church at Euless, Texas.

Pine Bluff Commercial, October 31, 1997

Marker photos courtesy of Find A Grave volunteer DAS #46948137
 

Horace C. Goodman
November 17, 1895 - July 24, 1969

Dr. Goodman's Services Held

Funeral services for Dr. Horace C. Goodman Sr., pastor, were held at 3 p. m. Monday, July 23, at the First Baptist Church in Cranfills Gap. Rev. L. C. Lange of El Paso officiated.

Pallbearers were Leonard Sorenson, Herman Blum, Ollie Carlson, Ovie Dittrich, R. G. Patterson, and Bill Bertelsen all of Cranfills Gap.

Burial was in Cranfills Gap Cemetery.

Obituary

Horace C. Goodman was born Nov. 17, 1895 in Franklin, Texas, and was educated in Waxahachie, Texas. He attended Southwestern Baptist Seminary in Fort Worth during 1923. Having pastored churches throughout the southwestern United States, Dr. Goodman was, at the time of his death, pastor of the First Baptist Church in Cranfills Gap, Texas, having come from Liberty Hill, Texas, in 1966. He was a veteran of World War I.

Dr. Goodman died Thursday morning, July 24, at the Clifton Hospital. He was 73 years of age.

Survivors include his wife, of Cranfills Gap, Texas; two sons, Horace C. Goodman Jr., of Houston and Jim C. Goodman, of El Paso; one daughter, Mrs. Billy (Joy) McClellan, of Seattle, Washington; one brother, Boyd Goodman, of Midland; one half-brother, George W. Goodman, of Florida; three sisters, Mrs. Georgia Sewall, of Midlothian, Mrs. Ruby Ferguson, of Arlington, and Mrs. Ruth  Hale, of Clovis, New Mexico; and six grandchildren.

Clifton Record, August 7, 1969

Mildred Jones Goodman
Wife of Bay City Baptist Pastor Dies

Bay City, April 27--Funeral services will be held here Monday afternoon for Mrs. Mildred Goodman, 49, wife of the pastor of the First Baptist church. Survivors are her husband, Rev. Horace C. Goodman; two sons, Horace C. Jr., and Jimmy, and a daughter, Joy, all of Bay City; a brother, Dr. I. T. Jones of California, a sister, Mrs. Edna Wilkinson, Dallas. Rev. A. C. Miller of Dallas and Rev. Avery Rogers of Victoria will officiate; burial will be in Bay City cemetery. [Married June 2, 1921 in Waxahachie, Texas]

Fort Worth Star-Telegram, April 28, 1947

Marker photo courtesy of Betty Crosby

Evelyn E. Ellis Goodman
Married November 17, 1949, Eddy, New Mexico
 

Photo courtesy of Mildred Baker Beaman

Rev. Melvin A. Marshall
December 21, 1906 - January 18, 1991

Rev. Melvin A. Marshall, 84, died Friday, January 18, 1991. Baptist minister for 67 years serving at Riverview Baptist of Houston, First Baptist of Bay City and 25 years at Lindale Baptist Church. Served as Director of City Missions in Houston for the Union Baptist Association and the Home Mission Board of the Southern Baptist Convention. Survived by wife, Virginia Marshall, Houston. Sisters: Elda McBride, Houston; Helen Jorden, Richmond; Doris Albritton and husband Bryson, Farmerville, La. Sister-in-law, Ruth Marshall of Austin. Numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and a world of friends. Services 12 noon Monday, January 21, 1991 at Lindale Baptist Church, 6615 Irvington. Graveside services held under the auspices of Lindale Park Lodge number 1347 AF & AM at Rosewood Memorial Park. Family will receive friends Saturday 4 to 6 p. m. and Sunday 2 to 5 p. m. at the funeral home. In lieu of usual remembrances family request donations be made to the charity of your choice. Rosewood Funeral Home, 2602 Old Humble Rd. at Ranking off Eastex Freeway. 441-2171.

Houston Chronicle, January 19, 1991

Virginia M. Marshall

Virginia M. Marshall, 97, passed away Sunday, June 7, 2009. She was born October 14, 1911, in Pittsburg, Texas. Virginia was a 1936 graduate of Baylor University. She was a member of Second Baptist Church, Houston. Virginia was preceded in death by her loving husband of 59 years, Rev. Melvin A. Marshall; parents, J. Hood Barnwell and Ora Gibson Barnwell; siblings, John, Robert, and Frank Barnwell and Onie Blessing. She is survived by her sister-in-laws, Helen Jorden, Doris Albritton and husband Bryson; numerous nieces and nephews and a host of loving friends. Visitation will be from 9:30 a. m until the graveside service time at 10:30, Wednesday, June 10, 2009, at Rosewood Funeral Home and Memorial Park, Humble, Texas. A memorial service will be held at Parkway Place Chapel, 1321 Park Bayou Dr., Houston, Tx. 77077, at 3 p.m., Wednesday, June 10, 2009, conducted by Rev. Herb Reeves and Chaplain Arnie Peterson.

Houston Chronicle, Texas - Tuesday, June 9, 2009
 

Dr. Allen O. Webb
Minister
November 22, 1918 - September 5, 1992

Pascagoula--Allen O. Webb, 73, a minister, died of cancer Saturday at Singing River Hospital.

Services were Tuesday at Pascagoula First Baptist Church with graveside services at Lakewood Memorial Park South in Jackson. O'Bryant-O'Keefe Funeral Home handled arrangements.

Dr. Webb, a Walthall native, received a bachelor's degree from Mississippi College and master's and doctoral degrees from Southwestern Seminary in Fort Worth.

Dr. Webb pastored churches in Texas as well as Daniel Memorial Baptist Church in Jackson and Ingalls Avenue Baptist Church in Pascagoula. He left the pastorate to become executor director of missions for Jackson County. He was a Baptist leader in Texas and Mississippi.

In Mississippi, his service included nine years on the Pioneer Missions Committee, chairing the Order of Business Committee and serving 12 years on the board of trustees of Mississippi Baptist Medical Center.

After retirement, Dr. Webb served six months with the Home Mission Board in Grand Forks, N. D., and a year with the Foreign Mission Board in Munich, Germany. He was a member of First Baptist church of Pascagoula and Masonic Lodge 419 of Pascagoula

Survivors include: wife, Leila Mae; daughter, Ann Webb Bridges of Birmingham; sons, Jim Webb of Jackson and Ron Webb of Ocean Springs; and six grandchildren.

Memorials may be made to Jackson County Baptist Association Travelers and Truckers Ministries.

Clarion-Ledger, Jackson Mississippi, September 10, 1992

Photo courtesy of Find A Grave volunteer Wilton Golson #45430017

Leila Mae Runnels Webb
Retired Teacher

Leila Mae Runnels Webb, 76, of Honeysuckle Hill, a retired teacher, died Tuesday from complications during heart surgery at St. Dominic/Jackson Memorial Hospital.

Services are 2 p. m. today at the Chapel of First Baptist Church of Jackson with burial in Lakewood South Cemetery. Wright & Ferguson Funeral Home is handling arrangements. Visitation is noon today at the funeral home on High Street.

Mrs. Webb was a Brandon native who lived in Jackson from 1960 - 1972 when her husband, the late Dr. Allen O. Webb, was pastor of Daniel Memorial Baptist Church. She moved to Pascagoula in 1972 and returned to Jackson in 1994. She was an active member of First Baptist Church of Jackson, where she was a member of the Reflection Choir, a Bible study group and WMU.

She had attended Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth, Texas, and graduated from Mississippi College, where she received her master's degree.

Survivors include: daughter, Ann Webb Bridges of Birmingham; sons, Ron Webb of Ocean Springs and Jim Webb of Jackson; sisters, Eloise Smith and Mamie Duncan, both of Florence, and six grandchildren.

Clarion-Ledger, Jackson, Mississippi, November 21, 1996
 

20
Dr. James Franklin Eaves
1955 - 1957

James Franklin Eaves
October 29, 1925 - December 14, 2015

Dr. James F. Eaves, 90, of Fort Worth, TX passed away peacefully on December 14, 2015 in Houston, TX. He was born October 29, 1925 in Gibson, TN and was raised in both Edinburg, TX and Jackson, TN.

He served as a pilot and officer in the United States Air Force in World War II and the Korean War. Obtaining his BA from Union University in Jackson, TN, he then received his Master of Divinity and Doctor of Theology from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth.

He dedicated his life to ministry, serving as pastor for numerous churches around the country including First Baptist Church of Bay City, TX; Birdville Baptist Church, Fort Worth, TX; Grace Baptist Church, Grandview, TX; Union Avenue Baptist Church, Memphis, TN; and First Baptist Church, Albuquerque, NM. He served as interim pastor for over thirty churches throughout his lifetime in Texas, Oklahoma, North Carolina, Tennessee, Kansas, New Mexico, and Arkansas. Most recently, the Eaves were members of Cana Baptist Church in Burleson, TX.

Dr. Eaves was a professor at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary for seventeen years, and has continued as Professor Emeritus since 1990. He once served as guest professor at New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary and as a guest lecturer twice at Oxford University. Dr. Eaves also worked as Director of Evangelism and Church Growth Development for the North American Mission Board; he served the Southern Baptist Convention Education Commission for five years, as well as state Baptist Executive Boards in Tennessee and New Mexico. He was a Trustee at Union University in Tennessee for seven years and also served on various other committees with the SBC. Leading twelve tours through the Holy Land, he also preached or lectured around the world. He was humbled to be the guest chaplain for the United States Senate for a day. Additionally, Dr. Eaves authored or contributed to several religious text books, as well as numerous articles.

Jim and his wife, Jeane, were married for just over 70 years. They were high school sweethearts in Jackson, TN. He is survived by Jeane; son James Eaves of Emporia, KS; son Mark Eaves and wife Lisa of Houston, TX; granddaughter Marisa and husband Ted LePak of Wylie, TX; sister Mary Holland of Jackson, TN; nephews and nieces plus countless friends.

Dr. Eaves is predeceased by his parents, Dudley and Ladie Eaves of Jackson, TN; sister Dorothy Pierro of McAllen, TX; and brother Paul Eaves of Ft. Walton Beach, FL.

Visitation will be Saturday December 19 at Laurel Land in Fort Worth beginning at 9 am, with the funeral service starting at 11 am. He will be buried at Oakland Memorial Park in Terrell with a graveside service at 2 pm.

If so desired, memorials may be made to Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, 2001 W. Seminary Dr., Fort Worth, TX 76115. He will be missed and remembered by many.

Laurel Land Funeral Home, Fort Worth, Texas

Jeane Hillman Eaves
October 9, 1926 - January 11, 2018

Jeane Hillman Eaves, 91, passed away on January 11, 2018. She was born on October 9, 1926 in Jackson, Tennessee. She was married to her high school sweetheart, James F. Eaves, for nearly 71 years. She obtained her undergraduate degree from Union University in Tennessee, where she was a member of Zeta Tau Alpha sorority. She taught elementary school for many years, and retired from teaching 3rd grade at Bess Race Elementary in Crowley, Texas. She served along side her husband as he pastored churches in Texas, New Mexico, and Tennessee, and while he was interim-pastor at churches in 7 states. She also served along side her husband as he taught at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary and New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. She was very active in women’s ministries and seminary wives organizations everywhere they served. She is survived by son, James Eaves of Emporia, Kansas; son, Mark Eaves, and daughter-in-law, Lisa, of Richmond, Texas; granddaughter, Marisa LePak, and her husband, Ted, of Wylie, Texas; and several nieces and nephews. Jeane was predeceased by her husband, James F. Eaves, and parents, William “Joe” and Loraine Hillman. Visitation will be Monday, January 15, 2018 at Anderson Clayton Funeral Home in Terrell Texas at 1 pm, with the funeral service starting at 2 pm. She will be buried at Oakland Memorial Park in Terrell. If so desired, memorials may be made to Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary or Good Shepherd United Methodist Church in Cypress, Texas. She lived an exemplary life, and will be remembered by many.

Anderson-Clayton Bros. Funeral Home, Terrell, Texas
 

Photo courtesy of Myrtle Alexander Baker
 

Dr. William D. Baker
September 30, 1926 - June 29, 2012

Betty Baker

Funeral services for Betty Baker, 59, of Bay City were scheduled for 2 p. m. today at First Baptist Church with the Rev. Harold Sellers officiating.

Graveside services will be held 2 p. m. Wednesday at Forest Lawn Memorial Park, Ball, La., with the Rev. H. D. Greet officiating.

Mrs. Baker was born Sept. 3, 1930, in Doylene, La., to Lester and Pauline Edthart McLain, and died Nov. 26, 1989, at her residence.

She was a member of First Baptist Church.

Survivors include her husband, W. D. Baker of Bay City; parents, Lester and Pauline McLain of Ball; two sons, and daughters-in-law, Daniel and Mary Baker of Houston and Lester and Vickie Baker of Garland; two daughters and sons-in-law, Bette Louise and Jim Gibson of Spring and Linda and Jack Pruett of Lake Jackson; and five grandchildren.

The Deacons of First Baptist Church will serve as honorary pallbearers.

Services are under the direction of Dick R. Elkins, Bay City Funeral Home.

Daily Tribune, November 18, 1989

Jean Goodman Baker

Jean Goodman Baker, 66, of Bay City, passed away December 31,2004, at M.D. Anderson Hospital in Houston, Texas.

She was born June 20, 1938, in Bristol, Tennessee, to the late Aldin and Mabel Phelps Morrell.

Mrs. Baker was a resident of Bay City since 1961.

She was a member of the First Baptist Church, church organist for 30 years, and was very active in all of the church music activities and special productions at Christmas, Easter and other special events.

She also was a music teacher for Bay City ISD, where she also was very involved in various school productions.

Survivors include: her husband, Dr. W. D. Baker of Bay City; daughter and son-in-law, Pam and Scott Evans; son and daughter-in-law, Mark Andru and Stacey Goodman of Bay City; step-daughters, Bette Gibson of Houston, and Linda Baker of Shreveport, Louisiana; step-sons, Daniel Baker and his wife Mary of Georgetown, and Lester Baker and his wife Vickie of Keller, Texas; and several step-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her first husband, Curtis Goodman.

Funeral service was held at 2 p.m. Tuesday, January 4, 2005, at the First Baptist Church, with the Rev. Mike Zimmerman officiating.

Pallbearers were Andy Anderson, Stan Eldridge, Roger Harris, John McMillan, Joe Rowland and Ronnie Rowland.

Dr. James E. Cowart and the deacons of the First Baptist Church served as honorary pallbearers.

Arrangements were with Taylor Bros. Funeral Home, Bay City (979)245-4613.

The Bay City Tribune, Wednesday, January 5, 2005

Marker photo courtesy of Faye Cunningham
 

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