Obituaries

Romona 'Mo' Ramour, 59, passed away on November 6, 2025, in Hemphill. Born on June 16, 1966, in Sumter, South Carolina, she was the daughter of John Carl Bentley, Sr. and Nancy Jean Risher Bentley. Romona spent much of her life in Sumter, where she built lasting connections and raised her family. A dedicated worker, she spent many years employed in industrial plants, contributing her skills and determination to a demanding field. Three years ago, she made Sabine County her home and quickly became known for her generous spirit and willingness to lend a hand to friends and neighbors alike.

James Edward Clay, age 82, of San Augustine, departed this physical life on October 24, 2025, at Colonial Pines Nursing Center in San Augustine. Mr. James Edward Clay was born March 02, 1943. Survived by his five sons: Willie Clay (Jonne’) of Houston, Terrance Randle (Marquita) of Houston, Otis Watts of Pineland, Roy Edward Watts (Patricia) of Dallas, and Cleveland Watts (Jurina Kay) of Kansas, daughter: Tricia Clark (Rev S. J. Clark) of Shreveport, LA, ten grandchildren: and five great grandchildren, two brothers: Calvin Clay (Minnie) of Houston, and Jams Lane Jr. of Hemphill, sister: Dorothy Clay Watts of San Augustine. As well as a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Donnie C. Durbin, 73, of Huachuca City, Arizona, passed away Wednesday, October 22, 2025, at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Tucson, Arizona. A native East Texan, Donnie was born November 18, 1951, to parents Roy Leon and Susie (Byrd) Durbin. He was a longtime resident of Arizona, though many of his younger years were spent living in Pineland and Sabine County, where he graduated from West Sabine High School. Donnie worked in retail sales.

Pamela Caraway Harder, known affectionately as Pam, passed away on November 1, 2025, at the age of 67 in Hemphill. Born on August 15, 1958, in Texas to Joseph Glendon Dettling, Sr. and Dolores Caraway Dettling. Pam dedicated a significant portion of her life to the literary community as the Library Director at Beaumont Public Library in Beaumont.

Carolyn J. McCoy Wilson, age 67, of San Augustine, departed this physical life on October 24, 2025, in Nacogdoches. Mrs. Carolyn J. McCoy Wilson was born October 05, 1958. Survived by her husband:Edward Wilson of San Augustine, two sons: Jason Wilson of Lufkin, and Edward Nicole Wilson of Livingston, daughters: Vanessa Wilson of Lufkin, and Deonda Wilson of Fort Worth, mother: Doris Jean Swindle of San Augustine. a host of grandchildren & great grandchildren, brother John McCoy of California. As well as a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Dorothy Elizabeth Wilson, aged 97, of Hemphill, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, October 28, 2025, due to natural causes. Born in Uniontown, Kentucky on September 2, 1928, to Heston Floyd and Anna Ruby Jordan Floyd, Dorothy, was one of twelve children. She was a devoted follower of our Lord and Savior and cherished her family deeply. Dorothy is survived by her son Kevin Wilson, and her two daughters, Charisse Butler and Crystal Heinrich and her son-in-law, Lanny Butler; brothers, Jay Floyd, Michael Floyd and Patrick Floyd; and sister, Frankie Janeky. She also leaves behind her beloved grandchildren, Kristen Butler, Tara Butler, Luke Heinrich, and Quinn Heinrich, as well as her great-grandchildren, Kye Butler and Penelope Butler.

Mr. Derek Deon “Deke” Payne, age 53, of Nacogdoches, departed this physical life on October 19, 2025, in Dallas. Mr. Derek Payne was born October 06, 1972. Survived by his wife: Banesia Boyd Payne of Nacogdoches, sons: Edward Payne (Jasmaine) of Nacogdoches, Daylon Payne of Baytown, Eric Payne of Baytown, Jovante Fields of Nacogdoches, LaTerrious Holt of Nacogdoches, daughter: Breanna Fields of Nacogdoches, eleven grand children, two brothers Gregory Payne of Nacogdoches, and Christopher Payne of Nacogdoches. As well as a host of other relatives and friends.

James Donohue Waller of Pineland, passed away October 11, 2025. James was born on January 4, 1947.

Emanuel was a devoted family man, deeply loved by his wife of 72 years, Pat Jordan of Pineland, and his children: Shayne Jordan and wife, Brenda, of Houston; Kimberly Stephenson and husband, Gary, of Hudson; and Candace Hendrix and husband, Gee, of Pineland. He was also survived by his daughter-in-law, Echo Jordan, and sister, Donna Wagner, both of Pineland. Emanuel took great joy in watching his children and grandchildren participate in sports and cherished his time with them. His legacy continues through his grandchildren: Shoyne Jordan and wife, Kelly, Tiona Campbell and husband, Chris, Haylee Belt and husband, Brandon, Shelby Lowery and husband, John Mark, Cody Jordan and wife, Andrea, Corey Malone and wife, Kylee, and Chase Malone and wife, Bristol, as well as his 17 great-grandchildren, Noah, Zach, Adalee, Taylor, Logan, Hallie, Harlie, Elise, Greyson, Augie, Braeden, Bryson, Avrie, Ryker, Ella, Micah and Selah He was preceded in death by his parents, his son, Chad Jordan, and his sisters, Lois, Margie Nell, and Tommie Jean.