Obituaries

Thelma Louise Frick, 77, of Hemphill, passed away on Sunday, May 31, 2025, at her residence. Born in Waverly, Ohio, on January 12, 1948, to Ronald Oxier and Neva Brown Oxier, Thelma was a native of Ohio who later moved to Pasadena, before settling in Sabine County in 1978. She was an owner/receptionist for Frick Sanitation for many years and worked in the nursing field, running several businesses from floral to sanitation work. A devoted Christian, Thelma was a longtime member of Bethany Baptist Church in Milam. She was known for her kindness and willingness to help others, often taking in strays and caring for those in need. She enjoyed gardening, collecting things, reading her Bible, and cooking.

Thomas Vernon Barnes was born on December 14, 1946 in DeRidder, Louisiana to Roy and Margaret Barnes. Thomas passed away on May 15, 2025 at the age of 78 in his home in Rosevine, surrounded by his children and wife.

Kayla Marie White, 36, passed away on Wednesday, May 28, 2025, at U.T. Health in Tyler. Born on June 1, 1988, in Nacogdoches, she was the beloved daughter of Diane Horton Elliott and Paul Elliott. Kayla found great joy and fulfillment in her work as an aesthetician. Her passion for helping others feel confident and cared for was evident in her dedication to her profession. Outside of work, she cherished time spent riding horses and tending to her garden— two activities that brought her peace and happiness. Above all else, Kayla’s greatest pride and joy were her children; they were the center of her world.

Ollie Bell Jacks Jordan, aged 100, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, May 27, 2025, at Nacogdoches Medical Center in Nacogdoches. Born on January 25, 1925, in Pineland, she was the daughter of George Burtis Whitehead and Eunie Bell Manning Whitehead. Ollie was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and homemaker. She was a faithful member of Bethel Chapel Baptist Church, both in her youth and later in life when she returned to Pineland from Sour Lake, where she and her husband, Carmon, raised their three children.

Marilyn Elizabeth Little, a beloved resident of Sabine County, passed away on May 29, 2025, at the age of 79. Born on October 21, 1945, in Fairdale, she was the cherished daughter of James Clyde McGraw and Mamie Mitchell McGraw. Marilyn spent her entire life in Sabine County, where she was a devoted member of the East Mayfield Baptist Church.

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Roberta “Robyn” Torbett, who went to be with the Lord on May 23, 2025, at the age of 88, in Lufkin. Robyn was a beloved longtime resident of Hemphill, where she found great joy and peace spending time on the waters of Toledo Bend and worshiping faithfully each Sunday at Fairdale Baptist Church.

Joe Ray Miller, age 73, of San Augustine, departed this physical life on April 20, 2025, at Stone Creek Nursing and Rehabilitation in San Augustine, Mr. Joe Ray Miller was born February 11, 1953. He is survived by his children, Joseph Cooper (Demetria) of Pineland, LaJandra Miller of Baytown, Darrius Jones of San Augustine, JoCorrion Miller of Lufkin, and Jolandria Miller of Lufkin; ten grandchildren and four great-grandchildren; siblings Thomas J Miller (Frantoist) of Dallas, Willie T. Tanner of San Augustine, W. T. Tanner (Quita Bratchett) of San Augustine, Ella Louis Brown (James) of Hemphill, Mary Hudson of San Augustine, Linda Hooper (Jerry) of Center, and Verna Lee Tanner of San Augustine. As well as a host of nieces, nephews, and other relatives and friends.

Terry Lorenzo Watts, age 58, of Lufkin, departed this physical life on May 15, 2025, at his residence in Lufkin. Mr. Watts was born October 18, 1966. He is survived by his five daughters Gracelyn Trimble Hillman (Marcus) of Italy. LaTerrica McCall (Craig) of Killeen, Imani Bias of Lake Charles, LA, LaTerrian Watts of Palestine, and Concia Garrett Douglas (Theodore) of Lufkin; six grandchildren; Mother Dorothy Clay Watts of San Augustine; two sisters, Kimberly Pettigrew (Travelle) of Fort Worth, and Renee Porter of San Augustine; two brothers Steve Watts (Astrin) of Center, and Michael Porter of San Augustine. As well as a host of nieces, nephews, and other relatives and friends.