Obituaries

Johnnie Dale Richey passed away on June 9, 2025, at the age of 69 in Lufkin. Born on August 3, 1955, in Victoria, to Johnnie Casper Richey and Connie Mae Chant Richey, Johnnie lived a life marked by varied interests and deep family connections. A jack-of-all-trades, Johnnie had worked in several jobs that held with his personal interests including the Texas Department of Transportation (TXDOT). An avid enthusiast of firearms, Johnnie was an active member of both the National Rifle Association and the Black Powder Rifle Association. His passion for guns was not just a hobby but a significant part of his identity, deeply ingrained in his daily life.

Mary Virginia Butler, passed away on June 7, 2025, at the age of 86 in Jasper. Born on November 18, 1938, in the Spring Hill Community of Hemphill. Virginia was a cherished figure in her community and beloved by many. A native of Sabine County, she spent many years in Channelview, before returning to live in Brookeland for the past 23 years. Virginia dedicated many years to her career as a hairdresser, a profession she adored for its creative expression. Her love for hairstyling was only matched by her passion for gardening, arts and crafts, and oil painting, hobbies that brought color and joy not only to her life but also to those around her.

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.