Obituaries

JoAnne Goynes Smith, aged 77, passed away on June 21, 2024, in Hemphill. Born on February 17, 1947, in Cleveland, JoAnne dedicated many years of service to the Sabine Dental Group before retiring. She was a cherished member of the East Mayfield Missionary Baptist Church. JoAnne was a loving figure known for putting her family above all else. She is survived by her husband of 59 years, Roy Smith; her son, Michael Smith, and his wife, Audra, of Temple ; her daughter, Jessica Meeks and her husband, Reese, of Hemphill; her sisters, Peggy Goynes of Hemphill, and Lisa Goynes of Rosevine. JoAnne also leaves behind her sisters-in-law's, Virginia Langford, Wanda Smith, and Novis Goynes; her grandchildren, Luke Byley and his wife, Breia, Chloe Byley, Daniel Smith, Elizabeth Smith, Katelyn Meeks, and Justin Meeks; along with two great-grandchildren.

Gloria Crowell passed from this life peacefully during her sleep on Sunday June 23, 2024. Gloria was born August 20, 1934, to Andrew and “Miss Winnie” Williams in Fairdale. She was married to Bill Crowell September 29, 1952, and they had celebrated 71 years of marriage. She and Bill were devout Christians and attended Hillcrest Baptist Church in Jasper. Gloria lived her entire life in East Texas where she spent many years working at Mary Dickerson Hospital. She loved to be around people which fueled her desire to hold a job well past retirement age. She was the driver behind her and Bill remodeling several homes during their years together. Her abundance of energy was used for remodeling, interior decorating, and making her yard beautiful with numerous flowerbeds of various flowers and plants.

Evelyn Elizabeth Kilgore, aged 88, passed away on June 18, 2024, in Hemphill. Born on May 28, 1936, in Newcastle, Wyoming to Alvin Stites and Edith Sieger Stites, Evelyn embarked on a life marked by dedication, love, and entrepreneurship. Following her education, Evelyn began her career as a nurse in South Dakota and later in California, showcasing her commitment to caring for others. Her entrepreneurial spirit flourished when she, alongside her husband Lavelle Woodroe Kilgore, moved to Guam. There, they initially managed a Mobile gas station before establishing the Guam Automotive Clinic. As a business owner, Evelyn played a pivotal role, managing the business end successfully until the couple sold it to their sons, Wayne and Alan Kilgore, and relocated to Texas. In Texas, Evelyn and Lavelle purchased Chateau Shores Marina in Hemphill, a combined restaurant, cabin, and fishing venture, which they operated before she ventured into real estate. Evelyn concluded her professional journey as a real estate broker, a role she embraced until her retirement.

Kenneth Joseph Shook, age 72, of Hemphill, passed away on Friday, June 14, 2024. He was born on March 8, 1952, in Hominy, Oklahoma, to Wilburn Shook and Jesse Mae Langan Shook. Kenneth was an active outdoorsman who loved fishing and hunting. He was also known for his culinary skills, enjoying grilling and smoking food. He cherished moments spent with his family. Kenneth served in the Army National Guard and had a successful career as a Consultant in the Oil and Gas industry.

Patricia 'Patsy' Diane Kilcrease, age 74, of Pineland, passed away on Friday, June 14, 2024 at her residence. Patsy was born on July 2, 1949, in Kirbyville, to Walter Reese Smith and Maywood West Smith.

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved, Casey Gale Foley Albers, age 38, of Center, on June 8, 2024. Casey was born December 16, 1985, in Houston, to Corlis Gale Foley and Lisa Elizabeth Albers. She graduated from Brazos High School, class of 2004, where she was class president and homecoming queen. She studied at Texas State University and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts and Major in Mass Communication – Public Relations degree in 2008. She was also a member of the sorority Chi Beta Delta. Casey later worked at Gucci and took great pride in her work, meeting wonderful people and establishing lifelong friendships.

Alva Ray 'Tinker' Horton, age 76, of Milam, passed away on Tuesday, June 11, 2024. He was born on February 13, 1948, in DeRidder, Louisiana, to Lige Horton and Mayetta Odell Conn Horton. Tinker was a lifetime resident of Sabine County. He enjoyed making the rounds, drinking coffee, and visiting with his buddies. Tinker also had a passion for raising chickens and horses. Tinker dedicated many years to maintaining roads for Sabine County. He was a member of New Hope Baptist Church, where he worshipped. In his free time, Tinker enjoyed fishing, hunting, and running deer, fox, and coons with his hounds.