Obituaries

A Celebration of T.W. Clark, Jr.’s Life, age 95, of Survey Community, Texas, will be 10:00 a.m., Monday, January 19, 2026 at Stringer & Griffin Funeral Home Chapel in Jasper, Texas with burial to follow at the Clark Family Cemetery in the Mayflower Community of Newton County, Texas. Family will receive friends from 9:00 a.m. until the time of service at the Funeral Home.

Patsy Ann Bell, 75, passed away on January 14, 2026, in Hemphill. Born on April 5, 1950, in Grant, New Mexico to James Mohr and Nettie Kallackie Mohr, Patsy lived a life marked by creativity, faith, and dedication to her family. Patsy spent her early years in New Mexico and other Western States, and later moved to Hemphill, where she lived for 14 years. She was a devout Christian and a talented artist, with one of her pieces published by Western New Mexico State University. Patsy's passion for art was paralleled by her love for gardening, especially her flowers, herbs, vines, and orchids, which brought beauty to her surroundings and joy to those around her.

Marjorie Hunt Bluford, age 74, of Houston, departed this physical life on January 7, 2026, in Cypress. Mrs. Marjorie Hunt Bluford was born April 21, 1951. She is survived by her husband: Acy Bluford, Jr., son: Cedric Hunt (Natalie) of Tomball, granddaughter: Carlie Hunt, brother: Robert Hunt, Jr. (Joyce) of Houston, sister: Thettie Hunt Murphy (Robert) of Houston, stepdaughters: Alethea (David), Alisa, Aleda, and Aneta. She also leaves seven nieces and nephews whom she helped raise: Alesia, Roslynn, Nikki, Latonya, Theresa, Robert III (Trey), and Marcus. A host of other nieces and nephews, two special cousins, Jacqueline Davis and Zella Davis Anderson, along with many cousins, former students, and dear friends Viewing 9 am to 10 am and Funeral service 10 am held at Fallbrook Church 12512 Walters Rd, Houston, Texas 77014.

May 24, 1953 - January 7, 2026 In Loving Memory of Rita Jo Morgan Rita Jo Morgan, a woman of immense heart and spirit, passed away leaving behind a legacy of kindness, service, and a profound zest for life. Born to the late Charlie and Bertie Bragg, Rita spent her life dedicated to bringing joy to others. For more than 30 years, Rita was a cornerstone of the restaurant industry. For her, the work was never just about service; it was about the human connection. She found genuine fulfillment in making people happy, and over the decades, she became far more than a boss to those who worked alongside her. To many, she was a mentor, a confidante, and a lifelong friend.

December 1, 2025 in Shreveport, Louisiana. Leila is preceded in death by her parents, Yasa and Detje Soesmani Natakusumah and her brother, Yuri Natakusumah.

Tammie Chance Bennett of Hemphill, passed away at the age of 63 on Wednesday, December 17, 2025, in her hometown. A beloved figure in her community, Tammie was known for her loving nature and dedication to her family and friends. Tammie graduated from Hemphill High School in 1980 and remained a lifelong resident of the town. She later became a school board member, serving the same school that she had attended all those years. She began her professional career at Chance Construction, where she worked as an office manager, later transitioning to TxDot in the same capacity, a position she held for 17 years until her retirement.

Jerry Michael Carney, aged 64, of Hemphill, passed away on December 16, 2025. Born on July 26, 1961, in Dallas, to his parents, Jerry Calvin Carney and Joyce Carney Headrick. Michael spent many years as a welder, a career that reflected his hardworking nature. Michael lived life embracing every moment with a vibrant and adventurous spirit. His passion for the outdoors was evident in his love for wildlife, fishing, and bicycling. A lifelong Dallas Cowboys fan, Michael never missed a game and often shared this enthusiasm with his family and friends. His love for John Wayne movies and his constant engagement in various projects and repairs around his home were a testament to his active and engaging lifestyle.

Ernest Thomas Sr., age 78, of Weatherford, departed this physical life on December 09, 2025, at Texas Health Harris Methodist Hospital in Fort Worth. Mr. Ernest Thomas Sr. was born November 14, 1947. Survived by his children: Clifford Watts (Kountze) - spouse: Therease Watts, Sharon Thomas Anderson (Conroe) -spouse: Uhlema G Anderson, Stephanie Thomas Hickman (Dallas) - spouse: Anthony Quinn Hickman Sr., Arlene A. Thomas (Weatherford) - spouse: Carla Golden Thomas and Ernest L. Thomas Jr. (Grand Prairie) - spouse: Teresa Thomas, nineteen grandchildren, twenty eight great-grandchildren, one greatgreat grandchildren, brothers: Vernon Thomas and Kenny Thomas Jr., both of Silsbee, sisters: Velma Jewel (Joe) Barnes of Houston, and Joann (Addie Lee) Watts of San Augustine. As well as a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

JoAnn Varnum, née Naquin, passed away on December 9, 2025, at the age of 69 in Atlanta, Georgia. Born on July 29, 1956, in Corpus Christi, to Herman Sidney Naquin and Geneva Young Naquin, JoAnn had a life marked by community involvement and personal passions. JoAnn worked as a Maintenance Supervisor for the Texas Department of Criminal Justice for over 20 years before retiring. She spent her last years in Fairburn, Georgia, having moved from Jasper. She was a cherished member of the Six Mile Community in Hemphill and a devoted member of the VFW Women's Auxiliary. JoAnn's love for crocheting prayer shawls brought warmth and comfort to many, a testament to her caring nature.

Christine Williams, known affectionately as Christy, passed away on December 13, 2025, in Hemphill, at the age of 75. Born on March 17, 1950, in Bronson, to Wilford Weldon King and Johnnie Mae Byley King, she was a beloved figure in her community and a lifelong resident of Sabine County. Christy dedicated many years of her career as an operator at Temple Inland. Her commitment to family and community shone brightly, particularly through her roles as a loving mother, grandmother, and caregiver. Christy was a devoted member of Bethany Missionary Baptist Church at Plainview, where she found great solace and fellowship.