Obituaries

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.

Stella Frances 'Sissy' Smith passed away on December 8, 2025, at the age of 77, in Nacogdoches. Born on March 16, 1948, in Hemphill, she was the daughter of Dalton 'Shine' Smith and Lemmie B. Coussons Smith. Sissy spent her life as a dedicated homemaker, creating a loving home for her family. Sissy was known for her loving nature and commitment to her community, often helping local families with donations of school supplies and clothes. She was devoted to all her family, and she cherished her role as a mother and grandmother, instilling values of strength, hard work, and education in her children and grandchildren and as a result, her children all became strong, hardworking, educated adults. An avid reader and gardener, Sissy took great pleasure in her flower gardens, sharing the beauty she cultivated with friends and family.

Ray Anthony Roberts, age 68, of Surfside Beach, SC. departed this physical life on December 02, 2025, in Tidelands Waccamaw Community Hospital in Murrells Inlet, South Caralina. Mr. Ray Anthony Roberts was born November 17, 1957. Survived by his partner: Jeffery Lynn Farris of South Carolina. daughter: Keysha Fritz, three grandchildren, sister: Mattie Davis of San Augustine, sister-in-laws: Barbara Ann Farris and Linda Sue Goehring, brother-in-laws: Donald Fredrick Farris and Michael Wayne Farris. As well as a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Roger Glenn Taylor, aged 67, passed away on Thursday, November 27, 2025, in Hemphill. Born in New Iberia, Louisiana, on September 13, 1958, to William Taylor and Peggy Ruth Smith Taylor, Roger had made his home in Hemphill for the last six years after previously residing in Arlington.

Pamela Frances Sykes passed away on November 21, 2025, in Hemphill, at the age of 74. Born on December 21, 1950, in Houston, she was the cherished daughter of Marshall Alvin Adcock and Helen Marie Vinklarek Adcock. Pam had been a resident of Sabine County since 2002, where she made significant contributions to the community. A talented gardener and respected entrepreneur, Pam was the owner and operator of Pam's Retail Plants in Hemphill. Her passion for flora extended beyond business as she held a Life Membership with Texas Garden Clubs Inc. and served as a Master Accredited Flower Show Judge. Pam was actively involved with the district 3 Flower Show Judges Council, the Hemphill Garden Club, and the Center Garden Club. Her commitment to community enrichment was further demonstrated through her role as a founding member of the Sabine County Farmers and Artesian Market and her membership in the Pilot Club in Mansfield. Pam's excellence in her field was recognized through numerous awards at various flower shows.

Floyd Ricky Mitchell, passed away on November 23, 2025, at the age of 66 in Bronson. Born on October 16, 1959, in San Augustine, to Othel 'Red' Mitchell and Frances Ruby Lott Mitchell, he was a lifelong resident of Sabine County. Ricky was a hardworking man who made his living as a self-employed logger and carpenter, a testament to his strong work ethic and dedication to providing for his family. He was known for his love of 'shooting the bull' and his ability to engage with everyone he met, making lasting impressions with his spirited stories and warm presence.