Obituaries

Joan Ellen Hopkins, 80, passed away on September 21, 2025, in Houston. Joan was born on July 1, 1945 in New York to her parents, William and Mae Clink. She dedicated more than 30 years of her life to working as a waitress at Denny's, where she served countless patrons with consistency and care. She is remembered by her daughter, Gloria Wardrup, and her grandchildren Tonya, David, and Robert Greggs.

Tim James, 60, of Hemphill, passed away Wednesday, September 3, 2025 at his residence. Timothy Paul James was born to the late Arma G. James and Thomas Jefferson James on the 23rd of October 1964 in Hemphill, “Sabine County” Texas. The family eventually moved to Orange, where Tim went to public schools. Tim was a graduating member of the West Orange-Stark High School class of 1983 where he was a powerful football player and played on a State Championship Team.

Fuller (Maurice) Williams, age 91, of Orange, passed away peacefully on Sunday evening, September 7, 2025, surrounded by his loved ones. Maurice was born on September 23, 1933, in Fairdale, to Willis Owen Williams and Essie Pearl Travis. He spent part of his early life in Lake Charles, Louisiana before returning to Fairdale, where he met the love of his life, Willie Reba Ladner. The two were married and shared 68 beautiful years together. Maurice and Reba made their home in Orange, before settling into their own slice of heaven—their farm in Newton. Maurice found true joy in farm life. Whether baling hay, tending to crops, caring for animals, or simply soaking in the peace and quiet of the countryside, he embraced every moment. He spent his last years back in Orange, settling just down the street from his best friend and son, Gary.

Ora Lee Roberts Jones, age 86, of San Augustine, departed this physical life on, September 3, 2025, at Nacogdoches Medical Center in Nacogdoches.. Mrs. Jones was born January 08, 1939. She is survived by four boys and five girls; Helen Lacy of San Augustine, Gary Jones (Verlene) of San Augustine, Gwendolyn Jones of San Augustine, Vernetia Nash (Marvin) of San Augustine, Darrell Jones (Ella Frances) of San Augustine, Pamela Jones of San Augustine, Michael Jones (Shelia) of San Augustine, and Paul Jones of San Augustine, she had 90 grand, great grand and great- great grand children, as well as a host of other relatives and friends.

On Sunday, July 20, 1941, twin boys, Darwin and Derwood Conn, were born. Darwin passed away Tuesday, May 4, 1943. Derwood passed away Thursday, September 4, 2025. Derwood's formative years were spent in the Chinquapin community of San Augustine County, Texas. His family moved to Houston in the summer of 1957 and he graduated from M.B. Smiley High School in Houston (Class of '59). Upon reaching age 18, he went to work for Houston Lighting & Power Company (HL&P) and retired with 40 years' service. He married his high school sweetheart, Cindy (Bowie) Conn (Class of '60) on May 6, 1961. They lived and worked in Houston until 1976 when they relocated south of Houston to Manvel, Texas. Following retirement, they moved to San Augustine County. They have been faithful members of Brookeland Methodist Church and attended and supported the afternoon services at Centerview Methodist Church as well.

Jeremy Ryan Gulley, 38, passed away peacefully in his sleep at his home in Rockdale. Jeremy is survived by his father, David Gulley; his brother, Josh Gulley; his beloved sons, Mason and Nathan; his grandparents, Gene and Ann Nethery; his nephew, Zach; his significant other, Katie; and many relatives and friends who will deeply miss his presence in their lives. Jeremy proudly served his country in the United States Army from 2005 to 2007. Following his military service, he built a successful career in Instrumentation and Electrical work, where his technical skills and dedication were well-respected.

Johnny Paul Wallace passed away on September 9, 2025, in Hemphill, at the age of 71. A lifelong resident of Sabine County, he was born on January 23, 1954, in San Augustine to Paul Wallace and Lodies Mae Dickerson Wallace and remained deeply rooted in the community that shaped his life. Johnny Paul graduated from West Sabine High School with the Class of 1973. He went on to build a career as a skilled welder, working for many years with Temple-Inland and Merle Greer Construction.

Ernest Martin Wesner, Jr., 97, passed away on September 4, 2025, in Hemphill. Ernest was born on July 25, 2025 in Sante Fe, Oklahoma to Ernest Martin Wesner and Sadie Cobb Wesner. Ernest grew up with a strong work ethic and a deep appreciation for learning. He graduated from Beaumont High School and went on to build a long and respected career as a chemist in the laboratory at the Mobile Oil Refinery. His meticulous nature and commitment to excellence made him a valued member of the team throughout his many years of service.

Kathleen Kay “Kathy” Christian, 65, of Hemphill, passed away on September 2, 2025, in Lufkin. Born on December 13, 1959, in Port Arthur, Kathy was the daughter of Kenny Kimler and Janice Fay Latiolais. She graduated from Bridge City High School and went on to earn her bachelor’s degree in education from Lamar University. Her passion for teaching led to a fulfilling 28-year career as an elementary school educator. She spent 13 years teaching third grade at Zavalla ISD and another 15 years teaching first grade at Hemphill ISD before retiring in 2021. Kathy loved all of her students and took great pride in nurturing young minds.

Ida Mae Ingels, 89, passed away on August 23, 2025, at her residence in Geneva. Born on June 19, 1936, in Dickens, Nebraska, Ida was the daughter of Russell and Minnie Cellan Dugan. She grew up in Nebraska alongside her siblings and later built a life rooted in hard work, family devotion, and spirited enthusiasm for the things she loved. Ida spent much of her adult life in Cheyenne, Wyoming, where she worked as a waitress and cook at East High School. Her dedication to her work and the school community left a lasting impression on those around her. She also lived in North Platte, Nebraska before settling in Geneva, five years ago.