Obituaries

Mr. Derek Deon “Deke” Payne, age 53, of Nacogdoches, departed this physical life on October 19, 2025, in Dallas. Mr. Derek Payne was born October 06, 1972. Survived by his wife: Banesia Boyd Payne of Nacogdoches, sons: Edward Payne (Jasmaine) of Nacogdoches, Daylon Payne of Baytown, Eric Payne of Baytown, Jovante Fields of Nacogdoches, LaTerrious Holt of Nacogdoches, daughter: Breanna Fields of Nacogdoches, eleven grand children, two brothers Gregory Payne of Nacogdoches, and Christopher Payne of Nacogdoches. As well as a host of other relatives and friends.

James Donohue Waller of Pineland, passed away October 11, 2025. James was born on January 4, 1947.

Emanuel was a devoted family man, deeply loved by his wife of 72 years, Pat Jordan of Pineland, and his children: Shayne Jordan and wife, Brenda, of Houston; Kimberly Stephenson and husband, Gary, of Hudson; and Candace Hendrix and husband, Gee, of Pineland. He was also survived by his daughter-in-law, Echo Jordan, and sister, Donna Wagner, both of Pineland. Emanuel took great joy in watching his children and grandchildren participate in sports and cherished his time with them. His legacy continues through his grandchildren: Shoyne Jordan and wife, Kelly, Tiona Campbell and husband, Chris, Haylee Belt and husband, Brandon, Shelby Lowery and husband, John Mark, Cody Jordan and wife, Andrea, Corey Malone and wife, Kylee, and Chase Malone and wife, Bristol, as well as his 17 great-grandchildren, Noah, Zach, Adalee, Taylor, Logan, Hallie, Harlie, Elise, Greyson, Augie, Braeden, Bryson, Avrie, Ryker, Ella, Micah and Selah He was preceded in death by his parents, his son, Chad Jordan, and his sisters, Lois, Margie Nell, and Tommie Jean.

Mary Lee Greer, 77, was born on March 16, 1948 to Don Lee Crossland and Delia Thompson Crossland and passed away on Friday, October 10, 2025 in Milam. Mary was born and raised in Mountain Grove, Missouri. She graduated from Alton High School as Valedictorian in 1966. During her early life, she worked as a seamstress in factories in Missouri. She later moved to Temple, where she worked numerous jobs as a waitress, forklift driver, and hotel receptionist. She met and married Merle Greer in 1980. They moved to Pineland, to raise their children. She and Merle went into construction work and travelled all over the country for 10 years, making friends far and wide along the way. After Merle’s passing, at the age of 52 Mary got her realtor’s license and became a realtor in east Texas, where she met thousands of new friends.

Mr. Danny Ray “Dan Moody” Allen, age 70, of Center, departed this physical life on October 05, 2025, at Holiday Nursing Center in Center. / Danny Ray Allen was born February 07,1955.

Alice Jean Crocker Johnson, of Warsaw, age 90, passed away peacefully on October 2, 2025, in Warsaw, Indiana. She was born on July 9, 1935, in Pineland, Texas to Dewey and Virginia (Slocum) Crocker. Alice married Milton Lee Johnson on September 22, 1955 in Texas. He passed away in February 1990. She was a beloved daughter, sister, wife, mother, aunt, grandmother, greatgrandmother, and friend. Alice attended Sam Houston State College at the age of 16, earning a Bachelor's in Home Economics. She used her education to care for those she loved and serve the military communities they called home. She eventually dedicated 15 years of her professional life as an Office Manager at Brown Transport, in Valdosta, Georgia. Throughout her life, Alice nurtured numerous hobbies, with a deep passion for genealogy and sewing. She was an avid researcher of her family history, sharing the stories of her ancestors with those she loved. She found joy in creating beautiful sewn pieces, reflecting her creativity and dedication. Alice was an active member of the Daughters of the American Revolution in Texas and participated energetically in the Air Force 'Wives Club,' where she made lifelong friends and built strong bonds within the military community.

Shelia Ann Reynolds-Brown, age 66, of Hemphill, passed away peacefully on October 9, 2025, in Hemphill. She was bom on April 7, 1959, in Atmore, Alabama and spent her life surrounded by faith, family and love. Shelia was preceded in death by her grandparents, Will and Daisy Taylor; her mother, Myrtle Keith; her late husband, Melvin 'Buddy' Bowtwell; and her brother, Virgil Mixon. She is survived by her husband, Edward Brown; her children, Shannon Vincent and husband, Larry Vincent, of Milam; Gene Reynolds and wife, Sabrina Williams of Buna; Fred Reynolds and wife, Lisa Peters, of Beaumont; Allen Reynolds of Hemphill; and Angel Lambeth and husband, Shannon Lambeth of Bay Minette, Alabama.

Lewis Jones Cannon, 97, of Pineland, passed away on October 6, 2025. Born on September 11, 1928, in Tallassee, Alabama, he was the son of Henry Owen Cannon and Erma Jean Jones Cannon. Lewis spent his early years in Tallassee before relocating to Dallas, in 1957 with his beloved wife, Dollie Janise Cannon, who preceded him in death after 73 years of marriage. Lewis served as a medic in the United States Army during the Korean War, dedicating himself to the care and recovery of his fellow soldiers. After his military service, he established a successful career as a commercial and residential paint contractor, a profession he pursued with passion and excellence for many years. After retiring, they relocated to the Six Mile Community of Sabine County where they spent many happy years.

Darlene Jones Newman, 57, of Milam, passed away on September 29, 2025, at her residence in Milam. Born on September 11, 1968, in Dallas, to James Howard Jones and Joyce Ann Ebarb, Darlene was a lifelong resident of Sabine County and a beloved presence in the lives of many. Darlene dedicated much of her professional life to serving others in the home health care field as well as also working as a cleaning consultant. Her work reflected her deeply caring nature and her unwavering commitment to helping those around her. Known for her selflessness and nurturing spirit, she was always taking care of everyone— family, friends, and clients alike.

Mary Montez Corbell McNaughten, 87, of Lufkin, passed from this life on Tuesday, September 30, 2025 at her residence. Montez was born November 6, 1937 in Shelby County, to P. C. and Lovetta Emmons Corbell. Being the oldest of 6 siblings, it was incumbent upon Montez to teach her brother and young sisters all she learned in school. So began her history of teaching.