Obituaries

Betty Jean (Sparks) Cartwright was born on January 4, 1928, to Audra (Ford) Sparks and Ernest Sparks in San Augustine. In 1946, she married the love of her life, Baxter Polk Cartwright, Jr., and they shared 59 wonderful years together. Betty Jean lived a joyous and fulfilling life for over 97 years, and she was called home to be with her Heavenly Father on June 11, 2025. Betty Jean graduated from San Augustine High School with the Class of 1945. During her seventhgrade year, she became the drum major for the high school band. At a young age, her beautiful singing voice was discovered by a talent agent, who offered her an opportunity to move to Hollywood. However, her father encouraged her to stay humble, and the family chose to decline the offer. Betty Jean continued to share her gift of song with the community, even performing for troops passing through town.

Katy Jo Brownlee, April 29, 1993 - June 11, 2025 It is with profound sadness that the family of Katy Jo Brownlee, announce her passing following a car accident in Pearland. Katy was a kind soul, who touched many lives. She was also a world traveler, nature lover, and book enthusiast with a passion for life. Her family and friends miss her greatly. Katy was preceded in death by her grandparents Joe (James Wendell) McNaughten of Milam, Mary Mitchell McNaughten of Pineland, and Leo and Barbara Brownlee of Broaddus.

Maxine Pate, aged 85, of Bronson, passed away on Wednesday, June 18, 2025, at The Joseph House in Lufkin. Born on March 11, 1940, in Mount Holly, Arkansas, to A. J. Williams and Lynas Davis Hollamon, Maxine was a beloved member of her community. She graduated from Malvern High School in Malvern, Arkansas, and pursued further education at Southwestern Business University in Houston. Maxine dedicated 25 years of her career as an office manager and automobile title clerk at Pate Motor Sales in Houston and South House. Later, she served the United States Postal Service as a part-time clerk in Bronson and a Career Clerk in Hemphill, retiring after 21 years of service.

Charles Wayne Tatom, aged 75, of Magnolia, passed away on Saturday, June 14, 2025, at his residence. Born in Hemphill, on June 22, 1949, to Clyde Tatom and Marie Sanford Tatom, Charles was a longtime resident of Sabine County and had lived in Magnolia for the past 25 years. He dedicated his career to serving as a paramedic for the Houston Fire Department.

Lynn Jene Rogers, 54, of Pineland, passed away Wednesday, June 4, 2025, in Pineland. Born March 3, 1971, in Corpus Christi, Lynn is the son of James Jefferson Rogers and Josephine Aquilina Rogers.

Raymond Hiram Butler, 87, of Hemphill, passed away on June 10, 2025, in San Augustine. He was born in Hemphill on October 28, 1938, to Buren Butler and Margaret Duke Butler. A lifelong resident of Sabine County, Raymond was a devoted member of Rosevine Missionary Baptist Church. After graduating from Hemphill High School, Raymond honorably served his country in the United States Army during the Korean War. His professional life was dedicated to the railroad industry, where he worked as a Senior Clerk until his retirement.

John Allen Reeves, 64, of San Augustine, passed away on Wednesday, June 11, 2025, at his residence. Born on July 15, 1960, in Center, he was the son of the late Henry Oscar 'Isom' Reeves, Jr., and Vivian Alice Cochran Reeves. John spent his most of his life in Sabine County and was a graduate of Hemphill High School. Affectionately known as 'Pappy,' John was a man who exuded happiness and cherished time spent with his family, who he loved dearly. An avid outdoorsman, dog lover, and sports fanatic, he held a particular fondness for Alabama's Crimson Tide football team and NASCAR racing.

Johnnie Dale Richey passed away on June 9, 2025, at the age of 69 in Lufkin. Born on August 3, 1955, in Victoria, to Johnnie Casper Richey and Connie Mae Chant Richey, Johnnie lived a life marked by varied interests and deep family connections. A jack-of-all-trades, Johnnie had worked in several jobs that held with his personal interests including the Texas Department of Transportation (TXDOT). An avid enthusiast of firearms, Johnnie was an active member of both the National Rifle Association and the Black Powder Rifle Association. His passion for guns was not just a hobby but a significant part of his identity, deeply ingrained in his daily life.

Mary Virginia Butler, passed away on June 7, 2025, at the age of 86 in Jasper. Born on November 18, 1938, in the Spring Hill Community of Hemphill. Virginia was a cherished figure in her community and beloved by many. A native of Sabine County, she spent many years in Channelview, before returning to live in Brookeland for the past 23 years. Virginia dedicated many years to her career as a hairdresser, a profession she adored for its creative expression. Her love for hairstyling was only matched by her passion for gardening, arts and crafts, and oil painting, hobbies that brought color and joy not only to her life but also to those around her.