Obituaries

Virgil Dean Wilson, aged 91, of the Fairmount Community in Hemphill, passed away peacefully at his residence onWednesday, December 4, 2024. Born on September 21, 1933, in Ozark, Arkansas, to G.W. Wilson and Florine Greene Wilson, Virgil led a life marked by service, dedication, and love for his family and community. A proud veteran, Virgil served as an Airman 1st Class in the United States Air Force during the Korean War. Following his military service, he worked as a supervisor for Firestone for many years, demonstrating a strong work ethic and leadership skills. Alongside his beloved wife, Barbara, Virgil owned and operatedWilson's Marine in Orange and Beaumont for a decade, contributing to the local economy and community.

Stephen White McDaniel, “Papa Bear” to his grandson, was born in Alexandria, Louisiana to Robert Cecil McDaniel and Loye Winona White McDaniel on July 22, 1944 while his father was stationed with the Army at Camp Claiborne. While born in LA, Stephen’s parents had deep roots in Sabine County, dating back to the 1850s, and Stephen lived in this community off and on throughout his childhood. To begin his legal career, Stephen and his wife, Marcia, moved with their 3 year-old son, Steve, to Longview, in 1973 making this their forever home. Stephen loved Longview and EastTexas, and his community involvement spanned business, church, education and the arts (both performing and visual). Stephen, age 80, passed away on December 2, 2024 in Longview, surrounded by loved-ones.

Patricia Wanda Mott, resident of Hemphill, passed away peacefully on December 2, 2024, at the age of 92. Born on February 29, 1932, in San Antonio. Patricia, known to her friends as Pat, to her grandkids as Maw Mott, and to her nieces and nephews as Aunt Pat, lived out her childhood and adult life in Pineland, moving to the Hemphill area after the death of her husband. Pat worked for years as a soda jerk at the local drug store in Pineland and later as a salesclerk at Temple Dry Goods. She was a longtime member of the Pineland Church of God.After moving to Hemphill to live with her oldest son and his family, she became a member of Covenant Presbyterian Church of Lufkin. Her years on Mott Hill were full ones. She planted flowers and trees and anything else that is known to grow in these parts. And she took full credit for anything that blooms there to this day. She loved to be in the great outdoors, picking dewberries to put in a cobbler or catching minnows to put on a grandkid’s fishhook. If it was too cold to be outside, she enjoyed quilting, reading, and working crossword puzzles.

Shirley Ann Kyser Majors, aged 89, of Hemphill, passed away on Tuesday, December 3, 2024, at Hemphill Care Center. Born in Sunset, on August 25, 1935, to A. J. Anderson and Virginia Wilhite Anderson, Shirley was a devoted housewife and mother. She spent 35 years as a resident of Hemphill, having previously lived in Kingwood. Shirley was a cherished member of the First Baptist Church of Hemphill and was a previous member of the Busy Bees. She found joy in square dancing and crafting.

Pearl Donette Smith Graffeo, a beloved wife, mother, and grandmother, passed away peacefully on November 29, 2024, in Hemphill. Born on April 18, 1943, in Fairdale, to William Franklin Smith and Nola Emily Mitchell Smith, Donette lived a life marked by kindness and dedication to her family and community. Donette devoted her career to caring for others as a home health nurse, where her compassion and meticulous nature were evident to all who knew her. Her love for cooking brought joy to family gatherings, and her home was always a place of warmth and hospitality. Donette's passion for fast cars was a delightful surprise to many, reflecting her spirited personality. She is survived by her devoted husband, Robert “Bob” Graffeo, Sr., of Hemphill; her sons, Bobby Williams and his wife, Shelley, of Nacogdoches, and Joseph Hathaway of Hemphill. Donette's legacy continues through her numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren, who were the light of her life. Donette was preceded in death by her parents, Will and Nola Smith; her brothers, Randall Smith and Wilber Smith; and her sister, Jerlene Fuller.

Thomas Fulton Allen Jr., (Tommy) lived his dash 1932-2024 to the fullest for 92 Years. The line between the day we're born and the day we leave this earth. In that little dash is a lifetime of laughter, love and tears. Tommy was born in Kosciusko, Mississippi, and moved to Port Arthur, at a young age. He built a home in Bridge City, where he lived with his wife, Joycelynn Allen, and three daughters, Susan Rhodes, Ruth Lawless and Lori Dickman. He was living in the Toledo Bend area of Fairmount when he passed November 20th, 2024.

Alvis Jackson Key, 63, of Bronson, passed away peacefully at his residence on Saturday, November 30, 2024. Born on September 10, 1961, in San Augustine, Alvis was the beloved son of Alvin Key and Mary Sue Roberts Key. A lifelong resident of Bronson, Alvis dedicated many years to his profession as a Boiler Maker, earning respect and admiration from colleagues and friends alike. Alvis was a man who cherished the simple pleasures of life, spending his time immersed in the great outdoors, hunting and fishing, activities that brought him joy and fulfillment. His love for nature was only surpassed by his devotion to his family.

Melissa Lynn Sanders, 41, of Hemphill, passed away on November 24, 2024. Born on May 8, 1983, in Hemphill, she was a lifelong resident and a cherished member of the community. Melissa was known for her kind and loving nature. She was an excellent cook, often delighting her family and friends with delicious meals. A voracious reader, Melissa also had a passion for horror movies and took great joy in doing her own makeup, showcasing her artistic side.

Born on August 3, 1948, in New Orleans, Mary Ann Roig was a loving and devoted wife, mother, grandmothe r, and friend whose kindness and sense of humor brought joy to all who knew her. On Sunday night, November 17, 2024, Mary Ann passed away peacefully, leaving behind a legacy of love, laughter, and friendship.