Frankston Area Obituaries — 1999-Present

Here are the obituaries posted for the current month from information provided courtesy of local and area funeral homes and published on their websites or those submitted by families. If an obituary is overlooked and it is desired that it be posted, please inform us at frankstondepotlibrary@gmail.com . Families may request changes or additions, if required. If you have an obituary for a person who has connections with someone or some family in the Frankston-Poynor-LaRue or Lake Palestine area that you want posted to this month or to the archives, and is not currently posted, please let us know at frankstondepotlibrary@gmail.com . Obituaries selected or submitted should follow a format which is essentially consistent with other obituaries posted here or by funeral homes and follow standard grammatical style. Through arrangements with funeral homes and/or the families, we will publish pictures with current obituaries. We will add pictures to archived obituaries from the print version of The Citizen newspaper prior to September 2019 when available. Pictures with archived obituaries posted after that will be added in cooperation with funeral homes or on requests from families.  As was the tradition of the Citizen newspaper, obituaries are published at no charge.

(Obituaries listed chronologically by date of death or funeral service.)

Gregory Leon Hewitt Jr.

A funeral service for Gregory Leon Hewitt Jr., 21, is scheduled for 2 p.m., April 17, 2024, at Autry Funeral Home in Frankston with Bro. Dwayne Nesmith officiating. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service. He will be laid to rest at Whitehouse Cemetery.

Gregory was born on Aug. 28, 2002, to Gregory Leon Hewitt Sr. and Nicki Marie (Burkett) Hewitt in Jacksonville and passed away on Apr. 10, 2024.

Gregory, affectionately known as Greg to family and friends was a very intelligent young man who excelled as a student and made many friends. He possessed a kind and compassionate heart and was always well mannered around others.

Greg enjoyed playing video games and was a talented cook. He was part of the debate team in high school and played tennis. He was a history buff and had a passionate interest in animals. Greg absolutely loved playing chess. He would play in tournaments against older men, and they couldn't beat him; he loved it with all his heart.

Greg will be fondly remembered for his quiet demeanor and contagious smile. He adored his family and embraced every opportunity to spend time with them. He will be dearly missed by his loved ones and close friends.

Greg was preceded in death by his grandmother, Joyce Hewitt.

Left to cherish Greg’s memory are his mother, Nicki Burkett of LaRue; father, Gregory Hewitt Sr. of Lake Tawakoni; brothers, Blake Hewitt of LaRue, and Joseph Hewitt of Lake Tawakoni; sister, Annalee Hewitt of Austin; grandparents, Rita and David Prinkey of LaRue; grandfather, William Burkett of Berryville; and extended family, and loving friends.

Pallbearers will be Nicolas Bennett, Michael Morrow Jr., Myles Morrow, Logan Morrow, Brian Sutter, Patrick Morrow, Johnny Morrow, and Cody Adams.

(Obituaries posted contain information posted by funeral homes and/or requested by families. Families may request changes or additions, if appropriate or required.)

Verna Ray Taylor

Verna Ray Taylor, 94, of LaRue passed away on April 14, 2024. She was born to Ed and Georgia Whitson on Nov. 29, 1929 in Frederick, Oklahoma.

Ray was preceded in death by her husband, Carl, of 71 years, her mother and father, her two siblings, Ida Jane Wiler and Aubrey Whitson, her son Kerry Taylor, and her grandson Aaron Taylor.

She is survived by her son Rick, grandsons Chris Taylor and his wife Mandy, Todd Taylor and his wife Kobi and Travis Taylor and his wife April and great grandchildren Laynie, Colson, and Ainsley. There are other surviving nieces, nephews, cousins and her two daughters-in-law Mary Taylor and Suzanne Taylor.

Ray will be remembered for her generosity, servant heart and devoted commitment to her husband and family. She was fiercely independent and a lover of everything outdoors. She enjoyed fishing, hunting, and gardening with her husband Carl. She was a devoted housewife and viewed her role as a wife and mother as her life commitment. She was a long-standing member of the First Baptist Church of Athens.

Ray and Carl were both driven to help anyone in need. They invested precious time with family, friends, and neighbors lending a hand to help and support whenever they could.

We will miss her dearly and look forward to our reunion in heaven.

Services to remember and honor Ray will be held on Apr. 18, 2024, at the First Baptist Church in Athens at 10 a.m.

Donations can be made in lieu of flowers to Heart to Heart Hospice Foundation.

Evelyn Vaughan Harris

Our beloved Evelyn Vaughan Harris was reunited with husband, Ray Harris on April 16, 2024.

A funeral service is scheduled for 10 a.m. Saturday, April 20, 2024, at First Baptist Church in Frankston under the direction of Autry Funeral Home, Frankston. Rev. Mike Allcorn will officiate. She will be laid to rest in Brushy Creek Cemetery in Brushy Creek.

Visitation will begin Friday, April 19, 2024 and family will receive friends from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.at Autry Funeral Home in Frankston.

She was a long-time member of First Baptist Church-Frankston and past president of the Frankston Garden Club. Mrs. Harris was the matriarch of her family and will forever be missed.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Russell and Beulah (Fagala)Vaughan, her husband, her daughter, Janet Kay Harris; sister, Mary Kathrine Vaughan; and her brothers, Larry Lee, James and Lemuel Vaughan.

Left to cherish Evelyn’s memory are her children, Bobby Harris and wife Ginger of Flint, Thomas Harris of Plano, Debbie Scott and husband Craig of Alvarado, Sonya White and husband Joe of Crandall, and Paula Hintz and husband Paul of Fairview. Her siblings are Jerry Vaughan and wife Linda of Montalba, Nita Shaw of Dallas and Linda Holcomb and husband Ronnie of Montalba; and her in-laws are James and Mary Harris of Jacksonville, Jimmy Harris and Debbie of Athens, Nettie Holland of Athens, Nell Hall, and Dianne and James Beard, all of Frankston. She is also survived by 12 grandchildren Joseph and Lori, Brooke and Cody, Heath, Trent, Christopher and Meghan, Jackson, Katie and Cory, Paige and Tanner, Brighton, Parker, Jase and Riley; 13 great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.

Her grandsons will serve as pallbearers and her granddaughters with Shawn Bowen will be honorary pallbearers.

Mary Phillips

A funeral service for Mary Phillips, 82, is scheduled for 2 p.m., Monday, April 22, 2024, at Church of Christ in Frankston with Davy Carter, Chris White, and Jerry Parker officiating. She will be laid to rest at Frankston City Cemetery.

Visitation will begin on Sunday, April 21, 2024, and family will receive friends from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at Autry Funeral Home in Frankston.

Mary Louise Phillips went to be with her Heavenly Father on April 18, 2024, at her home in Tyler, Texas. Mary was born on February 7, 1942, in Frankston, Texas to the late Lee Andrew McLane and Ruby Quinton Dickerson McLane.

Mary grew up in Frankston where she graduated from Frankston High School. Mary worked in the Frankston Independent School District as a teacher, counselor, and principal. She completed 29 years in public education. In 2023, she was honored by selection to the Frankston Independent School District Wall of Honor.

Mary was preceded in death by her husband, Marvin Paul Phillips of Frankston; parents, Lee and Ruby McLane; four sisters, Jennia V. McHale, JoAnn Baxter, Martha Jane Hicks, and Wanda Dorris Houston; four brothers, Robert Lee McLane, Billy Lewis McLane, Jimmie Ray McLane, and Wylie Morris McLane; brother-in-law, Wayne Phillips; and sister-in-law, Diane Phillips.

Left to cherish Mary’s memory is her daughter, Paula Tapley and husband Carl Tapley; grandchild, Russell Paul Tapley; sister, Margaret June Brown; sister-in-law, Joyce McLane; and nephew, Rusty Phillips and wife Susan Phillips. She is also survived by many nieces, nephews, a host of friends, and two amazing caregivers, Betty Redic and Stephanie “Coco” Harmon/Yancy.

Pallbearers will be James Brown, Seth Brown, Sam Hicks, Brad Forester, Bryan Forester, and Rusty Phillips.

Honorary pallbearers will be Austin Thacker and Johnny Burks.

Rather than customary condolences, memorials may be made in Mary’s honor to Hospice of East Texas at https://hospiceofeasttexas.org/giving/ or Frankston City Cemetery at P.O. Box 176, Frankston, Texas 75763.

Janet Norwood

A Funeral Mass for Janet Norwood, 78, of LaRue will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Thursday, May 2, 2024, at St. Edwards Catholic Church SEEM Chapel in Athens with Father Nolan Lowry officiating. Interment will follow at the Athens Cemetery under the direction of Hannigan Smith Funeral Home.

Janet passed away on April 18, 2024, in Frankston.

Janet Marie Norwood was born Feb. 23, 1946, in Chicago, Illinois, the daughter of Frederick Bernard Boedeker and Virginia Mildred (Carey) Boedeker.

After graduating high school, she married Larry Douglas Norwood in 1965 and began raising their family. In 1976, they moved to Lufkin where Janet began her career as a school secretary at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, where she also was an active member and served as a Eucharistic Minister among a myriad of other roles. She worked next as an administrative assistant for Borden Chemical in Diboll, Texas, for a number of years before moving to Athens. She joined St. Edward’s Catholic Church and served in the Society of St. Vincent De Paul, St. Edward Conference. Janet was a woman of deep faith with a servant heart and participated generously in a multitude of activities to assist the poor and spread the good news of the Gospel.

She was never one to complain, always sharing her time unselfishly. She enjoyed playing games, reading books, baking, taking care of plants, and feeding her hummingbirds. Janet loved relaxing with her cherished family, especially playing games together. Her competitive spirit was unmatched. A steady rock and pillar of strength, Janet was a treasured gift who will be deeply missed by all whose lives she touched and unconditionally loved.

She is preceded in death by her parents, husband Larry Norwood; brothers Frederick Bruce Boedeker and Robert Allan Boedeker, and brother-in-law James Gordon Gamble II.

Janet is survived by her children, David Norwood and wife Molly of Dallas, Laura Norwood Hodgson and husband Simon of Flower Mound; siblings, Donald Carey Boedeker and wife Linda of Morrilton, Arkansas, and Beth Ann Boedeker Gamble of Carrollton; grandchildren, Alysha Norwood Campa and husband Nathan, and Julia Tate Hodgson; one great grandchild, Nathan “Kiky” Campa; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Serving as pallbearers will be Dan Mix, Simon Hodgson, Nathan Campa, Sam Carey, and James David Gamble.

Visitation will be held from 5-7 p.m., with a Catholic Rosary at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, May 1, 2024, at the Hannigan Smith Funeral Home in Athens.

In lieu of flowers, the family would like donations made in her memory to the Society of St. Vincent de Paul, 1310 S. Palestine Street, Athens, Texas 75751.

Funeral arrangements were entrusted to the Hannigan Smith Funeral Home family.

Larry Norwood

A Funeral Mass for Larry Norwood, 84, of LaRue will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Thursday, May 2, 2024, at St. Edward’s Catholic Church SEEM Chapel in Athens with Father Nolan Lowry officiating. Interment will follow at the Athens Cemetery under the direction of Hannigan Smith Funeral Home.

Larry passed away on April 18, 2024, in Frankston.

Larry Douglas Norwood was born on Oct. 10, 1939, in Fayetteville, Arkansas, the son of Marion Douglas Norwood and Ella Mae (Bennett) Norwood.

Larry served honorably in the Army for six years in the United States and Germany. After serving his country, he married Janet in Dallas and started their family. Larry began his career in the transportation industry where he worked as a dispatcher for Arrow Industries from 1970 until 1976 before moving to Lufkin. He worked for Great Western Trucking and Oak Ridge Distribution, where he retired as the Director of Operations in 2006.

He and Janet moved to LaRue to be near lakes, wildlife, and closer to family. Larry was an Associate Vincentian of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul, St. Edward Conference. He drove his beloved wife Janet everywhere she needed to go for her volunteer work, and he also committed himself to helping those in need.

Larry was an avid bird watcher who loved participating in the annual bird count in his area. He enjoyed cooking, was a passionate fisherman, and also a teller of jokes. He was known to have a green thumb, cultivating plants of all kinds, creating a beautiful garden sanctuary at their home. He generously shared his plant cuttings with friends for propagation. Larry cherished spending time with his family and will be greatly missed.

He is preceded in death by his parents, wife Janet Norwood, and brothers-in-law Frederick Bruce Boedeker, Robert Allan Boedeker, and James Gordon Gamble II.

Larry is survived by his children, David Norwood and wife Molly of Dallas, Laura Norwood Hodgson and husband Simon of Flower Mound; grandchildren, Alysha Norwood Campa and husband Nathan, Julia Tate Hodgson; one great grandchild, Nathan “Kiky” Campa; brother-in-law Donald Carey Boedeker and wife Linda of Morrilton, Arkansas, sister-in-law Beth Ann Boedeker Gamble of Carrollton; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Serving as pallbearers will be Dan Mix, Simon Hodgson, Nathan Campa, Sam Carey, and James David Gamble.

A visitation will be held from 5-7 p.m., with a Catholic Rosary at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, May 1, 2024, at the Hannigan Smith Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, the family would like donations made in his memory to the Society of St. Vincent de Paul, 1310 S. Palestine Street, Athens, Texas 75751.

Funeral arrangements were entrusted to the Hannigan Smith Funeral Home Family.

Kenny L. Elam

Funeral Services for Mr. Kenny Lamont Elam, 43, of Frankston, are scheduled for 11a.m. on Saturday, April 27, 2024, at Community Funeral Home of Tyler. Burial will be in Evergreen Memorial Park Cemetery under the direction of Community Funeral Home of Tyler. Public Viewing will be Friday, April 26, from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Community Funeral Home of Tyler.

On Saturday, April 20, 2024, about 10 p.m. in Tyler the most kind and humble spirit of Kenny Elam crossed the frontier that divides time and eternity and stepped into the great beyond to receive his crown. He embarked on his journey to that city where pain and suffering will be no more.

Kenny grew up in Tyler where he learned how to professionally pack with his late grandfather during the summers. He also learned how to cook from the soul from his great grandmother. His passion was cooking and spending time with his family. Kenny did not belong to a church, but his spirituality was strong and grounded. With all the struggles Kenny faced, he kept a positive outlook on life and circumstances. He was known for his contagious smile, big heart, and unmatched jokes that no one could top.

He leaves to mourn and cherish his memories his mother, JoeAnne (Lester), Kenny Elam (Jeanette), his children, A'Shianya Elam (Kaelix Jones), D'aishune Elam, Traeshune Elam, Ariah Elam; his siblings, Nina Chancellor, Chemeka Bristol, Krystial Elam, Jaqweena Elam, Jermey Williams, Kenneth Williams, Chernelle Williams; nieces & nephews, Vonnisha Ricks, Vashonti Barnett, Chardonnay Jones, Caius Chancellor, Pashuntica Daniels, LaQuadne Daniels, Kyriel Varona, Malaquias Varona, Niabi Hanks, Syrenity Williams.

Sue Bonds

Sue Bonds was born on Dec. 7, 1976, in Dallas, Texas and passed away on Apr. 29, 2024.

Sue had many jobs throughout her life, but her true joy came from watching her daughter, Judith, grow up. Sue loved her family, and especially loved taking care of her Granny and taking her to Streetman Baptist Church on Sundays. Sue was a member of the Poynor Baptist Church and loved her church family.

During her free time, Sue would spend her time sewing quilts and crocheting afghans to give to her friends and family. Sue gave in death as she gave in life; she gave the gift of life by way of organ donation.

Sue was preceded in death by her grandfather, Kenneth McDonald; uncle, James (Jimmy) McDonald; and the man she loved and considered her father, W.L. Bonds.

Left to cherish Sue’s memory are her daughter, Judith Bonds of Poynor; mother, Debbie Bonds of Poynor; and grandmother, Elsie McDonald of Streetman. She is also survived by her siblings, Misty Haselhuhn and husband Ryan of Bossier City, LA, David Bonds and wife Melinda of Teague, and Jerry Bonds and wife Maggie of Fairfield; Karen Nichols of Terrell, and Teresa Roper of Barry; and numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Honorary pallbearers will be Sue’s uncle, Gregory “Johnny” McDonald, Sue’s nephews Hunter and Owen Haselhuhn, Sue’s aunt Cheryl Keene and Pam Dunklin, and Sue’s bonus sister Rhonda Covington.

Rather than customary condolences, memorials may be made in Sue’s honor to Donate Life at donatelife.net.

A celebration of life for Sue Bonds will be held at Poynor Batist Church at a later date.

Laura Bickley Pool

Laura Bickley Pool, age 77, of the New York community, went to be with her heavenly Father on April 14, 2024. She was born May 4, 1946, in Kaufman to Samuel Wayne and Dorothy Garrett Bickley.

She grew up in East Texas and attended LaPoynor ISD, graduating as valedictorian of her high school class of 1964. She was active in sports — basketball, volleyball, and rodeo — and was yearbook editor her senior year. She attended Henderson County Junior College after high school and later graduated from Trinity Valley Community College in 1994. She received her Bachelor of Science degree in English with emphasis in education at the University of Texas at Tyler, graduating summa cum laude in May 1996.

Laura married James Roy Pool of Athens on Dec 21, 1965, at the New York Baptist Church. The couple resided in Lubbock, Texas, until James graduated from Texas Tech University in 1967. They moved to San Angelo, Texas, where James was employed with the Texas Water Development Board as a groundwater geologist. There they were blessed with the birth of two daughters, Jamie Lynn in 1967 and Jennie Corinne in 1970.

James received a fellowship to attend Baylor University and the family moved to Waco, Texas, in 1971. They were blessed with a third daughter, Joye Beth, who was born in Waco in 1972. Upon completion of James’ course work for his master’s degree in geology, they moved to Tallahassee, Florida, where James was employed with the State of Florida.

After five years, they moved back to Texas and lived in San Felipe for six months while James worked in Bellaire. In January 1978, they returned to Athens. Laura worked at the Athens Review and James established a water well drilling company, Groundwater Services. In 1984, they were blessed with a fourth daughter, Julie Amanda. After a brief absence from work to spend time with their young daughter, Laura was employed as receptionist at First Baptist Church, then as pharmacy assistant at the Corner Drugstore, and finally as veterans officer and financial aid assistant at Trinity Valley Community College, retiring in January 2009 after 21 years’ service.

Laura and James were active members of First Baptist Church of Athens. Laura served as a Sunday school teacher in Preschool 5 for many years. After retirement, she was an active volunteer for the church in the children’s clothing ministry and VBS and the Athens Thrift Store. She found fulfillment working part-time for TVCC as a test proctor both on campus and in high schools, continuing to being involved in education. In September 2018, she returned to work part-time as an assistant to the veterans’ officer at TVCC until March 2019 when the Covid-19 pandemic shut down activities.

Shortly thereafter, James became seriously ill with congestive heart failure and was placed on hospice care at home, where he eventually passed into eternity with Jesus in January 2021.

Laura especially enjoyed traveling to be with her daughters and their families, which included trips abroad to France, Morocco, Spain, Germany, and Austria. She also visited family in Alaska, California, Kansas, Louisiana, Nebraska, and Oklahoma. Other interests included Bible studies, bird-watching, gardening, canning, sewing crafts, reading, watching movies, listening to Christian music, spending time with family and friends, playing dominos (42), board games and doing puzzles.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 55 years, James Pool.

Survivors include four daughters and their husbands, Jamie and Rob Luper of Larue, TX; Jennie and Travis Smith of Papillion, NE; Joye and Matt Dittelmier of Bethany, OK; Julie and Austin Hines of Glendale, CA.; ten grandchildren: Elizabeth and Michael Hughes; Emily and Armando Gallegos; Corinne (Cori) and James (Jamie) Warren, Claire Dittelmier, Sarah Luper, Daniel Luper, Garrett Dittelmier, Laura Smith and one great-granddaughter Layla Hughes. Other survivors include one sister and brother-in-law, Quessie and Clint Morton; one brother and sister-in-law, Aaron and Brenda Bickley; brother-in-law Tom Cotten; brother-in-law Bill and Susan Pool; many nieces and nephews; cousins and friends.

Having survived non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma in 2008, breast cancer in 2009, and Hodgkin’s lymphoma in 2018 and 2022, Laura was diagnosed with leukemia in 2023. Throughout all her cancer treatments she remained a light of hope and a beacon of God’s love to others. She registered as a willed-body donor for the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas for scientific research.

A memorial service was held on Saturday, May 18 at the First Baptist Church of Athens, with Dr. Kyle Henderson officiating. At the appropriate time, there will be a private family burial at the New York Cemetery.

Memorials may be given to First Baptist Church of Athens Global Missions or Lottie Moon Christmas Offering, Hope Springs Water, Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, or the charity of choice.