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.)

Sandra Sue Pope

Sandra Sue Pope, 86, of LaRue passed away on Oct. 2, 2024. She was born May 12, 1938, in San Angelo, Texas to the late George and Estelle Bean.

Sandra accepted Christ as her Savior as a young girl in Lubbock. She graduated from Lubbock High School in 1956 and completed her Bachelors of Science with a degree in Geology at Texas Tech University.

She began teaching school in Levelland, Texas and while teaching, met Jimmy Pope where they married on July 16, 1965. From there, they moved to Kermit, Texas where she spent her summer breaks earning a Master’s Degree at East Texas State University.

After eight years in Kermit, they moved to Poynor, where she taught school in Cayuga. Sandra transitioned to teaching in Frankston, after taking a year off due to the birth of her daughter Sarah. She spent 17 years teaching there and retired after 36 total years of teaching. Sandra enjoyed teaching Sunday School, sewing and making quilts.

She was preceded in death by her parents and her loving husband, Jimmy Pope.

Survivors include her son and daughter-in-law Jason and Christina Pope of Flint; daughter and son-in-law Sarah and David Kerr of Tomball, Texas; grandchildren and spouses Justin and Emily Pope, Jared Pope, Tina Beth and Cole Muske, Abigail Kerr and Rhett Kerr; great-grandchildren Lucas and Nolan Pope.

As memorials, please donate to any of the following organizations: West Texas Boys Ranch, The Chosen People Ministries or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital

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

Peggy Sue Dickerson

Peggy Sue Houston Dickerson went to her Heavenly home with family members by her side, Friday Sept. 20, 2024, at the age of 85 in Baytown.

Celebration of Life for Peggy Sue was held at Sterling-White Funeral Home in Highlands, Texas on Tuesday Oct. 8, 2024, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Graveside services will be conducted at Frankston City Cemetery Nov. 2, 2024, at 2 p.m.

Peggy Sue was born to Clyde Payne (Soupy) and Lola Weisner Houston in Frankston on Jan. 17, 1939. Born into a Pipeline Family, Peggy and her brothers traveled, lived and went to school in all parts of the country, always returning home to Frankston. Peggy graduated alongside of hometown friends in the Class of ’57.

Shortly after graduation she accepted the hand of marriage to Glenn (Shep) Dickerson of Poynor. In their earliest years they lived in Tyler and Frankston. They became parents to David Glenn in December of 1960 and relocated to Highlands, Texas a couple of years later. The relocation came with one restriction, that she would be allowed to return home once a month.

Peggy was a second mom to many, babysitting neighborhood kids. In August 1968, the family was blessed with Paula Ann and living in the “New Edition” on Poinsettia. She liked living there so much we lived on both ends of the street. Moving from 103 to 203 with use of a riding lawn mower and small trailer, before Dad got home from work.

After the babysat kids were old enough to stay at home on their own, she went to work at Big Chief to help pay for a new washer and dryer. She continued her career working for Ronnies/Gerlands/ and Food Town. This is where she excelled in her gift to all, when making a short process of checking out groceries that became an hour- long event talking and visiting with everyone who wandered in her lane. Most of the conversations were one-sided. IYKYK!

Peggy was preceded in death by her parents, Clyde and Lola Houston, husband Glenn Edward Dickerson of 40 years, brothers David and John Houston, and her second husband Lacy Page.

Left to cherish Peggy’s memory are her children, David and wife Paula Dickerson of Friendswood and Paula Ann and husband Bryan Gesford of Baytown. She is also survived by four grandchildren, Tamara and husband Chad Dixion of Friendswood, Cody and wife Brittany Dickerson of Alvin, Kelsey Gesford of Mont Belvieu and Kaci Gesford of League City; step-granddaughters Karissa and husband Curtis Nichols and four great children: grandsons Noah and Tate Dixion; granddaughters Annistyn and Emma Dickerson; and step-great-grandson Jace Nichols. Also extended “family members” are Louise Hutton and Vicky Isbell of Highlands Texas.

Fred Stanly

A graveside service for Fred “Freddie” Stanly, 62, of Palestine, is scheduled for 10 a.m., Monday, Oct. 21, 2024, at Frankston City Cemetery with David Hart officiating.

Fred was born to A.C. and Charlene Saunders, Nov. 1, 1961, in Nashville, Tennessee and passed away on Oct. 15, 2024, in Palestine.

Fred, a proud retiree of 30 years from the Texas Department of Criminal Justice, spent his retirement years piddlin’ as he would say. He enjoyed working with his son, watching his grandkids play sports and fixing all the world’s problems. Fred’s motto was “If someone else can do it, so can I.”

In his leisure time, he enjoyed playing golf, spending time with his family, teaching and volunteering at Rock Bottom Ranch Ministry and The Texas Ramp Project Ministry. He was a devoted Christian who loved his Lord and Savior and was a member of Lakeside Baptist Church. His memory will live in the hearts of those who had the privilege of knowing him.

Fred is preceded in death by his parents, brother George Stanly, sister Kayla Fuqua and sister, Martha Jo Stanly.

Left to cherish his memory is his loving wife, Rebecca Stanly; mother and father-in-law, Carolyn and Jimmy Webb; sons Luke Stanly and wife, Christy, and Colby Vance; daughters, Maegan Stanly and Tayler Vance; sisters, Laura Wilson and Carol Caldwell and husband, Johnny; brother, Butch Saunders and wife, Sandy; grandchildren, Jadin, Alyssa, Bryce, and Isaiah; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Honorary pallbearers will be Ray Beddingfield, Kent Gideon, Mark Faulkner, Ricky Baker, Ronnie Pierce and Gary Oliphant.

Rather than customary condolences, memorials may be made to Rock Bottom Ranch, 3099 N. U.S. Hwy 287, Palestine, TX 75803 or www.rockbottomranch.org .

Debra Etter Boling

A memorial service for Debra Etter Boling, 68, of Frankston, is scheduled for 2 p.m., Nov. 9, 2024, at First Baptist Church in Frankston with Rev. Scott Wiley and Bro. Kern Railsback officiating.

Debra was born on July 23, 1956, to Talmadge Welch and Wanda (Thompson) Welch Warrington in Tyler and passed away on Oct. 16, 2024, in Frankston.

Debra was a true culinary artist, and she delighted everyone with her exceptional cooking and baking skills. Her gumbo, quesadillas, and chicken fried steak were legendary, and her cakes were nothing short of delightful. Beyond her talents in the kitchen, Debra loved shopping trips, beach outings, and dancing the night away.

She met her husband, Darrell, at one of the many dances she attended around the East Texas area. Her generosity extended to her community through her donations to Hangers of Hope. One of her greatest joys was being a “Memaw” to her grandchildren.

Debra was a member of Flint Baptist Church where she and her husband attended regularly. Despite her declining health, Debra continued to have a positive outlook on life. She was a born again Christian and was secure in knowing she would one day be made new in Heaven. She will be truly missed.

Debra was preceded in death by her parents; son Robert Fontenot; daughter, Tamara Diaz and husband, Ken Etter.

Left to cherish her memories are husband, Darrell Boling of Frankston; son, James Charles Stegall of Kilgore; daughter Kim Brazeal and husband Andy of Frankston; brother Rick Welch and wife Bonnie of Florida; brother Tommy Welch of Florida; “sista” Janet Holcomb and. husband Gerald of Tyler; 10 grandchildren Ashlynn, Troy, Andrew, Josh, Seth, Charley, Kenny, Lilly, Sophie, Gracie; two great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Honorary pallbearers will be Brandon Welch, Caleb Welch, Waylan Adams and Gage Adams.

Madison Elizabeth Bragg

Funeral services for Madison Elizabeth Bragg will be held on Sunday, Nov. 3, 2024, at 2 p.m. at First Baptist Church in Teague, officiated by Bro. Audice Wallace and Bro. Scott Matthews, with interment at Greenwood Cemetery. Visitation will be held at the church before the service, beginning at 12:30 p.m.

With heavy hearts, we announce that our beloved Madison was called home on Oct. 30, 2024, in Frankston in an automobile accident.

Madison was an angel sent from heaven — a gift from God who showed us how to live with grace, compassion and purpose. Born on April 7, 2003, in Corsicana at Navarro Regional Hospital, she embraced each day as an opportunity to grow, give, and make a difference in the lives of others. 

As an accomplished young woman, Madison lived authentically, passionately, and lovingly. She was valedictorian of Teague High School, class of 2021, and a gifted golfer, advancing to State her senior year. Madison received a degree from Texas A&M University in Public Health, graduating early with honors in May of 2024. She was currently enrolled in the BSN Program at U.T. Tyler, expected to graduate in December, 2025. She had worked in assisted living and the hospital but her lifelong dream was to be a hospice nurse.  Caring for others was her passion and calling.

Madison’s life exemplified scripture’s call to faithful stewardship of our time, talents, and gifts. She devoted her short time on earth to living with intention, compassion, and faith — giving her best in every endeavor, caring for others, and always seeking to leave the world better than she found it.

Her legacy lives on in the lives she touched. Madison was a radiant presence who lived fully and loved deeply. Her spirit will remain as a guiding light, reminding us to cherish our time, love fiercely, and serve others. She will be missed but never forgotten, having left this world brighter and more beautiful.

Among her survivors are her devoted mother, Jennifer Poole; her father, John Houston Bragg, II, formerly of Frankston, and his fiancée, Karla; Bonus mom, Nikki Hullum; her beloved sister, Landree Bragg; her paternal grandmother, Patricia Bragg; maternal grandparents, Fred and Emily Pruitt and Larry and Mary Poole; Bonus Grandparents, Dan and Suzanne Legg; Bonus siblings, Ethan Hullum, Caiden Hullum, Aidan Allen, and Gracen Allen; her lifelong best friend, Laura Knight; and her beloved boyfriend, Ayden Arnold.  She also leaves behind extended family and dear friends who will forever carry her memory in their hearts.

Madison was preceded in death by her paternal grandfather, John Houston Bragg, Sr.

Madison taught us to live with grace, gratitude, and love. Though her earthly journey was brief, her impact is everlasting. Madison will live on in the hearts of all who knew her, forever cherished and never forgotten.

The Madison Bragg Memorial Scholarship Fund is being created for donations.

(Information for this obituary was obtained in a posting by Bowers Funeral Home of Teague, TX )