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.)

Jean Jennings

A funeral service for Jean Jennings, 78, of Palestine, formerly of Frankston, was scheduled at 2 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 2, 2017, at Autry Funeral Home Chapel in Frankston. Bro. George Folmar will officiate.

She was to be laid to rest at Frankston City Cemetery.

Services are under the direction of Autry Funeral Home of Frankston. Mrs. Jennings passed away Saturday, Oct. 28, 2017, in Palestine. Jean was born January 25, 1939, in Virginia Beach, VA to Miles Edward Padon and Cereda Whitehurst.She was preceded in death by her father, Miles Padon; husband, Bob Jennings; and son, Marty Marshburn. Mrs. Jennings was employed as secretary for the City of Frankston for over 25 years and attended Hilltop Baptist Church.Left to cherish her memory is her mother Cereda Whitehurst; daughters Liz Hawkins of Palestine, Cindy Wimpee and husband Vic of Frankston; son Stuart Calhoun of Palestine; and a sister Kay Padon of Virginia Beach, VA.

She is also survived by five grandchildren, Jason Hawkins, Justin Hawkins, Jessica Wimpee, Bob Wimpee and wife Jenny, and Brandon Wimpee; eight great-grandchildren, Bryson Hawkins, Lane Hawkins, Liberty Wimpee, Brantley Wimpee, Chelsey Ingram, Danny Wimpee, Makayla Wimpee and Dylan Wimpee; one great-great granddaughter, Zrena Roberts; and several nieces and nephews.Those honored to serve as pallbearers are Jason Hawkins, Justin Hawkins, Bryson Hawkins, Lane Hawkins, Bob Wimpee, Brandon Wimpee, Danny Wimpee, and Calvin Wilbanks.

Troy House

A funeral service for Troy C. House, of Frankston, is scheduled at 10 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 4, 2017, at United Methodist Church of Frankston with the Rev. Mike Fraley, Bro. George Folmar and Jerry Beard officiating.

He will be laid to rest in Frankston City Cemetery. Services are under the direction of Autry Funeral Home in Frankston.

Mr. House passed away Monday, Oct. 30, 2017, in Tyler.

Troy was born April 26, 1933, in Frankston to Charlie and Pearla (Warren) House.

He was a science teacher for Douglas ISD, Neches ISD and retired from Frankston ISD.

Troy was a member of United Methodist Church of Frankston.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Nell Powell House; daughter, Gail House McElroy; and brothers, Billy Ray House and Wayne “Sonny” House.

Left to cherish his memory is his daughter, Lynn Dickerson and husband Robert of Jacksonville; sister-in-law, Geri Rounsaval of New York, TX; brother-in-law, William Mack Powell of Frankston. He is also survived by grandchildren, Wade Dickerson and wife Brandy, Misty Dickerson, Leah Lee and husband Donny, Paul McElroy and great-grandchildren, Cody Dickerson, Carli Dickerson, Kaleb Lawson, Abby Lee and Andi Lee.

Pallbearers will be Jim Smith, Jerry Beard, Sant “Sonny” Perry, Wade Dickerson, Cody Dickerson and Donny Lee.

Visitation will begin on Friday, Nov. 3, 2017, and friends are cordially invited to visit with Troy’s family from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Autry Funeral Home, Frankston.

Memorials may be made to United Methodist Church of Frankston, 110 S. Weldon St. Frankston, Texas 75763 or Hospice Connection of Tyler, 1820 Shiloh Rd. #1105, Tyler, Texas 75703.

Shelia Ray Willmott

Shelia Ray Willmott, 50, of Palestine, went to be with the Lord on Oct. 30, 2017, while surrounded by her family and friends.

Everyone knew Shelia by her smile and her big hugs. She had a passion for life and loving people. She served the Lord and loved those around her; and everybody loved her.

God allowed her to touch so many lives. She was truly open to whatever God told her to do. Shelia was a great example to all those around her.

She loved her family immensely and was a loving wife, mother and grandmother.

Shelia’s grandsons referred to her as GiGi and she loved spending time with them. Shelia also enjoyed being outdoors.

Shelia was a rural mail carrier and worked for the post office for 23 years. She loved her job and cherished the people she met on her route. They knew she loved the Lord.

She is survived by her husband of 32 years, Kevin Willmott, her son Dustin Willmott and wife Jenni, daughter Brittany Todd and husband Justin, and five grandsons: Sebastian Willmott, Julian Willmott, Grayson Willmott, Weston Todd, and Witten Todd. She is also survived by brother Mike Pritchett and wife Tracey, sister Darlene Dempsey and husband Craig, sister Marlene Pritchett, brother-in-law Troy Willmott and wife, Kim, brother-in-law Brent Willmott, father-in-law Floyd Willmott, numerous nieces and nephews.

Shelia was born June 15, 1967, in Dallas, Texas. She was preceded in death by her father W. C. Pritchett, mother Mary Pritchett, mother-in-law Carolyn Willmott, brother-in-law Kent Willmott, and niece Emily Pritchett.

A celebration of life was held at Dogwood Hills Baptist Church on Nov. 2 with Brother Kevin Willmott and Brother Lance King officiating. Graveside services were on Friday, Nov. 3, at Concord Baptist Cemetery.

Arrangements were entrusted to Bailey & Foster Funeral Home.

The family asks that donations be made to Dogwood Hills Baptist Church - Love Fund.

Pallbearers were Kevin Willmott, Dustin Willmott, Justin Todd, Troy Willmott, Kent Willmott, Gerald Butler, Trent Dickson and Sebastian Willmott.

Very truly I tell you, whoever hears my word and believes Him who sent me has eternal life and will not be judged but has crossed over from death to life. John 5:24 NIV

To view online leave condolences or sign the guest book, go to www.baileyandfosterfuneralhome.com

Holly Lynn Morrow Cotton

A Celebration of Life Memorial for Holly Lynn Morrow Cotton, 34, of Fate, Texas, is scheduled for 11 a.m., Monday, Nov. 13, 2017, at First Baptist Church in Poynor with Pastor James Warren officiating. Visitation will follow service.

Holly Lynn passed away on Thursday, Nov. 2, 2017. She was born on Sept. 14, 1983, in Athens, to Sandra Dickerson and Hollie M. Morrow, Jr.

Holly Lynn is survived by her precious children, daughter Ainsley Cotton (age 11) and son Caden Cotton (age 7), her father Hollie M. Morrow, Jr. of New York, Texas, mothers Sandy Dickerson of Frankston and Cindy Morrow of Frankston, sisters Bonny Cook of Frankston, Mary Jo Sides and husband Robert of Collierville, TN, Bridget Estrella and husband Jeff of League City, TX, brothers Luke Trim, Elisha Trim, and Matthew Trim of Elkhart TX, James Scott of Pismo Beach, California, and David Brooks Porter, numerous aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins and loving friends.

She attended school in Frankston where she began cheerleading in Jr. High and continued all the way through high school and graduated in 2001.

She went to State in Cross-Country in 1999 and 2000.

She found her passion in the administrative field more than 15 years ago.

Her first job out of high school was with Hollytree Country Club in Tyler working the front desk and immediately she was hooked. This position paved the way for her career instilling the positive attitude, her work ethic and leadership skills that made her successful.

She worked at MoneyGram for the past five years as executive assistant to Alex Holmes, CEO. She was responsible for hiring and training all new assistants and acting as a liaison between the executive team and their executive assistants.

Holly had a strong passion for teaching, and it was important to her to create a team environment for all the assistants. She was known to have thought provoking quotes posted on her white board by her desk each week.

She referred to herself as the Office Ninja as she was always willing to help you with any problem and if she did not know the answer to a question, she would find someone who did.

On a personal note, Holly Lynn loved her morning coffee and then her afternoon iced coffee for a pick-me-up.

She was a self-professed ice cream addict and she loved all things crafty and do-it-yourself projects.

When she had a spare moment, she also enjoyed working out, reading and shopping. One of her memorable sayings was “we either make ourselves miserable or we make ourselves happy…..the amount of work is the same.”

Holly Lynn touched many lives with her bubbly, Hello Kitty smile, her warm, caring heart and fun, silly side.

She was always positive and on her last two Facebook memes, she encouraged us to have More Love and Less Hate and stated “Love has the power to cure, to heal, to change and to unite…Use this power often.” May we all honor her memory by striving to do these things. She was loved by many and will be greatly missed.

Oscar Krieg

Oscar Krieg, 81, of Frankston passed away Sunday, Nov. 5, 2017, in Jacksonville.

Mr. Krieg was born Oct. 13, 1936, in Minnesota to Oscar and Ester (Bey) Krieg.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife of 50 years, Ruth Krieg; and two sisters.

Left to cherish his memory are his daughters, Sue, Kathy, Teresa, Mary, and Julia; and a son, Mike. He is also survived by numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Services will be held at Ft. Sam Houston in San Antonio at a later date.

Farris Guinn Smith

A funeral service for Farris Guinn Smith, 88, of Frankston, was held Monday, Nov. 13, 2017, at Assembly of God Church in Frankston with the Rev. J.A. Griffin and the Rev. Mike Griffin. Services were under the direction of Autry Funeral Home in Frankston.

Mr. Smith passed away Thursday, Nov. 9, 2017, in Tyler.

Farris was born April 26, 1929, in Chandler, Texas, to Milton and Josie (Weesner) Smith.

He was a member of the Assembly of God Church in Frankston.

He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Wilburn Smith.

Left to cherish his memory is his wife of 64 years, Charlene Smith of Frankston; son, Terry Smith and wife Kim of LaRue, Cheryl Socia of Jacksonville, Sandra King of Frankston; brothers, O’Neal Smith of Frankston and James Smith of Houston. He is also survived by seven grandchildren, Joe Smith, William Hiser, Susie Rottenberg, Jana Canady, Jessica Smith, Melanie Standifer and Jeanne Finley; 12 great-grandchildren, Sarah Nichols, Annabell Nichols, Jacob Bass, Ryan Standifer, Natalie Standifer, Eli Canady, Savannah Canady, Ashylin Gibson, Jaycee Gibson, John Finley, Nathan Finley, Trey Nichols; and several nieces and nephews.

Pallbearers were William Hiser, Jason Canady, Ben Hanes, Ken Finley, Wayne Clark and Don Paul Shepard.

Rather than customary condolences, memorials may be made to Hospice of East Texas 4111 University Blvd., Tyler, Texas 75701.

John Lamar Roberson

John Lamar Roberson passed away peacefully Monday, Nov. 13, 2017, at Hospice of East Texas in Tyler at the age of 88.

He was a native of Palestine and had lived in Anderson County most of his life.

Lamar was a Christian and had been active in the Churches of Christ for many years serving in numerous roles as teacher, deacon, etc.

He was a Mason and a longtime member of the Palestine Masonic Lodge #31. He also had been active in the Palestine Rotary Club where he was a Paul Harris Fellow and served as President of the Club in 1985-1986, and in the Palestine Chamber of Commerce where he was Chairman of the Red Coats.

In 1986, he was recognized by the Texas Forestry Association as “Outstanding Tree Farmer” in the State of Texas. He was currently serving as vice president of the Neches Cemetery Association.

He was preceded in death by his parents, John L. and Cora Moser Roberson; sisters, Doris Roberson Herbert and Veda Jane Roberson, who died at birth; and the mother of his children, Vonolga Todd Roberson.

Lamar is survived by his wife, Rae Beard Roberson; daughters, Marla Shoulders and Amy Roberson; a son, Jeffrey Roberson; granddaughter, Kimberly Shoulders and great-granddaughter, Alexis Shoulders. He is also survived by his nieces Linda Adams and Brenda Decker; nephew, David Herbert; stepsons, Roger Carroll and wife Nicole, Brent Carroll and wife Ronda; eight step-grandchildren; and six step great-great grandchildren.

A funeral service for John Lamar Roberson is scheduled at 2 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 18, at Church of Christ in Frankston. Visitation will begin at 1 p.m. He will be laid to rest at Neches Cemetery. Services are under the direction of Autry Funeral Home in Frankston.

Rather than customary condolences, memorial contributions, if desired, may be made to the Neches Cemetery Association, P.O. Box 201, Neches, TX 75779 or to Hospice of East Texas 4111 University Blvd., Tyler, Texas 75701.

Susan Clanton

Susan Clanton passed away Nov. 14, 2017, after a long illness.

She leaves behind to cherish her memory her husband Bill, son Brad and his wife Vanessa and 3 grandsons.

Visitation will be from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 16, at Hannigan Smith Funeral Home in Athens Texas.

Services will be at 1 p.m. Friday, Nov. 17, at Hannigan Smith in Athens.

Burial will be at the Bradford Cemetery in Bradford Texas.

Linda Keeton Ellis

A Mass of Christian Burial for Linda Keeton Ellis, 66, of the Hollywood Community near Frankston, was held Monday, Nov. 20, 2017, at St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church in Frankston.

Monsignor Zach Kunnakkattuthara officiated.

Services were under the direction of Autry Funeral Home in Frankston.

Linda was born Aug. 9, 1951, and passed away Wednesday, Nov. 15, 2017, in Tyler.

Linda graduated from Robert E. Lee High School in 1969.

After graduation, she was employed in the insurance business and moved to Dallas. While in Dallas, she held many positions with different companies and worked as an adjuster.

She moved to Hollywood in 1981 and became a full-time homemaker. She enjoyed taking care of her two girls and being involved in all school activities. She helped with Project Graduation and other school activities throughout their school years. After the graduation of her girls she attended Trinity Valley Community College and was employed by a computer data company in Palestine. After several years with the data company, she went to work at the Anderson County Tax Office located in Frankston, a job she truly enjoyed. Linda worked at the tax office from 1999 until 2015 when she retired.

She enjoyed helping people and mostly visiting with people that came to the office. Linda enjoyed traveling and being with her grandchildren and attending all of their activities. She was a member of St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church in Frankston and served as its secretary for several years.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Pete and Maxine Keeton; and a sister, Diana McMillan.

Left to cherish her memory is her husband of 36 years, Joe Ellis of Frankston; daughters, Taryn Evans of Frankston, Kay Diaz and husband David of Pleasanton; sisters, Carol Harris and husband Jimmy and Peggy Chandler, all of Tyler. She is also survived by grandchildren, Xander Long, Brandt Evans, Zoei Diaz, Blaise Diaz, Keeton Diaz; and several nieces and nephews.

Pallbearers were Kevin Chandler, Brad Harris, Junior Mascarro, Robert Caveness, John Ellis and Brad Eubanks.

A special thanks to Jennifer Head and Shannon Welch with Hospice Connection.

Rather than customary condolences, memorials may be made to M.D. Anderson Melanoma Center, 1515 Holcombe Blvd., Houston, TX 77030.

Jackie Leo McClain

Jackie Leo McClain, age 54, of Bullard passed away on November 10, 2017. Jackie was bon on October 15, 1963 in Fayetteville, Tenn.

Jackie was a beloved mother to Brandy Munn and husband Cody of Frankston.

Jackie was an adored grandmother and gigi to Raylei Munn and Noah Munn of Frankston.

She was preceded in death by her mother, Betty Bowling, father, David McClain, sister, Jolene Lewis, grandmother and grandfather, Elizabeth and Charles Eaton and great-grandmother Clara Potts.

She is survived by many family members in Tennessee.

She was loved by many and always put a smile on everyone’s face. She lit up the world realizing her importance.

She was a beautiful woman inside and out with a fun loving spirit and enormous strength that will continue to live on with her family and friends. She was no stranger to the Lord above and was always compassionate toward everyone she met.

She loved the sunshine and she was the sunshine in her family’s eyes. She always said this too shall pass. She always had a way with words that were so deep and true. She will be missed deeply. Our beautiful brown eyed girl. A private memorial will be held by the family.

Michael Curtis Ballard

Michael Curtis Ballard, 64, of Frankston passed away Thursday, Oct. 26, 2017.

Ballard was born Dec. 20, 1953 to Joe Curtis Ballard and Millie Ballard.

He was preceded in death by his father.

He is survived by his mother, Millie Ballard of Frankston; son Mason Ballard and wife Kayla of Frankston; two brothers Joe Duane Ballard and Robert Carl Ballard and a grandson, Maddox Clate Ballard of Frankston.

Michael was generous to a fault. He was kind and funny and loved to make people laugh.

He loved to help people and always liked to stay busy.

Services were held for Michael on Saturday, Nov. 4.

Opal Louise Bragg

A funeral service for Opal Louise Bragg, 100, of Frankston, was held Monday, Nov. 27, 2017, at the United Methodist Church of Frankston with the Rev. J.A. Griffin and the Rev. Mike Fraley officiating. She was laid to rest in Frankston City Cemetery. Services were under the direction of Autry Funeral Home in Frankston.

Mrs. Bragg passed away Friday, Nov. 24, 2017, in Jacksonville.

Opal was born in Frankston on Christmas Day in 1916 to Joe and Mattie (Horton) House.

She was a member of United Methodist Church of Frankston and lived in Frankston all of her life. Opal worked for Frankston I.S.D. in the cafeteria.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Arthur “Pete” Bragg; son, John Bragg; brothers, Cecil, Homer, Clarence, J.C., Kenneth, and Joe Roy House; sisters, Aline Williamson and Gladys Huddleston; son-in-law, Winford Richardson and granddaughter, Charlotte Cain.

Left to cherish her memory is her son, Joe Bragg and wife Patricia Ann of Frankston; daughters, Mattie Burnett and husband Danny of Fairfield, Lola Richardson of Tyler, Martha Burnett and husband Donny of LaRue; and daughter-in-law, Patricia Ruth Bragg of Teague. She is also survived by 12 grandchildren; 22 great grandchildren; 13 great great grandchildren, one great great great grandson; and several nieces and nephews.

Pallbearers were Gary House, Roger House, Clarence House, Mark House, Jerry Beard and Jim Smith.

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