The frankston citizen archives

Mildred LaVaun Powers

Mildred LaVaun Powers, 94, of Frankston, passed away Dec. 23, 2023, in Jacksonville. She was born Sept. 29, 1929, to Millard and Elsie (Black) Logan.

Mildred was a hard worker who spent many years working at the newspaper and TV station, as well as a secretary in the construction industry. She was an avid reader, especially of Nora Roberts and Patterson-Grisham books and enjoyed crossword puzzles.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Louvain Powers; three brothers; and two sisters.

Left to cherish Mildred’s memory are two sons, Rick Powers and wife Sandra of Frankston and Ron Powers and wife Robin of Lumberton, Texas; and her grandchildren, Lori, Matthew, Jeremiah, Joshua, Teena, Patricia and Harold. She is also survived by 11 great-grandchildren; four great-great grandchildren, and numerous nieces, and nephews.

Services are scheduled at a later date.

Betty Henderson

A funeral service for Betty Henderson, 84, is scheduled for 2 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 23, 2023, at Autry Funeral Home in Frankston with Mike Griffin officiating. Visitation will begin one hour prior to service. She will be laid to rest at Wofford Cemetery.

Betty was born on May 30, 1939, to Orson and Mable (Pool) Sharp in Nashville, Arkansas and went to be with the Lord on Dec. 17, 2023.

Betty will be lovingly remembered as a woman of strong Christian faith. Her example was always on display and blessed those around her. It was clear that Betty served the Lord first as this spilled out generously into the lives of her family and friends.

Betty adored her family and never passed on opportunities to be with them. She and her sisters embarked on an annual “Sister’s Trip” for 14 years and traveled all over the United States when they were able. Betty was always active and enjoyed playing games with friends, especially Bridge and Dominos.

Betty was always willing and prepared to meet the needs of others. She was selfless and  lived a life characterized by service and sacrifice. She was an instrument of the Lord’s righteousness and will be dearly missed by all who knew her.

Betty was preceded in death by her parents, Orson and Mable Sharp; four sisters, Ina Ruth Martz, Norene Martz, Goldya Knox, Stella Middleton; and two brothers, Willard Sharp and Garner Sharp.

Left to cherish Betty’s memory are her loving husband of 62 years, Harold Henderson of Bullard; two daughters, Andrea Henderson of Ft. Walton Beach, Florida, and Ronda Kuhn and husband Bob of Jacksonville, Florida; two grandsons, Brandon Kuhn and wife Meg, and Mitchell Kuhn; and great granddaughter, Elle Kuhn. She is also survived by her sister, Ollie Taggert and husband David of Russellville, Arkansas; brother, Gill Sharp and wife Libby of De Queen, Arkansas; and numerous nieces, nephews, extended family, and loving friends.

Pallbearers will be Bob Kuhn, Brandon Kuhn, Mitchell Kuhn, Jake Short, Billy Wade, Michael Griffin.

Rev. J. A. Griffin 

A funeral service for Rev. J.A. Griffin, 91, is scheduled for 2 p.m., Friday, Dec. 22, 2023, at Frankston Assembly of God Church with Rev. George Folmar, Ralph Lindsey, and Rev. S.D. Dodd officiating. He will be laid to rest at Wofford Cemetery.

Visitation will begin on Thursday, Dec. 21, 2023, at Autry Funeral Home in Frankston, and family will receive friends from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Rev. J.A. Griffin was born July 24, 1932, to Jack and Hazel (McMullan) Griffin in Peeltown, Texas and went to be with the Lord on Dec. 15, 2023. Rev. J.A. ministered to the people of East Texas for more than 70 years. He was blessed with a humble and enjoyable demeanor that others benefited from for years.

He was called to the ministry and started preaching at the age of 18 and received his first pastorate at 19 years old. He pastored at Neches, Rusk, Bullard, and Frankston and served his congregations with genuine and loving care. He also served as the Presbyter of the North Texas District of the Assemblies of God for 30 years. Rev. Griffin’s life of sacrifice to the Lord left a lasting impact on the lives of many. He was an instrument of God’s righteousness whose passion for preaching the Gospel never faded. He will be dearly missed by all who were blessed to have known him.

Rev. J.A. was preceded in death by his loving wife of 68 years, Elaine Griffin; son-in-law, Mark Williams; parents, Jack and Hazel Griffin; sisters, Sudie Fowler, Doris Griffin, and Belva Glaspy; and brothers-in-law, Travis Fowler and Skip Glaspy.

Left to cherish Bro. J.A.’s memory are his son, Michael Griffin and wife Tammy of Frankston; and daughter, Michele Williams of Frankston. He is also survived by his five grandchildren, Caleb Griffin and wife Katie, Drew Williams, Lauren Williams, Bret Williams, and Luke Williams; and several nieces, nephews, extended family, and loving friends.

Pallbearers will be Jaco Bosschaart, Chandler Cooper, Dakota Stringer, C.R. House, Bill Cooper, and Justin Lundmark.

Honorary pallbearers will be his grandchildren.

Opal F. Patrick Carter

Opal F. Patrick Carter, 101, was born on March 5, 1922, to J.W. and Callie L. (Ford) Costlow and went to be with the Lord on Dec. 12, 2023.

Opal will be remembered as a strong woman of faith. Her Christian values were always on display and a blessing to others she came in contact with. Many benefited from Opal’s wonderful cooking. She had an artistic flare and was often busy with crochet, needle point, and cross-stitch. Opal was also passionate about fishing and took advantage of any opportunity to reel in the next “big one”. Opal was a loving wife and mother who adored her family.

A memorial service was held in her honor on Dec. 16, 2023, at North Main Church of Christ in Weatherford. Many of her friends and family were able to attend. She was laid to rest at LaRue Cemetery in LaRue.

Opal was preceded in death by her parents, J.W. and Callie Costlow; three brothers, Weldon Costlow, Brooks Costlow, and James Wylie Costlow; and five sisters, Nellie Cobb, Ethylene Snelson, Eunice Howard, Emma Gorenflo, and Geneva Pagitt.

Left to cherish Opal’s memory are her two sons, Michael Patrick and wife Judy of Ft. Worth and Jerry Patrick and wife Donna of Idaho Springs, Colorado. She is also survived by four grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; several nieces, nephews, extended family, and loving friends.

Pat House

Funeral service for Pat House, 88, of Frankston, is scheduled for 10 a.m., Thursday, Dec. 14, 2023, at Autry Funeral Home in Frankston with Bro. George Folmar officiating. Visitation will take place from 6 to 8 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 13, 2023. She will be laid to rest at Frankston City Cemetery.

She was born on April 17, 1935, to Ed Richardson and Frankie (Hoffman) Richardson and went to be with the Lord on Dec. 9, 2023.

Pat was a devoted Christian and a member of the First Baptist Church in Frankston. She was a well-known, kind-hearted, and sweet spoken lady. At home, she was a wonderful cook who always had something prepared for family and friends. Everyone knew the special nature of Pat’s chicken and dressing, chocolate pie, and her wonderful German chocolate cake. Most of all, she loved her family and cherished her grandchildren who lovingly called her “Granny.”

She worked as a cashier at Sav-Mor Foods for 40 years, where she loved her job and considered everyone she worked with part of her family.

Outside of work she could often be seen in her yard tending to her beautiful flower garden, where she won the “Frankston Yard of The Month Award” twice. Her favorite flower also happened to be the staple flower of Texas, the bluebonnet. She transformed a garden with two small plants into a yard full of spectacular bluebonnets.

Pat’s loving nature didn’t stop at plants; she cared for everyone she crossed paths with and always tried to make someone else’s day bright.

Pat was preceded in death by her parents, Ed and Frankie Richardson; husband, Joe Roy House; sisters, Jean Rogers, and Bet Hughes; daughter Marcia Ann House; and son-in-law Jimmy Hutchison.

Left to cherish Pat’s memory are her son, Mark House of Frankston, daughter, Lisa Hutchison of Frankston; grandchildren (who knew her as Granny), Shane House and wife Whitney, Blake House and wife Marki, Cole Hutchison and wife Kim, Payton Hutchison and wife Jadah; great-grandchildren, Skyler House, Kyleigh House, Brynlee House, Noah House, and Madeline House. She is also survived by many loving nieces and nephews.

Pallbearers will be Larry Selman, Roger House, Joe Allen Bragg, Adam Selman, Clint Selman, and Allen Hughes.

Judy Lewis

Judy Lewis, 99, was born on June 20, 1924, to William and Myrtle (Sinclair) Keyes in Wisconsin and passed away on December 3, 2023.

Judy was lovingly known as “Nanny” to all her grandchildren. Her last job was working at the U.S. Post Office before she retired. She was known to be an excellent cook, and in her free time she enjoyed reading and solving crossword puzzles. As a hobby, she searched houses and real estate properties on the internet. Judy was loved dearly and will be missed by her friends and loved ones.

Judy was preceded in death by her parents, William and Myrtle Keyes; loving husband, Jim Lewis; son, Jon Lewis; three brothers, and one sister.

Left to cherish Judy’s memory are her two daughters, Jeanne Lewis of Frankston and Julie Connor and husband Richard of Frankston; and two sons, Jim Lewis and wife Susan of Idaho, and Jery Lewis and wife Sue of Canyon Lake. She is also survived by her 12 grandchildren; numerous great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren; and several nieces, nephews, extended family, and loving friends.

Rather than customary condolences, please consider donating in Judy’s honor to the East Texas Food Bank at 3201 Robertson Rd, Tyler, TX 75701.

Memorial services will be held at a later date.

D.C. Emerine

D.C. Emerine, 82, of Frankston, was reunited with his beloved wife, Sandra, on Dec. 1, 2023.

A graveside service is scheduled for 2 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 6, 2023, at Frankston City Cemetery with Pastor Ron Ivey officiating.

D.C. was born in Clarkwood, TX on Jan. 9, 1941 to James H. and Lorena (Adams) Emerine.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Sandra Emerine; and three brothers, James, George and Vernon Emerine.

Left to cherish D.C.’s memory are his sons, Jeff Emerine and wife Shantell, and Brian Emerine and wife Cindi, all of Frankston, and siblings, Lorena Airheart of Trinidad, Dan Emerine of Granbury and J.P. Emerine of Bullard. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Karen Emerine, Kelly Emerine, Jade Ginn, Heath Ginn, Clayton Nutt, and Elizabeth Nutt; and great-grandchildren, Gavan Emerine, Oakley Emerine, Gracey Ginn, Paul Ginn, Mason Nutt and Marley Nutt.