January 2023

Luther Messina died at the age of eightyfour years. He passed away January 12, 2023 in Madisonville, Texas.

We mourn the loss, but celebrate the life of our beloved Donna Lea Wilborne, of North Zulch, TX. This beautiful soul passed away on Thursday January 12, 2023, at the young age of 62. Born on August 31, 1960 in Marlin, TX, to her parents Donald Eugene Norman & Annie Jeanette Cooper Norman; who unfortunately deceased during her late childhood. Donna was an extraordinary woman, as rare & unique as her favorite flower, the Morning Glory. The Morning Glory represents life, love, resilience & new beginnings, as she was remarkable and loved by so many.

Jacquelyn “Jackie” Grabert Jones, also known as “Bunny” to her family and friends, passed away peacefully on January 13, 2023. She was born in New Orleans on March 23, 1938 to Jesse and Obie Jane Grabert.

James Anderson Hanna, Jr. went home to be his Lord and Savior on January 11, 2023.

Christopher Roy Garcia of Roans Prairie Texas was born on September 12, 1978 to the parents of Armando and Gloria Garcia. He was the youngest out of 4 siblings.

Matthew Lee Pope, age 17, of Madisonville, Texas, was called home to be with his Lord and Savior January 10, 2023. He was the oldest of four boys, and was born in Denver, Colorado November 3, 2005 to parents, Adam Lee Pope & Leisa Marie (McCollum) Pope. He lived most of his life in Madisonville, attending Madisonville CISD, prior to being homeschooled throughout his high school years. This afforded Matthew the opportunity to work full time at a young age doing what he loved doing.... welding, working cattle and horses, as well as working at the sale barn in Navasota. He loved his mama and strived to help take care of her and his brothers. Matthew also enjoyed hog hunting in his free time. He will forever be remembered as a young man who genuinely loved the Lord, and wasn’t afraid to share Jesus with others.

The first meeting of the New Year for Madison County Retired School Personnel was held at Fannin Oaks Golf Course/Event Center on January 5, 2023. Before the business meeting, there was fellowship, and a delicious meal served to the attendees. January is always the month that the chapter collects items for our local nursing homes. This year, Texas Loving Care Center Facility received many items to make the residents’ lives more comfortable.

Shelby Mclain from Midway, Texas, has the Pineywoods Nurse of the Year award from the Huntsville Memorial Hospital. Mclain, who graduated from Blinn College with her Associate’s Degree in Nursing in 2014, stated that she was in a pre-med program before the switch to nursing.

On Monday, January 16, the North Zulch Volunteer Fire Department, assisted by the Madisonville Volunteer Fire Department, put out an oil well fire on the west side of Madison County, south of Highway 21.