Mary Lou (Phifer) Bailey was born on September 3, 1932 in Leona, Texas. She passed away on February 4, 2022 in Richmond, Texas at the age of eighty-nine. She grew up in Leona and graduated from Leona High School in 1950. Mary Lou then went on to Sam Houston University earning a Bachelor’s in Business and English in 1953. On June 27th of 1953, she married James Wilton Bailey. Mary Lou went to work for Houston ISD as a secretary and Wilton was drafted into the Army where he went overseas for two years. After his return, Wilton went back to work in the farm equipment business and they had two children Rebecca and Brian. Mary Lou became a stay-at-home mom. When both children were in school Mary Lou went back to work as a substitute teacher which led to a career in education that spanned twenty-seven years.

A funeral service for Carol Rogers was held 2 p.m., Thursday, February 10, 2022, at Madisonville Funeral Home, Madisonville, Texas. Interment followed at Madisonville Cemetery.

Thomas Patrick “Pat” Fisher, age 78, of Bryan, TX passed away Thursday, February 3, 2022, peacefully in his sleep at home. Services are scheduled for 10 a.m.

Billie Joyce Poole, wonderful wife, mother, and grandmother, passed away at age 91 on Monday, January 31, 2022, at her residence in Andrews, TX. Billie Joyce Wells was born on June 25, 1930 in Madisonville, TX to Virgil S.

Essia Elizabeth Sandles was born December 30, 1939 in the Greenbriar Community of Madison County to Essie “Edward” and Archie Mable Webber Mitchell. She received her education from Marian Anderson School. Essia married Marion Sandles November 24, 1964 and she worked as a Teacher’s Aide for Madisonville Elementary for over twenty years. Essia was a member of Sweet Zion Missionary Baptist Church. She enjoyed spending time with her family and coloring.

Janell Koehl White went home to be with Jesus on January 24, 2022 at the age of 87 years. Janell was born in Huntsville, Texas to Ira and Nettie Koehl. Janell went to Jefferson Davis High School, where she was proud to be a Carlton Cadette and carry the American Flag from 1948 - 1949. Even at the age of 86, she was able to chant their school fight song. Janell met the love of her life, Darrell White, after he was honorably discharged from the U. S. Army. Darrell moved to Houston, Texas, where he rented a room from Janell’s Aunt.

Cheryl (Hunter) Luce; 64 years; of Iola, TX; passed away on January 31, 2022 in College Station, TX. Graveside services were scheduled for 10 a.m. on Friday; February 4, 2022 at Concord Cemetery in Iola, TX. Bro. Matt Carey will officiate.

Gary Don Hines went to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Saturday, January 22, 2022 at the age of 70 in Williamsburg, Virginia. He left this earth surrounded by family and friends singing and praising God as we shared our love with this precious “gentle giant”.

Donald Lee Grooms, Jr. died on January 24, 2022.