Parrish
GILMER – Funeral services for Mrs. Norma Faye Parrish, 90, of Gilmer, Texas was at 2p.m. Friday, May 26, 2017 at Croley Funeral Home Chapel in Gilmer with Larry Gilliam officiating. 
Interment was at Sunset Memorial Park in Gilmer. Mrs. Parrish passed away on Wednesday, May 24, 2017 in Pittsburg.
Mrs. Parrish was born on Dec. 12, 1926 in Upshur County, Texas to Clarence Norman and Jewell Ray Taylor. She was a lifetime resident of Upshur County. As the matriarch of the Parrish family, she was a homemaker and kept the books for her husband’s cattle business. 
Mrs. Parrish was an excellent cook and loved to host get-togethers for her family that she adored. Her home was a gathering place for her family on many occasions and was always open to friends. 
Through her loving, caring ways and her good cooking, she helped mold the lives of many who crossed her path. In her spare time she also enjoyed reading her Bible and Bible studies. 
She was raised in the Baptist church in Simpsonville but in her later years, she and Ned joined and attended the Methodist church in Bettie.
She is survived by her daughter, Mitt Parrish Beavers; grandchildren, Wenona Nugent and Allan Parrish; great grandchildren, Ashli Davis, Jessica Parrish and Jake Parrish, six great-great grandchildren and one sister, Nelda Strube.
 She was preceded in death by her husband of 54 years, Ned Parrish; parents, Norman and Jewell Taylor; son, Taylor Parrish; grandson, Bubba Parrish; sisters, Bonnie Jean Fanning and Hattie Maude Whitehead and her brother, Charles Ray Taylor.
The family received friends on Friday, May 26, from 12 noon until the time of the service at Croley Funeral Home in Gilmer.
(Paid obituary)
 

Conrad
Internationally renowned mezzo-soprano Barbara Louise Smith Conrad passed away peacefully at 5:12 a.m. Monday, May 22, in Edison, New Jersey due to complications from Alzheimer’s disease. 
 It was a most befitting hour, as sunrise was her favorite time of the day; and, because she had the extraordinary gift of shining her warm loving light on those blessed enough to have experienced her presences and her angelic voice. 
The youngest of educators Jerrie Lee Smith (Cash) and Army Capitan Conrad Smith’s five children, Barbara was raised in Center Point, Texas. She once wrote that it was a “…small southwestern rural black community, rich-red soil…and gentle breezes perfumed with the unique smell of East Texas Pines.”  It was in this beloved community’s Baptist church that Barbara “…first experienced great gospel revivals and the singing of Negro spirituals.”   
In her words, “It was in this Church that I was able to freely express all my joys and sorrows and find the source of inspiration so that Jesus, my black Jesus, could dwell in me.”  This is where it all began - where she first lifted her divine voice to the heavens and where she began singing accompanied by her adored brother, Dinard, also a musical prodigy.  
In 1956, Barbara entered the first desegregated undergraduate class at The University of Texas at Austin to study music.  After Ms. Barbara was cast to play the Queen of Carthage, in Dido, opposite a white male, she became the center of racial hatred, threats and aggression from white University of Texas students and the Texas Legislature. 
 Impressed by Barbara’s exceptional talent and character, singer, actor, and civil-rights activist, Harry Belafonte offered to relocate her to any music conservatory in the world.  Instead, Barbara took a courageous stance in the face of adversity and graduated from the University of Texas in 1959 with a Bachelor of Music degree.  Soon after, Barbara accepted Belafonte’s invitation to audition in New York City, and former First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt financed the trip. 
To avoid confusion with another singer, Barbara took the stage name “Barbara Conrad,” after her father.  This name became synonymous with musical excellence the world over. 
Barbara performed with the Metropolitan Opera and in many other acclaimed international opera houses throughout the world, with the world’s greatest orchestras and with the most renowned conductors of the world.  Barbara sang side by side with opera royalty. She also played Marian Anderson in the 1977 TV movie “Eleanor and Franklin: The White House Years.  And, Barbara performed at the White House for Lady Bird Johnson’s 75th birthday party, in 1987.  In 1995 she sang for Pope John Paul II in New York City.  
In 2009, the Texas legislature formally apologized to Ms. Barbara for its role in the 1957 UT-Austin incident. Barbara’s extraordinary journey was chronicled in, “When I Rise”, an award winning documentary produced by the University of Texas, Dolph Briscoe Center for American History, in 2010.  
She has won numerous awards including the Texas Medal of Arts Award for Lifetime Achievement and the History-Making Texan Award.  In 1994, Barbara recorded and co-produced a CD of Negro Spirituals, “Amazing Grace”, which received a Grammy nomination.  
Barbara was a brilliant woman of many talents and interests. She loved to teach and was a master music instructor and pianist for her students. As a multi-linguist, Barbara spoke French, Italian and German fluently and was proficient in Spanish.  She was an incredibly well-rounded person who loved to read everything from the sports page to deep philosophical text.  
Her favorite book was The Prophet, by Kahlil Gibran.  Barbara was also known for her exquisite flower arrangements and gifted culinary skills. 
Barbara leaves her legacy and precious memories with her brothers:  Howard K. Smith (and wife Rosie L.) of Aurora, Colorado,  Jimmy L. Smith of Pittsburg, Texas and former brother-in-law Michael K. Howell of New York.  
She is also leaves them with her three nieces and one nephew: Jeri C. Moore of Richmond Hill, New York, Melanie Moore Howell of San Francisco, Calif., Laurie Collins (and husband Eddie) of San Jose, Calif. and Peter Moore and family of Tracy, Calif..  
Barbara leaves the monumental legacy of musical excellence to the Mannes College: The New School for Music, her Wagner Theater Program students and her private studio students.  
Barbara also leaves her precious memories and gratitude with her support team: “guardians” Bettye L. Neal (cousin) of Washington, D.C. and April Curtis Haines (friend) of Plainfield, New Jersey; private health aides, Millicent Gaskin and Mildred Beauchamp-Geronimo; Care One nursing staff; Godson, Oscar Rivera and his family of New York, New York; and her extended family, the loving neighbors of W. 85th Street of New York, New York. She also leaves her legacy and precious memories with her beloved cousin Barbara Sanders (Harold) of Forest Hill, Texas, her many other cousins and a host of special friends. 
Barbara was predeceased by her loving father and mother, Conrad and Jerrie Lee Smith; her adored brother and soul-mate, Dinard Smith; and her beautiful sister Constance Howell.
(Paid obituary)

Hodge
Donna Jean Chance Hodge, 89, of Mount Pleasant, Texas, died Saturday, June 3, 2017.  Visitation was Tuesday, June 6, 2017 from 1-2 p.m. at the Tennison Memorial United Methodist Church with services to follow at 2:00 PM.  Arrangements are under the direction of Bates-Cooper-Sloan Funeral Home.  
Hodge was born December 31, 1927 in Luka, Kansas and graduated from Wilmore High School, then went to Cottey College and later graduated from Kansas State University with a degree in Home Economics. 
She then became a Flight Attendant for Braniff Airlines where she worked until she met the love of her life, Douglas R. “Randy” Hodge. They were married in November 1954 and late had three children, Doug, Tom and Janice.
Hodge was known for her beautiful watercolor paintings, soprano voice, and delicious homemade pies!!!  She was a devoted Christian who spent years of service as a Sunday school teacher and Church Choir member.
She is survived by her husband of 62 years, Douglas R. Hodge, her son and daughter-in-law, Douglas and Patricia Hodge, her daughter Janice Hodge Powers and five grandchildren.  She is also survived by her sister, Janet Chance Young and preceded in death by her other 3 sisters, Virginia Chance Gilbert, Ann Chance Elwell, and Joan Chance.  She was also preceded in death by her son, Thomas Allen Hodge and her parents, Everett and Keo Chance.
Online registry is available at batescoopersloanfuneralhome.com.
(Paid obituary)

Sublet
Samuel Sublet, Jr. died Thursday, May 25, 2017 at the age of 73 in Dallas. Funeral service were Saturday, June 3, 2017 at 11 a.m. at the Union Chapel Missionary Baptist Church with burial at Union Chapel Cemetery in Pittsburg. Services under the direction of Johnson Funeral Home in Pittsburg.
 

Ryan
Joyce Rountree Ryan, 76, was born July 8, 1940 in Pittsburg, to Earl Wayne “Doc” Rountree and Mable Shaddix Rountree and passed away on June 7, 2017 at East Texas Medical Center in Pittsburg.
She was a member of First Baptist Church in Pittsburg. She had worked as an accountant for Bill Coker Ford and worked at Mike Benet Formals.
She is survived by her husband of 54 years: Raymond Ryan of Pittsburg; two daughters: Patti Jane Ryan Thomas of Keller, Renea and Heath Henderson of Pittsburg; grandchildren: Randi Renea Henderson, Tori Jane Henderson, and Abbe Jade Renea Thomas; brother: Rex Rountree of Houston; sisters: Kathryn Conley of Linden and Linda Monts of Pittsburg; sister-in-laws: GiGi Rountree of Tyler, Colleene Rountree of Andrew, Mary and Charles Melton of Mt. Pleasant, and Janice and Jimmy Hunter of Cason; life-long friends Ruby and Billy Martin of Cason and numerous nieces and nephews.
Preceded in death by her parents, brothers: Earl Wayne Rountree, Pat Rountree, Frank Rountree,Gaynor Rountree, and Curt Rountree; sister: Joan Gunter.
Pallbearers: Brad Rountree, Doug Rountree, Floyd Rountree, Craig Rountree, Randy Monts, Bobby Melton, Steve Conley , John Rountree, and Ronnie Conley
Funeral Services were 10 a.m. Saturday, June 10, 2017 at First Baptist Church in Pittsburg with burial at Rose Hill Cemetery in Pittsburg. Officiants will be Brad Rountree and Mark Rountree. 
The family received friends from 10 a.m.until service time at the church.  
 

Faires
Virgil Faires, age 63, was born Nov. 9, 1953 in Bolivar, Tenn., and passed away June 9, 2017 in Tyler, Texas.
Virgil was a Church of Christ minister serving the Lord in a number of churches, the last 28 years at the Greer Boulevard Church of Christ in Pittsburg, Texas.
He is survived by his wife: Melinda Faires of Pittsburg, Texas; 4 children: Frankie and Jennifer Faires of Argyle, Texas, Lacey and Bryan Boykin of Greeley, Colorado, Jordan and Greg Kummer of Carrolton, Texas, Josh Roper of Euless, Texas; 3 grandchildren: Jack, Aiden and Jolai; brother: John Faires of Hackett, Ark.; 5 sisters: Linda and David Bailey of Midland, Ark., Beverly and Tim Atkins of Bentonville, Ark., Teresa and Jimmy Griffin of Fayettville, Ark., Sandra and Mark Barnhill of Bolton, North Carolina., Terri and Wayne Hayami of Mililani, Hawaii.
He is preceded in death by his mother, Tina Santos Faires.
Pallbearers will be Josh Roper, Ryan Atkins, Haden Atkins, Tyler Reynolds, Mike Kemp and Mike Reynolds.
Services were held Wednesday, June 14, 2017, at the First Baptist Church in Pittsburg. There was a private family graveside at Watson Cemetery in Bivins, Texas, following the service. 
Memorial donations may be made to the Greer Blvd Church of Christ, P.O. Box 414, Pittsburg, Texas 75686.

Conley
Carmen Diane Conley, age 58, of Leesburg, passed away Saturday morning, June 17, in Mount Vernon. Carmen was born Feb. 14, 1959 in Jacksonville, Florida to Nieuport Estes and Elsie Thomlinson Estes. 
Carmen received a masters degree from the University of North Texas in Denton. 
On Aug. 25, 1992 she wed Dennis Conley.
Carmen worked in the counseling field for 36 years and touched thousands of lives during her career. She devoted her life to helping others, and kept at it until her final breath. Carmen was a devoted and loving wife. She was also a devout member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Carmen is survived by her husband of 24 years, Dennis Conley of Leesburg; a brother and two sisters; and a host of friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents: Nieuport and Elsie Estes.
Graveside services were 1 p.m. Sunday, June 18, at Enoch Cemetery in Upshur County, with Bishop Mark Beck officiating.

Davenport
Mattie Sue McCaslin Davenport, 85, of Pittsburg, Texas, was born June 22, 1931 to Elvin Reel McCaslin and Myrtle Canant McCaslin and passed away Sunday, June 18, 2017 in Pittsbur.
Mrs. Davenport was a member of the First Baptist Church in Pittsburg, past member of the Pittsburg Main Street Board, and Retail Merchant Association. She worked at a young age at Britton’s Department Store before starting as a teller at First State Bank in Pittsburg.
In 1982 she opened a shoe store called the Slipper Spoon, later growing that into a separate building where she started carrying women’s apparel at the Clothes Connection. She retired from her business in 2009.
Mrs. Davenport is survived by her daughters: Linda Peacock and her husband John of Round Rock, and Sherry Hudnall and her husband Steve of Pittsburg. She is also survived by her grandchildren: Amy Kingsbery and her husband Austin of Round Rock, and Chad Thomas and his wife Erin of Plano, Haley Hudnall of Frisco, and Corey Hudnall of Pittsburg; her great-grandchildren: Fischer, Marley, and Hallie Kingsbery, all of Round Rock; and many nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents, husband: Billy Joe Davenport, siblings: Elton McCaslin, E.B. McCaslin, Ruth Knight, Gladys Cravey, and Mildred Robinson.
Funeral Services were 10 a.m. Tuesday, June 20, 2017 at Erman Smith Funeral Home Chapel with burial to follow at Lafayette Cemetery. Bros. Steve Sullivan and Bryan Price officiated the service and pallbearers were Todd Davenport, Paul R. Mayben, Jerry Robinson, Donald Robinson, Allan Brison and Elton McCaslin. 
The family received friends between 5-7 p.m. Monday, June 19, at the funeral home.

Peters
CASON -- Services for Mary Peters of Cason, were June 17, at Shady Grove Christian Church. Burial followed at Shady Grove Cemetery under the direction of Reeder-Davis Funeral Home in Hughes Springs. She was born Nov. 11, 1926 and died June 12, 2017.Online guestbook at www.reeder-davis.com.

Hunt
Services were conducted at Sullivan Funeral Home Chapel for Larry Hunt, 63 of Longview, Texas on June 30. He died June 26, in Longview.
Officiating will be Bro. Randy Sceroler of Hillview Baptist Church, and assisted by Chaplain Wayne Norvell of Traditions Hospice. There was a private graveside service.
He had worked 15 years as a HVAC Technician with the Pittsburg Independent School District where he had many memories and friends.

Quillin
Patsy Quillin, 63, died June 27, at her home in Pittsburg.
She was born Oct. 18, 1953 in Greenville, Texas to G.B. “Buck” and Ruthie Kirkpatrick Self.
A graveside service was June 28, at New Mine Cemetery in Camp County.

Ann Pearl McMinn Fabre, 100, of Bradenton, Fl a. died July 28, 2017 at Blake Medical Center after a brief illness. She was born in Pittsburg on July 14, 1917. Graveside services will be held 10 a.m. Saturday, Aug . 5, 2017 at Ebenezer Cemetery in Camp County. Online condolences can be left at http://www.ermansmithfuneralhome.com

Robert. G. Watson, 65, of Pittsburg died on Friday afternoon, July 14 following a brief illness. Mr. Watson was born March 15, 1952 in Illinois. A skilled automotive mechanic, he served in the United States Air Force as a crew chief for fighter jets. In recent years he had worked for numerous area dealerships in the service department including Pittsburg Motor Company, Sisk Motors and Sandlin Chevrolet. Mr. Watson also did repairs working from his home shop. He is survived by his wife, Suzanna; two sons, Rick and Jason Quillin, both of Pittsburg; a daughter, Debbie Willeford of Pittsburg; and a brother, William “Bill” Watson of Illinois. A private memorial service will be held at a later date.

A celebration of life memorial for Mary Jo (Loving) Dempsey will be held from 1 to 3 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 12 at Pine Community Center, located on Farm to Market Road 1522 in Camp County. Mary Jo Dempsey of Byhalia, Miss. went peacefully to her her Heavenly home, July 10, 2017. She was born Sept. 2, 1953 in Gilmer. to Joseph E. Loving and Lillie M. (Laney) Loving. She was a member of the Pittsburg High School class of 1972. Left to cherish her memory are two sons and their spouses; Wade and Kim Chapman and Doug and Lisa Chapman. Her grandchildren are, Lilly Chapman, Brent Hollowell, James Chapman, Samantha Chapman, Makayla Chapman; one great-grandson, Kayson Hollowell; brother and spouse, Joey and Donna Loving; sisters and spouses, Dorothy and Dale Rozell, Lillian and David Schimschat; a sister, Carrie Reaves; one aunt and spouse, Mary E. and Bud Potts; numerous nieces and nephews and cousins. A graveside service is scheduled for 11 a.m. at Willow Oak Cemetery in Upshur County.

Johnny Peek, age 72, passed away at his home in Pittsburg Sunday, Aug. 13, surrounded by his family. Johnny was born Oct. 31, 1944 in Pittsburg to Clyde R. Peek and Martha Dean Vick Peek. He is survived by his wife Janice Peek; a son , Chris Peek and wife Laura of Pittsburg; a daughter , Julie Butler and husband Cody of Pittsburg; three grandchildren , Chey-Anne Harris and husband Kassidy, Cali Butler, and Alex Peek; a sister , Marie Hansen and husband Alan formerly of Pittsburg; as well as numerous other family members and many friends. He was preceded in death by his parents , Clyde and Martha Peek. Graveside services, under the direction of Erman Smith Funeral Home, were held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, Aug. 15, at Rose Hill Cemetery in Pittsburg with Bro. Randy Stracener officiating. Pallbearers are Rafe Green, Roger Peek, Gilbert Olivarez, Lawrence Cleveland, Ray Duke, and Mike Reynolds. Acting as honorary pallbearers will be the personel of the Lone Star Steel Electrical Department. In lieu of flowers memorial donations can be made in Mr. Peek’s honor to Cypress Basin Hospice: PO Box 544, Mount Pleasant, Texas 75456 ; the Pittsburg Pirate Athletic Boosters , 300 Texas Street, Pittsburg, Texas 75686, or the Pittsburg Youth Baseball Association.

Bob Gurley, age 82, of Waxahachie, died Thursday evening in Dallas. He was born March 17, 1935 in the Simpsonville Community in Upshur County. Services were held at 2 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 13 at Simpsonville Baptist Church in Upshur County with burial at Simpsonville Cemetery.

Graveside services for Laurice Wilma Henderson, 88, of Pittsburg were held at 10 a.m., Tuesday, Aug. 15, at Yallo Busha Cemetery in Camp County with Bro. Wes Haefs officiating. Mrs. Henderson died Saturday, Aug. 12, 2017 in Daingerfield.

Nelwyn Francis Bennett Hudgens died on Aug. 9, 2017 in Mount Pleasant. Services were held at 10 a.m. Friday, Aug. 11 at Erman Smith Funeral Home Chapel in Pittsburg, Texas. Interment was held at Lone Oak Cemetery in Sayre, Okla. at 3 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 12.

Tony Karl Allen died at his home in Pittsburg on Monday, Aug. 7, at the age of 62. Tony was born June 7, 1955 in Dallas. Graveside services will be held at 10 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 10 at Detriot Cemetery in Detroit, Texas.

Kim Ann Hester died Friday, Aug. 18, 2017 at the Longview Regional Medical Center, Longview. She was born Sept. 16, 1956 in Golden Meadow, Louisiana. Her memorial service will be Friday, Aug. 25, 2017 at 10 a.m. at St. Francis Assissi, Gilmer with Father Mark Dunn officiating.

Thomas L. “Tommy” Wilson, age 87, of Pittsburg, passed away Thursday, Aug. 17 in Tyler, surrounded by his family. Tommy was born Aug. 22, 1929 in Franklin County to Parker and Beatrice Attaway Wilson. Tommy was a veteran of the Unites States Air Force, having served during the Korean War era. After his military service Tommy returned to the Pittsburg area where he owned Wilson’s Construction for over 35 years. Tommy is survived by his wife Jean Wilson; a son: Tony Wilson and wife Nina (NINE-A); a daughter: Kim Healy and husband Mike; four step-children: Mike Moore, Holly Mc-Graw and husband Damon, Carolyn Bockmon and husband Brent, and Nilene Shipp; five grandchildren: Emily Bowdoin (BO-D-WIN), Amy Berger, Aaron Wilson, Kelsey Daniels, and Darcie Lee; a special step-granddaughter: Karly Mc-Graw; numerous other step-grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren, a brother, two sisters, and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents: Parker and Beatrice Wilson; and three brothers. A memorial service was held at 2 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 20, at Erman Smith Funeral Home with Bro. Kyle Smith to officiate. Visitation was held from 1 to 3 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 19, also at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers memorial donations in Mr. Wilson’s honor can be made to Hospice of East Texas: 4111 University Blvd., Tyler, Texas 75701.

Jason Schwartz, age 31, of The Colony, Texas passed away peacefully in the arms of his loving wife Jaclyn at Baylor Hospital, Dallas on August 17, 2017 following a very brave and courageous battle with acute liver disease. Jason is the son of Vicki Smith Milner and her husband Kyle Milner of Forney, Texas and Robert Schwartz and his wife Barbara Schwartz of Seagoville, Texas. In addition to his parents, Jason is survived by his wife, Jaclyn Schwartz of The Colony, Texas, his mother-in-law and her husband, Pam and JB Holtz of Kaufman, Texas, his father-in-law and his wife, Joe and Missy Tanner of Denton, Texas. He is also survived by two brothers, Chad Schwartz and Shane Schwartz both of Dallas, Texas. Jason was preceded in death by his grandparents, Erman and Ira Smith and Paul and Wanda Schwartz. Jason was employed with Apple Computer for 12 years and then with Little Elm ISD for two years as a Technology Specialist. A memorial service to celebrate Jason’s life will be held at Cambria Hotel and Suites, 7500 Parkwood Blvd. Plano, Texas, 1 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 26.