Deaton
Rosemary Alyne Savelle Deaton, of Mount Vernon, age 77, passed away on March 26. She is survived by daughter Rene Deaton, son Bobby C. Deaton II, grandson, Bobby C. Deaton III, and numerous nieces and nephews.
Ms. Deaton is preceded in death by her parents George Monroe Savelle and Mary Alyne Barksdale Savelle, and three brothers George M. Savelle, Jr., Joe Barksdale Savelle and Charles Haddan Savelle.
Rosemary was born and raised in Houston. An accomplished pianist, she began her professional music career performing church services in the Houston area at the age of nine. She graduated from Jefferson Davis High School in Houston. She attended Baylor University on a scholarship and was awarded a B.A. in Music Theory in 1961. Later, she received her M.S. Ed. from East Texas State University, now known as Texas A&M University–Commerce.
She dedicated her life to the education of children both in piano and within the public school system. She completed a long and storied public school career with Pittsburg ISD.
After retirement, she was an active member of the Texas Retired School Personnel in both Pittsburg and Mount Vernon. Her most avid passion, music, helped fulfill her life, and until six weeks prior to her death, she played weekly at both St. Michael’s Catholic Church in Mount Pleasant and Reeve’s Chapel Methodist Church in Pittsburg.
Memorial services were held at Reeve’s Chapel Methodist Church on Thursday, March 30, at 6 p.m. with the Reverends Richard Carl and Melissa Crawford officiating.
A Scriptural Rosary honoring her was held at 5 p.m. April 1 at St. Michael’s Catholic Church. A Bereavement Mass in her honor followed the Rosary. On Sunday, April 2 a Rosary was said for Ms. Deaton in Pittsburg at Holy Cross Catholic Church. The family asks that any donations be made to the following charities: diabetes.org or copdfoundation.org.
Fox
Shirley Fox of Pittsburg, formerly of Gladewater, passed away peacefully March 29, at the age of 83. Shirley was born Oct. 14, 1933 in Gladewater to Bert and Marie Money.
She received her Bachelor’s degree in Education from the University of North Texas and worked as an educator for over 32 years.
She married George Monroe Mitchell, Jr. on August 28, 1955. They were married for 19 years and had two children, Mark and Stefani. Later, on March 29, 1980, Shirley married Robert Nelson Fox who she remained devoted to for 19 years, until his death.
Shirley is survived by her daughter: Stefani Mitchell Keene and husband Michael; seven grandchildren: Miles and Amanda Keene, Kristen Keene, Grant Mitchell, Grayson and Maggie Mitchell, Lance Mitchell, Lauren Mitchell, and Gage Mitchell; daughter-in-law: Lisa Mitchell-Gasparetto; two sisters: Melba Green and Arline “Deenie” Judd; nieces and nephews: Steven and Debbie Green, Beau and Brenda Judd, and Susan and Michael Whitaker; and extended family.
She was preceded in death by her parents: Bert and Marie Money; her husband: Robert Nelson Fox; her previous husband: George Monroe Mitchell, Jr.; her son: George Mark Mitchell; grandson: Garrett Mark Mitchell; and nephew: Timmothy D. Green.
Funeral services were held Saturday, April 1 at 3 p.m. at Erman Smith Funeral Home. A private burial was held following the service. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Greer Boulevard Church of Christ: 700 S. Greer Blvd. Pittsburg, TX 75686.
Kirkland
Helen Lucille Graf Kirkland, of Pittsburg, passed away March 27 at the age of 96. She was born Oct. 11, 1920 in Frances, Oklahoma to James and Mary Gibson Graf.
Graveside services were held at 2 p.m. March 30, at Little Hope Cemetery in Wood County.