88, died on March 7, 2010 of complications from a stroke.
She was born in Dallas on Aug. 11, 1921 to Everett Logan Maxey and Doris
Carswell.
Dortha Dee’s family moved to Port Arthur when she was a child. She attended Port Arthur schools and Texas State College for Women in Denton before her
marriage to Oscar Roger Vaughanon Jan. 31, 1942. They lived at several Army Air Force bases during WWII and returned to Port Arthur after the war.
Dortha Dee was bold and brave, intelligent and beautiful. She loved learning and reading, books and poetry.
She had a life long interest in nutrition and enjoyed cooking. For years she rose at 5:30 a.m. to prepare a gigantic breakfast for her family.
She was an elder in the First Presbyterian Church of Port Arthur and treasured the times she spent on the affairs of the women’s association.
Other passions included dogs, playing bridge, current affairs and politics. She believed in equal rights for all Americans and was an early member of the
Texas Women’s Political Caucus.
She earned bachelor’s and a master’s degrees in English from Lamar University in Beaumont and wrote her thesis on Robert Frost. She taught at each of
Port Arthur ISD’s high schools: Jefferson, Austin and Lincoln,and loved them all.
She was preceeded in death by her husband, Roger Vaughan, and her sister, Marilyn Maxey Haven Straker. She is survived by her daughter andson-in-law,
Vicki Vaughan and Robert Clare; son, Roger Maxey Vaughan,all of San Antonio; niece Holly Brassington of Wisconsin and nephew Douglas Maxey Haven of Seattle.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Port Arthur Public Library, 4615 9th Ave., 77642.
Visitation will be held from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday, March 11 at Levingston Funeral Home, 5601 39th St., Groves. The funeral service will be held at
Levingston at 10 a.m. Friday with the Rev. Margaret Desmond of Trinity Presbyterian Church officiating.Burial will follow at Greenlawn Memorial Park.
Thomas Jefferson H.S Year Book, located on page 3
Jane Ruth Smith
79, of Port Arthur, Texas passed away Tuesday, December 13, 2011 at Christus St. Mary Hospital.
Jayne was born July 23, 1932 in Bristow,
Oklahoma to Lloyd Lyle Smithand Beulah Powell Smith. She was a resident of Port Arthur for 54 years and retired in 1992
after 35 years of service as an English Teacher at Thomas Jefferson High School. Jayne was very active in the community volunteering and serving in many organizations.
She was a member of Friends of the Port Arthur Library Board, Community Concert Boards; President of the Texas Artists Museum for 2 terms totaling 5 years; served many
years on Motiva Community Advisory Panel; founded and sponsored Ebbtide literary magazine and Ecology Club at Thomas Jefferson High School; and also taught line dancing
classes.
She wrote 11 literary study guides and had several articles published inthe English Journal. Jayne was an avid traveler, traveling to each state in the U.S.A. and over
30 countries world wide.
Survivors include her brother, Lloyd Lyle Smith, Jr. and wife, Gerry of Tulsa, OK; niece, Sharon Myers and husband, Tom of Norman, OK; five great-nephews, one
great-niece and one great-great nephew.
A Memorial Service will be at 3:00 p.m., Sunday, December 18, 2011 at Levingston Funeral Home in Groves, Texas.
Thomas Jefferson H.S Year Book, Located on page 3
F. L. "Smitty" Hill
83, former football coach at Port Arthur Jefferson, San Angelo Central, Angelo State University,
SFA, and New Mexico State, died peacefully
Thursday evening (5/15/14).
Born on June 26th, 1930 in El Paso Texas. Smitty Graduated from Beaumont High in 1948. He attended Lamar Tech and graduated in 1953. While at Lamar, Smitty played
numerous positions and lettered five years in football. He still holds the record for a 99 yard fumble recovery and return. While at Lamar he met and married Helen
McCutcheon, his wife for over 60 years. After graduating he joined the Navy and attended Officers Candidate School. During the Korean War, he was chief engineering
officer on the USS Wiseman.
Smitty began his coaching career at Port Arthur in 1956. He became Head Coach/AD in 1966 and enjoyed 6 successful seasons, before taking the same position at San Angelo
Central in 1972. His Bobcat teams were very successful, winning 2 district titles in the legendary "Little SWC" and beating Odessa Permian 3 years in a row. In 1979
Coach Hill was Quarterback Coach for Angelo State's National Semi-Finalist Team. Smitty became a successful Real Estate Agent in San Angelo for a couple of years. In
1981 Smitty went with head coach Jim Hess, where they enjoyed 8 successful seasons. In 1990 he went with Hess to New Mexico State as Assistant Head Coach/Recruiting
Coordinator. Prior to 1990 NMSU had the longest losing streak in NCAA Division I. In two years they had a winning season.
Smitty was a member of the AFCA and THSCA, in which he held several positions including coaching the all-star team, and chairman of the all-star selection committee.
Smitty is a member of the Lamar Cardinal Hall of Honor, Southeast Texas Coaches Association Hall of Honor and the Yellow Jacket Alumni Association Hall of Honor. In
1994 Smitty was Head Coach of the Texas Team in the Shriner's California-Texas All-Star game.
He was a member and deacon at First Baptist Church in Port Arthur. Smitty
retired and moved back to Port Arthur in 1992. He spent the next 20 years enjoying retirement by travelling, working at the church, and spending time with family and
friends.
Smitty is survived by his wife, Helen Hill of Port Arthur, son, David Hill of Port Arthur, and granddaughter Lacy Parker, and husband Eddy of Mabank, Texas. He is
also survived by his sisters, Sister Lou Ann Hill of Houston, Barbara Trahan and husband, Clyde of LaMarque and sisterin-law June Hill of Warren. Smitty also leaves
three brothers, Vernonand wife, Severa of Carencro, LA., Richard and wife, Kim of Lumberton and Glen and wife, Kathi of Katy. He also leaves numerous nieces
and nephews. Smitty was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Arthur and Homer along with his sister Patsy Matthews.
Visitation will be at Levingston Funeral Home in Groves, Texas on Monday, May 19, 2014 from 4-6 P.M. A memorial service will follow a t6:00 P.M.
Thomas Jefferson H.S Year Book, located on page 7
Dorothy H. Dugan
92, of Wildwood, died Saturday, December 3, 2011, at Dogwood Trails Nursing Center in Woodville. Dorothy
was born December 17, 1918, in
Port Arthur to Herbert M. “Rusty” and Allie Mae (McCulloch)Huber. She is predeceased by her parents
and her loving husband of fifty-eight years, Wesley M. Dugan, Jr. A resident of Wildwood for more than thirty years, Dorothy retired
from Port Arthur Independent School District as the registrar for Thomas Jefferson High School. She was also a long time member of
Wildwood-Village Mills United Methodist Church, where she served in various ministries over the years.
She enjoyed traveling but was happiest in her beloved Wildwood. She was a member of the “ladies bunch” who worked on crafts and lunched together. She loved flowers,
helping others, and entertaining friends on her deck over looking the lake. Dorothy was dedicated to her church, her family and friends, her kitties, and her
cross word puzzles which she completed in ink until age 90!
She is survived by her daughter, Pam Springer and her husband, Jerrol,of Houston; granddaughter, Laurie Tucker and her husband, David and their children, Madeline
and Jessica of Katy; granddaughter, Dana Turnerand her husband, Kevin and their children, Max and Lily of Dallas; and numerous other relatives and special friends.
The family is grateful to her extended family--Becky, Trystan and all of special angels that cared for her with unconditional love during the last three years.
Her funeral service will be 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, December 7, 2011 at Wildwood-Village Mills United Methodist Church, 5943 FM 3063, Village Mills, Texas with burial
to follow at Greenlawn Memorial Park in Groves under the direction of Broussard’s in Kountze. A gathering of her family and friends will begin at 10:00 a.m. Wednesday
and continue until time of service. Thomas Jefferson H.S Year Book, located on page 4
Ann Solley Bearden
93, of Houston, passed away Monday, December 12, 2016.
A choral music teacher for 28 years, she was dedicated to bringing song to her students. She was born in Comanche County, the daughter of Marion Oah and Rosie Myrtle Kerley Solley.
Raised on a farm in Oklahoma, Anne joined the women's Army Air Corps during WWII and served her country as a staff sergent, working the flight line and air traffic control tower at
Enid Air Field. She held both bachelor's and master degrees in music education from the University of North Texas and was a classically trained vocalist whoper formed onstage in
comunity operas and other musical events. She began her teaching career in Port Arthur, where she taught at DeQueen Elementary and Edison Junior High. She also taught choir at
South Park High and at Vidor Junior High. Anne spent her retirement years in Colorado Springs and returned to Texas in 2008 to be near her daughter, Paula. She was married for
31 years to the love of her life, Bernie Paul Bearden, who passed away in Colorado in 1977.
She is survived by her daughters and their husbands, Paul and Paul Berry of Houston
and Pamela and Edward deSteiguer of Tucson, Arizona, and her grandchildren, Amanda, Judson, and David Berry and Laura and Philip deSteiguer. She is also survived by a brother,
Bob Solleyand many cousins, nieces and nephews. In lieu of flowers, the family request that donations be made in her memory to the College of Music at the University of North Texas.
Doris Lynn Crisp
of Port Arthur and Groves, Texas,
passed away in her home November 22, 2023. She lived a life of fierce independence to the end. She was sharp and witty and very observant of the world
around her. She was “interesting and interested” as she might describe other people; someone who was both a person filled with knowledge and
conversation, and also someone curious about other people. Doris Crisp grew up as an only child in Oak Cliff, a Dallas suburb. Her father was
a “railroad man,” and her mother was a homemaker until she took a job at a downtown Dallas department store to earn extra money to send Doris to
college. Doris attended Texas Women’s University in north Texas, earning her bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree in English. Doris came to
Port Arthur at a time when oil refinery executives wanted the best school system for their children, and Port Arthur’s starting salary was one
of the two highest in the state. PAISD was a top-flight public school district - many graduates went on to prestigious universities and were
well prepared after graduating from Thomas Jefferson High School. “Miss Crisp” was a well-known English teacher and head of the English
Department at TJ from the 1950s into the 1980s. She was a “hard” grader and also an inspiration to generations of students. She touched many
lives in many ways, and many people have expressed that Miss Crisp had a big impact on their lives. Her lifelong pleasure in reading,
passion for learning, and delight in discussing a myriad of topics including science and politics was infectious. In later life, she remarked
upon the extraordinary kindness of strangers in Port Arthur. She loved good conversation and laughter. She was a devout Democrat.
After retiring, Doris traveled extensively, to Europe, Russia, and Australia, among other places, and enjoyed the tours planned by Margie Moore and Mildred
Gernantz. Doris was preceded in death by her dear friends Martha Butler, TJ biology teacher and rancher in Karnes City; Kathryn Minter, operating room head
nurse at St. Mary Hospital of Port Arthur; Jane Smith and Muriel Stubbs, extraordinary English teachers; and many, many, other dear friends. She is survived
by many friends and former students across the country and the world, including Rory Minter Fontenla of Rockwall, TX,; William Butler of Canyon Lake,
TX; Marialice Grimes of Houston, TX; and Sandra Hall of Denver, Colorado. Doris did not want a service or memorial gathering. Melancon Levingston Funeral
Home, 39thStreet, Groves, is arranging her desired cremation. Doris did not want an obituary written about her.
Jewel H. McEwan
Thomas Jefferson H.S Year Bk, located on page 5
Joe L. Price
Thomas Jefferson H.S Year Bk, located on page 5
Eleanor Wall
Thomas Jefferson H.S Year Bk, located on page 5
Reva Westerman
Thomas Jefferson H.S Year Bk, located on page 5
Mary Eunice Vickers
Thomas Jefferson H.S Year Bk, located on page 5
Geraldine Johnson
Thomas Jefferson H.S Year Bk, located on page 4
Eola Gunstream
Thomas Jefferson H.S Year Bk, located on page 2
Dell Hille
Thomas Jefferson H.S Year Bk, located on page 2
P.T. Reynolds
Thomas Jefferson H.S Year Bk, located on page 2
Mable Swanzy
Thomas Jefferson H.S Year Bk, located on page 5
Madelene Gautreaux
Thomas Jefferson H.S Year Bk, located on page 6
Willie G. Jones
Thomas Jefferson H.S Year Bk, located on page 6
Leland O. Kay
Thomas Jefferson H.S Year Bk, located on page 6
Hugh Shaw
Thomas Jefferson H.S Year Bk, located on page 6
John Badgett
Thomas Jefferson H.S Year Bk, located on page 6
Rex Eugene Copeland
loving husband and father, passed peacefully onto heaven Saturday, 12/15/2012, at the age of 94.
He was born August 7, 1918, on a farm
southwest of King City, MO, to Benjamin Porterand Georgia Mae Vaughn Copeland. The
youngest of three sons, he attended school in a one-room school house. He later would begin his 40 year teaching career in a
similar rural school.
He graduated from King City High School in 1937. He received a Bachelor’s degree from N.W. Missouri State Univ. where he majored in Business and minored in Math,
and later earned a Masters Degree in Education from Sam Houston State Univ. in Huntsville, TX. He was a life-long member of the First Christian Church of King City,
and also of Port Arthur, TX.
He enlisted in the Army during WWII to help defend his country. He was placed in the Army Air Corp, where he was a flight instructor. It was during his time at
the Corsicana Air Field in Corsicana, TX, where he met the love of his life, Lois Madden. They were married November 9, 1944, and shared 68 wonderful years together.
After teaching high school for 7 years in Lyman, WY, they relocated to Port Arthur, TX, where the weather more suited his Texas bride. He taught at Thomas Jefferson
High School and Nederland High School. They raised 4 daughters, spending the winters in Texas and the summers in King City on the farm where he grew up.
He was a member of the Texas Classroom Teachers Assoc., Texas State Teachers Assoc., Natl. Education Assoc., Texas Business Education Assoc., Pi Omega Pi Fraternity,
Phi Sigma Epsilon Fraternity, President of the Port Arthur Classroom Teachers Assoc., NEA Delegate, and Nederland High School Teacher of the Year. He took many students
to Texas UIL Typing competitions producing many finalists and a State Champion.
Rex had a very competitive spirit and enjoyed all sports, especially golf which he played well into his 80’s. He loved traveling and spending summers in King City,
but above all, his family was most important to him.
He was preceded in death by his parents and brothers Emile Murray Copeland and James Vaughn Copeland.
He is survived by his wife of 68 years, Lois Madden Copeland, four daughters: Shelley Copeland of Plano, TX; Joni Dixon and husband Randy of Plano, TX; Robin
Rodwell and husband Doug of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; Ginni Gilgour and husband Steve of Blue Springs, MO. Also 7 grandchildren: Lindsay Dixon Bradley, Lacey Dixon
Wostal, Heather Rodwell White, Ashley Rodwell, Wil Rodwell,Chase Gilgour, and Hailey Gilgour, and one great grandchild, Olivia White.
He was laid to rest Wednesday, December 19, in King City, Missouri withmilitary rites. To share a memory or condolence, visit www.robersonfuneralhome.com
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the First Christian Church of Port Arthur.
Thomas Jefferson H.S Year Book, located on page 5
Henry (Hank) Clark
Thomas Jefferson H.S Year Bk, located on page 7
Bentley Jones
Thomas Jefferson H.S Year Bk, located on page 7
Muriel Lucille Stubbs
87, passed away on Sunday, April 2, 2017 in Houston. She was the daughter of Cecil Stubbs and Clara Gray
Stubbs and was born in Port Arthur, Texas on November 5, 1929,
where she also grew up, the fourth of seven children. She was active with the Camp Fire Girls, served as a camp counselor and continued to attend annualreunions at their
camp. After graduating from Thomas Jefferson High School, she received her Bachelor’s Degree in English and a Master’s Degree in Guidance and Counseling from the
University of Texas at Austin and a Master’s Degree in Literature from the Bread Loaf School of English of Middlebury College in Middlebury, Vermont. She retired
after38 years of teaching English in Port Arthur public schools (where Janis Joplin was one of her students); The Bishop’s School in La Jolla, California; and J.E.B.
Stuart High School in Falls Church, Virginia. Many of her former students became her life long friends. She has also taught in White Pines College’s Elder Hostel program
in Chester, New Hampshire, and most recently coordinated a monthly creative writing group where aspiring writers came together to share ideas and critique each other's work.
Muriel was a feminist always and a Yellow Dog Democrat, but aside from marching numerous times down Constitution Avenue with signs and placards, she was seldom able to
indulge these passions until she retired and moved to Houston in the early 1990’s and became a regular volunteer with the Harris County Democratic Party. Volunteering
for the party was very fulfilling for Muriel, and she fell in love with her volunteer work for the party and with her fellow activists. She served as Editor of the
ROAD women Register, the monthly newsletter of the River Oaks Area Democratic Women’s Club, where she published a monthly column, Muriel Stubbs’ News Update.
She is survived by her brother Bill Stubbs and his wife, Patsy; her brother Mark Stubbs and Don Willson, and many other family members and special friends. She was
preceded in death by both parents; her brotherCarlton and her sisters Cecile, Gwen and Bonnie.
Muriel’s family wants to thank the staff of Memorial Hermann Greater Heights Hospital and all of her friends who came to visit her and lovingly cared for her in her
final days, especially her nieces - Kay Stubbs, Lesley Stubbs and Lyndi Reed, and friends Mari Alice Grimes and Toni Medellin.
Following a private graveside service at Memory Gardens, Nederland,Texas, a Celebration of Muriel’s Life will be held in Houston at a laterdate. In lieu of flowers,
please make contributions to the HoustonFriends for Life at (713) 863-9835.
"To love that well which thou must leave ere long." -William Shakespeare. Thomas Jefferson H.S Year Book,
located on page 19
Charles Loyd Manning
83, of Bosqueville,
went tobe with the Lord July 8, 2015. Services will be held 10:00 a.m.,Tuesday, July 14, at Wilkirson-Hatch-Bailey Funeral
Home with burial following at Ater Cemetery in Coryell County. Visitationwill be 5-7 p.m., Monday, July 13, at Wilkirson-Hatch-BaileyGarden Room.
Charles was born at home in Gatesville, Texas, to Lonnie and Earline Watts Manning. When his father was tragically killed in an explosion, Charles
and his mother moved to Fort Worth to live with relatives. They returned to Waco several years later after his mother's marriage to Jim Harper.
Charles graduated from LaVega Public Schools. While at LaVega, Charles served as art editor of the school annual, The Treasure Chest. He was also
a member of the basketball, track, and football teams. Following high school graduation, Charles continued his education at Navarro Junior College,
where he participated in track and football, graduating in 1953. Mr. Manning was accepted into Baylor University, where earned B.S. and M.S. degrees
in physical education. He was certified to teach all levels of physical education and health, as well as certified in administration and driver
education. While a full-time student, Mr. Manning worked the graveyard shift as a lab technician at General Tire and Rubber Co.
Charles was
called to serve his country in the U. S. Army and was stationed in San Francisco,California. He was assigned to the Nike Missile Battalion.
Upon his honorable discharge, Mr. Manning returned to Texas to teach and coach in Stephenville, Waco, and Port Arthur ISD. He was an ordained
deacon, serving churches in Port Arthur and Waco. He was also a Rotarian. He was a member of Columbus Avenue Baptist Church.
He was preceded in
death by his daughter, Lynda; his mother, Earline Watts Manning Harper; his father, Lonnie William Manning; his step-father, James Leslie Harper;
as well as hissister, Lynn Joyce Harper Wilson of Hallsville. Mr. Manning issurvived by his wife, Lorita; son, Mark; brother, Johnny andwife,
Marty, of Cypress, Texas, and their son, Dr. Joshua Harper of Kenya, Africa; brother-in-law, Herman Wilson and wife, Kay,of Hallsville, Texas,
their son, Tim Wilson of Hallsville, and daughter, Lisa Adams and husband, Trey, of Hallsville; Dr. Norman and June Neidell of Houston, and Sharon
Stansel of Houston. The family appreciates the professionalism and compassion shown by Providence Home Healthcare, nurse, Audrey Doolittle, nurse,
Cindy of Providence Hospice, Wesley Woods, Providence CHF Clinic, Dr. Sudan, Dr. Shoulz, and the Boundless Love Sunday School Class. The endearing
friendship of Bill and Nancy Harlan has helped us through many bumps in the road thank you. The family invites you to leave a message or memory
in our "Memorial Guestbook" at www.WHB family.com. Thomas Jefferson H.S Year Book,
located on page 33
Dorothy Day
was born August 10, 1927, in Brookhaven, Mississippi to Dorothy Wade Day and George Nusom Day. After the family moved to Texas, Miss Day graduated from Texas Women’s University completing both her Bachelor of Science degree and Master of Arts degree in education.
A lifelong educator, Miss Day was a master teacher improving the lives of students for three years at Saint Mary’s Hall in San Antonio, Texas, ten years at
Baytown Junior High School, and three years at Texas City High School.
Dorothy spent summers continuing to educate students by participating in the Rice University Master Teacher program where she taught and inspired student
teachers. She also taught five summers at the Cimarincita Ranch Camp for girls in Eagles Nest, New Mexico. She completed her professional career in Port
Arthur, Texas, for nine years at Thomas Jefferson High School while serving as the sponsor for the Red Hussars. Her final fifteen years of teaching were
spent as an elementary physical education teacher at Sims Elementary and Sam Houston Elementary.
After 40 years of professional service to education, Miss Day retired, but refused to slow down. While staying active helping her friends and family,
Dorothy remained involved in a dizzying array of local and national clubs and societies. Dorothy represented education as a member of the Retired Teachers Association as well as being a member of the Delta Kappa Gamma Society International for over 50 years. Locally, she contributed by serving as a member of the Neighborhood hibiscus Club. Dorothy’s love of history was demonstrated by her membership in the National Association of Parliamentarians and her charter membership with the World War II Museum in New Orleans, Louisiana. Perhaps Dorothy’s greatest passion was the preservation of the history and culture of the IAIA Museum in Santa Fe, New Mexico, and as a charter member of the Smithsonian National Museum of the American Indians. Miss Day’s name is engraved on the 4th honor wall at the museum in Washington, D.C.
Dorothy’s passions and spirit will forever be remembered by her loved ones: Donna Spencer, Billings, Montana; Meg, Orr, Connor and Tucker Adams,
New Orleans, Louisiana; Nancy Mize, Ayden, North Carolina; Steve and Katie Stainback, Mandeville, Louisiana; Donna and Keith Lawhon, Baytown,
Texas; Dr. J.E. Little, Laura Westmoreland and Susan Risher, Crystal Springs, Mississippi; Kenneth and Cindy Day, Baytown, Texas, and countless
friends who loved her dearly. She was an inspiration and a mentor to so many students, family members and friends through the years and will be
terribly missed.
A memorial gathering will be held at Levingston Funeral Home in Groves, Texas at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, February 22, 2019. Graveside services will
take place in Hazlehurst, Mississippi.
Ned Cole
of Port Arthur passed away peacefully on December 15, 2018 in Brenham, Texas. He was 89 years old. Coach Cole was born Ned Cole to Bessie Lee Gist Cole and Robert Bishop Cole in Zephyr, Texas. He graduated from the University of Texas at Austin with a bachelor’s degree and from McNeese State University with a master’s degree in Education. Coach Cole retired from PAISD in 1989. He was proud of the many athletes and students whose lives he touched while coaching at Woodrow Wilson Junior High School. He also was retired from the US Air Force as a Senior Master Sergeant.
Coach Cole is survived by his wife of 66 years, Jean Johnson Cole, formerly of Port Arthur, now living in Brenham.
Also, his son, Dr. Steven Cole of Kemah, Texas and granddaughter, Chandler Cole of Baybrook, Texas.
Daughter, Joanna Cole Mayle and husband, Robert Mayle of Schertz, Texas. Granddaughter Ashley Mayle Stenoien and her husband, Dr. Gregory Stenoien of Temple, Texas. Also, granddaughter Lindsay Mayle and grandson Matthew Mayle of Schertz.
Daughter, Lisa Cole of Houston, Texas.
Daughter, Dr. Janet Cole Baker of Brenham, Texas. Granddaughter, Dr. Kristen Baker Bates and husband Clinton Bates of Spring, Texas. Great grandsons, Wyatt Cole Bates and Dylan Craig Bates, also of Spring. Granddaughter, Dr. Catherine Baker Kristynik and husband Stanley Kristynik of Conroe, Texas
Daughter, Kristy Cole Jorgensen and husband Jeff Jorgensen of Orange, Texas.
Mack Ross Estes
of Ruston, Louisiana, went to see his Savior, Jesus Christ, with his passing, Sunday, June 2, 2019, surrounded by his loving family, wife Hilda Brazzel Estes and son, Stephen Clayton Estes of Houston, Texas. Funeral service will be held on Thursday, June 6, at 3:00 PM at Temple Baptist Church, 1515 South Service Road West, Ruston, Louisiana 71270, with visitation from 1:30 until time of service, followed by graveside services at Corinth Cemetery just outside of Dubach, Louisiana under the direction of Kilpatrick Funeral Home.
Mack was the son of the late Clayton Connard Estes and Nancy Jane Ross Estes. A native of Clyde, Texas, he moved to Orange, Texas as a teen and graduated from Lutcher Stark High School in 1946. He joined the Air Force, serving during the Korean Conflict. After an honorable discharge, he went to Sam Houston State University earning a bachelor of science degree and played football for the Bearkats. He married Margaret Jane Fisher, his wife of 19 years, by whom he was preceded in death.
Mack began a career in coaching that took him to Devine, Uvalde, Ingleside, Bridge City and Port Arthur, Texas. He served as both a head coach and assistant coach in football, baseball and other sports. He coached a literal all star cast of athletes and was proud of the many lives he was able to touch through coaching and teaching. He followed his coaching career with a successful career as a business man partnering with his brother Louis in Estes Sporting Goods and E & M Sports Center.
Mack was a passionate supporter of sports of all kinds, traveling the globe to Olympic Games, Super Bowls, All Star Games and all manner of sporting events.
Mack was very engaged with his faith as a member of Temple Baptist Church. He enjoyed spreading the gospel and studying God’s word. Mack was an active Deacon at First Baptist Church in Port Arthur, Texas.
After retiring, he moved to Ruston, Louisiana. He was a member of Temple Baptist Church and was active in a number of charitable causes, too numerous to mention and was generous to a fault.
He is survived by his wife, Hilda Brazzel Estes, to which he was married to for 49 wonderful years. Her determination and love provided Mack great comfort and health in his final illness. Also surviving is his son Stephen Clayton Estes and wife Mary Colleen Estes and granddaughter Jill Estes Higginbotham and her husband Brian and two great-grandchildren, William and Hayes Higginbotham.
Mack is also survived by his brother Louis Estes and his wife Marilyn and sister Betty Duhon.
He is also survived by his brother-in-law, Gene Brazzel and wife Carolyn and sister-in-law Murlene Benedict. He is also survived by a host of nieces, nephews and cousins across the country.
In addition to being preceded in death by his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother Connard Estes and his wife Mattie and sister Shirlee Estes McGann.
The family would like to express their gratitude to Mr. Estes’ caregivers Katherine and Bernice for their care and compassion throughout the year.
In lieu of flowers, memorials to Mr. Estes can be made to Alzheimer’s Association or the charity of your choice
Pallbearers will be David Estes, Les Estes, Gary Brazzel, Eric Brazzel, Robert O’Neal, Jim O’Neal, Tim Estes and Barry Smith.
Honorary Pallbearers are The Turtle Creek Coffee Group, The Lions Club, The Temple Sunday School Adult One Class and all of Coach Estes’ former Athletes.
Sarah Picton Albright
of Port Arthur, Texas, died peacefully at Calder
Woods, Beaumont, Texas on August 14, 2019.
Born September 2, 1936, Port Arthur, Texas to William M. Picton and Tenie Mae
Byerly Picton.
Sarah grew up in Port Arthur, Texas and graduated from Thomas Jefferson High
School where she was a member of the Red Hussar Drum and Bugle Corp. After
attending a girl's school, she graduated from the University of Oklahoma with a
degree in elementary education. She taught fourth grade at Sam Houston
elementary school until she married her husband A. Morris Albright, Jr. on June
2,1960.
Preceding her in death were her father when she was twelve, her mother,
brother, William M Picton, Jr. and sister-in-law Beverly Oubre Picton.
Living family members are her husband, Morris Albright, sons David of Port
Arthur, Morris III of Port Arthur and grand children Kristen Strawther of Winnie,
Kevin Albright of Plano, Kaitlin Albright of Austin, Abigail and Emily Albright of
Nederland, and great grandchild Sterling Strawther of Winnie.
As a child, Sarah was taught to fish and crab in Rockport, Texas by her father
who was originally from there. She also loved riding her horse at the old riding
club in Port Arthur.
Sarah loved to travel the world with her husband or girlfriends, Mary Francis
Edwards Schwein and sister-in-law, Beverly. She and Beverly also loved to
charter guides with boats and fish the area. Her good girlfriends enjoyed their
craft group (later degrading to a wine group).
The family thanks the staff at Calder Woods for their loving care of Sarah.
A memorial service will be held at a later date.
Foy Lynn DuBois
88, peacefully passed away on Tuesday, February 26, 2019, in Waco, Texas. A graveside service will be held at the Sardis Cemetery on Farm Road 1512 in Marquez, Texas, 11:00 a.m., Friday, March 1. Visitation will be 5:00 to 7:00 p.m., Thursday, February 28, at Wilkirson-Hatch-Bailey Funeral Home in Waco.
Mr. DuBois was born on January 19, 1931, in Eddy, Texas, in the Connally-DuBois home to Levi Travis and Sarah Mahon DuBois. He graduated from Eddy High School and from Baylor University in 1956. He also served his country for a short time with the United States Armed Services. He began his extended teaching career in Port Arthur, Texas, where he made many life-long friends. He then moved back to Eddy and taught history at Temple High School.
During his teaching days and after his retirement, he held many community positions in Waco. He worked and served on the board of directors at the Earle-Harrison Pape Home, where he was involved in the landscaping decisions and interior design of the home. He also worked extensively with the McLennan County Historical Commission, helping to write a book, entitled Historic McLennan County. The first copy of the book was dedicated to Foy DuBois. At Baylor University, he held an interest and worked closely with the Armstrong Browning Library, and even served as museum director at the Browning Library in Florence, Italy, for several summers. Mr. DuBois traveled extensively throughout Europe during his lifetime, taking his beloved students and friends from Waco and Temple. Probably some of his favorite times, however, were spent with his coffee club friends on Mondays.
Foy and his parents, and sister and brothers, were long time members of the First Baptist Church in Eddy, Texas. He later joined St. Alban's Episcopal Church in Waco, serving that church family for many years playing the piano and organ for church services. His piano playing skills were extraordinary, and he spent many hours entertaining friends and family. Mr. DuBois was known throughout his community for his love of entertaining. He held an annual Christmas open house, and his annual “Breakfast in the Garden”, always when his rose garden was in perfect bloom. In addition to these events, he frequently had elegant dinner parties and luncheons in his home.
Mr. DuBois is preceded in death by his parents, L.T. DuBois and Sarah Neveda DuBois; brothers Travis DuBois and wife, Betty, and Bert DuBois; sister, Shirla Oliphant; niece, Dixie DuBois; and nephew, Blake Oliphant.
Mr. DuBois leaves behind nieces, Laura Engelking and husband, Frank, D’Ann Kantarski and husband, John, and Jana Oliphant and husband, Homer; and nephews, Trey DuBois, and Robert Todd Oliphant; and great nieces and nephews, Frank Byler Engelking, Jr., Allison Engelking Hughes and husband, Dan Allen III, Summer Pirkle and Brandon Pirkle; Homer Jr., Chris, Ashley, and Samantha Oliphant; and sister-in-law, Doris DuBois.
The family would like to especially thank his devoted friends, Linda Nobles and Tom and Jan Connally, for their kindness and compassion to Foy.
“Earth changes, but thy soul and God stand sure.” Robert Browning
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Foy’s name to a charity of your choice. The family invites you to leave a message or memory in our “Tribute Wall” at www.WHBfamily.com.
To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of Foy Lynn DuBois, please visit our Tribute Store.
Dr. Jack Spruiell Bottoms
passed away Thursday, August 27, 2020, at his residence near Jewett with loving family by his side.
Private funeral services for Dr. Jack Bottoms were held on Tuesday, September 1, 2020 at Ricks-Bowers Funeral Home in Jewett. Reverend Allen Crosby officiated. Dr. Bottoms was laid to rest at Sardis Cemetery.
He was born on September 21, 1930, less than a mile from where he died. Jack was born, the sixth of seven sons, to J. J. and Nettie Bottoms. He attended Jewett High School, and was the valedictorian of the class of 1948.
After graduation, Jack began attending college at Sam Houston State Teacher’s College. In 1950, after the outbreak of the Korean War, he joined the United States Air Force and served four years at Randolph Field in San Antonio. In 1953, Jack received his B. S. degree in Chemistry from Sam Houston State Teacher’s College. In 1954, he married Wanda June Walker, and in 1957, Jack received his Bachelor of Music Education degree from Baylor University. After teaching science for two years in Navasota, Jack and his growing family moved to Port Arthur to teach high school choral music until May 1967. In 1963, he earned his Masters degree, and in 1967 Jack, June and their five children moved to Boulder, Colorado so he could continue his education. Jack received his PhD in Music Education, Music History, Choral Literature and Conducting in 1971 from the University of Colorado.
From 1972 to 1980, Dr. Jack Bottoms taught music at Missouri Baptist College in St. Louis. Jack and family returned to Texas so he could become the Dean of the School of Music at Howard Payne University in Brownwood. Throughout his teaching career, the life-changing influence he had on thousands of students cannot be overstated. He retired from teaching there in 1992. About that time, Jack and June began making plans to return to Jack’s old home place in Jewett. They built their log cabin on family land (land that had been in his mom’s family for generations), where he lived for 28 years.
For 58 years, Dr. Jack Bottoms also served in Texas, Colorado, and Missouri churches as a Minister of Music. He impacted many generations of people for Jesus Christ through those years. At First Baptist Church of Jewett, Dr. Bottoms helped cast the vision to build a Family Life Center. His intense desire was to see that project finished well.
Jack loved people. He also loved animals, gardening, hunting and fishing, sports of all kinds, travel, and singing with his brothers and family. One of the joys of his life was being a charter member of The CenturyMen, a 100 member men’s chorus of music ministers from the United States. Jack and June went on concert tours in the U.S. and abroad, visiting many fascinating places. Needless to say, Dr. Bottoms’ life was full and rich.
Jack Bottoms is survived by his wife, June; his children, Gail Yates (Michael), Paula Pilkington (Brad), Sheryl Conrad (Andrew), Stephen, and Lisa. He is also survived by nine grandchildren, Jonathan, David, and Lauren Yates; Andrea England (Daniel), Erica Barksdale (Andy), Esther Rice (Josh), Emily, and Jonathan Conrad; and Jack Pilkington. Jack was able to meet his first great-grandchild, Alex England, born this last spring. Dr. Bottoms was also survived by one brother, Paul Bottoms (Joyce).
Dr. Bottoms was preceded in death by his parents and five brothers, Earl, Odell, Joe, Dale, and Durwood Bottoms.
Shirley Metreyeon Broussard,
86, of Nederland, Texas passed away on Friday, March 4, 2022 at her residence in Nederland. Shirley was born in Nederland on August 28, 1935 to the
late, Dudley Metreyeon and Beulah Champagne Metreyeon.
Shirley was a 7th grade teacher and coach at the Nederland Independent School District and retired with 40 years of service. Shirley was an avid Nederland Bulldog fan
and those that know her best know that she was often the best “coach” in the stands on any given Friday night. She absolutely loved her Nederland Bulldogs…
Those left to cherish Shirley’s memory include her daughter, Brooke Sanchez and her husband, Rick of Frisco, Texas; son, Cody Broussard and his wife, Yvette of
Nederland; sister, Janis Simmons of Nederland; grandchildren, Abby Sanchez, Gannon Sanchez, Luke Broussard, Annelise Sanchez and Gabby Broussard; and numerous
loving nieces and nephews.
Shirley is preceded in death by her parents, Dudley Metreyeon and Beulah Champagne Metreyeon; her loving husband of 56 years, Paul D. Broussard; and her brother,
Donald “Toppy” Metreyeon.
The family would like to thank Deborah Hinton for all of the loving care she provided during their time of need.
In lieu of flowers, the family ask that donations be made in Shirley’s memory to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital. You may donate online at www.StJude.Org or you
may mail in your donation to 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN. 38105.
A gathering of family and friends will be held at Melancon’s Funeral Home in Nederland on Wednesday evening, March 9, 2022 from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. A Mass of
Christian Burial will be held at St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church in Nederland on Thursday morning, March 10, 2022 at 10:30 a.m. with Father John Hughes, Celebrant.
Interment will follow at Oak Bluff Memorial Park in Port Neches, Texas. (PE teacher at Woodrow Wilson JH)
Lavern Ruth McMillan,
Lavern Ruth McMillan died peacefully in her sleep at her home in the retirement community of The Beehive Cottages in St George Utah on
January 7, 2023. She
was 97. She was born to Ruth Howle and William B. McMillan in their home in San Antonio, Texas on Oct 10, 1925. At age 10 she moved with the family to
Sacramento, CA. After graduating from Sacramento HS in 1942 and studying 2 years at the Jr college there she moved back to Texas. She earned both her Bachelor’s
degree and Master’s degree from the University of Texas. She also studied at the University of Maryland, Montclair State College in New Jersey, Michigan
State University and the University of San Francisco with scholarships granted by The National Science Foundation Institute in Graduate Mathematics.
She spent most of her career teaching math in the Port Arthur ISD, first at Woodrow Wilson Jr High where she became the department director and then
at Thomas Jefferson HS where she also became the department director. She was well liked and respected by both her students and colleagues. Years
later students would tell her how much she meant to them. She was an educator that influenced and inspired a generation to do great things. She retired
early after a kidney removal from cancer and travelled all over the world, from Europe to Australia. After years of travel, she returned to her love of
teaching, this time at Lamar University, teaching math to education students. Lavern had a commitment to service, whether it was volunteering at her
church, The First Christian Church of Port Arthur, where she served in many positions, or volunteering at the Museum of the Gulf Coast, visiting
anyone she knew in the hospital and nursing homes, or just taking food to friends and neighbors who were ill. She loved helping people. She was very
social, loved parties and loved being surrounded by friends and family. In 2018 Lavern move to Southern Utah to be closer to her niece. She loved
the beauty of it with it’s mountains and constant sunshine. Lavern’s life was a life well lived, full of fun, adventure and good friends. She was
well educated, well read and well travelled. She was smart and sharp as a tack until the end. She made learning fun. She loved to play games,
especially dominoes like “42”, and Mexican Train but was more than willing to learn ANY new game as she did just this past New Years Day, learning
“Jokers and Pegs”. She will be remembered for her kindness, philanthropy and for being a good friend, mentor and teacher and will be greatly missed.
She is survived by her niece Melissa(Missy)Long,(Carson); her two great-nephews, James (Jay) Long (Vanessa); Nicholas Long (Bobbie). Her
great-grandnephews Corbin Long, Liam Long, Mason Long, Nolan Long, great grandniece Kendyll Long, her brother-in-law James Dean Sr. and
numerous cousins. She was preceded in death by her parents, her brother William, McMillan, her sister Jeanne Dean and nephew Jimmy Dean Jr.
A memorial service will be held at a later date in San Antonio, Texas.
Dr. Charles Edward McBee, Jr.,
Mr. McBee passed away on June 4, 2023, in Deer Park, Texas. He was married to Norma Banes McBee for 65 years. They have 2 sons Bradley Kyle McBee
and wife Tam McBee of Deer Park, Texas and Dr. Mathew Garth McBee of Nederland, Texas. Charles has 5 grandchildren, Alicia Cox and husband Dustin of Mansfield,
Texas, Mallori McBee of Port Neches, Texas, Ty McBee and wife Sabrina of Deer Park, Texas, Bailey McBee of Orange, Texas and Brody McBee of Houston, Texas,
He has 2 great grandchildren, Ava Cox and Benjamin Cox of Mansfield, Texas
Charles was born to Charles and Lillian McBee on July 18, 1932, in Omaha, Texas. He has a sister, Betty McBee Knox, and Robert Wayne McBee (deceased). Charles
had a Bachelor of Science and a Master of Science Degree from The University of North Texas and a Doctorate Degree from the University of Houston. He was
employed by the Port Arthur Independent School District for 42 1/2 years. During this time, he held several positions throughout the district. For 7 years
he served on the Commission on Standards for The Teaching Profession and Bilingual Committee. Both positions were affiliated to the Texas Education Agency.
Charles was a member of the North Port Arthur Rotary Club for 40 plus years and held several different positions during this time. He was a member of the Texas
Retired Teachers Association and held positions at the local and state levels. Charles was a life member in both the Texas State Teachers Association and
Parent Teacher Association. He served in the Army during the Korean Conflict. Charles was a long-time member of First Baptist Church, Port Arthur, Texas
and First Baptist of Deer Park, Texas
Carswell.
Dortha Dee’s family moved to Port Arthur when she was a child. She attended Port Arthur schools and Texas State College for Women in Denton before her
marriage to Oscar Roger Vaughanon Jan. 31, 1942. They lived at several Army Air Force bases during WWII and returned to Port Arthur after the war.
Dortha Dee was bold and brave, intelligent and beautiful. She loved learning and reading, books and poetry.
She had a life long interest in nutrition and enjoyed cooking. For years she rose at 5:30 a.m. to prepare a gigantic breakfast for her family.
Oklahoma to Lloyd Lyle Smithand Beulah Powell Smith. She was a resident of Port Arthur for 54 years and retired in 1992
after 35 years of service as an English Teacher at Thomas Jefferson High School. Jayne was very active in the community volunteering and serving in many organizations.
She was a member of Friends of the Port Arthur Library Board, Community Concert Boards; President of the Texas Artists Museum for 2 terms totaling 5 years; served many
years on Motiva Community Advisory Panel; founded and sponsored Ebbtide literary magazine and Ecology Club at Thomas Jefferson High School; and also taught line dancing
classes.
She wrote 11 literary study guides and had several articles published inthe English Journal. Jayne was an avid traveler, traveling to each state in the U.S.A. and over
30 countries world wide.
Thursday evening (5/15/14).
Born on June 26th, 1930 in El Paso Texas. Smitty Graduated from Beaumont High in 1948. He attended Lamar Tech and graduated in 1953. While at Lamar, Smitty played
numerous positions and lettered five years in football. He still holds the record for a 99 yard fumble recovery and return. While at Lamar he met and married Helen
McCutcheon, his wife for over 60 years. After graduating he joined the Navy and attended Officers Candidate School. During the Korean War, he was chief engineering
officer on the USS Wiseman.
Smitty began his coaching career at Port Arthur in 1956. He became Head Coach/AD in 1966 and enjoyed 6 successful seasons, before taking the same position at San Angelo
Central in 1972. His Bobcat teams were very successful, winning 2 district titles in the legendary "Little SWC" and beating Odessa Permian 3 years in a row. In 1979
Coach Hill was Quarterback Coach for Angelo State's National Semi-Finalist Team. Smitty became a successful Real Estate Agent in San Angelo for a couple of years. In
1981 Smitty went with head coach Jim Hess, where they enjoyed 8 successful seasons. In 1990 he went with Hess to New Mexico State as Assistant Head Coach/Recruiting
Coordinator. Prior to 1990 NMSU had the longest losing streak in NCAA Division I. In two years they had a winning season.
Smitty was a member of the AFCA and THSCA, in which he held several positions including coaching the all-star team, and chairman of the all-star selection committee.
Smitty is a member of the Lamar Cardinal Hall of Honor, Southeast Texas Coaches Association Hall of Honor and the Yellow Jacket Alumni Association Hall of Honor. In
1994 Smitty was Head Coach of the Texas Team in the Shriner's California-Texas All-Star game.
Port Arthur to Herbert M. “Rusty” and Allie Mae (McCulloch)Huber. She is predeceased by her parents
and her loving husband of fifty-eight years, Wesley M. Dugan, Jr. A resident of Wildwood for more than thirty years, Dorothy retired
from Port Arthur Independent School District as the registrar for Thomas Jefferson High School. She was also a long time member of
Wildwood-Village Mills United Methodist Church, where she served in various ministries over the years.
She enjoyed traveling but was happiest in her beloved Wildwood. She was a member of the “ladies bunch” who worked on crafts and lunched together. She loved flowers,
helping others, and entertaining friends on her deck over looking the lake. 
93, of Houston, passed away Monday, December 12, 2016.
A choral music teacher for 28 years, she was dedicated to bringing song to her students. She was born in Comanche County, the daughter of Marion Oah and Rosie Myrtle Kerley Solley.
Raised on a farm in Oklahoma, Anne joined the women's Army Air Corps during WWII and served her country as a staff sergent, working the flight line and air traffic control tower at
Enid Air Field. She held both bachelor's and master degrees in music education from the University of North Texas and was a classically trained vocalist whoper formed onstage in
comunity operas and other musical events. She began her teaching career in Port Arthur, where she taught at DeQueen Elementary and Edison Junior High. She also taught choir at
South Park High and at Vidor Junior High. 
of Port Arthur and Groves, Texas,
passed away in her home November 22, 2023. She lived a life of fierce independence to the end. She was sharp and witty and very observant of the world
around her. She was “interesting and interested” as she might describe other people; someone who was both a person filled with knowledge and
conversation, and also someone curious about other people. Doris Crisp grew up as an only child in Oak Cliff, a Dallas suburb. Her father was
a “railroad man,” and her mother was a homemaker until she took a job at a downtown Dallas department store to earn extra money to send Doris to
college. Doris attended Texas Women’s University in north Texas, earning her bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree in English. Doris came to
Port Arthur at a time when oil refinery executives wanted the best school system for their children, and Port Arthur’s starting salary was one
of the two highest in the state. PAISD was a top-flight public school district - many graduates went on to prestigious universities and were
well prepared after graduating from Thomas Jefferson High School. “Miss Crisp” was a well-known English teacher and head of the English
Department at TJ from the 1950s into the 1980s. She was a “hard” grader and also an inspiration to generations of students. She touched many
lives in many ways, and many people have expressed that Miss Crisp had a big impact on their lives. Her lifelong pleasure in reading,
passion for learning, and delight in discussing a myriad of topics including science and politics was infectious. In later life, she remarked
upon the extraordinary kindness of strangers in Port Arthur. She loved good conversation and laughter. She was a devout Democrat.
