Nacogdoches High School

Melva Hall Schmidt

Melva Hall Schmidt, native Texan, passed peacefully Thursday, October 29, 2009, in her home in Cody, Wyoming. She was born March 16, 1925, in Melrose, Texas, to Frank and Nellie Hall. She lived the majority of her life in her beloved state of Texas until six years prior to her passing when she made her home in Cody, Wyoming. Melva was blessed with brilliant red hair and soon became "Red" to all her family and friends. She became an accomplished horsewoman at an early age and was among the first women to perform Roman riding and assorted tricks for admiring audiences. She prided herself in training her own horses for performances and soon gained a reputation for her skills. She was the equestrian instructor at Stephen F. Austin State University until the program ended. She also provided private instruction in horsemanship for many years thereafter. She never lost her love of riding and continued until her senior years. She was able to experience the mountains of Wyoming on horseback to round off her horsemanship. Red had an extensive career as a businesswoman, as her family grew. She and her husband, Larry, operated an antique and coin business for several years, until a move to South America prompted the sale of the business. After spending two years in South America, she turned her attention to the restaurant industry and developed a successful barbecue and catering business in Nacogdoches, Texas. She supervised the growth of this business until her retirement. Red is preceded in death by her husband, Larry B. Schmidt Sr. She is also preceded in death by her parents, Frank and Nellie Hall of Melrose, Texas; and her brother, Holbert Hall; as well as her oldest daughter, Kitty Newman. She is survived by three children, Linda Roberts of Cody, Wyoming, Larry Schmidt Jr. of Nacogdoches, Texas, and Frank H. Schmidt, M.D., of Cody, Wyoming. She is also survived by two sisters, Edna Louise Mamak of Nacogdoches, Texas, and Julia Nell Clayton of Tyler, Texas. She leaves a legacy of thirteen grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. There will be viewing from 7 until 9 p.m. Thursday, November 5, 2009, at Laird Funeral Home in Nacogdoches, Texas. A graveside service will be held at 4 p.m. Friday, November 6, 2009, at the Methodist Cemetery in Melrose, Texas. Pallbearers will be grandsons, John Newman of Nacogdoches, Texas; Michael Roberts Jr., of Bay Village, Ohio; N.G. Schmidt of Nacogdoches, Texas; Hal Schmidt of Cody, Wyoming; Jackson Schmidt of Cody, Wyoming; and son-in-law, Mike Roberts of Cody, Wyoming. Red has always been a cornerstone of the Schmidt family. She will be missed, but her presence will always remain through those that have known her. Laird Funeral Home.

Kitty Marie Pye Upton

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Mrs. Kitty Marie Pye Upton, 84, passed away Saturday, October 24, 2009, at Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital in Dallas. Funeral services will be held Tuesday, October 27, 2009, at 10 a.m. at Cason Monk-Metcalf Sunset Chapel in Nacogdoches, Texas, with Rev. Freddy Mason officiating. Interment will follow in the Oak Grove Cemetery in Nacogdoches. Kitty was born June 1, 1925, in Sacul, Texas, to J.L. and Thelma Fain Pye. She graduated from Nacogdoches High School in 1942. She married her husband, Charles G. Upton, on March 15, 1944, and together they raised two children in a loving, Christian home. They celebrated more than 54 years of marriage before Charles preceded her in death in 1998. An avid gardener, Kitty's home was admired by her neighbors and friends for its elegant landscaping and colorful blooms year round. As a testament to her green thumb, her yard was once awarded Most Beautiful Yard in Nacogdoches. Her greatest sorrow in her later years was that she couldn¹t dig, pull weeds, or plant new blossoms as the seasons changed. Kitty lived in Nacogdoches her entire life until moving to Carthage, Texas, in 2002 to be closer to her daughter and son-in-law. She was a member of Cedar Grove Baptist Church in Carthage. Survivors include her daughter and son-in-law, Gayla and Ronnie LaGrone of Carthage; and her son and daughter-in-law, Don and Susie Upton of Kerrville, Texas. Also surviving Mrs. Upton are four grandchildren, Kim Oldigs and husband Roger of Houston, TX; Clay Still and wife Barb of Overland Park, KS; Garth LaGrone of Carthage; and Shannon LaGrone of Mesquite, TX; and also four great-grandchildren, Meagan Oldigs, Ryan Oldigs, Kaitlyn Still, and Josh McMurray. Pallbearers will be Clay Still, Garth LaGrone, Roger Oldigs, Ryan Oldigs, Dennis LaGrone and Weldon Maitland. Visitation will be Monday, October 26, from 5 to 7 p.m. at Cason Monk-Metcalf Funeral Directors located at 5400 North St. in Nacogdoches. Memorials may be made to Shriners Hospitals for Children, 3100 Samford Ave., Shreveport, La., 71103; or Sammie Brown Library, 522 W. College St., Carthage, Texas, 75633. Condolences may be offered at www.casonmonk-metcalf.com. Cason Monk-Metcalf Funeral Directors.

Fannie Ruth Eaton Madden

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A funeral service for Fannie Ruth Eaton Madden, 83, will be at 2 p.m. Saturday, August 1, 2009, at Cason Monk-Metcalf Sunset Chapel. Interment will be at Sunset Memorial Park in Nacogdoches, Texas. Ruth was born April 26, 1926, in Dallas, Texas, to William Hiram and Sallie Morgan McWilliams and passed away July 29, 2009, in Nacogdoches, Texas. Mrs. Madden graduated from business college and later took various classes at SFA State University. She was a lifelong member of Fredonia Hill Baptist Church, and she was a member of the Order of Eastern Star, Pythian Sisters and the women's auxiliaries of DAV and VFW. She and first husband, Jerold, collected and dealt in antique dolls for several years and owned and operated Eaton's Ceramics. She was a bookkeeper, serving 15 years at Nacogdoches Lumber Company and retired after 35 years for McKinney Drilling Company. She is survived by her husband of six years, Allan Madden; daughter, Carol Eaton Walsh and husband, Brendan; stepchildren, Jerry Sue Dyess and husband, Terry; Carl William Eaton and wife, Debbie; four grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; and numerous nieces and nephews. Ruth was preceded in death by her first husband, Jerold J. Eaton; parents, William and Sallie McWilliams; brother, Delbert McWilliams; and sister, Juanita June Lastovica. Visitation will be from 5 until 7 p.m. Friday, July 31, 2009, at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Nacogdoches Treatment Center, Alzheimer's Program, P.O. Box 630636, Nacogdoches, Texas 75963-0636. Cason Monk-Metcalf Funeral Directors.

November 20, 2009 (Husband of Helen Clifton Sparks) Thomas Eugene "Gene" Sparks
Funeral for Thomas Eugene Sparks of Nacogdoches will be at 2 p.m. Monday, November 24, 2008, at Cason Monk-Metcalf Chapel with Bro. Shannon Arrington and Bro. Dock Lazarine officiating. Burial will be at Bethel Cemetery. Gene died Wednesday, November 19, 2008, at Nacogdoches Medical Center Hospital. He was born July 11, 1929, in Port Arthur, Texas, the first child of John Thomas Sparks and Bertie Polk Sparks. His parents returned to Nacogdoches County early in his life. He placed his faith in Christ Jesus and was a member of the Appleby Church of Christ. He served his country in the U.S. Army. He retired from the U.S. Postal Service after 35 years of service. Gene enjoyed many friendships through his love of the outdoors, music, and his work as a craftsman. Survivors include his wife Helen Clifton Sparks; sons, Tommy Sparks and wife Judy of Rio Rancho, New Mexico, and Michael Wisener of Nacogdoches; one daughter, Carrie Havard and her husband Gene Havard; and brothers Harold Sparks and wife Sadie, Jerry Sparks and wife Shirley, John R. (Chick) Sparks and wife Dorothy all of Nacogdoches, Sherill Sparks and wife Barbara of Eustace, Dale Sparks and wife Ann of Palestine, and Don Sparks of Hempstead. He is also survived by seven grandchildren and five great-grandchildren, all of whom held a special place in his heart. Visitation will be Sunday, November 23, 2008, 5 until 7:00 p.m. at the funeral home. Pallbearers will be Kristopher Stanaland, Sam Chancellor, Bob Burt, Corey Farrell, Randy Stewart, Buddy Kluch, Don Wright, and John Edison. Honorary pallbearers will be Dale Bradshaw, Paul Anderson, John Bob Cody, Al Hebert and Bob Williams. The family wishes to express our gratitude to Dr. Robert Savage and the staff of Medical Center Hospital for the compassionate care our family received. Memorials may be made to the American Heart Association or Appleby Church of Christ Building Fund. Cason Monk-Metcalf Funeral Home.

August 20, 2008 Marshall Earl Brown
WHITEHOUSE - Memorial services for Marshall Earl Brown, 90, Whitehouse, are scheduled for 1 p.m. Saturday at First Baptist Church, Tyler. Mr. Brown died Aug. 20, 2008, at a Tyler hospice. He was born June 28, 1918, in Troup to the late Earl and Olive Brown. He graduated from Whitehouse High School and from Lon Morris College and Texas Tech University. He served in the Navy during World War II and was a basketball coach at Tyler High School, Lon Morris College and Stephen F. Austin State University. Survivors include daughter, Rosemary Bates, Tyler; son, Terry Brown, Tyler; brothers, Melvin Brown, Eldon Ben Brown, Charles "Buck" Brown and Oscar Brown; sisters, Bernice Melton, Ruth Mitchell, Martha Burns, Alice Thompson, Mary McCoy and Rosa Ida Collins; three grandchildren; and two great-grandsons. Family will receive friends following services at the church. Published in the Tyler Morning Telegraph on 8/22/2008

August 11, 2008
Waltraud G. Keul, affectionately known as "Wallie" to her friends, was a longtime resident of Nacogdoches and passed away Monday, August 11, 2008, in the home of her eldest son, Norman Keul, in Durham, North Carolina, at the age of eighty-one. Waltraud Alicia Dorothea Gemmel was born October 5, 1926, in Koethen, Germany, the daughter of Walter and Hildegard Gemmel. Her elder brother, Karl-Heinz, preceded her in death several years ago. Wallie grew up in Germany during World War II. At 20 years of age, she met her future husband, Carl Keul, an American soldier, when his unit occupied her family home. After only a week of courtship, he proposed marriage, shortly before returning to the States. A year later, Wallie was finally permitted to leave Germany for the United States, where she married Carl in 1947. After living more than a decade in Tallahassee, Florida, the Keul family settled in Nacogdoches in 1960, when Carl became professor of German and head of the foreign language department at Stephen F. Austin State University. Wallie was a devoted homemaker and mother to their four children on a small farm outside of town. After her children were grown up, Wallie's generous nature and vitality prompted her to volunteer at the Nacogdoches Treatment Center, where she quickly became indispensable as a physical therapist. Later she also volunteered at Nacogdoches Memorial Hospital. In all realms of her life, her strength and extraordinary empathy touched many people. These same qualities enabled her to care for her invalid husband in the last decade of their 49-year marriage. In her later years, Wallie met Frank La Barbera, whom she affectionately called her "soul mate." Their loving devotion sustained them both, even through her final battle with cancer. Waltraud Keul is survived by her four children: Carla K. Mansee of Ciudad Victoria, Mexico, Norman Keul of Durham, North Carolina, Kurt Keul of Mineral, Texas, and Eric Keul of Colorado Springs, Colorado. Wallie was also enormously proud of her eleven grandchildren: Kim, Lorelei, Marilyn, Leah, James, Jenny, Jackie, Adam, Andrew, Seth and Jared; as well as of her eight great-grandchildren. The Keul family will receive visitors from 5 until 7 p.m. Thursday, August 14, 2008, at Cason Monk-Metcalf Funeral Home. The funeral service will follow at 10 a.m. Friday, August 15, 2008, in Sunset Memorial Park. Presiding will be Robert Kobler, pastor of Redeemer Lutheran Church, where Wallie was an active member for many years. Cason Monk-Metcalf Funeral Directors.

June 17, 2008 - Jimmy Easterly's father Gerald passed away recently. Please remember him and his family in your prayers.

The Rev. Gerald Easterly, age 87, of Crockett, passed away Tuesday, June 17, 2008, in the East Texas Medical Center-Tyler. He was born March 19, 1921, in Houston County, Texas, and had lived in the area most of his lifetime. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army, having served during World War II as a lieutenant. The Rev. Easterly was a 1942 graduate of Texas A&M University, and in 1950 he received a master's degree in education from Sam Houston State University. He was a member of the Texas A&M Former Student Association. He was a minister and the founder of the Talent Sharing Community Church. Since 1961, the Rev. Easterly enjoyed ministering in the local and county jails and in the Texas Prison Systems. Survivors include sons, Jimmy Easterly and wife, Terry, of Bryan, Jerry Easterly and wife, Nancy, of Houston; grandson, Jason Easterly and wife, Melissa, of Dallas; granddaughters, Darby Humplik and husband, Matt, of Denver, Colorado, Marlene Cogwin and husband, Mark, of Houston, Carissa Todd and husband, Brandon, of Houston; brother, Morris "Boog" Easterly and wife, Bernice, of Crockett; nieces and nephew, Linda Easterly of Crockett, Jamie Easterly of Crockett and Martha Dee Easterly of Houston. He was preceded in death by wife, Mary Ellen Easterly. Funeral services for the Rev. Gerald Easterly will be held at 2 p.m. Sunday, June 22, 2008, in the Harvest Church in Crockett. Interment will follow in the Pleasant Grove Cemetery. Family will receive friends from 5 until 7 p.m. Saturday at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Talent Sharing Africa Fund c/o Citizens National Bank, P. O. Box 1420, Crockett, Texas 75835, Pleasant Grove Cemetery Association, 1306 Plantation Drive, Crockett, Texas 75835 or charity of choice. Callaway-Allee Funeral Home, Crockett.

May 23, 2008 We met at Peggy's beautiful home yesterday for lunch. Her husband Tony is a wonderful chef and had made a couple of delicious quiches and a colorful and equally delicious trifle for us. Again, we would love more classmates to join us next month so let us know if you are interested. Peggy had us decorating flip-flops yesterday! Check out the pictures in the Current Classmates photo album.

April 18, 2008 The "Lunch Bunch" met at Marsha Ault's home for a baked potato lunch. Marsha has recently redone here home adding a new master suite and redoing the kitchen. It is beautiful - so open and welcoming. Lynda Fore Cappel who now lives in Missouri City was able to join us this month. If you are interested and would like to join us just let us know and we'll let you know when we meet. Check out the Current Classmates Photo Album for pictures of our get together this month.

Bino Snider Dollar's father recently passed away. There are many of us who remember and loved Dr. Snider. The following is his obituary:

L.W. Snider M.D.
Funeral for L.W. Snider, M.D., 82, of Garrison, Texas, will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, March 22, 2008, in Garrison Funeral Home Chapel, Garrison, Texas, with Bro. Darrell Pollard, Bro. Harry Lee Wilson and Bro. T.D. Lunsford officiating. Burial will be in Cold Springs Cemetery in Nacogdoches County. Dr. Snider died March 19, 2008, in Garrison, Texas. Born August 18, 1925, in Lucas, Texas, he was the son of Walter and Leona Horn Snider. Dr. Snider attended school in McKinney, Texas. He was a veteran of World War II as a Navy pilot. He attended Northwestern State University in Natchitoches, La., and received a B.S. degree. He received his M.D. from LSU School of Medicine in New Orleans, La., then did his residency at North Louisiana Sanitarium in 1956. He started the practice of medicine in Joaquin in 1956 and stayed there two years. He opened a private practice in Garrison in 1958 and retired Sept. 30, 1995. He was affiliated with Arlam Baptist Church in Garrison. He was preceded in death by his parents and a sister, Mary. Dr. Snider said he didn't make a lot of money practicing medicine, but he made a lot of friends. Survivors include his wife, Brenda Rushing Snider; daughter, Linda "Bino" Dollar and husband, Boyd, of North Richland Hills, Texas; son, Walter C. "Billy" Snider of Palestine, Texas; stepdaughter, Raschel Mixon Boyd of Bedford, Texas; stepson, John David Mixon of Garrison, Texas; grandchildren, Janie and Patrick Mixon of Lewisville, Summer and Haleigh Boyd of Bedford, Texas, and Alex David Mixon of Broaddus, Texas. Pallbearers will be Glenn Ramsey, Toby Ramsey, Michael Pollard, James Hickman, Jay Ramsey and Ryan Pollard. Visitation will be from 5 until 7 p.m. Friday, March 21. Garrison Funeral Home, Garrison, Texas.

Sandra Drewery Patterson's mother recently passed away. The following is her obituary: Norma Ossie Fay Drewery
Norma Ossie Fay Drewery was an example of a Proverbs 31 woman. She was born June 21, 1923, in Broaddus, Texas, to the late Norman T. and Virgie Carrell Williams, and she went to be with the Lord on February 21, 2008, at the age of 84 years old. Mrs. Drewery was a lifetime resident of Nacogdoches, Texas, and was a graduate of Stephen F. Austin Teachers College with a master's degree in education. Mrs. Drewery loved children, whether they were her own or friends of her own or students whom she taught. She devoted more than 25 years of her life to education, serving in various schools in Nacogdoches County, including Nacogdoches High School, Brooks-Quinn, Nettie Marshall and Appleby School, where she was the principal. During these years she was very active in her church, Harvest Pointe Community Fellowship, formerly known as Nacogdoches Missionary Baptist Church. She taught Sunday school, vacation Bible school and was very involved with The Lambs, a ministry for women. Norma Drewery spent her life rearing four sons and a daughter. She also helped raise 19 grandchildren and 25 great-grandchildren, along with numerous nieces and nephews. Norma loved reading, cooking, playing 42 and watching Wheel of Fortune. She also spent countless hours with her sisters, Flossie and Lorine, riding the roads of East Texas. Her greatest love was being surrounded by her family, even until her death. With her late husband, Howard, and her children, Norma enjoyed fishing and camping. As recently as August 2007 she traveled with 22 members of her family and friends to Colorado and Wyoming on vacation. Later that same year, she took her last trip with her senior church friends to see the fall foliage in the Ozark Mountains. Norma Drewery leaves her family and friends a rich heritage of loving the Lord and others. While believing in a strong work ethic, she was a woman who was generous, compassionate and hospitable throughout all the days of her life. Although her family is grieving an immeasurable loss, we are rejoicing that she is now in her heavenly home with her Lord Jesus Christ. Norma is survived by a daughter, Sandra Patterson and husband, John, of Nacogdoches; three sons, Dale Drewery and wife, Brenda, of Nacogdoches, Keith Drewery and wife, Traci, of Nacogdoches, and Terry Drewery and wife, Tammy, of Nacogdoches; daughter-in-law, Peggy Drewery; sister, Lorine Hopson of Nacogdoches; three brothers, Norman "Chicken" Williams, Johnny Dale Williams of Nacogdoches and Gene Williams of Killeen, Texas; 19 grandchildren; 25 great-grandchildren. ( Four of these great-grandchildren are still to be born.) She is preceded in death by her husband; her parents; her son, Larry Drewery; her brother, Charles Williams; and her sister, Flossie Drewery. Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, February 23, 2008, at Harvest Pointe Church in Nacogdoches with Bro. Gary Roberts and Dr. Rick Scarbrough officiating. Interment will be at Drewery Family Cemetery on Press Road, Nacogdoches, Texas. Friends and family are invited to call from 5 to 8 p.m. Friday, February 22, 2008, at Laird Funeral Home. Pallbearers will be John Patterson Sr., Keith Drewery, Terry Drewery, Dale Drewery, Autry Griffith, Wayne Hopson, Harlon Drewery, Dale Shaver, Tim Hopson, Steve Hopson and Paul Hopson. Honorary pallbearers will be Doug Rushing, Kyle Drewery, Heath Drewery, Shawn Drewery, Seth Drewery, Hunter Drewery, Caleb Watson, Joe Catoe, John Patterson Jr., Josh Wheaton, Brad Busler and Michael Stephens. Memorial donations may be made to Christian Women's Job Corps, Love INC and Hospice of East Texas. Laird Funeral Home.

January 31, 2008 - As you might remember Carol Eaton Walsh won dinner for six at our reunion silent auction. Today she took six of our classmates to lunch at the Brickhouse Inn Bed & Breakfast. The B & B is locally owned by Ann and David Norton (www.thebrickhouseinn.biz). The food was delicious, the hosts gracious, and the company delightful. Thank you so much, Ann & David, for the generous donation for our silent auction. And thank you, Carol, for placing the winning bid. Marsh McKneely Ault took pictures and they are posted in the Current Classmate Photo album.
We call ourselves The Lunch Bunch (original aren't we) and membership is open to any classmate. So join us for lunch once a month when you can. Call either Leonette or Peggy for information.

Our classmate Patsy Griffin Barham was recently ordained as an Episcopalian priest -
The Reverend Patsy G. Barham, deacon, was ordained to the priesthood
on January 11, 2008 at 6:00 pm at Christ Episcopal Church in Nacogdoches,
Texas. She is the priest-in-charge of St. Matthew's Episcopal Church at 214
College Avenue, Henderson, Texas 75654. Her office numbers are land line-
903-657-3154 or by cell 935-554-6034. The main service is 10:00 on Sunday
mornings.

Our classmate Lynda Sisco Kirtland's mother passed away January 22. On behalf of the NHS Class of 1967 we offer our condolences.
Ann Reese Sisco

A graveside funeral service will be held for Ann Reese Sisco, 80, at 10 a.m. Saturday, January 26, 2008, at Fairview Cemetery, Nacogdoches, Texas. The Reverend Richard White, nephew of Ms. Sisco, will officiate. Ms. Sisco passed away in Houston, Texas, Tuesday, January, 22. Ann was born May 8, 1927, in Lubbock, Texas, the daughter of the late Eathel Ray and Maggie Oleva Tolar Reese. She was raised during the Great Depression in the "Dust Bowl" of West Texas and moved to Nacogdoches with her family as a teenager. She is a 1946 graduate of Nacogdoches High School. Ann graduated from Stephen F. Austin State University in 1965, where she was a member of the Pine Burrs Sorority, with a double major in English and journalism. She received her master's degree from SFA in communications in 1974. She taught and was student newspaper sponsor at Nacogdoches High School in 1967-68 and 1975-76, and taught at Angelina College from 1968 to 1973. Some of her volunteer work included Cub Scout den mother and Sunday school teacher at First United Methodist Church in Nacogdoches. Ann thoroughly enjoyed reading and always carried a sense of humor that even her caregivers commented on during her recent illness. Ann is survived by a daughter, Lynda Kirtland and husband, Joe of Winnie, Texas; a son, Stan Sisco and wife, Paula, of Nacogdoches, Texas; two sisters, Syble Gregory of Nacogdoches, Texas, and Dorothy Pennington of Clear Lake, Texas; and three grandchildren, James Micheal Jones, Lacey Sisco and Will Sisco. She was preceded in death by her parents; infant daughter, Tracey Lane Sisco; brothers, Ashbon Reese, Eathel Ray Reese Jr., and James Reese; and sister, Mary Claunch. The family will receive friends and family from 5 until 7 p.m. Friday, January 25, 2008, at Laird Funeral Home. Arrangements by Laird Funeral Home.

Jan. 14, 2008 - The Alumni Association has done a great job collecting annual all the way back to 1942; however, they are still missing the following years: 1951, 1959, 1970, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1974, 1975 and 1976. If you know anyone who could help, call 936-462-1403 and talk to Dena.

If you haven't already guessed, the photo at the top of the first page of the website is Homer Tindall before that first sip of coffee. What a difference a sip makes!

Jesse V. (Parmley) Weatherly
Funeral service for Mrs. Jesse V (Parmley) Weatherly, 84, of Nacogdoches will be held at Laird Funeral Home on Monday, December 24, 2007 at 10 AM with Bro. Sonny Scarborough officiating. Interment will follow at Rock Springs Cemetery. Mrs. Weatherly passed away December 22, 2007 at her home in the Central Heights Community of Nacogdoches County. Jesse was born on July 17, 1923 in Nacogdoches, the daughter of the late Arch B. Parmley and Zula Dennis Parmley. She received her BS degree in Education from SFASU in 1958 where she was a member of Alpha Chi Honor Society and the Phi Alpha Theta History Club. She began teaching in the Nacogdoches ISD in 1958 and and received her Master'd5s Degree from SFASU in 1964, the same year her oldest son graduated from high school. Jesse continued teaching in the Nacogdoches ISD for thirty-one years. Since retiring, there were numerous occasions when she was recognized by former students whose lives she had impacted in the classroom. Jesse was a life-long member of Lilly Grove Baptist Church where she taught Sunday School, Children'd5s Church and Vacation Bible School. She also served as Church Historian. Jesse loved her family and the history of it, and combined the two by taking her grandchildren to area cemeteries to research their genealogy. She wrote and published six books on her family history and one on the history of Central Heights School. She was a member of the Nacogdoches Historical Society and the United Daughters of the Confederacy. Jesse also enjoyed traveling and quilting. She is survived by her husband of 63 years, Hollis Weatherly; her daughter Evalyn (Evie) Sopko and husband Jim; her sons Gerall Weatherly and wife Sherry and Dr. James A. Weatherly and wife Gail, all of Nacogdoches; her sister Madaleine Stidger and husband Johnny of Tyler; sister-in-law Bonnie Parmley of Whitehouse; grandchildren Robbie Weatherly and wife Amy of Nacogdoches, Kari Weatherly of Lufkin, Kelley Cagle and husband Chris of San Antonio, Holly Middlebrook and husband Andrew of Nacogdoches, Sgt. James A. Weatherly II, USMC and wife Megan of Kadina, Okinawa, Symantha Sopko of Nacogdoches, Clint Sopko and wife Crystal of Nacogdoches, Rebekah Sopko of Nacogdoches and Matt Sopko also of Nacogdoches. Jesse is also survived by nine great-grandchildren, along with a host of nieces, nephews and friends. In addition to her parents, she is predeceased by her brother, Felix Parmley. Visitation will be held at Laird Funeral Home on Sunday, December 23, 2007 from 4 until 6 PM. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Lilly Grove Baptist Church Building Fund, 8151 FM 1638, Nacogdoches, Texas 75964 or to Hospice of Deep East Texas, 907 Mound St., Nacogdoches, Texas 75961. The family would like to extend a special thanks to caregivers Ann Watson and Melvelyn Tutt and the Hospice Staff as well as Drs. Brian Davis and Kelly Moon.

Dec 17 - Check out the new photos in the Photo Album Class of 1967. Mrs Nancy Prince had these photos and was nice enough to allow us to copy them into our website. We are a little uncertain of some of the identities, so if you spot an error, let me know. Have a wonderful and safe Christmas and a great New Year - Leonette

Dec 7, 2007 - Now that our reunion is over, it is time for us to concentrate on ordering our classmate bricks. Our goal is to have a brick for every one of our classmates by the next reunion. Get with your friends and order as a group, so you can choose who you will "lay" beside for eternity. The cost is $50.00, tax-deductible, and can be ordered from the NHS Alumni Association. Order form is available HERE.

October 30 - We recently learned of the death of Lorraine Packard Luna's mother. Our prayers and thoughts are with you, Lorraine, as many of us know how difficult it is to lose a parent.
Funeral service for Mrs. Marie Mansi Packard, 81, of Nacogdoches will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, October 27, 2007, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, with the Monsignor James E. Young officiating. Burial will follow at Immaculate Conception Cemetery at Moral. Mrs. Packard passed away peacefully on Wednesday, October 24, 2007, at her residence, surrounded by her loving family. Born August 19, 1926, in Galveston, she was the daughter of the late Alfonso and Dolores Paolinelli Mansi. She was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Nacogdoches, where she was a past president of the Altar and Rosary Society. She was also a member of the Society of St. Pius X. Mrs. Packard worked at Mize Factory for six years, and then in the preliminary department at Moore Business Form for 22 years, until her retirement. She was married to Bernard J. Packard Sr., and he preceded her in death. Survivors include her sons, Bernard J. Packard Jr. and wife, Deborah and Patrick K. Packard, all of Nacogdoches; daughters, Lorraine and husband, John W. Luna, of Euless, Patricia E. and husband, Dr. Thomas B. Blount Jr., of San Augustine, and Mildred Rose Russell of Lafayette, La.; brothers, Leon Mansi and wife, Janet, of Encinitas, Calif., and Rudolph Mansi of Sante Fe, Texas. She is also survived by her grandchildren, Jackey Luna, Bradley Luna, Bryan Packard, Steven Packard, Kevin Packard, Tina Marie Darby, Rachel Blount, Joseph Blount, Thomas Reeves Russell and Laura Frances Russell ;and great-grandchildren, Aaron Luna, Katie Luna, Allison Marie Luna, Rebbeca Jo Luna, Kasey Renee Luna, Joshua Packard, Gracen Packard, Emmi Sylvine Packard, Addie Marie Packard and Kaden Packard Darby. In addition to her parents and her husband, she was predeceased by a sister, Frances Elaine Mansi. Active pallbearers will be her nephew, David Bush, and her grandsons. Memorial donations may be made to the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church Building Fund, 1422 CR 724, Nacogdoches, Texas 75964 or to LifeCare Health Services, 320 North St., Ste. 311, Nacogdoches, Texas 75961. The family will receive friends from 5 until 7 p.m. today at Laird Funeral Home, where the rosary will be recited at 7 p.m. Laird Funeral Home.

October 24, 2007 -

Funeral services for Flo Alexander, 93, of Jasper will be at 11 a.m. Friday, October 26, 2007, at First Christian Church in Nacogdoches Texas, with graveside service at 3 p.m. at Evergreen Cemetery in Jasper. Visitation will be from 6 until 8 p.m. Thursday, October 25, 2007, at Stringer and Griffin Funeral Home in Jasper. Flo died Saturday, October 20, 2007, in Upshur Manor in Gilmer, Texas. A native of Nacogdoches, she was a longtime Jasper resident. She retired from Nacogdoches High School after 27 years of service as a teacher and counselor. She was a member of Delta Kappa Gamma, TSTA and Teachers Retirement Association of Jasper. She played piano for over 80 years, serving as a longtime choir director for First Christian Church of Nacogdoches and as pianist for Adams Memorial Baptist Church for over 10 years. She enjoyed crocheting and learned to slalom water ski at age 50. At the age of 60, she took up golf. Survivors include her son, Lynn Alexander and wife, Kathy, of Gilmer, Texas; daughter, Patti Alexander of Jasper, Texas; sister-in-law, Gwen Richardson of Cibolo, Texas; three grandchildren, Sherry Whiteside and husband, Lee , of Lille, France, Terry Alexander and wife, Betsy, of Bullard and Tim Alexander and wife, Katherine of Gilmer; six great-grandchildren, Paul Alexander, Laura Whiteside, Jessica Whiteside, Todd Alexander, Katie Alexander and Breanna Alexander. She was preceded in death by her husband of over 65 years, Dub Alexander. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Lakes Area Hospice, P.O. Box 2086, Jasper, Texas 75951 or to First Christian Church, 702 North Mound St., Nacogdoches, Texas 75961. Services are under the direction of Stringer and Griffin Funeral Home, Jasper.

October 17 - We emailed directories this morning and discovered that Janis Nutt Wells first name was left out. Her phone number is also incorrect. Let us know if you want a corrected number. So sorry, Janis. Check the rest of the directory and let us know if you find other errors. If you did not get a directory email either Peggy or me and we will send you one. Leonette

Oct 16 - If you would like a directory of your classmates with phone numbers and email addresses, please email us at pjasso@hughes.net. or lnet_02@hotmail.com . We are working on the photos but there are so many and it takes a lot of time, so be patient. There are so many good ones!
Thanks, Peggy

October 15 - We are working to download as many pictures as we can onto the website. If you have really good ones send them to us. We have to delete pictures from other albums to have room for the new ones, but that's ok. Didn't we have fun!!!! Leonette

October 10 - Update, Update: We have some last minute registrations from: Leon Manning (8th grade teacher), Sandra Drewery Patterson, Mary Sue Klump Lewis, & Brenda Grimes Newberg. Better Late Than Never!

Also, have some who are unable to make it even though they registered: Sheerie Henson Sobota, Charles Stockwell, Nancy Price Smith-Day and Mary Bailey Rice. :(

October 4 - 10 days left! We have 151 paid reservations and 11 unpaid. We have to give the hotel a final head count by 10/11, so please send in your money ASAP. If you need football tickets, please let me know. We are planning Jeopardy, Clogging, Singing, Danc'n, and lots of fun! See you soon! Peggy
Also don't forget to come at 6PM Saturday night! And check out all the new stuff on the website. There are new photos in several albums and lots of new bios in Then and Now. It is so not fair how good some of our classmates look after 40 years! Leonette

September 22 - We have invited the following teachers: Clois Walker, Nolan & Virginia Alders, Joe T. Harris, Bobby Beard, Gerald Sitton, Evalyn Nichols, Mrs. Fulmer, Mrs. Adams. Mrs. Porter and Mary Spradley. If you know of any others that are still around, let me know.
Also, have extended a special invitation to Roger Dudley, Sara Bess's husband. I don't know if he will accept, but will let you know.
We have also talked to Kennie Sanford.

September 21 - Finally, we heard from Charles Gruber and he is trying to get here for the reunion. Also, Bill & Pam Pace have signed up to come and Terry Brown.

September 17 - I spoke with Ann Allen Harris recently, and she told me her brother Pat ('69 graduate) had recently passed away of a heart attack. Yesterday's paper had his death notice. He passed away on July 19, at his home in Nacogdoches. Our prayers are with you Ann! Ann's email is: ann@smokeys.org.

September 16 - Another sad note! Mrs. Mary Ellen Potts Easterly, mother of Jimmy, passed away on Thursday 9/13 in College Station. Graveside funeral services will be on Monday 9/17. Our prayers are with Jimmy & his family during this sad time. Jimmy's email is jimeasterly@gmail.com.

September 12 - Our speech and drama teacher Sara Bess Brookshire (McDougal) Dudley, 72, of Nacogdoches; died Tuesday in Nacogdoches after a long illness. I am sure many of us have fond memories of her teaching days and will remember her husband Roger in our prayers during this sad time. Click Here for her obituary

July 14 - In the time of the Beatles, our GUV'NORS were king! I am sure you saw the new Home page photo of them.

NHS Alumni Association has a collection of old annuals dating back to 1942, but is missing a few. If you have any of the following annuals and would like to donate them to NHSAA, let us know:1945, 1947, 1949, 1951, 1959, 1966,1967, 1968, 1969, 1970, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1974, 1975, 1976, 1980, 1981, 1982, and 1983.