Rosa Leonora Slusher, 89, of Midland, Texas, passed away on Wednesday, December 30, 2015. She was encircled by the security of her family’s presence in her final hours. Graveside services will be at 11a m Saturday, January 2, 2016, at Evergreen Cemetery in Paris, Texas, with Don Shelton officiating.
Leonora was born March 21, 1926, in Paris, Texas, to Jim and Dora Gladden. She married her first grade sweetheart, Jack Slusher on December 27, 1942. In May 1943, Leonora graduated from Paris High School after her hubby signed her final report card. They were married for 67 years.
Their life in Paris was similar to Andy Griffith of Mayberry. They were surrounded by a supportive family, extended family, and lifetime friends. After five years of marriage, their first born, Peggy, had center stage since she was the first grandchild on either side of the family. In 1952, Leonora and Jack received the surprise of their lives when the twins, Dana and Deborah were born. Life was good. Jack loved to rope and train cutting horses and Leonora enjoyed socializing with friends. Subsequently, a roping arena on their property was a joy to both of them.
In 1954, they moved from the lush woodlands that surrounded Paris, Texas, to Midland for the opportunities offered in the oil fields. There was abundance of job opportunities if one was willing to work hard in mud and oil. The first sighting of the West Texas landscape affirmed that the family had found the “end of the earth”. However, Jack found a job working on a pulling unit and the family found a church home at First Baptist Church. Leonora and her family were blessed with many enduring friendships through the Myrtle and Ezekiel Sunday School Classes. FBC was and still is the family’s buoy during life’s storms.
Leonora’s friends and family called her their “Fry Queen”. Saturdays were the best because she packed a picnic of fried chicken and chocolate chip cookies for her loved ones who were wearing “greasers” topped with oil from their hard hats to their steel toed boots. Many fond memories were made in the shadow of a rig.
At home, Leonora answered the company phone and radio, kept the house free of sifting sand and welcomed any stray animal, whether it was tamed or wild, into their abode; dog, cat, chicken, javalina pig, or a fawn.
In the 60’s, the family moved to the Odessa Country Club Estates. Life was great! There were horses to ride and golf courses to play. Leonora learned to play party bridge and developed a passion for the game. Then the price of oil plummeted and so did their life style.
In 1965, the family moved to Big Lake, Texas. The security of a job was the good news; the bad news was there was no housing. The only available space was in the Mustang Motel. The family lived there for six months. Leonora prepared delicious meals, using a toaster oven and electric skillet. Jack always called Leonora his “desert rose”, but she had the tenaciousness of a “cactus flower”. Shortly after settling into their home in Big Lake, Leonora was introduced to duplicate bridge and became a Certified Bridge Director and a board member of the Sue Barber Bridge Club in San Angelo, Texas.
Survivors include: daughters, Peggy Cook and Deborah Brookins, and son, Dana Slusher and wife, Melissa all of Midland, Texas; sister Willetta House and husband, Jerry House of Burnett, Texas; grandchildren, Jim Slusher and wife, Catey of Houston; Ryan Slusher of Midland, Texas; Robin Parker and husband Phillip of Austin, Texas; Alana Arguello and husband Jose of Coronado, California; James Cook and wife Lorie of Houston, Texas; Jacqueline Cook and husband Burl of Ft. Worth, Texas; and 8 great-grandchildren.
She is preceded in death by her parents, Jim and Dora Gladden of Paris and her brother, James Gladden of Paris.
Pallbearers will be: Ryan Slusher, Phillip Parker, Gary Ingram, Kenny Don Ingram and Jim Bell.
Honorary Pallbearers will be: Jim Slusher, Joe Arguello, Dr. Kyle House, Jerry House, Don Shelton, Jackie Gibson, Gary Bell, David Gist, and B.J. Avance.
Memorial donations may be made to Hospice of Midland, 911 West Texas Street, Midland, Texas 79701, or call (432-682-2855).
Arrangements are under the direction of Fry-Gibbs Funeral Home in Paris, Texas.
Online condolences can be made at: fry-gibbs@sbcglobal.net.
John Robinett Sefton, Sr. died December 30, 2015. John Sefton was born November 13, 1940 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania to Robert and Olive Sefton.
A life-long fixer of and tinkerer with all things mechanical, John loved working on cars, motors and machinery. John spent several years working at Williams Brothers Salvage after a long career in the automotive business including running his own shop on SR 271 near Powderly.
John is survived by sons Don and John, Jr. (Michele), sister Laura and brother Bob. John has three grandchildren, John Robert, Samantha Lee and Ryan Kyle.
John is preceded in death by his loving wife Sally (Bell) Sefton. Sally’s extended family brought great joy to John which includes step-daughters, Diane Williamson, Teri Chiarelli (Michael), and Patty Vaughn (Doug); son, Joe Kennedy (Debbie); nine grandchildren and fifteen great grandchildren.
Graveside services will be conducted at 11:00 A.M. Wednesday, January 6, 2016 in Evergreen Cemetery with Rev. Mickey Ellis, pastor of First Assembly of God, officiating. No set visitation has been scheduled but family and friends may come by the funeral home to view and sign the register. Services are under the direction of the Fry-Gibbs Funeral Home where online condolences may be sent by visiting www.fry-gibbs.com.
Duane Lee Smyers, 86, of Grapeland, formerly of Lamar County, passed away Tuesday, Dec. 29, 2015, at his home.
Services are scheduled for 2:00 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 3rd at Bright-Holland Funeral Home with Rev. Mark Hutchison. Burial, with military honors, will follow in Long Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the funeral home one hour prior to the service.
Mr. Smyers, the son of Murlen & Clara Pauline Coward Smyers, was born Sept. 10, 1929, in Lamar County.
He graduated from Powderly High School, later entered the United States Army, graduated from Officers Candidate School as a 2nd Lieutenant and then served in Korea from 1952-1953. Upon his honorable discharge from the military he began working in road construction. That job led to a construction company partnership, Park & Smyers Construction, which became Smyers Construction where Mr. Smyers worked until his retirement.
He was a private pilot and was active as a volunteer with the Boy Scouts of America. He was past president of the Houston Contractors Association.
Mr. Smyers was preceded in death by his parents, two sisters, Maxine Childers & husband J. T. and Nell Marie Mantooth and his dear friend, Mary Helen Rivera.
Survivors include two sons, David Smyers & wife Cynthia of Grapeland and Timothy Smyers of Grapeland, a daughter, Tracy Stubblefield & husband Allan of Katy, three grandchildren, Hannah Smyers, Hayden Smyers and John Stroble, siblings, Mart Bussell & husband Glen of Powderly, Mary Ann Parks & husband Don of Oklahoma City, OK and Butch Smyers of Apache Junction, AZ along with several nieces & nephews and a host of friends.
Casket bearers will be: David Smyers, Butch Smyers, Larry Jones, Webb Biard, Ruben Chavez and Roger Bussell.
To leave a message or tribute for the family please visit www.brighthollandfuneralhome.com.
Mary Martin Bray, 86, of Carrollton, formerly of Paris, passed away Wednesday, December 30, 2015.
Bright-Holland Funeral Home has scheduled services for 11:00 a.m. Friday, Jan. 8th, at the Open Air Chapel of Evergreen Cemetery with Patrick Cannon officiating.
Mrs. Bray, the daughter of Sam Houston & Vera Adkins Martin, was born in Fannin County.
She graduated from Roxton High School and was a member of the Church of Christ.
She married J. T. Bray in 1947, and he preceded her in death. She was also preceded in death by her parents, siblings, Gertie Lee McCord & husband Richard, Clara Franklin & husband Bob, Mabel Sessums & husband Loyd and Sammye Bannantine and a brother-in-law, George McGlothin.
Survivors include a daughter, Vicki Adcock & husband Ronnie, siblings, Louise McGlothin, Jeanette Wisely & husband Dan, L. C. Martin & wife Jenny, Gerald Martin & wife Jean, and Jerry Martin. Survivors also include George Bannantine, a brother-in-law & wife Almedia along with numerous nieces & nephews.
In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that donations be made to Arms of Hope, a not-for-profit Christian care organization that assists children and single-mother families in need.
Arms of Hope
21300 State Highway 16 North
Medina, TX 78055-3820
armsofhope.org
To leave a message or tribute for the family please visit www.brighthollandfuneralhome.com.
