Obituary: W. Odell Kelley, 1913 – 2010

Image: W. Odell Kelley, 1913-2010

W. Odell Kelley, age 97, of Italy, passed away Friday, December 03, 2010 at Trinity Mission Health and Rehab. He was born June 27, 1913 in Birome, Texas to W. O. and Etta McCrakken Kelley. Odell was a lifetime member of the Italy Church of Christ.

Obituary: Emma Jean Davis, 1925 – 2010

Image: Emma Jean Davis, 1925 – 2010

Emma Jean Davis, age 85, of Italy, passed away Monday, November 15, 2010 in Mansfield, Texas. She was born July 13, 1925 in Lancaster, Texas to James Lynn and Lottie Mae (Wade) Weaver. Emma was a member of the First United Methodist Church of Italy.

Obituary: Johnny Roy Hooks, 1946 – 2010

Johnny Roy Hooks entered this life on March 4, 1946 to the parents of Arthur Lee and Della Mae Hooks in Palestine. Johnny received his education in Italy and graduated from Stafford High School. He started his career in the United States Air Force where he served four years as a Military Police Officer. He then met and married Dorothy Jean Watkins and to this union one child was born, Jennifer.

Obituary: Rufus Loyd Davidson, 1927 – 2010

Image: Gladiator fan passes — Former maintenance director for Italy ISD and Gladiator baseball and football coach, Loyd Davidson, is shown here throwing out the first pitch at a Gladiator baseball game this past spring.

Rufus Loyd Davidson, age 83, of Italy, passed away Friday, October 08, 2010 at Trinity Mission Health and Rehab. Loyd was born May 11, 1927 in Frost. He retired from Italy High School after 30 years of service. He loved Italy Athletics and all of the students. He was a member of the Central Baptist Church of Italy. Loyd was a loving husband, father and grandfather.

Obituary: James Marvin Helms, 1957 – 2010

Image: James Marvin Helms, 1957-2010

James Marvin Helms, age 53, of Italy, passed away Wednesday, September 29, 2010 in Waxahachie. He was born March 14, 1957 in Waxahachie to James Wendell Helms and Norma Sue Cates. James Marvin was formerly employed with H & H Oil in Waxahachie as a construction superintendant and Estes Electric as a master electrician. He loved building and racing dragsters. James Marvin was a loving son, father, grandfather and brother.

Obituary: Elaine “Lanie” Norcross, 1942 – 2010

Elaine “Lanie” Norcross, age 68, of Ennis, passed away Saturday, September 25, 2010 at Baylor Medical Center in Dallas. She was born May 28, 1942 in Houston, Texas to Samuel P. and Iva Lee (Wright) Norcross. Lanie was a loving mother, grandmother and sister. She loved to read and spend time with her grandsons, travel with her sister and was always caring for others. Lanie was a devoted Christian who is now sleeping in the arms of Jesus.

Obituary: Bernyce Ewing Crownover, 1926 – 2010

Image: Bernyce Ewing Crownover, 1926-2010

Bernyce Ewing Crownover, 83 of Waxahachie, formerly of Italy, passed away Thursday, September 23, 2010 at her residence surrounded by her family. She was born on November 28, 1926 in Proctor, Texas to the late Richard B. and Allie Morgan Ewing.

Obituary: Bobby Lee Barnhart, 1946 – 2010

Bobby Lee Barnhart, age 63, of Italy, passed away Thursday, September 9, 2010 at Baylor University Medical Center in Dallas.  He was born October 2, 1946 in Columbus, Indiana to Karrell and Angie Marie (Pedigo) Barnhart.  

Obituary: Carolyn Sue Garrick , 1932 – 2010

Image: Carolyn Sue Garrick, 1932-2010

Carolyn Sue Garrick, 77 of Waxahachie, passed away Thursday, August 19, 2010 at Baylor Medical Center of Waxahachie. She was born to the late Robert Q. & Rachael Muirhead Hankins on November 6, 1932 in Dallas, Texas.

Obituary: Gayla Holley Tekell, 1961 – 2010

Image: Gayla Holley Tekell 1961-2010

Gayla Holley Tekell, 48, passed away Aug 17, 2010 in her home. She was born Oct 7, 1961 in Waco to Weldon Wayne Holley and Frances Moore Holley. Gayla attended Italy High School and acquired a BA at Baylor University and an MA at UNT. Visitation will be Thursday, August 19, 2010 from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at DeBerry Funeral Home, 2025 W. Unviersity Drive in Denton.

Obituary: Nettie Sue Jenkins, 1928 – 2010

Image: Nettie Sue Jenkins, 1928-2010

Nettie Sue Hollingsworth Jenkins, age 82, of Italy, passed away Wednesday, July 28, 2010 at Trinity Mission Health and Rehab. She was born June 26, 1928 in Frost, Texas to James Clint and Nettie Ethel (Pevehouse) Hollingsworth. She married Glenn Gilbert Jenkins on March 12, 1946 and was a longtime resident of Italy.

Obituary: Bobbie Dorothy Thompson, 1927-2010

Bobbie Dorothy Thompson, age 83, of Italy, passed away Tuesday, July 20, 2010 at Baylor University Medical Center in Dallas. She was born January 8, 1927 in Waxahachie to Robert Kelley and Myrtle Woods. She was a member of the DAV, the Italy Cemetery Association and the Central Baptist Church. Bobbie was a loving wife, mother and grandmother.

Obituary: George Roland Green III, 1955-2010

Image: Roland Green, 1955-2010

George Roland Green III, a long time resident of Italy, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, July 20, 2010 at his home surrounded by family and friends. Roland was born August 16, 1955 in Cleburne, Texas to the late George R. Green, Jr. and Oneta (Gardner) Green. He graduated from Italy High School in 1974, was a longtime employee at Tyler Refrigeration in Waxahachie and was employed by Dart Container Corp in Waxahachie, at the time of his death. He married Susan Buie on December 8, 1978 in Ardmore, Oklahoma.

Obituary: Travis Keith Wolfe, 1952-2010

Image: Keith Wolfe, 1952-2010

Coach Keith Wolfe, age 57, of Italy, passed away Sunday, July 18, 2010 at his home. He was born August 2, 1952 in Houston to James Robert and Betty (Harvey) Wolfe. He retired from teaching and coaching after 30 years. He was an avid Rangers fan, loved coaching and was a great Dad.

Obituary: Joe Wesley Speed, 1915-2010

Joe Wesley Speed was born December 12, 1915 to the parentage of William Calahan and Effie King Speed in Kossee, Texas (Limestone County). He relocated to Ellis County and joined the Army where he completed his education under the GI Bill. While serving in the Army, he earned a brown belt in judo and received the “Asiatic Pacific Campaign Meal”-WWII ribbon.

Obituary: Elizabeth Lorene Winchester, 1936-2010

Image: Elizabeth Lorene Winchester

Elizabeth Lorene Winchester, age 74, of Milford, passed away early Tuesday morning, June 8, 2010 at her home. She was born May 20, 1936 in Jack County to Hamp and Loretta Frances Hufhines. She was a member of the First Baptist Church in Milford. Elizabeth was a loving wife, mother and Nanny.

Shelley Nance Memorial Tree Dedication

Image: A portrait of Samantha Nance on display next to her tree — A portrait of Samantha (Shelley) Nance stands next to the tree dedicated in Shelley’s memory that was planted in the courtyard at Italy High School to commemorate her amazing life that ended much to soon in the fall of 2009.

Samantha (Shelley) Nance, a brilliant artist and a 2007 IHS graduate, will continue to be lovingly remembered after her Memorial Garden dedication ceremony at Italy High School on Monday, May 24, held to honor her life.

Obituary: Ray A. Scott, 1938 – 2010

Image: Ray A. Scott, 1938 – 2010

Ray A. Scott, age 72, of Irene, was born in Waxahachie on April 28, 1938 to Gertie Bell and Oscar Lee Scott. He passed away Monday, May 3, 2010 at his home. He was a loving husband, father and grandfather and never met a stranger.

Obituary: Lillie Speer, 1913 – 2010

Lillie (Nenaw) Speer, age 96, of Italy, passed away Wednesday, April 7, 2010 at Trinity Mission Health and Rehab. She was born June 2, 1913 in Mt. Pleasant, Texas. Lillie owned and operated the Dairy Inn for many years and befriended numerous people including the railroad crew. Gardening was one of her passions in life. She was an amazing woman and loved by all.

Obituary: Florence Bigham, 1921 – 2010

Mrs. Florence Bigham, age 89, of Italy, passed away early Wednesday morning April 07, 2010 at Methodist Charlton Medical Center in Dallas. She was born March 20, 1921 in Batavia, Iowa to Joseph Ira and Etta Hite Francis. Mrs. Bigham was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Italy.

Obituary: Charlotte Rosson, 1943 – 2010

Image: Charlotte Rosson, 1943-2010

Charlotte Rosson, age 66, of Milford, passed away Sunday, March 21, 2010 at her home. She was born September 9, 1943 in Waxahachie to Joe F. and Dollie Mae (Potter) Rosson. Charlotte was a member of the Milford Presbyterian Church, where she served as the church treasurer and organist.

Obituary: Melvin Junior Langley, 1940 – 2010

Melvin Junior “Pepe” Langley, age 70, of Italy, passed away Saturday evening, March 13, 2010 at Baylor Medical Center, Waxahachie. He was born February 11, 1940 in Centerville, Texas to Johnny C. and Mertie Lee (Bush) Langley. He married Carolyn Fulton in Corsicana on July 2, 1971. He retired from Dart Container in 2005 after 15 years of service.

Roger Dale Hall, 1951 – 2010

Image: Roger Dale Hall, 1951 – 2010

Roger Dale Hall, age 58, of Italy, went to be with our Heavenly Father February 25, 2010. He was born Sept. 1, 1951 in Goodwater, Alabama to Jim W. and Alma Lee (Creel) Hall. He proudly served in the U. S. Army in Vietnam and in the U. S. Navy on the USS John F. Kennedy, receiving honorable discharges from both branches of service.

Obituary: Floyd Mitchell Yarbrough, 1947 – 2010

Image: Floyd Mitchell Yarbrough, 1947-2010

Floyd Mitchell Yarbrough, age 62, a long time resident of Waxahachie, passed away Thursday, February 25, 2010 at Baylor Medical Center of Waxahachie. He was born May 15, 1947 to G. W. and Francis (McCain) Yarbrough in Waxahachie, Texas. Floyd graduated from Italy High School in 1965 and attended Navarro College.

Obituary: Maulene Cummings Frazier, 1933 – 2010

Image: Maulene Cummings Frazier, 1933 – 2010

Maulene Cummings Frazier was born on March 6, 1933 in Fayette County, Texas to Mose Cummings and Frances Leonard Cummings. She received her formal education at Stafford School in Italy and graduated from Oaklawn High School in Waxahachie.

Obituary: Jerry Michael Huffman, 1960-2010

Image: Jerry Michael Huffman, 1960-2010

Jerry Michael Huffman, age 49, of Italy, passed away Monday, February 1, 2010 at Baylor Medical Center in Waxahachie. He was born August 24, 1960 in Dallas to William Jerry and Imogene (Boyd) Huffman.

Obituary: Edna Yarbrough, 1927-2010

Image: Edna Yarbrough, 1927-2010

Edna Yarbrough, age 82 of Italy, passed away Thursday, January 21, 2010 at her daughter’s home in Italy. She was born on October 5, 1927 in Italy, Texas to Nolie and Nora (Holley) Gardner. She worked many years at Haggar Slacks. Edna and Olen owned and operated the Yarbrough City Café. She was lifelong member of the Italy Church of Christ.

Obituary: Harlan L. Presley, 1917-2010

Image: Harlan L. Presley, 1917-2010

Harlan L. Presley, age 92, of Italy, passed away Tuesday, January 19, 2010 at Trinity Mission Health and Rehab. Harlan was born June 22, 1917 in Dalton, GA to B. and Onie (Cole) Presley. He married Wynell Bradley in June 1940.

Obituary: Dorothy Guthrie, 1925-2009

Image: Dorothy Guthrie, 1925-2009

Dorothy Guthrie, age 84, of Italy, passed away Monday, December 21, 2009 at Baylor Medical Center in Waxahachie. She was born March 27, 1925 in Italy to Charles H. and Jennie (Wilhoit) Abbott. Dorothy was a loving wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother. She was a member of the First Assembly of God Church in Italy.

Obituary: Bobby Warren Itson, 1948-2009

Image: Bobby Warren Itson — This ultimate Gladiator fan, passed away on Thursday, December 3, 2009.

Bobby Warren Itson, age 61, of Italy passed away Thursday evening, December 3, 2009 at his home. He was born September 18, 1948 in Avalon to Charley Warren and Billie Maxine (Smith) Itson. He was a graduate of Italy High School and attended all sports events. He was the #1 Italy Gladiator sports fan.

Obituary: Joe Coffman, 1941-2009

Image:

Joe Coffman, age 68, of Italy, passed away at his home Thursday evening, November 12, 2009. He was born July 15, 1941 in Adona, Arkansas to Lawson and Annie (Fischer) Coffman. Joe had lived in Italy for 34 years and been employed with Chaparral Steel for 28 years. He married Janet McNeely on January 15, 1982 in Italy. Joe enjoyed fishing, gardening and country music.

Obituary: Flavia Tovar Gonzales, 1931-2009

Image: Flavia Tovar Gonzales, 1931-2009

Flavia Tovar Gonzales, age 78, of Waxahachie, passed away Sunday, October 18, 2009 at her home. She was born October 5, 1931 in Italy, Texas to Eugene Tovar and Paulina Ramos. Flavia was a member of the St. Joseph Catholic Church and also the Altar Society.

Obituary: Sara Tovar, 1951 – 2009

Image: Sara Tovar, 1951 – 2009

Sara Tovar, age 57, of Italy, passed away Tuesday, October 13, 2009 at Baylor Medical Center in Waxahachie. She was born October 30, 1951 in Italy to Eugenio and Cipriana (Tabarez) Tovar. She was a member of the Epiphany Mission Catholic Church in Italy.

Obituary: Zack W. McConnell, 1921 – 2009

Image: Zack W. McConnell, 1921 – 2009

Zack W. McConnell, age 88, of Italy, passed away Tuesday, October 13, 2009 at his home. He was born January 25, 1921 in Gunter, Texas to Gilbert and Ada (Forbes) McConnell. Zack was a dedicated family man, Christian and a well respected business owner of McConnell Furniture in Italy, Texas for over 50 years

Obituary: Dorothy Jo Carter McConnell, 1922 – 2009

Image: Dorothy Jo Carter McConnell, 1922 – 2009

Dorothy Jo Carter McConnell, 87, a long time resident of Italy, Texas, died peacefully at her home on Sunday, October 11, 2009. She was born to the late Luin Alexander Carter and Martha Grace McSpadden Carter, on August 18, 1922 in Van Buren, Missouri.

Obituary: Billy Ray Bradley, 1930 – 2009

Billy Ray Bradley, age 79, of Milford, passed away Friday, October 9, 2009 at Baylor Medical Center in Waxahachie. Billy Ray was a longtime member of First Baptist Church of Milford where he served as a Deacon. He was a member of the Milford Cemetery Association and an active member of the Senior Citizens Center of Milford. He retired from TXU in 1987 after 35 years. Billy Ray was a longtime Funeral Attendant for Boze-Mitchell-McKibbin Funeral Home.

Obituary: Lawrence Earl Boyd, Jr., 1956 – 2009

Lawrence Earl Boyd, Jr., age 53, of Waxahachie, passed away Thursday, September 24, 2009 at his home. He was born March 31, 1956 in Dallas, Texas to Lawrence Earl Boyd, Sr. and Wanda Perryman Boyd. He was a member of the First Baptist Church of Italy and the Oaks Fellowship. He had been married to Carolyn (Bryan) Boyd for 25 years.

Obituary: Samantha Michelle “Shelley” Nance, 1989-2009

Image: Shelley Nance — Funeral services for Shelley will be on Thursday, September 17, 2009, 2:00pm, at Central Baptist Church, Italy, Texas.

This loving young soul was taken away too early from us, Samantha Michelle (Shelley) Nance, went to be with the lord on Sept. 11, 2009. Shelley was an award winning artist. She was a student at the Art Institute of Dallas. She was majoring in multi-media arts and animation. She loved animals, computers, and anything to do with art. This 20 yr old woman was well on her way to achieving her life’s dreams of being an artist.

Class of 2007 plans tribute

Image: Classmate and friend — Donations for the Shelley Nance Memorial-Class of 2007 may be made at Citizens National Bank.

When several members of the Italy High School Class of 2007 heard that one of their classmates had died, they were shocked and saddened. They could not imagine Samantha Michelle Nance (Shelley) not being with them anymore. As they heard the reports of her murder, they questioned why.

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Obituary: Mary Lou Gillespie, 1926-2009

Mary Lou Gillespie, 83, passed away Saturday, September 12, 2009 at her home in Avalon. She was born in Bardwell, Texas on July 31, 1926. Her parents were Clarence and Mayme (Aldridge) Cunningham. Mary Lou graduated from Bardwell High School in 1943.