ANNOUNCEMENTS
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Linda was the mother of alumni Sherry Hicks ('84) and Audra Johns ('86). Please keep this family in your prayers through this trying time.
Linda Lee Humphreys Johnson went to be with Jesus on March 18, 2024 in her sleep at her daughters home in Nolan Divide.
She married James "Hookey" Johnson on June 4th, 1965 in Abilene Texas. They went on to build their little family in Buffalo Gap, Texas where she still resided. Our mom loved God with all her heart and she was an amazing wife and mother. She took wonderful care of our daddy until his passing in June of 2019. After his passing our momma loved serving in many different areas with her daughters at Beltway Park Church such as Benevolence, Kiors Outside, and Earth Angels, which is a ministry that my sister started to help people in nursing homes that have little to no visitation or anyone to love on them. Our momma loved loving on people.
She retired from First National Bank after 20 plus years to hang out with our daddy doing the things that they enjoyed together, which was fishing , camping and visiting their friends and family. She was a proud Abilene High Eagle and was always rooting for them but nothing like she rooted for her daughters.
She was proceeded in death by her husband of 54 years, James Johnson: a granddaughter, Dannielle Ledbetter: a grandson, Colt Davis: her parents, Dale and Polly Humphreys: several brother-in-laws, sister-in-laws, many other beloved family members.
She leaves behind her daughters, Sherry Johnson Hicks of Buffalo Gap, Audra Johns of Nolan Divide. Three granddaughers, Ashten Jenkins of Merkel, Tx: Allicia Cannon of Sweetwater, Tx: Michelle Ledbetter of Sweetwater, Tx: Six grandchildren, Callan and Linlee Jenkins, Zachary, Stokely and Brody Pierce and Alyssa Ledbetter. One uncle, Burl McWilliams and a cousin Sharron Ellison.
We really want to say thank you to all the Beltway staff that took time out of their day to sit and visit with her on a daily basis. We also want to thank Randy Turner, for doing her service and Fry-Smith Funeral Home for taking such good care of her.
In Lieu of Flowers, please donate to your favorite charity.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Linda Johnson, please visit our flower store.
Visitation
Wednesday, March 20, 2024
5:00 - 7:00 pm (Central time)
Fry~Smith Funeral Home
502 KENT AVE, Tuscola, TX 79562
Graveside Service
Thursday, March 21, 2024
1:00 - 5:00 pm (Central time)
Buffalo Gap Cemetery
FM 89, Buffalo Gap, TX 7950
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Class Of 1991 |
Raul Ochoa, Jr.
(September 9, 1972 ~ March 16, 2024)
Raul, son of Raul Ochoa, Sr. and Nenia Martinez, married Robin Dianne Cochran and will be buried in Tuscola Cemetery, Tuscola, Taylor County, Texas.
Raul Ochoa Jr, 51, gained his wings and arrived at heavens gates on Saturday, March 16, 2024 peacefully after fighting a long, hard two year battle with liver cancer. A vistitation will be held at Southern Hills Church of Christ at 10:00am on Friday, March 22, 2024 with a service to follow at 11:00am. A graveside service will be held at 2:00pm at the Tuscola Cemetery.
Raul was born on September 9, 1972 in Abilene, Texas to Raul Sr. and Nenia Ochoa.
He was a proud Jim Ned alum class of 1991. Raul was a caring and encouraging father and a loving and nurturing husband. He never met a stranger. He would welcome you with open arms and never judged a soul. He was courageous and resilient, and always stayed positive no matter the situation or circumstances. He always kept his same goofy personality and could always make you laugh. His best friends were his children and his grandkids.
He was survived by his wife Robin Ochoa, parents Raul Ochoa Sr and Nenia Ochoa, brothers Tony Garza and Bobby Ochoa Sr., sister April Ochoa, children Garrett Cochran and wife Kaylea Burks, Faith Ochoa and husband Tanner Rees, Raul Ochoa III and wife Cheyanna Ochoa and grandchildren Haizlie Cochran, Drew Cochran, Colson Rees, and Karter Rees.
Raul was dearly loved and will be greatly missed by his family and friends.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Raul Ochoa, please visit our flower store.
Visitation
Friday, March 22, 2024
10:00 - 11:00 am (Central time)
Southern Hills Church of Christ
3666 Buffalo Gap Road, 3364 Buffalo Gap Road, Abilene, TX 79605
Funeral Service
Friday, March 22, 2024
11:00am - 12:30 pm (Central time)
Southern Hills Church of Christ
3666 Buffalo Gap Road, 3364 Buffalo Gap Road, Abilene, TX 79605
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Sherry was the wife of alumni Lanny Aldridge ('66). Please keep the family in your prayers.
Sherry Aldridge
November 15, 1950 — March 12, 2024
GOLDSBORO: Sherry Marie Aldridge, a beloved wife, mother, sister, and friend, passed away on March 12, 2024. Born in Abilene on November 15, 1950, she was a beacon of light in the lives of all who knew her. Sherry was a graduate of Copper High School and went on to marry the love of her life, Lanny Aldridge, on July 18, 1969. Together, they raised two wonderful sons, Curry and Ryan.
A dedicated homemaker, Sherry's unwavering love and support were a constant source of strength for her family. Lanny often referred to her as his rock, showcasing the deep bond they shared. Their love story began over a pink cookie at Mac Eplen's and blossomed into a lifetime of cherished memories.
Sherry was a vibrant soul, always eager to lend a helping hand and spread joy wherever she went. She had a passion for gardening and spending time outdoors, tending to her livestock and immersing herself in the beauty of nature. A voracious reader, Sherry found solace in the pages of the Bible and a good book,
She is survived by her loving husband, Lanny, her adoring sons Curry and wife Shana and Ryan and wife Liz, grandchildren Cade, Reese, Colton, and Abby, her brother Tommy Thompson and wife Diane, sister-in-law Pam Guffey and husband Joe, and brother-in-law Leland Hastings.
She is preceded in death by her parents and sister-in-law Sarah Hastings.
In celebration of her life, a Funeral Service will be held at Lawn Baptist Church on March 16, 2024, at 1:30 pm. Prior to the service, a Visitation will take place at Fry~Smith Funeral Home on March 15, 2024, at 5:00 pm. Following the funeral, Sherry will be laid to rest at Counts Cemetery.
Sherry's spirit will forever resonate in the hearts of those who were privileged to know her, mainly her love for the Lord, kindness, warmth, and unwavering love will be her lasting legacy. She will be dearly missed by all who were blessed to have her in their lives.
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Class Of 2000 |
Crystal Layne Young Hickerson
(February 18, 1982 ~ February 5, 2024)
Crystal, daughter of Mark Edward Young and Polly Dee Hanson.
Crystal Layne Young Hickerson came into this world on February 18, 1982, in Amarillo, Texas. As in everything she did, she came in on her own terms, a gentle force determined to make a mark in this life. She ended her journey on February 5, 2024, in Abilene, Texas.
It has been said, “Wherever a beautiful soul has been there is a trail of beautiful memories.” Crystal’s trail is wide and strewn with many marvelous memories. From an early age it was clear she loved learning and excelled in academics. Valedictorian of her class at Jim Ned High School, graduating with honors from Abilene Christian University, a masters from State University of New York (Buffalo), and a PhD from the University of California, Irvine were her credentials. In the middle of all this, she spread her knowledge through two years in the Peace Corps serving in Namibia, 18 months teaching university classes in Paris, France, 18 months teaching in Santiago, Chile, and completing seven years of teaching in the UCI system.
Crystal loved nature and loved kids and she became a charter member of the Muya Nature charter school where she taught through experience, songs, writings and storytelling. With everything she did, her joy for learning and teaching shined. She lived and taught as a free spirit.
Music was an integral part of her being; she was an accomplished saxophonist, sang with a voice that made meadowlarks envious, and used songs to teach lessons, to inspire, and to incite joy. A conversation with her would often be accented by a ditty inserted into it which would make you smile and wonder if you were about to be in a flash mob.
Her greatest achievement was being a mom. Her two daughters, Elle and Billie, were her life and joy. She left academia to teach in the nature school so her daughters could experience this world outside of a standard classroom. She took them camping, hiking, and on many adventures so they could enjoy this earth we walk upon. It is hard to find photos of her without her two loves sharing the moment with her.
Crystal is survived by her two daughters; Elle Simone Hickerson and Billie Holliday Hickerson, and their father, Jason Hickerson, of California.
She leaves behind her siblings; Kacey Young Marshall, Kara Young, Jeremiah Young, Luke Marshall, and Zan Marshall. Her parents; Mark and Twyla Young of Abilene and Polly Young of San Antonio. Multiple aunts, uncles, cousins and nieces. And her California family who may not have been born into her family but were her family in spirit.
An outdoor celebration of Crystal’s life will be held on Wednesday, February 7, 1-3 p.m. at the Old Settlers Campground in Buffalo Gap.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests you make a donation in her honor at a charity of your choice. If you need suggestions, she was a fan of the mission of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Abilene and the mission of the Hendricks Hospice facility.
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James was the father of alumni David ('79), Tonja ('82) and Mike Stamey ('84). Please keep the family in your prayers.
James Stamey
A memorial visitation for James Edgar Stamey, 85, of Burleson, Texas will be held from 6-8 PM, Wednesday, March 6, 2024 in the Rosser Funeral Home Chapel.
James Edgar Stamey passed away peacefully in Burleson, Texas with his family by his side on Friday, March 1, 2024. He was born on December 1, 1938 in Clarkesville, Georgia to David Edgar and Rosalee (Parker) Stamey.
James served his country proudly in the United States Air Force and was a retired Texas State Park Ranger. He was preceded in death by his parents and his beloved wife, Brenda Gayle Jones Stamey in 2004.
James Stamey
James Edgar “Jim” Stamey, 85, of Burleson, Texas peacefully passed away Friday, March 1, 2024, while staying with his daughter.
A visitation will be held from 6 – 8 p.m. Wednesday, March 6, 2024, at Rosser Funeral Home. The family will have a private memorial/burial at a later time.
On December 1, 1938, Jim was born to David Edgar Stamey and Rosalee Parker Stamey of Habersham County, Clarksville, Georgia.
Jim was a graduate of North Habersham High School. He was voted Most Popular and was President of the FFA chapter of North Habersham High School.
After graduation, Jim joined the United States Air Force where he served for four years. He was last stationed at Dyess Air Force Base in Abilene, Texas. There he met and married Brenda Gayle Jones in 1959. They began their life together in Abilene and raised three children in Elm Valley near Tuscola and the Buffalo Gap area while working in the family business, Heart of Texas Fryers.
Jim and his family moved to the Cleburne area in 1983. He was a plumbing salesman and a journeyman plumber for several years. Jim’s most rewarding job and the one he retired from as a State of Texas Park Ranger at the Cleburne State Park.
Jim is preceded in death by his wonderful wife of 44 years, Brenda Gayle Jones Stamey, who passed in 2004. He is also preceded by his parents and younger brother Michael “Mickey” Stamey of Georgia.
Surviving family are his three children, David Stamey of Cleburne, Tonja Stamey Kacsir and spouse, Doug, of Burleson, Texas, and Michael Stamey and spouse, Debbie, also of Burleson; brothers, John Stamey and spouse, Thelma, Bill Stamey and spouse, Nadine, and Bob Stamey and spouse, Micki, all of Georgia; and sister, Shirley Stamey Grant, also of Georgia.
Jim and Brenda were blessed with nine beautiful grandchildren, Cody, Skye, Bryce, Chris, James, Zak, Ariel, Ethan, and Erin and their families, including 21 great grandchildren.
Jim’s family wishes to thank you for your prayers and love during this time of loss.
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Marissa Lynn Thomas
**2023-2024 JN Alumni Board Members**
Marissa Thomas Davis-President
Chantel Gallaway- Secretary
Telitha Webb-Treasurer
Lynsie Rice Paylor-Event Coordinator
Juliann Kelley-Event Co-Coordinator
Justin Caraway-Entertainment Coordindator
Thanks to Crystal Stanaland for serving on the Alumni Board for many years. We appreciate your time and hard work! She deserves a much needed break!
Everyone is looking forward to working together! We can't wait to let everyone know what we have in the works for the upcoming year! With y'all's support, we can do big things! More details coming soon about the Jim Ned Alumni Scholarship being given this May!! Go! Big Red!!
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