•

•

Please keep the Eaton family in prayer.  She was the wife of Merrill (1972), mother of Jeremy (1994) and Lindsey (2000).

Christi Anne Eaton (Fuller), age 72, peacefully passed away on August 12, 2026, after a swift and courageous battle with Alzheimer's disease. She has been wonderfully reunited with the love of her life, eternally serving their Lord Jesus Christ.

Raised in Gorman, Texas, Christi was the cherished daughter of Claude and Juanita Fuller. Growing up, her foundation of faith was formed at Kokomo Baptist Church and First Baptist Church of Gorman.

While attending Tarleton State University, Christi met her true love, Merril Wayne Eaton. Though they separated for a brief time, they reconnected after college and were married on June 9, 1979. Soon after, Wayne lovingly adopted Christi's son, Jeremy Chad. Their beautiful love story continued to grow as they welcomed their daughter, Lindsey.

Christi was fiercely dedicated to everything she did. Throughout her life, she worked hard as a respiratory therapist, a secretary at Gooch Packing, and a title manager at Corley Wetsel Freightliner. She also loved serving her community through the Beta Sigma Phi non-collegiate sorority in her younger years, and faithfully served the Lord at First Baptist Church of Tuscola.

In her youth, Christi was carefree, fun-loving, and proudly opinionated. However, when she became a mother and grandmother, she found her ultimate calling. She took on her role as the matriarch with fierce devotion, protecting, providing for, and passionately loving her family.

Christi's heart was left incomplete after Wayne passed away, and Alzheimer's quickly consumed her final days. Today, her heart is completely whole once more. She leaves behind a beautiful legacy of serving the Lord, loving people, and glorifying God in all things.

Christi is survived by her devoted children, Jeremy Chad Eaton and Lindsey Eaton Braden, along with Lindsey's husband, John Braden. She was the incredibly proud grandmother of Nya Maria Eaton (daughter of Jeremy), and Bristol and Tyson Braden (children of John and Lindsey). She is also survived by her brother, Rickey Fuller, and her nephews, Wesley and Kevin Fuller. She was preceded in death by her parents, Claude and Juanita Fuller, and her beloved husband, Merril Wayne Eaton.

In lieu of flowers donations can be sent to First Baptist Church of Tuscola, 702 Kent Ave, Tuscola, Tx 79562 or to Rogers Cemetery, c/o Judy Cumby, 326 FM 614, Ovalo, TX 79541.

•

Please keep Judy White's family in prayer.  She was the mother of Bill Teague (1986) and Tricia Teague (1990) who attended Jim Ned.

Abilene, Tx -Judy Gaynell White, 75, passed away July 20, 2026.

In Loving Memory of Judy Gaynell (Edwards) White

October 16, 1950 – July 20, 2026

Judy Gaynell (Edwards) White, 75, of Abilene, Texas, passed away peacefully in her home on July 20, 2026.

Born on October 16, 1950, in Wichita Falls, Texas, Judy lived a life defined by love, devotion, and family. She spent many years serving her community through the United States Postal Service before retiring. Though she enjoyed a successful career, nothing brought her greater happiness than the people she loved.

Judy was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother whose heart was always with her family. She loved her husband, Therion, fiercely, and together they shared a beautiful life filled with dancing to country music, listening to old western songs, and making memories that would last a lifetime. Her grandchildren and great-grandchildren were the center of her world, and she cherished every moment she spent with them. Whether it was sharing stories, celebrating milestones, or simply being together, her greatest joy came from seeing her family happy.

She is survived by her sons, Bill Teague and wife, Michelle, and Tanner White and wife, Kristen.

She is also survived by her beloved grandchildren, Breanna McClain (Husband Bryon McClain), Kelsie Teague, Dakotah Allen, Deryk Allen, Khloe White, Easton White, Emerson White, and Waylon White.

Her cherished great-grandchildren Avery McClain, and Maddison McClain.

Judy is also survived by her sisters, Kathy Jacobsen and husband, Bob; Allene Bridges and husband, Kenny; Bobbie Bogle and husband, Therron; Becky White; along with numerous nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends who will miss her greatly.

She was preceded in death by her loving parents Ed and Ellen Edwards, beloved husband, Therion James White; her daughter, Tricia Teague; and her sister, Billie Pippin (Husband Jester Pippin).

A Memorial Service celebrating Judy's life will be held on Sunday, August 2, from 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Potosi Community Center.

A burial service will follow on August 14 at 10:00 a.m. at Elmwood Funeral Home, where Judy and Therion's urns will be laid to rest together, reunited side by side.

Judy's kindness, strength, unwavering love, and gentle spirit will live on in the hearts of everyone who had the privilege of knowing her. Although she will be deeply missed, her family finds peace in knowing she has been reunited with the love of her life.

"Together again, they walk hand in hand in eternal peace. After years of long separation, she has finally returned to the side of her beloved husband, where her heart always truly belonged."

Forever loved. Forever missed. Forever in our hearts.

Arrangements with Girdner Funeral Home, Abilene.

•

Please keep the Jowers family in prayer.  Wayne was the father of Kim (1986), Julia (1990), Dennis (1999) and Chris (2001).

Lee Wayne Jowers, a cherished husband, father, and friend, passed away peacefully on July 4, 2026, at the age of 86. He was born on April 23, 1940, in Abilene, TX, and later moved to Ranger in 1953. Wayne graduated from Ranger High School in 1958. He attended Ranger Junior College before returning to Abilene, where he attended Hardin-Simmons University.

Wayne dedicated many years of his life to a rewarding career, first serving as a firefighter for four years before transitioning into his true passion as a draftsman. He worked for several architectural and engineering firms throughout a distinguished 45-year career, always bringing creativity and precision to his work.

Outside of his professional life, Wayne found joy in fishing and golf, embracing the simple pleasures of life. He also enjoyed stock shows and was often found helping his four children and two of his grandchildren raise and show steers. He was known for his infectious smile and his favorite saying, "It takes less muscles to smile than frown," a testament to his optimistic spirit. He was also often found eating a hamburger at Vickie's in Tuscola, where he took time to visit with his friends. It was Friday nights in the fall that he loved the most while hanging on the fence with the other guys watching the Jim Ned Indians play football.

Wayne leaves behind his beloved wife, Nancy Jowers, and their children: Kim Eshelman, Julia Parker and husband Mat, Dennis Jowers, Chris Jowers and wife Erin; and his brother Charles Jowers and wife Jeanne. He also leaves behind grandchildren Keely and Ben Eshelman, Payton, Noah and Camden Parker, Lily Jowers, and Wrenly Jowers. He also leaves behind great-grandchildren Rue and Rayne Parker. He is also survived by many cousins, nieces, and nephews. Wayne was preceded in death by his parents, Wayland and Lorene Jowers. He will be deeply missed by his family and all who had the privilege of knowing him.

Funeral services will be held on July 11, 2026, at Lawn Baptist Church. Family visitation will take place at 9:00 AM, followed by the service at 9:30 AM. Following the service, Wayne will be laid to rest at the cemetery located on Highway 83 in Tuscola, Texas. Pallbearers for the service will be Dennis Jowers, Chris Jowers, Payton Parker, Noah Parker, Camden Parker, Ben Eshelman, and Spencer McCulloch. Honorary pallbearers will be Clay Jowers, Jim Hudson, Randy Doan, Karley Clearman, Mike Peterson, Wes Gryder, and Lynn Walling.

In celebrating the life of Wayne Jowers, we honor a man who touched many hearts, brought laughter and wisdom to our lives, and whose legacy will continue to shine brightly in our memories.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Lawn Baptist Church building fund.

•

•

Jim Ned Alumni Association

**2025-2026 JN Alumni Board Members**

Marissa Lynn Thomas - President

Kyle Burleson - Secretary

Juliann Kelley - Treasurer

Chantel Gallaway - Parade Co-Chair

Shanie Cannon Cunningham - Parade Co-Chair

•