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ANNOUNCEMENTS
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| Class Of 1975 |
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Mary Gale Watson Jones Matulka
(February 11, 1957 ~ October 17, 2026)
Mary, daughter of James Robert Watson and Kara Gale Murphy, married 1st to Harvey Duane Jones, married 2nd to Gerald R. 'Jerry' Matulka and will be buried in Assumption Catholic Cemetery, Dwight, Butler County, Nebraska.
 Mary Matulka, 69 of Northborough, MA passed away on Saturday, October 17, 2026.
Visitation will be from 9-10am, Saturday, October 24th at St. Mary's Catholic Church in David City, Nebraska. A Rosary service will be held at 10:00am at St. Mary's Catholic Church and the funeral mass will follow at 10:30am with the burial at Assumption Catholic Cemetery in Dwight, Nebraska. A funeral lunch will follow the burial at the David City Auditorium.
To know Mary Gale Watson was to know a woman of extraordinary heart, resilience, and devotion. She was born on February 11, 1957, in Cleburne, Texas to James Robert Watson and Kara Gale (Murphy) Watson. Mary grew up in Tuscola, Texas, where she graduated from Jim Ned High School in 1975. She was warmly remembered by her classmates for her kindness and spirited nature.
Mary’s life was defined by love for family. As a single mother, when work became scarce in Abilene, she bravely moved her young family to Dallas, determined to give them a better future.
Shortly after moving, Mary met her soulmate, Jerry Matulka, in Richardson, Texas. Their connection was instant, deep, and enduring. They married in 1992 in Jerry’s childhood parish in Ulysses, Nebraska. They began a partnership filled with unwavering support of each other, support of family, shared purpose, and countless adventures. Together, they traveled frequently, especially cherishing their time in Italy and Switzerland, always inspiring one another to grow and live fully.
Mary worked tirelessly while earning her degrees, building a career in payroll management where she became a fierce advocate for the people she served. Her compassion extended far beyond her profession. She cared for aging family members with tenderness and later devoted herself to supporting a dear friend through a difficult battle with leukemia. During that time, Jerry cared for their five young grandchildren, a testament to the strength of their shared devotion.
Mary and Jerry’s involvement with the Astronaut Scholarship Foundation brought them treasured friendships with early astronauts and their families — relationships that enriched their lives and reflected their deep appreciation for courage, exploration, and human achievement.
In between adventures, Mary also enjoyed gardening, mystery novels, vintage television shows, and, of course, a trip to the candy store. Above all, she enjoyed making special memories.
Mary fought bravely through complications following a liver transplant, passing away on October 17, 2026, with Jerry steadfastly at her hospital bedside. The love and prayers surrounding her from family and friends during those final days was a reflection of the love and care that she had poured into others throughout her life.
She leaves behind her husband, Jerry; children, Jeneva and husband Adam Joseph Flores, Marian and significant other Chris McSpadden, and Toby; and her grandchildren, Lexie and husband Adrian Orozco, Wayland, Jewel, Ashley, Brandy, Ayden, and Ellie; and cats Bobcat and Oliver. She is reunited with her parents, James and Gale; her brother, James Michael; her sister, Rebecca; and her sister-in-law, Judith.
Mary’s legacy is one of devotion, courage, and boundless love. She will be deeply missed and forever cherished.
To send flowers with our preferred florist or plant a memorial tree, please visit our flower store.
Service Schedule
Visitation
Saturday, October 24, 2026
9:00 - 10:00 am
St. Mary's Catholic Church
580 I Street, David City, NE 68632
Rosary
Saturday, October 24, 2026
10:00 - 10:30 am
St. Mary's Catholic Church
580 I Street, David City, NE 68632
Mass
Saturday, October 24, 2026
10:30 - 11:30 am
St. Mary's Catholic Church
580 I Street, David City, NE 68632
Burial
Saturday, October 24, 2026
12:00 - 12:30 pm
Assumption Catholic Cemetery - Dwight
Hwy 66, Dwight, NE 68635
Lunch
Saturday, October 24, 2026
1:00 - 2:00 pm
David City Auditorium
699 Kansas Street, David City, NE 68632
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| (St Flying Tigers) - Class Of 1954 |
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Shirley Jean Gossett Parker
(February 25, 1935 ~ September 25, 2026)
Shirley, daughter of Warren Leonard Gossett and Pearl Glen White, married to Searcy Junior 'S.J.' Parker and buried in Tuscola Cemetery, Tuscola, Taylor County, Texas.
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Searcy Junior "S.J." Parker, age 94 and his beloved wife of 73 years, Jean Parker, age 91, both of Abilene, passed away just four days apart, holding hands in spirit as they lived their entire lives together. S.J. joined the Lord on September 21, 2026, and Jean followed him to heaven on September 25, 2026. True to their vows of "till death do us part," neither could bear to be apart from the other for long.
Their love story began in Tuscola, Texas where they met and then married on April 21,1953 in Abilene, Texas. S.J. proudly served in the US Army and upon his discharge they began building their lives in Tuscola and then Abilene, Texas. They worked together in various family businesses, then together in their jointly owned restaurant, Milano's Drive-In. After many years of owning and working in their business together, S.J. went into sales, first at Broyles Carpet and then for many years at Lawrence Hall Chevrolet. Jean worked for Abilene ISD and then retired to stay at home and pursue her love of crafting, bargain hunting extraordinaire, and use her amazing baking skills to provide treats for her family and friends. S.J. and Jean loved to travel and took many trips together. When they weren't traveling you could usually find them on a lake sharing their love of fishing, or spending time with their family. It was rare to find one without the other, as they shared the same interests and the joy of spending time together. Their legacy is one of kindness, generosity, and unwavering devotion - to each other and to those they loved.
Searcy Junior Parker (S.J.), age 94, was born March 22,1932 in Cullman, Alabama. He was proceeded in death by his parents, George Searcy and Willie Parker, brothers Herman Parker, Horace Parker, J.L. Parker & Jack Parker, sisters Clara Hight, Dixie Calcote, & Mildred Hooten.
Shirley Jean Parker, age 91, was born on February 25,1935 in Abilene, TX. She was proceeded in death by her husband, S.J. (by four days), her parents, Warren Gossett and Pearl Rosson, sisters Frances Rardon, Anne Seybold, JoLynn Strakos & brother Dayne Gossett.
S.J. and Jean are survived by two sons, Steven Parker & wife Retha, Terrell Parker & wife Tracy; five grandchildren, Neal Parker, Shay Jerome (Danny), Leah Matthews (Alan), Tara Herndon (Morgan), Kyle Parker (Corey), great-granddaughter Makayla Herndon, brother/brother-in-law Gary Parker (Hilda); and numerous nieces and nephews.
A joint visitation will be held on Thursday, October 1, 2026, from 5:00-7:00 pm at Fry-Smith Funeral Home, Tuscola, TX. A joint graveside service to celebrate both of their remarkable lives will be held on Friday, October 2, 2026, at 3:00 pm at the Tuscola, TX Cemetery.
To send flowers with our preferred florist or plant a memorial tree, please visit our flower store.
S.J. and Jean Parker's Tribute
Funeral Services
Visitation
Thursday, October 1
Fry-Smith Funeral Home
502 Kent Ave, Tuscola, TX 79562
5:00 - 7:00 pm
Graveside Service
Friday, October 2
Tuscola Cemetery
U.S. Highway 83, Tuscola, TX
3:00 - 4:00 pm
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| Class Of 1978VIEW PROFILE |
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Dorthy Jean Flowers Ramirez
(December 6, 1959 ~ September 13, 2026)
Dorthy, daughter of Clifford Ray Flowers and Eudora Sue Nichols, married to Joe Fred Ramirez.
 Dorthy Jean Flowers Ramirez
Abilene, Texas- Dorthy Jean Ramirez, 66, passed away September 13, 2026.
Per her wishes, no public service will be held.
Arrangements with Girdner Funeral Home, Abilene.
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Please keep the Cole family in prayer during this time of lose. Debbie Cole was the wife of James Cole ('82).
![]()  Debbie J Cole of Burnet Texas went to be with the Lord on June 20, 2026, at the age of 66. She was born in Washington DC on August 20, 1959, to her parents Ronald and Joyce Kingsbury.
Debbie is preceded in death by her parents Ronald and Joyce Kingsbury and late husband Gene Barrow.
Debbie is survived by her loving husband of 13 years James Curtis Cole, the love of her life, her sons Zachary Cole, James E Cole, and Robert Barrow. Brothers Mark Kingsbury of Friendswood Tx, John Kingsbury of Hutto Tx, Sisters Sara Davis of Holland Tx, Barbara Harris of San Marcos Tx, and granddaughter Kenzie Barrow. There are many nieces, nephews, in-laws and existing family that will greatly miss her.
Debbie spent 30 years plus in the retail management field dedicated to Albertsons and Office Depot.
She was a loving and devoted wife, mother, big sister, grandmother, and godmother.
She had a true love for all animals that lived on their property, especially for her three dogs and three ferrets. Debbie’s family and friends would say she was loving, kind, and helpful . She was aways there when you needed her. She had a beautiful smile that she wore all the time.
Debbie enjoyed her time at home cooking, baking, entertaining her family, and playing Crying Canasta. Sundays she spent her day watching her Dallas Cowboys play or working in her beautiful flower garden.
Her passion in life was traveling, seeing new places, concerts, casinos, boating, and fishing.
She had a passion for her collection of fairies.
A Celebration of Life will be held as soon as the arrangements are made. Date and time will be posted at a later time.
James Curtis Cole
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REMINDER.
The Celebration of Life for Debbie Cole will be next Saturday August 22nd from 2:00pm- 5:00pm at the house.
155 Cherry Ridge Rd
Burnet Texas, 78611.
It is a potluck event so everyone can bring what they wish. For those of you coming if you are bringing anything please comment on here and let us know. If you have already been in contact with Barbara Harris and have let her know that you're coming and what you are bringing you don't need to comment on here.
For drinks we will be providing water, tea, and lemonade. Please let us know here if you are bringing any other drinks. We will provide ice chests. There is to be NO alcohol at this event.
For food we will provide hamburgers and chicken fajitas. Please comment below if you are bringing any other food/ snacks.
Thank you everyone for your love and support. See you next weekend.
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2026 JN Coming Home Queen and Mr. Ex
Tammy Whitehurst Money ('91) and Jerry Don Foster ('85)
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Joe Guffey - Parade Grand Marshal
2026 JN Parade Judges:
Joley Guffey-Hatter ('95), Steve Stockton ('84), Karley Clearman ('81)
2026 JN Coming Home Queen and Mr. Ex Nominees:
Jan May Guest ('71), Jeff Lester ('94), Tammy Whitehurst Money ('91), Brandy Appleton Gray ('88), Jerry Don Foster ('85)
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Jim Ned Alumni Association
**2026-2027 JN Alumni Board Members**
Marissa Lynn Thomas - President
Telitha Webb - Secretary
Chantel Gallaway - Treasurer
Shanie Cannon Cunningham - Parade Co-Chair
John Bunton - Parade Co-Chair
Shanie ('90), April ('89), Marissa ('94)
Shanie, John ('90), April
Shanie and Chantel ('94)
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Facebook Admin - Tuscola, Texas Friends, Neighbors and History
AI content
The Jim Ned Journal (1984–2010) is now available online!
We are pleased to announce that the Jim Ned Journal, which documented the people, places, and events of South Taylor and North Runnels Counties for more than 25 years, has been digitized and is now freely accessible to the public through the Portal to Texas History.
The story of how this collection was preserved is worth sharing.
Following the newspaper's closure, Debbie Dacus Stewart contacted its former publishers, Bill and Grace Broyles, to ask whether they would consider donating the newspaper collection to the Dacus Foundation, then known as Jim Ned Valley Heritage Preservation.
The Broyles agreed, and the collection was entrusted to the Foundation for safekeeping.
Recognizing the historical significance of these newspapers, the Foundation carefully preserved the collection with a long-term goal of having it digitized and made available to the public.
Digitization was an expensive undertaking, with estimated costs exceeding $10,000. The Foundation began exploring grant opportunities to make the project possible.
That goal has now become a reality thanks to a digitization grant through the Portal to Texas History at the University of North Texas.
What makes this especially exciting is that the newspapers are searchable by keyword!
You can search for family names, local businesses, schools, churches, community events, obituaries, and other subjects. Stories that once required hours of searching through old newspapers can now be discovered in seconds.
We extend our appreciation to the publishers and editors, Bill and Grace Broyles for donating the collection, to Debbie Dacus Stewart for taking the initiative to preserve it, and to the Portal to Texas History for making its digitization possible.
What began as an effort to save a collection of old newspapers has become a lasting resource for families, genealogists, historians, and future generations.
This is what historic preservation is all about — saving the stories of our communities before they disappear.
 Explore the collection at The Portal to Texas History
Dacus Foundation-Preservation Archives — Preserving the History of South Taylor and North Runnels County.
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