ANNOUNCEMENTS
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Class Of 1956VIEW PROFILE |

Barbara Louise Hendrix Vickery
(July 13, 1937 ~ May 28, 2025)
Barbara, daughter of Victor Carrol Hendrix and Pauline Bradley, married to Don Wallace Vickery.

Barbara Louise Vickery died Wednesday, May 28, 2025. A visitation will be held at Fry-Smith Funeral Home in Tuscola on Friday, June 13, 2025 from 5:00-7:00pm. A funeral service will be held on Saturday, June 14 at Tuscola Baptist Church at 10:00am.
Known to all as an "Artist" Daughter, Sister, Wife, Mother, Grandmother, Great Grandmother, Aunt and Friend.
Barbara drew and Painted her whole life, she painted hundreds of canvases of deer, animals, people, plants and flowers.
Barbara was born on July 13,1937 in Lampasas Tx. She was the third of four children born to Pauline and Victor Hendrix.
Barbara met her husband Don Vickery while attending South Taylor High School in Tuscola Tx. Barbara, was a member of Ovalo Baptist Church.
Barbara and Don were married over fifty years. During Barbara's active life she worked at Merchants Fast Motor Lines and Calloway Carpets in Abilene Tx. In Her retired life, with husband Don, included acting in skits, wearing interesting clothing, traveling to Terlingua Tx. to perform the skits. The two of them also participated in " The Chili Cook Off " winning trophies, in Buffalo Gap, Tx. Barbara and Don each year, in July held a two day reunion and party at their home in Ovalo Tx. Serving Brisket, Beans, Beer, Music and Dancing for family and friends. Awe the Memories!
Barbara is preceded in death by her Father and Mother, husband Don Vickery, brothers, C.E. Hendrix and wife Bitsy, Gail Hendrix and wife Beanie, brother-n-law J.C. Rhodes, niece Shannon Hendrix and great nephew Kevin Hendrix.
Barbara is survived by her Sister, Nelda Rhodes, Her Daughters, Lynn and husband Bud Darby, Sandra and husband Mark Randolph. Grandchildren, Kelly Okerstrom and husband Kory, Jason Darby and wife Leila, Kevin Darby and wife Haylee, Jesse Marshall and wife Ashley and Roxie Randolph. Great Grandchildren, Kolton Okerstrom and wife Sarah, Kaden Okerstrom, Kambree Okerstrom, Cynthia Grace Darby, Charlotte Darby, Cathryn Darby, Karson Darby, Sadie Darby, Hudson Marshall and Rhylee Marshall. Nieces, Vicki and Melinda, Nephews, James, Eric, Mark and Aaron, Great Nieces and Nephews and Great Great Nieces and Great Great Nephews and Many Friends.
Thank You Jesus, Barbara rests in Paradise
Pallbearers:
Jason Darby, Kory Okerstrom
Kevin Darby, Kolton Okerstrom
Jesse Marshall, James Rhodes
Upcoming Services
Visitation
Friday, June 13, 2025
5:00 - 7:00 pm (Central time)
Fry~Smith Funeral Home
502 KENT AVE, Tuscola, TX 79562
Funeral Service
Saturday, June 14, 2025
10:00 - 11:00 am (Central time)
First Baptist Church Tuscola
700 Kent Avenue, PO BOX 35, Tuscola, TX 79562

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Please keep in prayer, Ralph ('75), Debbie ('79), Tammy ('84), and Terresa ('91) for the passing of their mother.

Sheila Valerie Dix Milliken, lovingly known as “Mamason” to her Mississippi family, passed away on June 3, 2025, at SCRMC in Laurel, Mississippi.
Sheila was born on December 22, 1935, in Feltham, West London, England, to William and Doris Dix. She later moved with her family to Cheltenham, where she met the father of her children, Charlie Perry, a serviceman in the Army. They married on July 5, 1952, and moved to the United States in 1955. After traveling frequently with the military, they eventually settled in Buffalo Gap, Texas. Sheila proudly became a U.S. citizen in 1984.
A dedicated caregiver, Sheila worked in home heathcare and at the Abilene State School in Texas. In June 1995, she married Bill Milliken, and they moved to Mississippi later that year.
Sheila had a spirited love for life. A devoted Pittsburgh Steelers fan, she never missed a game. She cherished time with her family, especially her grandchildren, and enjoyed trips to the casino- often alongside her dear friend Jerene while visiting Texas. Her laughter, humor, and the light she brought to any room will never be forgotten.
She was preceded in death by her beloved husband Bill Milliken, her parents William and Doris Dix, her brothers Norman Dix, Ken Dix and Alan Barron, her sons Wayne Perry, Dennis Perry ('82), and William Perry ('84), her daughters Susan McNeil ('78) and Karen Lane ('81), her son-in- law Glen Pyeatt, and her granddaughters Melissa Curcio and Kimber White.
Sheila is survived by her son Ralph Perry (Cathy) of Hutto, TX and daughters Debbie Ray (Jessie) of Fort Worth, TX, Tammy Pyeatt of Laurel, MS, and Terresa White (Alan) of Ceder Park, TX. She also leaves behind nine grandchildren, many great and great great grandchildren, and her cherished dog, Skippy.
Sheila was deeply loved by everyone who knew her. Her warmth, humor, and kindness touched countless lives. She will be profoundly missed.
A memorial service will be held at Tuckers Crossing Baptist Church at 1:00 PM on Monday, June 9, 2025.
To view and sign the online guestbook, please visit www.memorychapellaurel.com
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(Lawn Longhorns) - Class Of 1955 |

Charles Ronald 'Ronnie' Copeland
(September 15, 1937 ~ January 9, 2025)
Charles 'Ronnie', son of Guy Thompson 'Buck' Copeland and Ida Vodeen Short, married to Linda Sue Blair and buried in Sunset Memorial Gardens Cemetery, Odessa, Ector County, Texas.

Charles Copeland, a child of God, passed to eternity with family and friends by his side on January 9th, 2025. He was born on September 15th, 1937 to Ida V. and Buck Copeland. Charles grew up in Lawn, Texas and graduated from Lawn High School, and then attended McMurry College. Charles served in the United States Army from 1962 to 1966. He then moved to Monahans, Texas where he worked for Lane Wells and met the love of his life Linda, when Linda’s aunt introduced them. They married on March 21, 1964.
Charles his survived by his daughter Michelle Copeland of Odessa, brother in law Don Blair and wife Sue of Canyon Lake, sisters-in-law Sue Copeland of Ft. Worth and Kaye Blair of Odessa, numerous nieces and nephews, and many friends. He and Linda were bonus grandparents to numerous kids. Preceding him in death were his parents, brothers Delbert Copeland, James Copeland, and Doug Copeland, son Ronald Blake Copeland, and wife Linda Copeland.
Charles worked in the oilfield in sales and was vice-president of an oilfield company for many years. He owned his own business, Odessa Industrial Casting, as well. Upon retirement he opened his own private tractor repair shop where he repaired, rebuilt and painted tractors of all kinds. He was often called the “tractor man” by numerous customers and friends.
Charles was a member of Immanuel Baptist Church and later First Baptist Church and served as a deacon at both. He loved the Lord and was a faithful servant. He and Linda worked with the youth for many years and often had youth group activities in their home.
Charles loved spending time with his family especially going fishing and taking vacations. He loved working with his hands including cars and tractors. Along with his dad, he was also a carpenter starting with a mini playhouse for his daughter and later, additions to his home. His favorite thing was being anywhere Linda was.
Charles was a quiet man but had a big heart. He was always helping friends and neighbors with anything they needed. He and Linda often babysat numerous kids and he was often caught playing hide and seek and other games with them. Charles gave every child a nickname and they are still known by those names today.
Charles will be dearly missed by his loved ones who celebrate the fact the he is healthy, happy, and home with God, his wife, and son.
Viewing will be at 1:00 PM with services to follow at 2:00 PM, Wednesday, January 15th,2025, at Sunset Memorial Funeral Home in Odessa.

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Class Of 1964VIEW PROFILE |

Brenda Ruth Cumby Smith
(December 17, 1945 ~ May 13, 2025)
Brenda, daughter of Victor Willard 'Dick' Cumby and Francis Lucille Jones, married to Michael Ray Smith.

Brenda Smith passed from this life leaving a void that her family cannot fill on Tuesday, May 13, 2025. A visitation will be held at Fry-Smith Funeral Home on Friday, May 16, 2025 from 5:00-7:00pm. A funeral service will be held on Saturday, May 17, 2025 at 3:00pm at the First Baptist Church of Tuscola.
Brenda Ruth Cumby Smith, born on December 17, 1945, in Abilene, Texas, was the daughter of Dick and Francis Cumby. Brenda grew up surrounded by three brothers and two sisters and their spouses.
A love story that spanned more than six decades began when Brenda married her high school sweetheart, Michael Smith, on September 12, 1964. They built a life together through many homes and life changes. Brenda was the beloved mother to her two children, Darrell Smith and wife Angela, and Allen Smith and wife Elizabeth. She was an incredibly devoted mom, always telling her sons that the best gifts they gave her were their wives, her precious daughters-in-law, and, of course, her adored grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Brenda was welcomed into heaven by her parents Dick and Frances, sister Wilda, and three grandsons -Jeremy Miles, Stephen Smith, and Joshua Smith-who preceded her in death.
Her family meant the world to her, and she leaves behind a legacy of love that will continue through them. Brenda is survived by her loving husband, Mike Smith, of Andrews, TX; her sons Darrell and Angela Smith of Andrews, TX; and Allen and Elizabeth Smith of Andrews, TX; grandchildren Michael and Sawyer Smith of San Diego, CA; Kayla Tomlinson of Lubbock, TX; Lindsey and Josh Ellsworth of Lubbock, TX; Katherine and Colton Center of Llano, TX; and Rachel Smith of Andrews, TX; as well as six precious great-grandchildren: Ashlynn, Kinleigh, Ethan, Hawker, Jackson, and Charlotte, brothers Topy Cumby, Tommy Cumby and wife Judy, Jackie Cumby and wife Pat, sister Karen Yost and husband Gene, and numerous cousins, nephews and nieces. Each of them held a special place in her heart, and her love will continue to live on through their laughter and joy.
Brenda's kindness, joy, and unwavering faith will never be forgotten. Her legacy of love and devotion will live on in the hearts of all who had the privilege of knowing her.
Visitation
Friday, May 16, 2025
5:00 - 7:00 pm
Fry~Smith Funeral Home
502 KENT AVE, Tuscola, TX 79562
Funeral Service
Saturday, May 17, 2025
3:00 - 4:00 pm
First Baptist Church Tuscola
700 Kent Avenue, PO BOX 35, Tuscola, TX 79562
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2024-2025 - Annual Jim Ned Alumni Scholarship Winner
Jim Ned graduating senior - Halle Gordy

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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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