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ANNOUNCEMENTS
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| (Lawn Longhorns) - Class Of 1955 |
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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 |
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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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Please keep the Atkins family in prayer with the passing of Margaret, mother of alumni Laura ('81), Linda ('83), and David ('85).
Margaret Atkins
June 5, 1932 — May 6, 2025
With the heaviest of hearts, we announce the passing of our beloved Margaret Elizabeth Pate Atkins. Margaret was a lifelong devoted Christian and member of the Church of Christ. Besides being a dutiful and loving daughter, sister, wife, mother, aunt, grandmother, and great-grandmother, Margaret was loved by everyone who knew her. Margaret passed away peacefully at age 92, on May 6, 2025, in her home of 68 years on the family ranch south of Abilene.
Margaret was born on June 5, 1932, in Breckenridge, Texas, to Letice Walker Pate and Mamie Alice Parkhurst Pate. Margaret spent all of her childhood in Breckenridge. She met the love of her life, Dick Atkins, in first grade, although she did not know it at that time. Margaret and Dick never dated until their senior year in high school. After high school graduation, Margaret attended Texas Tech, where she was a member of the Las Vivarachas, a sorority that later became known on campus as Zeta Tau Alpha. Knowing she was the one, Dick followed her to Texas Tech. During their junior year, Margaret and Dick were married on October 3, 1952, in the Chapel of the Broadway Church of Christ in Lubbock. While Dick spent two years in the U.S. Army in Germany, Margaret returned to Breckenridge and worked as an Executive Assistant for the Chemical Process Company. In 1957, Margaret and Dick moved to their ranch and raised a family. They had three children: Laura, Linda, and David. Margaret knew her way around the kitchen and was known for her delicious food and hospitality. She was a “10-2-4 girl” as she loved to drink Dr. Pepper! She found joy being a wife, mother, and homemaker. She also devoted her time and energy to her children and their interests, church activities, teaching Sunday School, and preparing meals for those in need. Margaret was recognized several times for volunteerism by the Jim Ned schools, the Girl Scouts, Rescue the Animals, and the Grace Museum, just to name a few. Margaret was an animal lover and doted on her pets. In her free time, Margaret loved playing the piano, reading, gardening, bird watching, and traveling, especially RVing with friends and family.
Margaret is survived by her husband of 72 years, Dick Atkins; her sister, Carolyn Sumrow; daughter Laura Atkins Fields and her husband, Daryl; daughter Linda Atkins; son, David Atkins; grandchildren Brandon Atkins Boyer; Lindsey Fields Van Hoose and her husband, Reece; Brady Fields; Lacey Fields; Amily Zhang; Bradley Hambright and his wife, Sarah; Stephanie Bradford and her husband, Josh; Dylan Atkins; Denver Atkins; Kayele Durham and her husband, Seth; great-grandchildren Silas, Noah, Evelyn, and Henry Bradford, and Charlotte Hambright; as well as nieces and nephews.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that a donation be made in her name to the charity of your choice. A Funeral Service is scheduled for 10:00 a.m. on Friday, May 9, 2025, at the Elmwood Funeral Home and Memorial Park located at 5750 U.S. Highway 277, Abilene, Texas 79606. A time of visitation and reception will be held from 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM in the Elmwood Funeral Home’s Family Center, 5750 Hwy 277 South.
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Marissa Lynn Thomas is at Texas Rodeo Cowboy Hall of Fame.
April 28 at 3:30 PM · Fort Worth, TX ·
On Saturday Ronda May, Class of ‘74 was inducted into The Texas Rodeo Cowboy Hall of Fame in Fort Worth. The recipient of the Johnny Boren award for continuing and preserving the rodeo way of life! Ronda has served on the board for many years, and is the coordinator for the annual golf tournament! I was honored to be able to attend!
She was so happy to be recognized! She looked as beautiful as ever and is a proud Jim Ned Alumni! Her family has been in the JN Valley since the 1880’s!
Her brothers Jacky May, Class of ‘76 and Bland, Class of ‘81 were in attendance, with their wives. Jan May Guest, Class of ‘71, was there to celebrate her sister with her husband and daughter! Ronda’s niece, Mylah May McCorkle , Class of 2017, was in attendance with her husband as well. Cousin Ashley Travis Saunders, Class of 2000 attended with his wife and 2 kids.
What an honor and achievement Ronda May! We are proud of you!!
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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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