Theodore “Ted” H. Hyden, Jr., 53, of Hempstead, Texas passed away Tuesday, April 23, 2024. He was born May 24, 1970 to Theodore H. Hyden, Sr. and Alejandra Palacios Hyden in Los Fresnos, Texas. Ted is survived by his wife Tina Hyden, sons Tristin, Trintin, and Legend Hyden, daughters Tatumn and Morgan Hyden, and sister Jennifer DeHarte. Arrangements were entrusted to McWilliams Funeral Home, Hempstead.
Saul Hernandez, 79, of Hempstead, Texas passed away Tuesday, March 5, 2024. He was born January 15, 1945 to Manuel Hernandez and Manuela Codina in Tamaulipas, Mexico. He is survived by his wife Sofia Hernandez, sons: Eric Hernandez and wife Julie, and Saul Hernandez, Jr., daughter Sandra Mancilla and husband Adam, brother Baldemar Hernandez and wife Yolanda, and numerous grandchildren.
Visitation: Friday, March 8, 2024 from 11:00 am until 8:00 pm with a Rosary at 6:00 pm at McWilliams Funeral Home, Hempstead. Funeral Service: Saturday, March 9, 2024 at 10:00 am at St. Katharine Drexel Church, Hempstead. Burial following at St. Mary’s Cemetery, Hempstead, Texas with Father Xavier Bilavendiran officiating under the direction of McWilliams Funeral Home.
Opal Grace (Stefka) Trent was born in Waller County on November 1, 1929, to Delphine Stefka and Vlasta (Holik) Stefka. She peacefully passed away on the evening of Sunday, March 3, 2024 at the age of 94. Opal lived a long life, and is the eldest living Stefka on family record. Opal is preceded in death by her parents; her sons, Erwin Lee Hartman, Jr. and Gary Douglas Hartman; her adoring husband of 45 years, Glen Elsworth Trent; brother, John Del Stefka; sister, Ruby (Stefka) Stepan and brother-in-law, Raymond Stepan. She is survived immediately by her loving grandchildren, Anessa Sillman and Chris, Andrea Silva and Mike, Garrett Hartman and Valerie. Opal treasured the many great-grandchildren she leaves behind: Bridgit, Dallas & Eleni Sillman; Noah Hartman and Kaylee, Devin Garrison; Hayden, Jake & Blake Hartman, and she would have loved welcoming the latest Hartman (expected June 2024). Opal also leaves behind her beloved niece, Mary Jane (Stepan) Alexander and husband, Rick; as well as great nephews, Rick Alexander (wife, Cindy), and Ryan Alexander (wife, Jenny); and great-great-nephews, Braden & Trace Alexander. The family would like to extend an immeasurable amount of love, gratitude and appreciation to the owners and caretakers at Tuscany Living Villas in Katy, where Opal was able to comfortably live the last 3.5 years, surrounded by compassion and kindness every day. To Melissa, Rhonda, Verna, Ashley, Maryann, Monica, Davena, Annette, Zonnia, Mali, and Tinu – you are in our hearts and we can’t express how grateful we are for the love you poured out on Grandma. You know how much she loved each of you, and we do too! Our thoughts are also with Grandma’s sweet roommate, Ms. Pat, who she referred to as her “baby,” and Ms. Pat referred to Opal as her “mama” – we pray for comfort for Ms. Pat, as well as the staff at Tuscany. We would also like to thank the incredible staff at Katy Hospice Care for the impeccable attention and care they provided for Grandma until her very last breath – thank you, Tina & Jennifer, for your kindness and love! A graveside service will be held on Friday, March 8, 2024 at 10:00am at Hempstead Cemetery in Hempstead Texas with Brother Philip “Deke” McWilliams officiating, under the direction of McWilliams Funeral Home.
Victoria “Vicki” Ann Christian was born August 8, 1945, as the only child to Joyous Louise Wood and Harvey Marvin Christian. She grew up in Richmond, Texas and later, at the age of 12, moved to Southside Place in Houston. As a child, her dream was to become a matador. She graduated from Lamar High School in 1964, and later attended Zorn Business College while doing the books for a company in Houston. Right out of high school, she married William “Bill” Flanagan, and they later moved to Hempstead, Texas where they founded Precision Urethane Products in 1970. They bought some land and built a home, and she became a member of First Baptist Church, Hempstead. In 1974, they welcomed their son, William Christian “Chris” Flanagan, and in 1975, their daughter Kimberly Ann Flanagan. Bill and Vicki had a wonderful marriage for many years. In 1987, she married Kenneth Little and they moved to the bay. Her stepson, Kevin also lived with them for some time. She absolutely loved the bay and had so many childhood memories there with her parents, aunts and uncles, cousins, and later, with her children. As time went on, she moved back to Houston and earned her Associate’s Degree in 1997. She became a Certified Legal Assistant, and was a Paralegal for Pagel, Davis and Hill for many years. At that time, she was an active member of South Main Baptist Church of Houston, where she made many friends who she loved dearly. Later, she and Kenneth divorced, but remained very good friends until his death. In 2001, she was so happy to become a grandmother to Nina Grace Flanagan and Bailey Ann Puckett. In her later years, she returned to Hempstead to be with her children and granddaughters, who called her “Gicki.” She attended every event of theirs that she could. She returned to work at the family business that she helped start and was a key part of the Precision Urethane & Machine, Inc. team. She enjoyed working with everyone so much. She worked daily with Kimberly, Chris, and Bailey, who recently received her Bachelor’s Degree in Business, from Sam Houston State University. She was so proud of Bailey, and Bailey completely adored her. When she was not working with her family, she was practicing her faith. She rejoined First Baptist Church, Hempstead and absolutely loved it all over again. She loved and was very active in her Bible study and Sunday school groups, and Church services. While her faith was always at the forefront of her life, her second love was the sea. She loved to sit by the ocean and fish, or just listen to the waves. She loved to dance, sing, play cards, boat rides, every type of flower, the moon, and so many of God’s countless blessings. Dogs, especially dachshunds, were her favorite, and she was theirs. She noticed and loved all the small things in life and was thankful for every little thing that God provided. She knew the answers to everything, it seemed, and was a good steward of her time. She is survived by her daughter, Kimberly Flanagan and son, Chris Flanagan, girlfriend, Charlotte. Her granddaughters Nina Flanagan, Bailey Puckett and boyfriend, Cody Carter. She loved Cody, Charlotte and her sons, Donovan, Ethan, Eli, Jedi and Jax like they were her own. She also leaves behind her children’s father, Bill Flanagan and his girlfriend Lisa, so many sweet cousins, and many, many friends. Her cousins, Linda Christian Vinklarek and Debby Ownby Myer, were like sisters to her. She truly cherished their families, and childhood memories that turned into lifelong friendships. She is preceded in death by her loving parents, Joyous Louise Wood and Harvey Marvin Christian, friend Kenneth Little and son Kevin, and so many aunts and uncles, cousins, and friends. She was a beloved daughter, mother, grandmother, and cousin. She was absolutely adored by her entire family and will live in our hearts and memories forever. All her life, she was a devout Christian who lived her faith every day and was a wonderful example to all who knew her. She served the Lord in every way she could, and it was very evident. She was, is, and will always be a blessing to our lives! She was a “Victorious” Christian, true to her name! Our sweet Mama… go live, live, live in Heaven! You are missed, so dearly! Arrangements were entrusted to McWilliams Funeral Home, Hempstead. A Celebration of Life service will be held at a later date.
Johnnie B. Whiteley III, 76, of Hockley, Texas passed away Sunday, February 25, 2024 at his home. He was born January 21, 1948 to Johnnie B. Whiteley II and Paula Lorene Clancy Whiteley in Longview, Texas. He is survived by his wife Sherry Whiteley, children: Johnnie B. Whiteley IV and wife Mayra, Katie Mushinski and husband Jason, James Youngblood, Tammy Hunter and husband Jason Strelow; sister Jennifer Carlton, and six grandchildren: Sara and Ellie Whiteley, Augustus and Annastyn Mushinski, Austin and Abigail Hunter. He is also survived by his nephews Jason Whiteley, Adam Whiteley and Brian Carlton as well as his nieces Frances Currie and Stephanie Long and their families. Visitation: Thursday, February 29, 2024 from 4:30 pm until 6:30 pm at Champion Cowboy Church, 27633 FM 1488, Hockley, Texas 77447. Funeral Service: Friday, March 1, 2024 at 10:00 am at Champion Cowboy Church. Burial following at Guedry Cemetery, Batson, Texas with Pastor Gene Johnson officiating under the direction of McWilliams Funeral Home, Hempstead. Pallbearers: Johnnie B Whiteley IV, Augustus Mushinski, Austin Hunter, Adam Whiteley, Brian Carlton, and Jason Whiteley. Honorary Pallbearers: Walter Stewart and David Ryza. The family asks in lieu of flowers to donate to Johnnie B Whiteley III Scholarship Fund to continue Johnnie’s legacy of generosity and educational opportunity.
Jorge Luis Gonzalez, 37, passed away Tuesday, February 20, 2024. He was born May 18, 1986 to Gustavo Gonzalez and Lucilia Rodriguez in Guanajuato, Mexico. He is survived by his father Gustavo Gonzalez, mother Lucila Rodriguez Martinez, wife Adilene Gonzalez, sons: Sebastian Vega, Alexandro Sanchez, and Jorge Yulian Gonzalez, daughters Yaneli Gonzalez and Yoletsy Gonzalez, brother Ivan Gonzalez, and sisters Isaura Gonzalez and Cecilia Gonzalez. Funeral Service: Wednesday, February 28, 2024 at 11:00 am at St. Katharine Drexel Church, Hempstead with Father Xavier Bilavendiran under the direction of McWilliams Funeral Home, Hempstead. Burial will follow in Guanajuato, Mexico.
Alnetta Jean Jones, 66, of Hempstead, Texas passed away Saturday, February 3, 2024. She was born December 31, 1957 to Joe Nathan Terry and Margaret Jones Terry in Houston, Texas. She is preceded in death by her father Joe Nathan Terry, brother Londell Jones, and son Joel Jones. Alnetta is survived by her husband Sherwood Jones, mother Margaret Terry, son Reginald Jones and 10 grandchildren. Private Burial Services were entrusted to McWilliams Funeral Home, Hempstead.
Joy Elaine Bibby-Heath, 95, went to be with her Lord and Savior on Friday, February 2, 2024.
Joy was born on April 21, 1928, in Texas to Marcelas Bascom Bibby and Wilton Brownlee Bibby. Joy married Orley Heath in 1946. The two were each other’s lifelong companions and best friend. They were blessed with three children: Gary, Cindy, and Genie. Her faith in God and love for her family were the most important things in her life. On September 19, 1957, Joy was saved and committed her life to the Lord. She was a God fearing woman with a devout faith. Joy loved spreading the word of God and did so until her last days. Joy is well-known for her famous Christmas dinners, shouting to the top of her lungs to root on her beloved Astros, and her entertaining Facebook posts. She touched the lives of all she met and did just as her name says, spread Joy. Joy is preceded in death by her parents, Marcelas Bascom Bibby and Wilton Brownlee Bibby; Husband, Orley Heath; and seven brothers and sisters. She is survived by her sister, Imajo Bibby; children, Genie (John) Howard, Cindy Heath, and Gary Heath; seven grandchildren, Austin (Sissy) Howard, Kevin (Jadie) Howard, Taylor (Blake) Duncan, Matthew Heath, Crystal Fontenot, Gary Jr. Heath, & Michael Heath; seventeen great-grandchildren, Kayden, Kolby, Karson, Brooklyn, Paisley, Whitney, Kynlee, Teagan, Tanner, Nathan, Presley, Sophia, Amber, Jordan, Michael, Gabriel, Christian, and Amber.
Graveside Service: Saturday, February 10, 2024, at 10:00 am at Fieldstore Cemetery in Waller, Texas with Pastor Jonelle Hammack officiating under the direction of McWilliams Funeral Home, Hempstead.
William Andrew “Bill” Jones, 91, died peacefully on Friday, February 2, 2024 in Tomball, Texas with his son Tim Jones and grandsons Kenneth and Glen Jones by his side. He was born January 10, 1933 to Claude Jones and Ada Clepper Jones in Fieldstore, Texas. Bill is preceded in death by his parents Claude and Ada Jones, brothers Wade, CJ, Adrian, Henery, and Clelin Jones; sisters: Ruby Durant, Katie Toups, and Earlene Light; son Micheal Jones, and baby girl Jones. He is survived by his son Tim Jones and wife Julie, sisters Claudie Wilcox and Geraldine Riels, grandsons: Kenneth Jones, Timothy Jones, Jr., and Glen Jones; and great-grandchildren: Gina Jones, Emily Jones, Andrew Jones, Cody Jones, Mackenzie Jones, and Rylee Jones. Arrangements were entrusted to McWilliams Funeral Home, Hempstead.
Miriam Edith Scroggins Frazier-Shipley, born on July 18, 1926 in the Fieldstore Community, peacefully passed away in the early morning hours of Friday, February 2, 2024. She is preceded in death by husbands Billie F. Frazier and Larry Eugene Shipley, children: Miriam Elaine Mikolajewski, Jesse Wayne (Pete) Frazier, Glen Terry Frazier, Cynthia Ann Fritzsching, and David Jeffrey Frazier. She is survived by her son Billy R. Frazier, and daughters Betty Jean Bierod and Mittie Charlene Todaro. Edith Frazier was the matriarch to the long-established Hempstead family business, Frazier’s Ornamental and Architectural Concrete. She loved dancing, painting, and sculpting. She was an avid member of the Hempstead Art League. She enjoyed fishing at her Mabank lakeside retreat. She loved playing slot machines in various locales and her Hempstead home was our family center for all holidays and festive occasions. Visitation: Thursday, February 8, 2024 from 9:00 am until 11:00 am at McWilliams Funeral Home, Hempstead. Funeral Service: Thursday, February 8, 2024 at 11:00 am at McWilliams Funeral Home. Burial following at Old Salem Cemetery, Hempstead, TX with Brother Philip “Deke” McWilliams officiating.
Eddie Schkade, 62, went to be with the Lord on January 25, 2024, at his home in Hempstead, Texas. He was born on September 22, 1961, in Houston Texas to Edward and Mona Schkade. He was a skilled machinist his entire career. He was an avid outdoorsman with his two favorite places being his farm and the beach. In his free time, he enjoyed fishing, woodworking, welding, and working on his farm. He loved caring for his cows, horses, and the various wild animals that would visit like deer and cardinals. He is preceded in death by his father, Edward Schkade, and survived by his mother, Mona Schkade; his daughter Lacie Housel and her husband Adam; his daughter Stephanie Schkade; his sister Donna Schkade; and his grandsons Austin and Weston Housel. He will be greatly missed by all. Eddie’s celebration of life will begin with a visitation on Saturday, February 3rd, 2024 from 10:00 until 11:00 at McWilliam’s Funeral Home, 706 Bremond St., Hempstead, TX 77445 and the service will begin at 11:00 with Pastor David Cecil officiating.
Kenneth LaRue Smith passed away on Monday January 22, 2024, at the age of 87. He is preceded in death by his Father St. Elmo Lawrence Smith and Mother Letha Armer Smith and his grandson Brian Christopher Smith. Kenneth is survived by his loving wife of 63 years Estella Smith, son Mark Smith and wife Sharon, daughter Candy Hightower, sister Lisa Clepper Hall, grandchildren: Melissa Smith Wynne and husband Eric, Kaitlyn Hightower Repka and husband Tyler, Jared Smith, Blake Smith, and Mikayla Hightower, and great grand-children: Bryce Smith, Kylee Smith, Micheal Wynne, and Alice Repka. Kenneth joined the Houston Police Department as a clerk in the accident division in June of 1955, and He began his law enforcement career in April of 1958 in academy class #18. He met the love of his life Estella who was working as clerk in the records division in March of 1960. The two married in October of 1960. In October of 1976 he became Captain of the Houston Crime and Information Center, later transferring to Recruiting. He retired in April of 1983. Kenneth was a lover of antiques, especially old cars and had quite the collection. He owned everything from Cadillac LaSalle’s to Studebaker’s. Mom often joked and said her only competition for dad was if it had wheels. Kenneth became a member of the Hempstead Church of Christ in 1967 and served in various roles from elder to song leader. Kenneth was a Mason for over 59 years. Kenneth was a loving husband, father and friend to all who knew him, and he will be surely missed. We won’t say goodbye, we will merely say see you later. Visitation: Tuesday, January 30, 2024 from noon until 2:00 pm at Hempstead Church of Christ. Funeral Service: Tuesday, January 30, 2024 at 2:00 pm at Hempstead Church of Christ with Pastor Kris Moore officiating under the direction of McWilliams Funeral Home, Hempstead. Burial following at Shiloh Cemetery, Hempstead, Texas.
On January 20, 2024 Dolly Dale Orr (Oldham) passed away peacefully in her home at the age of 82 in Hempstead, Texas. Dale was born in Miller, Oklahoma on March 6, 1941. Dale married Daniel Orr in Juarez, Mexico on September 21, 1964. She followed the love of her life to Carlsbad, New Mexico then to Cypress, Texas. In 1972, they decided to settle in Hempstead to raise their family and Dale has resided there since. Dale was a proud tribal member of the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma. As a young adult, Dale was an owner and oil painting teacher at Village Art in Jersey Village. She was a professional artist and won several awards around Waller County for her work. She retired from the U.S. Department of Commerce as a census worker. She is known for her beauty, artistic abilities, and intelligence. In her spare time, she loved studying genealogy, dominating jigsaw puzzles, growing plants, and talking politics with her grandchildren. Dale leaves behind her daughter, Deidra Orr, 7 grandchildren, and 18 great-grandchildren. She was a shining light in all of their lives that will be forever missed. She was preceded in death by her husband, Daniel Orr, daughter, Truby Roxanne Weaver, parents, Lester and Opal Oldham, and three brothers, Billy Harold, Troy Lee, and Carl Albert Oldham. Visitation: Saturday, January 27, 2024 from 9:00 am -10:00 am at McWilliams Funeral Home, Hempstead. Funeral Service: Saturday, January 27, 2024 at 10:00 am at McWilliams Funeral Home. Officiating: Brother Philip “Deke” McWilliams. Private burial following the service.
Kenneth Ray Miller, Sr., 82, of Hempstead, Texas passed away Wednesday, January 3, 2024 in Cypress, Texas. He was born March 25, 1941 to Clyde Emmet Miller and Dora Mae Prichett Miller in Gadsden, Alabama. Ray is preceded in death by his first wife, Barbara Ann Miller, and his second wife, Lillian Joyce King Miller. He is survived by his son Kenneth Ray Miller, Jr., daughter Donna Marie Enciu, step-sons Daniel Ross Wier and Scott Morgan Wier, nine grandchildren and one great-grandchild. Memorial Services will be held Saturday, January 13, 2024 at 1:00 pm at McWilliams Funeral Home, Hempstead with Brother Philip “Deke” McWilliams officiating.
Shirley Wagner, age 87 of Hempstead, Texas passed away on January 2, 2024 in College Station, Texas. Shirley was born on May 19, 1936 to Fritz and Maggie Lanik Schulte in Hallettsville, Texas. She graduated from Waller High School in 1955. She married Albert Cooke on September 16, 1955 and he preceded her in death on April 18, 1975. She married Clarence Wagner on March 5, 1999 and he preceded her in death on April 1, 2015. Shirley was a retired bookkeeper and floral designer. She loved her grandchildren and step grandchildren and enjoyed crocheting, bingo, fishing, and playing cards with her family especially her grandchildren. She was a lady with many talents including floral design, sewing, crochet beautiful dolls and angels and was an avid bowler for many years. Shirley is survived by her son, Lloyd Cooke and wife Cheryl of Hempstead; daughter, Cindy Jones and husband Al of Hempstead; two sisters, Dorothy White of Birch Run, Michigan and Patsy Farrington and husband Abe of Whitewright; sister-n-laws, Dorothy Cooke of Hempstead, Carol Hohlt of Hempstead, and Janice Cooke of Cypress; 2 step children Gary Wagner and wife Linda of Brenham, Becky Exner and husband Rodney of Lexington; step daughter-in-law Cindy Hart and husband Tommy; grandchildren, Jenny Arnold and husband Jason, Chris Blazek and wife Andrea, Kathryn Austin and husband Casey, and Steven Blazek and wife Christina; step grandchildren Brandon Exner and wife Heather, Alisa Niemeyer and Will Winkelman, Cullen Wagner, Dustin Exner, Erin Pepper and husband Tim, Cameron Wagner and wife Shanna, Billy Jones, and Jon Jones and wife Caroline; 24 great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. Special adopted niece and nephew Abbey and Austin Nebalek and Special friend Julie Wantland. She was preceded in death by her first husband Albert Cooke, step son Gregory Wagner, nephew Grayson Cooke, and husband Clarence Wagner, brother-n-laws Johnny Cooke, Raymond Cooke and Harry White. The Celebration of Life Service is scheduled for Saturday, January 27, 2024 at 10:00 AM at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Round Top Memorial contributions may be made to the Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Round Top, First United Methodist Church in Hempstead or the charity of your choice.