Leonor Medina Garcias, 89, of Waller, Texas passed away Saturday, May 30, 2026. She was born on November 2, 1936, in Tarimoro, Guanajuato, Mexico, to Cleofas Medina and Maria Garcia. Leonor lived a life devoted to her family, leaving behind a legacy of love, strength, and faith. She touched the lives of many through her kindness. Leonor was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Jesus Jimenez, and her son, Jorge Jimenez. She is survived by her sons Jose Luis, Arturo, Felipe Ramiro, and Miguel Jimenez; and her daughters Amalia Alvarez, Maria De Jesus, and Maria De Luz. She was a proud grandmother to 17 grandchildren and a cherished great-grandmother to 19 great-grandchildren.
Visitation: Wednesday, June 3, 2026, 11:00 am – 7:00 pm with Rosary at 6:00 pm at McWilliams Funeral Home, Hempstead. Funeral Service: Thursday, June 4, 2026, at 10:00 am at St. Katharine Drexel Church, Hempstead. Burial following at St. Martin de Porres Cemetery, Waller, Texas with Father Xavier Bilavendiran officiating under the direction of McWilliams Funeral Home.
Brent A. Petroski, 51, of Waller, Texas, passed away Thursday, April 23, 2026. He was born August 21, 1974, in Houston, Texas to Bill Raymond Petroski and Carolyn Tillmon. Brent is preceded in death by his father, Bill Petroski and is survived by his wife Dawn Petroski, mother Carolyn Tillmon, stepfather Wayne Tillmon, sons: David Abernathy, Hunter Petroski, and Grayson Petroski; daughters Haley Abernathy and Vivian Petroski; and brother Glen Petroski. Brent leaves behind a legacy of love, laughter, and friendship. Brent was a man who truly never met a stranger. To know him was to have a friend, and he had a rare gift for making everyone he met feel welcome and valued. Above all else, Brent was a devoted family man. He was an amazing husband and a wonderful father who deeply loved and adored his children; they were his greatest source of pride. He was also a perfect son and a loyal brother who held his family close. An animal lover through and through, Brent was famously the “best dog dad ever.” Anyone who knew Brent knew that his loyal companion, Reba, was always by his side. He made sure everyone knew she was one-of-a-kind—certainly “no standard poodle”-and she was a constant part of his life. His laughter and friendship were a gift to us all. Brent will be forever missed, forever loved, and held dearly in our hearts always.
Sincerely, “Robert Nash”
Visitation: Sunday, May 3, 2026, 9:00 am – 11:00 am, McWilliams Funeral Home, Hempstead. Funeral Service: Sunday, May 3, 2026, 11:00 am, McWilliams Funeral Home with burial following at Fieldstore Cemetery with Bishop Randall McClellan officiating.
Margie Lou (Munnerlyn) Malek, Jr., went to be with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on April 23, 2026, at 2:12 p.m.in the city of Caldwell, Texas. She was preceded in death by her parents James Knox Munnerlyn (1993) and Marjorie Maxine Munnerlyn (1993); her oldest daughter, Sheri Lynn Malek Peterson on March 16, 2005. She is survived by her husband of 67.5 years, Rudolph F. Malek, Jr.; son, Rudolph Frank Malek, III; daughter, Melanie K. Malek Smith and son-in-law David L. Smith; daughter, Candace A. Malek Bennatte and son-in-law Stephen M. Bennatte; five grandchildren: Greg Malek, Reed Malek, Rory Malek, Eric Bennatte and Sarah Bennatte; brother, Jack H. Munnerlyn and sister-in-law Cindy Munnerlyn; nephew, Jack H. Munnerlyn, Jr. Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her. Proverbs 31:28. Our mother was the heart of our home. She was kind, gentle, loving, humble, cheerful, creative, articulate and so much more! Her faith in our LORD was strong and unwavering, and she instilled that in all of her children. We were so blessed to have had her for 87 years and we look forward to the day when our LORD reunites us forever eternally. Maranatha LORD JESUS, come quickly! AMEN!
A limited private graveside burial will be held at Hempstead Cemetery in Hempstead, Texas on April 28, 2026 at 10:00 a.m. with Brother Philip “Deke” McWilliams officiating under the direction of McWilliams Funeral Home, Hempstead.
Joy Jonelle Hammack, age 77, of Hempstead, Texas went home to be with Jesus on April 22, 2026. She is preceded in death by her parents Johnny and Stella Troutt, sister Jeanie Qualls and brother-in-law Andy Qualls, and great-great niece Aliyah Castillo. She is survived by her son John Robert Hammack, nephews Brad Qualls and wife Jena’, Randy Qualls and wife Morgan, Blake Duncan and wife Taylor, Bryan Warren and wife Alyssa, Kash Williams and Bodie Warren; nieces Wrendy Duncan and husband Greg, Amanda Qualls, Lindsey Qualls and husband Arturo Castillo, Shelby Young and husband Vincent, Ashlyn & Ryleigh Qualls, Kynlee, Teagan and Tanner Duncan, Sawyer Warren and Aria Young and a multitude of family and friends. Jonelle was ordained into the ministry at age 17 and has served God faithfully during the 60 years of her ministry. She was the founder of Little Christian Mission Children’s church which later became Lighthouse Word Church, which just celebrated 52 years in ministry. She had a passion for teaching children not only in the children’s church but also in her Christian School. Jonelle was a bundle of energy, on the go all the time and her joy was contagious! She had a unique way of taking a cartoon and turning it into a sermon. She would take a notebook with her to animated movies and take notes for future sermons. She was definitely one of a kind! Jonelle will be greatly missed by her family, her church family and her community. She lived a life filled with passion, purpose and praise! She was excited about what God has in store for Lighthouse Word Church in the coming years. Her greatest desire was for all of her immediate family as well as her church family to answer the call God had placed in their hearts and to live a life that would lead others to Him also; to be a Light in the Darkened World. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to: Lighthouse Word Church, 1247 Donoho Street, Hempstead, TX, 77445, in Memory of Jonelle Hammack
Home-Going Celebration! Visitation: Saturday, May 2, 2026, 9:00 – 11:00 am Lighthouse Word Church, 1247 Donoho Street, Hempstead, TX, 77445 Funeral service: Saturday, May 2, 2026, 11:00 am Lighthouse Word Church Burial: Field Store Cemetery under the direction of McWilliams Funeral Home, Hempstead.
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Frances Janczak Sebesta, age 91, who departed this life on March 18, 2026, surrounded by loved ones. Born on September 17, 1934, in Cochran, Texas, Frances was the beloved daughter of Talbert and Hattie Janczak. She graduated from Nursing School and devoted her career to caring for others at Bellville General Hospital, later serving as a private duty nurse until the young age of 88. Frances was always involved in her community, from participating in the PTA during her children’s school years to leading the Altar Society later in life. She was known as a loyal friend, a compassionate nurse, and above all, a devoted wife, mother and grandmother. Frances touched countless lives with her kindness, generosity, and unwavering spirit. Frances is survived by her son, Bobby Sebesta (Connie); granddaughter, Jennifer Sebesta-Manen (Travis); great-grandchildren, Larry McKay III (Josy), Joshua McKay, Chloe Peyton; great-great-grandson to be born soon, Laramie; and step-grandchildren, Jackie Etheredge (Jim) and Keith Graham. She was preceded in death by her husband, Alfones; sons, Johnny and Daniel; parents, Talbert and Hattie; and sisters, JoAnn Tomczak and Lucy Kopech.
Visitation will be held at McWilliams Funeral Home in Hempstead, Texas, on Thursday, March 26th, from 5:00–7:00 pm, followed by a Rosary at 7:00 pm. Funeral services will take place at St. Katharine Drexel on Friday, March 27th, at 10:00 am, with graveside services to follow. Family and friends are invited to a lunch provided by the family after the service to share memories and celebrate Frances’s life. Frances will be deeply missed but forever remembered in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.
Austin Cameron Evans, 27, passed away on February 23, 2026, in Magnolia, Texas. Austin was a kind, loving, and compassionate man whose gentle spirit shaped the way he moved through the world. He had a natural sense of humor and an easy warmth that made others feel welcome and understood. Born on May 28, 1998, and lovingly guided by his devoted grandparents, Larry and Diana Evans, who were a steady and influential presence throughout his life. Their love and care helped shape the thoughtful man he became. Austin had a deep love for the outdoors and felt most at home outside. He enjoyed fishing and hunting, playing corn hole with friends and family, and spending time in the fresh air doing the activities he loved. Above all else, Austin cherished being a father. His son, Zachary, was the greatest joy of his life, and he treasured every moment spent playing, laughing, and simply being together. Austin is survived by his beloved son, Zachary; his grandparents, Larry and Diana; his mother, Jennifer; his two brothers, John and Donovan; his sister, Marie; and other loving family members and friends. Austin will be deeply missed and forever remembered for his gentle heart and unwavering love for others.
Visitation: Monday, March 9, 2026, from 9:00 am – 10:00 am at McWilliams Funeral Home, 706 Bremond St., Hempstead, TX 77445. Funeral Services: Monday, March 9, 2026, at 10:00 am at McWilliams Funeral Home with burial following at Salem Cemetery, Hempstead.
Dorothy Mae Cooke, 84, of Hempstead, Texas, passed away Friday, February 6, 2026. She was born September 20, 1941, to Gilbert Eckermann and Libby Sebesta Eckermann in Bellville, Texas. Dorothy is preceded in death by her husband, Raymond Cooke and is survived by her sons Roger Cooke and wife Lisa, and Darrell Cooke and girlfriend Dineen, Sister Marilyn Klump and husband Warren, four grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren. Graveside memorial services will be held Saturday, February 21, 2026 at 11:00 am Salem Cemetery, Hempstead, Texas with Pastor Tom Dobbs officiating under the direction of McWilliams Funeral Home, Hempstead.
Travis Morehead passed away with son Ryan “Bear” Morehead and brother Charles “CJ” Ortega on Thursday, January 22, 2026, at 12:45 pm in a vehicle accident.
Travis Owen Morehead, 46, was born April 7, 1979, in Peru, Indiana to Cynthia Ortega. He grew up in Hempstead, Texas and attended Hempstead High School where he became good friends with many people and even met his wife. In 1998, Travis and his brother Charles “CJ” joined the Hempstead Volunteer Fired Department and served for many years fighting fires among Hempstead VFD, Bellville VFD, and Rolling Hills VFD. He and his wife Melissa had three children. In 2006, he became a Correctional Officer for TDCJ, where he served for almost 20 years. He became the president of the Woodman Life Chapter 2053 and maintained the title from 2022-2024. He was a member of the Community of Faith Church. One of the many things he loved to do with his family was to go on cruises to new places.
Ryan Alexander “Bear” Morehead, 21,was born on May 15, 2004, in Brenham, Texas to Travis and Melissa Morehead. He grew up in Bellville, Hempstead, and Waller. He graduated from Waller High School in 2024. Ryan was an active member of the community; he was a junior volunteer firefighter with the Rolling Hills VFD from 2015-2018, he was an active Woodman Life Chapter 2053 member, he attended Community of Faith Church, and he attended several events at Camp Journey in Bellville, Texas. Ryan never met a stranger, only a friend he didn’t know yet.
Charles Joseph “CJ” Ortega, 45, was born on May 9, 1980, in Bellville, Texas to Elyane Ortega. He was a lifetime resident of Hempstead. After graduating from HHS, he worked various jobs but spent eight years serving the TDCJ Wallace Pack Unit as a Correctional Officer. He was a member and later president of Woodman Life Chapter 2053, following his brother Travis. CJ liked helping people and became an EMS-EMT Basic in Waller County. His greatest love was being a fireman. He became a member of the Hempstead VFD at age 18. He was also a member of the Rolling Hills VFD. When not fighting fires, CJ loved being outdoors. He could be found on cruises, beach get-aways and spending time with his dog Dirk. He enjoyed going to movies, eating out, playing games, and BBQing with Travis, family, and friends.
Travis, CJ, and Ryan are preceded in death by father/grandfather Eddie V. Ortega, grandparents Charles and Edna Taylor, aunts Karen Bennatte and Jeanette Taylor, and uncles Jimmie Bennatte and Dennis M. Taylor. They are survived by mother/nana Elyane Ortega, wife/sister-in-law/mom Melissa Morehead, daughter/niece/sister Kimberly and husband Cory Heggins, son/nephew/brother Jason Morehead, granddaughter/great niece/niece Opal, grandsons/great nephews, nephews Cayden and Tobias, and many extended family members and friends including uncles Gary and Keith Taylor, cousins Matt, Curtis, Kevin, Stephen, Josh, Katy, Chuck, Julie, Janet, Laura, Tina and husband Josh. Travis and Ryan are also survived by in-laws/grandparents Robert and Phyllis Cole.
Memorial services were held Tuesday, February 10, 2026, at 10:00 am at McWilliams Funeral Home, Hempstead with Brother Philip “Deke” McWilliams officiating.
Sharon Kathleen Davis, 81, of Waller, Texas passed away Sunday, January 25, 2026. She was born October 17, 1944, to Leonard Davis and Renna Lambeth Davis in Houston, Texas. Sharon was a teacher in the Aldine Independent School District. She is survived by numerous nieces and her godson, Daniel Figueroa. Graveside Services: Tuesday, February 3, 2026, 1:00 pm at Atkinson Cemetery, Chappell Hill, Texas with Pastor Henry Garza officiating under the direction of McWilliams Funeral Home, Hempstead.
Gwendolyn Marie Pogue Cernosek
April 29, 1943 – January 17, 2026
Gwen surrounded by her loving family, took Jesus’ hand and peacefully stepped into heavenly glory on Saturday January 17, 2026. Gwen was born on April 29, 1943, in Corpus Christi, Texas, to Murry and Marie Pogue. The family lived in Corpus Christi until 1944, when they moved to Lexington, Texas. Gwen attended elementary school through high school where she graduated from Lexington High School in 1962. Shortly after graduation, Gwen moved to Houston, Texas, where she married Gary Plant. Together they welcomed three children: Wendy, Cary, and Tandy. Her children remained the greatest joys of her life. After 32 years of marriage, Gwen’s life took a new and beautiful turn when she met her second great love, John Cernosek. They married in 2000. Gwen and John built their forever home in Hempstead, Texas, where they became devoted members of First Baptist Church in Hempstead. Their life together was rich with shared passions antiquing, gardening, traveling, music, dancing, and time spent with family. They also cherished their time in Rockport, Texas where they built their bay house that became a gathering place for rest, laughter, and memories. Gwen worked faithfully as a paralegal for many years and retired in 1999. Her work ethic, attention to detail, and compassion for others were evident in every chapter of her career. Above all, Gwen’s heart belonged to her family. Her children were her proudest accomplishment, and she adored each one of her grandchildren and great‑grandchildren. Gwen is survived by her devoted husband of 25 years, John Cernosek; daughter Wendy Galloway (son-in-law Shannon); daughter Tandy Rae Pavlock (son-in-law Daniel); son Cary Plant (daughter-in-law Shelly); sisters Lorraine Benhamu and Geraldine Reat; six grandchildren; three great‑grandchildren; one niece; two nephews; and numerous cousins and dear friends. She is preceded in death by her parents, Murry and Marie Pogue.
Funeral services will be held Friday, January 23, 2026, at 12:00 pm at First Baptist Church , 445 Main Street, Hempstead, Texas 77445 with Chaplain Brent Sims officiating under the direction of McWilliams Funeral Home, Hempstead.
Mildred “Millie” Louise Greeley entered eternal rest on January 6, 2026. She was born on July 17, 1940, in East Bernard, TX. She is preceded in death by her parents, Louis and Mildred Srubar, and her sisters, Jeanette Sheffield and Yvonne Jean Srubar. She is dearly loved and will be missed by her family. She is survived by her children, Renee Barry, David Barry, Robert Greeley and wife Amanda. Her grandchildren, Lauren Barrett and husband Austin, David Barry, Chance Barry, Lane Barry, Ryan Perkins, Chase Greeley, and Luke Greeley. Great-grandchildren Reagan Haun, Killian Sylvester, Liam Sylvester, Jackson Barrett, Blaise Barrett, and Skyler Ray Cameron. Her niece, Cynthia Thigpen, and husband Mike and family. And last but not least, her loyal companion, Spike, a small terrier. Mildred enjoyed visiting with family and friends, gardening, yard work, baking cakes for family, friends, and church events. She enjoyed watching “The Voice” and was a longtime fan of “American Idol.” She really liked telling and hearing a good joke. Her family will truly miss her good food, sense of humor, and her unconditional love. She was a good mom and “Gramaud.”
Visitation: Monday, January 19, 2026, from 5:00 pm until 8:00 pm with a rosary at 7:00 pm at McWilliams Funeral Home, Hempstead. Funeral Service: Tuesday, January 20, 2026, at 10:00 am at St. Katharine Drexel Church, Hempstead. Burial following at St. Mary’s Cemetery, Hempstead.
Lynda Marie Abke Johnson, age 77 passed away on January 15, 2026 in College Station Texas. She was born August 4, 1948 in Houston, Texas to Clara Lou Davis and Louis H. Schmidt. She is preceded in death by her parents, husband Charles Abke, husband William Reavis Johnson, brother Ronald Schmidt, Sr., sister Carolyn Easter and grandson Brian Keith Becvar.
Lynda is survived by her children Rhonda Becvar and husband Keith, Gary Abke and wife Melanie, Larry Abke and wife Julie, daughter Susan Abke and significant other Eric Wellborn, extra daughters – her nieces Amber Buerger and Jodi Evans, bonus children Heather Perry and husband Rex, Crystal Funk and husband Karl, Steve Johnson and wife Nina, and Glen Johnson, seven grandchildren, ten great-grandchildren, eight step-grandchildren, twelve step-great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her sister Joyce Murski and husband William, brother Donald Schmidt and wife Tedda, and numerous brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews and other relatives. Pallbearers are Dustin Abke, Clayton Abke, Levi Steely, Braden Roehling, Brian Sandifer and Brentley Sandifer. Honorary pallbearers are Bryleigh, Brady, Colt, Coen, Collyns, Caroline, Casey, Emily, Elliott, Crew, Emmary, Emie, Brailey, Brooks and Maci.
Visitation will be Monday, January 19, 2026 at 10 a.m. at McWilliams Funeral Home, 706 Bremond St, Hempstead. Services will follow at 11 a.m. with Pastor Tom Dobbs officiating. Interment will be at Whitehall-Fairview Cemetery.
Jimmie Carolyn Roebuck Wilkerson passed away on January 7, 2026, at the age of 84. She was the devoted wife of nearly 64 years to Thomas Earl Wilkerson and a loving mother to Phillis (Tamara), Tommy, Kathy (Greg), Belinda, Joe (Kym), Cindy (Jim), and Wendy. She was also a cherished grandmother and great-grandmother to numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren, who were her pride and joy. Jimmie faced her health challenges with courage until the end. She was deeply loved and will be greatly missed. Born to Nathan and Pearl Roebuck in Meridian, Mississippi, Jimmie later moved to Texas, where she met and married the love of her life, Thomas Earl Wilkerson, in 1962. Together, they raised their family in Magnolia, Texas, where they shared their lives until her passing. Jimmie enjoyed cooking, reading, quilting, gardening, and especially fishing. Above all, she treasured time spent with her family and friends, which brought her the greatest happiness. Jimmie is preceded in death by her parents, Nathan and Pearl Roebuck; her brothers, Tilman, Ivan, and Larry Roebuck; her sisters, Rachel Thompson, Marie Mears, Mildred Thompson, Ruby Schnur, Claudine Crane, Gloria Roebuck, Edna McKim, and Elizabeth Bond; and her daughter, Wendy Tant.
Services will be held at McWilliams Funeral Home, 706 Bremond Street, Hempstead, Texas, on Wednesday, January 14, 2026, with visitation from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Burial will take place Thursday, January 15, 11:00 a.m. at Wellborn Cemetery, 6783 Victoria Ave., College Station, TX 77845.
Jimmie and Thomas had a heart for helping stray dogs. In their later years, they rescued many and gave them loving homes. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Third Coast Pets Alive or to a local animal rescue. Mom, you will be deeply missed and forever loved. Rest in peace in the presence of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. We will see you again.
1 Thessalonians 4:13–14
“Brothers and sisters, we do not want you to be uninformed about those who sleep in death, so that you do not grieve like the rest of mankind, who have no hope. For we believe that Jesus died and rose again, and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in Him.”