Obituaries

On June 26, 1997, a handsome baby boy entered the world to the loving parents of the late Paul Merchant and Johnnie “Red” Nealey Merchant. Jerode graduated from Madisonville High, along with attending Blinn in Brenham, Texas.

William Scot Nevill, 54 of Iola, passed away Monday, May 3rd at CHI St. Joseph Hospital in College Station. Visitation with family and friends will be held from 5:00 – 7:00 pm, Wednesday, May 5th at Nobles Funeral Chapel in Navasota, Texas. A celebration of his life will be held at 2:00 pm, Thursday, May 6th at Bedias Baptist Church with Jerry Cole officiating. Interment will follow in Cross Cemetery in Iola. Arrangements are under the direction of Nobles Funeral Chapel.

In loving memory of James Reed Spencer born in Jackson KY on March 27, 1960 to Homer and Zula Faye (Potter) Spencer and passed away suddenly on April 19, 2021. James was the 3rd of 7 children and preceded in death by his father Homer and younger brother David. James is survived by his mother Zula Faye, his children Emilia Zoe, Kenneth James Fannin Spencer and his special friend Rita Dianne Fannin, his elder siblings Kenny and Thelma, his younger sister Mary Elaine and brothers Mark and Harold (affectionately known as Hippy). James will be remembered not only as the consummate hot rod enthusiast and the proprietor of “Spencer’s Texaco” in North Zulch, Tx. But also, for his gregarious personality, his love of life and his generous and loving spirit which he shared with all who knew him. He was an unforgettable presence who will be greatly missed by all.

Curtis (Stu) Washington was born on August 17, 1949 to Iola Harrison and Tenelio Washington in Midway, Texas. Curtis was a 1964 graduate of Anahuac High School.

Victoria Maxeen Hinojosa, 47 years old from Madisonville, TX; passed away on Thursday April 1, 2021 in Madisonville, TX. A celebration of Victoria’s life is scheduled for 11 a.m. on Saturday; May 1, 2021 at Day Funeral Home Chapel in Madisonville, TX with Diana Rocha officiating minister. The burial will follow at a later date at Danforth Cemetery in Strafford, MO.

Joyce Marie Menefee, went to be with our Lord on April 6, 2021. She was a woman before her time. She grew up in Madison County where she met the love of her life, Henry Menefee. She followed him through thick and thin. And, together, they managed a Two Way Radio Station for 10 years. Joyce was a loving mother who devoted her entire life to raising 4 children. She was a true pioneer and artistically creative, as demonstrated through her beautiful poems. Joyce’s interests were many she loved books, songs, people, animals and tending to her garden. She was a unique and caring individual who treated everyone like they were her next of kin. And, she will be remembered for her quick wit, caring heart and unconditional love. Preceded in death by her parents, William and Lillian McWhorther and brothers, William, JC and Earl; sisters, Ruth, Helen, Ruby. Lilian and Pauline and daughter-in-law, Linda Menefee. She is survived by her husband of 71 years, Henry Menefee; children Allen, Mitchell, Kenny & Linda Menefee and daughter, Connie Conaway; and many grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces and nephews. The family expresses appreciation for all the condolences received from numerous friends and relatives. Although our hearts are heavy, we will celebrate Joyce’s life and find comfort that she is at peace. Due to COVID, there will be a private memorial with the immediate family.

LaVonne Hicks Burk, 85, was a member of the Fellowship Primitive Baptist Church and a long-time resident of Madisonville, Texas. She was born to William Perrington “Perry” Hicks and Thelma Mae (Wilson) Hicks on August 30, 1935, in Bryan, Texas, as Pansy Lavon. She was at Life Care Hospice, in Wooster, Ohio, when her heavenly Father called her home on November 27, 2020.