Nora "Granny" Higgins of Big Lake passed away on Monday March 27, 2023

Graveside services will be held at 1:00 pm Friday March 31, 2023 at Glen Rest Cemetery in Big Lake with Pastor Jacob Ferguson of the Cowboy for Christ Fellowship Church, officiating.

Nora was born on May 23, 1937, in Jayton, to James T. Griffin and Ollie B. Higginbotham, where she was the youngest of nine children. Growing up, she lived in the Artesia and Carlsbad, New Mexico area. She met and married the true love of her life, Jack Baker on August 30, 1958 and during their short time together they raised five children. She lost Jack in 1968.

Nora was a very independent woman, a trait she passed on to her children. She worked various jobs to support her family, all the while working to get her GED. She then proceeded to take college classes to become an accountant, which she did for several years.

Nora married Charles Higgins in 1974, who then moved the family to Big Lake in 1975. After their divorce, she returned to the workforce where she worked in various offices and even as a store clerk to support her family. After retirement, Nora decided to become a Foster Grandparent thru the Concho Valley Council of Government. As a Foster Grandparent, she worked with children through the Head Start Program, the Reagan County Library and eventually began working at the Reagan County Elementary School, where she became "Granny" to hundreds of children through the years. After 21 years as a Foster Grandparent, she finally retired completely at the end of the 2022 School year. After the many years in the school system, High School age children would still greet her as Granny and give her a big hug. She fondly remembered each of her "Honorary" grandchildren.
Nora's favorite pastime was being with her family, she also loved reading, sewing, doing word searches, and baking her Banana Nut Bread to share with family, friends, and neighbors.

She was preceded in death by husband, Jack Baker, son, James Johnson, her parents, James T. Griffin and Ollie B. Higginbotham. Siblings: Ruby Anderson, Rose June Griffin, James Griffin Jr., Pauline Lyda, Billy Griffin, Birdie Elliot, Charles Griffin and Mary Frances Griffin.

Nora is survived by her four daughters, Gloria Oyler and husband Roger of Gilbert AZ, Sherry Dunlap of Brownwood, Kathy Dittman and husband Charles of Big Lake, Gayla Davis and husband Robert of Big Lake; Stepson, Sam Higgins of Houston; 10 Grandchildren, Danielle Hanson and husband Erik, Darren Oyler, Dawn Tran and husband Loc, Dana Magee and husband Gabriel, Jonathan Dunlap and wife Brittney, Shawn Dunlap and wife Sarah, Megan Barrington and husband Matthew. Robie Subia and wife Alisha, Erica Subia, Steven Dittman and wife Sondra; 16 great-grandchildren and 1 great-great granddaughter.

Honorary Pallbearers will be her Grandsons.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donation to be made to the Reagan County Care Center or Hospice of San Angelo (HOSA). We would like to thank both organizations for the care and attentiveness they showed in the short time Mother was in their care.

GRAVESIDE SERVICE

Friday
March 31, 2023
1:00 PM  
Glen Rest Cemetery  
460 SH-137
Big Lake, TX 76932

Clayre Lucette Smith, 62, of San Angelo passed away on March 21, 2023 surrounded by family and loved ones at Shannon Memorial Hospital. She was born on March 4, 1961 in Key West, Florida to James Smith and Dorothy Nall Smith.

Clayre settled in San Angelo and established herself as a manager for an Odessa based armored car company. She later became a teller for First Financial Bank. She worked as a contractor doing post security and received special recognition from the post commander. She then worked as a correctional officer at a local rehab facility where she also received recognition for her outstanding performance.

Clayre loved linguistics having learned seven different languages. She loved playing Dragonvalle to which her son, Justin, was a creative contributor. She enjoyed cooking international dishes and sharing her experiences with the various cultures she encountered during her time overseas.

She was a firm believer in Jesus and wanted everyone to know the Lord.

She is survived by her fiancé, Stephen Hunt of San Angelo; Daughter Jennifer Stevenson of Robert Lee, Son Justin Seabourn and wife Karen of Ft. Worth. Daughter-in-Love Kristina Whittington and husband Jeremy of Kentucky.

Grandkids: Katelynn Sherwood and husband Kristopher of Monahans, Ashlea Tennison and husband Joshua of Robert Lee, Mackenzie and Jayden Tollison of Big Spring, Brandon, Zoe, and Kendyll Seabourn of Fort Worth. Katherine and Kinsey McCullough of Kentucky, Elijah Whittington of Kentucky. Rebekah and Samuel Whittington of Kentucky. Nicholas and Annabelle.

Great Grandkids: Madilynn and Kolt Sherwood of Monahans.

Final arrangements are being made by Harper Funeral Home of San Angelo. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, March 25, 2023 at 2:00pm at Calvary Baptist Church in San Angelo.

Memorial Service

Saturday, March 25, 2023

2:00PM

Calvary Baptist Church 
2321 Armstrong 
San Angelo, TX 76903

With great sorrow and bittersweet gratitude, we announce the passing of our unimaginably brave, caring and generous father, husband, son, brother, cousin, uncle, friend and colleague, Dimitri Papachristos.

He was born in Johannesburg, South Africa, to Christos & Alexandra Papachristos, where he grew up with his three sisters, in a traditional Greek upbringing. His childhood was an idyllic time in his life, which he recalled fondly, graduating from Hope School (Class of 1987), where he developed a love for sport, playing tennis, basketball and action cricket.

He obtained his National Higher Diploma in Computer Data Processing from Technikon University, went on to travel extensively, exploring many counties before settling in his beloved USA. It was in Dallas, Texas where he met his life partner, Heidi, and together they created their beautiful family, welcoming their daughter, Alexandra, on May 30, 2010, whom Dimitri had quoted as his ‘greatest achievement’.

To Alexandra, her dad was an inspiration, not allowing his disabilities to turn him into something, instead he turned his disability into something else, a chance to inspire others like him. Humor was a vital part of who he was and possibly his most enduring characteristic.

He was a devoted & husband, who put his love for his family above all else. In 2019, the family moved to San Angelo, Texas, where they settled and built their dream home.

Throughout his life, he lived with humility, appreciation for life and compassion for others.

His legacy will continue to live on, having touched so many hearts along his journey, teaching us all to never stop smiling no matter what life may bring your way, always being true to who you are.

A Trisagion Service will be held at 7:00pm on March 28, 2023, at the Assumption of the Virgin Mary Greek Orthodox Church. Family and friends are welcome to attend a celebration of life, which will be held at the Assumption of the Virgin Mary Greek Orthodox Church, San Angelo on March 29, 2023 at 11am. Burial to follow at Fairmount Cemetery.

Memorial donations can be made to St. Jude’s, which Dimitri supported the work they do to treat and hopefully cure childhood cancer, at www.stjude.org.

Trisagion Service

Tuesday, March 28, 2023

7:00PM

Assumption of the Virgin Mary Greek Orthodox Church 
801 Montecito Dr 
San Angelo, TX 76903

Funeral Service

Wednesday, March 29, 2023

11:00AM

Assumption of the Virgin Mary Greek Orthodox Church 
801 Montecito Dr 
San Angelo, TX 76903

John Paul Smith, 68, of San Angelo, TX, passed away Friday, March 17, 2023.

Son of the late Esther Marie Smith and the Reverend Samuel Johnson Smith, Jr., Mr. Smith graduated from Prosper High School and East Texas State University in Commerce. In 1981 he moved to San Angelo.

After a successful career in the pharmaceutical industry, John furthered his education and was awarded a master's degree in psychology from Angelo State University. He became a Licensed Professional Counselor in 1997 and worked in private practice for 20 years from 1997 to 2017. Mr. Smith worked with dedication for San Angelo Community Medical Center for several years prior to joining the West Texas Counseling & Guidance organization in 2021.

As the son of a Methodist minister and educator, John knew he was not called to become a clergyman but possessed the compassionate heart and keen mind required to serve others. He viewed his role in mental health as a ministry to God's children. Mr. Smith proudly cared for patients from the surrounding communities of San Angelo, Lubbock, and Amarillo for the past 26 years and his kindness and generosity will be greatly missed.

John is survived by two daughters, Samantha Smith and Wendy Thames; three grandsons; a brother and sister-in-law, Tommy and Brenda Smith; and two nephews. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Ben Smith and two sisters, Gloria Janette Smith and Karen Ann Smith.

The family will receive friends on Wednesday, March 29, 2023 at Sierra Vista Methodist Church, from 10-11:15 a.m. followed by a funeral service at 11:30 a.m. Burial will be privately held in Crandall Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to West Texas Counseling & Guidance or the Alzheimer's Association.

Visitation

Wednesday, March 29, 2023

10:00AM - 11:15AM

Sierra Vista United Methodist 
4522 College Hills Blvd 
San Angelo, Tx 76904

Funeral Service

Wednesday, March 29, 2023

11:30AM

Sierra Vista United Methodist 
4522 College Hills Blvd 
San Angelo, Tx 76904

Robert Baeza Machuca Sr., 63, of San Angelo passed away on Sunday March 5, 2023.

Memorial service will be held 10:00 AM Friday, March 24, 2023, at Robert Massie Riverside Chapel with Pastor Israel Flores, pastor at Bethel Assembly of God, officiating.
Arrangements are under the direction of Robert Massie Funeral Home.

Mr. Machuca was born on November 28, 1959 in Pecos to Jose and Elouisa Baeza Machuca. He joined the United States Army and proudly served his country. Robert married the love of his life Narcedalia "Narce" Torres who he fondly called "Squirrel" on September 12, 1987 in San Angelo. She preceded him in death of October 31, 2022. He worked as a custodian for SAISD for many years then went on to being a truck driver until his retirement. Robert enjoyed making his dream catchers, being with his Squirrel and hanging out with his children and family. He also enjoyed watching scary movies.

Survivors include his two children, Jeasell N. Machuca and Roberto B. Machuca, Jr. both of San Angelo; a sister, Elvira Machuca Garcia; two brothers, Manuel Machuca, Sr of Midland, and Delores Vicente Machuca of Las Cruces, New Mexico. Robert was preceded in death by his parents, two sisters, Virginia Gomez, Adela B. Machuca; three brothers, Guadalupe Machuca, Dulces N. Machuca and Jose Machuca, Jr.

MEMORIAL SERVICE

Friday
March 24, 2023
10:00 AM  
Robert Massie Riverside Chapel  
402 Rio Concho Dr.
San Angelo, TX 76903

Mary Carole Chaney Farrington, 83, of San Angelo passed away on Monday, March 20, 2023, surrounded by her family.

Visitation will be from 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM on Friday, March 24, 2023, at Robert Massie Riverside Chapel with a memorial service at 2:00 PM. Arrangements are under the direction of Robert Massie Funeral Home.

Carole Farrington was born on February 19, 1940 in San Angelo to A. J. and Jessie Wright Chaney. Carole graduated from San Angelo High School in 1958 and later from Angelo State University with a master's in English. While attending Angelo State, she made costumes for the drama department. She was a wonderful and talented seamstress. She met the love of her life and later married Jay Farrington on November 28, 1963 in San Angelo. She was the Yin to his Yang. They moved to Austin for several years where she worked for Senator Oscar Mauzy in the State Capitol building. In 1967, Jay received a Fullbright Scholarship to teach English at the Baghdad College of Languages. While in Iraq, she and Jay wrote letters to family back in the states. They would later publish those letters titled, "Baghdad Letters". Carole flew back to San Angelo to care for her ailing father while Jay stayed behind to finish the semester. Once Jay and Carole were back in the states, they became proud parents to Brandy in February of 1969.

In 1984, Carole started teaching eight grade English at John Glenn Junior High. In 1994 she started teaching English and Drama at Howard College. While teaching, she found such joy and satisfaction in knowing her students could and would go on to accomplish great things. She would run into ex-students from Howard College all over town. They would express how grateful they were to have had her as their professor. In May 2012, Carole and Cassie both walked the stage; Cassie graduated, and Carole retired after 28 years.

Carole was an avid reader of mystery and thriller novels. She read 54 books last year alone. She enjoyed going to the movie theater, watching British mysteries, NASCAR, and dog shows. She took pride in having the most beautiful plants in her neighborhood, even if that meant having too many. Jay and Carole would travel all over Texas to watch Cassie play soccer from the time she was eight years old until she graduated high school. She was a wonderful mother to her granddaughter, and it showed. Carole and Cassie did everything together from going to baseball games, to the movies and shopping. She was a patient and kind individual who saw the best in everyone she met. She has left a huge void in our hearts and in our home. We love you and miss you dearly. Until we meet again.

Carole's favorite color was purple. We think it would make her smile if everyone would wear something colorful to the service. Thank you

She is survived by her husband Jay, of 59 years; a daughter, Brandy Farrington of San Angelo; a granddaughter, Cassie Trimble and husband Terry of Miles; two great grandsons, Easton Trimble and Weston Trimble; and four siblings, Andy Chaney and wife Linda of San Angelo, Virginia Merrill of North Richland Hills, Evelyn "Polly" Webber of Austin, and Iris Chaney of Duncanville.

Bobby Joe Tatum Sr., 86, passed away to be with our Heavenly Father on Sunday, March 12,2003, in San Angelo.

Public viewing will be from 10:00 AM until 8:00 PM Friday, March 24, 2023, at Robert Massie Funeral Home. Funeral services will be 10:00 AM Saturday, March 25, 2023, at St. Paul Baptist Church.

Mr. Tatum was born June 5, 1936 in Lampasas to Ceola and Mark Tatum, Sr. He served in the US Army at an early age and when he completed his time in the military he returned home and became a construction worker. He was loved by many. He had a heart of gold. He met no stranger. He gave his life to Christ at an early age and later became a member of St. Paul Baptist Church. He loved the Lord. His joy in life was seeing his grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Survivors include a daughter, Stephanie Tatum; four sons, Maurice Lozano, Joseph Suiters, Bobby Joe Tatum, Jr. and Mathew Miller; a sister, Shirley Wilson; 17 grandchildren; 32 great grandchildren; 1 great-great grandson; numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

"Fly high my King you will be greatly missed! We love you."

PUBLIC VIEWING

Friday
March 24, 2023
10:00 AM to 8:00 PM  
Robert Massie Funeral Home  
402 Rio Concho Dr.
San Angelo, TX 76903 

FUNERAL SERVICE

Saturday
March 25, 2023
10:00 AM  
St. Paul Baptist Church  
1011 Martin Luther King Drive
San Angelo, TX 76903

Donald Edward Bryan was born in Banquete, Texas to the late Paul Edward Bryan and Bessie Lohman Bryan on October 25, 1939. He died on Tuesday March 21, 2023, in his home, at the age of 83, in San Angelo, Texas.

He was a member of the church of Christ having served as deacon and elder for many years.

He attained the following degrees: Associate in Arts, Del Mar College, Corpus Christi, Texas, Bachelor of Science in Education and Master of Education at Abilene Christian University, Abilene, Texas, Doctor of Education, Nova Southeastern University, Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. He attended North Texas University, Denton, Texas for two years.

Since 1962 he has served as teacher, coach, assistant principal, principal, superintendent, and interim superintendent. He served as President of San Angelo Retired Teachers and Associates and on the TRTA State Legislative Committee.

Don met his wife Jean McCain while attending Abilene Christian University. They were married on June 24, 1961.

Don was preceded in death by his dad, Paul Edward Bryan, his mother Bessie Lohman Bryan

Allen, and sister Sandra Jo Bryan.

Don is survived by his wife, mate and best friend of 61 years, Jean McCain Bryan, his sons, Scott

(Kristi) Bryan, San Angelo, Texas, Ben Bryan, Abilene Texas and two grandchildren: Hailey Jo and

Mason Edward Bryan of San Angelo, Texas. His step-dad George Allen, Charlottesville, Virginia. In addition, he is survived by a younger brother, Aubrey (Bea) of Corpus Christi, Texas, and a younger sister Brenda (Roy) Smalling of Houston Texas.

Services will be held on Friday March 24, Southgate Church of Christ, San Angelo, Texas at 2:00 PM. Visitation following the service.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to San Angelo Christian Academy, 518 Country Club Rd, San Angelo, TX 76904.

Memorial Service

Friday, March 24, 2023

2:00PM

Southgate Church Of Christ 
528 Country Club Rd 
San Angelo, TX 76904

Irene Marie Kiefer of San Angelo passed away on March 20, 2023 at the age of 99. She was born on June 11, 1923 in Eola, Texas to parents James Dewey and Lozie Lollar Dixon. She lived in San Angelo at Regency House at the time of her death, but passed away while in Shannon Medical Center.

She grew up in Eola, graduated from Eola High School in 1941 and moved to San Angelo when she was 18. She began working at Dairyland Creamery and later at Gandy’s Creamery. She met her future husband while they both worked at Gandy’s. She married Carl C. Kiefer on February 28, 1951 in San Angelo, TX.

Marie, as she preferred to be called, had very strong work ethic and continued to work until well into her eighties. She and her husband ran San Angelo Tom’s Sales until his death in 1974 and she continued to run that distributorship until 1981. She went to work at Winn’s Department Store and worked there for 10 years. When she retired from there, she decided she wanted a little shop and opened Concho Quiltery on Concho Street. She enjoyed that for nearly 20 years and while she did not get rich, she made lots of friends. The shop provided the outlet for her hobbies which consisted of embroidering and other needlework. She was also a member of the Greater San Angelo Craft Guild for more than 25 years.

She is survived by her daughters, Linda Kiefer and Carlene Conway both of San Angelo. Grandsons Matthew Conway of Santa Rosa, California and Brian Conway of Harrison, Ohio. She is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

Preceding her in death were her husband Carl Kiefer, her parents Dewey and Lozie Dixon of Eola, her sister Jewell Taylor of Greenwood, her brother James T. Dixon of Big Spring, nephew James Taylor of Shallowater, sister-in-law Barbara Kiefer of Paint Rock and sister-in-law Sue Dixon of San Angelo.

The graveside services will be held on March 24, 2023 at 11:00 am at Lawnhaven Memorial Gardens.

Mom lived the last 6 years of her life at Regency House and we want to thank them for the kindness and care that they provided. She was happy there and we know they miss her "wheeling" around the building and greeting visitors at the front door. Thanks to Susan Cole (the other Linda) at Regency for the caring and thoughtfulness she has provided these past six years. Thanks to Lisa Martin, her husband Robert and daughter Taylor and Barbara Hoffmann for being there when she needed you all.

Graveside

Friday, March 24, 2023

11:00AM

Lawnhaven Memorial Gardens 
4989 FM Highway 1223 
San Angelo, TX 76905

Surrounded by family and friends, our Big John has “Gone Fishing” to his favorite fishing hole in the sky as of March 18, 2023.

Johnathan Dale Guenther was born on May 10, 1960, in Tyler, Texas to Henry Guenther and Connie Radke Guenther. He became a mechanic at Western Auto in San Angelo, Texas then worked at Airgas for 24 years where he met lifelong friends at both companies. Never one to sit still, John loved fishing, woodworking, and barbecuing.

He is survived by his first wife Tamera and their children, Talia, JonZachary, and Taryn, and by his second wife Helen and her sons, Tristan, Shane, and Cameron. He is also survived by his mother Connie Guenther, brothers and sister Jim, Julie, and Scott Guenther, as well as four grandsons Tobias, Caleb, Zayden, and Kashdon. John was a beloved uncle to Kayla, Krista, Jason, Jerica, and Josh. John has joined his father Henry, and brothers Kurt and Tracey in heaven.

Big John made friends easily, was loved by all, enjoyed making people laugh, and was the strongest man we’ve all known. Rock On, Big John!

John’s memorial service will be held at the Harper Funeral Home in San Angelo, Texas on Saturday April 1st at 10am for all who would like to join.

Memorial Service

Saturday, April 1, 2023

10:00AM

Harper Funeral Home 
2606 Southland Boulevard 
San Angelo, TX 76904