Emma Mae Johnson was born on November 1, 1930 in McAdoo, Texas, and was the third child born to Sullie and Lillie Giddings. She grew up in Hillsboro, Texas where she was educated in the public school system, and later furthered her education at Prairie View A&M College where she obtained a Bachelor of Arts in Home Economic with a minor in Elementary Education. She graduated with honors. After college, she started her career as a teacher at the Church of God in Christ school in Lexington, Mississippi. She remained in Lexington for two years and then returned to Hillsboro, Texas where she taught Home Economics until December 1954. In 1954, she married the love of her life, Earl T. Johnson (who preceded her in death). Upon moving to San Angelo, Texas, she was hired in the San Angelo Independent School District and remained there until she retired in 1986. 

In 1955, Emma joined Alexander Temple Church of God in Christ in San Angelo, Texas where the Elder Wilford Alexander was the pastor. She sang in the choir, and was the musician. In 1964, Elder Alexander moved to Santa Ana, California, and a new pastor was sent to the church, and Emma begin to get more involved in the church and started to let her spiritual gifts show. In 1977, a new church was formed, Deliverance Tabernacle Church of God in Christ under the leadership of Elder W. W. Weatherspoon, and she became a member. In October 2001, she was licensed as an Evangelist Missionary in the Church of God in Christ, in the Texas Northwest Jurisdiction. 

While balancing the roles of wife, mother, and educator, God enlarged Emma’s territory to include various responsibilities and offices at the district and jurisdictional level. Among those duties, she was appointed as the State Young Women’s Christian Council (YWCC) President, Chairlady of the Youth Department, and District Missionary of the Midland District. 

In 2014, Emma became a member of Miracle Temple Church of God in Christ and became the Church Mother, President of the Mother’s Board, Sunday School Reviewer, along with other additional duties assigned to her. She was a prayer warrior and an advisor to many young women - training them in the way of Holiness. Emma covered a lot of ground during her lifetime, going to almost every Women’s Convention held at both the State and International levels. She also attended numerous Holy Convocations held in Lubbock, Texas and Memphis, Tennessee.

Mother Emma Johnson was preceded in death by her husband, the late Deacon Earl T. Johnson, her parents Sullie and Lillie Giddings, her sister Ella K. Henley, her brother Sullie Giddings, Jr., her daughter Cheryl Clark, and a special friend Dorothy McNally. Her memories will forever be cherished by her daughter Cecelia Johnson of San Angelo, Texas; grandsons, Dorian Johnson of Dallas, Texas and Aaron Henderson (Brittany) of San Angelo, Texas; two nieces Lily Jackson and Verna Allen (Jackie), and nephew William Cobb, all of San Angelo, Texas. Eight great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild; special cousins Cassie Nowlin, Oxnard California and Rosie Lee Jackson, Wichita Falls, Texas, and many, many other nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, relatives, and friends.

The family will receive friends for visitation from 3:00 P.M. – 5:00 P.M., Friday, January 5, 2018 at Harper Funeral Home. The Funeral Service will be 2:00 P.M., Saturday, January 6, 2018 at Miracle Temple Church of God in Christ in San Angelo. Interment will follow at Lawnhaven Memorial Gardens. Pallbearers for the service will be Wayne Giddings, Tony Allen, Jonathan Smith, Harvey Allen, Joe Patillo and Steve DeWitt.

On Dec. 31, 2017, at the age of 78, Barbara Jeanne Mitchell left this earth for her next journey with her Lord, with her family by her side. She was born April 20, 1939, in Kerrville, Texas. When she was 6 months old, she and her family moved to San Angelo, where she would spend the rest of her life. Growing up, her fondest memories were of her frequent bus trips back to the Hill Country area with her siblings, especially the summer visits, to spend time with her cousins. Barbara was a homemaker and lived a very quiet life while working on ceramics. She worked odd jobs now and then to save up extra money for the things she desired and wanted most. She was the mother of 2, grandmother of 2 and great-grandmother of 2. She was preceded in death by her parents, Herbert and Vera Hartman, and sister Virginia Cox.
She is survived by her daughter, Sherri (Joe) Lee, son James (Heather) Mitchell of Austin, Texas, grandson Jason (Lacey) Lee of Junction, Texas, granddaughter Stacy (Jason) Strickland of Orlando, Florida, brother Ronnie (Nita) Hartman, and the joys of her life, her great-grandchildren Trible and Poppi Lee of Junction, Texas.
Pallbearers will be Jeff Click, David Skertich, Butch Baker, Jason Lee, Guy Lee, and Michael Wood. Honorary Pallbearers are Jason Strickland, Sam Allen, Larry Agold, Vernon Agold and Trible Lee. 
We want to especially thank Dr. Julie Hutchison, Dr. Raj Cheruku, the ICU unit, and all the nursing staff of Shannon Hospital for the care that was given to mom. In leu of flowers, please make donations to the Ronald McDonald House Charities, One Kroc Drive, Oak Brook, IL 60523, or your favorite charity.
Services will be held Saturday Jan. 6th, 2018 at 10:00am, at Sierra Vista United Methodist Church, 4522 College Hills Blvd. with burial to follow at Fairmount Cemetery. Services conducted through Harper Funeral Home.

Clinton Leon Harlow passed away December 31, 2017 at the age of 74. He was born on June 14, 1943 in Llano, Texas to Clinton and Norma Graham Harlow.
Leon graduated from Llano High School and later graduated from Angelo State University. Shortly after graduation, he and his brother became Pearl and Lone Star Beer distributors. Later he entered the restaurant and catering business, lastly having Harlow’s Restaurant. Leon was a 40 year 32nd degree Master Mason of Concho Masonic Lodge 1260. He was a lifelong supporter of the NRA.
He always enjoyed gatherings with family and friends. He had a very special love for his only grandson, Clinton.
Leon married Carol Machann on August 26, 1967. They had two wonderful children. Michelle and Lance.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Clinton and Norma Harlow and brother, Jimmy. Survivors are his wife Carol, daughter Michelle husband Ross Timms, son Lance, grandson Clinton Timms, and brother Timmy.
Funeral Services will be held at 10:00 AM Friday, January 5, 2018 at Johnson Street Church of Christ. Internment will follow in Lawnhaven Memorial Gardens.
In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Concho Masonic Lodge 1260, West Texas Boys Ranch, Rust Street Ministries.

CarolUpshawJaneCarol Jane Upshaw, 56, of Granbury, TX, entered into the presence of her Lord on December 30, 2017 after a lengthy battle with cancer. A celebration of life service will be held at Lakeside Baptist Church Granbury, TX at 11am on January 2, 2018 followed by a service at Harper Funeral Home in San Angelo, TX at 10 am on January 3, 2018 and interment at Lawnhaven Memorial Gardens in San Angelo, TX. 
Carol is survived by her adoring husband Larry Upshaw of Granbury; her sons Ryan Parker and wife Meagan of Mansfield, TX and Ross Parker and wife Nancy of Lubbock, TX; stepdaughters Susan Wood and husband Dewayne of Stephenville, TX, Stephanie Upshaw of Arlington, TX, and Sarah Kalina and husband Roger of Big Lake, TX; her mother Ann Block; and her brothers Dennis Block and wife Joy, Richard Block and wife Jodelle, and Carl Block and wife Barbara all of Wall, TX.
She will forever be remembered as "Lolli" by her precious grandchildren Raegen, Hudson, Cash, Finley Parker, Madison Freeman and husband Dillon, Ragan Wood, and Baines and Hattie Kalina all of whom will continue to live out her legacy.
She was preceded in death by her father Robert Block; nephews Jason Block and Brandon Block; and niece Keri Block.
Carol was born in San Angelo, TX and lived her childhood years in nearby Wall, TX. She enjoyed a 20-year career in the banking industry in Big Lake where she raised her sons. After moving to Granbury, Carol became executive director with Sagora Senior Living, serving at both Waterview and Lakestone Terrace retirement communities. She was loved by all her residents that she served so selflessly. Carol was active in the Granbury community through Leadership Granbury and a member of the Chamber of Commerce. She was a very active member of Lakeside Baptist Church. 
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to Lakeside Baptist Church Missions Fund or to the American Cancer Society.
Carol brought happiness and joy to all. Her beautiful smile and generous heart touched the lives of everyone who knew her. Pallbearers: Justin Block, Matt Dane, Robbie Haddox, Roger Kalina, Dewayne Wood, and Ragan Wood. A special thanks to Rachel Jones-Hospice nurse for her care, love, and support. May her fight and strength radiate in the legacy of her family.

Gladys Faye Matthews was born July 2, 1923 to Willie Washington Wheat & Lena Mae Bryan Wheat in Wingate, TX. She passed away December 29, 2017 at the Allison Care Unit at Baptist Memorial. Family visitation will be at Harper Funeral Home on Tuesday, January 2, 2018 from 5-7pm. Funeral service will be Wednesday, January 3, 2018 at 2:00 at Harris Avenue Baptist Church. Internment will follow at Lawnhaven Memorial Cemetery.

Gladys was born and raised at the family farm outside Wingate, Texas and graduated from Wingate High School in 1941. The planned trip for the senior class trip was cancelled due to Gladys’ being ill at the time. All the money raised for the trip was given to Gladys’ parents to help with medical bills during her illness.

After graduation, she worked in the school cafeteria to help pay for her brothers’ and sister’s lunches at school. She later moved to Abilene and went to work at TS Lankford where she contributed to the war effort by sewing buttons on fatigues.

She initially met W.F. in Winters, Texas after he returned from the war in late 1945, and they began dating shortly after. They were married December 12, 1946 in Abilene, Texas. They were married for 66 years until W.F.’s passing in 2013.

They farmed in Runnels County for several years until they moved to Midland in 1950 for work. Their first son, Randy, was born in 1955. They then moved to San Angelo in 1956, where their second son, Tommy, was born in 1957. Gladys was a homemaker until the boys became of age to attend public school. At that time, she went to work at Harris Avenue Baptist Church Daycare until 1985 when she retired. She taught kindergarten Sunday school at Harris Avenue Baptist Church every Sunday for over 28 years. She was also a member of the Rachel Sunday School class and was an active member at Harris Avenue until her health prevented her from attending regularly the last few years.

Growing up during the depression was a challenge, as there were many mouths to feed under the roof at the Wheat farm north of Wingate. Gladys learned to get up early, get her chores done, get to school on time and return home for more chores. It taught her resiliency and a toughness that was not visible from the outside. These traits continued as she later ran her own home on very few dollars. She was the first up and the last to bed every day. She saw to it that W.F. had a lunch packed, a thermos full of coffee and a kiss before he left for work, usually before daylight. Often, it was after dark before he returned, where she had a hot meal on the table and an immaculate house. While he was gone, she tended to the boys, their schoolwork, church activities and anything else that came her way.

After the boys were gone from home, this regimen continued. When W.F.’s health began declining in his later years, Gladys was again called upon to be resilient day in and day out as W.F.’s primary caregiver. 

Gladys was known well by her family and friends for her resourcefulness. From the many, often ingenious kitchen items reused, to any amount of prepared food left over, nothing was wasted or lost under her watch. 

She was preceded in death by her husband and her parents; as well as brothers Cullen, Jerry, Bryan, and Arley Wheat and sister, Veda Briley.

She is survived by children, Randy & wife Kathy, Tommy & wife Christi. Grandchildren, Justin, Mason & wife Brenna, Brian & wife Ashlee, Mickey & wife Kayla, Bradley & wife Stephanie, & Dillon & wife Kate Matthews also survive her. A very special ‘adopted’ grandson, Martin Mazinga also survives her. She also leaves behind six great grandchildren. She is also survived by her brother and wife, Gene & Jeanie Wheat, and sister-in-law, Joy Wheat as well as many nieces & nephews, cousins & a host of friends.

Grandsons will be pallbearers.
The family would like to express their heart-felt gratitude to the wonderful caregivers at the Allison House at Baptist Memorial. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Meals for the Elderly or your favorite charity.

William “Bill” Cushler passed away Friday December 29, 2017.
Bill was born to William and Mary Cushler on September 28, 1940 in Cleveland, Ohio. Bill moved all around the country holding different jobs. Bill started out as a Pipefitter before being an Inn Manager for LaQuinta Motor Inn. He moved to Lake Havasu City, Arizona and owned a Upholstery Shop then sold appliances at Home Depot. Bill worked as a Reserve Highway Patrol before retiring. Mr. Cushler was a 38 year member of the Elks Lodge, and a third degree Knight of Columbus.
Mr. Cushler is preceded in death by his Mother and Father, and Brothers Jerry and Richard Cushler.
Bill is survived by his wife Virginia Cushler, daughter Dawn Boushelle and husband Don their children AJ Koehler, Sara O’Nalley Boushelle, Brother Michael Cushler and his wife Karen, God Children Andy Barnes, Ben Barnes, Scott Rakos, and numerous nieces and nephews.
The family would like to thank Hospice of San Angelo and New Haven Memory Care Unit.
Memorials can be made to the Texas Elks Lodge at [email protected]
A Mass will be held in the chapel at Holy Angels Catholic Church at 10:00 AM Tuesday, January 2, 2017.
A Memorial Service will be held at a later date.

Violet Marie Allbright, 70, went to be with her Lord on Tuesday, December 26, 2017. She was born to James Garvin Whitmire and Delores Marie Braswell on July 26, 1947.
A shining star to the people she encountered, she was an excellent wife, mother, friend, and workplace professional. She was known recently at Peppercorn Grill and Fisher’s Foodmart for her infectious smile and happy-go-lucky demeanor.
Survivors include her husband Johnny Cox of San Angelo; sons, Donnie Allbright and wife Kelly of Boerne, TX and Kirk Allbright and wife Eleshia of San Angelo. Grandchildren include Savannah, Tyler, Kollin, and Maddison Allbright.
A Visitation will be held on Saturday, December 30, 2017 from 2:00 - 3:30pm at Harper Funeral Home. A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, December 30, 2017 at 3:30pm at Harper Funeral Home. 
There is a gofundme account set up in her name for monetary donations for funeral expenses and other unexpected expenses.

Paul D. Gower, Sr. 64, of San Angelo went to be with the Lord on Thursday, December 14, 2017 in San Antonio, Texas surrounded by his loving family. Paul grew up all over being the son of a military family. He also served his country honorably in the United States Army. After graduating from college, he became an educator and was devoted to teaching his students and having an impact in their lives. He taught for over 20 years at various schools, including John H. Glenn Middle School, where he was beloved by many students. Paul married Patricia Carney on February 25, 1990 and they shared 27 beautiful years together. Paul was preceded in death by his parents Daniel W. Gower, Sr., and Gail Audrey Gower. He is survived by his wife, Pat Gower, of San Angelo; his two sons, Brian Lee Scherf and his wife, Dusty, of Corpus Christi, TX, and Paul D. Gower Jr., of Fort Worth, TX; his daughter, Leslie Bell, of San Angelo; his Grandchildren, Kyler James Williford, Trevor Teague-Scherf, Loren Froelich and Riley June Bell; the mother of his son, Geraldine Hunn, of Fort Worth; his Brother, Daniel W. Gower Jr., and his wife, Suzie, of Sunrise Beach, TX; a special nephew, Patrick Gower and other family members and close friends.
A Celebration of Paul’s Life will be 2:00 P.M., Friday, December 29, 2017 at Harper Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Craig Meyers officiating. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Cal Farley's Boys Ranch, www.calfarley.org, 1-800-687-3722. Thank you.

Carol Lee Burre Orlowski, 88, died on Monday December 18th. She was born on the 3rd of August 1929 in Leavenworth, Kansas to John Burre and Edna Krekeler Burre. Carol was born, baptized, confirmed and married at St. Paul’s Lutheran church in Leavenworth. She graduated from Leavenworth Senior High School in 1947. The next step in life was to enroll in an intensive learning program at St. Luke’s Hospital school of Nursing in Kansas City, MO. Graduating in 1950 and attaining RN statues as well as a marriage to Walter Orlowski on the 30th of July 1950. The first year of marriage saw Walt on the island of Okinawa (after being recalled for Army duty) and Carol working at St. Luke’s and living in the nurse’s dorm. They lived many years in Leavenworth before moving to San Angelo and taking part in the wonderful facilities. She worked 30 years at the VA hospital in Leavenworth.
Those who have pre-deceased are Walter Orlowski (husband), mother and father as well as numerous nephews, nieces, and cosuins.
Survivors include brother, Harold John Burre; sister-in-law, Lila Lake Burre and several nieces and nephews. 
A celebration of life will be Thursday, December 28 at 1:15 p.m. at Lyndale (Royal Estates). Private graveside services to be held at a later date at the Leavenworth National Cemetery.