Well, it is obvious that if you are reading this I am gone. While I have your attention, let me share my story. I was born in New York City January 25, 1950. My parents are Wilfredo De Jesus, who unbelievably, outlived me and is still alive at 95 years old and my mom Carmen, who is deceased. I also had a sister, Dory Hayes, who is deceased as well.

In 1969, I met Gabriel Garza, a handsome young man from Texas and fell in love with him. We married after a 3 1/2 year courtship. After 3 years of living in upstate New York, I got pregnant with Lisa, my beautiful daughter. Later when Lisa was born, we relocated to San Angelo, TX. At first, I was reluctant to move but have come to love it. (It was also less expensive to live here than in New York). When we moved here, we were sort of a unique couple for west Texas. Me a "black" Puerto Rican and Gabriel a "white" Mexican. Some would even say, "What did he see in her"? However, when you came to know me, didn't you agree with him? I was a beautiful person. He would often refer to me as his "ROSE FROM SPANISH HARLEM". By the way, I was born and raised in Spanish Harlem, get it?

When we got married, Gabriel told me I would never have to get a job, just be a homemaker. Hey, I was more than happy to do that! However, when we had to put a can opener on lay-a-way at Montgomery Ward, I thought, I had better get a job. I worked at a bank for a year and then joined Gabriel at GTE/VERIZON and worked there for 22 years, where I made many good friends that still remembered me after years of being retired. I guess it was my honest and witty personality that made an impact on them.

While all of this was going on, my daughter gave birth to a handsome son, our only grandson, Jordan. We were fortunate to see him grow from a boy to a young man in our home.

Additionally, we were blessed to raise in our home another beautiful daughter, actually my first cousin, Jessica. For someone who thought she would never have children my house was filled rather quickly.

My greatest joy, though, was having served Jehovah God for over 50 years. By serving Him, I was able to witness to countless people in both New York and Texas. I came to be part of a family of over 8 million fellow servants of Jehovah around the world. 

In the beginning of my story, I mentioned that I was gone, but am not. While it is true I am not with "y’all" now, I continue to exist in God's memory, waiting for his call and I will answer (Job 14:15). That is when we will meet up again in a paradise here on earth, where God will “wipe out every tear from their eyes, and death will be no more, neither will mourning nor outcry nor pain be anymore”. (Rev. 21:4). 

My family and I would like to thank all the family, friends, and caregivers that were involved in my care both in the hospital and at home. Those family members that I had the opportunity to visit with in my last days have clear instructions from me…don’t let me down! 

Funeral services will be Saturday, June 3, 2017 at 2:00 p.m. at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses, 2021 Pulliam Street, San Angelo, TX 76905.

John Brent Kedziora, 64, of San Antonio, passed away on Thursday, May 18, 2017 in Katy, Texas. He was born to Carl John and Gloria Kedziora on January 17, 1953 in San Antonio. John worked as a Gas Compressor mechanic most of his life and eventually became a Field Supervisor until he retired from the oilfield in 2009. John was a hardworking man and very know legible in this field. He enjoyed spending time with his children and grandchildren. John took up a hobby of gardening, learned from his parents at their home. He also liked to spend his spare time on mechanical projects and working on his trucks and motors of any size. John will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him. He was preceded in death by both of his parents. 
Survivors include his daughter, Kristina Kedziora; son, Kristopher Kedziora and his wife, Noelle; mother of his children, Karen Kedziora; sister, Deborah Kedziora; grandchildren, Kayden and Ava Peters, and Austin Kedziora; as well as a host of other relatives and friends. 
There will be an open time of visitation on Tuesday, May 23, 2017 at Johnson's Funeral Home from 2:00-7:00 PM for those wishing to pay respects and sign the guestbook. Graveside services will be held at 10:00 AM on Wednesday, May 24, 2017 in the Johnson's Lawnhaven Memorial Gardens. 

Mary Ann Sherrod, 74, passed away May 16, 2017 in San Angelo, TX, released from the shackles of Parkinson's disease. She was born on November 21, 1942 in Hobbs, NM to Andy and Mary Lee Nixon. Mary Ann graduated from Eldorado High School in 1961; she continued her education at North Texas University. She married Hilton Sherrod on December 16, 1995. Mary Ann loved spending time with her pride and joy, her 3 children, she was always on the road and never missed a basketball or football game, band concert or 4-H event her kids were involved in. She enjoyed her kids, even more her grandkids. She was a member of Southgate Church of Christ and loved cooking, sewing and taking care of others. Mary Ann was preceded in death by her parents, Andy and Mary Lee Nixon and her sister, Judy Kay Lomax. Those left to cherish her memory are her husband, Hilton Sherrod; one sister, Linda Scroggins; sons, Randy Runge and wife, Robyn and Art Runge and wife, Shannon; daughter, Lisa Brown and husband, Michael; step-sons, Steve Sherrod and wife, Karen, Mitchell Sherrod and wife, Laura and Nick Sherrod and wife, Kindra; 13 grandkids and 7 great grandkids. Funeral service will be held at 1:00 p.m. Friday, May 19, 2017 in the chapel of Johnson's Funeral Home with Paul Shero officiating. Burial will follow in Johnson's Lawnhaven Memorial Gardens. The family wishes to thank Inez Gonzales, Hannah Wright, Rachel Brown and all the staff at Sagecrest for taking such good care of mom both at home and at the Tally House. Memorials may be sent to the National Parkinson's Foundation. Mary Ann Sherrod, 74, passed away May 16, 2017 in San Angelo, TX, released from the shackles of Parkinson's disease. She was born on November 21, 1942 in Hobbs, NM to Andy and Mary Lee Nixon. Mary Ann graduated from Eldorado High School in 1961; she continued her education at North Texas University. She married Hilton Sherrod on December 16, 1995. Mary Ann loved spending time with her pride and joy, her 3 children, she was always on the road and never missed a basketball or football game, band concert or 4-H event her kids were involved in. She enjoyed her kids, even more her grandkids. She was a member of Southgate Church of Christ and loved cooking, sewing and taking care of others. Mary Ann was preceded in death by her parents, Andy and Mary Lee Nixon and her sister, Judy Kay Lomax. Those left to cherish her memory are her husband, Hilton Sherrod; one sister, Linda Scroggins; sons, Randy Runge and wife, Robyn and Art Runge and wife, Shannon; daughter, Lisa Brown and husband, Michael; step-sons, Steve Sherrod and wife, Karen, Mitchell Sherrod and wife, Laura and Nick Sherrod and wife, Kindra; 13 grandkids and 7 great grandkids. Funeral service will be held at 1:00 p.m. Friday, May 19, 2017 in the chapel of Johnson's Funeral Home with Paul Shero officiating. Burial will follow in Johnson's Lawnhaven Memorial Gardens. The family wishes to thank Inez Gonzales, Hannah Wright, Rachel Brown and all the staff at Sagecrest for taking such good care of mom both at home and at the Tally House. Memorials may be sent to the National Parkinson's Foundation. 

Edward J. Roper, 86, of San Angelo, passed away at his home on Monday, May 15, 2017. He was born to the late, Bessie Mae and Lee Jackson Roper on September 6, 1930 in Oakgrove, Florida. Edward married JoNell Wood on December 24, 1954 in Greenville, Alabama. They were married 55 years and 5 days at the time of her death. He served in the United States Army for 3 years and then with the United States Air Force for another 22 years until retiring as a Master Sergeant. Edward served during the Korean Conflict and Vietnam Era. He was a decoder for many of his service years, which led to his love of puzzles in general. Ed was a man of great integrity, often telling his children things like "never trust a liar and never become one yourself". It has been said that Ed always did the right thing, even when it wasn't the easy thing to do. He was a member of Green Meadow Church of Christ and maintained a strong faith throughout his lifetime. He enjoyed playing dominoes with his group of friends weekly. He was a jokester, always teasing those close to him and ready for a good, clean laugh. He was an inspiration to those around him and will be missed greatly. Edward was preceded in death by his loving wife, JoNell; and daughter-in-law, Patty Roper. 
Survivors include his children, Jerry Roper, Margie Jorden and her husband, Anthony, and Dallas Serumgard and her husband, Will; grandchildren, Eric, Lana, Jeff, Joe, Dara, Elinor, and Sophie; 7 great grandchildren; numerous nieces, nephews and a host of other relatives and friends. 
There will be no visitation; however the guestbook will be available for those wishing to stop by the funeral home to sign. Graveside services will be held at 2:00 PM on Friday, May 19, 2017 in the Johnson's Lawnhaven Memorial Gardens.

Sally Naomi Stevens, 85, went to be with her Lord and Savior on Monday, May 15, 2017 in San Angelo. Sally was born May 25, 1931 in Hillsboro, Ohio to Delbert and Mary Kier. She married the love of her life, Marvin Douglas Stevens and they shared 54 beautiful years together. Marvin preceded her in death in 2002. Sally was a loving daughter, sister, wife, mother and grandmother who devoted her life to the Lord and her family. She was an incredible woman of faith who loved the Lord and loved her church home, Calvary Baptist Church, where she was a longtime member. In her spare time, she loved sewing and crocheting, joking with friends and most of all cooking. Sally was known for her famous peach cobbler, which she loved to cook anytime there was a gathering. She was so full of life and so very loving and caring towards others. Sally’s life and legacy of love will remain in our hearts forever! She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Marvin, her son Michael Wayne Stevens and one brother, Roger Kier. Sally is survived by her children, Sandra Stevens, of San Angelo, Gary Stevens, of San Antonio, Robert Stevens, of San Angelo, Mary Montelongo and her husband Edward, of San Angelo and Charlie Stevens, of San Angelo; 6 Grandchildren; 15 Great Grandchildren, with 2 Great Grandchildren on the way; her Brother, Dave Kier, of Jacksonville, FL; her sister, Jean Kier, of Alabama; and numerous other family and close friends.

Clif Cauthen, 58, of Dallas, passed away Monday, May 1, 2017 in Dallas, Texas. He was born to Jack and Janet Cauthen on May 18, 1958 in San Marcos, Texas. Clif was active at Park Heights Baptist Church as a youth, a 1977 graduate of Central High School, where he played Bobcat football and then later a 1981 graduate of Texas A&M University. Clif enjoyed spending time with his family and friends. The mountains were his "happy place", especially when skiing, mountain biking or driving his Jeep. Clif worked for The Arrangement in Dallas where he was an Interior Design Consultant and Sales Associate for over 15 years. His love of life and outgoing spirit will be missed greatly by all who knew and loved him. Clif is preceded in death by his grandparents, Earl and Valeria Rylander, and Jack and Robbie Cauthen. 
Survivors include his parents, Jack and Janet Cauthen; sister, Valarie Look and her husband, Dave; brother, Scott L. Cauthen and his wife, Stephanie; nephews, Jon, Bobby and Matthew Look, and Ryland Cauthen; and a host of other relatives and friends. 
Memorial services will be held at 10:00 AM on Saturday, May 13, 2017 at The Heights Church, San Angelo. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Meals for the Elderly, The Heights Church or the giver's charity of choice. 

Emmitt W. Johnson, 76 of San Angelo, Texas rode off into the sunset on Tuesday, May 9, 2017. He'll gallop to that corral in the sky and will be riding horses and motorcycles along with son, Sean who preceded him in 2010. He'll also be joining his mother, father and brother to stir up the dust and raise a little 'or a lot" of ruckus up there! Emmitt was born to Emitt M. Johnson and Juanita Smoot on December 3,1940 in Snyder, Texas. He attended San Angelo public schools and then in 1957 he joined the Army where he had served for 3 years. Emmitt was one heck of a cook; give him a pot and he would cook up the best beans y'all ever tasted and nobody out did him when it came to cooking a mean brisket. He loved his guns and was an excellent marksman. We can't leave out his dogs, Dawn and Lucy who were always by his side whom he loved very much.. they'll miss him as well! Emmitt is survived by his sons, Ricky Johnson of Norman, Oklahoma, Kevin Johnson of Providence, Rhode Island, Kenneth Johnson of San Angelo and Becky Pardo, Kenneth's fiance, who played a huge part in taking care of Emmitt during his lengthy illness. Also surviving is his daughter, Tammy Dumolt of Brush Prairie, Washington, his ex wife and good friend Sue Johnson of San Angelo, sister-in-law Dorothy Johnson of Ladson, South Carolina, sister Vicki and brother-in-law Oscar Pettit of Leander, Texas and sister Marilyn Pettit of Leander, Texas. Emmitt is also survived by numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. Visitation is from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday, May 14, 2017. The funeral service is at 3 p.m. on Monday, May 15, 2017 both at Johnson's Funeral Home in San Angelo, Texas.