Obituaries

John’s amazing life journey began in Waurika, Oklahoma, being born to Willis Jerry Morrison and Offie Belle Bryant Morrison, and then moving to Dallas at age two in a buckboard wagon with his mother and four siblings. He grew up in “old Dallas” and saw the city develop from a depressionera cow town to a major international hub during his life. He graduated from Crozier Tech in 1942 and joined the Navy at age 17 to fly PBYs during World War II. He returned from the war and worked his way through the University of Denver. He practiced accounting for Sun Oil in California and returned home to Dallas to work for the original Frito Lay Company in its early days. While doing so, he met a stunning dark-haired beauty on his walks to the office each morning. He finally convinced Vincenza “Virginia” Macaluso, to not only go to lunch with him, but to marry him and have four children and a 52-year marriage which ended with Virginia’s death in 2006.

Roberta Mae (Thomas) Carroll confidently went to her final resting place on June 19, 2021. Roberta, born on March 2, 1917 to Clifford Adell Thomas, Sr. and Annie Mae (Josselet) Thomas, was one of eight children. She was preceded in death by her parents, her brothers (John, Adell, Clifford, Lewis and Raymond Lee) and by her sisters (Helen and Marie).

Gail McWhorter Fisher of Forney, Tx passed away peacefully at home in Forney, Tx on 6/18/2021. She was born 11/4/1921 in Farris, OK. to Bessie Crowley and Tandy Stiles. She was raised by her mother and stepfather Joseph Smith.

Margaret (Sammon) Yates Miller went home to be with the Lord on Sunday evening, May 23, 2021, at her home in Quitman, Texas. She was born September 14, 1935 to Brady and Florence Sammon, both of whom have preceded her in death, along with her sister, Carol Curtiss, and a brother, John Marvin Sammon.

James Coleman (JC) Mitchell born September 19, 1932. Died peacefully at his home, on May 03, 2021. Survivors include: His daughters, Kimberly Mitchell Brooks of Forney, TX and Sherry Lynn Mitchell of Terrell, TX. His son-in-law Ken Brooks of Forney, TX. Grandchildren: Chase Humphrey and Casey Humphrey. Great Grandchildren: Rylan Humphrey and Caleb Humphrey. Brother, Lee Roy Mitchell and sister-in-law Tandy Mitchell. Nephews: Roy Lee Mitchell, Kevin Mitchell and Douglas Pregrove. Nieces: Vicki Roberts, Kathy and Kelly Lee. 7 grandnieces and 1 grandnephew. Caregiver and dear friend: Leticia Segura (Lettie). Cousins: Nita Rea Rector, Roy and Robert Snyder. Longtime friend and business partner Ken Menard.

Steven Wayne Martin was born in Dallas, Texas, on February 4, 1947. He grew up in Forney, Texas, graduating from Forney High School in 1965. He married his high school sweetheart, Sharon Lerlene Kinsey, on September 4, 1965 in Forney, Texas, with Brother Jerry Griffin officiating. Steve and Sharon had two children, Steven Dale born December 23, 1966, and Sharon Denise born June 12, 1969.

Laura Mae Simonek, 75, of Forney, TX went home to be with the Lord on April 18, 2021. She was born on August 3, 1945 to Donald Udell and Valta Aline Parsons at the Naval Air Base in Norman, OK. She moved many times when she was young. She lived in Florida, Alabama, Delaware, Hawaii; and Midwest City, Oklahoma. Laura graduated from Midwest City High School in 1963.

Sam Madison Guthrie born September 3, 1952 and went Home to be with our Lord and Savior April 5, 2021, unexpectantly.

Michael “Reed” Scott Green passed away, Wednesday, March 17th, 2021, from pneumonia due to COVID-19. His parents were Colonel Lynell and Bess Green. He was born in Fort Benning, Georgia and, as an Army brat, lived in Minnesota, Colorado and Fort Sam Houston in San Antonio, TX. He later joined the United States Air Force and served for 6 years.

Retired nurse, wife and mother, Helen Jean Shaffer’s life did not come to an end with her passing. Helen passed away on March 18th, 2021 listening to her favorite musician Willie Nelson. There was not one song of Willie’s that she did not know all the words to. Her six children gathered together to celebrate, honor and preserve her legacy by living their lives to the fullest as she would have wanted.

Jesse D. Wood, born April 3, 1953, peacefully passed away February 26, 2021 after a long battle with brain cancer.

Barbara Jean Schlebach, 63, of Terrell, Texas passed away on January 12, 2021 in Fort Worth, Texas.

Dr. Jimmy D. Pritchard, of Forney, stepped into glory and laid his crown at the feet of Jesus on Wednesday, February 24, 2021. He was born August 30, 1955 in Fairfield, Texas to John Henry and Mary Cordelia (Brown) Pritchard, both of whom preceded him in death along with his sister-in-law, Nancie Pritchard.