Wilma Marie Tuma Owens

Wilma Marie Tuma Owens was welcomed into the arms of Jesus on May 5, 2026, surrounded by the love of her family. Wilma was born on May 7, 19 37, i n Milam County to James Martin Tuma and Nina Beatrice Edelmon Tuma. She lived her life in Rockdale.

Mary Davis Ware

Mary Davis Ware, 85, of Rockdale, passed away April 27, 2026, at her residence. Funeral ser vices will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, May 16, at Rising Star Baptist Church in Rockdale, with burial to follow at New Oaklawn Cemetery.

Payne

Mrs. Odessa Payne Odessa Payne was born in Smiley to Walter G. and Quincy Erwin on Oct. 26, 1947, and went to be with our good Lord on May 2, 2026.

Williams

Mr. Williams Charlie Wayne “Skeeter” Williams, 81, of Rockdale died on April 19, 2026, at a Temple hospital. The funeral service is scheduled for 4 p.m. Saturday, May 16, at Meadowbrook Baptist Church in Rockdale with Pastor Stephen Ammons officiating. A visitation will be held at 3 p.m.

Ellison

Mr. Ellison Welton Hugo Ellison, age 83, born Jan. 14, 1943, in Bryan was the youngest of five children and remained cherished as the “baby” of his family throughout his life. He grew up in several Texas towns, graduated from Rockd ale High School and went on to earn a master’s degree in journalism.

Boyd

Mrs. Boyd Carolyn Nell Leistra Boyd was born in Palestine, Texas, on July 11, 1943. After a lengthy illn ess, she passed peacefully into the arms of Jesus with her husband by her side. Her pa rents were John Fred Leistra and Zelma Lee Kiser Leistra.

Elliott

Ms. Elliott Kristina Marie Elliott, 41, of Gause went to be with her Heavenly Father on Sunday, April 26, 2026. A memorial service will be held, 11 a.m. Monday, May 4, 2026, at Phillips & Lucke y F u ne r al Home in Rockdale with Pastor Daniel Garrison officiating.

Lanham

Mrs. Lanham Genevieve Jeanette Lanham was born in the fall of 1939 and was the second child born to Thelma Key (Fread) and Gray A. Burton. Jeanette graduated from Victoria High School.

Merritt

Mrs. Merritt Wanda Elaine “Sookie” Love Merritt, 77, of Sharp passed away peacefully on Friday, April 17, 2026, surrounded by her loving husband, sons and family. Elaine was born on Ma r c h 30, 1949, on the family farm in Milam County to Clyde Milton and Carrie Mae Bingham Love.

Molinare

Mrs. Molinare Julie Molinare, beloved daughter, sister, mother and grandmother, passed away on Jan. 5, 2025, at the age of 74. She was born on May 8, 1950, in Port Arthur to Jane t te Wheat Por ter a nd Alton Porter.