Obituaries

04-14-1946 to 01-06-2025

Tommy Lee Atkinson, Jr., was born on April 14, 1946, in Rockwall, Texas, to the parentage of Tom and Cuba Lee Atkinson of Forney, Texas. He received his education in Forney Public Schools, where he graduated from Booker T. Washington High School. Tommy served in the Military (Army) for 4 years. After his service, he returned home to become a truck driver for over 35 years. Tommy retired after 25 years with Grocery Supply Company.
He was a well-respected veteran of the Armed Services until his passing in January of 2025. Tommy was a great son, brother, father, uncle, and friend. In between driving trucks, he would pick up welding in his spare time, making burglar bars for homes and businesses, along with barbecue pits. He lived in Seagoville, Texas for 13 years until the time of his passing.

Due to his decline in health within the last year and a half, Tommy was called home to be with the Lord on January 6, 2025. He will be greatly missed by everyone that he’s
impacted in his life. Tommy Lee Atkinson, Jr., was an exceptional man only coming once in
a lifetime. He was a great person to know and love.

Tommy is preceded in death by his mother, father, 3 sisters, and 2 brothers. He leaves his loved ones to cherish his memories: sister, Margie Atkinson; brother, Johnny Atkinson of Dallas; one special daughter, Terice Hayes of Forney; special nieces, Kiera Atkinson and Marcella Atkinson of Dallas; a host of cousins all over from Forney to Dallas, Texas, Tulsa, OK, Tacoma, and Seattle, Washington; and a host of nieces, nephews, and many, many friends.

We love you, Tommy, and we are already missing your presence.

Services: Public Viewing, Friday, Jan 17, 2025 from 5-7pm Little Flock BC-Forney, Texas
Service: Sat, Jan 18, 2025 @ 2:00 PM
Little Flock BC-Forney, Texas
Burial: Prairie View Cemetery-Forney, Tx

10-03-1948 to 01-08-2025

Services:

Public Viewing: Friday, Jan 17, 2025 from 6-8 pm DuBose Funeral Home Chapel
Service: Saturday, January 18, 2025 @ 12:00 PM
Mt. Olive BC-Terrell, Texas

05-10-1931 to 01-08-2025

Russell Jones Jr. was born as the only child of Maggie Darden and Russell “Jack” Jones Sr. on November 29, 1932 in Lawrence, Texas. He was a graduate of Burnett High School, graduating class of 1956. He was a Korean War Veteran of the United States Air Force and was Honorably Discharged January 16, 1954. After serving in the military and then graduating from High School, he attended Southwestern Christian College. In December of 1955, he married Shirley Ruth Henderson, and to their union, eight (8) children were born.
Russell accepted Christ on the fourth Sunday of August 1968 and was a member of the New Hope Missionary Baptist Church in Terrell, Tex. While a member of New Hope he served as a choir member, as a member of the brotherhood, bus driver, asst Superintendent of Sunday School and many other ministries. He became a Deacon at the New Hope Church in 1969 and served as Chairman of Deacons for 43 years, under the leadership of 3 different pastors. Even when he no longer served as Chairman, Russell served as a faithful member of the New Hope Baptist Church until his passing. Russell spent a great deal of his life in the trucking industry. The majority of his career, he worked for Roadway Express and retired in 1992 after 31 years. He was a member of Teamsters Local #745. After retirement, he enjoyed fishing with his sons and grandson, BJ. He was a strong advocate for education and was proud of the fact that all of his children and grandchildren were educated. Russell was elevated to 33 rd Degree Mason by the United Supreme Council on November 10, 1975. He was a member of Abraham Lodge 315. In the political arena, Russell ran for city council and was also an integral part of the federal lawsuit that brought single member districts to Kaufman County and insured equal representation for all citizens regardless
of neighborhood or ethnicity.

Russell is preceded in death by his wife of 68 years and 4 months, Shirley Ruth Henderson-
Jones, his father, Russell “Jack” Jones Sr., his mother Maggie Darden-Gimmerson, his son,
Russell (Sonny) Johnson, and three half-sisters, Pearl Presley, Reba Young and Barbara Grigsby.

He leaves to cherish his memory his eight children, Harold (Marilyn), Larry, Sandra, Vincent
(Donna), Rajah, Kennedy (Marcy), Collette (Gary), and Lynette (Darrell). He leaves 22
grandchildren, 21 great grandchildren, and 5 great-great grandchildren. He also had 4 special adopted sons, Ricky Pipkins, Rev. Johnny Dorsey, Dr. B.L. Bell, Sr., and Kenneth Johnson. One special friend Mr. Johnny Baker and a host of other relatives, church members and friends.

Services:

Public Viewing: Friday, January 17, from 6-8 – New Hope BC-Terrell
Saturday, January 18, 2025 @ 10:00 AM
Bethlehem BC-Terrell, Texas
Burial: New Oakwood Cemetery-Terrell

Ms. Velma Sue Bowland passed on 12-2-2024 in her home. She is a long time resident of Terrell Texas and will be missed by her family and friends.

Services: Friday, December 13@ 10:00 AM
DuBose Funeral Home Chapel

08-24-1948 to 12-02-2024

Zearline Wilson Freeny was born August 24, 1948, in Terrell, Texas to
the late Rev. Zearl Wilson and Tommie Lee Wilson.

She accepted Jesus Christ at an early age and united with the Friendship
Baptist Church in Terrell, Texas under the leadership of Pastor James
Turner and later the True Vine Missionary Baptist Church under the
leadership of Pastor James Sears.

She attended Burnett and graduated in 1966.
She went on to study nursing and became a nurse early in her career.
After nursing, Zearline pursued a degree in Secretarial Science, and she
graduated valedictorian of her class.

She pursued many different career paths and opportunities to name a few
she was a teacher’s aide and bail bondsman, but her passion was
centered around helping others.

She ended her career at the Texas Workforce Commission where she
retired to care for her mother.

She enjoyed playing the piano, cooking, and making us laugh.
Zearline was preceded in death by her parents, Rev. Zearl Wilson and
Tommie Lee Wilson and two sisters Hattie Marie Wilson and Quettia
Lavern Turner.

She leaves to cherish her memory: two children Temekia Freeny and
Tomi Hicks (Krystal); one granddaughter Ayshia Rollins; three brothers
Earl Wilson, Zearl Wilson, Jr. (Charlene) and Rev. Thomas Wilson and
a host of nieces, nephews cousins, friends who are like family and a very
special cousin, Gloria Hubbard.

Service: Monday, December 9, 2024 @ 11:00 AM
Bethlehem BC-Terrell,Tx
Burial: New Oakwood Cemetery

08-30-1979 to 11-29-2024

Montavion Bronchee Shaw was born August 30, 1979 in Dallas, Texas to the
parents of Andrew Lee Shaw and Gwendolyn Renae Boyd Shaw Wyner. He was
the baby boy. He departed this life on November 29, 2024.

Montavion attended & graduated from Terrell High School in 1998. He was active
in basketball, track & football. He helped lead the team to many victories. He
attended Texas Southern University in Houston. He also attended Kilgore Junior
College in Kilgore.

Montavion was an active member of the United States Navy from June 2001 to
November 2002. He served on the USS Patan in North Folk, Virginia.
He joined The Church of The Living God, PGT @ an early age.

Services: Public Viewing, Friday, December 6, 2024
Church of The Living God – Terrell
Funeral Service: Sat, Dec 7, 2024 @ 11:00 AM
First Baptist Church – Terrell,Tx
Burial: New OakWood Cemetery

10-12-1999 to 11-05-2024

Teodrik Kei’Jaun Frazier was born in Terrell, Texas on October 12, 1999. He was born to the loving parents of Kendrick Frazier and Nacole Edinbyrd.

He Attended Terrell ISD and graduated class of 2018. He always had a love and passion for music in all genres, making beats. During his sickness he realized his passion in helping others with the same illnesses he had. He wanted to become a nurse to help others fight for their lives as hard as he fought for his.

Teodrik attended Lone Star BC at an early age under the leadership of Rev. R.T. Silmon.

He is preceded in death by both grandmothers, Laquita Edinbyrd and Deloris Frazier and one uncle, Derrick Frazier.

He leaves to cherish his memories; Father, Kendrick Frazier, (Johniece) Mother, Nacole Edinbyrd, (Thomas), Three brothers, De’Marion Preston, Kendrick Frazier Jr. and Trey’lain Fraizer. His Grandfather, Larry Edinbyrd (PaPa), uncles Billy Bassett (Jessica), Jeffery Edinbyrd (Steffanie), and Joset Fraizer. Also best friend and cousin, Tytianna Lacy and N’Kivian Malone and a host of other relatives and family members.

Memorial Service: Saturday, October 9, 2024

DuBose Funeral Home
703 S. Rockwall Ave.-Terrell,Tx

08-27-1931 to 11-01-2024

Mary Helen was born on August 27, 1931, in Quinlan, TX to the late Odessa and Lonnie
Phillips. She was preceded in death by her late husband Grady Quinney, one son Michael McQuinney two brothers J.P. Phillips, Charles F. Phillips, Sr., and one sister Erma P. Phillips.
Mary Helen attended grade school in Quinlan, TX and graduated from Burnett High School in Terrell, TX. Mary Helen moved to Dallas in 1952 where she met and married Grady McQuinney. Mary Helen worked at Arthur Anderson and retired after 20 years of service. She cast her lot at Progressive Baptist Church in Dallas, TX until her health failed her.

She leaves to cherish her memories two sons Ronald Phillips and Donald McQuinney of Dallas, TX., one brother James E. Phillips (Sue) of Quinlan, TX, one granddaughter who preceded her in death Shil Rhonda Rich (Donique) who was her caregiver; one grandson Derek McQuinney; great grandchildren Sha’Darrion Goodwin, Mila McQuinney, Zuri McQuinney, Ja’Darrion McQuinney, and Derek McQuinney, Jr., one sister-in-law Dorothy Phillips, a very special family friend Rhonda Corbin (caregiver) and a host of nieces and nephews.

Service: Thursday, November 14, 2024 @ 1:00PM

Progressive BC-3314 Detonte St.-Dallas,Tx
Burial: Lincoln Memorial Cemetery-Dallas,Tx

03-17-1951 to 10-20-2024

James Earl Dye was born March 17, 1953 to the parentage of K. D. Dye and Lucy Mae Booker in Terrell,Texas. He was one of 4 children born from this union. James accepted Jesus Christ at an early age and united with Mt. Olive Baptist Church in Terrell, TX, under the leadership of Rev. E.T. Winston & later the Bethlehem Baptist Church in Terrell TX, under the leadership of Rev. Richard E. Rollerson, Jr. James served as a head deacon; choir director at the Mt. Olive Baptist Church & he also served as a member of the male chorus at Bethlehem. He was a believer & devout man of God who mirrored Christ in the servitude of others. Serving Christ, his church, and others were of great importance as he taught his children to treat others right because you never knew if you were entertaining angels. James attended Terrell High School, where he was recognized for his academic and athletic abilities in football, baseball, and, notably, tennis. He graduated in 1969. Upon graduation, he headed to Bishop College in Dallas, TX, where he received his Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Administration. James went on to pursue and obtain a juris doctorate degree in 1976 from Thurgood Marshall School of Law at Texas Southern University. His career began and was centered around the things that he loved. He became a semi-pro tennis player and tennis instructor. James eventually plowed into a career as an ISSD teacher in Terrell Independent School District, where he committed himself until he retired. On July 18 th , 1975 James married the love of his life, Rita Jeannette White. Together, they had three children: Jonelle Dawn Green (Sebastian Green), Jamiaya Earvette Dye, and Kellee Marquis Dye (Natasha Dye). He is preceded in death by his wife, father, mother and sister (Mary Frances Dye). He leaves to cherish his memory, three children, Jonelle Dawn Green (Sebastian Green) Jamiaya Earvette Dye, and Kellee Marquis Dye (Natasha Dye); two brothers, Douglas Lee Dye and Melvin Ray Dye; two grandchildren, Albernisha Jackson & Oneil Williams Iii; four bonus grandchildren, Adriauna, Arionna, Serenity, and Symmone; three great grands, Aliyah, Ariana, Aydan and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and
best friends that have become family.

Services: Public Viewing, Friday, 6-8 Bethlehem BC
Celebration Service: Sat, October 26, 2024 @12:00 Noon
Bethlehem BC-500 Frances St.-Terrell-Tx
Burial: New Oakwood Cemetery-Terrell

01-01-1969 to 10-06-2024

Marshall was born in Paris, Texas, Lamar County, to the parentage of Robert Flowers and Louise Ashley Spraglin.

Marshall graduated in 1988 from Paris High School and later attended Jarvis Christian College, where he became a member of Epsilon Zeta Chapter of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. Marshall also met the love of his life, Shannon Vaughn Spraglin, there at JCC in 1989. Marshall and Shannon married on September 17, 1994, and two children were born to this union.

At an early age Marshall attended Mt. Carmel Baptist Church in Paris, Texas. Marshall later became a member of Mt. Pisgah Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of the late Pastor Robert E. Murphy in Dallas, Texas in 1994. Marshall and his family eventually became members of Bethlehem Baptist Church under the leadership of Pastor Richard E. Rollerson, Jr., and Marshall was later baptized in 2009. Recently, Marshall and his wife restored their membership back to Mt. Pisgah Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of Pastor Lesley Booker Sr. where Marshall worshipped until his transition to be with God.

Marshall leaves to cherish his memories: his wife, Shannon Vaughn Spraglin; two daughters, Brittany Black (Josh), Tashalyn Owens (Serrick); one son, Marshall Lynn Spraglin II; three, granddaughters: Azhia, Legaci, and Olivia; three sisters, Loretta Bills (Rodrick), Jonetta Black (Ashanti), Brenda Spraglin; three brothers, Rickey Spraglin, Arthur Spraglin, Anthony Spraglin; mother & father in-law, Robert & Patricia Roland Sr., and a host of nieces, nephews, family and friends.

Services: Saturday, October 19, 2024 @ 11:00 PM
Bethlehem BC – Terrell, Texas