Obituaries

February 22, 1952 to December 03, 2023

Ms. May Helen Martin, long time resident of Terrell, Texas passed on December 03, 2023 in Forney, Tx. Ms. May Martin was loved by many who knew in the Terrell Community. She leaves to cherish her memories with a host of family, friends and loved ones.

12-09-1981  to 11-08-2023

Robert Edward Kennedy of Terrell, Texas, was born to the
parentage of Carolyn Moss on December 9, 1981, in Garland, Texas. He departed this life peacefully on Wednesday, November 8, 2023 surrounded by family and friends. Robert was a proud graduate of Terrell High School and accepted Christ at an early age. He was employed at Edward Jones for many years. Robert was a good Chef and the best yard man. He was well-known around the town for his contagious smile and conversation.

He was preceded in death by his loving brother, Mark Kennedy, beautiful niece, Makayla Salters, and father, James Earl Moss. Robert leaves to cherish his memories: mother, Carolyn Moss; brothers, Eddie Kennedy, Luther Kennedy Crawford, Marquiese Kennedy, and JaMicheal Trotter; one sister, Sasha Moss; brother-in-law, Cordell Holbert; nephews, Carmelo Kennedy, Cuttino Kennedy, Camrone Kennedy, Nathaniel Kennedy, Karlito
Robinson; nieces, Capri Kennedy, Camiya Kennedy, Jamya Salters; special aunt, Wanda Jackson, Norma Womack; one uncle, Steward Womack; special cousin’s, Barbara Wade Womack Hardin, Brenda Myers, Ashley Jackson, Niceey Cosby, Sabrina Hardin, Ashly Womack, LaToya Jones, Tiffanie Turner, Tesheena Collier, Tenisha Collier, and a host of other relatives and friends.

Services:  Saturday, November 18, 2023 @ 11:00 AM

First Baptist Church

403 N. Catherine St. – Terrell, Tx 75160

Burial:  New Oakwood Cemetery-Terrell

May 13, 1939  to October 24, 2023

Thelma Faye Smith birth name “Carla Dean” was born on May 13, 1939, to the late Clyntell McArthur Smith and Verdyce Ophelia West Grimble. She attended Terrell Schools in Terrell, Texas until she later moved to Houston, Texas where she completed her education at Booker T. Washington High School and attended Texas Southern University. Thelma Faye is preceded in death by her father, Clyntell Smith; mother, Mrs. Verdyce O. Grimble; stepfather, Mr. Hansel I. Grimble, sister, Arthur (Audrey) Vernice Smith Powell; son-in-law Rev. Lee A. Denson; and her only nephew, Milton Jerome Powell, Jr.

She accepted Christ at an early age at Bethlehem Baptist Church and when the family moved to Houston, they became members of Damascus Baptist Church. As a young adult, she decided to move back to Terrell to be close to her grandmother, Roberta Simon, and reunited with Bethlehem Baptist Church. It was also in Terrell that she met and married L.C. Burnette. Thelma Faye was a hard worker, even as a college student at Texas Southern University, she had great work ethics. Her first job was working in a jewelry store where she had an eye looking at jewelry and could identify real diamonds. She began her career at Timberlawn Psychiatric Hospital in Dallas, Texas, as a mental health therapist aide working with adolescents, who adored her.

Thelma Faye had fond memories of Timberlawn, which is where she met her co-worker, Beatrice Murphy, who became her good friend and traveling buddy. After many years of service at Timberlawn, she made the decision to work closer to home, and accepted a position at Terrell State Hospital where she worked until she retired in 1999. Thelma Faye was very devoted and engaged in the community. She loved working with young teenagers and became a Girl Scout Cadet Leader in her community. She was the President of the Faithful Few, under her leadership, she was very instrumental in initiating their annual hat show where ladies wore their glamorous hats and the funds raised offered scholarships twice a year to high school seniors. The organization also assisted with providing bereaved families with dinner after funeral services and supported a family in need with Christmas gifts annually. Thelma Faye was also a member of the Mission Sisters and Women’s Ministry at Bethlehem Baptist Church.

Her faithfulness and devotion extended beyond her work and church life which was proven with her long-lasting friendship with Kenneth Morrow (cousin), Mary Ann Brown (friend), and Walter Ruth Washington (cousin); a testament to the fact that relationships mattered. They remained close friends until separated by death. Thelma Faye favorite pastimes were traveling and playing card games with family and friends, going to the casinos, watching Wheel of Fortune and ABC World News Tonight with David Muir. She was a crossword puzzle guru, there was not a puzzle she did not solve. She leaves to cherish her memory forever her daughters, Verdeese Ophelia Carr, Teresa Carr Davis (Cecil), Sharon Denese Burnette, and Audrea Burnette Denson; ten (10) grandchildren: Quincy LaRay Carr, Adrian Machelle Darby (Mark), Gary Don Hampton, Jr. (Alisa), Andralesia Victoria Denson (Chris), Alexandria Vaney Denson, Jade D’Andrea Zachery, and Deondray Tyrone Kennedy; three (3) great granddaughters: Jasmine, London and Nariah Darby; and two (2) great grandsons: A’maree and Carsyn Doss, niece, Josie James Hamilton, two (2) grand nieces, BreeAngela Hamilton and Malon Jisele Powell, cousins, Colvin Blanford (Margaret) and Maggie Reid, William Lawrence Drake, Mildred Smith, special family friend, Myrtle Polk and a host of other family and friends

Services:  Public Viewing:  Friday October 03, 2023  from 5-7 PM

Celebration Service: Saturday, October 4, 2023 11:00 AM                                                     Bethlehem BC-500 S. Rockwall Ave.  Terrell, Texas

Burial:  New Oakwood Cemetery – Terrell, Texas

11-17-1960 to 10-13-2023

Benny O’Keith Lampkin, was born in Terrell, Texas, on November 17, 1960, to the parentage of the late Florence Williams-Lampkin and Charles W. Surrell. Benny attended school in Terrell and is a 1981 graduate of Terrell High School. During high school, he was a member of the Terrell Tiger football team and was a starter his freshman, sophomore, and junior years. Due to a neck injury, he could not play during his senior year. After, high school Benny attended Trinity Valley Community College. Benny later played semi-professional football with the Dallas Outlaws. Benny was married to Fatima Adams and to this union, he helped rear two stepchildren.

Benny was a member of Freedom To Worship Church under the leadership of Pastor Rodney Dean. Mr. Lampkin worked for Terrell ISD for 30 years, retiring at the end of the
2022-23 school year due to his health. Benny loved serving the students of Terrell ISD and looked at them as his own. He was a father figure to many students in the school and
community over the last 30 years. Benny also worked for Wal-Mart distribution center for 16 years. He would work with the students at Terrell High and then work at Wal-Mart distribution until the wee hours of the morning. Benny also served as a referee at the ExCel Center, and as a Lifeguard at the Terrell City Pool.

Benny was an avid football fan. During football season you could find him at the stadium watching a football game. Benny would travel to see his great nephews who played college
football. He leaves to cherish his memories: children, Brandon and Brittney Williams; brothers, Clyde Lampkin of Garland, Texas, Jackie Lampkin (Brenda), Ricky Lampkin, Lerrie
Lampkin (Kenetra); sister, Ceola Davis (Danny) of Terrell; brother-in-law, Charles Malone (Terrell); aunt, Margaret Gray of Garland, Texas; and host of nieces, nephews, and
friends. Special work friends: Shelia Jackson, Monique Jobe, and Marvin Sedberry.

Services: Public Viewing: 6-8 Shiloh Baptist Church-321 Frank St.
Homegoing Celebration: Sat, October 21, 2023 at 11:00 AM
Shiloh Baptist Church – Terrell, Texas
Burial: Shady Grove Cemetery-Elmo

May 4, 1931                 October 1, 2023
DARNELL GALBREATH was born May 4, 1931, in Bells, Texas, to the
parentage of Obed and Effie Galbreath.

BOTH parents, his wife, Minnie Pearl and a daughter proceeded
him in death.

HE grew up in Terrell and graduated from Burnett High School in
Terrell, Texas and attended Prairie View University. Darnell enlisted into
the U.S. Navy and served during the Korean War. Darnell love to play football and baseball both which he excelled in. After leaving the Navy he was part of the Terrell Blue Sox Semi-Professional Negro League.
DARNELL worked for the City of Terrell as one of the first black police officers. Upon leaving the police department he worked as a manager at Sanger Harris and later worked as a supervisor at Terrell State Hospital until retirement.
DARNELL married his first wife Bobbie Frazier in Terrell, Texas and in this union they were blessed with one child. He later married his second wife Minnie Pearl Frye Galbreath which preceded him in death in 2004.

LEFT ON EARTH TO CARRY ON HIS EARTHLY LEGACY ARE:

CHILDREN:
Three daughters – Vickie (Greg) Huckaby of McKinney, Texas; Barbara (Thomas) Huckaby of ree daughters – Vickie (Greg) Huckaby of McKinney, Texas; Barbara (Thomas) Huckaby of Rowlett, Texas; and Yolanda Cobb Galbreath of Terrell, Texas.
Three sons – Bernard Windfield, Sr, of Terrell, Texas; Gaylen Cobb, Sr. (Marcella) of Terrell, Texas; three sons – Bernard Windfield, Sr, of Terrell, Texas; Gaylen Cobb, Sr. (Marcella) of Terrell, Texas;  Gary Wimberly.  Step son – Rodney Frye step son – Rodney Frye
GRANDCHILDREN:
EaKita (Warren) Hobbs, Brittani Huckaby, Tiffany Frye, aKita (Warren) Hobbs, Brittani Huckaby, Tiffany Frye,
Cresie (Carlos) Wilson, Toniqua (Paul) Haynes, Thomas Huckaby, lll, Jaylon Huckaby, resie (Carlos) Wilson, Toniqua (Paul) Haynes, Thomas Huckaby, lll, Jaylon Huckaby,
Markeshia Galbreath, Elcotrel Galbreath, Yuneika Smith, rkeshia Galbreath, Elcotrel Galbreath, Yuneika Smith, Bernard Windfield, Jr., and Lakequthia Windfield, ernard Windfield, Jr., and Lakequthia Windfield, Qua’Shayla (DeTravion) Turner, Gaylen Cobb Jr, Braylon Cobb, Sereric Brown and Derrick Brown. ua’Shayla (DeTravion) Turner, Gaylen Cobb Jr, Braylon Cobb, Sereric Brown and Derrick Brown.
GREAT-GRANDCHILDREN:
London Hobbs, Caia Wilson, Cayiana Wilson, Calae Wilson, Carmeshia Wilson and Caitlyn ondon Hobbs, Caia Wilson, Cayiana Wilson, Calae Wilson, Carmeshia Wilson and Caitlyn
Haynes Byron Mims, Jr., Chavez Galbreath, Ariel Beamon, Ariyanna Beamon, and Trellani aynes Byron Mims, Jr., Chavez Galbreath, Ariel Beamon, Ariyanna Beamon, and Trellani
Galbreath, and Imani Windfield.
GREAT-GREAT-GRANDCHILD:
Jimmy Missouri III immy Missouri III
A number of cousins, friends and special friends – Mother Betty Cobb, Holbert (Doc) Booker, David Smith, & Tommy Moss.

Services:  Friday, 5-9 DuBose Funeral Home 

HomeGoing Celebration: Sat, October 7, @ 1:00 PM

Holy Temple COGIC-Terrell,Tx

Burial:  New Oakwood Cemetery-Terrell,TX

June 21, 1947             September 26, 2023
Barbara Lanelle Thomas Pierson was born June 21, 1947, in Forney, Texas, to
the parentage of the late Ira Pierson, Sr. and Clide Baker Pierson. She married Jerry
Thomas, and they celebrated 56 years of marriage. To this union, one daughter,
“Buttons” Jaila Thomas Sims. She attended Burnett High School in Terrell, Texas, and
was a graduate of the class of 1965. She excelled in school and was a member of the
Mighty Tiger Marching Band.

After graduation, she worked at Texas Instruments and was the first black
secretary. Later, she would work at Dallas ISD where she retired after 42 years.
She returned to college and graduated with a bachelor’s degree of Science from
Kaplan University.

Barbara served as a faithful member at Greater Life Church and actively
participated in the Silver Stars for approximately the last 10 years.
Nana, as her grandchildren called her, loved her family. She and her sister, Mary
started their family reunion in 1977 and continued yearly until recently. She has
three grandchildren and two great-grandchildren, Nana was a BIG part of their lives.
Barbara is preceded in death by her parents, Ira, Sr. and Clide Pierson; six
brothers, Ira Pierson, Jr., Edgar Pierson, Matt Ellis Pierson, Howard Pierson, Claude
Pierson, and Donald Pierson; four sisters, Opal Pierson, Elizabeth Palmer, Pearlie
Combs, and Christine Ward.

She leaves to cherish her memories, her husband, Jerry Thomas;
daughter, Jaila Thomas Sims (Jeremy); two sisters, Mary Stovall of Dallas,
Texas and Clidie Pierson (Bill) of Terrell, Texas; one aunt, Martha Harris;
three granddaughters, Raykelle S. Thomas, Markessia J. Thomas
Lester, and Kailyn Chance; two great-granddaughters,
Aniylah Rae Anderson and Cartleigh Rae Willis, and
a host of nieces, nephews, friends, and family.

Services:  Public Viewing Friday, October 6, 2023 from 5 to  8

Homegoing Celebration: Sat, Oct 7, 2023 @ 11:00 AM

Greater Life Church-7031 Forney Rd,-Dallas, Tx 75227

Burial:  New Oakwood Cemetery-Terrell, Texas 

Baby Hezekiah Lee Johnson
08-20-2023 to 08-20-2023

Parents: Mother: Kayla Tierra Richmond
Father: Jordan Dixson

Mr. Jimmy House

Mr. Jimmy House was born on August 14, 1942, in Terrell, TX to the parentage of Mr. Champ
House, and Mrs. Lillie Mae House (Black). He was preceded in death by his parents, 5 brothers and 4 sisters, a daughter, Angela House, and one grandson Michael Pencel . Jimmy House entered eternal rest on Sunday, September 17, 2023, at the age of 81.

Jimmy house shared two daughters with companion, Annie Mae Perkins; Hope House and
Rochelle House. Later, Jimmy would marry the late Cora Johnson. To this union was born three daughters, Teosha House, the late Angela House, and the late Raquel House, in addition to three other daughters, Shaundra Summerfield, Daina Summerfield, and Penny Missouri.

Jimmy met his current wife, Mary Agwuh (Potts) in 1987. In this union, Jimmy gained two
more children; Nelson Agwuh (Soheila) and Maurine Agwuh. Jimmy and Mary enjoyed each
other’s company and loved to go on walks to the park and have picnics. During their courtship Jimmy taught Mary how to fish, and this would be one of their favorite things to do together throughout the course of their relationship. They accepted each other’s hand in marriage in 1997 and remained by each other’s side until God called him home.

Jimmy House worked for Madix and later for Air Systems Components in Terrell, TX from 1998 until 2002. He loved to go to church, go for walks, play with his grandchildren, and surely loved to go to the creek and fish. He also had a green thumb and grew some of the best watermelons, cantaloupe, okra, squash and greens. He passed this skill to his son-in-love, Nelson.

Jimmy House surrendered his life to Jesus Christ in 1998 under the leadership of Bishop Jerry F. Potts and became a member of Love and Praise Fellowship Church, where he remained a devout member until his calling home to be with The Lord. Brother House accepted his calling into deaconship on March 25, 2001. Deacon Jimmy House was a loving husband, father, and a great friend to many.

He leaves to cherish his memories: Wife, Mary House; Children, Hope House, Rochelle House, Teosha House, Shaundra Summerfield, Daina Summerfield, Penny Missouri, Nelson Agwuh (Soheila), and Maurine Agwuh, a host of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends.

Services: Saturday, September 23, 2023 @ 11:00 AM
St. James AME Church-Terrell,Tx
Burial: New Oakwood Cemetery