KATHLEEN MORRIS STAFFORD of Paris, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and servant of the Lord, went peacefully to the embrace of her Heavenly Father, on Saturday, September 29, 2012.
Kathleen was born June 16, 1919 in Red River County near the community of Crossroads to Oscar I. and Eunice Tomlinson Morris. She attended school in Detroit (Class of 1936) and was a graduate of Paris Junior College. She married the love of her life, Clay Melton Stafford in 1939 and enjoyed 63 years at his side until his death in 2002. They resided in Detroit before moving to Midland in 1957 where she was self-employed as a hairdresser and was a devoted homemaker and mother. In 1989, they retired and moved to Paris to be near family and friends. She was an active member of First Christian Church of Paris.
She was preceded in death by her parents and her brother, J.D. Morris ofMacon,Georgia. Survivors include her daughter and son-in-law, Brenda and Crosby McDowell ofTucson,Arizona; her son and daughter-in-law, Bob and Gail Stafford of Waxahachie; her grandson, Ryan McDowell and wife, Julie; and two great-grandchildren, Courtney and Christian of Tucson. She will be missed by several nieces, nephews, cousins, and many close friends.
A memorial service is set for 11:00 AM, Friday October 5, 2012 in the chapel of Fry & Gibbs Funeral Home with Rev. Charlotte Coyle officiating. Private interment will be in theDetroitCemetery. The family is to receive friends immediately following the service in the foyer of the chapel.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials should be directed to First Christian Church of Paris, 780 NE 20th Street, Paris, Texas 75460.
Online condolences may be made to the Staffordfamily by visiting www.fry-gibbs.com.
JOSEPHINE ELLEN “Jo” SINGER departed Paris,Texas for Heaven on Friday, September 28, 2012. A funeral service is set for 11:00 AM, Tuesday, October 2, 2012 in the chapel of Fry & Gibbs Funeral Home with Rev. Ken Cannon officiating. Burial will follow in Evergreen Cemetery. The family is to receive friends from 7:00-8:00 PM Monday evening at the funeral home. Fry & Gibbs Funeral Home has charge of the arrangements.
Jo was born March 11, 1920 in Newburg,Missourito the late William Patton and Maud Augusta Bunch. She married her childhood sweetheart, Robert Coleman “Bob” Singer on October 1, 1939 inSpringfield,Missouri. They moved toSt. Louiswhere Bob was a carpenter while attendingWashingtonUniversityand their first child, James Robert was born August 6, 1942. They returned toSpringfieldand their second child, Patti Jo was born on her father’s birthday January 8, 1947.
Jo was a dedicated wife establishing new homes in many cities during Bob’s careers with Douglas Aircraft and International Harvester Company. They moved to Paris to open the IH dealership in 1958 which Bob purchased in 1962 as Bob Singer, Inc. A devoted mother, she exuberantly supported every function for her children, even running to first base with Jim during a little league game and the first person over the rails into the rodeo arena after Patti was thrown from her horse.
Jo was a member of First Baptist Church for more than 50 years, a charter member of C’est La Vie, a member of Paris Golf and Country Club and worked for 30 years as an auxiliary volunteer atSt. JosephHospital.
Jo was a fabulous cook, hostess and seamstress and an expert at needlepoint, sharing many of her beautiful pillows and pictures with family and friends. She also crocheted intricate tablecloths and bedspreads, and knitted afghans that enhance the homes of her family. She cherished her neighbors and friends especially those known as The Top Ten, sharing lunch monthly for over 45 years. Jo was a very lively, fun Christian lady who embraced life, loved to sing and dance, and blessed all who knew her.
Jo was preceded in death by her husband Bob in 1987, and son Jim in 1996. She is survived by her daughter Patti and husband Larry Oakes of San Antonio; grandchildren, David Steele of New York City, Stacy Kenworthy and Tina of Atlanta, Georgia, Karla Pruitt of Bryan, and Mandi and Simon DeLeon of San Antonio. She also leaves seven great grandchildren: Cate and Brooke Steele, Kayla and Coleman Pruitt, and Julian, Andrew and Alex DeLeon.
Special thanks to loving caregivers Winnie Tyson, Betty Robison and her sisters, Mary, Carolyn and mother Cathryn, Chassidy Stiles and the entire staff of Spring Lake Assisted Living. Thank you Lisa Martin, RN of Premier Health Care for your professional, loving care and the LVN/CNA staff who three days a week tended to her hygiene needs and dressed her like the lady she was. Each of you loved her to the end; we appreciate and love you for all you have done.
In lieu of floral tributes, the family requests that donations be made to the Salvation Army.
Online condolences may be made to the Singer family by visiting www.fry-gibbs.com.
Josh Allen Josh is the Managing Editor of www.eParisExtra.com. If you have a suggestion or comment about a story or possible story, you may email him at josh@eparistexas.com.
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